JP2009232951A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a pinball game machine which can prevent a player's excitement and enjoyment from being spoiled with the progress of a game. <P>SOLUTION: The pinball game machine has an annular belt 77, a ball disengaging section 93, and a belt condition setting device 80. The annular belt 77 has magnets 78, and transfers game balls held by the magnet 78 in a first prescribed position 61 to a second prescribed position 62 higher than the first prescribed position 61 or to a third prescribed position 63 higher than the first prescribed position 61 and different from the second prescribed position 62. The ball disengaging section is provided in each of the second prescribed position 62 and the third prescribed position 63, and releases game balls from the annular belt 77. The belt condition setting device 80 selectively sets the annular belt 77 to one of a plurality of conditions including: a first condition where it transfers a game ball held by the magnet 78 to the second prescribed position 62; and a second condition where it transfers the game ball to the third prescribed position 63. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,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.

  In JP 2007-267923 A, a game area in which a game ball can roll and flow down is formed on the front side, a communication path communicating with the front side and the back side is formed, and formed by a transparent member. There is described a ball game machine including a game board that makes it possible to visually recognize a game ball introduced on the back side, and a back fall speed reduction means for reducing the fall speed of the game ball introduced on the back side.

JP 2007-267923 A

  In a general ball game machine, the direction of movement of the launched game ball changes in contact with the structure of the game area and the game nail, but is common in that it falls freely from top to bottom. For this reason, the behavior of the game ball from the top to the bottom due to free fall tends to be monotonous, and the interest of the game may be lost.

  In the bullet ball game machine disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-267923, since the game ball having a reduced fall speed is moved from top to bottom, the movement direction of the general ball ball machine and the game ball is the same. To do.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a ball game machine that can prevent the player's interest from being lost as the game progresses. .

  To achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a bullet ball gaming machine for playing a game by launching a game ball in a game area of a game board, wherein an annular belt, a ball detaching means, and a belt state setting means. With. The annular belt has a magnet, and the game ball held by the magnet at the first predetermined position is above the second predetermined position above the first predetermined position or above the first predetermined position. Transport to a third predetermined position different from the second predetermined position. The ball detachment means is provided at each of the second predetermined position and the third predetermined position, and releases the game ball from the annular belt. The belt state setting means has an annular belt in one of a plurality of states including a first state in which a game ball held by a magnet is transported to a second predetermined position and a second state in which the game ball is transported to a third predetermined position. Is set selectively.

  In the above configuration, when the annular belt is set to the first state, the game ball held at the first predetermined position by the magnet is transported to the second predetermined position by the annular belt, and second by the ball detaching means. It is disengaged at a predetermined position. On the other hand, when the annular belt is set to the second state, the game ball held at the first predetermined position by the magnet is transported to the third predetermined position by the annular belt, and is moved to the third predetermined position by the ball removing means. Detach at position.

  In the above configuration, the game ball held at the first predetermined position is transported to the second predetermined position or the third predetermined position that is above the first predetermined position, and is separated from the upper side. Move to and fall again. Accordingly, it is possible to give a novel behavior of a game ball that is not found in conventional ball game machines, and to attract the player's interest.

  In addition, for example, by setting a first predetermined position below the winning opening and setting a second predetermined position or a third predetermined position above the winning opening, a game ball that has missed the winning opportunity once. Will be given another chance to win and attract the player's interest.

  Further, the game ball held at the first predetermined position is detached at one of the second predetermined position and the third predetermined position according to the state of the annular belt, so that the second predetermined position It is possible to attract the player's interest to which one of the position and the third predetermined position is removed (whether the annular belt is in the first state or the second state).

  The annular belt may be disposed in the game area or may be disposed outside the game area (for example, on the back side of the game board).

  Also, one of the second predetermined position and the third predetermined position may be set higher than the other, or may be set at the same height.

  Moreover, the position where the game ball is returned by the second insertion hole or the third insertion hole may be a position in the game area where the game ball that is launched and dropped is difficult to enter. In this case, it is easy for the player to confirm the behavior of the game ball after being detached at the second predetermined position or the third predetermined position.

  The timing at which the belt state setting means selectively sets the state of the annular belt to one of a plurality of states may be every predetermined time or may be a timing based on a predetermined game condition.

  The second aspect of the present invention is the ball game machine according to the first aspect, comprising belt driving means, and the belt state setting means has belt shape setting means. The belt driving means drives the annular belt in one direction. The belt shape setting means changes the shape of the annular belt driven in the one direction by the belt driving means from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position and from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position. And a second shape passing through the third predetermined position by bypassing the predetermined position. The belt shape setting means sets the annular belt to the first shape in the first state, and sets the annular belt to the second shape in the second state.

  In the above configuration, when the annular belt is set to the first state, the annular belt is set to the first shape by the belt shape setting means, and the game ball held at the first predetermined position by the magnet is the annular belt. Is transferred to the second predetermined position, and is released at the second predetermined position by the ball detaching means. On the other hand, when the annular belt is set to the second state, the annular belt is set to the second shape by the belt shape setting means, and the game ball held at the first predetermined position by the magnet is 3 is transported to a predetermined position 3, and is removed at a third predetermined position by the ball detaching means.

  In the above configuration, when the belt state setting means switches the state of the annular belt, the belt shape setting means changes the shape of the annular belt from one of the first shape and the second shape to the other, and at the first predetermined position. The transport path from the bottom to the top of the held game ball is changed. Therefore, a novel behavior can be given to the game ball, and the player's interest can be attracted.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the ball and ball game machine according to the first aspect, wherein the belt state setting means includes belt driving means.

  The belt driving means is configured to move the annular belt from the first predetermined position through the second predetermined position to the third predetermined position, and from the first predetermined position through the third predetermined position to the second predetermined position. It is driven to change freely in the reverse direction to move to a predetermined position. The belt driving means drives the annular belt in the forward direction in the first state, and reverses the annular belt in the second state.

  In the above configuration, the game ball held by the magnet at the first predetermined position is transported in the forward direction when the annular belt is in the first state and is detached at the second predetermined position. In the case of this state, it is transported in the reverse direction and separated at the third predetermined position.

  In the above configuration, when the belt state setting means switches the state of the annular belt, the belt driving means changes the driving direction of the annular belt to the forward direction and the reverse direction, and from below the game ball held at the first predetermined position. The upward transfer route is changed. Therefore, a novel behavior can be given to the game ball, and the player's interest can be attracted.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a ball game machine according to the first to third aspects, wherein the game board has a game area on the surface, and the back side can be visually recognized from the front side. It is.

  The annular belt is disposed on the back side of the transparent game board. The transparent game board has a first insertion hole for allowing a game ball in the game area to enter a first predetermined position on the back side of the transparent game board, and a game ball from the second predetermined position on the back side of the transparent game board to the game area. A second insertion hole for returning the game ball, and a third insertion hole for returning the game ball from the third predetermined position on the back side of the transparent game board to the game area.

  In the above configuration, when the annular belt is set to the first state, the game ball that has entered the first predetermined position from the game area through the first insertion hole and is held by the magnet is in the second predetermined position. It is detached and returned to the game area through the second insertion hole, and falls again from above the first predetermined position. On the other hand, when the annular belt is set to the second state, the game ball held in the magnet by entering the first predetermined position from the game area through the first insertion hole is detached at the third predetermined position. The game area is returned to the game area through the third insertion hole, and falls again from above the first predetermined position.

  In the above configuration, since the back side can be visually recognized from the front side of the transparent game board, the annular belt disposed on the back side is set in a plurality of states including the first state and the second state. Thus, the player can visually recognize how the game ball is conveyed.

  An annular belt is provided on the back side of the transparent game board, and the first insertion hole, the second insertion hole, and the third insertion hole through which the game ball moves between the front surface side and the back surface side of the transparent game board include the transparent game board. Since the board has, the layout of the first to third predetermined positions can be freely performed as compared with the case where the annular belt is provided in the game area on the surface side.

  The fifth aspect of the present invention is the ball game machine according to the first to fourth aspects, in which a plurality of magnets are partially provided with respect to the entire circumference of the annular belt.

  In the above configuration, the game ball is held by the magnet and transported only when the magnet and the game ball are present at the first predetermined position. For example, when the first predetermined position is arranged in the passing path of the game ball, the game ball is magnetized on the condition that the game ball reaches the first predetermined position while the magnet is present at the first predetermined position. When the game ball reaches the first predetermined position when the magnet is deviated from the first predetermined position, the game ball passes through the first predetermined position without being held by the magnet. To do. That is, whether or not the game ball that has entered the first predetermined position is transported to the second or third predetermined position depends on the timing at which the magnet and the game ball pass through the first predetermined position. Accordingly, it is possible to attract the player's interest in the positional relationship between the magnet of the annular belt and the game ball. In addition, the higher the proportion of the range in which the magnets are arranged with respect to the entire circumference of the annular belt, the higher the proportion of the game balls conveyed by the annular belt. Conversely, the lower the proportion of the ranges in which the magnets are arranged, The percentage of game balls played is reduced.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the bullet ball game machine according to the fourth aspect, wherein a plurality of magnets are provided in part for the entire circumference of the annular belt, and the first insertion hole is a ball collection port. is there. The ball collection port collects game balls that have not won among the gaming machines launched into the game area on the back side of the transparent game board.

  In the above configuration, since the first insertion hole for allowing the game ball to enter the first predetermined position is the ball collection port, all the game balls that have not been collected above the ball collection port (not won) are Enter the first predetermined position from the ball collection port. Therefore, there is a possibility that the game ball that has entered the ball collection port without winning a prize will fall again from the second insertion hole or the third insertion hole to the game area. Whether the game ball that has entered the first predetermined position from the ball collection port is transported to the second or third predetermined position is determined by whether the magnet and the game ball are the same as in the sixth aspect. Depending on the timing of passing through the predetermined position, only the game balls having the same timing as the magnet are transported to the second or third predetermined position, and other game balls are collected on the back side of the transparent game board. .

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the ball or ball game machine according to the fourth or sixth aspect, comprising a start winning opening and a lottery means.

  The start winning opening is provided in the game area. The lottery means performs a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player in accordance with the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening. The first insertion hole and the third insertion hole are disposed below the start winning opening, and the second insertion hole is disposed above the start winning opening.

  In the above configuration, the game is dropped without winning to the start winning opening, enters the first predetermined position from the first insertion hole, is conveyed by the annular belt, and is returned to the game area from the second insertion hole or the third insertion hole. Of the balls, the game ball falling from the second insertion hole arranged above the start winning opening is always given an opportunity to win the starting winning opening, but is arranged below the starting winning opening. The game ball falling from the third insertion hole is not given an opportunity to win a start winning opening. In other words, whether or not the game ball that has entered the first predetermined position from the first insertion hole is again given the opportunity to win the starting prize opening depends on the state of the annular belt. Therefore, the player's interest can be attracted to the state of the annular belt.

  The eighth aspect of the present invention is the ball or ball game machine according to the fourth or sixth aspect, comprising a start winning opening and a lottery means.

  The start winning opening is provided in the game area. The lottery means performs a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player in accordance with the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening. The first insertion hole is disposed below the start winning opening. The second insertion hole is arranged above the start winning opening and at a position where the game ball returned from the second insertion hole to the game area is easily guided to the starting winning opening. The third insertion hole is disposed above the start winning opening and at a position where it is difficult for the game ball returned from the third insertion hole to the game area to be guided to the starting winning opening.

  For example, when the outlet on the surface side of the second insertion hole is arranged right above the start winning opening, and the outlet on the surface side of the third insertion hole is arranged obliquely above the starting winning opening, a game is played from the second insertion hole. The game balls that have returned to the area are easily guided to the start winning opening, and the game balls that have returned to the game area from the third insertion hole are not easily guided to the start winning opening. Further, when a warp route for guiding the game ball to a place where it is easy to win a winning prize opening is provided, the exit on the surface side of the second insertion hole is arranged above the entrance of the warp route, and the third insertion When the outlet on the surface side of the hole is arranged below the entrance of the warp route, the game ball that has returned from the second insertion hole to the game area is easily guided to the start winning opening, and has returned from the third insertion hole to the game area. It becomes difficult for the game ball to be guided to the start winning opening.

  In the above-described configuration, it falls without winning to the start winning opening, enters the first predetermined position from the first insertion hole, is transported by the annular belt, and is returned to the game area from the second insertion hole or the third insertion hole. All of the game balls are again given the opportunity to win the starting prize opening. However, since the game ball falling from the second insertion hole is easier to win the start winning opening than the game ball falling from the third insertion hole, the game ball conveyed by the annular belt wins the start winning opening. The probability of the game ball falling from the second insertion hole is higher than the game ball falling from the third insertion hole. That is, the probability that the conveyed game ball wins the start winning opening varies depending on the state of the annular belt. Therefore, the player's interest can be attracted to the state of the annular belt.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a ball game machine capable of preventing a player's interest from being lost as the game progresses.

  Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a ball game machine (hereinafter referred to as a game machine) installed at a place such as a game machine installation sales office and allowing a player to play a game based on supply of game media (for example, game balls, medals, etc.) The structure and operation of the game machine will be described.

  In the embodiment according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1, a prepaid card unit (hereinafter referred to as a CR unit) 1 is a prepaid card purchased by a player from a game machine-installed store paying cash or the like. The configuration and operation of a gaming machine in which a player plays a game in the form of borrowing a game ball to be used for a game by being read into 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.

[First Embodiment]
[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, the gaming machine has an internal structure including 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, a storage tank 19, a game A passage member (prize ball port) 20 used for paying out a ball, and a power supply device 21, a firing control device 22, a firing drive device 23, a payout control device 52, and the like are provided on the rear surface side.

  Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 8, the configuration of the gaming machine of the first embodiment is the order of the external structure, the internal structure, the configuration of the gaming area, the configuration on the back side of the gaming machine, and the electrical configuration. explain in detail.

[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 28 made of glass or resin so as to face the opening 27, and an electric decoration 29 and a speaker 30 are attached in the vicinity of the opening 27. Yes.

  The game board 7 is a transparent plate-like member that constitutes the transparent game board according to the present invention, has a game area 31 on the surface thereof, and is visible from the front surface side to the back surface side. The game board 7 has a first insertion hole 55, a second insertion hole 56, and a third insertion hole 57. 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. The game area 31 and the back side of the game board 7 can be observed from the opening 27 after the game board 7 is mounted on the main body member 5.

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 according to the present invention, 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. In addition, although mentioned later in detail, the sub control apparatus 14 has the symbol control apparatus 14a, the lamp control apparatus 14b, and the audio | voice control apparatus 14c.

  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, an annular belt 77, a winning area vibration, etc.) arranged in the game area 31 in accordance with the processing information generated by the main control apparatus 13. This is a device for bringing a fraction, a moving object for production, etc.) into an operating state, and is provided individually corresponding to a plurality of movable objects. The movable object control device 17 of this embodiment includes a movable piece driving device that drives the movable piece 44, a movable door driving device that drives the movable door 45, a belt driving device 70 that drives the annular belt 77, and an annular belt 77. It has a belt shape setting device 81 for changing the shape, a winning area distribution driving device, and an effect moving object driving device. The belt driving device 70 constitutes the belt driving means of the present invention and drives the annular belt 77 in one direction. The belt shape setting device 81 constitutes the belt shape setting means of the present invention, and selectively sets the annular belt 77 to the first shape and the second shape. The belt driving device 70 has a motor 71, the belt shape setting device 81 has a motor 82, and the motor 71 and the motor 82 are fixed to the back side of the gaming machine.

  The collection passage member is a passage (common name, collective bowl) for collecting the game balls launched to 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. It is a member.

  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.

  The payout control device 52 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. In addition, the payout control device 52 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 performs predetermined processing. It is a device that controls to pay out a number of balls, and counts and manages the number of balls to be paid out.

[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 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, and regulates the movement range of the game ball launched by the rotary operation handle 10. It is an 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 64, a windmill 40, a specific reservation number display lamp 41, a passage reservation number display lamp 42, an effect display lamp 43, 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 provided below the variable display device 34 and includes an electric movable piece 44 for expanding and contracting the opening range of the winning opening, so that the game ball wins the winning opening. In response, the variable display device 34 variably displays the identification display information, and is a winning opening that allows the player to acquire a prize ball. The special winning opening 3 is provided below the specific winning opening 2 and includes an electric movable door 45 that generates an open state that exposes the winning opening and a closed state that closes the winning opening. This is a winning mouth that allows the player to acquire more prize balls than other winning holes 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.

  A predetermined number of the predetermined passage openings 38 are provided at appropriate positions in the game area 31 and are structures having gates that allow the falling game balls to pass therethrough.

  The out port 39 is provided at a position where the game balls that have not entered any of the predetermined winning ports 37 are converged, and is a collection opening for collecting the game balls on the back side of the game board 7.

  The game nail 64 is driven into an appropriate position on the board surface of the game board 7 in order to make the movement direction of the game ball irregular by contacting with the game ball or to regulate the movement direction of the game ball. It is a rod-shaped 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 the on-hold state relating 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.

  The first insertion hole 55 is a hole-like portion formed in the game board 7 and allows the game ball in the game area 31 to enter the first predetermined position 61 on the back side of the game board 7. The first insertion hole 55 is disposed below the specific winning opening 2. In the present embodiment, the first insertion hole 55 is arranged on the lower left side of the specific winning opening 2 (the same applies to the gaming machine when viewed from the front), and is guided by the game nail 64.

  The second insertion hole 56 is a hole-like portion formed in the game board 7, and returns the game ball from the second predetermined position 62 on the back side of the game board 7 to the game area 31. The second insertion hole 56 is disposed at a position where the game ball returned to the game area 31 is easily guided to the specific winning opening 2. In the present embodiment, the second insertion hole 56 is arranged such that the exit on the front side of the game board 7 is directly above the specific winning opening 2.

  The third insertion hole 57 is a hole-like portion formed in the game board 7, and returns the game ball from the third predetermined position 63 on the back side of the game board 7 to the game area 31. The third insertion hole 57 is disposed at a position where it is difficult for the game ball returned to the game area 31 to be guided to the specific winning opening 2. In the present embodiment, the third insertion hole 57 has an exit on the surface side of the game board 7 disposed obliquely above and to the right of the specific winning opening 2. In the present embodiment, the first insertion hole 55 is disposed below the second insertion hole 56 and the third insertion hole 57, but returns to the game area 31 from the second insertion hole 56 and the third insertion hole 57. The played game ball is arranged at a location where it is not guided again to the first insertion hole 55.

  In the present embodiment, the arrangement of the second insertion hole 56 and the third insertion hole 57 with respect to the specific winning opening 2 makes it easy for the game balls that have returned from the second insertion hole 56 to the gaming area 31 to be guided to the specific winning opening 2. The game ball that has returned to the game area 31 from the third insertion hole 57 has been made difficult to be guided to the specific winning opening 2, but is not limited to this, for example, a warp route is provided, and a game ball that has exited from the exit of the warp route The exit of the warp route is arranged at a position where it is easily guided to the winning opening 2, and the outlet of the second insertion hole 56 on the surface side of the game board 7 is arranged above the entrance of the warp route, so that the surface side of the game board 7 By disposing the outlet of the third insertion hole 57 below the entrance of the warp route, the game ball returned from the second insertion hole 56 to the game area 31 can be easily guided to the specific winning opening 2, and the third insertion hole Game returned from 57 to game area 31 There may also be less likely to be guided to a particular winning hole 2.

[Configuration on the back side of the game board]
As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, first to third predetermined positions 61 to 63 are set on the back side of the game board 7 outside the game area 31, and the belt driving device 70 and the support member 74, an annular belt 77, a belt state setting device 80, a guide rod 90, and the like.

  The first predetermined position 61 is set below the specific winning opening 2. The second predetermined position 62 is set above the specific winning opening 2 and above the first predetermined position 61. The third predetermined position 63 is set above the specific winning opening 2, above the first predetermined position 61, and different from the second predetermined position 62. In the present embodiment, the second predetermined position 62 is set above the third predetermined position 63. The second predetermined position 62 and the third predetermined position 63 may be set at the same height.

  The annular belt 77 is an endless annular member having a magnet 78. The annular belt 77 may be disposed in the game area 31. A plurality of magnets 78 are partially provided on the entire circumference of the annular belt 77. In the present embodiment, the magnets 78 are arranged at a predetermined interval. Note that the magnets 78 may be arranged at random intervals. Moreover, you may provide the recessed part which hold | maintains stably until the surface side of the annular belt 77 is removed from the game ball.

  The guide rod 90 is a ball passage member fixed to the back side of the gaming machine, and includes a ball separation portion 93 and a guide passage 94. The ball detachment portion 93 constitutes the ball detachment means of the present invention and has a detachment surface 93a and an opening 93b. The separation surface 93a is disposed at a position where the annular belt 77 is close. The opening 93b opens upward and allows a game ball to enter. When the annular belt 77 moving from top to bottom approaches the separation surface 93a, the ball separation portion 93 allows the game ball held by the magnet 78 of the annular belt 77 to enter from the opening portion 93b. The guide rod 90 is provided with a first guide rod 91 and a second guide rod 92. The ball separation portion 93 of the first guide rod 91 is disposed at the second predetermined position 62, and the ball separation portion 93 of the second guide rod 92 is disposed at the third predetermined position 63. In addition, the guide path 94 of the first guide rod 91 guides the game ball that has entered the ball release portion 93 to the second insertion hole 56, and the guide path 94 of the second guide rod 92 extends to the ball release portion 93. The entered game ball is guided to the third insertion hole 57.

  Two supporting members 74 are arranged and have a shaft portion 75 and a rotating portion 76. The shaft portion 75 is fixed to the back side of the gaming machine. The rotating part 76 freely rotates with respect to the shaft part 75.

  The belt driving device 70 includes the motor 71 and a movable support member 73. The movable support member 73 is always driven to rotate clockwise at a constant speed (for example, one round for 5 seconds) by the drive shaft 72 of the motor 71.

  The belt state setting device 80 constitutes a belt state setting means of the present invention, and includes the belt shape setting device 81. The belt shape setting device 81 includes the motor 82, a worm gear 83, a worm 84, a moving support member 85, and a worm position detection sensor 47h (shown in FIG. 6). The worm gear 83 extends in a direction parallel to the board surface of the game board 7. The motor 82 is applied with a predetermined voltage in the forward or reverse direction and directly rotates the worm gear 83. The motor 82 may rotate the worm gear 83 via a rotating shaft and a gear. The moving support member 85 has a shaft portion 86 and a rotating portion 87. The shaft portion 86 is fixed to the worm 84. The rotating part 87 rotates freely with respect to the shaft part 86. The worm position detection sensor 47h is fixed to the back side of the gaming machine, detects the position of the worm 84, and outputs the detected worm position information.

  The motor 82 of the belt shape setting device 81 of the belt state setting device 80 rotates the worm gear 83 so that the shaft portion 86 of the moving support member 85 faces forward, and the worm 84 is moved along the board surface of the game board 7. Move to one or the other at a constant speed. As the worm 84 moves, the shaft portion 86 of the moving support member 85 moves along the board surface of the game board 7.

  Next, driving of the annular belt 77 will be described. The motor 71 of the belt driving device 70 rotationally drives the movable support member 73 to drive the annular belt 77 in one direction along the movable support member 73, the support member 74, and the moving support member 85. In the present embodiment, the motor 71 of the belt driving device 70 drives the movable support member 73 to rotate clockwise, and the annular belt 77 rotates clockwise.

  Since the annular belt 77 is rotated, the magnet 78 causes the third predetermined position 63 above the first predetermined position 61 or the third predetermined position 61 to hold the game ball held by the magnet 78 at the first predetermined position 61. It is transported to a second predetermined position 62 above the predetermined position 63. The game ball that has entered the first predetermined position 61 is held at the first predetermined position 61 while the magnet 78 is out of the first predetermined position 61, and the magnet 78 is present at the first predetermined position 61. In the meantime, the game ball is held by the magnet 78 on condition that the game ball reaches the first predetermined position 61.

  The belt shape setting device 81 determines the shape of the annular belt 77 driven in the one direction by the belt driving means 70 from the first predetermined position 61 to the second predetermined position 62 (shown in FIG. 7). ) And a second shape (shown in FIG. 8) that bypasses the second predetermined position 62 and passes through the third predetermined position 63 from the first predetermined position 61. The annular belt 77 is always close to the ball detachment portion 93 of the second guide rod 92, and when set to the first shape, the annular belt 77 is close to the ball release portion 93 of the first guide rod 91 and has the second shape. When set, the first guide rod 91 is separated from the ball separation portion 93.

  When the annular belt 77 is set to the first shape, the game ball held by the magnet 78 of the annular belt 77 is rotated at the second predetermined position 62 by the ball detachment portion 93 as the annular belt 77 rotates. Will be withdrawn. That is, the game ball held and conveyed by the magnet 78 of the annular belt 77 is moved along the release surface 93a from the opening 93b of the first guide rod 91 in accordance with the clockwise rotation of the annular belt 77. When entering the predetermined position 62 and further rotating the annular belt 77 clockwise, the magnet 78 holding the game ball moves away from the game ball, so that the magnet 78 cannot hold the game ball, and the ball is released. The game ball is detached from the annular belt 77 by the portion 93. The game ball detached from the annular belt 77 is guided to the second insertion hole 56 by the guide path 94 of the first guide rod 91, and the game area 31 from the rear surface side to the front surface side of the game board 7 passes through the second insertion hole 56. To the game area 31.

  On the other hand, when the annular belt 77 is set to the second shape, the game ball held by the magnet 78 of the annular belt 77 is moved to the third predetermined position by the ball separating portion 93 by the rotation of the annular belt 77. Depart at 63. That is, the game ball held and transported by the magnet 78 of the annular belt 77 is moved to the second predetermined position (the ball separating portion 93 of the first guide rod 91 is present) as the annular belt 77 rotates clockwise. 62 passes through the left side of 62, enters the third predetermined position 63 from the opening 93b of the second guide rod 92 along the separation surface 93a, and further rotates the annular belt 77 to the right, the game ball is held. Since the magnet 78 moves away from the game ball, the magnet 78 can no longer hold the game ball, and the game ball is detached from the annular belt 77 by the ball separation portion 93. The game ball detached from the annular belt 77 is guided to the third insertion hole 57 by the guide path 94 of the second guide rod 92, and the game area 31 from the rear surface side to the front surface side of the game board 7 passes through the third insertion hole 57. To the game area 31.

[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, a payout control device 52, 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, the launch drive device 23, and the payout control device 52 are as described above. Then, the explanation is omitted.

  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, and a sound control device 14c, 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 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 sensor. 47g and a worm position detection sensor 47h. 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 necessary confirmation items as an initial setting, and checks whether or not the gaming machine is in an appropriate activation state.

  The main routine process in the present embodiment is executed by a control program (computer program) stored in advance in a ROM 13b provided in the main controller 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, belt state setting 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, an input detection reception process, an input management process, a special symbol control process, a normal symbol control process, a belt state setting process, and an output management process among the processes of the main routine process will be described.

"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 error detection. This is a process of monitoring whether there is input information generated by the sensor 47g and the worm position detection sensor 47h 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 and time management from the time of reception related to winning detection until control processing based on winning is started, abnormality monitoring processing, special symbol control processing, normal symbol control processing, lamp This is a process for making it possible to use the processing results as appropriate in performing the management process, the winning ball payout process, and the belt state setting process.

"Special symbol control process"
The special symbol control process constitutes the lottery means of the present invention, performs electronic winning / no lottery in response to receiving input information from the specific winning ball detection sensor 47a provided in the vicinity of the specific winning port 2, In the case of winning, it 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 win game state) is obtained from the normal game state. In this special symbol control process, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 also performs a process related to display control of identification display information (hereinafter referred to as a special symbol) by the variable display device 34.

  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 displayed in a display mode other than a predetermined combination (for example, at least one of three symbols of left, middle, and right is different from the other). Thus, it is notified that the normal gaming state is continuing.

By the special symbol control process, the following information is generated as process 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.

  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 open 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. , A predetermined upper limit number (for example, 16 times) Generating processing information for instructing to repeat until achieved.

  Further, at the time of the validity determination by comparing the acquisition random number for the success and the table of comparison values for the success / failure, the acquired random number is “corresponding to a predetermined special value (for example, corresponding to the transition to the hit probability increasing fluctuation state”). If it is determined that the winning is based on “the numerical value)”, the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 uses, for example, a winning probability of 1/350 to 1/75 for the table used after the advantageous gaming state ends. The reference table is changed to a table with a high probability of winning, and then the number of variable displays based on winning in the specific winning port 2 reaches a predetermined number (for example, 10,000 times) or special When a condition determined to be a winning related to symbol control is satisfied, processing information for instructing to return to the table before the change is generated. A gaming state controlled by such processing information is referred to as a privilege gaming state.

"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 . In this normal symbol control process, the LED display device 35 also performs a process of controlling display of identification information called a normal symbol.

  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 present invention, instead of the LED display device 35 that controls the display of identification information, the variable display device 34 or a drum-type or dot-matrix type display device may be used, regardless of the display method.

By the normal symbol control process, the following information is generated as process information obtained after the passage state at the predetermined passage port 38 is achieved.
(1) A variation pattern number for winning or losing.
(2) Normal symbol number for winning or losing.
(3) A fixed stop instruction number for setting a stop display mode for a normal symbol that is variably displayed or blinked.
(4) The small hit transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success / failure.

  Then, when transmitting the variation pattern number and the normal symbol number to the sub-control device 14 side through the output management processing described later, the variation control processing execution time of the variation pattern is set corresponding to the determined variation pattern. The timer that is set by the CPU 13a of the main control device 13 and performs count calculation processing is updated. It should be noted that, at a timing corresponding to the elapse of the control processing execution time by the timer, the confirmed stop instruction number and the small hit transition instruction number in the case of winning in the determination of success or failure are transmitted via the output management process.

  Further, in the normal symbol control process, when a win / no-go determination is made as to whether or not the gaming state is advantageous for the player, the winning result is notified. The notification method is performed by executing a predetermined stop display mode based on blinking display of normal symbols. In this case, the following processing is also performed.

That is, in order to achieve the advantageous gaming state corresponding to the win,
(A) The pair of movable pieces 44 that are 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,
Processing information for instructing to perform the above process a predetermined number of times (for example, once) is generated.

"Belt condition setting process"
The belt state setting process is a process for selectively setting the state of the annular belt 77 to one of a plurality of states, and constitutes the belt state setting means of the present invention together with the belt state setting device 80. In the present embodiment, the annular belt 77 is selectively used in a first state in which the game ball held by the magnet 78 is transported to the second predetermined position 62 and a second state in which the game ball is transported to the third predetermined position 63. Set. The first state is a state in which the annular belt 77 is in the first shape, and the second state is a state in which the annular belt 77 is in the second shape.

  In the belt state setting process, the worm 84 is always driven in one direction at a constant speed based on the worm position information input from the worm position detection sensor 47h. Specifically, when it is determined that the annular belt 77 is in the first state, a command for changing the annular belt 77 to the second state is generated, and when it is determined that the annular belt 77 is in the second state, A command for changing the shape of the belt 77 to the first state is generated.

  In the present embodiment, in the belt state setting process, the worm 84 is always moved in either direction. However, the belt state setting process is not limited to this, and in the belt state setting process, the worm 84 is moved to the first state or the second state. You may stop at. For example, a cycle of stopping for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) after being determined to be in the first state and stopping for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) after being determined to be in the second state may be repeated. Good. The timing at which the worm 84 is stopped in the first state or the second state may be a predetermined interval or a timing based on a predetermined game condition (for example, occurrence of a privilege game state).

"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 processing of the sub-control device 14 refers to a main control program stored in advance in a ROM provided in each of the symbol control device 14a, the lamp control device 14b, and the sound control device 14c, and a frequency generation circuit. This is a basic routine that repeatedly executes control execution processing including read update, write storage, deletion of the storage, or the like in accordance with a periodic timing pulse (for example, 4 milliseconds) generated by the unit 13d.

[Operation of movable object control device]
Next, the operation of the movable object control device 17 will be described separately for the operations of the movable piece drive device, the movable door drive device, the winning area distribution drive device, and the belt state setting device.

"Operation of movable piece drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable piece driving device has reduced the opening range of the specific winning opening 2 in response to generating the small hit transition instruction number in the normal gaming state for normal symbol control. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to a drive unit such as a solenoid provided in the movable piece driving device so that the pair of movable pieces 44 is expanded for a predetermined time (for example, 0.2 seconds) and then contracted again. A command for instructing to execute the enlargement execution process for applying a predetermined number of times (for example, once) is generated.

  In addition, in the processing by the main control device 13, when the small hit transition instruction number in the gaming state or the privilege gaming state advantageous to the player for normal symbol control is generated, the movable piece driving device may A pair of movable pieces 44 whose opening range has been reduced with respect to 2 is extended from 0.2 seconds to 1.7 seconds, and then expanded and reduced again, such as a solenoid provided in the movable piece drive device A command for transmitting a predetermined voltage to the drive unit and instructing the enlargement execution process to be increased from once to twice, for example, is generated.

  Further, in the processing by the main control device 13, the movable piece driving device is provided with a solenoid provided in the effect moving object driving device in response to generating processing information including lamp management control or prize ball payout control. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to the driving unit such as and the like, and a command for performing a rendering operation that is in an appropriate fluctuation state for a predetermined time is generated.

"Operation of movable door drive"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the movable door drive device is a solenoid provided in the movable door drive device in response to generating a jackpot transition instruction number in the normal game state or the special game state for special symbol control. A predetermined voltage is transmitted to a drive unit such as. And the said movable door drive device operates the movable door 45 closed with respect to the said special winning opening 3, and makes it an open state, and predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) passes since it becomes an opening, or If any condition for winning a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls is awarded to the special winning opening 3, a command for instructing execution processing for closing again is generated.

  Further, on the condition that any of the game balls won during the opening state passes through the winning specific area provided in the special winning opening 3 and is detected by the winning specific area detecting sensor 47c, The movable door driving device causes the movable door 45 to be closed again and repeats opening and closing the movable door 45 when the same condition as described above is satisfied until a predetermined upper limit is reached. A command for instructing application of a predetermined voltage is generated.

  When a jackpot transition instruction number in a gaming state advantageous for a player for special symbol control is generated during execution of the opening / closing process in the movable door driving device, the jackpot transition is performed until the opening / closing process is completed. The control process based on the generation of the instruction number is not performed and is put on hold.

"Operation of winning area distribution drive device"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the prize area allocation driving device is provided in the prize area distribution in the special prize opening 3 in response to generating a command for opening the special prize opening 3. A predetermined voltage (for example, 12V) is applied to a driven object such as a solenoid, and a command to move the open-state so as to be a seesaw motion corresponding to a specific winning area allocation is generated.

"Operation of belt condition setting device"
In the processing by the main control device 13, the belt state setting device 80 applies a predetermined voltage in the positive direction to the motor 82 in response to generating a command for changing the annular belt 77 to the first state. Is generated.

  Further, in the processing by the main controller 13, the belt state setting device 80 applies a predetermined voltage in the reverse direction to the motor 82 in response to generating a command for changing the annular belt 77 to the second state. Generate a command to apply.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game ball that has entered the first predetermined position 61 from the game area 31 through the first insertion hole 55 is used only by the magnet 78 when the magnet 78 exists at the first predetermined position 61. Retained. When the magnet 78 does not exist at the first predetermined position 61, the magnet 78 is held at the first predetermined position 61 until the magnet 78 moves to the first predetermined position 61.

  When the belt state setting device 80 sets the annular belt 77 to the first state, the belt shape setting device 81 sets the annular belt 77 to the first shape, and the magnet 78 causes the first predetermined position 61 to be set. The held game ball is transported to the second predetermined position 62 by the annular belt 77, and is released at the second predetermined position 62 by the ball release portion 93. The game ball released at the second predetermined position 62 is returned to the game area 31 through the second insertion hole 56 and is located above the first predetermined position 61 and easily guided to the specific winning opening 2. The game area 31 falls again.

  On the other hand, when the annular belt 77 is set to the second state by the belt state setting device 80, the annular belt 77 is set to the second shape by the belt shape setting device 81, and at the first predetermined position 61 by the magnet 78. The held game ball is transported to the third predetermined position 63 by the annular belt 77, and is released at the third predetermined position 63 by the ball release portion 93. The game ball released at the third predetermined position 63 is returned to the game area 31 through the third insertion hole 57, and is located above the first predetermined position 61 and from a position that is difficult to be guided to the specific winning opening 2. The game area 31 falls again.

  In the above-described embodiment, the game ball held at the first predetermined position 61 is transported to the second predetermined position 62 or the third predetermined position 63 that is above the first predetermined position 61 and detached. Therefore, it moves from bottom to top and falls again. Therefore, it is possible to give a novel game ball behavior not found in conventional gaming machines, and to attract the player's interest.

  Further, the game ball held at the first predetermined position 61 is detached at one predetermined position of the second predetermined position 62 or the third predetermined position 63 according to the state of the annular belt 77. The player's interest in whether the second predetermined position 62 or the third predetermined position 63 is separated (whether the annular belt 77 is in the first state or the second state). Can attract.

  When the belt state setting device 80 switches the state of the annular belt 77, the belt shape setting device 81 changes the shape of the annular belt 77 from one of the first shape and the second shape to the other, and the first predetermined The transport path from the bottom to the top of the game ball held at the position 61 is changed. Therefore, a novel behavior can be given to the game ball, and the player's interest can be attracted.

  In addition, since the game board 7 is transparent and the back side can be visually recognized from the front side of the game board 7, the annular belt 77 arranged on the back side has a plurality of states including the first state and the second state. The player can visually recognize how the game ball is being conveyed in accordance with the setting.

  An annular belt 77 is provided on the back side of the game board 7, and the first insertion hole 55, the second insertion hole 56, and the third insertion hole 57 through which the game ball moves between the front side and the back side of the game board 7, Therefore, the layout of the first to third predetermined positions 61 to 63 can be freely performed as compared with the case where the annular belt 77 is provided in the game area 31 on the front surface side.

  Moreover, it falls without winning to the specific winning opening 2, enters the first predetermined position 61 from the first insertion hole 55, is transported by the annular belt 77, and is played from the second insertion hole 56 or the third insertion hole 57. All the game balls returned to the area 31 are again given a chance to win the specific winning opening 2. However, since the game ball falling from the second insertion hole 56 is easier to win the specific prize opening 2 than the game ball falling from the third insertion hole 57, the game ball conveyed by the annular belt 77 is specified prize. The probability of winning a prize into the mouth 2 is higher for a game ball falling from the second insertion hole 56 than for a game ball falling from the third insertion hole 57. That is, the probability that the conveyed game ball wins the specific winning opening 2 differs depending on the state of the annular belt 77. Therefore, the player's interest can be attracted to the state of the annular belt 77.

  In addition, the first insertion hole 55 is disposed below the second insertion hole 56 and the third insertion hole 57, but the game ball returned to the game area 31 from the second insertion hole 56 and the third insertion hole 57 is stored in the first insertion hole 55. Since it is arranged at a position where it is not guided again to the first insertion hole 55, the game ball returned upward by the annular belt 77 is not returned upward again.

  In the present embodiment, the annular belt 77 is disposed outside the game area 31, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the annular belt 77 may be disposed in the game area 31.

  Further, the position at which the game ball is returned by the second insertion hole 56 or the third insertion hole 57 may be a position in the game area 31 where it is difficult for a game ball that is launched and dropped to enter. In this case, it is easy for the player to confirm the behavior of the game ball after being detached at the second predetermined position 62 or the third predetermined position 63.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the second embodiment, the first insertion hole 55 is the out port 39. The out port 39 constitutes the ball collection port of the present invention. In FIG. 9, illustrations of structures arranged in the game area 31 other than the specific prize opening 2, some windmills 40, and some game nails 64 are omitted.

  The second insertion hole 56 is disposed above the specific winning opening 2 and directly above the specific winning opening 2. The third insertion hole 57 is disposed below the specific winning opening 2 and on the right side of the specific winning opening 2.

  Detailed descriptions of configurations common to the first embodiment are omitted.

  The game balls that have been collected from the game area 31 to the out port 39 and have entered the first predetermined position 61 are held by the magnet 78 when the magnet 78 moves to the first predetermined position 61. The game ball held by the magnet 78 is detached at the second predetermined position 62 or the third predetermined position 63 and returned to the game area 31 through the second insertion hole 56 or the third insertion hole 57. The game ball returned to the game area 31 from the second insertion hole 56 falls above the first predetermined position 61 and falls again in the game area 31 from directly above the specific winning opening 2. The game ball returned to the game area 31 from the third insertion hole 57 falls above the first predetermined position 61 and falls again in the game area 31 from below the specific winning opening 2.

  In the present embodiment, in the belt state setting device 80, the annular belt 77 has the first shape shown in FIG. 9 (close to the second predetermined position 62 where the ball separating portion 93 of the first guide rod 91 is located). In the first state, the moving support member 85 moves to the left from the state of FIG. 9, and the annular belt 77 has the second shape (the second predetermined position where the ball separating portion 93 of the first guide rod 91 is present). Set to the second state (separated from position 62).

  In the above embodiment, since the first insertion hole 55 for allowing the game ball to enter the first predetermined position 61 is the out port 39, all the games that have not been collected above the out port 39 (no prizes have been won). The sphere enters the first predetermined position 61 from the out port 39. Therefore, there is a possibility that the game ball that has entered the out-out 39 without winning a prize will fall again from the second insertion hole 56 or the third insertion hole 57 to the game area 31.

  Moreover, it falls without winning to the specific winning opening 2, enters the first predetermined position 61 from the out opening 39, is transported by the annular belt 77, and enters the game area 31 from the second insertion hole 56 or the third insertion hole 57. Among the returned game balls, the game balls that fall from the second insertion hole 56 disposed above the specific winning port 2 are always given an opportunity to win the specific winning port 2, but the specific winning port 2 The game ball falling from the third insertion hole 57 arranged below is not given a chance to win the specific winning opening 2. That is, whether or not the game ball that has entered the first predetermined position 61 from the out port 39 is given the chance to win the specific winning port 2 again depends on the state of the annular belt 77. Therefore, the player's interest can be attracted to the state of the annular belt 77.

  In the embodiment in which the first insertion hole 55 is the out port 39, in addition to the above embodiment, the magnet 78 is provided on the entire surface of the annular belt 77, and the game ball that has entered the out port 39 is replaced with the first ball. You may provide the distribution apparatus which distributes to the collection state collect | recovered as an approach state made to approach to the predetermined position 61, and an out ball | bowl. In this case, when the sorting device enters the ingress state based on a predetermined condition, the game ball is held by the magnet 78 and is positioned at the second predetermined position 62 or the third predetermined position above the first predetermined position 61. The game area 31 is transported to the position 63 and falls again in the game area 31.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the third embodiment, the belt shape setting device 81 is not provided with respect to the first embodiment, and the belt state setting device 80 controls the belt driving device 70. Further, a ball detachment portion 96 is provided in place of the guide rod 90.

  Detailed descriptions of configurations common to the first embodiment are omitted.

  The first predetermined position 61 is arranged on the passing path of the game ball. The game ball that has passed the first predetermined position 61 falls and is collected together with the game ball focused on the out port 39.

  The belt driving device 70 includes a motor 79 instead of the motor 71. The motor 79 is applied with a predetermined voltage in the forward direction or the reverse direction, and rotates the movable support member 73 in the forward direction (clockwise) or the reverse direction (counterclockwise) via the drive shaft. A positive direction moving from the predetermined position 61 to the third predetermined position 63 through the second predetermined position 62, and moving from the first predetermined position 61 to the second predetermined position 62 through the third predetermined position 63. Drive in the reverse direction.

  The belt state setting device 80 rotates the annular belt 77 in the forward direction in the first state, and rotates the annular belt 77 in the reverse direction in the second state. In the present embodiment, the first state and the second state are alternately set every predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds).

  The ball detachment portion 96 constitutes the ball detachment means of the present invention, and includes a fixed detachment plate 97, a movable detachment plate 98, and a movement restricting piece 103. The fixed release plate 97 is a plate-like member disposed below the second predetermined position 62 and above the third predetermined position 63. The movable detachment plate 98 is a plate-like member that is disposed below the third predetermined position 63. The second movable guide plate is disposed below the third predetermined position 63. That is, the fixed release plate 97 defines the second predetermined position 62, and the fixed release plate 97 and the movable release plate 98 define the third predetermined position 63.

  The movable release plate 98 has a movable end 99, a support part 100, a locking surface 101, and a guide surface 102. One end side and the other end side of the movable detachable plate 98 are attached to the back side of the gaming machine so as to be movable around the support portion 100. One end side is a movable end 99, and one surface on the other end side is a locking surface 101 with the support portion 100 interposed therebetween. The guide surface 102 is a surface on the same side as the locking surface 101 and is a surface between one end side and the other end side. The movable detachable plate 98 is disposed on the right side of the annular belt 77 with the movable end 99 facing the annular belt 77 and the locking surface 101 facing upward. The movement restricting piece 103 is disposed on the locking surface 101 of the movable detaching plate 98 and contacts the locking surface 101 of the movable detaching plate 98 in a normal state (shown in FIG. 10). The movable end 99 of the movable detachable plate 98 freely moves between a normal state positioned slightly above the side with respect to the support unit 100 and a guide state moving upward with respect to the support unit 100. When the movable end 99 moves downward, the locking surface 101 is locked by the movement restricting piece 103, so that the movable end 99 does not move downward with respect to the support portion 100.

  In the case of the first state, the annular belt 77 is rotated in the forward direction (clockwise), and the game ball is released at the second predetermined position 62 by the fixed release plate 97 and guided to the second insertion hole 56. .

  In the case of the second state, the annular belt 77 is rotated in the reverse direction (counterclockwise), and the game ball moves up the movable end 99 of the movable release plate 98 (in the clockwise direction around the support portion 100). The game ball that has been transported further upward is then released at the third predetermined position 63 by the fixed release plate 97. At this time, the movable release plate 98 returns from the guide state to the normal state, and guides the game ball released by the fixed release plate 97 to the third insertion hole 57 by the guide surface 102.

  In the above embodiment, when the belt state setting device 80 switches the state of the annular belt 77, the belt driving device 70 changes the driving direction of the annular belt 77 from one of the forward direction and the reverse direction to the other, and the first predetermined position. At 61, the transport path from the bottom to the top of the game ball held by the magnet 78 is changed. Therefore, a novel behavior can be given to the game ball, and the player's interest can be attracted.

  In addition, a plurality of magnets 78 are provided partially with respect to the entire circumference of the annular belt 77, and the first predetermined position 61 is disposed so that the game ball can pass therethrough, so that the magnet 78 is positioned at the first predetermined position 61. The game ball is held and transported by the magnet 78 on the condition that the game ball reaches the first predetermined position 61 while it is present, and the game ball is moved when the magnet 78 is out of the first predetermined position 61. When the first ball reaches the first predetermined position 61, the game ball passes through the first predetermined position 61 without being held by the magnet 78, falls, and is collected together with the game ball focused on the out port 39. . That is, whether or not the game ball that has entered the first predetermined position 61 is transported to the second or third predetermined position 62 or 63 depends on the timing at which the magnet 78 and the game ball pass the first predetermined position 61. Depends on. Therefore, the player's interest can be attracted to the positional relationship between the magnet 78 of the annular belt 77 and the game ball.

  Note that the higher the ratio of the range in which the magnets 78 are arranged with respect to the entire circumference of the annular belt 77, the higher the percentage of game balls conveyed by the annular belt 77. The lower the percentage, the lower the percentage of game balls that are transported. Further, in order to change the ratio of the game balls to be conveyed, the rotational speed of the annular belt 77 may be changed, or a magnet 78 having a different magnetic force may be provided.

  Further, a belt position detection sensor for detecting whether or not the magnet 78 is present at the first predetermined position 61 based on the position of the annular belt 77 and outputting the detected belt position information is disposed on the back side of the gaming machine. Also good. The position of the annular belt 77 is detected by, for example, attaching a mark with different brightness to the back side of the annular belt 77 and reading the mark attached to the annular belt 77 with an optical sensor or a magnetic sensor that detects the magnet 78. There is a way. In this case, the belt state setting device 80 stops the annular belt 77 at the position where the magnet 78 is located at the first predetermined position 61 based on the belt position detected by the belt position detection sensor, or the first predetermined position. The annular belt 77 is stopped at a position where the magnet 78 does not exist in 61.

[Other Embodiments]
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 a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a front schematic diagram of the game board 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. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIG. 1. It is a principal part perspective view of the 1st state of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a principal part perspective view of the 2nd state of the gaming machine shown in FIG. It is a front schematic diagram of the game board of the gaming machine of the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a principal front schematic diagram of the gaming machine of the third embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  2 ... Specific winning port (start winning port) 7 ... Game board (transparent game board), 13 ... Main control device (belt state setting means, lottery means), 31 ... Game area, 39 ... Out port (ball recovery port), c55: First insertion hole, 56: Second insertion hole, 57: Third insertion hole, 61: First predetermined position, 62: Second predetermined position, 63: Third predetermined position, 70: Belt drive device (Belt drive means), 77 ... annular belt, 78 ... magnet, 80 ... belt state setting device (belt state setting means), 81 ... belt shape setting device (belt shape setting means), 93,96 ... ball detachment portion (sphere Withdrawal means)

Claims (8)

A ball game machine that launches a game ball into the game area of the game board and plays a game,
A game ball having a magnet and held by the magnet at a first predetermined position is a second predetermined position above the first predetermined position or above the first predetermined position and the second predetermined position. An annular belt conveyed to a third predetermined position different from the predetermined position;
A ball detachment means provided at each of the second predetermined position and the third predetermined position, for releasing a game ball from the annular belt;
The annular belt is selected as one of a plurality of states including a first state in which the game ball held by the magnet is transported to the second predetermined position and a second state in which the game ball is transported to the third predetermined position And a belt state setting means for automatically setting the bullet ball game machine. The ball game machine according to claim 1,
Belt driving means for driving the annular belt in one direction;
The belt state setting means has a shape of the annular belt driven in the one direction by the belt driving means, a first shape passing from the first predetermined position to the second predetermined position, and the first shape. Belt shape setting means for selectively setting the second predetermined position and the second shape passing through the third predetermined position by bypassing the second predetermined position,
The belt shape setting means sets the annular belt to the first shape in the first state, and sets the annular belt to the second shape in the second state. Ball game machine. The ball game machine according to claim 1,
The belt state setting means includes a forward direction in which the annular belt moves from the first predetermined position to the third predetermined position through the second predetermined position, and from the first predetermined position to the third predetermined position. Belt driving means for changingably driving in the reverse direction to move to the second predetermined position through the predetermined position,
The ball game machine characterized in that the belt driving means drives the annular belt in the forward direction in the first state, and drives the annular belt in the reverse direction in the second state. A ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The gaming board is a transparent gaming board that has the gaming area on the front surface and is visible from the front side to the back side;
The annular belt is disposed on the back side of the transparent game board,
The transparent game board includes a first insertion hole for allowing a game ball in the game area to enter the first predetermined position on the back side of the transparent game board, and the second predetermined position on the back side of the transparent game board. A second insertion hole for returning the game ball from the third predetermined position on the back surface side of the transparent game board to the game area, and a third insertion hole for returning the game ball from the third predetermined position to the game area. A ball game machine to play. A ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A plurality of the magnets are partially provided with respect to the entire circumference of the annular belt. The ball game machine according to claim 4,
A plurality of the magnets are partially provided with respect to the entire circumference of the annular belt,
The first insertion hole is a ball collection port for collecting a game ball that has not won among the gaming machines launched into the game area on the back side of the transparent game board. The ball game machine according to claim 4 or 6,
A start winning opening provided in the game area;
Lottery means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening,
The first insertion hole and the third insertion hole are disposed below the start winning opening,
The second ball insertion machine is characterized in that the second insertion hole is disposed above the start winning opening. A bullet ball game machine according to claim 4 or claim 6,
A start winning opening provided in the game area;
Lottery means for performing a lottery to determine whether or not to generate a jackpot gaming state advantageous to the player in accordance with the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening,
The first insertion hole is disposed below the start winning opening,
The second insertion hole is disposed above the start winning opening, and at a position where the game ball returned from the second insertion hole to the game area is easily guided to the starting winning opening,
The third insertion hole is located above the start winning opening, and is arranged at a position where the game ball returned from the third insertion hole to the game area is difficult to be guided to the start winning opening. A ball game machine.

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