JP2543602B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, and more specifically, a game ball (hit ball) shot on a game board surface.
The present invention relates to a ball game machine provided with a variable winning device that can convert a player's disadvantageous state and a player's advantageous state.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming machine provided with a variable winning device as described above, when the hit ball wins, the variable winning device is converted from the first state to the second state, so that a lot of prize balls are given to the player. I try to give an opportunity to get. In this type of pachinko gaming machine, the probability that a hit ball enters the winning device varies depending on the position and orientation of the nails arranged on the game board surface, the bending angle, the spacing between the nails, and the like. Therefore, adjusting the nails is an important task at the pachinko point, while finding a pachinko machine that is adjusted so that balls often come out is a condition for players to win more prize balls. It is one.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, if a nail near the variable winning device is adjusted or the variable winning device is arranged at a position where it is difficult for a game ball to win, for a specific player called a professional player. The problem is that a player with a poor skill cannot obtain a prize ball, and as a result, there is a large difference in the number of prize balls acquired depending on the skill of the player, resulting in a lack of equality as a game for the general public. There was a point.

Therefore, a ball game machine is proposed in which the variable winning device is converted into a state advantageous to the player when the random number sampled based on the detection of the launch ball is a predetermined value, and a specific application is filed by the applicant ( Japanese Patent Application No. 63-258159). According to this, the chance of winning a prize ball is given with an equal probability regardless of the skill of the player, and the winning rate can be managed in the game hall without the conventional nail adjustment.

However, in such a ball game machine, it is unclear to the player whether the random number generated in response to the detection of the shot ball has reached a predetermined value, and the start of operation of the variable winning device is unclear. Functionally, the state change of the variable winning device is started when the random number reaches a predetermined value, which gives the player the impression that the state of the variable winning device suddenly changes. Has a problem that it is not appropriate for the operation of a ball game machine.

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to change the state of the variable winning device in a ball game machine that drives the variable winning device into a state advantageous to the player when the random number sampled based on the detection of the launch ball is a predetermined value. The goal is not to give the player the impression that it will start suddenly.

[Means for Solving the Problem] The present invention relates to a launching device for launching a game ball onto a game board surface, and a disadvantageous (first) state and game for a player regarding winning of a game ball launched from the launching device. In a ball game machine equipped with a variable winning device which can be converted into a (second) state advantageous to a player, a launch ball detecting means for detecting each time a predetermined number of game balls are launched from a launch device, A disturbance generating means for generating a random number according to a detection signal from the launch ball detecting means,
The determination means for determining the value of the random number generated by the random number generation means and the variable winning device are converted and driven in a predetermined manner unless the random number is determined to be the predetermined value, and the variable winning device is operated when the random number is determined to be the predetermined value. And a drive control means for converting and driving the player into a state advantageous to the player in a specific mode different from the predetermined mode.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the variable winning device is conversion-driven in a predetermined manner when the launching device is operating.

More specifically, the variable winning device has a pair of movable wing pieces that can be opened and closed (so-called tulip), a pin that restricts the winning of a game ball on a fixed winning port, and any other option. However, if a random number is determined to be the predetermined value, the pair of movable wing pieces is driven to open and close at a fixed time interval unless the random number is determined to be the predetermined value. The open / close drive may be performed such that the opening time of the pair of movable wing pieces is longer than the above-mentioned fixed time interval.

[Operation] In the ball game machine of the present invention, when a predetermined number (for example, one) of game balls are launched from the launching device, the launch ball detection means detects it, and a random number is generated according to the detection signal. The means generates a random number, and the determining means determines the value of the random number.
As a result, unless the random number is judged to be the predetermined value (normal),
The drive control means uses the variable winning device in a predetermined mode (for example,
When the random number is determined to be a predetermined value by converting and driving the first state and the second state alternately at constant time intervals, the variable winning a prize device is operated in a specific mode different from the predetermined mode (for example, a game). The conversion driving is performed so that the time of the second state, which is advantageous to the user, becomes longer than the above-mentioned fixed time interval. As a result, the winning rate of hit balls increases.

This conversion drive includes not only the case where the second state is continued, but also the case where the first state and the second state are alternately repeated. This conversion drive, for example, when a predetermined number of game balls are won,
Alternatively, the process ends when a predetermined time has passed. Then, the variable winning device is returned to the normal conversion drive.

The variable winning device is usually converted and driven in a predetermined manner unless the random number takes a predetermined value, but by limiting the period (for example, while the launching device is operating), the variable winning device is It is possible to reduce the consumption of electric power and the like required for the conversion driving of.

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine which is an embodiment of the present invention.

On the game board surface 2 of the pachinko gaming machine 1, there are provided a plurality of variable winning devices 3L, 3C, 3R that can be converted into a first state, which is disadvantageous to the player, and a second state, which is disadvantageous to the player, in regard to winning a game ball. It is arranged. Further, in the center of the game board surface 2, a variable display device 4 is provided as a device for performing another game which is started when a hit ball is won in each of the variable winning devices 3L, 3C, 3R, and below the variable display device 4. The variable winning device 5 is provided with a door that opens when the result of the game is in a specific display mode.

The variable winning devices 3L, 3C, 3R each have a pair of movable wings that can be opened and closed, and are prize winning devices called tulips. The pair of movable wing pieces are driven to open and close by a solenoid, and when both wing pieces are closed, they are in the first state, and when both wing pieces are opened, they are in the second state.

A plurality of variable display devices 4 (for example, three) are arranged in a rectangular window.
7-segment LED (light-emitting diode) displays that variably display the numbers are arranged. Each LED display has a display drive circuit controlled by an output signal from a control unit 23 (FIG. 4) described later. Connected. Note that the display device may display not only numbers but also characters and figures.

The variable winning device 5 is called an attacker, and has a door of substantially the same shape that is openably and closably attached to the front side of an opening provided in the upper part of a trapezoidal front plate, and has a winning opening in the opening. The door of the variable winning device 5 is opened and closed by a drive mechanism having a solenoid as a power source attached to the back side of the front plate.

On the game board surface 2, a large number of nails 6 are arranged as guide means for guiding the shot game balls to the upper part of each variable winning device, while a shooting handle 7 is provided on the lower right side of the front face, When a person operates this, a game ball is shot from a launching device attached to the back side of the game board and moved along the guide rail 8 on the game board surface 2.

As the game ball launching device, for example, the one shown in FIG. 2 is used. This launching device 9 is provided with a plunger 10 by electromagnetic force.
A ball hitting portion 11 including a solenoid that causes the game ball P to jump out, and a hitting ball guide portion 12 provided on the plunger protruding side. The hitting ball guide portion 12 is formed of a cylindrical member having a notched end portion for feeding the game ball P, and a pair of guide members 12 for guiding the game ball P flipped by the tip end of the plunger 10 forward on the inner bottom surface thereof. It has parallel ridges 13.

Furthermore, since each time a game ball P is launched from the launching device 9, it is detected, the launch ball is set in front of the launching device 9.
14 are placed. The launch ball sensor 14 is composed of a magnetic sensor having a hole through which the launched game ball P can pass, and its output is sent to a launch ball counter 18 (FIG. 3) described later.

The game ball P launched from the launching device 9 passes through the launch ball passage 15 as shown in FIG. 3 and rises along the guide rail 8 toward the game board surface 2, but does not reach the game board surface 2. The return ball P ′ returning to the launcher 9 is a recovery path.
Fall to 16. The return ball sensor 17 that detects this is the collection path
The output of the return sphere sensor 17, which is arranged in the middle of 16, is sent to the return sphere counter 19. As a result, the game ball (return ball) that has returned to the launching device 9 without reaching the game board surface 2 is not counted as a launch ball.

The above-mentioned launch ball sensor 14, return ball sensor 17, launch ball counter 18, and return ball counter 19 constitute a launch ball detecting means connected to the circuit of FIG. Here, the launch ball counter 18, the count value is incremented by 1 when the launch ball sensor 14 detects the game ball P, the return ball counter 19, the return ball sensor
When 17 detects the returning sphere P ', the count value increases by one.

In addition, the launch ball detecting means is a launch ball sensor as described above.
Not limited to detecting the launch of a game ball with the signal from 14,
It may be configured as follows. That is, the launch ball sensor 14
Is placed at the launch position of the game ball, and when it detects a signal for operating the launching device 9 while detecting the game ball, it outputs a launch ball detection signal. According to this method, since the launching device 9 operates for the first time to detect the game ball in the launch position, it is possible to reliably detect that the game ball has been shot correctly.

As will be described later, the circuit of FIG. 4 normally drives a pair of movable wing pieces of each variable winning device 3L, 3C, 3R to open and close at the same time interval, while generating a random number according to a detection signal from the launching device 9. Is generated and its value is determined. As a result, when the random number is determined to be the predetermined value, the pair of movable wing pieces are opened and closed so that the opening time becomes longer. Alternatively, the opening angle of the pair of movable blades may be increased. As a result, the variable winning device 3L, 3C,
The 3R is converted and driven into an advantageous state for the player. After that, when a predetermined number of winning balls are generated, each variable winning device 3
The conversion drive of L, 3C, 3R is returned to the normal drive state.

As a method of driving a plurality of variable winning apparatuses as described above, there is a method of converting and driving all of the variable winning apparatuses all at once, or a method of sequentially converting and driving each of the variable winning apparatuses into two states once. According to this method, the variable winning device for conversion is circulated, and the display is interesting.

Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the variable winning device as described above is used, but other winning devices may be used. For example, by making a bar-shaped winning restriction member appear and disappear above the winning opening provided on the game board surface, the gaming ball cannot win the winning opening or is difficult to win the winning ball, and the second state in which the gaming ball can win. Or a position where the game ball cannot win the prize hole (first state) and a position where the game ball can win (the second state). Those formed so as to be movable between them can be used.

The game balls that have entered the variable winning device as described above are the winning ball sensors 24 (fourth prize) arranged corresponding to the respective variable winning devices.
Although it is detected in the figure), a magnetic sensor having a hole through which a game ball can pass can be used for this similarly to the above-mentioned launch ball sensor 14.

 Next, the electric circuit section of the embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 4, the circuit portion of this embodiment includes a launch ball counter 18 and a return ball counter 19 which receive detection signals from the launch ball sensor 14 and the return ball sensor 17, respectively.
A random number generation unit 21 that generates a random number according to the outputs of both counters 18 and 19, a determination unit 22 that determines the value of the generated random number, and a control unit that controls the operation of the variable winning device and other various devices necessary for the game. 23 included.

Further, as a winning ball detecting means for detecting when a game ball enters any of the variable winning devices 3L, 3C, 3R, a winning ball sensor 24 is provided corresponding to each variable winning device. The winning ball sensor 24 is composed of a magnetic sensor having a hole through which the gaming ball passes, and detects the winning ball from the change in the magnetic field when the gaming ball exiting each variable winning device passes through the hole. Of course, sensors other than magnetic sensors (optical sensors, micro switches, etc.)
May be used. The detection signal of each winning ball sensor 24 is input to the corresponding winning ball counter 25, where the number of winning balls is counted.

The random number generator 21 performs a predetermined calculation each time the firing ball counter 18 counts 1 to generate a random number. However, if the value of the return sphere counter 19 is 0, and the count value is 1 or more, no random number is generated. For example, when the return sphere counter 19 is 2, the count output of the firing sphere counter 18 is passed twice (no random number is generated) from the time when it is counted. Then, the return sphere counter 19 is counted down by the number of times to 0.

When the value of the random number generated by this random number generation unit 21 reaches a predetermined number, the variable prize winning devices 3L, 3C, 3R are converted into a state advantageous to the player and driven, but the probability is, for example, a random number. If the range of occurrence of is 1 to 4096 and the range of hit is 1 to 91, it is about 1/45.

The determination unit 22 determines whether the value of the random number generated by the random number generation unit 21 falls within the range defined as above.

The control unit 23 constitutes drive control means for sending the following control signals to the drive unit 26 connected to the solenoids of the variable winning award devices 3L, 3C, 3R.

Normally (during a game), as shown in FIG. 5 (a), a pair of movable wing pieces of each variable winning device 3L, 3C, 3R are set to the same time interval T.
Open and close in turn. In this state, the game ball shot on the game board surface 2 can be won only while the movable wing piece of each variable winning device is open, and the chance of winning is limited.

This conversion drive is continued unless the random number takes a predetermined value, but by limiting the period, it is possible to reduce the consumption of electric power and the like required for the conversion drive of the variable winning device. For example, it is appropriate while the launching device 9 is operating, which is detected by a switch that is turned on when the player operates the ball hitting handle 7.

During the above conversion driving, if the random number generated by the random number generator 21 hits a predetermined value, a specific variable winning device (for example,
About the central variable winning device 3C) where game balls are easy to win,
As shown in FIG. 5 (b), opening / closing is performed so that the opening time of the movable wing piece becomes longer (for example, doubled) than the time interval T of FIG. 5 (a). As a result, the winning rate of the game ball is increased for at least a specific variable winning device, which is advantageous for the player. As another example of the state conversion, the opening angle of the movable blade may be set larger than usual.
In any case, since the movable wing piece of the variable winning device does not suddenly start the opening / closing operation, but only the opening / closing state changes, the uncomfortable appearance to the player is eliminated.

After that, when the number of winning balls reaches a predetermined number by the output from the winning ball counter 25, the control unit 23 uses the variable winning device, which has been converted into a state advantageous to the player as described above, in a normal state. Return to open / close drive state.

Further, in the case of a ball game machine equipped with a variable display device 4 and a variable winning device 5 for another game as shown in FIG. 1, the gaming ball of which variable winning device 3L, 3C, 3R is won. When the number reaches a predetermined value (if the value is 1, the game ball wins), the control unit 23 sends a signal to the drive unit of the variable display device 4 to start another game. At the same time, the random number generator 21 generates a random number, and the determination unit 22 determines the random number value. Then, if the result mode of the other game is a big hit (the probability is predetermined as in the case of the variable winning device) according to the determination result, the display of the variable display device 4 is stopped at the big hit and the driving unit 27 is operated. On the other hand, a signal for opening the door of the variable winning device 5 for a certain period of time (in a state advantageous to the player) is output.
In the case of a hit or miss other than the big hit, the display of the variable display device 4 is stopped correspondingly, and in the case of a hit, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. This point is similar to the conventional ball game machine.

The launch ball counter 18, the return ball counter 19, the random number generation unit 21, the determination unit 22, the control unit 23 and the winning ball counter 25,
Although each can be configured by a known electronic circuit, a microcomputer may perform these operations.

In that case, the microcomputer throws a random number each time a predetermined number of game balls are shot, and when the value reaches a predetermined value, that is, when it enters the range for changing the opening / closing drive of the variable winning device, the flag is set. Set 1. Then, it outputs a signal that makes the variable winning device (for example, 3C) corresponding to the flag an advantageous state for the player, and when the number of winning balls reaches a predetermined number, the variable winning device is returned to the normal conversion drive. To be programmed to.

The winning rate of the game balls with respect to the variable winning device can be arbitrarily changed by changing the probability of appearance of a random number value for converting the variable winning device into a state advantageous to the player. The probability of the result mode of another game can be similarly set.

As described above, by using the microcomputer and setting the flag, the state conversion of the variable winning a prize device can be executed with a predetermined probability. In addition, when the state of the variable winning device is changed in a specific mode, when another game is being played, or when the attacker is open depending on the result mode of another game, the following flag is set: , It is possible to store it and execute the operation according to the state of the flag after displaying the result of another game and at other times as necessary.

Although the embodiments have been described above, the present invention is not limited to pachinko game machines, but can be applied to smart ball machines, sparrow ball game machines, and other ball game machines. Further, the variable winning device may use a driving means other than a solenoid. The configuration of the control means can also be designed arbitrarily.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the present invention is a ball-and-ball game machine that converts and drives a variable winning device into a state advantageous to a player according to a predetermined probability each time a predetermined number of game balls are shot. Unless the random number is determined to be the predetermined value, the variable winning device is converted and driven in a predetermined mode, and when the random number is determined to be the predetermined value, the variable winning device is in a specific mode different from the above mode, which is advantageous to the player. Since it is driven by conversion, the probability of state conversion of the variable winning device is adjusted, and in addition to giving the player an equal opportunity to win the variable winning device and the profits associated therewith. It is possible to realize a ball game that does not give a visually uncomfortable feeling to the player without giving the impression that the state change of the variable winning device is suddenly started.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine which is an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a view showing an example of a game ball launching device and a launch ball sensor, and FIG. 3 is a sensing device for launching balls and return balls. Shown, 4th
FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an electric circuit section of the embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a signal waveform diagram showing an example of a drive signal of the variable winning a prize device. 1 …… Pachinko machine, 2 …… Game board surface, 3L, 3C, 3R ……
Variable winning device, 4 ... Variable display device, 5 ... Variable winning device, 6 ... Nail, 7 ... Launch handle, 8 ... Guide rail, 9 ... Launch device, 14 ... Launch ball sensor, 17 ... … Return ball sensor, 18 …… Launch ball counter, 19 …… Return ball counter, 21 …… Random number generator, 22 …… Judgment unit, 23 …… Control unit,
24 …… Winning ball sensor, 25 …… Winning ball counter, 26,27…
…Drive part.

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A launching device for launching a game ball on a game board surface, and a convertible state which is disadvantageous to the player and advantageous to the player with respect to winning of the game ball launched from the launching device. In a ball game machine equipped with a variable winning device, a launch ball detection means for detecting each time a predetermined number of game balls are launched from the launch device, and a detection signal from the launch ball detection means Random number generating means for generating a random number, and a determining means for determining the value of the random number generated by the random number generating means,
Unless the random number is determined to be a predetermined value, the variable winning device is converted and driven in a predetermined mode, and when the random number is determined to be a predetermined value, the variable winning device is driven in a specific mode different from the predetermined mode. A ball game machine provided with drive control means for converting and driving to an advantageous state. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the variable winning device is conversion-driven in a predetermined mode when the launching device is operating. 3. The variable winning device has a pair of movable blades that can be opened and closed, and is driven so that the pair of movable blades opens and closes at a constant time interval when the random number is not determined to be a predetermined value. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein when the random number is determined to be a predetermined value, opening and closing is driven so that the opening time of the pair of movable wing pieces is longer than the predetermined time interval.