JP2552463B2 - Ball game machine - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a ball game machine represented by a pachinko game machine and the like, and more specifically, hitting a ball in a game area in which a winning area is formed. The present invention relates to a ball game machine in which a game is played.

[Prior Art] In this type of ball game machine, for example, a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player are provided to those generally known in the past. A variable winning ball device that can be changed to is arranged in the game area, a ball hit into the game area enters a specific prize area, and a special prize area in which the entered ball can win with a certain probability is provided. Provided that the ball is placed in the special winning area and is fulfilled on the condition that the right-generating condition is satisfied and the right-generating state is in the right-generating state. Some of the variable winning ball devices are configured to be controlled to the first state. That is, a ball hit into the game area and entered the specific winning area may win the special winning area or may not win the special winning area. Fortunately, the right generation condition is satisfied and the right generation state is established on condition that a hit ball is won in the special prize area with a certain probability.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the case of a ball-playing machine configured in this way, a relatively large number of hit balls can be won because the variable winning ball device is in the first state. The player is in a state of playing a game in order to establish the right generation condition so as to put the variable winning ball device into the first state. The condition as the first step for the establishment of the right generation condition is that a hit ball is won in the specific winning area, and the player receives a variable winning ball every time the hit ball is won in the specific winning area. The device is in a state of expecting that the device will be in the right generation state, which is a precondition for the first state. Therefore, if the hit ball can be frequently won in the specific winning area, the player frequently holds the expectation, and it is possible to provide an interesting game in which the player is not bored. However, if the hit ball is frequently won in this specific winning area, it is necessary to frequently give a valuable value such as a prize ball or a score to the player in accordance with the winning, which is a burden on the management side of the game hall. Will increase, resulting in the inconvenience of deteriorating the management of the game hall.

Therefore, in addition to reducing the burden on the amusement hall by reducing the number of valuables such as prize balls that are paid out as a result of winning in the variable winning ball device and various winning areas provided on the game board surface Then, it is possible to adjust so that a large number of hit balls can be won in the specific winning area. However, in the case of such a configuration, the variable prize ball device is brought into the first state because the valuable value given along with the winning of the hit ball to the variable prize ball device decreases. The player's expectation for is also reduced, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of game service.

The present invention has been conceived in view of the actual situation,
The aim is to provide a ball-ball game machine that can maintain a player's expectations for the establishment of the right generation condition and that the player can frequently hold the expectations, thereby providing an interesting game. It is to be.

[Means for Solving the Problem] The present invention is a ball game machine in which a ball is hit in a game area to play a game, and a specific prize is provided in the game area, in which a ball can be won. An area, a starting winning area which is arranged in the game area and allows a hit ball to be won, and a first state which is arranged in the game area and is advantageous to the player and a second state which is disadvantageous to the player. A variable winning ball device that can be changed to a state, a special winning region in which a ball hitting the specific winning region can win with a certain probability, and a precondition for setting the variable winning ball device to the first state In addition, there is a right generation condition detection means for detecting that a right generation condition is satisfied which is satisfied on the condition that a hit ball is won in the special winning area, and a right is generated by the detection output of the right generation condition detection means. During the period in which the state is Control means for controlling the variable winning ball device to a first state on condition that the player has won a start winning area, and imparts a first number of valuable values with winning of a ball hitting the variable winning ball device. It is possible to include a value giving means capable of giving a second number of valuable values smaller than the first number in association with the winning of a hit ball in the specific winning area.

[Operation] According to the present invention, when a batting ball enters the specific winning area arranged in the game area, the entering batting ball can win the special winning area with a certain probability. That is, if the ball hitting the specific winning area has a certain probability of being lucky, the special winning area is won, and if the ball is unlucky, the special winning area is not won.
Then, the right generation condition detecting means detects that the right generation condition that is satisfied on the condition that the hit ball is won in the special winning area is satisfied. The variable winning ball device is controlled to the first state on condition that the hitting ball has won the starting winning area during the period in which the right output condition detecting means detects and outputs the right. Further, there is provided a value giving means capable of selectively giving a player a first number of valuable values and a second number of valuable values smaller than the first number in association with the winning of a hit ball. Due to the function of the value adding means, a first number of valuable values can be added along with the winning of a ball hitting the variable winning ball device, and the first number of valuables can be added along with the winning of a ball hitting the specific winning area. A second number of valuable values less than one can be added.

Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a front view of 10. In FIG. 1, a winning ball device 14 is arranged in the substantially central portion of the game board 12. Prize winning ball device 14
As will be described in detail later, has a specific winning area for changing the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a specific gaming state called a right-generating state or eliminating the right-generating state by winning a pachinko ball. On the left and right sides of the winning ball device 14, start winning holes 16a and 16b are formed as an example of a winning area.
Further, a variable winning ball device 18 is provided below the winning ball device 14. The variable winning ball device 18 has an opening / closing plate 20,
When the opening / closing plate 20 is in the open state, it is very easy for the pachinko balls to win the prize. The starting winning openings 16a, 16b are winning openings that can open the opening / closing plate 20 by winning a pachinko ball when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine is in the right generation state. The right generation display lamps 21a and 21b inform the player of a right generation state described later.

The feature of this embodiment is that the pachinko balls that are won in the specific winning areas and the starting winning openings 16a, 16b provided in the winning ball device 14 are different from the pachinko balls that are won in other winning areas, as shown by the one-dot chain line. , Is guided by the winning ball guiding paths 22a, 22b, 22c and returned to the surplus ball receiving tray 24 so as to become a pachinko ball for the player again. The reason for doing this is that the prize winning ball device 14 involved in opening the opening / closing plate 20 of the variable winning ball device 18 and the winning of the pachinko balls to the start winning openings 16a, 16b are facilitated, and the opening / closing plate 20 is opened as often as possible. The pachinko gaming machine can be opened and closed to make it attractive to the player, and the winning rate of the entire pachinko gaming machine has been improved because the winning of the pachinko ball to the winning ball device 14 and the starting winning holes 16a, 16b has become easier. This is to prevent the value from exceeding a predetermined range.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the back structure of the pachinko gaming machine 10. In FIG. 2, the structure of the mechanical board provided on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 10 is depicted by a dashed line, and the back surface of the gaming board 12 that is actually inside the mechanical board and cannot be seen from the outside. The structure is shown by a solid line.

In FIG. 2, 14 is a winning ball device, and 16a and 16b are communication holes (hereinafter also referred to as starting winning holes) included in the starting winning holes. The pachinko balls that enter the start winning holes 16a and 16b are detected by the starting prize detecting switches 26a and 26b provided on the back side of the game board 12, respectively, and are guided by the prize guiding paths 22a, 22b and 22c. In addition, the pachinko balls that have won the winning ball device 14 are also the winning ball guide path 22b.
As described above, the pachinko balls guided by the prize winning ball guiding path 22 are the surplus ball saucer 24 (first part) provided on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 10.
(Figure) is returned. Further, in FIG. 2, 18 is a variable winning ball device, the back side of which is shown, and the solenoid 28 included therein is an opening / closing plate 20 (see FIG. 1).
Is a drive source for opening and closing. In addition, 30 drawn as a dashed-dotted line is a prize ball tank, 32 is a prize ball payout device (a device for paying out a prize ball when a regular prize is won), and 34 is a pachinko ball prized at a regular prize hole. The prize ball collecting gutter 36 for receiving and guiding the prize ball is a prize ball processing device for operating the prize ball payout device 32, and these are provided on the mechanism board. Further, 38 indicates an out ball exit.

FIG. 3 is a front view for explaining the details of the winning ball device 14 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 described above.
The figure is a perspective view in a state where the winning ball device 14 is taken out. First, referring to FIG. 4, the winning ball device 14 includes a mounting board 40 mounted on the board surface of the game board, the front side of the board 40 is a portion protruding from the game board, and the rear side is inside the game board. This is the part to be buried. A pair of normal winning openings 42a, 42b are formed symmetrically on the uppermost front side of the mounting board 40, and the pachinko balls falling along the game board surface are used for the normal winning openings 42a, 42a.
A convex portion 44 is formed on the front surface of the mounting substrate 40 so as to lead to 42b. A ball guiding shelf 46 is formed below the convex portion 44 and on the front side of the mounting substrate 40. And, the interval between the convex portion 44 and the ball guiding shelf 46 is selected to be an interval sufficient for the pachinko balls to jump in from the left and right sides, and the pachinko balls that jump into the balls are curved so that the central part is depressed. The ball is guided by the guide shelf 46 and rolls into the ball entrance 48 which is an example of a specific winning area formed on the inner side of the center of the ball guide shelf 46.
The winning ball device 14 has a winning space 50 formed below the ball guiding shelf 46. The prize space 50 is surrounded so that pachinko balls cannot enter unless the ball entrance 48 exits. On the rear side of the mounting substrate 40, there are provided a path for guiding prize winning balls, a motor 52 for driving a prize winning ball distributing member, which will be described later, a lamp (not shown) for decoration and wiring 54 connected to the lamp.

Next, referring mainly to FIG. 3, the pachinko balls that have entered the ball entrance 48 roll toward the back and are formed in the center of the winning space 50 through a path formed at the back (not shown). Roll out from ball exit 56. On the front side of the ball outlet 56, there is provided a ball rolling surface 58 which is arranged so that the front thereof is gently lowered, and two convex ridges 60a extending forward and backward are provided near the center on the surface.
A prize ball rolling in the center of the rolling surface, which is formed with 60b and is sandwiched by two convex stripes 60a, 60b, can be dropped into the center.

Specific winning openings 62a, 62b, 62c, which are examples of special winning areas, are formed in three rows at the lowermost part of the winning space 50, and winning ball detection switches 64a, 64b are provided at the respective specific winning openings, respectively. ,
64c is provided so that a specific winning ball to be won can be detected. Specific winning openings 62a, 62, 62c, selectively,
The specific winning openings 62a, 62b, 62c are sequentially activated with the winning openings determined to be involved in the generation and extinguishment of rights. More specifically, in the initial state, for example, the central specific winning opening 62b is first activated, and the other two specific winning openings 62a and 62c are not involved in the generation and extinguishment of rights. Therefore, in this state, if the pachinko ball enters from the ball entrance 48 and the pachinko ball that has dropped from the ball exit 56 wins the specific winning opening 62b, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine becomes the right generation state, but other Two specific winning openings 62a or 62c
Even if a hepatinko ball wins, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine does not become a right-generating state. In other words, only the output of the prize winning ball detection switch 64b provided in the activated specific winning hole 62b is effectively utilized, and the other prize ball detecting switch 64a is used.
The detection output of 64c and 64c is disabled.

When the pachinko gaming machine is in the right generation state, the pachinko balls enter the starting winning openings 16a and 16b shown in FIG. 1, so that the opening / closing plate 20 of the variable winning ball device 18 stays for a certain period of time, for example, 10 seconds or pachinko balls. Open until 10 prizes, whichever comes first, expires. Then, while the right is generated, the above-mentioned control of the variable winning ball device 18 is continued by winning a pachinko ball to the starting winning port 16a or 16b, and this control is continued until the maximum opening / closing plate 20 is opened eight times.

The right generated by the pachinko ball winning the specific winning opening 62b disappears the next time the pachinko ball wins the same specific winning opening 62b. That is, both the generation and the extinction of the right are based on the winning of the pachinko ball to the specific winning opening 62b in the initial state. When a right is generated by winning a pachinko ball to the specific winning opening 62b and the right disappears due to the winning of the pachinko ball, the activation of the specific winning opening 62b ends, and next, for example, the specific winning opening 62a becomes effective. , The other two specific winning openings 62b and 62c are invalid. Therefore, in this state, the right is generated by the pachinko ball winning the specific winning opening 62a, and the right disappears when the pachinko ball wins the specific winning opening 62a in the right generation state. Then, next, the specific winning opening 62c
Is selected and activated, and the other two specific winning openings 62a, 62b
Is invalidated, and the specific prize hole relating to the generation and extinction of rights is 62c. Furthermore, next, again, the specific winning a prize mouth 6
2b is involved in the generation and extinction of rights. Thus, in this embodiment, the specific winning opening 62a provided in the winning ball device 14,
62b and 62c selectively function as effective specific winning holes that are sequentially involved in the generation and extinction of rights.

The player is informed of which of the specific winning openings is involved in the generation and disappearance of the right by turning on the display lamps 66a, 66b, 66c arranged above the specific winning openings. In addition, the segment display 92 is a winning a prize opening 16a, 16b
The number of balls entering (see FIG. 1) is displayed. In addition, rotors 68a and 68b for ball distribution are provided above the specific winning openings 62a, 62b and 62c. The operation of the rotors 68a and 68b will be described later in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the winning ball device 14. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 70 denotes a main body, which includes the mounting substrate 40 and the like. 44 is a convex portion, which also serves as a lamp cover for the lamp pair incorporated inside. 74a and 74b are lamp cover / partitioning members, 76 is a front decorative plate, and 46 is a ball guide shelf. 64a, 64b, 64c is a winning ball detection switch as described above, 64a, 64c is a switch configured to detect the pachinko ball by the change in the magnetic flux that changes when the pachinko ball passes, 64b is a micro It is a switch that has a built-in switch and detects the pachinko ball by moving its actuator when the pachinko ball passes. Decorations 78a, 78b are attached to the front surfaces of the rotors 68a, 68b, respectively, and rotation support shafts 80a, 80 extending in the front-rear direction are provided behind them.
b is installed. Reference numeral 84 is a front decorative plate, and a portion indicated by reference numeral 84 is formed of, for example, a semitransparent resin so that its internal structure can be seen. Reference numeral 84 is a ball guiding member, which is for guiding the pachinko balls that have normally entered the winning openings 42a, 42b and the ball entrance 48 in a predetermined direction, and is attached to the back side of the main body 70. 86 is a display shelf, 88 is a lamp display board, 90
Is a lamp holding plate to which a large number of LEDs, lamps and segment indicators 92 are attached. 58 is the above-mentioned ball rolling surface, 60
a, 60b are ridges, 94b are lamps, 66a, 66b, 66c are indicator lamps for displaying specific winning holes related to the generation and extinction of rights, 94 is a lamp cover for those indicator lamps, 96
Is a partition plate, and a ball outlet 56 is formed. Reference numeral 98 is a back cover, and 100 is a relay board for wiring. Rotating shaft of motor 52 1
A gear driving member 104 having an engaging protrusion is fitted to 02,
The drive gear 106b is rotated by the gear drive member 104,
The rotation is transmitted to the rotor 68b via the rotation support shaft 80b. In this embodiment, the motor 52 employs a motor that slowly rotates clockwise when viewed from the front, as indicated by arrow 108, and therefore the rotor 68b rotates clockwise.
As the drive gear 106b rotates, the drive gear 106a that meshes with the drive gear 106b rotates counterclockwise. Then, this rotation is transmitted to the rotor 68a via the rotation support shaft 80a.

A cam 110 is also fitted to the drive gear 106b, and a swinging piece 112 that is vertically moved by the cam 110 is provided at the center of the lower edge of the partition plate 96. The cam 110 engages with the engaging rod 114 of the rocking piece 112 by its rotation, and the rocking piece 112
Move up and down. The upward convex end of the rocking piece 112 moves up and down in the hole 116 formed in the rolling surface 58, and when it projects from the hole 116, it prevents the pachinko balls on the rolling surface 58 from flowing down to the center. Work. That is, the swing piece 112 acts as a kind of ball sorting device.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are views for explaining the operation and function of the ball distribution mechanism provided in the winning ball apparatus 14. With reference to FIG. 6 (a), the rotors 68a and 68b respectively rotate left and right in the figure, and in the state shown in the figure, the ball outlet 5 is operated by the action of the rotors 68a and 68b.
The pachinko balls coming out of 6 are distributed to the specific winning opening 62a or 62c. Further, in the state of FIG. 6 (b), the pachinko balls are distributed to the specific winning opening 62b in the center. As described above, in order to prevent the pachinko balls from rolling between the ridges 60a and 60b, and the pachinko balls constantly rolling in the central portion of the ball rolling surface 58, as described above, The moving piece 112 repeatedly projects intermittently. Therefore, the rotation of the rotors 68a, 68b and the protrusion of the swinging piece 112 work together to distribute the pachinko balls rolling out from the ball outlet 56 to one of the specific winning openings 62a, 62b, 62c.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a characteristic part of the back structure of the pachinko gaming machine 10 described in FIG. In FIG. 7, the same numbers are assigned to the parts already described, and the duplicated description will be omitted. The configuration of the variable winning ball device 18 shown in FIG. 7 is already known (see, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-58984, FIG. 3A), and the description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of an electric control circuit for controlling the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The operation of the control circuit of this embodiment will be described mainly with reference to FIG.

The pachinko balls fired by the player win the ball entrance 48 (see FIG. 3) of the winning ball device 14 with a certain probability. Then, it is distributed to the rotors 68a, 68b and the like, and further, with a certain probability, it is awarded to an activated specific winning opening, for example, a specific winning opening 62b which is involved in the generation and disappearance of rights. The pachinko ball that has won the specific winning opening 62b is the winning ball detection switch 64b.
(See FIG. 3), and the detection output is detected by the selection circuit 13
Given to 4. The selection circuit 134 is for each winning ball detection switch
It is a circuit that sequentially activates and outputs only the output of a predetermined winning ball detection switch when it receives inputs from 64a, 64b, 64c, for example, a circuit that can be configured by a 6-bit ring counter and an AND gate. The output of the selection circuit 134 is given to the right generation extinction winning circuit 136. The output of the right generation winning circuit 136 is always “high level” (hereinafter referred to as “H”), and when the output from the selection circuit 134 is given, a “low level” (hereinafter referred to as “L”) pulse is given. Output. Therefore, the holding circuit 140 is connected via the NAND gate 138.
An "H" pulse is applied to the C terminal of the.

The holding circuit 140 is composed of, for example, a flip-flop and operates as follows. That is, the holding circuit 14
When the "H" pulse is applied to the reset terminal R of 0 and reset, the Q output is "L" and the output is "H".
When the input to the D terminal is "H", the output is inverted in response to the "H" pulse being applied to the C terminal. That is,
The Q output is "H" and the output is "L". Even if the "H" pulse is continuously applied to the C terminal in such a state, the output state of the holding circuit 140 does not change. However, the output state of the holding circuit 140 is Q output “H”, output “L”.
, The input to the D terminal becomes “L”, and in that state C
When the "H" pulse is applied to the terminal, the output of the holding circuit 140 is inverted and the original reset state is set.

Now, referring to FIG. 8, when the “H” pulse is applied to the C terminal of the holding circuit 140, the output of the holding circuit 140 is inverted, and the Q output “H” is output via the AND gate 142. It is provided to the lamps 21a and 21b (see FIG. 1). The AND gate 142 is a 2-input AND gate, and the output from the frequency dividing circuit 144 is given to the other input. Therefore,
The right generation display lamps 21a and 21b are in a blinking display state according to the output cycle from the frequency dividing circuit 144. Also, the holding circuit
The Q output “H” of 140 is also given to the LED driver 146. led
Upon receiving the output from the holding circuit 140, the driver 146 turns on all the display LEDs 147 (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 etc.), which are, for example, eight LEDs. The player can confirm that the right is generated by blinking and lighting the right generation display lamps 21a and 21b and the display LED 147.

The Q output “H” of the holding circuit 140 is also the D output of the holding circuit 150.
Terminal. The holding circuit 150 can also be configured by, for example, a flip-flop like the holding circuit 140, and has the same function as the holding circuit 140.
Input to the D terminal enables the operation.

When a pachinko ball is won in the starting winning opening 16a or 16b (see FIG. 1) in the right generation state, the starting winning prize detecting switch 26a or 26b provided on the back side of the game board 12
It is detected (see FIG. 2). The detection output is
As shown in FIG. 8, it is given to the starting winning circuit 152.
The start winning circuit 152 always derives an "H" output, and outputs a "L" pulse in response to the output from the start winning ball detection switches 26a and 26b. The "L" pulse is a NAND gate
It is inverted at 154 and applied to the C terminal of the holding circuit 150. Therefore, the output of the holding circuit 150 is inverted, the output "L" is inverted by the inverter 156, and the solenoid 28 for opening and closing the opening plate via the solenoid driver 158 (see FIGS. 2 and 7).
Turns on. Therefore, the opening / closing plate 20 (see FIG. 1) is opened, and the variable winning ball device 18 is in a state where it is easy for the pachinko balls to win.

Further, the output of the inverter 156 and the output of the frequency dividing circuit 144 are logically ANDed by the AND gate 159, and the output is given to the lamp driver 160, and the decorative lamp 162 (provided on the variable winning ball device 18 ( (Not shown in FIG. 1) is blinked.

The Q output "H" of the holding circuit 150 is differentiated by the rising differentiating circuit 164 from the rising of "L" to "H", and the obtained differential pulse is given to the LED driver 146. Based on this pulse, the LED driver 146 turns off one of the display LEDs 147 that are lit.

The Q output "H" of the holding circuit 150 is also supplied as a set input of the timer 166, and the timer 166 starts measuring a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds. Further, the Q output "H" is rise-differentiated by the rise differentiator 168, and its pulse is given to the up-down counter 170 as a down input pulse.

Here, an inverted output pulse of the start winning circuit 152 is given to an up input of the up / down counter 170.
Therefore, the up-down counter 170 is the starting winning circuit 1
Every time there is an output of 52, in other words, every time a pachinko ball is won at the starting winning port 16a or 16b, the count value is incremented by "1". Then, the holding circuit 150
Each time the Q output "H" of the above is derived, that is, every time the opening / closing plate 20 is opened, the count value is decremented by "1".

Next, the pachinko balls that have won the variable winning ball device 18 while the opening / closing plate 20 is opened are detected by the ten count detection switch 171 which is not shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 7. The ten-count output circuit 172 to which the output of the ten-count detection switch 171 is applied is a circuit which derives a pulse when the output pulse from the ten-count detection switch 171 is counted, for example, ten pulses. Ten count output circuit 172
And the time-up pulse of the timer 166 are both applied as a reset input of the holding circuit 150. Therefore, in the holding circuit 150, the timer 166 measures, for example, 10 seconds, or the ten-count output circuit 172 derives an output (that is, the number of winning balls to the variable winning ball device 18 becomes 10). It will be reset based on the earlier one. As a result, the output of the holding circuit 150 is inverted, the solenoid 28 is turned off, and the opening / closing plate 20 is closed.

Next, in the right generation state, a pachinko ball is won in the starting winning a prize holes 16a, 16b, the holding circuit 150 is in a set state, and the opening and closing plate 20 is open, and a pachinko ball is a prize in the starting winning a prize hole 16a or 16b. Think about when you do. In this case, the inversion pulse “H” of the start winning circuit 152 is given as an up input to the up / down counter 170, and the winning number storage circuit 174 is incremented by “1”. Further, when a pachinko ball wins the starting winning opening 16a or 16b, the count value of the up-down counter 170 is incremented by "1". Up-down counter 17
As for 0, the count value is incremented each time a pachinko ball is won into the start winning port 16a, 16b, and conversely, the count value is decremented according to the rise of the Q output "H" of the holding circuit 150. Therefore, the value stored in the up / down counter 172 is, in other words,
It can be said that this represents the number of times that the opening / closing plate 20 can be opened again during the generation of the right. Then, in this embodiment, the value stored in the up / down counter 170 is displayed on the display. For this purpose, the output of the up / down counter 170 is logically ANDed with the output of the frequency dividing circuit 144 and given to the LED driver 146. LED driver 1
At 46, an operation of switching from the constant light state to the blinking state by the number based on the numerical value given from the up / down counter 170 among the lit display LEDs 147 is performed. Therefore,
The number of blinking LEDs of the display LEDs 147 allows the player to know how many more times the opening / closing plate 20 will be opened even if no balls enter the start winning openings 16a and 16b thereafter.

When the holding circuit 150 is reset by the output of the timer 166 or the ten count output circuit 172 and the count value of the up / down counter 170 is “1” or more, the up / down counter 170 outputs a high voltage to the C terminal of the holding circuit 150. A level pulse is given. Therefore, the holding circuit 150 is set again, and the inverted output “H” of the output “L” thereof turns on the solenoid 28. Further, the up-down counter 170 is decremented by "1" by the rising differential pulse of the Q output "H" of the holding circuit 150. In this way, if the up / down counter 170 has a count value,
Immediately after the solenoid 28 turns off, immediately
28 is turned on, and the opening / closing plate 20 is opened again.

Further, one display LED 147 is turned off, and the number of blinking display LEDs 147 is also reduced by one.

Inverted output of the starting winning circuit 152, that is, the starting winning opening 16a, 1
The number of pachinko balls that have won 6b is stored by the winning storage circuit 174. Further, the Q output “H” of the holding circuit 150 is stored in the winning storage circuit 188. Although not shown,
The value stored in the prize winning memory circuit 174 is displayed by the segment indicator 92 of the prize winning ball device 14, and the value stored in the prize winning memory circuit 188 is displayed by the segment indicator (see FIG. 1) provided in the variable prize winning ball device 18. It is supposed to be done.
When the stored values of the winning storage circuit 174 and the winning storage circuit 188 become “8”, the respective outputs are derived. The holding circuit 140 is reset by the output of any one of them, and the up / down counter 170 is reset. Therefore, the output of the holding circuit 140 is inverted to be in the reset state, the right generation state disappears, all the display LEDs 147 are turned off, the right generation display lamps 21a and 21b are also turned off, and they are given to the D terminal of the holding circuit 150. The signal level becomes "L". Therefore, the holding circuit 150 does not enter the set state even if the "H" pulse is applied to the C terminal thereafter. In this way, when the 7th pachinko ball wins after the winning award winning openings 16a, 16b and the 8th pachinko ball wins, or
After the opening / closing plate 20 of the variable winning ball device 18 has been opened eight times, the right generation state ends.

Further, in the right generation state, even when a pachinko ball wins a specific winning opening related to the generation and extinguishment of the right, in this case, the specific winning opening 64b, the output of the holding circuit 140 is inverted, and the right disappears.

In this embodiment, when the right is lost when the count value of the up / down counter 170 is “1” or more, that is, when the display LED 147 has a blinking display,
Even after the right is extinguished, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened only once. Therefore, a holding circuit 176 for holding the output of the NAND gate 138 is provided, and the logical product of the output of the holding circuit 176 and the output of the up / down counter 170 is held circuit 1.
It is designed to be applied to 50 D terminals. The holding circuit 176 is reset by the rising differential pulse of the Q output "H" of the holding circuit 150 thereafter. In this way, even after the right is extinguished, the opening / closing plate 20 is opened only once by the service in a certain case.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a main part of a back surface structure of a pachinko gaming machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is drawn corresponding to FIG. 7, and is the same as the configuration of FIG. Are given the same reference numbers.

The structural features of the pachinko gaming machine according to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 are as follows. That is, the path switching device 118 is provided in the middle of the winning ball guiding path 22, and the pachinko ball falling on the winning ball guiding path 22 is returned to the player or on the winning ball gathering gutter 34 like a normal winning ball. It is possible to switch whether or not to drop. The switching is performed by a solenoid 28 for opening and closing an opening and closing plate (not shown) of the variable winning ball device 18 according to the opening and closing of the opening and closing plate. As a result, when the open / close plate (not shown) of the variable winning ball device 18 is in the closed state, the solenoid 28 is in the off state, and the pachinko balls falling on the winning ball guiding paths 22a and 22b further pass through the path switching device 118. It is guided by the winning ball guide path 22c and returned to the surplus ball tray provided on the front side of the pachinko gaming machine (not shown). On the other hand, when the solenoid 28 is turned on and the opening / closing plate (not shown) of the variable winning ball device 118 is opened, at the same time, the path switching device 18 is switched, and the winning ball guiding path 22.
The pachinko balls falling on a and 22b are discharged onto the prize-winning ball collecting gutter 34. Therefore, according to this embodiment, in the state where the opening / closing plate of the variable winning ball device 18 is opened, that is, in the gaming state in which the right is generated and the opening / closing plate is opened, the pachinko ball easily enters the variable winning ball device 18. Along with this, a large amount of prize balls are paid out, and the starting winning openings 16a, 16b and the specific winning openings 6
When a pachinko ball enters 2a, 62b, 62c, etc., the usual predetermined number of prize balls are also paid out, so the player can get more prize balls at once, which is the real pleasure of the game. There is an advantage that you can taste.

Next, a more detailed configuration and switching operation of the path switching device 118 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 (a) and 10 (b).

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the path switching device 118
Is disposed so as to be coupled to the lower side of the confluence portion of the winning ball guide paths 22a, 22b, a switching valve 120, a switching valve operating link 122 for operating the switching valve 120, and a side wall 124 surrounding the periphery. Is equipped with. The lower end of the switching valve 120 is a fulcrum 12
The fulcrum 126 is rotatably engaged with the side wall 124. Therefore, the switching valve 120 is rotatable around the fulcrum 126. Further, the engagement pin 128 projects from the side surface of the switching valve 120 at the substantially central portion in the length direction. An engaging elongated hole 130 is formed at the lower end of the switching valve operating link 122, and the engaging elongated hole 130 is engaged with the engaging pin 128. The upper end of the switching valve actuation link 122 is coupled to the solenoid 28,
The switching valve operating link 122 is moved up and down by turning on and off 8. Therefore, when the solenoid 28 is off, the engagement elongated hole 130 and the engagement pin 128 engage with each other as shown in FIG.
The switching valve 128 is tilted to the left. Therefore, the pachinko balls falling on the winning ball guide paths 22a and 22b are the switching valves 120
And it is guided to the prize winning ball guiding path 22c below by the side wall 124.
Conversely, when the solenoid 28 is on, the switching valve operating link
Since the 122 is slid upward, the engagement slot 130 and the engagement pin 12
The engagement with 8 becomes as shown in FIG. 10 (b), and the switching valve 120
Is upright. Therefore, the winning ball guide path 22a, 22
The passage from the merging portion of b to the winning ball guiding path 22c below is blocked by the switching valve 120, and the pachinko balls falling on the winning ball guiding paths 22a and 22b drop downward from the discharge port 132 as it is. This fallen pachinko ball is a winning ball set gutter 34 (see Fig. 9).
And is led to a prize ball payout device (not shown).

The path switching device 118 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is used.
Is configured to be switched by a solenoid 28 for controlling opening / closing of the opening / closing plate 20 (not shown) of the variable winning ball device 18, so that the switching is performed with the opening / closing of the opening / closing plate. Another solenoid may be provided as a source so that the path can be switched based on other conditions. For example, when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine is in a state in which no right is generated, the path switching device is in the state of FIG. 10 (a), and the pachinko balls guided by the winning ball guiding paths 22a and 22b are the winning ball guiding path 22c. It is configured to be returned to the player as it is through, and when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine becomes the right generation state, the path switching device 118 is switched, and the pachinko balls guided by the winning ball guiding paths 22a, 22b are normally. The prize payout process may be performed in the same manner as the prize winning item. In this way, the player can get a chance to win more prize balls in the right generation state, and the interest of the game is increased.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine 200 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. This pachinko machine 200
Is a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to the embodiment described with reference to FIG.
In, in addition to having a different structure such as the winning ball guide path, a minority prize ball payout device 504 and a payout passage 506 for guiding the pachinko balls paid out from the payout device 504 are newly provided. . More specifically,
Pachinko balls that have won the specific winning openings of the starting winning openings 16a, 16b and the winning ball device 14 are the winning ball guiding path 22 and the path 50.
It is guided by 2 and processed as an out ball. At the same time, the start winning prize detecting switches 26a, 26b and the three winning prize detecting switches 64a, 64b, 64c (third prize provided on the winning ball device 14)
(See the figure), the minority prize ball payout device 504 is driven, and the minority prize ball payout device 50 is provided for each winning coin.
With 4, for example, one pachinko ball is paid out through the payout passage 506.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B are views for explaining one configuration example and the operating principle of the minority prize ball payout device 504.

The minority prize ball payout device 504 will be described with reference to FIGS. 12A and 12B. The minority prize ball payout device 504 is
Ball drop passage where each pachinko ball can drop
508, a ball release lever 510 and a ball stop lever 512 that are provided so as to project into and pull out of the ball drop passage 508, and a connecting plate 51 that connects the ball release lever 510 and the ball stop lever 512.
4 and a solenoid 516 for driving the ball discharging lever 510 and the ball stopping lever 512.

In the minority prize ball payout device 504, the solenoid 516 is normally in the off state as shown in FIG. 12A, and at this time, the tip of the ball discharge lever 510 projects into the ball drop passage 508 and, conversely, the ball stop lever 512. The tip is pulled out from the ball drop passage 508, and the pachinko ball is locked by the ball release lever 510.

The solenoid 516 is turned on each time a signal is given from the start winning prize detecting switch 26a, 26b or the winning prize detecting switch 64a, 64b, 64c. In response, the tip of the ball release lever 510 is pulled out from the ball drop passage 508, and conversely, the tip of the ball stop lever 512 connected by the connecting plate 514 is inserted into the ball drop passage 508. That is, when the solenoid 516 is turned on and off, the connecting plate 514 is rotated about the support shaft 518, and the tip of either the ball discharge lever 510 or the ball stop lever 512 projects into the ball drop passage 508. ing. Since the distance between the tip of the ball release lever 510 and the ball stop lever 512 is set to exactly one pachinko ball, when the solenoid 516 is turned on once, one pachinko ball falls. , Will be paid out as a prize ball.

If the distance between the tip portions of the ball release lever 510 and the ball stop lever 512, that is, the distance between the tips of both of them protruding into the ball drop passage 508 is set so that two or three pachinko balls enter, the solenoid 516 is provided. 2 or 3 by turning on once
It is also possible to pay out individual pachinko balls at once. Thirteenth
FIG. 14 and FIG. 14 show such another configuration example of the minority prize ball payout device.

In the minority prize ball payout device 520 shown in FIG. 13, the distance between the tip ends of the ball discharge lever 510 and the ball stop lever 512 protruding into the ball drop passage 508 is selected to be the distance for two pachinko balls. Further, in the minority prize ball payout device 524 shown in FIG.
The distance between the tip of the ball release lever 510 and the tip of the ball stop lever 512 is selected for three pachinko balls. Therefore, in the minority prize ball dispenser 520 shown in FIG. 13, two pachinko balls are dispensed by one excitation of the solenoid 516. Also,
In the minority gift dispenser 524 shown in Fig. 14, the solenoid 516
Three pachinko balls will be paid out by one excitation.

Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14,
The ball drop passage 508 has a plurality of slits 522a, 522b, 522c, 522d, ... Through which the tip of the ball stop lever 512 is inserted, at intervals equal to the diameter of the pachinko ball. By properly selecting the shape of 512, the tip of the ball stop lever 512 can be inserted into any of the plurality of slits 522a to 522d. The ball stop lever 512 is detachable from the connecting plate 514. As a result,
The number of prize balls paid out by the minority prize ball payout device can be easily changed to an arbitrary number among 1, 2, 3, 4, and the like. This change is different from the electric control change that changes the number of times the solenoid 516 is turned on, and since it is a simple change that simply replaces the ball stop lever 512, there is an advantage that the change is easy.

Incidentally, also in the pachinko gaming machine 200 shown in FIG. 11,
A path switching device is provided in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 9, and the path is switched when the opening / closing plate of the variable winning ball device is opened or when the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine becomes the right generation state. , Start winning openings 16a, 16b and specific winning openings 62a, 62b, 6
Ordinary prize ball payout device 32 with pachinko ball winning in 2c
May be driven so that a relatively large number of free gift balls, which is a normal number, may be paid out. Of course, in this case, the minority prize ball payout device is not driven.

FIG. 15 is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine 300 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Pachinko gaming machine 3 of this embodiment
The feature of 00 is that, instead of the minority prize ball payout device 504 shown in FIG. 11, a minority prize ball payout device centering on the returning device 528 is provided. Note that the pachinko gaming machine 300 is also similar to the pachinko gaming machine 200 shown in FIG.
Also, a path 502 is provided for processing a pachinko ball that has won a specific winning opening of the winning ball device 14 as an out ball.

In the pachinko gaming machine 300, the ball storage unit 5
30 are provided. The ball storage unit 530 is for storing an appropriate number of pachinko balls. When the pachinko balls in the ball storage unit 530 are full, they flow out from the ball overflow port 532. The pachinko balls in the ball storage unit 530 are given to the reduction device 528. The reducing device 528 is provided with a ball ascending passage 534,
The rotation of 536 causes the pachinko balls to be sent to the upper part through the ascending circuit 534. Therefore, start winning prize detection switch
If the motor 538 is rotated by a predetermined angle or for a predetermined time based on the detection output of 26a, 26b, etc., and the upper feed gear 536 is rotated by a predetermined angle or for a predetermined time, a desired number of pachinko balls can be moved from the upstream end of the ascending path 534. It can be released and can be paid out as a prize ball. It is preferable that the number of prize balls paid out at this time is detected by the prize ball discharge detection switch 540, just in case.

FIG. 16 is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine 400 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. The feature of the pachinko gaming machine 400 is that it does not have two types of prize ball payout devices like the pachinko gaming machines described above, but has a single electric prize ball payout device 402, and an electric prize ball according to a signal. That is, the payout device 402 can pay out different numbers of prize balls. This characteristic part will be described in detail below.

Referring to FIG. 16, a prize ball storage tank 404 is provided at the uppermost portion on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 400, and an electric prize ball payout device 402 is provided below the prize ball storage tank 404. The prize ball storage tank 404 and the electric prize ball payout device 402 are connected by a prize ball communication port 406, and the prize ball storage tank 4 is provided.
From 04 via this communication port 406, electric prize ball dispensing device 402
Pachinko balls as prize balls are always supplied. In addition, a ball breakage detector 408 is provided in the prize ball communication port 406.
Is provided to prepare for the lack of prize balls. The configuration of the electric prize ball payout device 402 will be described later with reference to FIG. 17, and the prize ball payout passage paid out from the electric prize ball payout device 402 will be described first. The prize ball paid out from the electric prize ball payout device 402 is guided by the prize ball guide gutter 410 and paid out to the front side of the pachinko gaming machine 400. In this embodiment, a ball drop device 412 and a ball drop gutter 414 are provided in the middle of the prize ball guide gutter 410, and a prize ball is pulled out by this ball drop device 412 at the end of business hours and the like. The ball is taken out as an out ball through the ball pulling gutter 414.

In FIG. 16, 26a and 26b are start prize winning ball detection switches, and 64a, 64b and 64c are prize winning ball detection switches for detecting prize winning balls that have won a specific winning opening. Further, although not shown, other winning areas are also provided with detection switches for detecting winning balls. In response to the output of each of these detection switches, the electric prize ball payout device 402 is driven to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls.

In addition, a ball detection switch is provided in association with the prize ball guide trough 416 that collects the prize balls all together, and when there is only the output of the ball detection switch, a predetermined second ball number payout command signal,
In addition, when there is both the output of the starting winning ball detection switch 26a or 26b or the specific winning ball detection switch 64a, 64b or 64c and the output of the above-mentioned detection switch provided in the winning ball guide trough, the predetermined first number of coins payout A command signal is output, and based on the signal, the electric prize ball payout device 402
May be driven.

FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing a configuration example of the electric prize ball payout device 402. The electric prize ball payout device shown in this embodiment
402 includes a main rotation pulley 418, a sub-rotation pulley 420 provided at a predetermined distance from the main rotation pulley 418, and a conveyor belt 412 bridged between them. Then, the upper surface of the conveyor belt 422, which advances from the sub-rotary pulley 420 to the main rotary pulley 418, is arranged so as to gently incline toward the above direction. Also, the conveyor belt
On the surface of 422 (the outer surface opposite to the surface engaging with the main rotary pulley 418 and the secondary rotary pulley 420), prize ball mounting recesses 424 are formed at equal intervals. It is possible to receive one pachinko ball at a time. The main rotation pulley 418 is rotated rightward in FIG. 17 at a relatively slow speed by a drive motor (not shown). Accordingly, the conveyor belt 422 between the main rotary pulley 418 and the slave rotary pulley 420 (this pulley is rotatably attached) is conveyed, and the pachinko balls flowing out from the prize ball communication port 406 are on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 422. The prize balls are placed one by one in the recess portion 424 for placement and are conveyed rightward by the conveyor belt 422.
When it comes to the upper part of the main rotary pulley 418, it is detected by the prize ball detector 426 provided there, and is dropped downward through the prize ball guide gutter 410. Therefore, the main rotation pulley 418 is started to rotate in accordance with the output of the above-described winning ball detector,
Main rotation pulley 418 based on detection output of prize ball detector 426
If is stopped, a predetermined number of prize balls can be paid out according to the winning area.

The electric prize ball payout device 402 described above is merely an example, and the electric prize ball payout device may have another configuration. In short, the electric prize ball payout device is electrically operated in response to the output of the prize ball detection switch, and is equipped with a detector for detecting the prize ball to be paid out. Anything that responds to stop the operation may be used.
The winning ball detection switches 64a, 64b, 64c, the selection circuit 134, and the right generation extinction winning circuit 136 are prerequisites for putting the variable winning ball device in the first state, and a hit ball is won in the special winning area. The right generation condition detecting means is configured to detect that the right generation condition that is satisfied on the condition that the condition is satisfied is satisfied. By the control circuit shown in FIG. 8, the variable winning is provided on condition that the ball has been hit in the starting winning area during the period in which the right is generated by the detection output of the right generating condition detecting means. A control means for controlling the ball device to the first state is configured.

In the description of the above embodiment, a pachinko ball is rented out at the time of playing a game, and a game to be played with the pachinko ball is taken up. Using the recording medium to a pachinko gaming machine so that it can be played with a pachinko ball built into the pachinko gaming machine and give value with something other than a prize ball so that the player does not carry the pachinko ball around It can also be applied to those configured in. That is, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, since a pachinko ball is paid out as a prize ball, the number of pachinko balls as a prize ball to be paid out can be changed according to the winning port or switched according to the gaming state. However, in the case of using the data recording medium, specific data or the like given to the player may be changed according to the winning hole, as in the case of the number of pachinko balls as the prize ball,
It may be switched depending on the game state. The prize ball guiding paths 22a, 22b, 22c and the prize ball payout device 32, or the prize ball payout device 32 and the decimal prize ball payout device 504, or the prize ball payout device 32 and the return device 528, and a pachinko machine using a recording medium. As with the case of the number of pachinko balls as a prize ball for the gaming machine, it is possible to change the specific data etc. given to the player according to the description content that the winning ball is awarded to the variable winning ball device. 1 is provided with a valuable value, and a value giving means is provided which is able to give a second number of valuable values smaller than the first number in association with winning of a hit ball in the specific winning area. ing.

In the description of each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the variable winning ball device has been described by taking a type including an opening / closing plate, but other variable winning ball devices, for example, a variable winning ball having opening / closing wings that open to the left and right. It should be pointed out that the present invention can be applied to a pachinko gaming machine that includes a device or a large number of so-called tulips, and the tulips are electrically controlled.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, the first number, that is, a relatively large number of valuable values can be given to the player in association with the winning of a ball hitting the variable winning ball device, so that the variable winning is achieved. When the ball device is in the first state and a large number of hit balls are in the state of winning, it is possible to maintain the valuable value given to the player to be large and to maintain the satisfaction of the player to be large, and the variable winning ball. Device first
The player's expectation that the right generation condition, which is a precondition for the above condition, will be maintained at a high level. In addition, the valuable value given to the player in association with the winning of the hitting ball in the specific winning area, which is a condition as the first step to the establishment of the right generating condition, is a second number, that is, a relatively small number. Therefore, even if a large number of hit balls are configured to be able to win in this specific winning area, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that the burden on the management of the amusement hall becomes too large. As a result, if many hit balls are configured to be able to win in this specific winning area, the possibility that the right generation condition will be satisfied frequently occurs accordingly.
The player frequently holds the expectation that the right generation condition is satisfied, and an interesting game that does not bore the player is possible.

In short, the number of imparted valuables is made different at the time of winning the variable winning ball device and at the time of winning the specific winning area, and is increased when winning the variable winning ball device to the specific winning area. Since it is sometimes reduced, it is possible to maintain the value added value associated with winning the variable winning ball device to be relatively large, and it is possible to maintain the player's expectation that the right generation condition is satisfied to be large. On top of that, the expectation can be frequently visited without the management burden of the amusement hall becoming too large, and both the expectation itself and the frequency of occurrence of the expectation increase. Through the synergistic effect, it became possible to improve the interest of the game.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a pachinko gaming machine 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the back surface structure of the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG. 3 shows a winning ball device 14 arranged in the pachinko gaming machine 10.
FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the winning ball device 14. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the winning ball device 14. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of the winning ball distribution device in the winning ball device 14. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of characteristic parts of the back structure of the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a control circuit of the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a characteristic portion of the back structure of a pachinko gaming machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of the path switching device in another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. FIG. 11 is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine 200 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. 12A and 12B are pachinko game machines shown in FIG.
3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration and operation of the minority prize ball payout device provided in 200. FIG. FIG. 13 and FIG. 14 are diagrams showing another configuration example of the minority prize item payout device. FIG. 15 is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine 300 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a rear view of a pachinko gaming machine 400 according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is an illustrative view showing one example of an electric prize ball payout device. In the figure, 10,200,300 is a pachinko gaming machine, 12 is a game board, 14 is a winning ball device, 16a, 16b is a starting winning opening, 18 is a variable winning ball device, 20 is an opening / closing plate, 22 is a winning ball guiding path, and 24 is a surplus. Ball saucer, 26a, 26b are start winning prize detection switches, 28 is a solenoid, 32 is a prize ball payout device, 48 is a ball entrance, 50 is a prize space, 56 is a ball exit, 62a, 62b, 62c are specific prize holes, 64a , 64
Reference numerals b and 64c denote winning ball detection switches, 66a, 66b and 66c display lamps, 68a and 68b rotors, and 120 a switching valve.

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A ball-and-ball game machine in which a ball is hit into a game area to play a game, wherein a specific winning area is provided in the game area, in which a ball can be won, and the ball is distributed in the game area. A start winning area in which a ball is placed, and a variable winning area that is arranged in the game area and can be changed between a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player A ball device, a special winning region in which a ball hitting the specific winning region can win with a certain probability, and a precondition for setting the variable winning ball device in the first state, which is in the special winning region. During the period in which the right generation condition is detected by the right generation condition detecting means for detecting that the right generation condition is satisfied on the condition that the ball is won, and the detection output of the right generation condition detecting means is present. , That the ball is in the starting prize area As a condition, a control means for controlling the variable winning ball device to a first state, and a first number of valuables can be given along with winning of a ball hitting the variable winning ball device, and the specific winning area. A ball game machine, comprising: a value giving means capable of giving a second number of valuable values smaller than the first number in accordance with a winning of a hit ball. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the value giving means is a prize ball paying means for paying out a valuable value given to the player as a prize ball.