JP2995699B2 - Bingo game device and computer readable medium - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a method of randomly and successively selecting numerical values from a predetermined range of numerical values and forming any numerical value constituting a numerical value matrix in card information given to a player in advance. The present invention relates to a bingo game device for competing as to whether or not all numerical values in a column have been selected, and a computer-readable medium storing a bingo game program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Bingo games have long been played at casinos in Europe and the United States. Here, the rules will be briefly described. Each player participates in the game by purchasing a card in which random numbers are arranged in a 5 × 5 matrix. And the dealer, from the ball extraction device that houses a plurality of balls each with its own number,
Balls are extracted randomly and one after another, and the numbers drawn on the surface of the extracted balls are read aloud. Each player checks the number read out, if the number is written on his card. In this way, when all five numbers arranged vertically, horizontally, or diagonally on the card are checked, "Bingo" is established (the state immediately before bingo is called "reach"). Then, the player who first establishes “Bingo” among all the participants receives the dividend from the dealer as the winner.

In recent years, there has been known a bingo game apparatus for automatically playing a bingo game under the control of a computer on which coins are to be hung. In such a bingo game apparatus, numerical data is randomly selected from a predetermined range of numerical values by a numerical selecting device having any configuration and transmitted to a station where each player occupies a seat. Each station generates card data corresponding to the numeric matrix on the original card, and displays an image of the card based on the card data on a display device. Then, based on the numerical information notified from the numerical value selection device, the data content is checked and the card image on the display device is changed. Then, it is automatically determined whether or not bingo has been established. If bingo has been established, the player is paid out a number of coins corresponding to the number of coins inserted at the start of the game. ing.

[0004]

However, the above-mentioned conventional bingo game apparatus merely executes the game automatically in accordance with the rules of the traditional bingo game. That is, the size of the number matrix in the card data set in the station occupied by each player is fixed to 5 × 5, and the payout when the player wins is inserted at the beginning of the game at the very least. It only reflected the number of coins (bets) that were made. As described above, the conventional bingo game cannot be said to take advantage of the characteristics of computer control capable of performing various and high-speed processing, and refunds are made in various modes according to the player's decision and luck. It was not possible to provide game contents with high playability.

In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to change the size of the effective area in the matrix displayed on the display means according to the amount of play value bet, thereby forming bingo. An object of the present invention is to provide a bingo game device and a computer-readable medium storing a bingo game program capable of increasing the probability of playing.

[0006]

The invention described in each claim is
It has been made to solve the above problems.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a code selecting means for randomly and sequentially selecting a code from a plurality of predetermined codes, and a display means for displaying a matrix composed of a plurality of squares in each of vertical and horizontal directions. Effective area setting means for setting a part or all of the area in the matrix as an effective area, and code setting for setting at least one of the predetermined codes to at least each cell in the effective area. means, a game value acceptance means for accepting a game value is bet by the player, depending on the amount of game value accepted by the game value acceptance device, adjacent to the effective area that is set by the effective area setting means Has an area
Effective area expanding means for expanding the effective area by resetting the effective area, and a hit cell specifying means for specifying a cell in which a code corresponding to the code selected by the code selecting means is set as a hit cell, Determining means for determining whether or not the hit mass specified by the hit mass specifying means is continuous for at least a predetermined number in any direction on the matrix; And a payout means for paying a play value to the player when it is determined that a predetermined number or more is continued in one direction.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the code selecting means randomly and successively selects a code from a plurality of predetermined codes. On the other hand, the display means displays a matrix composed of a plurality of cells in each of the vertical and horizontal directions. In addition, the effective area setting means sets a part or all of the area in the matrix as an effective area, and the code setting means includes at least one of the plurality of predetermined codes in each cell in the effective area. Is set respectively. Then, when the player bets a game value, the game value receiving means receives the game value bet by the player. Then, the effective area expanding means sets an area adjacent to the effective area set by the effective area setting means as the effective area according to the amount of the game value received by the game value receiving means.
The effective area is expanded by resetting . When the setting of the effective area is completed in this way, the hit cell specifying means specifies the cell in which the code corresponding to the code selected by the code selecting means is set as the hit cell. When such a specification of the hit mass is repeated, the determination means determines whether or not the hit mass specified by the hit mass specifying means is continuous in a predetermined number or more in any direction on the matrix. Then, when the determining means determines that the number of hit squares is equal to or more than a predetermined number in any direction on the matrix, the payout means pays a game value to the player. In this way, the probability of a bingo being established increases in accordance with the amount of play value bet by the player, so that refunds can be made in various modes according to the player's decision and luck.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the effective area expanding means of the first aspect specifies the effective area by expanding the effective area one by one.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the effective area expanding means of the first aspect specifies the effective area by expanding the effective area in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the amount of the game value received by the game value receiving means is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value, the valid area expanding means of the first aspect may set the valid area to one square. When the amount of the game value received by the game value receiving unit exceeds a certain value, the effective area is specified by expanding the effective area in the vertical and horizontal directions.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the first aspect, the payout means pays a game value to the player in an amount reflecting the continuous number according to the continuous number of the cells specified by the hit cell specifying means. By doing so, it is specified.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, a bonus target cell setting means for setting any of a plurality of cells in the matrix as a bonus target, and all of the cells set as the bonus target are valid. A second determination unit that determines whether the cell is included in the area and is specified by the hit cell specification unit. All cells set as bonus targets by the second determination unit are included. If it is determined that the payout is included in the valid area and specified by the hit cell specifying unit, the payout unit specifies the game value by increasing a play value to be paid to the player. .

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the display positions of all the cells in the matrix according to the first embodiment are displayed.
A storage unit for storing information corresponding to a code set for the cell, whether the cell is specified as a hit cell, and whether the cell is included in an effective area; Is the one identified.

The invention according to claim 8 is a method according to claim 6, wherein, for all the cells in the matrix, the display positions of the cells,
The code set for the cell, whether the cell is specified as a hit cell, whether the cell is included in the effective area, and whether the cell is set as a bonus target This is specified by further including a storage unit for holding the corresponding information.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a computer connected to a code selecting device for randomly and successively selecting codes from a plurality of predetermined codes and a display device is provided with a plurality of codes each for vertical and horizontal directions. A matrix consisting of cells is displayed on the display device, and a part or all of the area in the matrix is set as an effective area, and at least each of the cells in the effective area has any one of the predetermined codes. Are set respectively, and the area adjacent to the effective area is set to the effective area according to the amount of play value bet by the player.
The effective area is enlarged by resetting to the above, the cell in which the code corresponding to the code selected by the code selection device is set is specified as a hit cell, and this hit cell is in any direction on the matrix. Is a computer-readable medium storing a program for allowing a player to award a game value when a predetermined number or more are consecutive.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a code selecting means for randomly and sequentially selecting a code from a plurality of predetermined codes, and a part or all of a matrix consisting of a plurality of squares in each of the vertical and horizontal directions. Effective area setting means for setting an area as an effective area, code setting means for setting at least one of the plurality of predetermined codes to at least each cell in the effective area, and a bet by a player. The area adjacent to the effective area set by the effective area setting means is reset as an effective area according to the amount of play value.
And effective area enlarging means for enlarging the effective area by a per mass specifying means for specifying the mass code is set corresponding to the selected code as per the mass by the code selecting means, by the per mass specifying means Determination means for determining whether or not the identified hit mass is continuous in a predetermined number or more in any direction on the matrix,
And a payout means for paying a play value to the player when it is determined by the determination means that the hit mass is continuous in a predetermined number or more in any direction on the matrix. I do.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the computer causes the computer to set a part or all of the area in the matrix composed of a plurality of squares in each of the vertical and horizontal directions as an effective area, and to determine at least each square in the effective area in advance. Any one of the plurality of codes is set, and an area adjacent to the effective area is determined according to the amount of play value bet by the player.
The effective area is enlarged by resetting the number, and a cell in which a code randomly selected from the plurality of codes is set as a hit cell is specified. Is a computer-readable medium storing a program for allowing a player to pay a game value when a predetermined number or more of the game numbers are continued in the direction of.

[0019]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0020]

Embodiment 1 Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

The game apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 is an apparatus to which the bingo game apparatus according to the present invention is applied, and has a plurality of (usually 25) balls 2 in a middle space thereof. These balls 2 are stirred in this internal space, and only one of them is extracted at random. Each of these balls 2 has an IC storing unique number data (code) different from each other.
Since a data carrier 2a (V600-D23P66 manufactured by OMRON Corporation, see FIG. 26) as a card is stored, the game device 1 reads this number data and distributes it to each station 5. Each of the stations 5 executes a bingo game program, and when a combination of number data distributed one after another becomes a fixed pattern, a player who is participating in the game by inserting coins wins. Is paid back to the player in the number determined by the predetermined condition.

<Mechanical Configuration of Game Apparatus> Hereinafter, the mechanical configuration of the game apparatus 1 will be described in detail.

As can be seen from FIG. 1 and the like showing a front view of the game apparatus 1, the game apparatus 1 performs a ball selection process in its internal space (a code selection device of a plurality of predetermined codes). Main body 3 as code selecting means for selecting codes randomly and successively from the main body, six stations 5 surrounding the lower part of the main body 3 radially at equal angular intervals, and filling between the stations 5 6 The spacers 4 have a basic configuration.

(Station 5) Each station 5
In each case, a player can occupy a seat and participate in the game. Since each station 5 independently executes a game program (bingo game program), it is possible to progress the game (bingo game) independently of the content of the game being executed at the other stations 5. it can.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 25, on the left side of the upper surface of each station 5, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) for displaying the progress of the game and the result of the win or loss is shown.
AY) display 5m (display device, display means)
Is embedded. In addition, a help button 5a-1 and a payout button 5a-2 for requesting a refund of coins are provided side by side on the right rear side. A key switch 5k and a key switch 5k Below is a coin insertion slot 5t for inserting coins
Is arranged. In front of the right side, four buttons 5 for inputting various operation instructions as the game progresses.
b (A button, B button, C button, D button) are arranged. Each of these buttons 5b has a station 5
The functions are respectively provided by the game programs executed in. In the present embodiment, according to the bingo game program, the A button functions as a game select button, the B button functions as a bet select button, the C button functions as a game button, and the D button functions as a game button. Each function as a bet button is provided. In the center of the front of each station 5, a discharge port 5p for discharging coins paid out from a coin receiving machine 151 (see FIG. 27) built in the station 5 is formed.

(Main Body 3) FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 are side sectional views taken along the line II-III in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 4, FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, FIG. 7 which is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in FIG. 6, and FIG. 10 which is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. A hexagonal cylinder member 3a made of transparent acrylic that surrounds a game space defined inside, a ball extraction mechanism constructed in the game space inside the hexagonal cylinder member 3a, and a 180-degree so as to sandwich the hexagonal cylinder member 3a. Two lifts 15 provided at an angular interval of, a column 3b provided two at an equal angular interval between the lifts 15, and each lift From together supported by 15 and each strut 3b and the top plate portion 3c covering the upper end of the hexagonal tubular member 3a, a base section 3d to support these members, constituted.

An outline of the above-described ball extracting mechanism will be described.

In the upper part of the game space, a bowl 9 as a ball dropping portion for dropping the balls 2 sequentially is arranged. In addition, a ball extracting device 11 that extracts one ball 2 from a plurality of balls 2 that have fallen from the bowl 9 is disposed in an intermediate portion of the game space. In addition, a bottom plate formed in a lower part of the game space into a shape capable of storing the ball 2 directly dropped from the bowl 9 without passing through the ball extracting device 11 or the ball 2 passing through the ball extracting device 11 on the upper surface thereof. (Ball pool)
13 are arranged. At the center of the ball collecting portion 13, a reading device 17, which protrudes in a truncated cone shape as if protruding directly below the ball extracting device 11, is provided with a ball 2 extracted by the ball extracting device 11. Is provided for reading the ball number. In addition, at the upper end of the reading device 17,
An outer lane 18 is provided as a second ball passage body.

On the other hand, the above-described lift 15 serves as ball transfer means to transfer the balls 2 accumulated on the ball storage 13 to the bowl 9 along the outer peripheral surface of the hexagonal cylinder member 3a.

With the above structure, the plurality of balls 2 housed in the game space in the hexagonal cylinder member 3a move from the upper part (high place) to the middle part of the game space, from the middle part to the lower part as the game progresses. (Circles), and circulates in and out of the game space so as to return from the bottom to the top. The ball 2 circulating in and out of the game space is the ball extracting device 1
When extracted by 1, the extracted ball 2 is received by the outer lane 18 and guided to the reading device 17. The ball 2 guided to the reading device 17 in this way goes to the pool 13 after the ball number is read by the reading device 17. Thereafter, it is sent to the bowl 9 again by the lift 15 as described above, and is circulated similarly to the other balls 2.

Hereinafter, specific structures of these structures will be described in detail.

[Bowl 9] The bowl 9 has a flat bowl-shaped disk shape, and its inner surface forms a part of a spherical surface. The bowl 9 is fixed to the top plate 3c of the main body 3 via a plurality of legs 9l. The bowl 9 is made of a transparent plastic so that the player can see the movement of the ball 2 entered therein from the outside. And at the bottom of this bowl 9,
A through hole 9h for dropping the ball 2 is provided (see FIG. 10 and the like). For this reason, the bowl 9 functions as a ball drop section.

On the inner surface of the bowl 9, a ball moving direction control is performed so that the balls 2 conveyed by the lift 15 draw an arc along the inner surface of the bowl 9 and reach the through holes 9h. The plates 9b are provided obliquely with respect to the adjacent lifts 15 as shown in FIG. 11B, in particular. The ball moving direction control plate 9b is fixed in a state of hanging from the top plate 3c. The tip (lower end) of the ball movement direction control plate 9b
Is not in contact with the inner surface of the bowl 9 and is slightly away. In FIG. 11B, each ball movement direction control plate 9b is shown as being arranged so that their opposing surfaces 9b1 are parallel to each other, but FIG. 11B shows one ball movement direction control plate 9b. May be installed as shown by a two-dot chain line.

A propeller-like guide 19 is provided directly below the bowl 9 via a stay which hangs from the top plate 3c of the main body 3 and penetrates the through hole 9h (FIGS. 1 to 1).
7 and the like). The guide member 19 is a member that randomly changes the trajectory of the ball 2 hitting the guide member 19, and stores approximately 30 to 40% of the ball 2 in the celestial sphere 24 of the ball extraction device 11. Then, of all the falling trajectories that the ball 2 falling from the through hole 9h of the bowl 9 can take, the falling trajectory for dropping the ball 2 to a certain range around the point directly below the through hole 9h is “ Corresponding to a specific falling trajectory. The ball extraction device 11 described above, in particular, the celestial sphere 24, which is a component thereof, is arranged in the specific falling trajectory.

[Ball Extraction Device 11] The ball extraction device 11 includes a celestial sphere portion including a celestial sphere 24 for receiving the ball 2 dropped from the bowl 9 at a predetermined probability, and the ball 2 received by the celestial sphere 24.
The inner lane 21 (as a catching portion) as a first ball passage body for extracting one ball 2 from among the balls and removing the ball 2 not extracted and finally returning the ball 2 to the above-mentioned ball pool portion 13 And a tilt drive section that swings (tilts) or makes one rotation of the celestial sphere 24. Hereinafter, the detailed configurations of the celestial sphere portion, the inner lane 21, and the tilt drive portion will be described.

The celestial sphere has a through hole 9 in the bowl 9 so that the ball 2 falling from the bowl 9 can be received.
h, which is a dome-shaped container that is a dome-shaped container that opens upward (upward in the state shown in FIG. 1) and has an inner surface that forms a spherical surface, and an outer periphery of an opening edge 24 e of the sphere 24. Hooks 25 each having one end fixed to a pair of parts 180 degrees apart from each other
(See FIGS. 1 to 7 and FIG. 10) and each of the hooks 25.2
A shaft 27 fixed through the vicinity of the other end of the shaft 5 and bearing posts 29 for rotatably supporting both ends of the shaft 27.
And a balancer 22w provided at the other end of the hooks 25.

The celestial sphere 24 is a flat bowl-shaped disc-shaped member made of transparent plastic so that the movement of the ball 2 can be seen from the outside similarly to the bowl 9, and has an inner surface 24i having a spherical surface. The center of curvature C of the inner surface 24 i of the celestial sphere 24 coincides with the axis at the center of the shaft 27 in the longitudinal direction. Also, around the pole 24p on the inner surface 24 of the celestial sphere 24,
A plurality of projections 37 are provided (see FIG. 22). The projection 37 enhances the stirring action of the ball 2 accommodated in the celestial sphere 24. In addition, the pole 24p is a point where when the celestial sphere 24 is at the initial position (origin) shown in FIG. 1 and a virtual line is hung from the center of curvature C, the line intersects the celestial sphere 24, In other words, the deepest point when the celestial sphere 24 is in the horizontal state.

The balancer 22w is a weight provided on the hook 25 via the arm 22w1 (see FIGS. 5 and 6), and two balancers 22w (including each arm 22w1).
Is set to be equal to or slightly lighter than the weight obtained by adding the celestial sphere 24 and the inner lane 21. By arranging the balancer 22w, the load on the drive motor 31 and the drive belt 33, which will be described later, can be reduced when the celestial sphere 24 swings.

[Inclination Driving Unit] The inclination driving unit is a driving motor 3 provided near the base of the right column 29 in FIG.
1 and the celestial drive motor 3
A drive belt 33 stretched between one rotation shaft 31s and the shaft 27 and a rotation angle of the shaft 27 provided near the upper end of the left support 29 in FIG. And an encoder 35 for detection.

The celestial sphere 24
Is swung (inclined) within a fixed angle range in both rotation directions about the axis 27 from the origin position shown in FIG. 1 or the edge 24e of the celestial sphere 24 of the inner surface 24i of the celestial sphere 24 at a predetermined timing. The part in the vicinity is tilted further than the position where it is horizontal, rotated once, or returned to the initial position. During such a series of rocking processes, the celestial sphere 2
The position (inclination angle) 4 is always detected by the encoder 35.

[Inner Lane 21] Inner lane 21 is a celestial sphere 2
With the rotation of No. 4, only one of the plurality of balls 2 rolling toward the opening edge 24e is captured, and the other balls 2 are excluded. In this lane 21,
Ball passage body (first ball passage body) through which one ball passes (21s,
21r, 21p).

The inner lane 21 is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 22, which is a perspective view of the main part 0, and two parts are attached to the shaft 27 with the center of curvature C being the point of symmetry. And each inner lane 21
7, one end is fixed to the center of curvature C and extends radially in the radial direction at the same opening angle α (see FIG. 5).
Book connecting rods 21s, 21s, 21s and these connecting rods 2
The three ring pieces 21r which are located on the extension of the connecting rods 21s / 21s / 21s in a state where they are fixed to the other ends of 1s / 21s / 21s and further have an inner diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the ball 2. 21r, and three curved columns 21p, 21p, 21p for connecting the same circumferential positions of the three ring pieces 21r, 21r, 21r to each other. These three curved pillars 21p ・ 21p ・
One of the curved pieces 21p (hereinafter, the curved pillar 21p is referred to as a “curved pillar 21P” for convenience) is each ring piece 21r.
The positions of the 21r and 21r farthest from the shaft 27 are connected to each other, and the other two are connected to the respective ring pieces 21r and 21r.
The positions of the bent columns 21P at a distance of 90 degrees from each other are connected at 21r. These three curved pillars 21p
In each of 21p and 21p (21P), the center of curvature coincides with the center of curvature C of the inner surface 24i of the celestial sphere 24.

With the above-described structure, the inner lane 21 has a ball passage s as an internal space of both end openings through which one ball formed by the curved columns 21p, 21p, 21p (21P) passes.
(See FIG. 22). The ball passage s extends along the curved pillar 21P as the curved body positioned most outward on the radial direction among the curved pillars 21p, 21p, 21p (21P). The curved column 21P is formed on the inner surface 2 of the celestial sphere 24.
4i (see FIGS. 3 and 4) and has a radius of curvature that is the same as or approximately the same as the radius of curvature of the celestial sphere 24. Therefore, the inner lane 21 is arranged on the extension of the inner peripheral surface of the celestial sphere 24 and in the swinging direction of the celestial sphere 24, and the pole 24p of the celestial sphere is located on the extension of the curved column 21P. I can say.

The ring piece 21r adjacent to the celestial sphere 24 among the ring pieces 21r, 21r, 21r is fixed to the celestial sphere 24 by screws (not shown). Therefore, the inner lane 21 is integrated with the celestial sphere 24. Also,
The ring piece 21r (the ring located on the pole 24p side of the celestial sphere 24) has a guide piece 39 serving as a catch portion whose tip is folded in a hook shape, as shown in FIGS.
The three a to c are mounted with their tip sides facing the poles 24p of the celestial sphere 24.

[Guide pieces 39] Each of the guide pieces 39a to 39c
Captures only one ball 2 rolling toward the opening edge 24e from near the pole 24p of the celestial sphere 24 with the inclination of the celestial sphere 24 by the inclination driving unit 22, and releases the ball 2 with further inclination of the celestial sphere 24 Then, the vehicle is guided to the ball passage s of the inner lane 21. That is, as shown in FIG. 22, each of the guide pieces 39a to 39c has a bottom guide piece 39a arranged in contact with the opening edge 24e of the celestial sphere 24 and two side edges in the longitudinal direction of the bottom guide piece 39a. This bottom guide piece 39
It consists of a left guide piece 39b and a right guide piece 39c arranged at a right angle to a, and forms a space through which only one ball 2 passes. Also, each guide piece 39a-c
Is bent outward at the tip in a key shape. Therefore, the tip of the bottom side guide piece 39a is slightly separated from the inner surface 24i of the celestial sphere 24 by this turn. The amount of separation is such that the ball 2 in contact with the inner surface 24i of the celestial sphere 24 can enter the space between the guide pieces 39a to 39c by about 1/3.

Therefore, as the celestial sphere 24 is tilted by the tilt drive unit 22, the opening edge 2
One of the balls 2 rolling toward 4e has one of the guide pieces 39.
When entering the space between a to c, the ball 2
Cannot move over the bottom guide piece 39a, and the movement in the lateral direction (the circumferential direction of the celestial sphere 24) is restricted by the left guide piece 39b and the right guide piece 39c. To -c. Therefore, the other ball 2 is prevented from entering the space between the guide pieces 39a to 39c by the held ball 2, so that the left guide piece 39b
And, the side of the right guide piece 39c rolls toward the opening edge 24e. The state in which one ball 2 is held at the tip of each of the guide pieces 39a to 39c is such that the inclination of the celestial sphere 24 further advances and the inner surface 24i of the celestial sphere 24 near the opening edge 24e.
The slope of the opening edge 24
e, and continues until all the balls 2 spill out from the opening edge 24e. Then, the inclination of the inner surface 24i (virtual plane in contact with) of the celestial sphere 24 in the vicinity of the opening rim 24e becomes lower toward the opening rim 24e beyond the horizontal and all the balls 2 spill out from the opening rim 24e.
Is further advanced, the ball 2 held at the tip of each of the guide pieces 39a to 39c rides on the bottom guide piece 39a and is guided on the bottom guide piece 39a to the inner lane 21. . The ball 2 guided into the inner lane 21 in this manner is guided to the other end in the inner lane 21, and falls into the outer lane 18 from the other end of the inner lane 21.

The inner lane 21 is located above and parallel to the outer lane 18. Also,
The ball 2, which is prevented from entering the space between the guide pieces 39 a to 39 c, is largely flipped laterally by the folded portions at the tips of the left guide piece 39 b and the right guide piece 39 c. Therefore, the ball 2 that is prevented from entering the space between the guide pieces 39a to 39c hardly falls on the outer lane 18.

As a result, only one ball 2 is extracted and falls on the outer lane 18, and all other balls fall on the ball pool 13.

[Outer Lane 18] The outer lane 18 (second ball passage body) is such that a semicircular ring 41 is used instead of the ring piece 21r of the inner lane 21, and the top of the reading device 17 It is fixed to. This outside lane 18
Has a center of curvature C concentric with the celestial sphere 24 and the inner lane 21 to receive the ball rolling out from the inner lane 21, and the inner lane 21 in the radial direction centered on the center of curvature C. It is curved so as to be parallel. At the lowermost part of the outer lane 18, a passage 18o for guiding the ball 2 to the reading device 17 is formed. The ball 2 that has rolled out of the inner lane 21 by the outer lane 18 is directly guided to the reading device 17.

[Reading Device 17] The reading device 17 is
7b (see FIG. 4, FIG. 9, and FIG. 13 which is an enlarged view of the area XIII in FIG. 9) and a ball path 17w provided in the housing 17b and communicating with the ball pool 13 (FIGS. 4, 9). FIG.
And the like, and a ball passage control mechanism 43 (FIG. 1) that controls the movement of the ball 2 by temporarily stopping the progress of the ball 2 at the reading position in the middle of the ball path 17w or releasing the ball 2 and passing the ball 2.
3, see FIG. 14 as viewed from the direction of arrow XIV in FIG. 13, FIG. 15 and the like which is a partially omitted view as viewed from the direction of arrow XV in FIG. 14), and the ball temporarily stopped by the ball passage control mechanism 43. 2 reader units 45a and 45 for reading code 2
b (see FIG. 16 etc., which is a diagram showing additional components as viewed from the direction of arrow XVI in FIGS. 14 and 15), and a stopped state to facilitate reading of ball 2 by reader units 45a and 45b. And a ball rotating mechanism 47 (see FIG. 17 and the like, which is a view in which some components are added when viewed from the direction of arrow XVII in FIGS. 14 and 13), and the ball 2 at the reading position. Ball-in sensor 49 for detecting the presence or absence of
(See FIGS. 14 and 15) and a ball-out sensor 5 for detecting whether the ball 2 has passed near the exit of the ball path 17w.
1 (see FIG. 13). Hereinafter, these components will be described in more detail.

[Housing 17b] The housing 17b is made of a colored plastic, and the above-mentioned respective components are arranged inside the housing 17b. Further, on the surface of the housing 17b, a display device 17b1 (refer to FIGS. 7 and 10) made up of LEDs for displaying the ball numbers read from the extracted balls 2 entering the reading device 17 is provided. I have.

The outer lane 1 is provided on the top plate 17c of the housing 17b.
A ball introduction port 17c1 (see FIGS. 9 and 13) for introducing the ball 2 from the passage 18o of FIG. 8 into the housing 17b is formed. The ball inlet 17c1 is connected to the passage 18o of the outer lane 18.

[Ball Path 17w] As shown in FIG. 13, the ball path 17w is a straight path 1 extending downward from the ball introduction port 17c1.
7w1 and a branch path 17w2, 17w3 branching in an inverted Y-shape at the lower end of the straight path 17w1 and leading to the pool 13
Each of them is constituted by a cylinder made of plastic and / or metal having a rectangular cross section.

The straight path 17w1 is, as shown in FIG.
The center axis of the upper part is offset from the center axis of the lower part. Then, the roller 69 of the ball rotating mechanism 47 is arranged on the shoulder portion where the inner wall of the lower portion is closer to the center axis side of the upper portion due to this offset. On the side opposite to the roller 69, the upper part and the lower part of the straight path 17w1 are largely cut away, and the ball passage control mechanism 43 is disposed there. Above the roller 69 (at the same height as the ball 2 blocked from passing by the ball passage control mechanism 43), a first reader unit 45a facing the center axis of the straight path 17w1 is disposed. I have. Further, at a position (front side position in FIG. 13) apart from the first reader unit 45a by an angular interval of 90 degrees with respect to the central axis of the straight path 17w1, a first point facing the center axis of the straight path 17w1 is located. Two reader units 45b are arranged. Further, a ball-in sensor 49 is disposed at a position opposite to the second leader unit 45b with respect to the straight path 17w1.

The straight road 17w1 and the branch road 17w2
A ball-out sensor 51 is disposed on the side wall of the ball path 17w at the intersection with 17w3.

[Ball Passage Control Mechanism 43] Ball Passage Control Mechanism 4
13 is arranged so as to cross the side of the straight path 17w1 in the above-described cutout portion, as can be seen from FIGS. The ball passage control mechanism 43 includes a support base 6 fixed on the ball storage 13 in the housing 17b.
3 and a pair of bearings 61, 61 fixed on the support 63 at the same interval as the width of the upper part of the straight path 17w1.
And a central shaft 43c rotatably supported by the bearings 61, 61 so as to graze the outer peripheral surface of the straight path 17w1, and one end of the central shaft 43c via a universal joint 44j and a reduction gear box 44a. Ball path control mechanism driving motor 44 and the central shaft 4
A disk 65 fixed coaxially to the other end of the center shaft 3c;
A pair of side plates 5 each having a shape radially spread at an angular interval of 120 ° about c and integrally fixed to the center shaft 43c inside each of the bearings 61, 61.
3, 53 and three connecting rods 55 for connecting the bases of the arms 53 h of the side plates 53, 53 which spread radially.
(Shown only in FIG. 15) and the arm 53 of each side plate 53, 53.
It comprises three rotating rods 57 rotatably hung between the tips of h, and a detector 67 provided on a support 63 so as to sandwich the disk 65.

The central shaft 43c, the pair of side plates 53, 3
The unit composed of the three connecting rods 55 and the three rotating rods 57 is rotationally driven by the ball passage control mechanism driving motor 44 while being supported by the two bearings 61, 61.

On the other hand, the center axis 43c
The three slits 65s extending in the radial direction are formed at equal angular intervals of 120 ° about the axis of. The above-described detector 67 is configured as a photo-interrupter that optically detects the slit 65s.
The detector 67 and the disk 65 constitute an angle sensor 59 for detecting the rotational position of the unit. The detector 67 of this angle sensor 59 is
5 is detected at a rotation position (a rotation position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 13) in which the interval between any one of the rotating rods 57 and the roller 69 is smaller than the outer diameter of the ball 2.

Therefore, when the detector 67 of the angle sensor 59 detects each slit 65s of the disk 65 and stops the ball path control mechanism driving motor 44,
It stops at a rotation position where the interval between any one of the rotating rods 57 and the roller 69 is smaller than the outer diameter of the ball 2. Then, the upper portion of the straight path 17w1 is connected to the rotating rod 57 and the roller 6
9 blocks the ball 2 from advancing.

Then, when the rotation drive of the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44 is resumed, the unit is rotated from the rotational position indicated by the solid line to the rotational position indicated by the alternate long and short dash line, as indicated by the two-dot chain line. To the position. Then, at this time, since the distance between the rotating rod 57 and the roller 69 becomes wider than the outer diameter of the ball 2, the straight path 17w1 is opened, and the ball 2 which has been prevented from passing is replaced by the rotating rod 57 and the roller 69. Then, the vehicle falls through the straight path 17w1 after passing through the space 69, and then reaches the pool portion 13 through one of the branch paths 17w2 and 17w3. After that, the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44 continues to rotate, and stops rotating when the unit again reaches the rotation position indicated by the solid line in FIG.

[Leader Unit 45] Each of the reader units 45a and 45b communicates with the data carrier 2a in the ball 2 via an AC magnetic flux, transmits a ball number read command to the data carrier 2a, and transmits the ball number read command to the data carrier 2a. Is a reader unit (V600-HR96-1 manufactured by OMRON Corporation) with an antenna for receiving ball number information corresponding to this from the data carrier 2a. Each of the reader units 45a and 45b is positioned at the center of the ball 2 (the ball 2 at the reading position) in which the central shafts 45c and 45c set at the centers of their detection surfaces are prevented from passing by the ball passage control mechanism 43. They are arranged so as to be orthogonal (see FIG. 14).

[Ball rotating mechanism 47] Ball rotating mechanism 4
7 is a straight path 17 as can be seen from FIGS.
On the side of w1 facing the ball passage control mechanism 43,
The ball passage control mechanism 43 is located below the central axis 43c. Therefore, the roller 69 of the ball rotating mechanism 47
The ball 2 is in contact with the ball 2 from obliquely below. Such a ball rotating mechanism 47 is arranged on the outer frame of the lower portion of the straight path 17w1 so as to cross the inside of the upper part of the straight path 17w1. This ball rotating mechanism 47
And a pair of bearings 7 fixed on the support 63 at an interval equal to the width of the upper portion of the straight path 17w1.
3, 73, a roller 69 rotatably supported by the bearings 73, 73, and a roller 69 via a universal joint 71j and a reduction gear box 71a.
Ball driving mechanism driving motor 71 connected to one end of
And a rubber 69r wound around the center of the roller 69 to prevent the ball 2 from slipping.

Therefore, when the ball rotating mechanism drive motor 71 rotates, the roller 69 rotates accordingly.
The ball 2 in contact with the roller 69 also rotates.

[Ball-in sensor 49] The ball-in sensor 49 is attached to the outer surface of the straight path 17w1 near the universal joint 71j, and is prevented from passing by the ball passage control mechanism 43 (reading position).
It is optically detected whether or not there is a ball 2.

[Ball-out sensor 51] Each ball-out sensor 51 optically detects whether or not the ball 2 has passed the straight path 17w1.

[Ball Pool 13] On the top surface of the pool 13 as shown in FIGS. 7, 10 and 12 (A), a ring is formed except for a central portion where the reading device 17 is placed. , An inclined guide path 75 is formed. This inclined guideway 7
5 gradually becomes deeper from one lift 15 to the other lift 15 in a counterclockwise direction when viewed from above the main body 3. That is, the inclined guide path 75 includes a groove on the near side of the reading device 17 in FIG. 7 (which becomes deeper from the left side to the right side in FIG. 7) and a groove (not shown) on the back side of the reading device 17 in FIG. (Deeper from the right side to the left side in FIG. 7). Therefore, the reading device 1 in FIG.
The ball 2 that has fallen toward the near side and the ball 2 that has come out from the branch path 17w2 or the branch path 17w3 rolls to the lift 15 on the right side in FIG. on the other hand,
The ball 2 that has fallen farther than the reading device 17 in FIG. 7 and the ball 2 that has come out of the branch groove 17 w
It rolls to the lift 15 on the left side of FIG.

The slope 13b is formed between the central portion of the upper surface of the pool 13 and the bottom of the inclined guide path 75. In addition, near the lift 15 on the slope 13b, as shown in FIG.

[Means for Preventing Clogging of Balls] The plate material forming the inclined surface 13b has two upper and lower slits 13c and 13d formed horizontally in the direction of the inclined guide path 75.
Slope 13 at the position of these slits 13c, 13d
A ball stirring device 77 shown in FIG. 23 is fixed to the back side of (a plate material constituting) b. The two vertically rotatable arms 771 and 773 rotatably forming a part of the ball stirring device 77 are exposed in the inclined guide path 75 from the slits 13c and 13d during the rotation. Then, the ball 2 is flipped back to the upstream side (the side far from the lift 15 along the inclined guide path 75). FIG. 24 is an exploded view of the ball stirring device 77 shown in the perspective view of FIG. As shown in these figures, the frame 786 fixed to the base portion 13d of the main body 3 has an upper plate portion 786a and a lower plate portion 7 centered on a vertically oriented connecting plate portion 786c.
86b is bent by 90 degrees.
Note that the connecting plate portion 786c is cut out from the one side edge side to the other side edge side by approximately half of the entire width. A relatively large-diameter bearing hole 786d is formed near the edge of the lower plate portion 786b on the cutout side. A bearing member 787 having a bottomed bearing hole 787a having the same diameter as the bearing hole 786d is formed on the lower surface of the lower plate portion 786b.
However, at the position where these bearing holes 786d and 787a are coaxial, they are screwed and fixed by two screws 789 and 790. These bearing holes 786d
A friction reducing member 788 made of cylindrical vinyl chloride is inserted into the bearing hole 787a from the upper surface side of the upper plate portion 786b. In addition, a relatively small diameter through-hole 787b is formed at the center of the shaft at the bottom of the bearing hole 787a. On the other hand, at a position facing the bearing hole 786d in the upper plate portion 786a, a bearing hole 78 having a diameter larger than that of the through hole 787b is provided.
6e is opened. In this bearing hole 786e,
Friction reducing member 80 made of top hat type vinyl chloride
3 is inset.

The rotating shaft member 775 is composed of two members arranged in the longitudinal direction.
Rectangular plate-like portion 7 having two fixing holes 775d and 775e
75a, a relatively long shaft portion 775b integrally formed on the lower surface of the plate-like portion 775a along the central axis of the plate-like portion 775a, and the plate-like shape along the central axis of the plate-like portion 775a. And a shaft portion 775c having a relatively end dimension integrally formed on the upper surface of the portion 775a.

Each shaft portion 775 of the rotary shaft member 775
The outer diameters of b and 775c are the same, and are large enough to be inserted into the friction reducing members 788 and 803. A circumferential groove 77 is provided near the end of the shaft portion 775b.
5g is formed, and at a portion 775f closer to the plate-like portion 775a than the circumferential groove 775g, the surface is cut out in a plane so that the shaft portion 775b has a D-shaped cross section. The shaft portion 775b is inserted through a central shaft hole of a cylindrical driven pulley member 782 having a small-diameter portion 782a having a gear-shaped surface shape formed near one end thereof. The driven pulley member 782 having such a shape
After that, a C-shaped stopper 784 for preventing the driven pulley member 782a from dropping is fitted into the circumferential groove 775g of the shaft portion 775b.

The plate portion 775a of the rotating shaft member 775
Each of the fixing holes 775d and 775e has a small-diameter portion 77 formed at the base end of a rotating arm 771 or 773 as a rod-shaped member.
1a and 773a are respectively inserted. This small diameter part 771
A circumferential groove is formed in the vicinity of the end of each of a and 773a, and C-shaped stoppers 776 and 777 for preventing the rotating arms 771 and 773 from coming off and backlash are respectively fitted.

The tips of the rotary arms 771 and 773 are each rounded in a hemispherical shape, and are cracked by slits 771b and 773b formed along the axis. Each of the slits 771b, 773b has a disk-shaped roller member 772, 77 thinner than the slit width.
4 is fitted. A screw hole (not shown) is formed near the tip of each rotary arm 771, 773 so as to be orthogonal to the slits 771b, 773b.
2,774 are rotatably supported by screws 778,779 screwed into a screw hole (not shown). When the roller members 772 and 774 are attached in this manner, after the rotation arms 771 and 773 are rotated and adjusted so that the roller members 772 and 774 are horizontal,
These rotary arms 771 and 773 are set screws 78
0,781.

The rotating shaft member 775 to which the components are attached as described above is then attached to the frame 786. At this time, the small diameter portion 782a of the driven pulley member 782
In advance, an annular drive belt 785 having an inner surface shape meshing with the gear-shaped surface shape is hung. Then, the shaft portion 775b is arranged in the order of the bearing hole 786d, the friction reducing member 788 (the bearing hole 787a), and the through hole 787b.
The shaft portion 775c is inserted into the friction reducing member 803. Finally, the driven pulley member 782 is slid toward the tip end of the shaft portion 775b while maintaining the state where the shaft portion 775c is inserted through the friction reducing member 803,
When the driven pulley member 782 comes into contact with the friction reducing member 778, the driven pulley member 782 is fixed to the D-shaped section 775f of the shaft portion 775b by a set screw 783. In this way,
The rotating member 775 is rotatably stretched between the upper plate portion 786a and the lower plate portion 786b of the frame 786.

Near the center of the lower plate portion 786b of the frame 786, an elongated through-hole 786f whose long axis is directed to the bearing hole 786d is formed. Around the through hole 786f on the lower surface of the lower plate portion 786b,
The motor unit 791 is fixed by four sets of bolts 792 and nuts 797. This motor unit 791
Incorporates a rotary arm drive motor 77a shown in FIG. 26, and when fixed to the lower surface of the lower plate portion 786b as described above, this rotary arm drive motor 77a
Is passed through the through hole 786f. The surface of the drive shaft 793 is cut out in a planar shape so that the cross section is D-shaped. The drive shaft 793 has a drive pulley member 7 having the same shape as the driven pulley member 782.
94 is fixed by a set screw 795 of a long axis. Note that the set screw 795 is
Even in a state in which 94 is fixed, as shown in FIG.
It protrudes greatly from the peripheral surface of the drive pulley member 794.
The small diameter portion 794a of the driving pulley member 794 includes
The drive belt 785 is hung. After the drive belt 785 is hung on the small diameter portion 794a of the drive pulley member 794, the entire motor unit 791 is slid along the long axis direction of the long hole 786f, and the tension of the drive belt 785 is adjusted. In addition, the through hole 7 for allowing the above-mentioned bolt 792 to pass through the lower plate portion 786b of the frame 786 is provided.
86g is a long hole parallel to the through hole 786f to allow the motor unit 791 to slide.

The driven pulley member 7 sandwiches the drive pulley member 794 on the upper surface of the lower plate portion 786b of the frame 786.
82, the drive pulley member 7
The photo interrupter 801 for detecting the passage of the set screw 795 protruding from the peripheral surface of the
Has been fixed through. The screw 802 is for fixing the photo interrupter 801 to the stay 800.

Further, a capacitor 796 attached to a motor is fixed to the lower surface of the lower plate portion 786b of the frame 786 by a screw 798.

The ball stirring device 7 configured as described above
7, when the rotary arm drive motor 77a in the motor unit 791 is rotated clockwise as viewed from the upper plate portion 786a, the drive pulley member 794 attached to the drive shaft 793 rotates integrally and the drive pulley Member 7
A driven pulley member 782 on which a drive belt 785 is hung between the driven pulley 94 and the driven belt 94 rotates in the same direction. As a result, the rotary shaft member 775 integrated with the driven pulley 782
And both rotating arms 771 and 773 rotate clockwise when viewed from the upper plate portion 786a side. During this rotation, the rotating arm 771 is exposed from the slit 13c and the rotating arm 773 is exposed from the slit 13d into the inclined guide path 75. However, each rotating arm 77
1,773 exposed (projected) to the maximum extent in the inclined guideway 75
Even in this case, the tips of the rotary arms 771 and 773 do not completely cross the inclined guide path 75, leaving a space for one ball between the inclined surface on the opposite side. Therefore,
The ball 2 that has entered the movement trajectory of each of the rotating arms 771 and 773 is flipped back to the upstream side of the inclined guide path 75, and the ball 2 that has passed outside the movement trajectory of the rotation arms 771 and 773 rolls into the lift 15. At this time, the rotating arms 771, 77
Since the two balls 3 are arranged vertically, the ball 2 that has entered the moving area is reliably flipped back to the upstream side of the inclined guide path 75.

When a large amount of balls 2 flow into the vicinity of the lift 15 at a time, the balls 2
Is formed, and a plurality of balls 2 including other balls 2 may be clogged. However, the ball 2 positioned within the movement trajectory of each rotating arm 771, 773
When the ball 2 is pushed back to the upstream side of the inclined guide path 75, the balance of the ball 2 is broken, the bridge of the ball 2 is eliminated (that is, the ball 2 is stirred), and the clogged ball 2 is once in the end inclined guide. It is pushed back to the upstream side of the road 75. While the pushing back of the balls 2 is repeated, the balls 2 passing outside the movement trajectories of the rotary arms 771 and 773 roll into the lift 15 one by one. Such a ball 2
Depending on how the ball 2 is clogged, the rotation arms 771 and 773 may bite into the ball 2 and stop rotating during the stirring. However, at the tip of each rotating arm 771, 773,
Since the freely rotatable roller members 772 and 774 are attached, the ball 2 slides well, so that it is difficult for the ball 2 to bite.

The rotation of the driving pulley member 794 is constantly monitored by the set screw 795 and the photo interrupter 801.
If 3 bites into ball 2 and stops,
The output from the photo interrupter 801 is immediately detected by the main control unit 100 (see FIG. 26) to which the output is input, and
Necessary processing is performed.

[Lifts 15] Each of the lifts 15 is
10, as shown in FIG.
c, a pair of pulleys 15b, 15b axially supported in the width direction of the outer frame 15a near the upper end and the lower end inside the outer frame 15a, and hung on the pair of pulleys 15b, 15b. In order to scoop up the transferred conveyor belt (conveyor section) 15c, the lift drive motor 16 for rotatingly driving the lower pulley 15b via the drive belt 15d, and the ball 2 guided by the inclined guide path 75, The ball receiving portion 15r attached to the surface of the transport belt 15c at regular intervals, and the transport belt 1 together with the ball receiving portion 15r.
The remover 15o which pushes the ball 2 raised by 5c from the ball receiving portion 15 toward the bowl 9 at the uppermost portion of the lift 15 (ie, a position slightly higher than the outer edge of the bowl 9).
And from.

As shown in FIG. 12, the ball receiving portion 15r has a fork-like shape with its tip divided into two. On the slit 15f for dividing this tip into two,
Hold the ball 2. The above-described remover 15o pushes out the ball 2 pressed by the ascending ball receiver 15 toward the bowl 9 and then enters the slit 15f, so that the remover 15o does not interfere with the ascending ball receiver 15 one after another. . Thus, a feeding means for feeding the ball 2 to the bowl 9 is formed.

The lower surface (bottom surface) of the base 3d of the main body 3
As shown in FIG. 4, a moving wheel 79 for moving the game apparatus 1 and, when the game apparatus 1 is installed in a playground, a parallel position of the installation place for keeping the game apparatus 1 in balance. The leg 81 which is expanded and contracted vertically according to the degree
Are provided respectively.

<Circuit Configuration of Game Apparatus 1> Next, the configuration of the circuit built in the game apparatus 1 for controlling each of the above-described mechanisms will be described separately for the main body 3 side and the station 5 side. I do.

(Circuit Configuration of Main Body 3) FIG. 26 shows the configuration of a circuit built in the main body 3. As shown in FIG. 26, the above-described first reader unit 45a, second reader unit 45b, photo interrupter 801, ball-in sensor 49, angle sensor 59, encoder 35, ball-out sensor 51, and display device 17b are directly , Are connected to the main control unit 100. The celestial ball drive motor 3
1. Rotary arm drive motor 77a, lift drive motor 1
6, 16, the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44, and the ball rotation mechanism drive motor 71, via the drive circuit 101,
It is connected to the main control unit 100. The main control unit 10
In addition, the ROM 102 and the communication interface 103 are directly connected to 0.

The drive circuit 101 supplies a drive current to each motor in accordance with a control command from the main control unit 100, and controls the drive or stop of each motor.

The ROM 102 is a medium that stores a control program for selecting ball number data executed by the main control unit 100 and various data necessary for executing the program.

The main control section 100 is a computer for controlling the entire main body 3 and executes control programs read from the ROM 102 to perform control for selecting ball number data using the above-described mechanisms. That is, the main control unit 100 includes the photo interrupter 801, the ball-in sensor 49, the angle sensor 59, and the encoder 3
5, fetching various data detected by the ball-out sensor 51, recognizing the state of each part of the main body 3, and giving a control command for driving each motor to the drive circuit 101 accordingly. The control device 10
0 indicates that when the ball number data is read by the first reader unit 45a or the second reader unit 45b,
The read ball number data is displayed on the display device 17b1, and is transmitted to (the sub-control unit 150 of) all the stations 5 via the communication interface 103.

The communication interface 103 transmits a bet permission command and a bet prohibition command to each station 5 in addition to the ball number data.

(Circuit Configuration of Station 5) The configuration of the circuit built in each station 5 is shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 27, the display 5m (display device, display means) and the coin acceptor 151 described above are connected to the sub-control unit 150. The payout button 5a-2 and the four buttons 5b (A button, B button, C button, and D button) are operated via the operation unit 153 for converting the operation contents into digital signals.
Connected to 0. The sub-control unit 150 further includes a communication interface 155, a ROM 154, and an R
AM 152 is connected.

The communication interface 155 receives the ball number data (code), the bet permission command, and the bet prohibition command transmitted from the main control unit 100 of the main body 3.
This is converted into a data format that can be processed by the sub-control unit 150 and then input to the sub-control unit 150.

The ROM 154 is a computer-readable medium storing a bingo game program executed by the sub-control unit 150 and various data necessary for executing the program.

The sub-control unit 150 is a computer that controls each station, and develops a bingo game by executing a bingo game program read from the ROM 154. That is, the sub control unit 150 starts the bingo game based on the coin insertion information notified from the coin receiving machine 151 and the bet information notified from the operation unit 153. And a RAM 15 as storage means.
In addition to generating a bonus table (see FIG. 29) and a card table (see FIG. 28), the data on the card table is changed based on the ball number data (sign) input from the communication interface 155. Go. In addition, each sub-control unit 150 performs display on the display 5m according to the data on the card table, and causes the coin accepting machine 151 to pay out coins at the end of the bingo game. That is, the sub-control unit 150 includes a display unit, an effective area setting unit, a sign setting unit, a play value receiving unit, an effective region expanding unit, a hit cell specifying unit, a bank breakout unit, a payout unit, a bonus target cell setting unit, and This corresponds to a second determination unit.

Here, the card table developed on the RAM 152 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 25, the matrix defined by this card table is a matrix composed of 10 × 10 squares. The entries corresponding to each cell in the card table have an x-direction position (horizontal position in FIG. 25, 1 is the leftmost cell) and a y-direction position (vertical position in FIG. 25, 1 is the top position). A cell number indicating coordinate data (display position) consisting of side cells) is given, and a 1-byte numerical value (1 to 2
5 is written. Further, in each entry, 1-byte state information indicating the current state of the cell corresponding to the entry is set. The first bit of this status information indicates that the cell is valid (that is, the numerical value set for the cell is displayed on the display 5m and is subject to hit determination). The second bit indicates that the cell is invalid (that is, the numerical value set for the cell is not displayed on the display 5m and is not subject to hit determination). The third bit indicates that the numerical value set for that cell has already been selected (ie,
This indicates that ball number information having the same value as the numerical value has been notified from the main control unit 100). The fourth bit is
This indicates that the numerical value set in the cell has not been selected yet (that is, the main control unit 100 has not notified the ball number information having the same value as the numerical value). Also,
The fifth bit indicates that the cell is set as a bonus target cell. The sixth bit indicates that the cell is not set as a bonus target cell. Note that the seventh and eighth bits are not used for state determination.

FIG. 28 shows a card table in an initial state in which no numerical value of any cell has been set yet. Therefore, only cells whose x coordinate is 1 to 5 and whose y coordinate is 1 to 5 are shown. Is set to be valid, all squares have not yet been selected, and have not been set as bonus targets.

FIG. 30 shows a bonus table developed on the RAM 152. As shown in FIG. 30, this bonus table is a table that stores a plurality of combinations of cell numbers set as bonus targets. Then, only one combination of the cell numbers is set to be valid. A variable ODDS2 indicating a multiple at which the bonus is paid out is included in each combination of the square numbers.
Is set. In addition, the combination of each cell number is positioned so that the position of the cell corresponding to those cell numbers becomes a constellation. When any of the combinations of the cell numbers is set as a bonus target, the fifth bit of the state information corresponding to those cell numbers in the card table is set to “1”, and the sixth bit is set to “0”. Is set.

FIG. 25 shows the display mode of the display 5m when the bingo game program is being executed in the sub-control unit 150 of the station 5. At this time, a specific numerical value is written in the numerical value column of the card table in the state shown in FIG. 28, and the bonus target cell (corresponding to the arrangement of the Cassiopeia loci) corresponding to the combination shown in the first entry of the bonus table in FIG. ) Has been set.

Returning to FIG. 27, the coin receiving machine 151 detects the coin inserted from the coin insertion slot 5t, notifies the sub-control unit 150 of coin insertion information, and stores the inserted coin. . In addition, when receiving the coin refund command from the sub-control unit 150, the coin accepting machine 151 replaces the number of coins instructed to be refunded with
Discharge from the discharge port 5p.

<Process Performed on Game Apparatus 1>
Next, the contents of the processing executed in each circuit configured as described above will be described.

(Process Executed by Main Control Unit 100 of Main Unit 3) First, the contents of the control process executed by the main control unit 100 which has read the control program stored in the ROM 102 of the main unit 3 will be described with reference to FIG. This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

The process shown in FIG. 30 is started when the main power is supplied to the main control unit 100. Then, in the first step S001, the main control unit 100 initializes various variables used for executing the processing,
To the initial state. Specifically, the main control unit 100 controls the celestial sphere drive motor 31 so as to return the celestial sphere 24 to the origin position by outputting a control signal to the drive circuit 101. The main control unit 1
00 checks the detection result of the ball-in sensor 49. If the ball-in sensor 49 detects the ball 2, the ball-in sensor 49 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 101, so that the ball 2 is detected. The ball path control mechanism driving motor 44 is controlled so as to discharge the sheet from the reading device 17. As a result, when the state of the corner mechanism in the main body 3 returns to the initial state, the main control unit 100 causes the drive circuit 101 to stop each motor.

In the next step S 002, the main control unit 100 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 101 to start the swing of the celestial sphere 24 by the celestial sphere drive motor 31. This swing is a celestial sphere 2
4 is repeated about 20 degrees (an angle smaller than the angle at which the surface (contact surface) direction of the area near the outer edge 24e on the inner surface 24i of the celestial sphere becomes horizontal) is repeated four times, and then the celestial sphere 24
Is rotated once to return the celestial sphere 24 to the origin.

In the next step S 003, the main controller 100 sends a bet prohibition command to each station 5. This bet prohibition command is a command for closing the bet acceptance for the next bingo game in each station 5.

In the next S004, the main control unit 100 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 101,
Rotating arm 771, by rotating arm drive motor 77a
The rotation of 773 is started.

In the next step S 005, the main control unit 100 sends the two lift drive motors 16, 16 to the drive circuit 101.
Drives both lifts 15 for a certain period of time (rotates the conveyor belt 15c in the forward direction). This fixed time is a time period in which the number of the balls 2 sent out into the bowl 9 by the two lifts 15 becomes a total of ten. Then, when the predetermined time has elapsed, the main control unit 101 stops both the lift drive motors 16 and 16 and also stops the rotary arm drive motor 77a.

In the next S006, main controller 100 checks whether ball-in sensor 49 has detected ball 2 or not. If the ball-in sensor 49 has not detected the ball 2, the main control unit 100 sends the celestial ball drive motor 31 to the drive circuit 101 in S 007.
To start the swing of the celestial sphere 24 again. After executing S007, the main control unit 100 returns the process to S004.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S006 that the ball-in sensor 49 has detected the ball 2, the main controller 100 sets a ball selection permission flag in S008. The ball selection permission flag is a flag indicating that ball number data is to be read from the ball 2 currently at the reading position in the reading device 17.

At the next step S009, the main control unit 100 checks whether or not the ball selection permission flag is set at the present time. Immediately after S008, the processing
Since the ball selection permission flag is always set when entering 009, the main control unit 100 proceeds to S01
Advance to 0.

In S010, the main controller 100 instructs the drive circuit 101 to start the rotation of the ball rotating mechanism drive motor 71. Drive circuit 100 receiving this instruction
Keeps rotating the ball rotating mechanism drive motor 71 until the main control unit 100 issues a rotation stop instruction (S018).

In the next S011, the main control unit 100
After execution of step 010, it is checked whether the celestial sphere 24 has rotated twice and passed the origin. If the celestial sphere 24 has not yet made two rotations and has not passed through the origin, the control unit 100 proceeds to S
At 012, a read command is issued to the first reader unit 45a.

In the next S013, the main control unit 100
It is checked whether ball number data corresponding to the read command issued at 012 has been received from the first reader unit 45a. Then, when the ball number data is received, the process proceeds to S017.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S013 that the ball number data could not be received, the main control unit 100 proceeds to S014, in which the second reader unit 45 is received.
issues a read command to b.

In the next step S015, the main control unit 100
It is checked whether ball number data corresponding to the read command issued in 014 has been received from the second reader unit 45b. Then, when the ball number data is received, the process proceeds to S017.

On the other hand, the second reader unit 45b
If it is determined that the ball number data could not be received, the main control unit 100 returns the processing to S011, and executes the processing for reading the ball number data again. As a result of repeating the loop processing of S011 to S015, without receiving the ball number data,
If the celestial sphere 24 has rotated twice and passed the origin, the process proceeds from S011 to S016. This S
In step 016, the main control 100 determines whether the data carrier 2a of the ball 2 at the reading position or both reader units 45
A message is displayed on the display device 17b1 to the effect that a failure (data error) may have occurred in a and 45b. This S0
After 16 executions, the main control unit 100 ends all the processing.

S0 executed when ball number data can be received from any of the reader units 45a and 45b
At 17, the main control unit 100 resets the ball selection permission flag and prohibits subsequent reading of the ball number data.

In the next step S 018, the main control unit 100 sends the ball rotating mechanism drive motor 71 to the drive circuit 101.
To stop the rotation of.

In the next S019, the main controller 100 transmits the ball number data received in S013 or S015 to all the stations 5.

At the next step S020, the main control unit 100
The number corresponding to the ball number data received in 013 or S015 is displayed on the display device 17b.

In the next S021, the main controller 100 transmits a bet permission command to each station 5. The bet permission command is a command for enabling each station 5 to accept a bet for the next bingo game.

After execution of S021, the process returns to S009. In this case, since the ball selection permission flag has been reset in S017, it is determined in S009 that the ball selection permission flag has not been set, and the process proceeds to S022.

In S022, main controller 100 checks whether ball-in sensor 49 has detected ball 2 or not. If it is determined that the ball-in sensor 49 is detecting the ball 2, the main control unit 100 proceeds to S02
In step 3, by outputting a predetermined control signal to the drive circuit 101, the rotation of the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44 is started. Subsequently, the main control unit 100 executes the next S
At 024, the process waits until the angle sensor 59 (detector 67) detects the slit 65s of the disk 65. Then, when the slit 65s is detected, the main control unit 100 proceeds to S0.
At 25, the drive circuit 101 stops the rotation of the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44. After executing S025, the main control unit 100 advances the process to S026.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S022 that the ball-in sensor 49 has not detected a ball, the main control unit 100 proceeds directly to S026. S02
In 6, the main controller 100 checks whether or not one cycle of the swing operation has been completed by passing through the origin after the celestial sphere 24 has made one rotation. If it is determined that the celestial sphere 24 has not passed through the origin, the process proceeds to S0.
Return to 22. On the other hand, when it is determined that the celestial sphere 24 has passed the origin, the main control unit 100 proceeds to S02
Proceed to 7.

At S027, main controller 100 transmits a bet prohibition command to each station 5.

In the next S028, main controller 100 checks whether ball-in sensor 49 has detected ball 2 or not. If the ball-in sensor 49 determines that the ball 2 is detected, the main control unit 100 advances the process to S029. The processing after S029 is processing for discharging the second and subsequent balls 2 without reading the ball number data when two or more balls 2 have entered the reading device 17. . That is, in S029, the main control unit 100 outputs a predetermined control signal to the drive circuit 101 to stop the rotation of the celestial sphere 24 by the celestial sphere drive motor 31. Subsequently, in the next S030, the main control unit 100
By outputting a predetermined control signal to 1, the rotation of the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44 is started. Subsequently, the main control unit 100 waits for the angle sensor 59 (detector 67) to detect the slit 65s of the disk 65 in the next S031. Then, when the slit 65s is detected, the main control unit 100 causes the drive circuit 101 to stop the rotation of the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44 in S032. After execution of S032, the main control unit 100
The process returns to S028.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S028 that the ball-in sensor 49 has not detected the ball 2,
The main control unit 100 returns the process to S002, and extracts the next ball 2.

In the control processing of FIGS. 30 and 31 described above, S008, S009, and S008
017 is deleted, and when it is determined in S006 that the ball-in sensor 49 detects the ball 2, S010 is immediately executed, and immediately after S021 is executed,
022 may be executed.

In addition, S007 is deleted and S0
If it is determined at 06 that the ball-in sensor 49 has not detected the ball 2, the process may proceed directly to S026.

(Process Executed in Sub-Control Unit 150 of Station 5) Next, in each station 5,
The contents of the control processing executed by the sub-control unit 150 that has read the bingo game program stored in the ROM 154 will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS.

When the main power is turned on to the sub-control unit 150,
The coin entry / exit management routine of FIG. 32, the bet management routine of FIG. 33, and the game control routine of FIGS. 34 and 35 start at the same time, and are thereafter processed in parallel (FIGS. 36 to 38 show the game of FIG. This is a subroutine executed in the control routine.) Hereinafter, these three routines will be described in order.

[Coin In / Out Management Routine] In the coin in / out management routine of FIG.
At 101, the variable CREDIT is reset.

In the next step S102, the sub control unit 150 checks whether or not coin insertion information has been input from the coin receiving machine 151. This coin insertion information is issued each time the coin receiving machine 151 receives one coin.
When the coin insertion information is input, the sub control unit 1
In step S50, after incrementing the variable CREDIT by one in S103, the process proceeds to S104. On the other hand, if coin insertion information has not been input, the process proceeds directly to S104.

In S104, the sub control unit 150 sets the variable BE
It is checked whether T is 0, that is, whether the player occupying this station is participating in the bingo game. This variable BET is a numerical value (play value) obtained by converting the number of coins bet (betting) in the bet management routine of FIG. 33 into data. And the variable BE
If T is not 0, that is, if the player is participating in the bingo game, the sub control unit 150 proceeds to S102.
Return to This is because the processing after S105 is for paying out coins, but liquidation is not possible during participation in the game.

On the other hand, if the variable BET is not 0,
That is, when the player has not participated in the bingo game, since the settlement is possible, the processing after S105 is executed. In S105, the sub control unit 150 checks whether the payout button 5a-2 has been pressed. Then, when the payout button 5a-2 is not pressed, there is no need to perform a refund, and the process returns to S102.

On the other hand, when the payout button 5a-2 is pressed, the sub-control unit 150 instructs the coin receiving machine 151 to refund the same number of coins as the variable CREDIT in S106. After that, the sub control unit 150
Resets the variable CREDIT in the next S107, and then returns the processing to S102.

As a result, the player can always insert additional coins to add CREDIT, and if he wants to get out of the game, he or she always has to pay the CREDIT balance on condition that he has not bet. Coins can be withdrawn. Therefore, it is possible to easily participate in the game.

[Bet Management Routine] In the bet management routine of FIG. 33, in the first step S201, the sub-control unit 150 initially sets the bet method to "one bet" and resets the variable BET.

In the next S202, the sub-control unit 150 checks whether the variable CREDIT is 1 or more. If the variable CREDIT is 0, the situation is that the player has not inserted any coins yet, or
Is exhausted and there is no betting object, so the process returns to S202.

On the other hand, if the variable CREDIT is 1 or more, the sub-control unit 150 checks whether or not betting is permitted by the main control unit 100 of the main body 3 in S203. That is, the bet permission command (S
002) is checked to see if the situation has been transmitted but the bet prohibition command has not yet been transmitted. When the bet is not permitted, that is, when the bet permission command has not been transmitted yet, or when the bet prohibition command has already been transmitted, the sub-control unit 150
The process returns to S202.

On the other hand, if the bet is permitted, the sub-control unit 150 checks in S204 whether the bet select button (B button) has been pressed. Then, when the bet select (B button) is pressed, the sub control unit 150 changes the bet method in S205. That is, when the currently set bet method is “1 bet”, the bet method is switched to “5 bet”. On the other hand, if the currently set bet method is “5-bet”, the bet method is switched to “1-bet”. Here, “1 bet” is a method of betting one coin of CREDIT, and “5 bets” is 5 coins of CREDIT.
Is a way to bet together. When completing the bet method changing process, the sub control unit 150 advances the process to S206. On the other hand, if the bet select button (B button) has not been pressed in S204, the sub control unit 150 directly advances the processing to S206.

In S206, sub control unit 150 checks whether or not the bet button (D button) has been pressed. If the bet button (D button) has not been pressed, the sub control unit 150 returns the process to S202.

In contrast, a bet button (D button)
Is pressed, the sub control unit 150 checks in step S207 whether the currently set bet method is “one bet” or “five bet”.
If the currently set bet method is “one bet”, the sub-control unit 150 sets a “one bet present flag” in S208, increments the variable BET by one in S209, After decrementing the variable CREDIT by one in S210, the process proceeds to S210.
Return to 202. On the other hand, if the currently set bet method is “5 bets”, the sub control unit 15
In the case of 0, the "5 bet present flag" is set in S211, the variable BET is incremented by 5 in S212, the variable CREDIT is decremented by 5 in S213, and the process returns to S202 (corresponding to a game value receiving means). .

As a result, the player can repeatedly make a bet as long as the credit is not 0 and the main controller 100 of the main body 3 permits the bet. And 5
If it is desired to bet all at once, the betting method can be switched to "5-bet" and bets can be made at once.

[Game Control Routine] FIGS. 34 and 35
In the game control routine of, the sub control unit 150 initializes various variables used in the processing in the first step S301. Specifically, a variable Ba indicating the number of received ball number data, a variable BINGOOLD indicating the number of wins counted immediately before, a variable BINGONEW indicating the count result of the current number of wins, and a total of the number of wins The variable WIN is reset to 0, and the variable ODDS1 indicating the payout multiple (odds) with respect to the number of wins is set to 10.

At the next step S302, the sub control unit 150 checks whether the variable CREDIT is 1 or more. That is, it is checked whether or not the player has occupied the station 5 and inserted coins. And the variable CREDIT is 0
In other words, if the player has not inserted a coin yet, the sub control unit 150 performs a demonstration in S303. In this demonstration execution, a moving image showing the game content is displayed on the display 5m to attract human interest. This demonstration is executed in S302
This is repeated until it is determined that the IT has become 1 or more.

S executed when CREDIT becomes 1 or more
In 304, the sub-control unit 150 resets the card table developed on the RAM 152 to the initial state shown in FIG. 28, and sets variables indicating the height and width of the area of the cell set as valid. n is set to 5 (corresponding to an effective area setting means).

In the next step S305, the sub control unit 150 sets a numerical value randomly selected from the range of 1 to 25 in each numerical value column of the card table (corresponding to a code setting means).

In the next step S306, the sub control unit 150 sets a cell corresponding to all the cell numbers described in any of the entries in the bonus table as a bonus target on the card table (in the bonus target cell setting means). Equivalent). Specifically, 5 of the status information corresponding to each cell number
The bit is set to 1 and the 6th bit is set to 0. At the same time, the variable ODDS2 is read from the same entry.

In the next S307, the sub control unit 150
A matrix consisting of 0 × 10 cells is displayed on a display 5
m on the display 5m (corresponding to a display means), and the numerical values of all the cells set as valid in the card table are displayed on the display 5m. at the same time,
Stars are displayed on all the cells set as bonus targets in the card table, regardless of whether or not they are set to be valid. Is displayed.)

In the next step S308, the sub control unit 150 checks whether or not the variable BET has become 1 or more. That is,
Check if the player is participating in the bingo game. If the variable BET is 0, that is, if the player has not yet participated in the bingo game, the sub control unit 150 checks in S309 whether the game button (C button) has been pressed. I do. This game button (C button) is pressed when the player looking at the display 5m does not like the position and the number of the cells to be bonus. Therefore, when this game button (C button) is pressed, the sub control unit 150 returns the process to S306, and reads out the cell number and the variable ODDS2 from another entry in the bonus table. On the other hand, if the game button (C button) is not pressed,
The process returns to S308.

When the variable BET becomes 1 or more as a result of repeating the above loop processing of S306 to S309, the processing proceeds to S310. In this S310, the sub control unit 150
Checks whether the "5 bet present flag" is set. Then, "five-sheet bet flag"
Is set, the sub control unit 150 sets S3
At 11, the variable n is incremented by one. In the next S312, the x coordinate is 0 to n and the y coordinate is 0 to n.
Are set again as valid (corresponding to an effective area enlarging means). Specifically, the first bit of the state information of these cells on the card table is set to 1 and the second bit is reset to 0. The sub control unit 150 resets the “five-sheet bet flag” in the next S313, and advances the processing to S317.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S310 that the “five-sheet bet flag” is not set, the sub-control unit 150 sets the “one-sheet bet flag” in S314. Check if there is. When the “1 bet present flag” is set, the sub control unit 150 proceeds to S315
An arbitrary cell adjacent to an area composed of all cells whose x-coordinates are 0 to n and y-coordinates are 0 to n is reset as one valid cell (corresponding to an effective area enlarging means). Specifically, 1 of the state information of the cell on the card table
The bit is set to 1 and the second bit is set to 0 again.
The sub-control unit 150 resets the “one-sheet bet flag” in the next S316, and advances the processing to S317.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S314 that the “1 bet present flag” has not been set, the sub control unit 150 advances the process directly to S317.

In S317, the sub control unit 150 displays the numerical value of the cell newly set to be valid on the display 5m.
Display above.

In the next step S319, the sub control unit 150 waits for notification of ball number data from the main control unit 100 of the main body 3. When the ball number data is notified, the sub control unit 150 determines in S320 that the numerical value indicated by the notified ball number data is the same as any numerical value described on the card table. Check if there is. If the numerical value indicated by the ball number data is different from any numerical values described on the card table, the sub control unit 15
If "0", the process returns to S319.

On the other hand, when the numerical value indicated by the ball number data coincides with any numerical value described on the card table, that is, when any numerical value described on the card table is changed by the code selecting means. When the sub-controller 150 selects the processing in S3,
Proceed to 21.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a hit determination routine which is a subroutine executed in S321. First S401 after entering this subroutine
Then, the sub control unit 150 sets a cell corresponding to the selected numerical value as a hit cell (corresponding to a hit cell specifying unit). Specifically, the third bit of the status information of the cell on the card table is set to 1 and the fourth bit is set to 0.
And set again.

In the next step S402, the sub control unit 150
The display color of the cell set as the hit cell in 401 is
Change to a different color from the other cells.

In the next step S403, the sub control unit 150 stores the selected numerical value in advance as the numerical value to be reached (S6).
12) Check whether it matches the numerical value.
When the selected numerical value does not match the reach target numerical value, the sub control unit 150 proceeds to S
Proceed to 405.

On the other hand, if the selected numerical value matches the numerical value of the reach target, the sub control unit 150
In S404, a bingo determination routine is executed. FIG.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a bingo determination routine which is a subroutine executed in S404. In the first step S501 after entering this subroutine, the sub control unit 1
50 initializes the determination direction.

In the next step S502, the sub control unit 150 checks whether or not all directions have been determined since entering this subroutine. Here, all directions are the vertical direction in which the determination line on the display 5m is shown in FIG. 39, the horizontal direction in which the determination line is shown on the display 5m in FIG. 40, and the display 5m in FIG. This is an oblique direction in which the determination line above is shown. In this check, it is determined that the determination in all directions has been made only when the currently set determination direction is oblique.

If the determination in all directions has not been completed yet, that is, if the currently set determination direction is the initial value (0), vertical or horizontal, the sub control unit 150
In S503, the determination direction is changed. That is,
If the currently set determination direction is the initial value (0), the direction is changed to vertical. If the currently set determination direction is vertical, the direction is changed to horizontal. If it is horizontal, change it diagonally.

In the next step S504, the sub control unit 150 sets the variable No. for specifying the judgment line to 0. This variable No. corresponds to the circled number given to the determination line indicated by the arrow in FIGS. The range of the variable No. is 0 to 10 when the determination direction is vertical and when the determination direction is horizontal, but is 0 to 22 when the determination direction is oblique.

In the next step S505, the sub control unit 150 increments the variable No. by one.

In the next step S506, the sub-control unit 150 specifies the number of effective cells in the line (No. (The total number of cells that are set to be valid within the judgment line).

In the next step S507, the sub control unit 150 sets the variable j indicating the starting point of the determination to 0.

At the next step S508, the sub-control unit 150 increments the variable j by one.

In the next step S509, the sub control unit 150
j in the effective cell sequence in the judgment line specified by o.
It is checked whether or not all the i-th cells from the i-th cell are set as hit cells. Then, when it is not set that all i cells are hit cells,
In S510, the sub-control unit 150 checks whether or not the value of the variable j at the present time matches the value of (the number of effective cells in the line−variable i + 1). The case where the value of the variable j at the present time matches the value of (the number of valid squares in the line−variable i + 1) is the case where the number of valid squares following the determination start point matches the number of determination lines, This is the case where the determination starting point cannot be shifted any longer. Accordingly, if the value of the variable j at the present time does not match the value of (the number of effective squares in the line−variable i + 1), the position of the determination start point can be shifted backward, and the processing is performed in S
Returning to step 508, the variable j is incremented.

On the other hand, if the value of the variable j at the present time matches the value of (the number of effective squares in the line−variable i + 1), the sub-control unit 150
It is checked whether the value of the variable i is 5 at the present time. Also in the present embodiment, the minimum number of consecutive hit cells for establishing bingo is 5. Therefore, if the current value of the variable i is larger than 5, the sub control unit 15
In the case of 0, after the variable i is decremented by one in S515, the process returns to S507.

Even if the above-described loop processing of S507 to S511 and S515 is repeated, it is determined in S509 that all the i-th cells from the j-th cell in the effective cell column in the judgment line specified by No. are hit cells. If the determination is not made, bingo is not established in the determination line specified by No. at this point, and the process advances to S514 to change the determination line.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S509 that all the i-th cells from the j-th face in the effective cell row in the determination line specified by No. are hit cells,
The sub-control unit 150 determines that bingo has been established, and advances the process to S512 (corresponding to a determination unit). In S512, the sub control unit 150 sets the variable indicating the count value of the number of wins.
A value obtained by subtracting 4 from the variable i is added to BINGONEW. The value obtained by subtracting 4 from the variable i is the number of wins given to the bingo, and becomes 1 when bingo is established by only five consecutive hit squares.

In the next step S513, the sub control unit 150
The display colors of all the cells determined to be the hit cells in 509 (the cells in which bingo has been established) are set to colors different from the other cells (unselected cells and the hit cells). Sub-control unit 1
Thereafter, the process proceeds to S514 in order to make a determination on another determination line.

In S514, the sub control unit 150 determines that the value of the variable No. at the current time point is the maximum value in the judgment direction at the present time point (10 if it is vertical or horizontal, 2 if it is diagonal).
Check if 2). If the maximum value has not yet been reached, the process returns to S505 in order to make a determination on the next determination line.

On the other hand, when the value of the variable No. at the present time has reached the maximum value, the judgment has been completed for all the judgment lines in the judgment direction at the present time.
The process returns to S502.

When the sub-control unit 150 determines that the determination in all directions has been completed as a result of repeating the loop processing of S502 to S514, the sub-control unit 150 determines in step S516 the variable BINGOADD indicating the newly generated winning number. As the value, a value obtained by subtracting the variable BINGONEW from the variable BINGOOLD is set.

In the next S517, the sub control unit 150 adds the value of the variable BINGOADD to the variable WIN indicating the total number of wins.

In the next step S518, the sub control unit 150 transfers the value of the variable BINGONEW as the value of the variable BINGOOLD at the time of executing the next subroutine.

In the next step S519, the sub control unit 150 resets the value of the variable BINGONEW.

When the above processing is completed, the sub control unit 150
This subroutine ends, and the process returns to the process of FIG. In the routine of FIG. 37 where the processing is returned, the sub control unit 15
If “0”, the process proceeds to S405.

In S405, sub-control section 150 executes a reach determination routine. FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing a reach determination routine which is a subroutine executed in S405. In the first step S601 after entering this subroutine, the sub control unit 150 initializes the determination direction.

In the next step S602, the sub-control unit 150 checks whether or not all directions have been determined since entering this subroutine in the same manner as in S502.

If the determination in all directions has not yet been completed, that is, if the currently set determination direction is the initial value (0), vertical or horizontal, the sub control unit 150
In step S603, the determination direction is changed in the same manner as in step S503.

In the next step S604, the sub control unit 150 sets the variable No. for specifying the judgment line to 0.

In the next step S605, the sub control unit 150 increments the variable No. by one.

In the next step S606, the sub control unit 150 sets a variable i indicating the number of determination lines to 5.

In the next step S607, the sub-control unit 150 sets the variable j indicating the determination starting point to 0.

In the next step S608, the sub-control unit 150 increments the variable j by one.

At the next step S609, the sub control unit 150
j in the effective cell sequence in the judgment line specified by o.
It is checked whether or not all (i-1) cells have been set as hit cells from the second cell. And i
If it is not set that all of the cells are hit cells, the sub-control unit 150 determines in step S610 that the value of the variable j at this time is (the number of effective cells in the line−the variable i +
Check whether it matches the value of 1). If the value of the variable j at the present time does not match the value of (the number of effective squares in the line−variable i + 1), the position of the determination starting point can be shifted backward, so
Returning to 608, the variable j is incremented.

On the other hand, when the value of the variable j at the present time matches the value of (the number of effective cells in the line−variable i + 1), the position of the determination starting point cannot be shifted backward, and Control unit 150 causes the process to proceed to S614.

As a result of repeating the loop processing of S608 to S610, (i-1) cells are all hit cells from the j-th cell in the effective cell column in the determination line specified by No. If it is determined in S609 that the setting is made, the process proceeds to S611. S611
Then, the sub-control unit 150 checks whether or not the next cell following the hit cell sequence determined as the target in S609 is a hit cell. If the next cell is a hit cell, the cell up to the next cell can be regarded as a cell row in which bingo is established. Therefore, the sub control unit 150
In order to set the next cell as a reach target,
After incrementing the variable i in S13, the process proceeds to S6.
Return to 07.

On the other hand, if the next cell following the hit cell row to be determined in S609 is not a hit cell, it can be regarded that the reach is established, and the sub control is performed. The unit 150 determines in S612 that S6
In 09, the display colors of the squares adjacent to the row before and after the hit cell row to be determined are changed to colors different from other cells (unselected cells, hit cells, and cells in which bingo is established). At the same time, the numerical values of the preceding and following squares are stored as numerical values to be reached. When the processing in S612 is completed, the sub control unit 150 advances the processing to S614.

In S614, the sub control unit 150 determines that the value of the variable No. at the present time is the maximum value in the judgment direction at the present time (10 if it is vertical or horizontal, 2 if it is oblique).
Check if 2). If the maximum value has not yet been reached, the process returns to S605 in order to make a determination on the next determination line.

On the other hand, if the value of the variable No. at the present time has reached the maximum value, the judgment has been completed for all the judgment lines in the judgment direction at the present time.
The process returns to S602.

If it is determined that the determination in all directions has been completed as a result of repeating the above loop processing of S602 to S614, the sub control unit 150 ends this subroutine and returns to the processing of FIG. In the routine of FIG. 36 to which the processing is returned, the sub control unit 150 further performs the processing of FIG.
Return to

In the routine of FIG. 35 to which the processing has been returned, the sub-control unit 150 increments the variable Ba by one in S322.

In the next step S323, the sub-control unit 150 checks whether or not the value of the variable Ba at present is less than 10. If the value of the variable Ba is still less than 10, the sub-control unit 150 determines that the current bingo game has not been completed yet, and proceeds to step S319 to wait for notification of the next ball number data. return.

On the other hand, if the current value of the variable Ba has reached 10, the sub-control unit 150 determines that the current bingo game has ended, and shifts the processing to S324 for CREDIT settlement. Proceed. In S324, the sub control unit 150 checks whether the value of the variable WIN at the current time is 0. If the value of the variable WIN is 0, since no bingo is established, there is no need to add CREDIT, and the process proceeds directly to S328.

On the other hand, when the value of the variable WIN is 1 or more, since at least one bingo is established, the sub control unit 150 is added to add CREDIT (payout of the game value). Advances the process to S325. This S32
5, the sub-control unit 150 sets the variable CREDIT
Is added to the value obtained by multiplying the variable WIN by the variables BET and ODDS1 (corresponding to the payout means).

Then, in the next S326, the sub control unit 150 checks whether or not the condition for providing the bonus is satisfied (corresponding to the second determining means). Specifically, it is checked whether or not all the cells set as bonus targets in the card table are valid and are indicated by the state information as being selected. Then, when the condition for providing the bonus is satisfied, the sub-control unit 150 adds the value obtained by multiplying the variable BET by the ODDS2 to the variable CREDIT at the present time in S327. Thereafter, the sub-control unit 150 advances the processing to S328. On the other hand, if it is determined in S326 that the condition for providing the bonus is not satisfied, the sub-control unit 150 advances the process to S328.

In S328, the sub control unit 150 sets the variable BE
Reset T. Thereafter, the sub-control unit 150 returns the processing to S301 in preparation for starting a new game.

<Operation of Game Apparatus 1> Next, the actual operation of the game apparatus according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

(Game Preparation Stage) When the game apparatus 1 is powered on, the sub-control unit 150 of each station 5
A demonstration is performed (S303). And display 5
When the player who has watched the demo display on m inserts a coin through the coin insertion slot 5t, the sub-control unit 150 increases the variable CREDIT according to the number of inserted coins (S103). Further, the sub control unit 150 initializes the card table (S
304), 1 to 2
While writing a numerical value at random in the range of 5 (S30)
5), a bonus is set (S306). Then, based on the card table on which such a setting has been made, a matrix of 10 squares by 10 squares is displayed on the display 5m (S307). At this point, since n = 5, only the area of 5 squares by 5 squares is displayed as an effective square and its numerical value is displayed. Also, a star is displayed on a square to which a bonus is set.

On the other hand, when the game device 1 is powered on and activated, the main control unit 100
Transmits a bet permission command to each station 5 periodically (S021). In the station 5 which has received the bet permission command, a bet can be made on condition that the variable CREDIT is 1 or more (S206).
At this time, the player can select one bet or five bets as a betting method based on his / her own judgment (S204, S205, S207). When a single bet is selected and the bet button (D button) is selected, only one square adjacent to the area of 5 squares × 5 squares is activated (S315), and the numerical value is displayed. (S31
7). On the other hand, when the five bet is selected and the bet button (D button) is selected, the effective area increases vertically and horizontally by one cell each, and the area of 6 cells × 6 cells becomes effective (S312). ), And the numerical value is displayed (S317). Such a bet is possible until a bet prohibition command is transmitted from the main control unit 100 of the main body 3 (S02).
7) Each time this bet is made, the area is expanded.
When a bet is made, a variable BET
Also increase. That is, when a BET is made, the possibility that bingo will be established increases, and the number of medals (CREDIT number) paid out when bingo is established also doubles.

Thereafter, when the main controller 100 of the main body 3 transmits a bet prohibition command to each station 5 (S0
27), the value of the BET in each station 5 and the contents of the card table are determined, and the extraction of the ball 2 and the reading of the ball number data in the main body 3 and the bingo game in each station are started (S31).
9).

(Ball Number Data Selection Stage) When the game starts, the main controller 100 of the main body 3
01, an instruction to start swinging the celestial sphere 24 by the celestial sphere drive motor 31 (S02), and an instruction to rotate the rotary arms 771, 773 by the rotary arm drive motor 77a (S004). As a result, the pool 13
2 near the lift in the inclined guideway 75
Is pushed back upstream of the inclined guide path 75, so that the ball 2
Are rolled into the lift 15 one by one.

Next, the main controller 100 of the main body 3 instructs the drive circuit 101 to drive the lift by the two lift drive motors 16 (S005). Therefore, lift 15
The ball 2 that has entered the ball receiving portion 15r is transported toward the uppermost portion of the lift 15 by the transport belt 15c. Ball 2
Since the balls 2 are successively rolled into the ball receiving portion 15 r by the inclined guide path 75, the balls 2 are continuously transported to the uppermost portion of the lift 15. The ball 2 conveyed to the uppermost portion is separated from the ball receiving portion 15r by the remover 15o, and is fed out to the bowl 9. Such conveyance of the balls 2 by the lifts 15 is repeated until the total number of the balls 2 sent into the bowl 9 by both lifts 15 becomes about ten.

When the ball 2 enters the bowl 9, the ball 2
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view and a plan view of a region X of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, the movement direction is suppressed by the ball movement direction control plate 9b, so that the ball reaches the through hole 9h while swirling along an inner surface of the bowl 9 in an arc. Falls from the through hole 9h by taking a random orbit. The dropped ball 2 hits the propeller-shaped guide 19, and about 30 to 40% of the ball 2 is stored in the celestial sphere 24. At this time, since the celestial sphere 24 repeatedly swings, the ball 2 accommodated in the celestial sphere 24 is stirred. At this time, the stirring action is enhanced by the protrusion 37 provided on the inner surface of the celestial sphere 24.

When the transport of the ball 2 by the lift 15 is completed, one rotation of the celestial sphere 24 starts. Then, at a stage where the rotation of the celestial sphere 24 has advanced to some extent, only one of the balls 2 housed in the celestial sphere 24 rolls into the inner lane 21 (see FIGS. 19 and 22). All the other balls 2 are removed from the celestial sphere 24, fall from there, and roll into the pool 13 (see FIG. 19). When the celestial sphere 24 further rotates (see FIG. 20), the ball 2 entering the inner lane 21 is discharged from the inner lane 21 and
to go into. The ball 2 entering the outer lane 18 rolls down along the outer lane 18 and enters the ball path 17w of the reading device 17 from the passage 18o of the outer lane 18 via the ball introduction port 17c1 of the reading device 17 ( See FIG. 21).

The ball 2 entering the ball path 17w is temporarily stopped on the straight path 17w1 by the ball path control mechanism 43. Ball 2
Is temporarily stopped, the ball-in sensor 49
(S006), and if the ball 2 has not entered the reading device 17 due to some factor, the swing (swing and one rotation) of the celestial sphere 24 and the transport of the ball 2 by the lift 15 are executed again. (S007). And
The ball-in sensor 4 detects that the ball 2 is on the straight path 17w1.
When 9 is detected, the main control unit 100 instructs the drive circuit 101 to operate the ball rotation mechanism 47 by the ball rotation mechanism drive motor 71 (S010). As a result, the ball 2 is rotated by the roller 69 of the ball rotating mechanism 47.
Starts rotating, and the direction of the ball 2 with respect to the leader units 45a and 45b changes. After that, each reader unit 45
a, 45b reads the ball number data (S
012 to S015), and the read ball number data is transmitted to each station 5 (S01).
9), is displayed on the display device 17b1 (S020).

As described above, when the transmission and display of the ball number data are performed, the main control unit 100 causes the drive circuit 101 to operate the ball passage control mechanism 43 by the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44 (S023). As a result, the ball path 17w opens, and the ball 2 moves from the straight path 17w1 to the branch path 17w.
Any of w2 and 17w3 is discharged to the pool 13.

The ball 2, which fell from the through hole 9h of the bowl 9 but was not received by the celestial sphere 24, the reading device 17
The ball 2 that spilled from the celestial sphere 24 without being guided to
The balls 2 discharged from the reading device 17 all accumulate in the ball accumulation unit 13. Then, the lift 15 passes through an inclined guide path 75 formed at the bottom of the ball pool 13.
To the ball receiving portion 15r. And at this time, a plurality of balls 2
Rotation arm 7 even if a so-called bridge
Since the ball 2 is played by 7s, the supply of the ball 2 to the lift 15 is not interrupted.

As described above, the ball 2 repeats circulation.
Then, one ball 2 extracted during the circulation is guided to the reading device 17, and the ball number data is read by the reader units 45a and 45b.

By the way, the balls 2 gathering in the ball pool 13 are
Not only the non-extracted ball 2 that has rolled directly from the celestial sphere 24, but also the extracted ball 2 that has passed through the inner lane 21 and the outer lane 18, and among the extracted balls 2, the branch path 17w2 or the branch path Some came via 17w3. That is, the path of the ball 2 to the ball pool 13 is different for each ball 2. That is, it is caused by chance.

Further, the ball 2 that has reached the ball pool 13 is flipped by the rotating body 77, so that the ball receiver 1 of the lift 15
Which balls 2 enter 5r can be said to be the result of further accidental stacking.

Further, in the ball 2 reaching the bowl 9, there are various paths of the ball 2 reaching the through-hole 9h, such as a ball spirally or linearly reaching the through-hole 9h. Works.

Even if the ball 2 enters the celestial sphere 24 of the ball extraction device 11, which ball 2 is to be extracted is nothing more than accidental, that is, random extraction.

In this embodiment, the ball path 17
w, the ball pool 13, the lift 15 and the bowl 9 including the rotating body 77 are referred to as first extracting means, and the ball extracting device 11 is referred to as second extracting means.

(Ball Number Data Processing Stage) Upon receiving the notification of the ball number data from the main body 3 (S319), the sub control unit 150 of each station 9 stores the same numerical value as the numerical value indicated by the ball number data in the card table. (S32).
0). If it is described, a hit determination routine is executed (S312). In the hit determination routine, the sub-control unit 150 rewrites the state information of the square in which the numerical value is described to make it the selected state (S401), and changes the display color of the square (S4).
02). Next, it is checked whether or not this numerical value is stored as a reach target. If the numerical value is stored as a reach target, a bingo determination routine is executed (S404) and stored as a reach target. If not, a reach determination routine is executed (S405).

In the reach determination routine, all the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal mass rows constituting the matrix displayed on the display 5m are scanned. Then, first, it is determined whether or not four consecutive hit cells (the cells for which the numerical values described therein are selected) in the effective cells included in each cell row (judgment line) are continuous (S609). . This is because, in the present embodiment, the minimum number of consecutive hit cells required to establish bingo is 5 as in the traditional bingo game. Must be continuous for four squares.

When the number of continuous operations is 4, the sub control unit 150 determines that the vehicle is in the reach state (S61).
1) The numerical values of the squares before and after that are stored as reach targets, and their display colors are changed (S612).

On the other hand, if the number of consecutive cells is 5 or more, the condition is that the number of effective cells in the cell string (judgment line) exceeds the number of consecutive consecutive cells at that time (S
610), the squares before and after the hitting row are stored as reach targets (S613, S609, S611, S61).
2). This is because, in the present embodiment, since the effective area is enlarged, there is a possibility that the cells per 6 cells or more are continuous. Therefore, the winning is performed according to the continuous number of cells per 5 cells or more. Can now be evaluated. That is, in the present embodiment, even when a bingo is once formed by a row of five consecutive hit cells, the numerical value indicated by the ball number data received thereafter is described in the next cell of the hit cell sequence. In such a case, it is determined that bingo has been further established by the hit cell row of six consecutive cells. Therefore, in this reach determination routine, even if the number of consecutive hit cells is 5 or more, the numerical values of the cells before and after the row of cells are stored as reach targets.

In the bingo determination routine, as in the reach determination routine, all the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal squares constituting the matrix displayed on the display 5m are scanned. I do. Then, it is determined whether or not five or more hit cells in the effective cells included in each cell row (determination line) are continuous (S509). If the number of consecutive hit cells is 5 or more, it is determined that bingo has been established, and a value obtained by subtracting 4 from the number of consecutive hit cells is added to the variable BINGONEW (S512).

When the scanning of all the cell strings (judgment lines) in all directions is completed in this way, the sub-control unit 150 sets the variable BINGONEW added during that time to
The value of BINGONEW in the previous hit determination routine,
That is, the value is compared with the value of the variable BINGONEW (S516), and the difference between them, that is, the value of the variable BINGOADD, is added to the variable WIN as the "winning number" newly generated based on the ball number data received this time (S517). ).

The sub control unit 150 repeats the hit determination routine described above every time the value of the new ball number data notified from the main unit 3 matches the value on the card table. When the total number of ball number data notified from the main body 3 reaches 10 (S323), the variable WI
The number obtained by multiplying the variable WIN by the bet number BET and the odds ODDS1 on the condition that N is 1 or more, that is, on condition that at least one bingo is established, is a variable CREDI.
Add to T. In this case, the bonus is added to the variable CREDIT on condition that all the cells set as bonus targets are hit cells (S
327).

With the above, one bingo game in each station 5 is completed. When the player wishes to further participate in the bingo game, the player places a bet according to a bet permission command transmitted from the main body 3 thereafter. When the player wants to get out of the bingo game, the player presses the payout button 5a-2. Then, the same number of coins as the value of CREDIT accumulated up to that point are discharged from the discharge port 5p (S106).

In the present embodiment, as described above, since the effective area in the matrix displayed on the display 6m is enlarged in accordance with the number of bets, the possibility that bingo will be established is increased or decreased. Therefore, it is possible to provide a traditional bingo game and a playability not found in a bingo game device following the game.

[0225]

Embodiment 2 The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the above-described first embodiment only in the contents of the control program stored in the R0M 102 of the main unit 3, and has the same other configuration. And Therefore, hereinafter, only the content of the control program will be described, and the description of the configuration common to the first embodiment will be omitted.

<Process Performed on Game Apparatus 1>
FIGS. 42 and 43 are flowcharts showing the contents of the control program according to the second embodiment. This control program is characterized in that the clogging of the ball 2 in the ball path 17w of the reading device 17 is detected based on the detection result of the ball-out sensor 51 as compared with the control program of the first embodiment.

The process shown in FIG. 42 is started when the main power is supplied to the main control unit 100. Then, in the first step S701, the main control unit 100 initializes various variables and data used for executing the processing. Also,
In this step, the main control unit 100
By outputting a predetermined control signal to 01,
After rotating the celestial sphere 24 once, it returns to the origin position.
The celestial ball drive motor 31 is controlled.

In the next step S702, the main controller 100 transmits a bet permission command to each station 5.

In the next step S703, the main control unit 100 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 101 to cause the celestial sphere driving motor 31 to start swinging the celestial sphere 24. After this command, the main control unit 100 determines that the surface (contact surface) of the area near the outer edge 24 e on the inner surface 24 i of the celestial sphere does not incline beyond the horizontal based on the inclination angle information of the celestial sphere 24 input from the encoder 35. So, keep monitoring.

In the next step S704, the main controller 100 waits in each station 5 for a time sufficient for the player to make a bet.

In the next step S705, the main controller 100 transmits a bet prohibition command to each station 5.

In the next step S706, the main control unit 100 outputs a control signal to the drive circuit 101,
Rotating arm 771, by rotating arm drive motor 77a
The rotation of 773 is started.

In the next step S707, the main control unit 100 sends the two lift drive motors 16, 16 to the drive circuit 101.
Drives both lifts 15 for a certain period of time (rotates the conveyor belt 15c in the forward direction). This fixed time is a time period in which the number of the balls 2 sent out into the bowl 9 by the two lifts 15 becomes a total of ten.

Next, the main control unit 100 executes S708 through S708.
711 loop processing is executed. This loop process is a process for discharging the ball 2 that has accidentally entered the reading device 17 from the reading device 17 before the celestial sphere 24 makes one rotation. In the first step S708 after entering this loop processing, the main control unit 100 checks whether the ball-in sensor 49 has detected the ball 2 or not. When the ball-in sensor 49 detects the ball 2, the main control unit 100
Starts the rotation of the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44 by controlling the drive circuit 101 in S709. Next, the main controller 100 waits in S710 for the angle sensor 59 (detector 67) to detect the slit 65s of the disk 65. And the slit 65s
Is detected, the main control unit 100 stops the rotation of the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44 in S711, and thereafter returns the processing to S708, and checks whether the ball-in sensor 49 detects the ball again. It determines whether or not.

Then, in S708, the ball-in sensor 4
If it is determined that the ball 9 has not detected the ball 2, the main controller 100 instructs the drive circuit 101 to drive the celestial drive motor 31 to rotate the celestial sphere 24 once in S712. As a result of the execution of this step, when the celestial sphere 24 makes one rotation, as described above, only one ball 2 is introduced into the reading device 17 via the inner lane 21 and the outer lane 18. After one rotation of the celestial sphere 24, the drive circuit 101 repeats the swing of the celestial sphere 24 by the celestial sphere drive motor 31 as before.

At the next step S713, the main controller 100 checks whether or not the ball-in sensor 49 has detected the ball 2. This is a process for when the introduction of the ball 2 into the reading device 17 by rotating the celestial sphere 24 once has failed. When the ball-in sensor 49 has not detected the ball 2, it is determined that the introduction of the ball 2 has failed, and the process returns to S707.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S713 that the ball-in sensor 49 has detected the ball 2, the main controller 100 instructs the driving circuit 101 to drive the ball rotating mechanism driving motor in S714. An instruction to start rotation of 71 is issued.

At the next step S715, the main controller 100 issues a read command to the first reader unit 45a.

Then, the main controller 100 proceeds to the next step S716.
Then, it is checked whether ball number data corresponding to the read command issued in S715 has been received from the first reader unit 45a. If ball number data has been received, the process proceeds to S721.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S716 that the ball number data could not be received, the main control unit 100 determines in S717 that the second reader unit 45
issues a read command to b. And the next S
At 718, the main control unit 100 checks whether or not ball number data corresponding to the read command issued at S717 has been received from the second reader unit 45b. If ball number data has been received, the process proceeds to S721.

On the other hand, the second reader unit 45b
If it is determined that the ball number data could not be received, the main control unit 100 checks in step S719 whether the celestial sphere 24 has passed the origin. Then, if the celestial sphere 24 has not passed the origin yet, the control unit 100 returns the process to S715 and executes the ball number data reading process again.

On the other hand, as a result of repeating the loop processing from S714 to S719 without receiving the ball number data, if it is determined in S719 that the celestial sphere 24 has passed the origin, the main control unit 100 It recognizes that some trouble has occurred, and executes ball error processing in S730. At the time of the ball error processing, the main control unit 100 displays a message indicating that an error has occurred on the display device 17b1.

S7 executed when ball number data can be received from any of the reader units 45a and 45b
In 20, the main control unit 100 instructs the drive circuit 101 to stop the rotation of the ball rotation mechanism drive motor 71.

At the next step S721, the main controller 100 transmits the ball number data received at step S716 or S718 to all the stations 5. Then, in the next S722, the main control unit 100 displays a number corresponding to the ball number data on the display device 17b.

Next, the main control unit 100 executes S723 through S723.
729 loop processing is executed. This loop process is a process for discharging the balls 2 in the reading device 17. In the first step S723 after entering this loop processing, the main control unit 10
0 outputs a predetermined control signal to the drive circuit 101 to start the rotation of the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44. Subsequently, the main control unit 100 proceeds to the next S724.
Waits for the angle sensor 59 (detector 67) to detect the slit 65s of the disk 65. Then, when the slit 65s is detected, the main control unit 100 causes the drive circuit 101 to stop the rotation of the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44 in S725.

Thereafter, the main control unit 100 waits for a predetermined time in S726. The certain time is a time normally required for the ball 2 passing through the ball passage control mechanism 43 to pass through the ball path 17w. After that, the main control unit 100
In S727, it is checked whether the ball-out sensor 51 has detected the passage of the ball 2. If it is determined that the ball-out sensor 51 has not detected the passage of the ball 2, it is determined that the subsequent game cannot be continued because the ball 2 is jammed in the ball path 17w. The process proceeds to S730, and executes ball error processing (notifying the employee of the occurrence of the error).

On the other hand, if it is determined in S727 that the ball-out sensor 51 has detected the passage of the ball 2, the main control unit 100 determines in S728 that the ball-in sensor 49 has detected the ball 2. Check if there is. This is a check for checking whether two or more balls 2 have entered the reading device 17 due to a chance or the like. Then, the ball-in sensor 49 detects the ball 2
Is detected, the main control unit 100
Returns the process to S723, and executes the process of discharging the ball 2.

On the other hand, if it is determined in S728 that the ball-in sensor 49 has not detected the ball 2,
In S729, the main control unit 100 checks whether or not the celestial sphere 24 has passed the origin. And celestial sphere 2
If it is determined that No. 4 has passed the origin, the process proceeds to S
Return to 702. On the other hand, when it is determined that the celestial sphere 24 has not passed the origin, the main control unit 100
The process returns to S728, and waits for the celestial sphere 24 to pass through the origin.

<Operation of Game Apparatus 1> Next, the actual operation of the game apparatus according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

(Game Preparation Stage) When the game apparatus 1 is turned on, the sub-control unit 150 of each station 5
A demonstration is performed (S303). And display 5
When the player who has watched the demo display on m inserts a coin through the coin insertion slot 5t, the sub-control unit 150 increases the variable CREDIT according to the number of inserted coins (S103). Further, the sub control unit 150 initializes the card table (S
304), 1 to 2
While writing a numerical value at random in the range of 5 (S30)
5), a bonus is set (S306). Then, based on the card table on which such a setting has been made, a matrix of 10 squares by 10 squares is displayed on the display 5m (S307). At this point, since n = 5, only the area of 5 squares by 5 squares is displayed as an effective square and its numerical value is displayed. Also, a star is displayed on a square to which a bonus is set.

On the other hand, when the game apparatus 1 is powered on, the main control section 100 of the main body 3 transmits a bet permission command to each station 5 (S702). In the station 5 receiving this bet permission command, the variable
A bet can be made on condition that CREDIT is 1 or more (S206). At this time, the player can select one bet or five bets as a betting method based on his / her own judgment (S204, S205, S207).
When a single bet is selected and the bet button (D button) is selected, only one square adjacent to the area of 5 squares × 5 squares is activated (S315), and the numerical value is displayed. (S317). On the other hand, when the five bet is selected and the bet button (D button) is selected, the effective area increases vertically and horizontally by one cell each, and the area of 6 cells × 6 cells becomes effective (S312). ), And the numerical value is displayed (S3
17). Such a bet is placed on the main controller 100 of the main body 3.
(S704, S213) until the bet prohibition command is transmitted from the server.
The area is enlarged. When a bet is made, the variable BET also increases according to the number of bets. That is, when a BET is made, the possibility that bingo will be established increases, and the number of medals (CREDIT number) paid out when bingo is established also doubles.

Thereafter, when the main control unit 100 of the main body 3 transmits a bet prohibition command to each station 5 (S7).
04), the BET value and the contents of the card table in each station 5 are determined, and the bingo game in each station is started (S319).

(Ball Number Data Selection Stage) When the game starts, the main controller 100 of the main body 3
01, the rotation of the rotary arms 771 and 773 by the rotary arm drive motor 77a is instructed (S706).
As a result, the balls 2 clogged near the lift in the inclined guide path 75 of the ball pool 13 are pushed back upstream of the inclined guide path 75, so that the balls 2 roll into the lift 15 one by one. become.

Next, the main controller 100 of the main body 3 instructs the drive circuit 101 to drive the lift by the two lift drive motors 16 (S707). Therefore, lift 15
The ball 2 that has entered the ball receiving portion 15r is transported toward the uppermost portion of the lift 15 by the transport belt 15c. Ball 2
Since the balls 2 are successively rolled into the ball receiving portion 15 r by the inclined guide path 75, the balls 2 are continuously transported to the uppermost portion of the lift 15. The ball 2 conveyed to the uppermost portion is separated from the ball receiving portion 15r by the remover 15o, and is fed out to the bowl 9. Such conveyance of the balls 2 by the lifts 15 is repeated until the total number of the balls 2 sent into the bowl 9 by both lifts 15 becomes about ten.

When the ball 2 enters the bowl 9, the ball 2
FIG. 11 shows a perspective view and a plan view of a region X of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, the movement direction is suppressed by the ball movement direction control plate 9b, so that the ball reaches the through hole 9h while swirling along an inner surface of the bowl 9 in an arc. Falls from the through hole 9h by taking a random orbit. The dropped ball 2 hits the propeller-shaped guide 19, and about 30 to 40% of the ball 2 is stored in the celestial sphere 24. At this time, since the celestial sphere 24 repeatedly swings, the ball 2 accommodated in the celestial sphere 24 is stirred. At this time, the stirring action is enhanced by the protrusion 37 provided on the inner surface of the celestial sphere 24.

When the transport of the balls 2 by the lift 15 is completed, the main control unit 100 executes the discharging of the balls 2 remaining in the reading device 17 (S708 to S711).

Then, when it is confirmed that there is no ball 2 in the reading device 17, the main control unit 100 instructs the drive circuit 101 to make one rotation of the celestial sphere 24 by the celestial sphere drive motor 31 (S712). . Then, at a stage where the rotation of the celestial sphere 24 has advanced to some extent, only one of the balls 2 housed in the celestial sphere 24 rolls into the inner lane 21 (see FIGS. 19 and 22). , All other balls 2 are celestial spheres 2
4 and falls from there, and rolls into the pool 13 (see FIG. 19). When the celestial sphere 24 further rotates (see FIG. 20), the ball 2 entering the inner lane 21
Is discharged from the inner lane 21 and enters the outer lane 18.
The ball 2 entering the outer lane 18 rolls down along the outer lane 18 and enters the ball path 17w of the reading device 17 from the passage 18o of the outer lane 18 via the ball introduction port 17c1 of the reading device 17 ( See FIG. 21).

The ball 2 entering the ball path 17w is temporarily stopped on the straight path 17w1 by the ball path control mechanism 43. Ball 2
Is temporarily stopped, the ball-in sensor 49
(S713), and if the ball 2 has not entered the reading device 17 for some reason, the transport of the ball 2 by the lift 15 and one rotation of the celestial sphere 24 are executed again. When the ball-in sensor 49 detects that the ball 2 is on the straight path 17w1, the main control unit 100
Instructs the drive circuit 101 to start the rotation of the ball rotation mechanism 47 by the ball rotation mechanism drive motor 71 (S714). As a result, the ball 2 starts rotating by the roller 69 of the ball rotating mechanism 47, and the direction of the ball 2 with respect to the leader units 45a and 45b changes. Thereafter, the ball number data is read by each of the reader units 45a and 45b (S715 to S718), and the read ball number data is transmitted to each station 5 (S721) and displayed on the display device 17b1 (S721). S722).

When the transmission and display of the ball number data are performed as described above, the main control unit 100 causes the drive circuit 101 to operate the ball passage control mechanism 43 by the ball passage control mechanism drive motor 44 (S723). If it is in a normal state, the ball 2 is not moved during a certain time (S726).
Passes in front of the ball-out sensor 51, it is determined that the ball-out sensor 51 has detected the passage of the ball 2 (S727). On the other hand, even after a certain period of time (S
726) If the ball-out sensor 51 cannot detect the passage of the ball 2 (S727), the ball 2 could not be sent due to a failure in the ball passage control mechanism 43, or the ball could not be moved within the ball path 17w. It can be determined that 2 has been clogged. In such a case, subsequent operations cannot be performed normally. Therefore, the employee is notified that a ball error has occurred (S730).
Processing is interrupted.

The subsequent operation according to this embodiment is the first operation.
The description is omitted because it is the same as that of the embodiment.

[0261]

As described above, according to the present invention,
It is possible to change the size of the effective area in the matrix displayed on the display means according to the amount of play value betted, thereby increasing the probability that bingo will be established. Accordingly, refunds can be made in various modes.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a right side view of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line VII-VII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a main part.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 10, with a part thereof omitted.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken along line XX of FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a region X in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a region XII in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a region XIII in FIG. 9;

14 is a view as seen from the direction of arrow XIV in FIG.

15 is a partially omitted view as seen from the direction of arrow XV in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an additional part viewed from the direction of arrow XVI in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a view in which some components are added when viewed from the direction of arrow XVII in FIG. 13;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a state where a ball dropped from a bowl is received by a celestial sphere.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a state where the celestial sphere swings and a ball in the celestial sphere is extracted and guided to the inner lane.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a state in which a celestial sphere rotates and an extracted ball is dropped into an outer lane.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a bowl that has fallen into an outer lane enters a reading device.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a region IIXII in FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a ball stirring device.

FIG. 24 is an exploded view of a ball stirring device.

FIG. 25 is a top view of each station.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration inside the main body.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration inside each station.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an initial state of a card table developed in the RAM of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a bonus table developed in the RAM of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a control process executed in the main control unit of FIG. 26;

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a control process executed in the main control unit of FIG. 26;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a coin entry / exit management routine executed in the sub control unit of FIG. 27;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a bet management routine executed in the sub control unit of FIG. 27.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a game control routine executed by the sub control unit in FIG. 27.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a game control routine executed by the sub control unit in FIG. 27.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a hit determination routine executed in S321 of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a bingo determination routine executed in S404 of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a reach determination routine executed in S405 of FIG. 36;

FIG. 39 is a view showing a vertical determination line.

FIG. 40 is a diagram showing a determination line in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 41 is a diagram showing a determination line in an oblique direction.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a control process executed by a main control unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating a control process executed by a main control unit according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game device 2 Ball 3 Main unit 5 Station 5m Display 5b Button 100 Main control unit 150 Sub-control unit 151 Coin acceptor 152 RAM 153 Operation unit 154 ROM

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-8-33770 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) A63F 3/06 A63F 9/22

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. A code selecting means for randomly and successively selecting a code from a plurality of predetermined codes, a display means for displaying a matrix comprising a plurality of squares in each of the vertical and horizontal directions, Effective area setting means for setting a part or the whole area as an effective area, code setting means for setting any of the plurality of predetermined codes to at least each cell in the effective area, A game value accepting means for accepting a betted game value, and an area adjacent to the effective area set by the effective area setting means is set as an effective area according to the amount of the game value accepted by the game value accepting means. Redo
And effective area enlarging means for enlarging the effective area by a per mass specifying means for specifying the mass code is set corresponding to the selected code as per the mass by the code selecting means, by the per mass specifying means Determination means for determining whether or not the identified hit mass is continuous in a predetermined number or more in any direction on the matrix,
And a payout means for paying a play value to the player when it is determined by the determination means that the hit mass is continuous in a predetermined number or more in any direction on the matrix. Bingo game device. 2. The bingo game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said effective area enlarging means enlarges said effective area one by one. 3. The bingo game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said effective area expanding means expands the effective area in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. 4. The effective area enlarging means expands the effective area one by one when the amount of play value received by the play value receiving means is equal to or less than a predetermined value. 2. The bingo game device according to claim 1, wherein when the amount of play value accepted by the game exceeds a predetermined value, the effective area is expanded in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction. 5. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the payout means pays a game value to the player in accordance with the number of continuous cells specified by the hit cell specifying device, in an amount reflecting the number of continuous cells. A bingo game device as described. 6. A bonus target cell setting means for setting any one of a plurality of cells in the matrix as a bonus target, and all the cells set as a bonus target are included in the effective area and the hit cell A second determining unit that determines whether the area is specified by the specifying unit, wherein the payout unit includes all the cells set as bonus targets by the second determining unit in the valid area. 2. The bingo game device according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the player has been specified by the hit cell specifying means, the game value to be paid out to the player is increased. 7. With respect to all the cells in the matrix, a display position of the cell, a code set for the cell, whether or not the cell is specified as a hit cell,
2. The bingo game apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising storage means for storing information corresponding to whether or not the cell is included in the effective area. 8. With respect to all the cells in the matrix, a display position of the cell, a code set to the cell, whether the cell is specified as a hit cell,
7. The storage device according to claim 6, further comprising storage means for storing information corresponding to whether the cell is included in the effective area and whether the cell is set as a bonus target. Bingo game equipment. 9. A matrix connected to a computer connected to a code selecting device for randomly and successively selecting a code from a plurality of predetermined codes and a display device, the matrix comprising a plurality of squares arranged vertically and horizontally. Displaying on the device, setting a part or all of the area in the matrix as an effective area, at least setting each of the plurality of predetermined codes to each cell in the effective area, Yes, depending on the amount of play value has been bet by the person
By setting the area adjacent to the effective area to the effective area again
The effective area is expanded, and a cell in which a code corresponding to the code selected by the code selecting device is set is specified as a hit cell, and the hit cell is continuously arranged in a predetermined number or more in any direction on the matrix. A computer-readable medium that stores a program that, when used, causes a player to pay a game value. 10. Code selecting means for randomly and sequentially selecting codes from a plurality of predetermined codes,
Effective area setting means for setting a part or all of an area in a matrix composed of a plurality of cells vertically and horizontally as an effective area, and at least one of the plurality of predetermined codes for each cell in the effective area. Depending on the sign setting means to be set and the amount of play value bet by the player,
Next to the effective area set by the effective area setting means
Effective area enlarging means for enlarging the effective area by resetting the contacting area as an effective area, and a hit cell specification for specifying a cell in which a code corresponding to the code selected by the code selecting means is specified as a hit cell Means, determining means for determining whether or not the hit mass specified by the hit mass specifying means is continuous for at least a predetermined number in any direction on the matrix; and A bingo game device, comprising: a payout means for paying a play value to the player when it is determined that the predetermined number or more is continued in any one of the above directions. 11. A computer is caused to set, as an effective area, a part or all of an area in a matrix composed of a plurality of squares in each of the vertical and horizontal directions, and at least a plurality of predetermined codes assigned to each square in the effective area. either respectively is set, perforated according to the amount of the game value is bet by the player
By setting the area adjacent to the effective area to the effective area again
The effective area is enlarged, and a cell in which a code randomly selected from the plurality of codes is specified as a hit cell, and the hit cell is a predetermined number in any direction on the matrix. A computer-readable medium storing a program for allowing a player to pay a game value when the game is continuous.