JP4304684B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a passage area, direction changing means, and a flow-down area.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a pachinko machine, which is one of the gaming machines, there are a start opening equipped with a start opening sensor, a blade that opens and closes a large winning opening, a winning sensor that detects a pachinko ball entering the large winning opening, and the winning sensor. Some have a character body that can change the flow direction of the pachinko ball that has passed, an electric accessory having a V zone equipped with a V sensor, and the like. In the pachinko machine with this configuration, when the start opening sensor detects a pachinko ball that has won the start opening, after the interval period (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed, the blade is blown once (or intermittently) for the large winning opening opening period (for example, 4 seconds). And multiple times). When the wings open, a pachinko ball can be won in the grand prize opening. When the winning sensor detects the pachinko ball in the big prize opening, the V sensor is activated. When the pachinko ball wins the V zone after the V sensor is activated, the jackpot game is played as “big hit”.
[0003]
Many character bodies perform a predetermined action, and the flow direction of the pachinko balls greatly changes depending on the posture when the pachinko balls that have entered the big prize opening reach the character body. That is, depending on the posture of the character body, the flow direction may be advantageous for the player, or may be disadvantageous for the player. Also, since it takes time for the pachinko ball to move through the passage from the winning prize opening to the character body, whether the pachinko ball that entered the winning prize opening is in an advantageous posture for the player or not It is difficult to predict.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In conventional pachinko machines, it takes a lot of experience to predict the posture of the pachinko ball that has entered the big prize opening when it reaches the character body. An immature player who cannot make such predictions cannot improve his willingness to play. On the other hand, since the posture of the character body may not be in the flow direction that is advantageous to the player, if the timing at which the pachinko ball reaches the character body when the posture is advantageous to the player is known in advance, Interesting taste increases.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and the game ball (pachinko ball etc.) that has passed through the passage area (winning sensor etc.) reaches the direction changing means (character body etc.) at the timing of the game ball. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of notifying what happens in the flow direction (course).
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problem 1]
Means 1 for solving the problem is as described in claim 1.
Here, the terms described in claim 1 are interpreted as follows. The same applies to the other claims and the detailed description of the invention.
(1) The “passing area” is an area provided on the game board surface of the gaming machine, and corresponds to, for example, an entrance portion of a winning device, a gate, a winning opening, a detector such as a winning sensor, or the like. The “passing area” may be fixed to a specific device or the like, and the device or the like may be changed according to the degree of expectation, the gaming state, or the like.
(2) “Flowing area” means an area where a game ball that has passed through the passing area can flow down to reach the direction changing means. Therefore, the game ball that has passed through the passing area cannot always reach the direction changing means.
(3) “Direction changing means” means means capable of changing the flow direction of the game ball approximately in time series including the movable member. A part of the character body that makes the required movement (mouth, hand, arm, foot, etc.), means for changing the shape or inclination of all or part of the flow area, or a game ball as shown in FIG. 1 can be distributed. This corresponds to a movable member.
(4) “Notification” includes a notice and is not limited to a visual notification by a display such as changing the size of a symbol on a display body (display unit, other indicators, indicator lamps, etc.). A mode of notifying audibly such as making or changing music, sound effect, voice, etc., or a mode of tactile notification through a member attached to a gaming machine such as a handle or a chair.
[0006]
As schematically shown in FIG. 1, according to the means 1, the passing area 4 through which the game ball B can pass and the direction changing means that can change the flow direction of the gaming ball B that has passed through the passing area 4 in time series. 9a, a flowing area 6 in which the game ball B that has passed through the passing area 4 can flow down to the direction changing means 9a, and a standard time required for the game ball B to reach the direction changing means 9a after passing through the passing area 4 When the game ball B passes through the passage area 4 based on T, it is provided with notification means 2 for predicting and informing the flow-down direction of the game ball B by the direction changing means 9a. Therefore, since the flow direction of the game ball B affected by the direction changing means 9a is predicted and notified, it is possible to improve the game motivation of the inexperienced player 3 in particular. In addition, since it is possible to notify in advance the flow-down direction (the course Da, Db, etc.) of the game ball B that is advantageous / disadvantageous to the player 3, the timing of the game ball B passing through the passage area 4 is known and the game is performed. It will be more interesting.
[0007]
Claim 1 The term “movable member” described in the above means a member that can be operated in whole or in part. For example, a moving member that can reciprocate within a predetermined range, a sorting member that distributes game balls, an opening / closing member that opens and closes a portion through which game balls can pass, one direction (or forward and reverse directions) with a constant (or indefinite) period ) Is a rotatable rotating member or the like. The interpretation is the same for the detailed description of the invention.
[0008]
On the means Accordingly, the direction changing means 9a is disadvantageous to the player 3 in a first posture (for example, a posture inclined to the left side of the drawing shown by a solid line) that can be changed in a flow-down direction (for example, the course Db) that is advantageous to the player 3. The movable member 9b is switchable between a second posture (for example, a posture tilted to the right side of the drawing indicated by a two-dot chain line) that can be changed in the flow-down direction (for example, the path Da). When the game ball B that has passed through the passing area 4 reaches the direction changing means 9a, the notifying means 2 can notify whether the movable member 9b is in the first posture or the second posture. Therefore, since the timing of the game ball B passing through the passage area 4 when the player 3 is in the desired posture can be known, the game is more interesting.
[0009]
Claim 1 The term “first detector” described in 1 is a detector that can detect the game ball B, and is not only a contact type (eg, switch, button, touch panel, pressure sensor), but also a non-contact type (eg, proximity sensor). , Optical sensor, infrared sensor, etc.). The interpretation is the same for the detailed description of the invention.
[0010]
On the means According to this, the first detector 8 capable of detecting the attitude of the movable member 9b is provided, and the notification means 2 allows the game ball B to pass through the passage area 4 based on the attitude of the movable member 9b detected by the first detector 8. In this case, the direction of the game ball B by the direction changing means 9a is predicted and notified. Movable member 9b whose posture changes regularly About your current attitude Since it can detect with the 1st detector 8, the flow direction (course Da, Db etc.) of the game ball B can be estimated more correctly.
[0011]
Claim 1 The term “second detector” is the same as the “first detector 8” described above. The second detector and the first detector may be constituted by one detector or may be constituted by two different detectors. The interpretation is the same for the detailed description of the invention.
[0012]
On the means According to this, when the game ball B is detected, the second detector 5 that outputs the second detection signal is provided in the passage area 4, and the notification unit 2 receives the second detection signal and the direction change unit 9 a causes the game ball B to flow down. Predict and inform directions. Since the timing of the game ball B that has passed through the passage area 4 is known by the second detector 5, the flow-down direction (the course Da, Db, etc.) of the game ball B can be predicted more accurately.
[0013]
Claim 1 The term “third detector” described in the above item is the same as the “second detector” described above. The third detector and the second detector may be constituted by one detector or may be constituted by two different detectors. The interpretation is the same for the detailed description of the invention.
[0014]
On the means According to this, when the game ball B that reaches the direction changing means 9a is detected, the third detector 7 that outputs a third detection signal, and the time required from receiving the second detection signal to receiving the third detection signal. And time setting means 1 for setting the standard time T based on the time. By using the second detector 5 and the third detector 7, the actual time required for the game ball B to reach the direction changing means 9a after passing through the passing area 4 is known. Therefore, by setting the standard time T based on the actual time, the flow direction of the game ball B (the course Da, Db, etc.) can be predicted and notified more accurately.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[Embodiment 1]
Embodiment 1 is an example in which the present invention is applied to a pachinko machine that is one of gaming machines, and when a gaming ball passes through a passing area, the flow direction of the gaming ball is predicted and notified. The first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0016]
First, in FIG. 2, the external appearance of the pachinko machine 10 which is a pachinko machine is shown with a front view. In FIG. 2, on the game board surface 12 of the pachinko machine 10, there are start ports 50, 26, and 28 having start port sensors 48, 52, and 30 for detecting a winning pachinko ball, a character body 20 and an openable / closable blade 56, respectively. The electric accessory device 14 having 24 and the like, the firing sensor 60 for detecting the emitted pachinko ball, the discharge sensor 46 for detecting the out ball, and other general winning holes, windmills, nails, and the like are appropriately arranged. Here, when the pachinko ball wins the start opening 50, 26, 28, the blades 56, 24 are operated to open and close the large winning opening. The big winning opening is opened and closed once when the winning openings 50 and 28 are won and similarly opened and closed twice when winning at the starting opening 26.
[0017]
Next, the configuration and operation of the electric accessory device 14 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3A shows an external view of the electric accessory device in a front view, and FIG. 3B shows a cross-sectional view taken along line AA shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the electrically-powered article device, a part of which is broken. More specifically, FIG. 4A shows a closed posture in which the mouth (specifically, the stop portion 78) of the character body 20 is closed, and FIG. 4B shows an open posture in which the mouth is opened. .
[0018]
The electric accessory device 14 shown in FIG. 3A is also referred to as a “center accessory”, and a winning prize opening 88 (so-called “top hole”) for paying out a corresponding number of prize balls when winning a prize or in each round in the jackpot game. Winning number display 84 that can display the number of winning pachinko balls PB (game ball B), symbol display 86 that can display symbols, etc., round display 66 that can display the number of rounds in a big hit game, In order to realize the opening and closing of the notice indicators 67 and 83 and the big prize winning openings 68 and 82 for notifying (notifying) the timing at which the pachinko ball PB stops and whether or not to stop, etc. in the section 78, respectively. Winning sensors 58 and 22 that output a passing signal (second detection signal) when a pachinko ball PB entering from the reciprocating blades 56 and 24 and the large winning openings 68 and 82 is detected, and a stopping portion. 8 is a character body 20 that can be opened and closed, imitating a dinosaur, a shelf board 80 in which the entered pachinko ball PB flows down (including falling) and can reach the character body 20, and a position closest to the stop 78 When the arrival of the pachinko ball PB is detected, the arrival sensor 69 outputs a arrival signal (third detection signal), and a winning opening for continuing the next round in the jackpot game, the V sensor 54 It is guided from the regular winning holes 72 and 74 having the same functions as the V zone 70 and the winning prize opening 88 provided, and from the guide plate 76 and the stop portion 78 where the pachinko balls PB can flow down to the V zone 70 and the normal winning holes 72 and 74. A flow passage 90 and the like communicating with the plate 76 are provided.
[0019]
The stopping part 78 imitating the mouth of the character body 20 can stop a predetermined number (for example, one or more) of pachinko balls PB. Further, at least one upper surface of the shelf plate 80 and the guide plate 76 may be provided with unevenness that can change (or regulate) the flow direction of the pachinko balls PB, or an uneven member.
[0020]
In the electric accessory device 14 shown in FIG. 3B, rotational torque generated by a solenoid 91 and a motor 95 (for example, a pulse motor or a servo motor) that reciprocate the blades 56 and 24 is transmitted in a predetermined direction (for example, an arrow). The rotation (or reference position) of the motor 95 is converted by a torque transmission mechanism 92 that converts the reciprocating motion in the vertical direction shown in D10 and transmits the torque to the stationary portion 78 of the character body 20, and the index member 94 fixed to the main shaft 95a of the motor 95. ) For detecting the rotation sensor 93, lamps 96 for illuminating the interior of the electric accessory device 14, a posture sensor 97 for outputting a posture signal when the stop portion 78 in a predetermined posture (for example, an open posture) is detected, and the character body 20. Solenoid 98b that reciprocates an obstacle 99 that imitates the tail of the robot in a predetermined direction (for example, the vertical direction indicated by arrow D12). Having. The solenoid 98b reciprocates the obstacle 99 by expanding and contracting the rod 98a in the direction of arrow D14.
[0021]
According to the electric accessory device 14 configured as described above, the pachinko ball PB enters from the big winning opening 82 along the arrow D4 as shown in FIG. 3A, for example. As an example of a route for winning in the V zone 70, the pachinko ball PB flows down the shelf plate 80, the stopping portion 78 of the character body 20, and the guide plate 76 along the arrow D8 as shown in FIG. 3B, for example. It will be.
[0022]
When the main shaft 95a of the motor 95 is rotated, the stopping portion 78 of the character body 20 can be moved in the vertical direction (arrow D10 direction) through the torque transmission mechanism 92. This reciprocating motion depends on the rotation speed of the motor 95, and for example, requires a first rotation speed (for example, 2 rotations) from the closing position to the opening position, and a second rotation speed (for example, 3) from the opening position to the closing position. Rotation), and the closed posture state is maintained for the third rotation number (for example, 10 rotations). In the configuration that depends on the rotational speed, the period during which the pachinko ball PB can be retained in the retaining portion 78 is expanded and contracted depending on the rotational speed. Accordingly, the posture of the stopping portion 78 is switched between a closed posture as shown in FIG. 4A and an open posture as shown in FIG. 4B by operating the motor 95.
[0023]
When the stop 78 is in the closed position, the pachinko ball PB easily flows down along the arrow D16 as shown in FIG. 4A, and the normal winning port 72 (or the normal winning port on the opposite side to the V zone 70). 74). On the other hand, when the stop portion 78 is in the open posture, the pachinko ball PB easily flows down along the arrow D18 and easily enters the V zone 70 as shown in FIG. Depending on the posture, it may be difficult to enter the V zone 70.
[0024]
Further, the pachinko balls PB winning in any of the starting ports 50, 26, and 28 are detected by the corresponding starting port sensors 48, 52, and 30, respectively. By detecting the pachinko sphere PB, the blades 24 and 56 and the obstacle 99 operate according to the movement pattern described above. Here, depending on the opening / closing timing of the blades 24 and 56 and the movement timing of the obstacle 99, the probability that the pachinko ball PB entering the electric accessory device 14 can win the V zone 70 is about 10%. adjust. In addition, when the expectation that the symbol which is fluctuating in the symbol display 86 is stopped at the predetermined symbol becomes higher, the probability that the pachinko ball PB entering the electric accessory device 14 can win the V zone 70 is increased. Still good. Thus, the character body 20 corresponds to a movable member (distribution device) in that the stop portion 78 and the obstacle 99 can be operated to distribute the pachinko balls PB.
[0025]
In the configuration described above, the notice indicators 67 and 83 correspond to the notification means 2, the winning sensors 58 and 22 correspond to the second detector 5, the shelf board 80 corresponds to the flow-down area 6, and the arrival sensor 69 corresponds to the arrival sensor 69. The stop portion 78 corresponds to the third detector 7, the stop portion 78 corresponds to the direction changing means 9 a, the movable member 9 b, and the inflow port, and the rotation sensor 93 and the attitude sensor 97 correspond to the first detector 8. 4B corresponds to the first posture in which the flow direction of the pachinko ball PB can be changed to the flow direction (that is, the V zone 70) advantageous to the player, as shown in FIG. The closed posture of the stopping portion 78 shown in A) corresponds to a second posture in which the flow direction of the pachinko ball PB can be changed in the flow direction that is disadvantageous to the player.
Further, various sensors such as the winning sensors 22, 58, the arrival sensor 69, the rotation sensor 93, the posture sensor 97, the discharge sensor 46, the firing sensor 60, the start sensor 30, 48, 52, and the V sensor 54 described above are in contact with each other. Any of a sensor (for example, a switch including a micro switch, a touch panel, a pressure sensor, etc.) or a non-contact sensor (for example, a proximity sensor, an optical sensor, an infrared sensor, etc.) is arbitrarily used.
[0026]
Next, the main control board 100 for realizing the pachinko game by the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control board 100 is provided on the back side of the pachinko machine 10, for example.
The main control board 100 shown in FIG. 5 is mainly composed of a CPU (processor) 110, a ROM 102 for storing data such as a game control program and a required opening / closing pattern, a RAM 104 for storing various random numbers, signals and other data, Required for the pachinko ball PB that has passed through the input processing circuit 106 and the winning sensor 58 to receive the signal sent from the input device and convert it into a data format that can be processed in the main control board 100, reaches the stop 78. (Hereinafter referred to as “flowing time”) and the like. The output processing circuit 112 that receives the operation data sent from the CPU 108 and the CPU 110 and operates various output devices. The display data sent from the CPU 110 is received as appropriate. The display control circuit 114 for controlling the display (including lighting and blinking) on the light emitter, the frame control board 200 and the like are required. A communication control circuit 116 or the like to send the issue. These components are all coupled to the bus 118. The main control board 100 corresponds to the time setting means 1 and the notification means 2.
[0027]
The CPU 110 executes a game control program stored in the ROM 102 to realize a game by the pachinko machine 10, and the game control program includes a program for realizing a procedure such as a start port process described later. An EPROM is used as the ROM 102 and an SRAM is used as the RAM 104, but other types of memories may be used arbitrarily. Other types of memory include EEPROM, DRAM, flash memory, and the like. Examples of input devices for which the input processing circuit 106 receives detection signals and the like include winning sensors 22, 58, arrival sensor 69, rotation sensor 93, attitude sensor 97, discharge sensor 46, firing sensor 60, and start port sensors 30, 48, 52. V sensor 54 etc. correspond. As an output device from which the output processing circuit 112 outputs a signal, for example, a motor 95, solenoids 91 and 98b, and the like correspond. Examples of the light emitters that are controlled by the display control circuit 114 include notice indicators 67 and 83, a round indicator 66, a symbol indicator 86, a winning prize indicator 84, lamps 16 and the like. The communication control circuit 116 further controls a sound control board that controls sound output from the speaker as needed, a hall computer that controls devices and equipment such as pachinko machines, slot machines, rental machines, and lighting equipment. But you can also send the required data.
[0028]
In the pachinko machine 10 configured as described above, a procedure performed by the main control board 100 in order to realize the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of the flow direction notification process. This procedure is realized by the CPU 110 executing the game control program stored in the ROM 102 of the main control board 100 shown in FIG. 5 at an appropriate timing (for example, every 4 milliseconds).
Since the special winning openings 82 and 68 function in the same manner, only the special winning opening 82 will be described as an example in order to simplify the description. Similarly, since the winning sensors 58 and 22 function in the same manner, only the winning sensor 58 will be described as an example in order to simplify the description. Further, step S18 shown in FIG. 6 is a procedure that embodies the notification means 2, and step S26 is a procedure that embodies the time setting means 1. Actually, there may be a situation in which two or more pachinko balls PB enter the big prize opening 82 almost at the same time, but for the sake of simplicity, the number of pachinko balls PB that enter the big prize opening 82 is limited to one. To do.
[0029]
In the flow direction notifying process shown in FIG. 6, it is first determined whether or not the pachinko ball PB has entered the big prize opening 82 as indicated by an arrow D4 shown in FIG. 3A [step S10]. Specifically, the determination is made based on whether or not a passing signal is received from the winning sensor 58. If the pachinko ball PB has not entered the special winning opening 82 (NO in step S10), it is not necessary to predict the flow method, and the flow direction notification process is terminated.
[0030]
On the other hand, if the pachinko ball PB has entered the special winning opening 82 (YES in step S10), a measurement start signal is transmitted to the timer 108 to measure the flow-down time and the measurement is forcibly started (step S12). Accordingly, the attitude of the stopping portion 78 is acquired (determined) [step S14]. As shown in FIG. 3B, the posture of the stationary part 78 is such that the posture of the stationary part 78 changes depending on the number of rotations of the motor 95 and the stationary part 78 is in the open posture. Acquired in consideration of the points to be detected. Specifically, since the attitude sensor 97 that detects the opening attitude of the stopping portion 78 outputs an attitude signal, it receives the attitude signal and then detects the position of the stopping portion 78 based on the number of rotations of the motor 95 detected by the rotation sensor 93. Determine attitude (ie, can be parked or cannot park).
[0031]
Subsequently, the flow direction of the pachinko ball PB when entering the big winning opening 82 and passing the winning sensor 58 is predicted [step S16], and the predicted flow direction is notified to the player 3 and the like by the notice indicators 67 and 83. Inform [Step S18]. The prediction of the flow-down direction of the pachinko ball PB is based on the standard required for the pachinko ball PB to flow from the winning sensor 58 to the stop portion 78 based on the attitude of the stop portion 78 acquired in step S14. In consideration of the time T, the pachinko sphere PB is predicted from the attitude of the stopping portion 78 at the time when the pachinko ball PB is expected to reach the stopping portion 78. That is, when the pachinko ball PB reaches the stop portion 78, if the stop portion 78 is in a posture that can be stopped (acceptable state; in particular, an open posture), it is predicted that the flow direction is advantageous to the player 3, and the stop is also impossible. If the posture is unacceptable (unacceptable state; in particular, the closed posture), it is predicted that the flow direction is disadvantageous to the player 3.
[0032]
A mode, timing, and the like for notifying the flow-down direction of the pachinko sphere PB predicted in this way are arbitrary. As a notification mode, for example, the prediction result is notified by a combination of turning on / off the notification indicators 67 and 83, a light emission color such as red and green, a blinking pattern, and the like. The timing at which the notification is started is most preferably when the pachinko ball PB has passed the winning sensor 58, but may be any time until reaching the stopping portion 78 as long as the pachinko ball PB has passed the winning sensor 58. The timing to end the notification may be when a certain notification period (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed after the pachinko ball PB passes the winning sensor 58, or when the subsequent pachinko ball PB passes the winning sensor 58, or the like. .
[0033]
Whether the pachinko ball PB flowing down wins the V zone 70 or the winning holes 72 and 74 without reaching the stop 78 (YES in step S20) or until it reaches the stop 78 (YES in step S22). The process waits [Steps S22, S24]. Whether or not the pachinko ball PB has won the V zone 70 or the winning ports 72 and 74 is determined by whether or not a winning signal output from the V sensor 54 or the like has been received. Similarly, whether or not the pachinko ball PB has reached the stop 78 is determined by whether or not the arrival signal output from the arrival sensor 69 has been received.
If the pachinko ball PB has won the V zone 70 or the winning openings 72 and 74 without reaching the stop portion 78 (YES in step S20), the stop portion 78 is passed after the pachinko ball PB passes the winning sensor 58. Since it is not possible to specify the flow-down time required to reach, the flow-down direction notification process is terminated.
[0034]
On the other hand, if the pachinko ball PB has arrived at the stop part 78 (YES in step S22), a measurement end signal is transmitted to the timer 108, the measurement is finished and the flow time is determined [step S24], and the determined flow time is reached. Based on this, the standard time T to be referred to from the next time is set [step S26], and the flow direction informing process is terminated.
The standard time T set based on the flow time is, for example, a reference time Ta (an average flow time obtained by experiment etc.) initially set as the standard time T, and a flow time Te consisting of one or more measured numbers. It is an average value with Tf,. The standard time T may be set not only by a simple average value but also by a moving average value, a weighted average value, or the like.
[0035]
Next, an example in which the flow direction notification process described above is executed to predict and notify the flow direction of the pachinko sphere PB will be described with reference to FIG.
In the posture change pattern applied to the stop portion 78, the pachinko ball PB cannot be stopped in the range from the closed posture to the stop limit, and the pachinko ball PB can be stopped in the range from the stop limit to the open posture. is there.
[0036]
First, when the pachinko ball PB that has entered the big prize opening 82 passes the winning sensor 58 at time t10 (YES in step S10), the winning sensor 58 outputs a passing signal as a pulse and starts measuring the flow-down time (step). S12). The stopping unit 78 is in a closed posture at time t10 (step S14), but is predicted to be in a posture capable of stopping at time t14 when the reference time Ta {initial standard time T} has elapsed from the time t10. (Step S16). Therefore, for the pachinko ball PB that has passed the winning sensor 58 at time t10, the flow-down direction advantageous to the player 3 is notified by the notification indicators 67, 83 for the notification period Td (step S18).
Thereafter, when the pachinko ball PB that has passed through the winning sensor 58 at time t10 reaches the stop section 78 at time t12 (YES in step S22), the measurement of the flow time is finished and the flow time Te is determined (step S24). Since the arrival sensor 69 is provided in the vicinity of the stop portion 78, the flow-down time Te is obtained by adding the time (for example, 0.1 second) to move from the arrival sensor 69 to the stop portion 78 to the actual measurement time. A reference time Tb that is an average value of the flow-down time Te and the reference time Ta is calculated and set as the standard time T in preparation for the next pachinko ball PB (step S26).
[0037]
Next, in the case of the pachinko ball PB that has passed the winning sensor 58 at time t16, the stopping portion 78 is in the closed posture at both time t16 and time t18 when the reference time Tb (standard time T) has elapsed from the time t16. (Steps S14 and S16). Therefore, for the pachinko ball PB, the flow direction that is disadvantageous to the player 3 is notified by the notification indicators 67 and 83 for the notification period Td (step S18). Thereafter, when the pachinko sphere PB reaches the stop 78 at time t20, the flow-down time Tf is determined (steps S22 and S24), and a reference time Tc that is an average value of the reference time Ta and the flow-down times Te and Tf is calculated. The standard time T is set (step S26).
[0038]
Further, in the case of the pachinko ball PB that has passed the winning sensor 58 at time t22, the closing posture 78 at the time t22 at which the reference time Tc (standard time T) has elapsed from the time t22 has been reached. (Steps S14 and S16). Therefore, for the pachinko ball PB, the flow direction that is disadvantageous to the player 3 is notified by the notification indicators 67 and 83 for the notification period Td (step S18). Thereafter, if the pachinko ball PB does not reach the stop portion 78 and wins the V zone 70 or the winning holes 72 and 74 (YES in step S20), the standard time T remains the reference time Tc. Therefore, for the pachinko ball PB that subsequently enters the big winning opening 82, the flow direction that is advantageous / disadvantageous to the player 3 is predicted based on the reference time Tc.
[0039]
According to the first embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Based on the standard time T required for the pachinko ball PB (game ball B) to reach the stop portion 78 (direction changing means 9a) after passing the winning sensor 58 (passage area 4), the pachinko ball PB Are provided with notice indicators 67 and 83 (notification means 2) for predicting and informing the flow direction of the game ball B by the stop portion 78 when passing the winning sensor 58. Therefore, the flow direction of the pachinko ball PB affected by the stop 78 is predicted and notified, so that the game motivation of the inexperienced player 3 can be improved.
(2) A stoppage (first posture) that can be changed to a flow direction that is advantageous to the player 3 (for example, a path along the arrow D18 in FIG. 4B) and a flow direction that is disadvantageous to the player 3 (for example, FIG. 4). (A) It is comprised with the stop part 78 (movable member 9b) which switches between the paths which cannot change (2nd attitude | position) changed to the path | route along arrow D16. When the pachinko ball PB that has passed the winning sensor 58 reaches the stop section 78, the notice indicators 67 and 83 can notify whether the stop section 78 is in a position that can be stopped or cannot be stopped.
[0040]
(3) The rotation sensor 93 and the attitude sensor 97 (first detector 8) capable of detecting the attitude of the stop portion 78 are provided. In addition, the flow direction of the pachinko ball PB is predicted based on the attitude of the stopping portion 78 determined by these sensors, and the notification indicators 67 and 83 notify the notification. Change posture regularly Current attitude about stop 78 Therefore, the flow direction of the pachinko sphere PB can be predicted more accurately.
(4) A winning sensor 58 (second detector 5) that outputs a passing signal (second detection signal) when the pachinko ball PB is detected is provided in the big winning opening 82 (passing region 4). Further, when the pachinko ball PB passes the winning sensor 58 in response to the passage signal, the flow direction of the pachinko ball PB by the stopping portion 78 is predicted and notified by the notice indicators 67 and 83. Since the timing of the pachinko sphere PB that has passed the winning sensor 58 is known, the flow direction of the pachinko sphere PB can be predicted more accurately.
[0041]
(5) An arrival sensor 69 (third detector 7) that outputs an arrival signal (third detection signal) when a pachinko sphere PB reaching the stop 78 is detected, and necessary for receiving the arrival after receiving the passage signal A standard time T was set based on the flow-down time (steps S12, S24, and S26 in FIG. 6). By using the winning sensor 58 and the arrival sensor 69, the actual flow-down time required for the pachinko ball PB to reach the stop portion 78 after passing the winning sensor 58 is known. Therefore, by setting the standard time T based on the actual flow time, the flow direction of the pachinko sphere PB can be predicted and notified more accurately.
[0042]
[Embodiment 2]
The second embodiment is an example in which the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10 as in the first embodiment, and is an example in which the flow direction of the game ball is predicted and notified regardless of the trend of the game ball. The second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the timing processing procedure. This procedure is realized by the CPU 110 executing the game control program stored in the ROM 102 of the main control board 100 shown in FIG. 5 at an appropriate timing. FIG. 9 is a time chart showing an example of notifying the flow direction of the pachinko ball. Since the configuration and the like of the pachinko machine 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment, the second embodiment will be described with respect to differences from the first embodiment in order to simplify the illustration and description. Therefore, the same elements as those shown in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.
[0043]
The timing process shown in FIG. 8 is a procedure for realizing a form in which the notice indicators 67 and 83 notify the timing of whether or not the flow is changed in a flow-down direction advantageous to the player 3. First, the attitude of the stopping portion 78 is acquired in the same manner as in step S14 of FIG. 6 [step S30], and the flow direction of the pachinko ball PB when passing through the winning sensor 58 is predicted based on the acquired attitude of the stopping portion 78. [Step S32], the predicted flow direction is notified to the player 3 or the like with the notice indicators 67 and 83 [Step S34] in the same manner as Step S18 in FIG. 6 [Step S34], and the timing process ends.
The prediction of the flow-down direction of the pachinko sphere PB in step S32 is predicted from the attitude of the stationary part 78 when the standard time T has elapsed based on the attitude of the stationary part 78 acquired in step S30. That is, if the stop portion 78 can stop at the time when the standard time T has elapsed, it is predicted that the flow direction is advantageous to the player 3, and if the stop position is also impossible to stop, the flow direction is disadvantageous to the player 3. Predict.
[0044]
Next, an example in which the timing process described above is executed to predict and notify the flow direction of the pachinko sphere PB will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the posture change pattern applied to the stopping portion 78 is the same as the example of FIG.
In the attitude of the stopping unit 78 shown in the upper part of FIG. 9, the period from time t34 to time t36 and the period from time t44 to time t46 are periods that can be stopped, and the other periods illustrated are periods that cannot be stopped. is there. The change pattern of the prediction moved by the standard time T before this change pattern is shown in the middle stage. In the prediction change pattern, the period from time t30 to time t32 and the period from time t40 to time t42 are periods that can be stopped, and the other periods illustrated are periods that cannot be stopped. In this way, by moving forward by the standard time T, it is possible to predict the attitude of the stopping portion 78 when the pachinko ball PB passes the winning sensor 58. Therefore, as shown in the lower part, the flow direction advantageous to the player 3 is notified by the notice indicators 67 and 83 between the time t32 and the time t40 to the time t42, and the player is shown in the other periods shown in the figure. 3 is notified in advance by the warning indicators 67 and 83.
For example, at time t38, since the posture of the stop portion 78 is a closed posture according to the prediction change pattern (step S30), it is predicted that the flow direction is disadvantageous to the player 3 (step S32), and the prediction result is Notification is given by the notice indicators 67 and 83 (step S34). Accordingly, it is possible to give a notice of the flow direction that is advantageous / unfavorable to the player 3.
[0045]
According to the second embodiment described above, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) It is configured to notify the flow direction of the pachinko ball PB that is advantageous / disadvantageous to the player 3 (arrow D16 in FIG. 4A, arrow D18 in FIG. 4B) (see FIG. 8). . Therefore, since the timing of the pachinko ball PB passing through the big winning opening 82 and the winning sensor 58 is known, the game is more interesting.
(2) A stoppage (first posture) that can be changed to a flow direction that is advantageous to the player 3 (for example, a path along the arrow D18 in FIG. 4B) and a flow direction that is disadvantageous to the player 3 (for example, FIG. 4). (A) It is comprised with the stop part 78 (movable member 9b) which switches between the paths which cannot change (2nd attitude | position) changed to the path | route along arrow D16. Therefore, since the timing of the pachinko ball PB passing through the big winning opening 82 and the winning sensor 58 can be known when the player 3 is in the desired posture, the game is more interesting.
(3) The attitude of the stopping portion 78 determined by the rotation sensor 93 and the attitude sensor 97 is acquired, the flow direction of the pachinko ball PB is predicted based on the acquired attitude, and the prediction result is notified by the notice indicators 67 and 83. It was set as the structure (refer FIG. 8). Therefore, the flow direction of the pachinko sphere PB can be accurately predicted following the change of the stop portion 78.
[0046]
[Other Embodiments]
In the pachinko machine 10 (game machine) described above, the structure, shape, size, material, arrangement, operating conditions, and the like of other parts are not limited to the above embodiment. For example, each of the following embodiments to which the above embodiment is applied can be implemented.
(1) In the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the pachinko machine 10. Instead of this form, a gaming machine other than a pachinko machine (for example, a slot machine, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, a video game machine, etc.) having a passing area, direction changing means, and a flow-down area Similarly, the present invention can be applied. Even in the other gaming machines, it can be configured to notify the flow direction of the game ball depending on the timing at which the game ball that has passed through the passing area reaches the direction changing means, Game motivation can be improved.
[0047]
(2) In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is described with respect to an example in which the flow direction of the pachinko ball PB is changed by the reciprocating motion of the stopping portion 78 imitating the mouth of the character body 20 as the direction changing means 9a (movable member 9b). Applied {See FIG. 4 (A), FIG. 4 (B)}. Instead of this form, the present invention can be similarly applied to other means for changing the flow direction of the pachinko sphere PB. Such other means include, for example, a part of a character body (a hand, an arm, a leg, etc.) that performs a required movement, a movable member that can distribute the game ball B as shown in FIG. 1, a wing, a movable wing piece, and the like. Such an opening / closing member, or a device configured such that at least one side of a passage through which the pachinko ball PB can flow down can be inclined in a predetermined direction (for example, up and down direction, left and right direction, rotation direction, etc.).
Further, the flow direction of the subsequent pachinko sphere PB is not limited to a member or device that can change the flow direction of the pachinko sphere PB by controlling from the main control board 100, but the pachinko sphere PB comes into contact (or collides). The same applies to members and devices that can be changed.
[0048]
(3) In each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is applied to the electric accessory device 14 including the retaining portion 78 {see FIG. 4 (A) and FIG. 4 (B)}. Instead of this form, the present invention can also be applied to the electric accessory device 300 shown in FIG.
The electric accessory device 300 shown in FIG. 10 has a winning prize opening 338 for paying out a corresponding number of prize balls when winning, and notification lamps 336 and 340 such as LEDs for predicting and informing the flow direction of the pachinko ball PB (notification). Means 2), warp passages 308 and 330 (flow region 6) in which the entrances 302 and 334 and the exits 312 and 314 and 324 and 326 of the pachinko sphere PB are separated from each other and the passages in the middle are hidden, the warp passages 308 and 308, The passage sensors 304 and 332 (passage region 4, second detector 5) capable of detecting pachinko spheres PB passing through 330 and warp passages 308 and 330 are provided, and the flow-down passage of pachinko spheres PB can be changed in time series. Movable members 310 and 328 (direction changing means 9a and movable member 9b), which are inclined downward toward the center, from the outlets 312 and 326 of the warp passages 308 and 330. A guide path 316 for guiding the pachinko sphere PB, a guide path 318 for guiding the pachinko sphere PB which is inclined downward toward the recess 322 provided in the center and exits from the exits 314 and 324 of the warp paths 308 and 330, The symbol display 306 (liquid crystal display etc.) etc. which can display is provided.
[0049]
The guide path 316 and the guide path 318 are provided in a staircase shape, and a winning opening 320 is provided below the electric accessory device 300. Pachinko balls PB that have entered from the inlets 302 and 334 of the warp passages 308 and 330 flow down along the arrows D24 and D20, and depending on the posture of the movable members 310 and 328 that can reciprocate in the directions of the arrows D26 and D22, the outlets 312 and 326 may be used. Or exit from exits 314, 324. The pachinko ball PB that has flowed down to the guide path 318 is easy to win a prize opening 320 through the recess 322, so that the guide path 318 corresponds to a flow direction that is advantageous to the player, and the guide path 316 is a flow direction that is disadvantageous to the player. It corresponds to.
According to the electric accessory device 300 configured as described above, when the pachinko ball PB that has passed through the passage sensors 304 and 332 reaches the movable members 310 and 328, the pachinko ball PB flows down to the guide path 316. Alternatively, it is possible to predict whether the posture flows down to the guide path 318 and notify the information by using the notification lamps 336 and 340 or the like.
[0050]
(4) Instead of the various members and devices used in the above embodiments, the following members and devices may be used. Even when these members, devices, and the like are used, the effects of the respective embodiments can be obtained.
(4a) Although the big winning openings 68 and 82 (more specifically, winning sensors 22 and 58) are applied as the passing area 4, other gates, winning openings, winning sensors and the like may be applied.
(4b) Although the shelf board 80 is applied as the flow-down area 6, a member such as an arbitrary passage that can be provided between the passage area 4 and the stop portion 78 may be applied.
(4c) Although the notice indicators 67 and 83 are applied as the notifying means 2 for notifying the flow-down direction of the game ball, it is notified by a symbol using a display device capable of displaying a symbol such as a liquid crystal display or a speaker. Etc. by using sounds (music, sound effects, voices, etc.) or by vibrating any member such as a handle touched by the player 3 or a chair on which the player 3 sits using a vibrating body. Also good. Furthermore, you may alert | report combining any 2 or more aspects among the alerting | reporting aspects mentioned above.
(4d) Although the timer 108 using the hardware timer is used as means for measuring the flow-down time, a software counter may be used.
[0051]
(5) About the aspect notified by the sound in said (4c), when sounding BGM in special games etc., it is desirable to comprise as follows. Note that the notification sound is not limited to the sound that is emitted when the direction of the game ball flowing down, but is the sound that is emitted when winning a prize opening or the like (winning sound), or the sound that is emitted when passing through a gate (passing sound) ) Etc. In addition, BGM includes not only music but also a case of a single sound such as a beep sound.
(5a) Conventionally, a sound control board that can operate upon receiving a command signal from the main control board has few sound output channels, and the number of sound sources that can be generated simultaneously is limited. Therefore, it is necessary to temporarily stop the BGM when sounding the notification sound, which makes it difficult to hear because the BGM has run out of frames.
On the other hand, when the BGM is continuously played so as not to cause frame cuts, if the volume of the BGM and the volume of the notification sound are the same, the player can easily miss the notification sound. Since the notification sound is one of important information sources for transmitting the current gaming state to the player, it is necessary to make it easy for the player to recognize.
[0052]
(5b) In order to make it easier to recognize the notification sound than BGM, a configuration in which the volume of the BGM is always reduced and the volume of the notification sound is increased can be considered. However, if the volume of the BGM is reduced, it is erased by noises such as the sound of game balls and the sound of jumping on the surface of the game board, making it impossible to enjoy the BGM. Therefore, a certain amount of volume is required even for BGM.
In addition, a notification sound is often sounded when a game ball is detected or a required game state is reached, and such an event can occur randomly. Therefore, it is necessary to achieve harmony between the notification sound that sounds at random and the BGM that sounds continuously. In other words, it is necessary to make it easy to recognize the notification sound without impairing the ease of hearing of the BGM.
(5c) Accordingly, when the timing for generating the notification sound is reached, the volume of the BGM is temporarily lowered, the notification sound is played at a volume higher than the BGM while the volume of the BGM is low, and the volume of the BGM is played after the notification sound is played. It is desirable to increase the volume to the original volume.
For example, as shown in FIG. 11, when the detection sensor detects the winning or passing of the pachinko ball at time t50, the volume of the BGM indicated by the solid line is temporarily lowered from time t50 to time t56. During this time, a notification sound indicated by a one-dot chain line is sounded from time t52 to time t54. After time t56, the BGM is sounded at the original volume. In this way, the notification sound can be easily recognized without impairing the ease of listening to the BGM.
[0053]
(5d) In the above configuration, the following configurations and restrictions may be added.
(1) When the volume of the BGM is changed rapidly, there is a sense of incongruity such as sound fluctuation. In order to eliminate this uncomfortable feeling, the change rate of the volume is limited to a certain rate (for example, 30%) or less.
{Circle around (2)} When the BGM is playing a melody, it is hard to hear and it is uncomfortable to change the volume of the BGM or sound a notification sound in the middle of the sound produced based on the notes made by the melody. In order to eliminate this uncomfortable feeling, it is configured to change the volume of the BGM or to sound a notification sound at a rest (a break between notes).
(3) Depending on the gaming state, the type of game, etc., it may be more effective to make the BGM sound louder than the notification sound. In order to achieve such an effect with certainty, each sound produced on the sound control board side has a priority, and the volume can be adjusted according to the priority. For example, when the priority of the notification sound is high, the volume of the BGM is changed relatively large, and conversely, when the priority of the notification sound is low, the volume of the BGM is changed relatively low. Since the main control board can be realized by transmitting a command signal to the sound control board regardless of the priority of the sound, man-hours such as program development can be reduced.
{Circle around (4)} When a specific game (for example, a special game) is composed of a plurality of rounds, the effect may be low even if the volume of the BGM is changed in all or part of the specific round (for example, the final round). In such a case, the rate of change in the volume of the BGM is set low, or the volume of the BGM is not changed.
(5) When the BGM is played using a sound source capable of simultaneously generating two or more sounds, a configuration may be adopted in which the number of generated sounds is changed instead of a configuration in which the volume is changed. For example, in normal BGM, a sound is produced with three or more sounds (for example, chords), and when a notification sound is produced, a single sound is produced. Even in this case, the notification sound is easy to hear.
[0054]
[Other Embodiments]
Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment has not only the embodiment of the invention described in the claims but also other embodiments of the invention. Aspects of the present invention are listed below, and related explanations are given as necessary.
[0055]
[Aspect 1] A passing area through which a game ball can pass, a flow down area in which the game ball that has passed through the pass area can flow down, a state provided in the flow down area and an accepting state of the game ball A gaming machine having an inlet that can be switched between
Based on a standard time required for the game ball to reach the inflow port after passing through the passage region, whether the game ball is accepted by the inflow port when the game ball passes through the passage region is determined. A gaming machine having an informing means for predicting and informing.
[Related Description of Aspect 1] According to this aspect, when the game ball B passes through the passage region 4 based on the standard time T required for the game ball B to reach the inflow port after passing through the passage region 4. And a notification means 2 for predicting and notifying whether or not the game ball B can be accepted by the inflow port. Therefore, since the acceptability of the game ball B is predicted and notified, it is possible to improve the game motivation of the inexperienced player 3 in particular.
[0056]
[Aspect 2] A gaming machine according to aspect 1,
A gaming machine configured to connect a downflow passage advantageous to a player or a downflow passage disadvantageous to the player to an inflow port.
[Related Description of Aspect 2] According to this aspect, it is provided with the flow-down passage 90 that is advantageous to the player from the inflow port (stop portion 78) to the guide plate 76, so that the V zone 70 can be easily won. Therefore, since the timing of the game ball B that passes through the passage area 4 when the player 3 is in the desired inlet state, the game is more interesting.
[0057]
[Aspect 3] The gaming machine according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein when the game ball is detected, a second detector that outputs a second detection signal is provided in the passage area, and the notification means receives the second detection signal. A gaming machine that predicts and notifies whether or not the game ball can be accepted by the inflow when the game ball passes through the passage area.
[Related Description of Aspect 3] According to this aspect, the acceptability state changes regularly. Current status of the inlet Can be detected by the first detector 8, so that whether or not the game ball B can be received can be predicted more accurately and notified.
[0058]
[Aspect 4] A gaming machine according to aspect 3,
A standard time is set based on a third detector that outputs a third detection signal when a game ball that reaches the inflow port is detected, and a time required from receiving the second detection signal to receiving the third detection signal. A gaming machine having time setting means.
[Related Description of Aspect 4] According to this aspect, by using the second detector 5 and the third detector 7, it is necessary for the game ball B to reach the inlet after passing through the passage region 4. I know the actual time. Therefore, by setting the standard time T based on the actual time, whether or not the game ball B can be accepted can be predicted and notified more accurately.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, the configuration is such that the flow direction of the game ball is notified according to the timing at which the game ball that has passed through the passing area reaches the direction changing means, so that the game motivation of an immature player is improved. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the concept of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the appearance of the pachinko machine.
FIG. 3 is a front view and a cross-sectional view showing an electric accessory device.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an electric accessory device with a part broken away.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a main control board.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow direction notification process.
FIG. 7 is a time chart for performing notification by predicting the flow direction of a pachinko ball.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing timing processing.
FIG. 9 is a time chart for notifying the flow direction of a pachinko ball.
FIG. 10 is a front view showing another electric accessory device.
FIG. 11 is a time chart showing changes in volume for BGM and notification sound.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 hour setting means
2 Notification means
3 players
4 Passing area
5 Second detector
6 Flow area
7 Third detector
8 First detector
9a Direction change means
9b Movable member
10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
14 Electric accessories
20 character body
22, 58 Winning sensor (passage area, second detector)
67,83 Notice display (notification means)
68,82 Grand prize opening (passing area)
69 Arrival sensor (third detector)
78 Stopping part (direction changing means, movable member)
80 Shelf (flowing area)
93 Rotation sensor (first detector)
97 Attitude sensor (first detector)
100 main control board (time setting means, notification means)
102 ROM
104 RAM
110 CPU
200 Frame control board
300 Electric accessory device

Claims (1)

A passing area through which a game ball can pass, a first posture that can change the flow direction of the game ball that has passed through the pass area to a flow direction that is advantageous to the player, and a flow direction that is disadvantageous to the player can be changed. Direction changing means composed of a movable member that can be switched between the second posture and a motor that moves the movable member; a flow-down area in which the game ball that has passed through the passage area can flow down to the direction changing means; A first detector capable of detecting the attitude of the movable member based on rotation of the motor, a second detector provided in the passage area and outputting a second detection signal when a game ball is detected, and the direction A game machine comprising: a third detector that outputs a third detection signal when a game ball reaching the changing means is detected ;
When the second detection signal is received, the time required for the game ball to reach the direction changing means after passing through the passing area is determined based on a preset standard time. And when the game ball reaches the movable member, the game ball reaches a flow-down direction advantageous to the player based on a signal from the first detector. Or notifying means for notifying the flow direction of the game ball by the direction changing means when the game ball passes through the passing area by predicting whether it will reach an unfavorable flow direction ,
A gaming machine having time setting means for changing a previous standard time and setting a new standard time based on a time required from receiving the second detection signal to receiving the third detection signal .

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