JP4317907B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in the interest of a game of a ball game machine.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A ball game machine is a game machine that launches a game ball onto the surface of a game board by a player operating a launch handle, and a pachinko machine using an iron ball having a diameter of about 11 mm is widely used as the game ball. . The game balls fired on the board of the game board are bounced by a large number of game nails placed on the board and fall while moving irregularly, and some game balls are awarded on the board It is designed to enter the mouth and passing gate. A bullet ball game is a game in which a game profit such as payout of a game ball as a prize ball is obtained by entering a winning gate or a passing gate.
[0003]
In recent years, a simple gaming machine that only pays out gaming balls by entering a winning gate or passing gate, etc. has shifted to a gaming state (special gaming) in which a large amount of winning balls can be expected when predetermined conditions are met. It has been changed to something that generates the right to do and enhances interest.
[0004]
Such a gaming machine is provided with a pitching device for establishing a condition that allows the gaming state to be shifted. For example, on the condition that the player enters the ball entry device, a symbol variation for displaying the result of the success / failure determination process on the display of the game board is started for the player. The symbol variation is a display of a mode in which a display symbol is fluctuated and raised and then stopped. If the symbol when stationary is a predetermined combination of symbols (winning symbol), it is a win. This informs the player that the special game rights have been granted and allows special games. Such a configuration is widely used in the first gaming machines.
[0005]
In addition, there is also a distribution device provided with a distribution means for distributing the entered game balls into two types so that the symbol variation is started only when the game balls are distributed as one type of game balls. is there. For example, the distribution means is provided at the downstream end of the guide passage for guiding the game ball that has entered.
[0006]
In addition, various notifications are given to the gaming machine for the effect of the game and for the convenience of the player. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-133620 proposes a fanfare sound that is selected according to the determined degree of jackpot game and notified to the player in the first-class game machine determination process. Also, in Patent Document 2 below, if there is a ball entering the ball entrance which is the right generation port of the type 3 gaming machine, this is notified by sound or the like, and the sound is generated by a plurality of different input rights. Different types of sounds have been proposed for each entrance so that it can be known which entrance has entered.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-360798
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-7-611
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the pitching device having the above-mentioned sorting means requires that the sorting means be sorted by the sorting means as a starting ball as a weighting requirement after entering the ball in order to start the symbol variation display. In game machines equipped with, the symbol variation itself is balanced with a high probability of winning. For this reason, since the consciousness that the player only has to start the symbol variation works, the symbol variation is more powerful than the one that simply starts the symbol variation display by entering the ball and the player waits for the rest with a sense of expectation. It strongly evokes the desire to start. This can be said to be a great attraction of gaming machines equipped with such a ball entry device.
[0009]
However, since the symbol variation is not started immediately after entering the ball but the symbol variation is put on hold until it is distributed by the allocating means, the player holds the game ball until the symbol variation starts. Continue firing or stop firing 1 or 2 spheres, check whether the symbol variation starts, and repeat firing. Especially, in the model that does not take the means of reserved storage of the right of symbol change, even if a new game ball enters during the symbol change, the symbol change does not start, or the detection of the game ball itself is not made. This tendency becomes remarkable.
[0010]
Whereas the former method of hitting a useless ball, the latter method of hitting can reduce the useless ball, the player who is skilled to some extent selects the latter method. However, for beginners who are not familiar with the latter way of hitting, a game machine with a pitching device equipped with the above-mentioned sorting means appears to be a model that is likely to have a waste ball and is difficult to stick, leaving it away from that model. As a result, the operating rate and sales of that model's stand at the amusement hall will drop. On the other hand, if the latter method of refraining from hitting even if there is a customer on the table, the operating rate of the gaming machine will eventually be lowered.
[0011]
In the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 and 2, detection at the entrance is notified by the notification means, so even if it is convenient for the player, the symbol variation is started as a result of the distribution by the distribution means. As a result, there is no way to avoid hitting a game ball and urging it to fire.
[0012]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a bullet ball gaming machine capable of prompting the launch of a game ball.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the first aspect of the present invention, as a ball entry device provided on the board surface of the game board, a game ball detection means for detecting when a game ball enters the ball entry device, and a predetermined game Starting means for starting a symbol variation display for displaying to the player whether the profit is won or not, a starting ball for starting the symbol variation display in accordance with a predetermined cyclic operation pattern, and the above In a ball game machine having a distribution unit that distributes a non-starting ball that does not start a symbol variation display, and a guide passage that guides the game ball that has entered the ball entry device to the distribution unit,
Estimating means for estimating whether or not the entered game ball is distributed as a starting ball by the distribution means based on the pitch intervals of a plurality of game balls that enter the pitching device one after another;
And a notifying means for notifying an estimation result by the estimating means.
[0014]
The entry interval can be regarded as the interval at which the game balls arrive at the downstream end of the guide passage. And since the operation pattern that the above-mentioned distribution means distributes to a starting ball and a non-starting ball repeats with a fixed period, when the game ball that entered last time is a non-starting ball, the game ball that entered this time is Starting ball Whether or not the probability is high or low depends on the interval. Therefore, the player can be notified according to the possibility of becoming a starting ball. Based on this information, the player can control the launch of the game ball, so there is no need to make unnecessary hits. , Moreover, it is possible to enjoy an advanced game called launch control based on the notification result. In addition, amusement arcades can also benefit from an increase in the operating rate of gaming machines by reducing the number of hits.
[0015]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, the distributing means is provided with a plurality of ball receiving portions at equal intervals in a circumferential direction of the rotating body on a side surface of the rotating body rotating at a predetermined cycle. The ball receiving portion sequentially receives a game ball that has reached the downstream end of the guide path, and serves as a distribution means that sends it in the direction of rotation of the rotating body,
As the ball receiving portion, a predetermined number of ball receiving portions arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotating body are provided with a start receiving portion in which the received game ball becomes the starting ball,
The estimation means determines that a game ball that has entered is highly likely to be the starting ball when a positive determination is made as to whether or not the pitch interval is equal to or less than a predetermined time. Set to
The predetermined time is set to be equal to or less than a divisor value obtained by dividing the predetermined period by the number of installed ball receiving portions.
[0016]
From the time when the ball receiving portion was previously in a position where the ball receiving portion can receive the game ball at the downstream end of the guide passage, the next ball receiving portion can receive the game ball at the downstream end of the guide passage. If it is the time to reach a possible position, that is, the predetermined time or less, there is a high probability that the game ball that has entered this time will be held in a ball receiving unit that is different from the ball receiving unit in which the previously entered game ball is held. Become. Therefore, when the pitch interval is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time and the previously entered game ball is a non-starting ball, the probability that the currently inserted game ball will be the starting ball becomes high.
[0017]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the second aspect of the present invention, when the determination is continuously made positive every time a game ball enters, the notification content of the notification means changes stepwise. And
[0018]
Every time a game ball enters, if the above-mentioned pitch interval is the predetermined time, the game ball that has entered this time is held in the ball receiving part next to the ball receiving part in which the game ball that was previously entered was held. Will be. That is, when the balls are continuously entered, the ball receiving portion that is different from the ball receiving portion where the previously-entered game ball is held is held. Therefore, gradually, the game ball Starting ball Probability increases. Therefore, it is known to the player that the probability of becoming a starting ball is increased by changing the notification content in stages.
[0023]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
( Of the present invention Embodiment)
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a ball game machine of the present invention. The ball game machine 1a is provided with one prepaid card unit (not shown), and the ball game machine 1a and the prepaid card unit are alternately arranged on the game machine installation islands laid out in a plurality of rows in the game hall. . The bullet ball gaming machine 1a has a rectangular outer frame 111 and a front frame 112 which is a frame-like body, and is fixed to the gaming machine installation island by the outer frame 111. The front frame 112 is attached to the outer frame 111 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction by hinges 116 at the upper and lower left ends, so that each unit integrated with the front frame 112 can be brought out to the front side during maintenance or the like. is there.
[0024]
Inside the front frame 112, a metal frame 113 that covers the size of about 2/3 of the front frame 112 in the height direction is attached, and the inner periphery of the metal frame 113 with the left side of the metal frame 113 as a support shaft. A glass frame 114 bordering the frame is hinged so as to be openable and closable. The glass frame 114 is loaded with double glass plates 115. A game board 16 is housed inside the front frame 112 on the back side of the glass plate 115 and faces the player with the glass plate 115 interposed therebetween.
[0025]
The distance between the double glass plates 115 is such that the influence of the magnets from the outside does not reach a game ball on the board surface of the game board 16 described later, and when the surface of the glass plate 115 is pressed, The game nail protruding in the direction of the glass plate 115 from above the board surface is set so as not to contact.
[0026]
Inside the front frame 112, a bathtub-shaped upper plate 121 and a lower plate 124 are provided below the metal frame 113 so as to protrude toward the front side. The body of the upper plate 121 that receives the game balls directly is made of a material that is not easily soiled such as ebonide. On the inner surface of the upper plate 121, a discharge port 122 for paying out a prize ball or the like is opened.
[0027]
On the left side of the upper plate 121, a balance display unit 133 that displays the balance of the prepaid card inserted into the insertion slot of the prepaid card unit facing forward, a ball lending button 131 that is pressed to receive a game ball lending, and A settlement button 132 for settlement is provided.
[0028]
The lower plate 124 has an overflow ball outlet 125 opened on the inner surface, and serves as an outlet for the return ball that failed to fire while the overflow ball flows when the upper plate 121 is full. Further, when the player operates the upper plate ball removal lever 123, the lower plate 124 overflows and communicates with the upper plate 121 through the ball discharge port 125, and the game ball on the upper plate 121 is transferred to the lower plate. It is possible to move to 124. Further, when the lower tray 124 is filled with game balls, the bottom plate 124 can be opened by the operation of the lower tray ball removal lever 126 so that it can be discharged below the lower tray 124. Can be transferred to a box.
[0029]
A firing handle 141 is provided on the right side of the lower plate 124. The firing handle 141 is provided with a ring-shaped rotation ring 143 coaxially on the outer periphery of the grip portion 142 that protrudes and is attached to the front side. When the player rotates the rotation ring 143 in the clockwise direction, The game balls supplied from the tray 121 can be launched onto the board surface 160 of the game board 16 described later (FIG. 2).
[0030]
The game board 16 is a substantially square board as shown in FIG. 2, and a substantially circular game area is formed on the board surface 160 by the rails 21 and 22. In the game area, a center ornament 24 is arranged in the center of the game board 16, and a special device operation determination symbol display device (hereinafter simply referred to as a symbol display device) 37 is held inside the game board 16 with the display surface facing the front side. Yes. The symbol display device 37 displays a lottery to determine whether or not to activate the special device. The lottery is notified to the player in a manner that the player stands still after changing a two-digit number, for example, the first digit When the second digit is the same predetermined number, it is a winning symbol for operating the special device.
[0031]
A ball entry device 31 is provided below the center ornament 24. The ball entry device 31 is shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The ball entry device 31 is provided with a tulip-type ordinary electric accessory 311 having a pair of left and right blades 3111 and 3112 operated by a solenoid at the upper part, so that a game ball can enter from above.
[0032]
Below the game ball detection switch 65 (hereinafter referred to as a normal electric accessory switch as appropriate) 65 for detecting a game ball entering from between the blades 3111 and 3112 of the ordinary electric accessory 311, A guide passage 312 that is bent in a hairpin shape is formed with the position immediately below as the upstream end 312a, and the game ball detected by the game ball detection switch 65 flows down. The downstream end 312b of the guide passage 312 is open. The time required from when the game ball is detected by the game ball detection switch 65, that is, after entering the ball entry device 31 until reaching the guide passage downstream end 312b depends on the length and inclination of the guide passage 312. Let's assume that it is designed to be 1.5 seconds. The game ball that has reached the downstream end 312b of the guide passage is delivered to a sorting device 313 that is a sorting means, and the sorting device 313 has a starting ball that has the right to start symbol variation and a non-generating right that does not generate the right. It will be distributed to the starting ball. When the ball is assigned to the starting ball, the symbol change is executed by the symbol display device 37 based on the result of the right / left determination process for randomly determining whether or not the special device is to be operated, and the result of the right / left determination process is obtained. It informs the player.
[0033]
The distribution device 313 includes a rotating body 5, a holding body for the rotating body motor 61 that drives the rotating body 5, a housing 4 in which a path of game balls is formed, and the like. The rotating body 5 is a substantially disk-shaped member disposed adjacent to the guide passage downstream end 312b, and a shaft 611 extends in a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the panel portion 41 parallel to the plate surface 160 of the housing 4, It rotates clockwise with a predetermined period by driving by a rotating body motor 61 coupled at the shaft end. In the following description, the predetermined period is 9 seconds.
[0034]
The rotating body 5 has three concave portions 51, 52, 53 that reach both end surfaces of the rotating body 5 on the side surface 5 a at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating body 5. The recesses 51 to 53 are formed in U-shaped curved surfaces so as to be slightly larger than the game balls, and each is a ball receiving portion 51 to 53 that holds one game ball. As the rotating body 5 rotates, the three ball receiving portions 51 to 53 sequentially pass through the position facing the guide passage downstream end 312b. If there is a game ball that has flowed down the guide passage 312, the ball receiving portions 51 to 53 receive and hold the ball at a position facing the guide passage downstream end 312 b and carry it. In addition, when the game ball reaches the guide passage downstream end 312b and the ball receiving portions 51 to 53 are not located at the position facing the guide passage downstream end 312b (game ball receiving position), any game ball is placed at the game ball receiving position. The contact state with the side surface 5a of the rotating body 5 is maintained until the receiving parts 51 to 53 come, and the ball receiving parts 51 to 53 are held by the ball receiving parts 51 to 53 when they come to the game ball receiving position. Become.
[0035]
One ball receiving portion 51 of the ball receiving portions 51 to 53 is provided with a bar portion 511 that bridges the facing portion of the U-shaped curved surface on the end surface facing the panel portion 41 of the rotating body 5. The movement to the panel part 41 side is regulated. Hereinafter, as appropriate, the ball receiver 51 is referred to as a first ball receiver 51, the ball receiver 52 is referred to as a second ball receiver 52, and the ball receiver 53 is referred to as a third ball receiver 53.
[0036]
In the panel portion 41, a game ball discharge port 401a is opened in a direction of 3 o'clock with respect to the rotation center of the rotating body 5 at a position where the ball receiving portions 51 to 53 pass forward, and the game ball is taken in. (Fig. 4). The taken game balls flow down the game ball passage 401 of the housing 4 and are collected to the game hall side. Here, among the ball receiving portions 51 to 53, the first ball receiving portion 51 is not taken into the game ball discharge port 401a due to the movement prohibiting action of the game ball by the bar portion 511.
[0037]
On the other hand, the game ball held by the first ball receiving portion 51 is released and taken in when the first ball receiving portion 51 comes in the 6 o'clock direction as follows. In the housing 4, a space through which a game ball can pass is formed below the rotating body 5, and serves as a special device operation region 402. A gate shutter 42 is provided between the rotating body side surface 5a and the special device operation area 402 so as to be movable back and forth in the horizontal direction, and a game ball detection switch 66 (hereinafter referred to as a determination symbol operation switch as appropriate) for detecting a game ball. These are provided to constitute a special device operation determination symbol gate. When the gate shutter 42 retreats from the closed position covering the determination symbol operation switch 66 from above to the open position, the game ball held by the first ball receiving portion 51 can fall toward the determination symbol operation switch 66. (FIG. 5). When the determination symbol operation switch 66 detects a game ball, whether or not to activate the special device is executed, and at the same time, the symbol change is started in the symbol display device 37, and the above-described determination processing is performed based on the stationary symbol. The result is known to the player.
[0038]
When the gate shutter 42 is in the closed position, the game ball held in the first ball receiving portion 51 does not fall to the determination symbol operation switch 66. In this case, the first ball receiver 51 passes over the gate shutter 42 with the rotation of the rotating body 5 while holding the game ball, and further moves in the direction of about 8 o'clock. It discharges to the discharge passage 314 (FIG. 6). The released game ball passes through the discharge passage 314, and is collected from the discharge port 404a opened in the panel portion 41 through the game ball passage 404 in the housing 4 to the game hall side.
[0039]
Next, the taking-in of the game ball when the gate shutter 42 is retracted and is in the open position will be described.
[0040]
The game ball that has fallen from the first ball receiving portion 521 is guided to the special device operation area 402 immediately below the determination symbol operation switch 66 for detecting that the game ball has passed through the special device operation determination symbol gate. As a special device operation region guiding portion that distributes to those that do not, a stationary ball discharge movable piece 44 and a special device operation region movable piece 43 are provided. The stationary ball discharge movable piece 44 and the special device operation region movable piece 43 are swingable in the horizontal direction, and can be switched between a position covering the upper portion of the special device operation region 402 and a position retracted in the horizontal direction from this position. .
[0041]
The stationary ball discharge movable piece 44 is a member having an annular portion 441 having a diameter larger than that of the game ball and allowing the game ball to pass therethrough at the tip.
[0042]
Further, when the special device operation region movable piece 43 is in a position covering the upper portion of the special device operation region 402, the special device operation region movable piece 43 thereby prohibits the game ball from dropping into the special device operation region 402, and when it is in the retracted position, The game ball that has passed through the discharge movable piece annular portion 441 is allowed to pass through the special device operation region 402 (FIG. 7). The special device operation area 402 is provided with a game ball detection switch (hereinafter referred to as a special device operation area switch) 67 for detecting a game ball so as to detect a game ball passing through the special device operation area 402. It has become. When the special device operation area switch 67 detects a game ball, the right of the third type special game is granted.
[0043]
On the other hand, when the special device operation region movable piece 43 is in a position covering the upper part of the special device operation region 402, the special device operation region movable piece 43 receives the game ball from below, so that the game ball is a stationary ball discharge movable piece annular portion 441. Do not pass through. When the stationary ball discharge movable piece 44 holding the game ball swings and retreats in the horizontal direction from this state, the game ball also moves horizontally on the special device operating region movable piece 43 and discharges the stationary ball. When the movable piece annular portion 441 is further retracted to a position where it does not face the special device operating region movable piece 43, the game ball falls and is collected from the stationary ball discharge port 405 through the game ball passage 406 to the game field side ( FIG. 8). The stationary ball discharge port 405 is provided with a game ball detection switch (hereinafter, referred to as a stationary ball discharge port switch as appropriate) 67 for detecting a game ball passing therethrough.
[0044]
A winning opening is provided on each of the left and right sides of the pitching device 31, which is used as normal electric accessory operating ports 32a and 32b. A game ball detection switch for detecting that a game ball has passed (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as a normal electric accessory actuating switch) is provided in the ordinary electric accessory operating ports 32a and 32b. When the ball enters the ball 32b, this is detected and the ordinary electric accessory 311 of the ball entry device 31 is opened.
[0045]
In addition, on the left and right sides of the pitching device 31, there are provided other winning openings 36 and 34. Among these, the right winning opening 34 is a large winning opening 34 in which the pair of left and right blades 341 and 342 can be opened in the third type game.
[0046]
A left shoulder ornament 25a is fitted on the left side of the center ornament 24, and a winning opening 35 is provided on the inside. On the right side of the center ornament 24, a right shoulder ornament 25b and a winning opening 33 are provided at positions symmetrical to the left shoulder ornament 25a. The winning opening 33 is a type 3 starting port. As a result of the variation of the pattern, when a winning symbol is drawn and the right of the type 3 game is generated, the winning port is based on the ball entering the type 3 starting port 33. 34 blades open.
[0047]
On the board surface 160, a number of game nails 23, windmills 26a, 26b, 27a, 27b, and the like are provided in addition to the winning opening 31 and the like. The launched game ball is blown by the game nail 23 or changed its course by the windmills 26a to 27b and flows downward along an irregular route. Then, if the player enters the winning hole 31 or the like, a game effect such as paying out of the game ball occurs, and the game ball reaching the lowermost part of the game area without entering the ball is taken in from the out port 28.
[0048]
FIG. 9 shows the electrical configuration of the present ball game machine 1a. The main controller 71 includes an 8-bit one-chip microcomputer incorporating a ROM storing a game control program and a RAM serving as a work area for operations and the like. An external input / output circuit is provided which is configured as a central logic operation circuit and performs input / output with respect to the sub-control devices 72 to 76 of each unit, various switches 811 and the like, and various actuators 721 and the like.
[0049]
Various switches 811 and the like on which the main control device 71 receives signal input will be described.
[0050]
A full tank switch (the switch is described as SW. The same applies hereinafter) 811 is a pressure sensor provided in a game ball passage (not shown) that leads to the lower plate 124, and the lower plate 124 is filled with a game ball. Detects that it is in a tan state. The ball break switch 812 is a pressure sensor provided in a ball tank (not shown), and detects that there are not enough game balls in the ball tank.
[0051]
As described above, the ordinary electric accessory actuating switch 813 serves as a trigger when the ordinary electric accessory 311 of the pitching device 31 is actuated.
[0052]
The normal electric accessory switch 65, the determination symbol operation switch 66, the special device operation area switch 67, and the stationary ball discharge port switch 68 described above are also connected to the main controller 71, and the passage of the game ball is known in the main controller 71. It is like that.
[0053]
The third type start port switch 814 is provided in the third type start port 33 and detects a game ball that has entered.
[0054]
The count switch 815 detects all game balls that win in the special winning opening 34.
[0055]
The prize ball payout switch 816 counts game balls to be paid out from a prize ball payout device (not shown).
[0056]
A game ball detection switch 817 is also provided in each of the other winning openings 32a, 32b, 35, and 36 to detect a game ball that has entered.
[0057]
The actuators 821 driven by the main controller 71 will be described. The ordinary electric accessory solenoid 821 is for opening and closing the ordinary electric accessory 311 of the specific winning opening 31.
[0058]
The rotary motor 61, the gate shutter solenoid 62, the special device operation area solenoid 63, and the stationary ball discharge port solenoid 64 that have already been described are also controlled by the main controller 71.
[0059]
The big prize opening solenoid 822 is used to open and close the big prize opening 34.
[0060]
The payout control device 72 is configured as a logical operation circuit using a one-chip microcomputer. The payout control device 72 performs one-way communication with the main control device 71 that allows only transmission from the main control device 71. When a prize is received in accordance with a command command from, a prize ball motor 842 of a prize ball payout device (not shown) is operated to pay out a prize ball, and two-way communication with the prepaid card unit 1b and the CR checkout display device 831 is performed. To control the rental ball supply. When there is a request for ball lending, a ball lending solenoid 841 of a ball lending device (not shown) is operated to execute ball lending. In the ball lending, a game ball to be paid out is detected by the ball lending sensor 843 and a predetermined number is paid out. The CR settlement display device 831 is built in the push buttons 131 and 132 and the balance display portion 133 forming position of the upper plate 121 and is turned on when the settlement button 131 is pressed, and the settlement switch is turned on when the settlement button 132 is pressed. In addition, the balance display unit 133 includes LED for numerical display.
[0061]
The firing control device 73 drives and controls a firing motor 861 that constitutes a launching device (not shown) in accordance with a rotational amount detected from a rotational amount sensor (launching handle in the drawing) 851 of the rotational ring 143 operated by the player. It consists of a one-chip microcomputer. The launch control device 73 performs one-way communication with the main control device 71 in which only transmission from the main control device 71 is allowed. A launch stop switch 852 is connected to the launch control device 73 so as to temporarily stop launch when operated by a player. The touch switch 853 is built in the launch handle 141 and detects whether or not the player is touching the launch handle 141, and it is known whether or not the game table is in operation.
[0062]
The symbol control device 74 controls the symbol display device 37 based on a command from the main control device 61. The symbol control device 74 is configured around a one-chip microcomputer or the like, and performs one-way communication in which only transmission from the main control device 71 and the main control device 71 is allowed. When the display command is received, the symbol variation is displayed on the screen of the symbol display device 37. The display symbols are, for example, two symbols, and when the winning determination process of the main control device 71 is won, the displayed symbols come to rest with a predetermined combination of winning symbols.
[0063]
The lamp control device 75 is composed of a one-chip microcomputer, an IC chip for preventing a short circuit in the lamp output portion, etc., and receives various commands from the main control device 71 and the symbol control device 74 for various decorations and notifications. The lamps 871 and the LEDs 872 are turned on.
[0064]
The sound control device 76 is composed of a one-chip microcomputer with a built-in mask ROM that stores a large number of audio data, a sound source IC controlled by this, a speaker output amplifier, and the like. In response to commands from the control device 71 and the symbol control device 74, the recorded sound source is assembled into a phrase to drive and control the speaker 881. The sound control device 76 and the speaker 881 constitute notification means.
[0065]
The main controller 71 is connected to a hall computer 1c that manages the entire ball game machine in the game hall via the board external connection terminal 77. Game information is transmitted. Further, the main controller 71 can input a test signal via the test signal terminal 78, and can cause each part of the gaming machine to perform a predetermined operation during maintenance or the like.
[0066]
The electrical configuration is embodied by a plurality of boards and electrical cables such as flat cables connected to each other, and each device is arranged on the back side thereof in the same manner as a general ball game machine.
[0067]
10, 11, 12, and 13 show the main part of the main routine executed by the main controller 71. In step S101, it is determined whether or not the special device operation determination symbol gate is set to the effective side, that is, the gate shutter 42 is set to the open state side. If a positive determination is made in step S101, it is determined in step S102 whether or not the game ball has passed through the special device operation determination symbol gate. This determination is made based on whether or not a passing game ball is detected by the determination symbol operation switch 66. If the determination in step S102 is affirmative, the acquired random number is stored in step S103, and the special device operation determination symbol gate is set invalid in step S104, and the gate shutter 42 is closed.
[0068]
If step S101 for determining whether or not the special device operation determination symbol gate is valid is determined to be negative, steps S102 to S104 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S105. In addition, when a negative determination is made in step S102 for determining whether or not the game ball has passed through the special device operation determination design gate, the process proceeds to the control for the game of the third type special electric accessory.
[0069]
In step S105, it is determined whether or not a stop symbol is being displayed on the symbol display device 37. If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S <b> 106, it is determined whether or not the special device operation region guide unit including the special device operation region movable piece 43 and the stationary ball discharge movable piece 44 is operating. If a negative determination is made in step S106, it is determined in step S107 whether or not the special device operation determination symbol is changing. If a negative determination is made in step S107, it is determined in step S108 whether or not to draw a special device operation determination symbol.
[0070]
If the determination in step S108 for determining whether or not to draw the special device operation determination symbol is affirmed, the stored random number for determining whether or not the stored random number is a random number for displaying the symbol for operating the special device in step S109. The determination process is executed, and in the subsequent step S110, a symbol / variation pattern determination process for determining a symbol / variation pattern at the time of symbol display is executed.
[0071]
Step S111 is a process as starting means, and executes a change start command transmission process for transmitting a change start command to the symbol control device 74.
[0072]
Then, the gate shutter 42 is set to be closed. Thereby, the entry into the special device operation area 402 is prohibited, and the process proceeds to the control for the game of the third type special electric accessory.
[0073]
If a negative determination is made in step S108 for determining whether or not to draw a special device operation determination symbol, steps S109 to S112 are skipped to control the special device operation determination symbol game for the third type special electric accessory. Proceed to the control of the game.
[0074]
If a positive determination is made in step S105 for determining whether or not a stop symbol is being displayed, processing after symbol determination in step S113 and subsequent steps is executed. In step S113, it is determined whether or not the stop symbol display time has ended. If an affirmative determination is made in step S113, it is determined in step S114 whether or not the normal electric accessory opening extension function is in operation. The opening of the ordinary electric accessory 311 (ordinary electric accessory release) of the entrance device 31 ends on the condition of time or the number of entrances, but the ordinary electric accessory opening extension function extends this, It functions after the operation of the device is completed. And it complete | finishes by the opening operation | movement etc. of the predetermined number of times of the ordinary electric accessory 311.
[0075]
If an affirmative determination is made in step S114 that determines whether or not the normal electric accessory release extension function is in operation, it is determined whether or not the set number of times has fluctuated in step S115.
[0076]
If a positive determination is made in step S115, it is determined in step S116 whether or not the ordinary electric accessory 311 is operating. If a negative determination is made, an opening extension function end process for ending the opening extension function is executed in step S117.
[0077]
In a succeeding step S118, the special device operation region guide section operation is started in accordance with the displayed symbol, and the process proceeds to the control for the game of the third type special electric accessory. If the special device operation area guiding part operation is a winning symbol, the special device operation region movable piece 43 is retracted to guide the game ball to the special device operation region 402. The piece 44 is retracted, and the game ball is guided to the stationary ball discharge port 405.
[0078]
If a negative determination is made in step S113 for determining whether or not the stop symbol display time has ended, the process proceeds to the control for the game of the third type special electric accessory.
[0079]
Further, when a negative determination is made in step S114 for determining whether or not the normal electric accessory release extension function is in operation, a negative determination is made for step S115 for determining whether or not the set number of times is fluctuating. If step S116 for determining whether or not the accessory 311 is in operation is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S118.
[0080]
Further, when an affirmative determination is made in step S106 that determines whether or not the special device operation region guiding unit is operating, the processing after step S119 is executed. In step S119, it is determined whether or not the operation time of the special operation area guiding unit has elapsed. If an affirmative determination is made, it is determined in step S120 whether or not the combination of symbols (winning symbols) that will cause the special device to operate is determined. If an affirmative determination is made, the special device operation area is set to be invalid in step S121, and the process proceeds to step S122. If a negative determination is made in step S120 for determining whether or not the combination of symbols (winning symbol) will cause the special device to operate, step S121 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S122.
[0081]
Next, in step S122, a process for stopping the operation of the special device operation region guiding unit is performed, and in step S123, the gate shutter 42 is set to be open. In step S124, the special device operation determination symbol gate is set to be effective, and the process proceeds to the control of the third type special electric accessory game.
[0082]
Note that if a negative determination is made in step S119 for determining whether or not the operation time of the special device operation area guiding unit has elapsed, the process skips steps S120 to S124 and shifts to the control of the third type special electric accessory game. .
[0083]
If a positive determination is made in step S107 for determining whether or not the special device operation determination symbol is changing, the processing after step S125 is executed. In step S125, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation time has elapsed. If a positive determination is made, a symbol stop command is transmitted to the symbol controller 74 in step S126.
[0084]
In step S127, it is determined whether or not the combination of symbols (winning symbol) will cause the special device to be operated. If an affirmative determination is made, in step S128, processing for setting the special device operation region 402 to be effective is performed. The process proceeds to step S129. If a negative determination is made in step S127 for determining whether or not the combination of symbols will activate the special device, the process skips step S128 and proceeds to step S129.
[0085]
In step S129, the display time of the stop symbol is set, and the process proceeds to the control of the third type special electric accessory game.
[0086]
Note that if a negative determination is made in step S125 for determining whether or not the variation time has elapsed, steps S126 to S128 are skipped and the process shifts to the control of the third type special electric accessory game.
[0087]
Further, the main control device 71 estimates whether or not the symbol display device 37 has started to change the symbol, and executes symbol start determination processing for informing the result. The symbol start determination process is a process as an estimation means, and will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0088]
In step S201, it is determined whether or not a game ball is detected by the ordinary electric accessory switch 65. If a positive determination is made, it is determined in step S202 whether the first flag or the second flag is set. The first flag and the second flag are set when there is already a ball detection, and will be described in detail later.
[0089]
If a negative determination is made in step S202 for determining whether the first flag or the second flag is set, the first flag is activated in step S203, and the measurement start process is performed in step S204. The measurement start process is to count the elapsed time from the entry confirmed in step S201.
[0090]
Next, sound generation processing is performed in step S205. The sound generation process is to output a control signal to the sound control device 76 so that the sound of “DO” is output from the speaker. After step S205, the process returns.
[0091]
If step S202 for determining whether the first flag or the second flag is set is affirmed, the process proceeds to step S206. This is a case where the normal electric accessory 311 has already entered the ball. In step S206, the elapsed time from entering the ball is stored, and in the subsequent step S207, a measurement end process for ending the elapsed time is performed.
[0092]
In a succeeding step S208, it is determined whether or not the first flag is set. If an affirmative determination is made, a first flag end process for ending the first flag is executed in step S209.
[0093]
In subsequent step S210, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time (step S206) is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time. Here, the predetermined time is 3 seconds.
[0094]
If an affirmative determination is made in step S210 that determines whether or not the elapsed time is equal to or less than the predetermined time, a second flag operation process for operating the second flag is executed in step S211. This second flag is set when there is a new entry within a predetermined time (3 seconds) from the entry at a certain point in time. It shows that you have played a ball. Therefore, hereinafter, this incoming ball is described as a second incoming ball as appropriate. Note that the first flag is set when a ball has entered for a predetermined time from the first or most recent ball entry point. Write like a sphere.
[0095]
In step S212 following step S211 in which the second flag operation process is executed, a measurement start process is executed. This measurement start process counts the elapsed time from the time of entering the ball confirmed in step S201 as in the case of the measurement start process of step S204, but it is measured from the time of entering the second ball. It will be the elapsed time of.
[0096]
In step S213 following step S212 in which the measurement start process is executed, a sound generation process is performed. The sound generation process is basically the same process as in step S205, and the difference is that the pitch of the generated sound is a “le” sound higher than “do”. After step S213, the process returns.
[0097]
If a negative determination is made in step S210 for determining whether or not the elapsed time is equal to or less than the predetermined time, that is, if there has been a ball that has exceeded the predetermined time from the time when the first ball entered, the above steps S203 to S205 are performed. Execute. That is, this incoming ball is not treated as the second ball but as the first ball.
[0098]
If a negative determination is made in step S208 for determining whether or not the first flag is set, the process proceeds to step S214. Since step S202 for determining whether the first flag or the second flag is set is affirmed, the second flag is set. In step S214, a second flag end process for ending the second flag is executed.
[0099]
In subsequent step S215, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time (step S206) is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time. Here, the predetermined time is 3 seconds.
[0100]
If an affirmative determination is made in step S215 that determines whether the elapsed time is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time, a sound generation process is performed in step S216. The sound generation processing is basically the same processing as steps S205 and S213, and the difference is that the pitch of the generated sound becomes a “mi” sound higher than “do” and “le”. After step S216, the process returns.
[0101]
Note that if a negative determination is made in step S215 for determining whether or not the elapsed time is equal to or less than the predetermined time, that is, if there is a ball that has exceeded a predetermined time from the point of entry of the second ball, steps S203 to S205 are performed. Execute. That is, this incoming ball is treated as the first incoming ball, not the third.
[0102]
The symbol start determination process is as described above. The interval between the time when the first ball enters and the time when the second ball enters, the time when the second ball enters, and the time when the third ball enters If the interval is 3 seconds or less, the sound emitted from the speaker increases step by step every time there is a ball. This increases the probability that the symbol change will be executed to the player, and when the sound of “M”, the symbol change will be executed almost certainly in any of the three game balls with this as the third ball. It is to inform. For such notification, it is preferable to provide a plate or a seal to be explained to the player in advance as an explanation of the game on the surface of the gaming machine.
[0103]
Since the rotating body 5 makes one rotation in 9 seconds as described above, it can be held by the ball receiving portions 51 to 53 one by one in 3 seconds. The time required from passing through the ordinary electric accessory switch 65 to reaching the game ball passage downstream end 312b can be regarded as substantially the same regardless of the game ball. Therefore, if the interval between the time when the first ball enters and the time when the second ball enters is 3 seconds or less, the second ball is securely connected to the ball receivers 51 to 53 that hold the first ball. Next, it is held by the ball receiving portions 51 to 53 at the game ball receiving position. The same applies to the second and third balls. If the interval between the second ball and the third ball is 3 seconds or less, the third ball is surely 2 It is held by the ball receiving portions 51 to 53 that come to the game ball receiving position next to the ball receiving portions 51 to 53 holding the ball. Therefore, any one of the three game balls is held by the first ball receiving portion 51 which is a starting ball receiving portion. Thus, when the sound emitted from the speaker 881 becomes high until “Mi”, the player is informed that there is a game ball held in the first ball receiving portion 51 even when the third ball enters. It will be.
[0104]
As described above, according to the present ball game machine, it is possible to notify the player about the feasibility of the symbol variation. Based on this information, the player can control the launch of the game ball, so there is no need to make unnecessary refrains, speedy, and enjoy the advanced game of launch control based on the notification result be able to. In addition, amusement arcades can also benefit from an increase in the operating rate of gaming machines by reducing the number of hits.
[0105]
Whether or not the “mi” sound output (step S216) is executed according to the elapsed time from the time of the second ball entry to the third ball entry of the third ball. Instead of being divided, it is also possible to divide according to the elapsed time from the time of entering the first ball to the entering of the third ball. Since the rotating body 5 can be held one by one every 3 seconds, if the elapsed time is 6 seconds (= 3 seconds × 2) or less from the time of entering the first ball, the ball holder holding the first ball The third game ball is held by the ball receiving portions 51 to 53 that come to the game ball receiving position next to the portions 51 to 53. Accordingly, one of the three game balls is held by the first ball receiving portion 51. In this case, the elapsed time from the first ball entry to the third ball entry is the elapsed time from the first ball entry to the second ball entry and the second ball entry time. Of course, it is possible to add the elapsed time from the start to the third entry.
[0106]
Further, the predetermined time is not limited to 3 seconds, and may be a time exceeding this. In this case, the time exceeding 3 seconds shows the magnitude of the probability that the symbol variation is not performed reliably. Even if it is a sound of “Mi”, a certain thrill feeling is given to the player by including a case where the pattern does not change reliably.
[0107]
In addition, although the certainty of symbol variation is represented by the pitch of “do”, “le”, and “mi”, the present invention is not necessarily limited to this, and the number of dialed sounds and phrases may be used. Instead of sound, various lamps 871, various LEDs 872, and lamp control device 75 may be used as a notification means, and light such as the color and number of light emitters may be used.
[0108]
In addition, the number of ball receiving portions of the rotating body 5 is kN ′, and there are k starting ball receiving portions for generating a game effect of starting the symbol variation, and every N ′ aligned in the circumferential direction of the rotating body 5 When one starting ball receiving portion is provided, the pitch of sound and the gradation of light are N ′.
[0109]
( Reference example )
FIG. 16 shows the present invention. Reference example The electrical configuration of the ball game machine will be shown. Book Reference example Is whether or not the symbol changes Of the present invention It is made known by means different from the embodiment. The basic configuration is Of the present invention Same as the embodiment, Of the present invention The difference from the embodiment will be mainly described.
[0110]
In the main control device 71A, the position of the first ball receiving portion 51 is known as a rotation angle by a position detection switch 818 which is an operation state detection means. The position detection may be known from the output of a rotary encoder coupled to the rotating body motor 61 or from the number of pulses when the rotating body motor 61 is constituted by a stepping motor.
[0111]
Main controller 71A is basically Of the present invention As in the embodiment, the difference is the symbol start determination process. The contents of the symbol start determination process are shown in FIG. In step S301, it is determined whether or not a ball has been entered. If an affirmative determination is made, position detection processing is performed in step S302. The position detection process is a process for capturing the rotational angle position of the rotating body 5 at the time of entering the ball.
[0112]
In subsequent step S303, arrival time calculation processing is performed. The arrival time calculation process calculates the time at which the first ball receiver 51 arrives at the guide passage downstream end 312b. This is obtained by dividing the rotation angle position of the first ball receiving portion 51 with the rotation speed of the rotating body 5 as a reference when the first ball receiving portion 51 is at the game ball receiving position.
[0113]
In step S304, it is determined whether the calculated arrival time (step S303) is within a predetermined time defined by the lower limit value and the upper limit value. Here, the lower limit value is 1.5 seconds and the upper limit value is 4.5 seconds. Accordingly, if the calculated arrival time is X and 1.5 seconds ≦ X ≦ 4.5 seconds, step S304 is affirmed.
[0114]
If an affirmative determination is made in step S304, a light generation process for generating light is executed in step S305, and the process returns to the return. If a negative determination is made in step S304, the process skips step S305 and returns.
[0115]
The symbol start determination process is as described above, and if the calculated arrival time is within a predetermined time, the production LED or the like blinks violently.
[0116]
If 1.5 seconds ≦ X ≦ 4.5 seconds holds for the arrival time X, the following can be said. That is, the game ball in which the entry has been detected passes through the ordinary electric accessory switch 65 and arrives at the guide passage downstream end 312b after 1.5 seconds as described above. Therefore, since the first ball receiving portion 51 also rotates for 1.5 seconds at the time of arrival, the first ball receiving portion 51 starts from 0 second after the game ball arrives at the guide passage downstream end 312b. Displace to the game ball receiving position in 3.0 seconds. Therefore, as soon as the game ball arrives at the guide passage downstream end 312b, or immediately after the waiting time for maintaining a contact state with the ball receiving portion non-forming portion of the rotating body side surface 5a, the first ball receiving portion. 51.
[0117]
Like this Reference example According to the above, when the game ball enters the ordinary electric accessory 311, the player can know the feasibility of the symbol variation without waiting for the ball to be held by the ball receiving portions 51 to 53 of the rotating body 5. it can. Based on this information, the player can control the launch of the game ball, so there is no need to make unnecessary refrains, and the player can enjoy an advanced game called launch control based on the notification result. . In addition, amusement arcades can also benefit from an increase in the operating rate of gaming machines by reducing the number of hits.
[0118]
It should be noted that the elapsed time from the game ball passing through the ordinary electric accessory switch 65 to the arrival at the guide passage downstream end 312b is 1.5 seconds, the rotating body 5 has a rotation period of 9 seconds, and the ball receiving portion 51 Under the condition that three to 53 are provided, the lower limit value and the upper limit value are set. Generally, however, the game ball arrives at the guide passage downstream end 312b after passing the game ball detection switch 65. Assuming that the elapsed time until completion is t, the rotation period of the rotating body 5 is T, and the number of ball receiving portions is N, the following equations (1) and (2) are obtained.
Lower limit = t (1)
Upper limit value = t + T / N (2)
[0119]
Also, the elapsed time from when the game ball passes through the ordinary electric accessory switch 65 until it arrives at the guide passage downstream end 312b varies depending on the speed of the game ball when passing through the ordinary electric accessory switch 65, etc. The elapsed time may exceed 1.5 seconds. In this case, even if the arrival time X is 1.5 seconds, the game ball is not held in the first ball receiving portion 51, and the first ball receiving portion 51 comes next to the game ball receiving position. 2 is held by the ball receiver 52. Therefore, if the accuracy of notification that the symbol variation is certain is improved, the lower limit value may be set slightly longer than 1.5 seconds in consideration of the variation in the elapsed time.
[0120]
Conversely, the elapsed time may not reach 1.5 seconds. In this case, even if the arrival time X is 4.5 seconds, the game ball is not held in the first ball receiving portion 51, and the third one that comes to the game ball receiving position in front of the first ball receiving portion 51. Is held by the ball receiving portion 53. Therefore, if the accuracy of notification that the symbol variation is certain is improved, the upper limit value may be set slightly lower than 4.5 seconds in consideration of the variation in the elapsed time.
[0121]
Of course, the lower limit value and the upper limit value may be set to values that allow a certain degree of inaccuracy of notification that the symbol variation is certain. In this case, a thrilling feeling is given to the player. Can do. If the light that predicts the symbol variation flashes, you will feel that you want to realize the symbol variation without missing this opportunity. On the other hand, even if there is no flashing of light that warns of symbol changes, a feeling of despair is born.
[0122]
Also book Reference example Then, it is informed by light whether or not the symbol variation is sure, but it is needless to say that sound may be used.
[0123]
In addition, This reference example In the case of the following ball game machine, even if it is established that the arrival time X is 1.5 seconds ≦ X ≦ 4.5 seconds, if the game ball enters continuously, It is a game ball that does not generate the right to change, and if the symbol change has already been ensured for the immediately preceding game ball, the light generation process may not be executed for the next game ball.
[0124]
The present invention can be applied not only to a CR machine using a prepaid card but also to a cash machine that receives a ball lending with cash.
[0125]
Further, the present invention provides a game ball detecting means for detecting that a game ball has entered the ball entry device, a starting means for starting symbol variation, a starting ball for starting symbol variation, and a non-starting ball that is not activated. It can be applied to any ball game machine that has a distribution means for distributing to each other.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an application of the present invention. Bullet ball machine FIG.
FIG. 2 is a front view of a game board of the ball game machine.
FIG. 3 is a front view of main ball entry devices arranged on the game board.
FIG. 4 is a first partial cross-sectional perspective view of the ball entry device.
FIG. 5 is a second partial cross-sectional perspective view of the ball entry device.
FIG. 6 is a third partial cross-sectional perspective view of the above ball entry device.
FIG. 7 is a fourth partial cross-sectional perspective view of the above ball entry device.
FIG. 8 is a fifth partial cross-sectional perspective view of the above ball entry device.
FIG. 9 is an electrical configuration diagram mainly showing an input / output relationship of control signals of the above-mentioned ball game machine.
FIG. 10 is a first flowchart showing the contents of a control program executed by the main control device of the ball game machine.
FIG. 11 is a second flowchart showing the contents of a control program executed by the main control device of the ball game machine.
FIG. 12 is a third flowchart showing the contents of a control program executed by the main control device of the ball game machine.
FIG. 13 is a fourth flowchart showing the contents of a control program executed by the main control device of the ball game machine.
FIG. 14 is a fifth flowchart showing the contents of a control program executed by the main controller of the ball game machine.
FIG. 15 is a sixth flowchart showing the contents of a control program executed by the main controller of the ball game machine.
FIG. 16 Corresponding to Figure 9 for a reference example of a ball game machine FIG.
FIG. 17 Above Figure corresponding to Figure 14 for the reference example It is.

Claims (3)

As a ball entry device provided on the surface of the game board, a game ball detection means for detecting when a game ball enters the ball entry device, and whether or not to give a predetermined game benefit to the player A starting means for starting a symbol variation display for display to a player, a starting ball for starting the symbol variation display according to a predetermined cyclic operation pattern, and a non-starting for not starting the symbol variation display In a bullet ball game machine having distribution means for distributing to a ball, and a guide passage for guiding a game ball that has entered the ball entry device to the distribution means,
Estimating means for estimating whether or not the entered game ball is distributed as a starting ball by the distribution means based on the pitch intervals of a plurality of game balls that enter the pitching device one after another;
A bullet ball game machine comprising: notifying means for notifying an estimation result by the estimating means. 2. The ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the distributing means is provided with a plurality of ball receiving portions at equal intervals in a circumferential direction of the rotating body on a side surface of the rotating body rotating at a predetermined cycle. In order to receive the game ball that has reached the downstream end of the guide path, in order to send in the direction of rotation of the rotating body,
As the ball receiving portion, a predetermined number of ball receiving portions arranged in the circumferential direction of the rotating body are provided with a start receiving portion in which the received game ball becomes the starting ball,
The estimation means determines that a game ball that has entered is highly likely to be the starting ball when a positive determination is made as to whether or not the pitch interval is equal to or less than a predetermined time. Set to
The ball game machine in which the predetermined time is set to be equal to or less than a divisor obtained by dividing the predetermined period by the number of installed ball receiving portions.   3. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein when the determination is made in succession every time a game ball enters, the notification content of the notification means changes stepwise.

Images