JP4623545B2 - Bullet ball machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, and more particularly to a technique for improving the game performance of a ball game machine.

  Conventionally, among the various types of ball game machines, the first type of pachinko machines, in particular, changed the pattern called a special symbol when the game ball dropped into the start winning opening formed on the game board. indicate. When a symbol stops in a specific manner after a predetermined time has elapsed, a gaming machine that shifts to a gaming state advantageous to a player called a special game has become widespread. Also, in the second and third types of pachinko gaming machines, there are known machines that shift to special games when a game ball is dropped into a specific winning opening formed on the game board. .

  In recent years, game machines that set an advantageous period for the player, which is called “shorter time” after the end of the special game, are also widely popularized by players. In the case of such a pachinko gaming machine, when a game ball passes through an operating port formed on the game board, a symbol called a normal symbol is variably displayed. And if the mode when the symbol stops after the lapse of the predetermined time becomes a specific mode, the accessory of the variable entrance is expanded for a predetermined time. When a game ball falls into the variable entrance, some prize balls are paid out. The short time is a state advantageous to a player set for the purpose of suppressing a decrease in the number of game balls after the end of the special game. In the short time state, the expansion control of the accessory of the variable entrance is different from the normal time.

  For example, at the normal time, the time for displaying the change of the symbol accompanying the passage of the game ball by the game ball and the time for expanding the role of the variable entrance are set to 30 seconds and 0.5 seconds, respectively. On the other hand, in the short time state, for example, the symbol variation display time is set to 5 seconds and the variable entrance opening time is set to 3 seconds. In the short time state, the time during which the character of the variable entrance is expanded is set to be relatively longer than the symbol display time. Therefore, it becomes easy for the game ball to drop into the variable entrance. By such control, the game balls are less likely to decrease than usual in the time-short state.

For example, in the case of the first type pachinko gaming machine, the short time state continues after the special game is over until the next special game is entered. Alternatively, the time reduction state is configured to continue until a special symbol for determining whether or not to shift to a special game fluctuates a predetermined number of times. Hereinafter, when referring to a game executed in a short-time state, it is particularly called a “variable reduction game”.
JP 2003-169922 A

  In the ball game machine configured as described above, it is luck in the end to determine the duration of the short-time state. In other words, the player's skill is not required to continue the time-saving state. Therefore, the player tends to continue the variation-reducing game casually while the variation-reducing game is set to expand the beneficiary opportunities of the player. In other words, since the beneficiary opportunities of fluctuation shortening games are influenced by luck, it is difficult for players to be actively motivated to take advantage of the opportunities. In the case of a gaming machine that does not require much skill of the player, such as the first kind of pachinko gaming machine, the ideal form of the game of competing for the skill is being lost. This has become a major cause for players who are confident in their skills to leave the game.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a ball game machine that enhances the interest of the game with respect to the duration of the fluctuation-reducing game.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, a ball ball game machine (10) according to an aspect of the present invention is provided at a predetermined position in a game board (100) on which a game area (124) is formed and a game area (124). The operation port (118), the operation port passage detecting means (130) for detecting the passage of the game ball to the operation port (118), and the passage of the game ball to the operation port (118) are detected. As described above, variable entrance control means (260) for controlling the entrance of the variable entrance (112) so as to make it easier for the game ball to drop by opening the variable entrance (112) for a predetermined period of time, and the game ball to the operation entrance (118) The variable shortening game execution means (270) for continuing the variable shortening game for a predetermined period of time, which sets the period during which the variable entrance (112) expands with the passage of time to be longer than usual, and the predetermined position in the game area (124) Special area (142) provided and Includes a special area passage detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball into the special area (282), the. The variation shortening game execution means (270) stops continuation of the variation shortening game based on the detection of the passage of the game ball to the special area while the variation shortening game is continued.

  According to this aspect, the variation shortening game is terminated when the game ball passes through a special area provided on the game board. Since the player needs to adjust the hitting ball in order to secure the beneficiary opportunity of the variable shortening game, the player is easily immersed in the variable shortening game. That is, the player can intervene according to the skill regarding the continuation of the variation shortening game. Note that the variable entrance means a thing that can give an advantageous state to the player by entering the ball. For example, the variable entrance is a type that receives a prize by entering a so-called tulip or an attacker in the first type pachinko game machine, etc., or an entry ball or a sparrow ball game machine. Includes auxiliary types.

  This bullet ball game machine (10) is provided at a position before the game ball in the game area (124) passes through the special area (142), and controls whether or not the game ball is directed toward the special area (142). It may further comprise a possible guidance device (160) and guidance device control means (274) for driving the guidance device (160) to change the rate at which the game ball passes through the special area (142).

  By providing a guidance device for adjusting the rate at which the game ball passes through the special area, not only the skill but also the element of luck can be interposed with respect to the special area passing by the game ball. By adjusting the control of the guidance device, it will be easier to guarantee the opportunity to secure the profit of Pachinko Hall. In addition, by adjusting the guidance device control, it is possible to prevent a beneficiary opportunity for a player who is proficient in a game and an inexperienced player from being separated. For example, each time a game ball passes through the special area, the guidance device may control so that the passing rate of the game ball to the special area decreases. On the contrary, if the game ball does not pass through the special area for a predetermined period, the guidance device may be controlled so that the passing rate of the game ball to the special area increases according to the length of the period. In addition, depending on the driving method of the guidance device, it is possible to further enhance the technical intervention for the game. For example, when the guidance device is driven in a certain pattern, the player's beneficiary opportunities can be expanded by adjusting the hitting ball in consideration of the movement of the guidance device. Driving the guidance device can further enhance the interest of the game. The “position before the game ball of the game area passes through the special area” means that the guidance device is located upstream of the path followed by the game ball with respect to the special area. In other words, the guidance device and the special area have a positional relationship that the game ball can pass through the special area after being guided to the guidance apparatus, but is not normally guided to the guidance apparatus after passing through the special area. Provided.

  In the guidance device (160), at least a part of the mechanism (164) for distributing game balls may be provided at a position where visibility from the player is hindered. Here, “provided at a position where visibility is hindered” may mean that the sorting mechanism of the guidance device is completely shielded by an opaque plate or incompletely shielded by a translucent plate. The mechanism may be entirely shielded or partially shielded. The mechanism may be shielded at a predetermined timing according to time or may be shielded by a decorative accessory. Since it is difficult for the player to visually recognize the mechanism of the guidance device, not only the skill but also the element of luck can be further interposed with respect to the special area passing of the game ball. Alternatively, the beneficiary opportunities of the player can be expanded by adjusting the hitting ball by reading the movement of the guidance device that is difficult to visually recognize. The fun of the game can be further enhanced by the way of hindering the visibility of the sorting mechanism.

  The ball game machine (10) is provided at a predetermined position in the game area (124), and moves the position of the special area (142) in the game area (124). Special area moving device control means (284) for controlling the position of the special area by driving the apparatus may further be provided.

  By moving the special area, not only the skill but also the element of luck can be interposed with respect to the special area passing of the game ball. By adjusting the movement of the special area, it will be easier to guarantee the profit securing opportunity of Pachinko Hall. In addition, by adjusting the movement of the special area, it is possible to prevent a beneficiary opportunity between a player who is proficient in a game and an immature player from being separated. Depending on the movement method of the special area, it is possible to further increase the technical intervention for the game. For example, when the special area moves in a certain pattern, the player's beneficiary opportunities can be expanded by adjusting the hitting ball in consideration of the movement of the special area. The excitement of the game can be further enhanced by moving the special area.

  The bullet ball game machine (10) sets a variable shortening game stop condition setting for setting a stop condition for stopping the continuation when a passing of the game ball to the special area (142) is detected during the variable shortening game. Means (280) may further be provided. Then, the variation shortening game execution means (270) may stop the continuation of the variation shortening game when the stop condition is satisfied after the setting.

  The stop condition is set when the game ball passes through the special area, and the variation reduction game continues until the stop condition is satisfied. Even if the player passes the game ball to the special area, the player is given an opportunity to make a recovery to avoid the disadvantage of continuation of the variation-reducing game. Thereby, the interest with respect to a player's fluctuation shortening game can be maintained for a longer time.

  The special area (142) may be provided at a position where the game ball can pass after passing through the operation port (118). In order to make the variable entrance port open, the player must hit the game ball so that it passes through the operation port. Therefore, according to this configuration, the player wants to pass the game ball through the operating port, but on the other hand, it acts on the psychology of not wanting the game ball to pass through the special area, so that the tension of the game can be enhanced. That is, since the special area is provided in any of the plurality of paths after the game ball has passed through the operation port, it is easy to ensure the possibility that the game ball will pass through the special area.

  According to the present invention, the amusement of the ball game machine can be enhanced, and further, the interest of the fluctuation shortening game can be enhanced.

Hereinafter, a so-called first type pachinko gaming machine will be described as an example of a bullet ball gaming machine.
FIG. 1 shows a basic structure on the front side of a pachinko gaming machine. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is mainly composed of a gaming machine frame and a gaming board surface. The gaming machine frame of the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes an outer frame 11, a front frame 12, a transparent plate 13, a door 14, an upper ball dish 15, a lower ball dish 16, and a launch handle 17. The outer frame 11 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the pachinko gaming machine 10 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 12 is a frame body that aligns with the opening portion of the outer frame 11, and is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to be opened and closed by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The front frame 12 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like.

  The transparent plate 13 is a plate through which a game area of a game board formed of glass or the like can be seen through. The door 14 supports the transparent plate 13. The door 14 is attached to the front frame 12 so that it can be opened and closed by a hinge mechanism (not shown). The upper ball tray 15 has a mechanism for storing game balls, sending the game balls to the launch rail, and extracting the game balls to the lower ball tray 16. The lower ball tray 16 has a mechanism for storing and extracting game balls. When the player rotates the launch handle 17, the game ball is launched.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the structure of the game board 100. The game board 100 includes an out port 108, a symbol display device 110, a start port 112, a center ornament 114, a big prize port 116, and a general prize port 122 on a game area 124 defined by the outer rail 104 and the inner rail 106. The center ornament 114 includes an operation port 118 and a special area mechanism 120. In the game area 124, a plurality of mechanisms such as a game nail and a windmill (not shown) are installed. The start port 112 includes a winning detection device 182 for detecting the entrance of a game ball, and a normal electric accessory solenoid 184 for expanding the start port. The special winning opening 116 includes a winning detection device 172 for detecting the entry of a game ball and a special winning opening solenoid 174 for expanding the special winning opening.

  When the player turns the launch handle 17 by hand, the game balls stored in the upper ball tray 15 are guided one by one to the inner rail 106 and the outer rail 104 with a strength corresponding to the turning angle. To 124. When the player fixes the rotation position of the firing handle 17 by hand, the game ball is repeatedly fired at regular time intervals. The game ball launched to the upper part of the game area 124 falls in a direction according to the way of hitting while hitting a plurality of game nails and windmills. When a game ball is dropped into each of the general winning opening 122, the start opening 112, and the big winning opening 116, the winning balls corresponding to the type of the winning opening are paid out to the upper ball tray 15 and the lower ball tray 16. A game ball dropped into each winning opening such as the general winning opening 122 is processed as a safe ball, and a gaming ball flowing into the out opening 108 is processed as an out ball.

  The symbol display device 110 displays on the screen while changing a symbol called a first type special symbol (hereinafter referred to as “special symbol”) 302 and a decorative symbol 300 linked to the special symbol 302. Here, the special symbol 302 is a symbol for indicating whether or not to generate a jackpot according to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball falls into the start port 112. The decorative symbol 300 is a symbol for visually producing the lottery result. The symbol display device 110 is constituted by a liquid crystal display, for example. The symbol display device 110 displays, as the decorative symbol 300, a plurality of rows of symbol variation moving images simulating a slot machine game in the central area of the screen. When displaying the decorative symbol 300, the special symbol 302 does not need to have an effect role, and is displayed in an inconspicuous area in the upper right corner of the symbol display device 110.

  The special symbol 302 in this embodiment takes a display mode in which C and numbers from 0 to 9 are repeated. Specifically, the special symbol 302 is displayed in the order of C, 0, 1,..., 8 and 9 during the fluctuation, and takes a display mode in which C to 9 are repeated again. The stop symbol of the special symbol 302 indicates whether or not it is a jackpot. For example, when the stop symbol is an odd number of “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”, the jackpot with probability variation , And “0”, “2”, “4”, “6”, “8” may be an ordinary jackpot, and other “C” may indicate a loss. Alternatively, if the stop symbol is an odd number of “1”, “3”, “5”, “7”, “9”, the jackpot to be shifted to the variable shortening game after the end of the special game, and “0”, When it is an even number of “2”, “4”, “6”, “8”, it may indicate a normal jackpot.

  The start opening 112 and the big winning opening 116 are arranged in the game area 124 as shown in the figure, and are configured as variable entry holes that can be changed between an open state and a closed state. In addition, the closed state includes not only a state where the game ball cannot be dropped in due to being completely closed, but also a state where the entrance area of the variable entrance is set small and the game ball is difficult to enter. Shall be. The starting port 112 is normally formed of an electric accessory, and its inlet can be expanded. When the ordinary electric accessory is in the expanded state, the game ball easily falls into the start port 112. Hereinafter, with respect to the start port 112, a state in which the ordinary electric accessory is expanded and the game ball easily falls into the start port 112 is referred to as an open state. In addition, regarding the start port 112, a state that is not in an open state is referred to as a closed state. The special winning opening 116 is a horizontal rectangular winning opening that is opened as a “big hit” when the special symbol 302 stops in a specific manner. The big winning opening 116 is provided at a position above the out opening 108. The inside of the special winning opening 116 is divided into a specific area (so-called V zone) and a general area.

  When the game ball falls into the start port 112, the special symbol 302 and the decorative symbol 300 are variably displayed on the symbol display device 110. The change display of the special symbol 302 and the decorative symbol 300 is stopped after a certain time has elapsed. When the special symbol 302 at the time of the stop is a symbol indicating a so-called “big hit”, the opening / closing operation of the special winning opening 116 is started. At this time, the decorative pattern 300 simulating a game of a slot machine takes a display mode in which the three patterns are matched.

  The big prize opening 116 is temporarily closed after being opened for about 30 seconds or after 10 or more game balls are dropped. If at least one game ball falls into a specific area while the big prize opening 116 is open, the big prize opening 116 is opened again. In this way, the opening / closing of the special prize opening 116 is repeated a predetermined number of times, for example, 15 times, on condition that at least one game ball falls into the specific area while the special prize opening 116 is opened once. When the special game ends, the fluctuation shortening game is executed with a predetermined probability. The variation shortening game continues, for example, until the next special game is started.

  A center ornament 114 is provided around the symbol display device 110. The center ornament 114 has functions such as a flow path of the game ball, protection of the symbol display device 110, and decoration. The center ornament 114 is configured such that a game ball can enter from an operation port 118 formed at the upper left portion thereof. The center ornament 114 is provided with a special area mechanism 120.

  When the game ball passes through the operating port 118, a symbol called a normal symbol 304 is variably displayed for a predetermined time. The normal symbol 304 is variably displayed at the lower right corner of the symbol display device 110. Instead of the variable display of the normal symbol 304 by the symbol display device 110, a lamp (not shown) provided on the center ornament 114 may blink for a predetermined time. Hereinafter, such cases are collectively referred to as normal symbol variation display. When the fluctuation display of the normal symbol 304 is stopped after the lapse of a predetermined time, the start port 112 is normally expanded for a predetermined time with a probability of about 50% to 80%. Although details will be described later, during the execution of the variation reduction game, the time during which the start port 112 is opened is set to be relatively longer than the symbol variation display time.

  The game ball after passing through the operating port 118 is guided to the special area mechanism unit 120. The special area mechanism 120 includes a guidance device 160. The guidance device 160 distributes whether or not the moving direction of the game ball is directed to the special area. The special area is a predetermined area provided in the special area mechanism unit 120, and the variable shortening game is stopped based on the game ball passing through the special area. The detailed mechanism of the special area mechanism 120 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. Note that each winning opening includes a gate type through which a game ball passes, and “incoming” in this specification includes “passing”.

  FIG. 3 shows a basic structure on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine. The power switch 40 is a switch for turning on / off the power of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The main board 41 controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and processes all gaming operations such as lottery when winning the start port 112 in particular. The sub board 49 includes a liquid crystal unit 42 and controls display contents on the symbol display device 110. The sub board 49 changes the display contents according to the lottery result by the main board 41 in particular. The payout unit 43 pays out the game balls supplied from the winning ball tank 44 to the upper ball tray 15 in accordance with winning in each winning opening. The payout control board 45 controls the payout operation by the payout unit 43. The launching device 46 launches the stored balls in the upper ball tray 15 to the game area 124 one by one. The launch control board 47 controls the launch operation of the launch device 46. The power supply unit 48 supplies power to each part of the pachinko gaming machine 10.

  FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a hardware mechanism of the special area mechanism unit 120. The working port passage detection device 130 detects the passage of the working port 118 by a game ball. The game ball dropped into the operation port 118 is discharged from the discharge port 134 through the ball input port 132. The game ball discharged from the discharge port 134 rolls on the introduction arm 136 and is guided to the guide device inlet 152. The game ball that has reached the guidance device inlet 152 falls on the rolling path 138. The rolling path 138 is inclined so as to become lower from the right side of the guiding device inlet 152 to the left and right. Rotating bodies 150 are provided on the left and right sides of the rolling path 138, respectively. The game ball rolls on the rolling path 138 toward the left or right rotating body 150. Whether the game ball goes to the left or right rotating body 150 is influenced by a guide device 160 (not shown) provided below the rolling path 138. The guidance device 160 will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. The guiding device 160 is shielded by the shielding plate 158 so that the mechanism is not visible to the player. The shielding plate 158 is fixed at the side of the rolling path 138.

  The rotating body 150 has four normal holes 148 and one special hole 142, respectively. A game ball enters one of these five holes of the rotating body 150. The rotation of an external motor (not shown) is transmitted to the rotator 150 via a mechanism that transmits motion by direct contact with a plurality of gears, cams, and the like. The rotating body 150 continues to rotate at a constant speed by the driving force of the external motor. The game ball that has entered the normal hole 148 is directly discharged to the game area 124. On the other hand, the game ball that has entered the special hole 142 passes through the rolling path 154 and falls into the ball collection opening 146. The game balls that have entered the ball collection port 146 are discharged from the discharge port 144. The discharge port 144 is located immediately above the start port 112. Therefore, the game ball discharged from the discharge port 144 is easy to drop into the start port 112.

  Of the two rotators 150, the special hole 142 of the right rotator 150 in the drawing is set as a special region. Based on the passing of the game ball through this special area, the variation shortening game is continuously stopped. Hereinafter, when referring to a rotating body having a special area, the rotating body has a function of moving the special area by rotation, and is particularly called “special area moving device 156”.

  FIG. 5 is a front view showing the hardware mechanism of the special area mechanism unit 120. The game ball dropped into the operation port 118 is detected by the operation port passage detection device 130 to pass through the operation port. Thereafter, the game ball rolls on the introduction arm 136 and is guided to the guide device inlet 152. The game ball that has reached the guidance device inlet 152 falls on the rolling path 138 and rolls toward the rotating body 150. Here, the rotating body 150 on the right side in the figure is the special area moving device 156. That is, the special hole 142 of the rotating body 150 is a special area. When the game ball passes through the special area, a special area passage detection device 194 provided at the exit detects the passage of the game ball. The game balls that have passed through the special area are discharged from the discharge port 144.

  FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a hardware mechanism of the special area mechanism unit 120. FIG. 6A is a view of the rolling path 138 in the special region mechanism unit 120 as viewed from above. The game ball that has rolled on the introduction arm 136 falls from the guide device inlet 152 onto the rolling path 138. The game ball that has fallen on the rolling path 138 rolls toward the left or right rotating body 150. FIG. 6B is a view of the rolling path 154 in the special region mechanism unit 120 as viewed from above. The game ball that has entered the special hole 142 of the rotating body 150 rolls on the rolling path 154 and is discharged from the discharge port 144 to the start port 112 via the ball collection port 146. On the other hand, the game ball that has entered the normal hole 148 is discharged from the discharge port 126 to the game area 124.

  FIG. 7 is a front view showing the hardware mechanism of the guidance device 160 in a state where the game ball is guided to the left. The guide device 160 is installed in a space between the rolling path 138 and the rolling path 154 in FIG. The game ball that has dropped from the guidance device inlet 152 falls on the sorting mechanism 164 and then rolls on the rolling path 138 in either the left or right direction. A guidance device drive solenoid 196 is connected to the left and right sides of the distribution mechanism unit 164. When the right induction device drive solenoid 196 is excited toward the drawing, a force for pulling the sorting mechanism 164 to the right is generated. As a result, the sorting mechanism unit 164 is driven so that the game ball rolls toward the left rotator 150. Similarly, when the left guidance device drive solenoid 196 is excited as shown in the figure, the game ball is controlled to roll toward the right rotator 150. When neither the left or right guidance device drive solenoid 196 is excited, the sorting mechanism 164 is adjusted to a position that does not tilt to the left or right by the restoring force based on the elastic force of the spring attached to the rod 198.

  Thus, according to the excitation state of the induction device drive solenoid 196, the sorting mechanism unit 164 is set in any of the left, right, and neutral positions. The game ball rolls on the rolling path 138 to the left or right depending on the direction of the distribution mechanism unit 164. That is, the rate at which game balls pass through the special area is controlled by the direction of the distribution mechanism unit 164. Hereinafter, the state where the distribution mechanism unit 164 does not tilt to the left or right is referred to as a “non-induction state” or a “neutral state”. A state where the rolling path 154 is tilted to the left or right is referred to as a “guidance state”. In the following description, it is assumed that the special area is set in the special hole 142 in the right rotator 150 as viewed from the player.

  FIG. 8 shows functional blocks of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The game control device 220 shown here, the special winning opening 116, the start port 112, the center decoration 114, the symbol display device 110, and the game effect lamp 210 are electrically connected to transmit and receive various control signals. The game control device 220 controls not only the basic operation of the game, but also the staging operations such as the symbol change display and electrical decoration. The game control device 220 may be configured in such a manner that the functions are shared between the main board 41 that controls the overall operation of the pachinko gaming machine 10 including the basic operation of the game and the sub board 49 that controls the production of symbols and the like. Good. The game control device 220 is configured to include elements such as a ROM for storing data and programs and a CPU used for arithmetic processing in terms of hardware. The game control device 220 according to the present embodiment includes a hit determination means 230 for determining whether or not a lottery regarding winning a prize is successful, a display control means 240 for controlling display of symbols, illuminations, etc., and a special game execution means for executing a special game during a big hit. 250, an ordinary electric accessory opening / closing control means 260 for controlling the opening / closing of the ordinary electric accessory such as the start port 112, and a variable shortening game execution means 270 for executing the variable shortening game after the end of the special game.

  The winning detection device 182 is a sensor provided at the start port 112 and detects the falling of a game ball into the start port 112. When the start port 112 detects the drop of the game ball, it sends start winning information indicating that to the winning processing means 232. Upon receiving the start winning information, the winning processing means 232 acquires a random number for the start winning. The special electric accessory hit determining means 236 acquires the random number and determines whether or not the lottery is successful. The display control means 240 controls the display content of the symbol display device 110. The display control means 240 also controls the lamp display of the game effect lamp 210. The display control means 240 variably displays the special symbol 302 and the decorative symbol 300 on the symbol display device 110 based on the lottery result. When the variable display is completed, the display control means 240 displays the lottery result on the symbol display device 110.

  The special game execution means 250 controls the special game, that is, the transition to the big hit game and the special game. The special game transition determination unit 252 determines to start the special game if the result of the lottery by the special electric equipment hit determination unit 236 is a big win. The special game is a game in which the opening / closing operation of the special prize opening 116 is continuously performed a plurality of times. When transitioning to a special game, the player can expect a significant number of balls. The special game transition determining means 252 sends an opening instruction to the special prize opening solenoid 174 at the transition to the special game, and opens the opening / closing plate of the special prize opening 116. Thereby, the special winning opening 116 is changed to a state advantageous to the player.

  The winning detection device 172 is a sensor provided in the special winning opening 116. The winning detection device 172 includes a sensor that detects passage through a specific area by the game ball and a sensor that detects passage through the general area. When the winning detection device 172 detects that the game ball has passed the specific area in the big winning opening 116, it notifies the special game executing means 250 to that effect. The special game ending means 254 determines whether or not to continue the special game based on the number of continuation rounds and the presence / absence of detection of the game ball passing through the specific area by the winning detection device 172. If the continuation condition for the special game is not satisfied, the special game ending unit 254 ends the special game. The special game end means 254 sends a close instruction to the special prize opening solenoid 174 at the end of the special game, and closes the opening / closing plate of the special prize opening 116. Thereby, the special winning opening 116 is changed to a disadvantageous state for the player.

  When detecting that the game ball has passed through the operation port 118, the operation port passage detection device 130 notifies the winning processing means 232 as the operation port passage information. When the winning processing means 232 receives the operation port passage information, the ordinary electric accessory hit determining means 234 executes a lottery to determine whether or not the winning combination is determined. The display control means 240 causes the symbol display device 110 to variably display the normal symbol 304 for a predetermined period. The display control means 240 displays the lottery result on the symbol display device 110 after the end of the variable display. In addition, the normal electric accessory hit determining means 234 may be controlled so as to always win based on the operating port passage information without performing the lottery.

  The ordinary electric accessory opening / closing control means 260 controls the opening / closing of the ordinary electric accessory provided at the start port 112. If the lottery result based on the operating port passage information is a win, the opening condition determining unit 262 determines to expand the ordinary electric accessory to the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 184. At this time, the game state determination unit 266 determines whether or not the variation shortening game is being executed. The release condition determination unit 262 sets the time for expanding the ordinary electric accessory based on the determination result by the gaming state determination unit 266. If the fluctuation shortening game is being executed, the release condition determination means 262 sets the expansion time of the ordinary electric accessory longer than usual. The opening condition determining means 262 instructs the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 184 to expand the ordinary electric accessory. When the expansion time determined by the opening condition determining means 262 elapses, the closing condition determining means 264 instructs the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 184 to end the expansion of the ordinary electric accessory.

  When the special game is terminated by the special game ending unit 254, the fluctuation shortening game transition determining unit 272 determines whether or not to shift to the variable shortening game. After the special game is over, the game shifts to a variation shortening game with a predetermined probability. The timing for determining whether or not to shift to the variable shortening game need not be after the special game.

  The variation shortening game continues, for example, after the end of the special game until the next special game starts. At this time, the variation shortening game end determination means 280 ends the variation shortening game based on the start of the next special game. However, when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied, the variation shortening game end determination means 280 ends the variation shortening game.

  The special area passage detection device 194 detects the passage of the special area by the game ball. The special region passage detection device 194 notifies the game ball passage detection means 282 that the passage of the special region has been detected. The variation shortening game end determination means 280 stops the continuation of the variation shortening game when the game ball passes through the special area. For example, when the special region passage detection device 194 detects the passage of the special region by the game ball while the variation shortening game is continued, the variation shortening game end determination unit 280 stops the variation shortening game from being continued. Further variations of the process in which the continuation of the variation shortening game is stopped as the game ball passes through the special area will be described later in detail with reference to FIGS. 10 and 14.

  The guidance device drive control means 274 sends a control signal to the guidance device drive solenoid 196 for driving the guidance device 160. The guidance device drive control means 274 drives the guidance device 160 in this way. The special area moving device drive control means 284 controls the rotation of the special area moving device 156.

  FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing an open / close control process for a general ordinary electric accessory. FIG. 9A shows a timing chart in a normal game that is not a variable shortening game. FIG. 9B shows a timing chart during the variation shortening game. The horizontal axis shows time, and the timing charts arranged in four stages in FIGS. 9 (a) and 9 (b) show, from the top, whether or not the operation hole 118 is passed by the game ball, and the normal symbol variation display. The state, the open / close state of the ordinary electric accessory, and the state of a flag indicating whether or not the variation shortening game is in progress (hereinafter simply referred to as a “shortening flag”) are shown. Before explaining the continuous stop processing of the variation shortening game based on the passage of the special area by the game ball, the opening / closing control processing of the ordinary electric accessory in the general pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.

In the timing chart shown in FIG. 9A, the variable speed flag is always off. 9 (a), the actuation port passage detection apparatus 130 detects the passage of the working port 118 at time _{t 1} by the game ball. The normal electric accessory hit determining means 234 executes a lottery as the operation port 118 passes. The display control unit 240 causes the variable display a normal symbol 304 from time _{t 2} to time _{t 3.} Here, the lottery result is lost, and the normal symbol 304 does not stop in a winning manner. Therefore, the ordinary electric accessory opening / closing control means 260 does not expand the ordinary electric accessory. Actuating port passage detection apparatus 130 detects the passage of the working port 118 by the game ball at time t _4. The ordinary electric accessory hit determining means 234 executes a lottery. The display control unit 240 causes the variable display a normal symbol 304 from time _{t 6} to time _{t 7.} Here, the lottery result is won and the normal symbol 304 is stopped in a winning manner. Therefore, ordinary electric won game switching control unit 260 causes the expansion ordinary electric won game from the time t ₇ to the time t _8.

In the timing chart shown in FIG. 9B, the variable speed flag is always on. That is, FIG. 9B shows a timing chart during the variation shortening game. Actuating port passage detection apparatus 130 detects the passage of the working port 118 by the game ball at time t _1. The ordinary electric accessory hit determining means 234 executes a lottery. Display control means 240 causes the variable display a normal symbol 304 from time _{t 2} to time _{t 3.} Here, the lottery result is a win, and the normal symbol 304 stops in a win mode. Therefore, ordinary electric won game switching control unit 260 causes the expansion ordinary electric won game from time t ₃ to time t _4. During the variation shortening game, the variation display time of the normal symbol 304 is shorter and the expansion time of the ordinary electric accessory is longer than the time chart shown in FIG.

Actuating port passage detection apparatus 130 detects the passage of the working port 118 by the game ball at time t _5. After time _{t 4} when opening the starting opening 112 is finished, the display control unit 240 causes the variable display a normal symbol 304 from the time _{t 7} to the time _{t 8.} Here, the normal symbol 304 does not stop in a winning manner, and the ordinary electric accessory does not expand after the end of the variable symbol display of the normal symbol 304. Actuating port passage detection apparatus 130 detects the passage of the working port 118 by the game ball at time t _6. Normal symbol 304 after the variable display with the passage of the working port 118 by the game ball at time t ₅ is completed, it is variably displayed from time t ₉ to the time t _10. Normal symbol 304 stops in the manner per ordinary electric won game from the time t ₁₀ is expanded.

  FIG. 10 is a timing chart showing the process of controlling the opening / closing of the ordinary electric accessory based on the passage of the special area by the game ball. The horizontal axis shows time, and the timing charts arranged in 7 stages are, in order from the top, whether or not a special game is executed, the state of a changing flag, whether or not the operating port 118 is passed by a game ball, The state of the flag (hereinafter referred to as the "shortening flag") that is a prerequisite for establishing the opening / closing state of the game, the passing state of the special area by the game ball, the driving state of the guidance device 160, and the stop condition of the fluctuation shortening game Indicates. The timing chart shows a case where all the lottery results executed in association with the passage of the operation port 118 by the game ball are winning.

At time t ₁ of the drawing, special game ending means 254 terminates the special game. The variation shortening game transition determining means 272 determines to shift to the variation shortening game after the special game ends. Variation shortened game shift determination unit 272 turns on the flag in Hentan at time t _1. The guidance device drive control means 274 periodically drives the guidance device 160 to either a guidance state or a non-guidance state. Although the guidance device 160 is normally in a non-guidance state, the distribution mechanism unit 164 is periodically driven in a direction in which the game balls are directed toward the rotating body 150 having a special area.

In time t _2, the hydraulic port passage detection apparatus 130 detects the passage of the working port 118 by the game ball. The ordinary electric accessory hit determining means 234 executes a lottery. Special game execution means 250, thereby expanding the normal electric auditors product from the time t _3. Special area passage detection apparatus 194 at time t ₄ after the game ball passes through the working port 118 detects that the game ball passes through the special area. At time ₅ , the variation shortening game end determination means 280 turns on the variation shortening flag.

When the variable grace flag is turned on, the continuation of the variable shortening game is stopped unless the game ball passes through the special area again until the ordinary electric accessory is expanded five times. In the figure, at the time ₅ , the grace period flag is turned on. Then, at time t _6, a special area passage detection apparatus 194 detects the passage of the special area by the game ball again. At this time, since the ordinary electric accessory has expanded only twice after the change grace flag is set, the change shortening game end determination means 280 turns off the change grace flag. Therefore, the variation shortening game is continued.

At time t _8, the special area passage detection apparatus 194 detects the passage of special area by the game ball. At time t _9, the variation shortened game end judging means 280 turns on the variable short grace flag. After the strange short grace flag is turned on, usually electric auditors was up to the time t _10, which was 5 times expanded, the game ball is not passed through the special area. Thus at time t _10, the variation shortened game shift determination unit 272 turns off the flag in Hentan. That is, the variation shortening game execution means 270 stops the continuation of the variation shortening game. In order to continue the variation shortening game, the player adjusts the hitting ball so that the gaming ball does not pass through the special area. This makes it easier for the player to immerse in the game without hitting the ball. Also, once the game ball has passed through the special area, the disadvantage of continuous stoppage of the variable shortening game can be avoided by adjusting the hitting ball so that the game ball passes through the special area. Thereby, the player can taste deeply the real thrill of competing with the skill that the pachinko gaming machine 10 originally has.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a process in which a variation shortening game is executed when a game ball passes through the operation port 118. This flowchart shows a process in the case where a special game is executed by dropping a game ball into the start port 112. When the game ball passes through the operating port 118, the normal electric accessory hit determining means 234 executes a normal symbol determining process for variably displaying the normal symbol 304 (S10). The ordinary electric accessory opening / closing control means 260 executes an ordinary electric accessory opening / closing control process for expanding the ordinary electric accessory (S12). The variation shortening game execution means 270 executes a variation shortening game execution determination process (S14). Each of these processes will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The processing shown in this figure is executed based on periodic polling and the occurrence of various events.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing in detail the normal symbol determination process in S10 of FIG. First, the working port passage detection device 130 detects the passage of the working port 118 by a game ball (S30). If not detected (N in S30), the processing from S32 to S36 is skipped. When the game ball passes through the operation port 118, the normal electric accessory hit determining means 234 executes a lottery and holds a random number (hereinafter referred to as “normal symbol winning random number”) as the lottery result. The normal symbol winning random numbers are reserved up to a predetermined number, for example, four (hereinafter, the reserved normal symbol winning random numbers are referred to as “holding balls”). When the game ball passes through the operating port 118 (Y in S30), if the already held ball is not within the upper limit (N in S32), the processes in S34 and S36 are skipped. If it is within the upper limit (Y in S32), the normal electric accessory hit determining means 234 adds 1 to the number of reserved balls (S34). The ordinary electric accessory hit determining means 234 executes a lottery to acquire a normal symbol winning random number, and holds this (S36).

  Here, the reserved ball is taken out, but if there is no reserved ball (N in S38), the process ends. If there is a holding ball (Y in S38), the normal electric accessory hit determining means 234 determines whether or not the normal symbol 304 can be variably displayed (S40). If the normal electric accessory is being expanded, the normal symbol 304 is not started to be changed (N in S40), and the process ends. If fluctuation display of the normal symbol 304 can be started (Y in S40), the normal electric utility hit determination means 234 takes out the normal symbol winning random number as a reserved ball and decrements the number of reserved balls by 1 (S42). If the normal symbol winning random number picked up by the normal electric accessory hit determining means 234 is winning (Y in S44), the normal electric accessory hit determining means 234 sets the winning symbol (S46). If it is off (N in S44), the normal electric accessory hit determining means 234 sets the off symbol (S48).

  Next, the game state determination unit 266 determines whether or not the variable-change flag is turned on, that is, whether or not the variation-shortening game is continuing (S50). If the changing / changing flag is ON (Y in S50), the ordinary electric-powered object hit determining means 234 sets the fluctuation display time of the ordinary symbol 304 to 5 seconds (S52). If it is off (N in S50), the normal electric-equipment hit determining means 234 sets the fluctuation display time of the normal symbol 304 to 29 seconds (S54). The normal electric accessory hit determining means 234 instructs the display control means 240 to start the fluctuation display of the normal symbol 304 (S56). The display control means 240 performs a variable display of the normal symbol 304 by the symbol display device 110 or the game effect lamp 210.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the process for controlling opening and closing of the ordinary electric accessory in S12 of FIG. The display control means 240 determines whether or not the variable display of the normal symbol 304 started in S56 of FIG. 12 has ended (S60). If the normal symbol 304 is being variably displayed (N in S60), the process ends. If the fluctuation display of the normal symbol 304 has been completed (Y in S60), the release condition determining means 262 determines whether or not the normal symbol winning random number is hit (S62). If it is off (N in S62), the process ends. If it is a win (Y in S62), the gaming state determination means 266 determines whether or not the variable speed flag is turned on (S64).

  If the variable speed flag is ON (Y in S64), the opening condition determination means 262 sets the expansion time of the ordinary electric accessory to 5 seconds (S66). If it is off (N in S64), the opening condition determination means 262 sets the expansion time of the ordinary electric accessory to 0.5 seconds (S68). The opening condition determination means 262 drives the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 184 to expand the ordinary electric accessory (S70). When the expansion time set in S66 or S68 elapses after the ordinary electric accessory has been expanded, the closing condition determining means 264 returns the ordinary electric accessory solenoid from the expanded state to the normal state. 184 is driven.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing in detail the variation reduction game execution process in S14 of FIG. The fluctuation shortening game transition judging means 272 judges whether or not the special game is finished (S80). If not completed (N in S80), the processes from S82 to S86 are skipped. If it has been completed (Y in S80), the variation shortening game transition determination means 272 indicates that the special game hit symbol determined by the special electric accessory hit determination unit 236 is a symbol in which the transition to the variation shortening game is set (hereinafter, referred to as “variable shortening game”). It is determined whether or not it is simply referred to as “variable shortening symbol” (S82). If it is not a fluctuation shortening symbol (N of S82), the processing of S84 and S86 is skipped. If it is a fluctuation shortening symbol (Y of S82), the guidance device drive control means 274 determines the drive pattern of the guidance device 160 (S84). The processing content of S84 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The fluctuation shortening game transition judging means 272 turns on the changing flag (S86).

  If the changing flag is not turned on (N in S88), the processing ends because the changing reduction game is not being executed. If the variable speed flag is ON (Y in S88), the guidance device drive control means 274 starts driving the guidance device drive solenoid 196 with the drive pattern determined in S84 (S90). The guidance device 160 appropriately changes between a guidance state and a non-guidance state according to instructions from the guidance device drive control means 274. The game ball passage detection means 282 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the special area (S92). If the game ball has passed through the special area (Y in S92), the change shortening game end determination means 280 determines whether the change postponement flag is turned on (S94). If it is turned on (Y in S94), it means that the game ball has passed the special area again after the game ball has passed the special area during the variable shortening game and the variable postponement flag is turned on. At this time, as described in relation to FIG. 10, the change shortening game end determination means 280 turns off the change shortening flag (S96). And the fluctuation shortening game is continued without stopping.

  In S94, if the variable grace flag is not turned on (N in S94), the variable shortening game end determination means 280 turns on the variable grace flag (S98). The variation shortening game end determination means 280 sets the number of times that the ordinary electric utility can be expanded as the grace number without stopping the continuation of the variation shortening game after the variation grace flag is turned on (S100). This grace number is decremented by 1 every time the ordinary electric accessory is expanded after the variable grace flag is set. In the case of the time chart shown in FIG. 8, if the game ball does not pass through the special area between the time when the change grace flag is turned on and the normal electric accessory is expanded five times, the variable reduction game is continuously stopped. Is done. In S70 of FIG. 13, when the variable grace flag is turned on, the variable shortening game end determination means 280 decrements the grace number every time the expansion of the ordinary electric accessory ends.

  In S92, when the passage of the special area by the game ball is not detected (N in S92), the change shortening game end determination means 280 determines whether the change delay flag is turned on (S102). If it is not turned on (N in S102), S104 and S106 are skipped. If the variable grace flag is turned on (Y in S102), the variable shortening game end determination means 280 determines whether the grace number is less than 1, that is, zero (S104). If not smaller (N in S104), S106 is skipped. If it is smaller (Y in S104), the variable shortening game end determination means 280 turns off the variable shortening flag, and the variable shortening game ends (S106).

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process of S84 of FIG. 14 in more detail. The variation shortening game transition determining means 272 determines whether or not the winning symbol based on the lottery result by the special electric accessory hit determining means 236 is “7” (S110). If it is “7” (Y in S110), the guidance device drive control means 274 rolls the rolling path 138 toward the rotating body 150 having the special area at a rate of about 10% of the game balls. The drive pattern of the distribution mechanism unit 164 is determined (S118). Referring to FIG. 7, the guidance device drive control means 274 controls the ratio of the period in which the distribution mechanism unit 164 is inclined leftward to the rightward in FIG. Alternatively, the guidance device drive control means 274 may set the ratio of the period during which the distribution mechanism unit 164 tilts to the left as viewed in the drawing, the period during which it is neutral, and the period during which it tilts to the right to 49: 10: 1. This is because, when the distribution mechanism unit 164 is in the neutral position, that is, in the non-induction state, it is considered that the game balls that have dropped on the distribution mechanism unit 164 are distributed with the same probability on the left and right.

  If the winning symbol is not “7” (N in S110), the variation shortening game transition determining means 272 determines whether or not the winning symbol is “3” (S112). If it is “3” (Y in S112), the guidance device drive control means 274 causes the drive pattern of the distribution mechanism unit 164 so that the game balls roll to the rotating body 150 having a special area at a rate of about 30%. Is determined (S116). If the winning symbol is neither “7” nor “3” (N in S112), the guidance device drive control means 274 causes the game ball to roll to the rotating body 150 having a special area at a rate of about 50%. The drive pattern of the distribution mechanism unit 164 is determined (S114).

  In the above, this invention was demonstrated based on the Example. The present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and various modifications thereof are also effective as an embodiment of the present invention.

  In this embodiment, the special area moving device drive control means 284 changes the position of the special area, but the size thereof may be changed. For example, the number of holes to be a special area in the special area moving device 156 may be changed according to the game situation. Further, in the present embodiment, it is a condition for the continuation of the variable shortening game that the game ball passes through the special area from the time when the variable grace flag is turned on until the ordinary electric accessory is expanded five times. In addition to this, it may be a condition for the variable shortening game to be continued that the game ball passes through the special area within a predetermined time after the change grace flag is turned on.

  The special area may be set in both the left and right special holes 142, or may be switched to either the left or right special holes 142 at regular time intervals. Alternatively, the special area may be set in one or both of the left and right special holes 142 according to the gaming state. Alternatively, a period in which the special region is not set in any of the left and right special holes 142 may be provided. At this time, the special area moving device drive control means 284 determines which special hole 142 the special area is to be set or not to be set. The rotating body 150 may change the rotation speed according to the game situation. The special area moving device 156 may have the same function as the guidance device 160 by position control of the special area. For example, the special area moving device drive control means 284 may control the ratio of the game ball passing through the special area by controlling the setting and movement of the special area. Further, by using the guidance device 160 and the special area moving device 156 in combination, if the moving direction of the game ball is controlled in multiple stages, the moving path of the game ball can be diversified, so that there is an advantage that the game is less likely to be monotonous.

  When the special area passage detection device 194 detects the passage of the game ball to the special area during execution of a normal game that is not a fluctuation shortening game, the display control means 240 instructs the symbol display device 110 or the game effect lamp to give a predetermined value. An effect may be executed. Alternatively, a predetermined sound effect may be output in response to the detection. Accordingly, even when the variation shortening game is not being executed, the rotating body 150, the special area passage detection device 194, and the like can be used as devices to which another role is given in order to contribute to game play.

It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the front side of a pachinko game machine. It is a figure which shows the structure of a game board. It is a figure which shows the basic structure in the back side of a pachinko game machine. It is a perspective view which shows the hardware constitutions of a special area | region mechanism part. It is a front view which shows the hardware constitutions of a special area | region mechanism part. It is a top view which shows the hardware constitutions of a special area | region mechanism part. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the guidance device in the state which is guiding the game ball to the left. It is a figure which shows the functional block of a pachinko gaming machine. It is a timing chart which shows the opening / closing control processing of a general ordinary electric accessory. It is a timing chart which shows the process of performing opening / closing control of a normal electric accessory based on the special field passage by a game ball. It is a flowchart which shows the process in which a game ball | bowl passes an operation port and a fluctuation shortening game is performed. It is a flowchart which shows the process of S10 of FIG. 11 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the process of S12 of FIG. 11 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the process of S14 of FIG. 11 in detail. It is a flowchart which shows the process of S84 of FIG. 14 in detail.

Explanation of symbols

  10 Pachinko machines, 100 game boards, 110 graphic display devices, 112 start openings, 114 center decorations, 116 prize winning openings, 118 operation openings, 120 special area mechanism sections, 124 game areas, 130 operation opening passage detection apparatuses, 142 special Hole, 150 rotating body, 156 special area moving device, 160 guidance device, 164 sorting mechanism, 194 special area passage detection device, 220 game control device, 232 winning processing means, 234 normal electric power item hitting means, 236 special electric Bonus determining means, 240 display control means, 250 special game execution means, 260 ordinary electric accessory opening / closing control means, 270 fluctuation shortening game execution means, 272 fluctuation shortening game transition determination means, 274 guidance device drive control means, 280 fluctuation Abbreviated game end determination means, 282 Game ball passage detection means 284 Special area moving device drive control means.

Claims (5)

A game board in which a game area is formed;
An operation port provided at a predetermined position in the game area;
Working port passage detecting means for detecting passage of the game ball to the working port;
A variable entrance control means for controlling the entrance of the game ball so that the game ball is easily dropped by opening the variable entrance for a predetermined period of time when the passage of the game ball to the operation port is detected; ,
Fluctuation shortening game execution means for continuing a variable shortening game for a predetermined period of time, which sets a period of time during which the variable entrance is widened with the passage of the game ball to the working port;
And special area provided in different predetermined positions and Oite said variable ball entrance port in the game area,
Special area passage detection means for detecting the passage of the game ball to the special area;
With
The variation shortening game execution means stops the variation shortening game based on the detection of the passage of the game ball to the special area while the variation shortening game is continued, and the game while the variation shortening game continues. triggered by the passage to the special area of the sphere is detected, the start the progression of the defined time period as a condition for grace stop, when the special area gaming ball passes again within that period A ball game machine characterized in that execution of the stop is avoided. In the gaming area, a guidance device provided at a position before the game ball passes through the special area, and capable of controlling whether or not the game ball is directed toward the special area;
Guidance device control means for driving the guidance device to change the proportion of game balls passing through the special area;
The ball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising:   The ball game machine according to claim 2, wherein at least a part of a mechanism for distributing game balls in the guidance device is provided at a position where visibility from a player is hindered. A special area moving device that is provided at a predetermined position in the gaming area and moves the position of the special area in the gaming area;
Special area moving device control means for driving the special area moving device to control the position of the special area;
The bullet ball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising:   5. The bullet ball game machine according to claim 1, wherein the special area is provided at a position where the game ball can pass after passing through the operation port.

Images