JP5330638B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve game performance by adding highly interesting presentation in a process until a game ball entering the right side of a game domain wins or does not win the prize. <P>SOLUTION: While a game ball PB entering the right side domain of the game board is guided to the stage 202 side through the right warp passageway 210, the game ball PB is then, by a protrusion 215 provided at the end on the right side of the stage 202, distributed either to the stage 202 or to the special passageway 228 of high winning probability, which is disposed adjacent to the back side of the stage 202. When the game ball PB is distributed to the special passageway 228, the ball seemingly changes its moving direction three-dimensionally in the depth direction of the game board and the movement itself at the time of distribution shows complicated patterns, thus presents visual fun and interest and improves the presentation performance during the process of ball distribution. At the same time, the game ball PB distributed to the stage 202, by floating through on the stage 202, raises the performance nature, thus the combination of the presentations improves the gaming performance. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more specifically, to a game board on which a game is played by a game ball fired by a player's operation, a winning path while guiding the game ball and the guided game ball. The present invention relates to a gaming machine provided with a stage that flows down to any one of a plurality of different routes.

  In pachinko machines that fall under Class 1 in the gaming machine regulations, in order to win the launched game ball at the starting port, the game is usually developed on the left side of the game area configured on the game board surface. Most of the game balls that have entered the right side of the area become outliers. However, in recent years, the game balls that have entered the right side of the game area have also been given opportunities to win at the starting point, thereby improving the gameability. The model has been commercialized.

For example, the guide passage (first guide passage) formed on the right side of the game area is branched into two (second and third guide passages) from the middle, and the ball course is changed to the branch space portion (special ball passage space) There is a possibility that a game ball that is provided with a member and a ball guide member, enters the guide passage and flows down to the ball guide member while changing the course by the ball course change member, and the ball guide member may win a start opening. There has been proposed a technique that guides to another branch passage (second guide passage) or the other branch passage (third guide passage) that may win a gate (for example, see Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-73806

  However, in the configuration of the above technique, all the passages and ball guiding members provided on the right side of the game area are arranged in a plane on the game board, so that the game ball is two-dimensionally along the game board surface. Only the course is changed, the behavior of the game ball is monotonous and lacks visual interest, and the performance of the ball guidance itself is low. In addition, since the path of the game ball flowing down from the branch passage to the start opening side or the gate side is a normal route configuration along the game board surface, the behavior of the game ball flowing down the branch passage is also monotonous, and the winning prize There are no productions that increase the sense of expectation, and it is not possible to provide enough fun games.

  In consideration of the above facts, the present invention gives an opportunity to win a game ball that has entered the right side of the game area, while adding an interesting effect to the process before winning / no winning, and the player's expectation It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can improve the game performance.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a game board on which an effect relating to a lottery of symbols is performed when a game ball launched by a player's operation wins a start opening, and an upper entrance side A plurality of course changing plates that are alternately inclined from the lower side toward the lower exit side, the inside is visible from the outside through the front surface and at least one side surface, and is provided in the right region of the game board. The game balls that enter and flow down the area are given a greater degree of freedom on the exit side than the entrance side in the board surface depth direction of the game board, and the game balls are placed in the horizontal direction and the board surface depth direction. A guide passage that flows down while meandering, and an inclined surface that slopes downward from the front side of the board of the game board toward the depth direction of the board surface, and flows down from the exit of the guide passage. And distributing means for distributing game ball, a stage winning rate of the game balls apportioned to the starting opening while floating causes to flow to one of a plurality of different paths in the distribution unit, the game board with respect to the stage And a special passage provided adjacent to the depth direction of the board and allowing the game balls distributed by the distribution means to flow down to a predetermined path.

  In the first aspect of the present invention, when the game ball launched by the player's operation enters the guide passage provided in the game board, the game ball is guided to the stage through the guide passage. Note that a plurality of guide paths may be provided, and in this case, all game balls that have entered any of the guide paths are guided to the stage. Then, the game ball dropped on the stage from the guide passage flows on one of a plurality of paths having different winning rates while moving on the stage and becomes a winning / non-winning.

  As described above, in the configuration in which the game board is provided with the stage for performing the effect of increasing the expectation for winning by moving the game ball and the guide path for guiding the game ball to the stage, the guide path is a game board (game area). By placing it on the right side of the game, the game ball that has entered the right side of the game board will be guided to the stage by the guide passage, so that the game ball, which is usually a dislodged ball, will also be given a chance to win become. In addition, a special passage is provided adjacent to the stage in the depth direction of the board surface of the game board, and a distribution means is provided at the right end of the stage in correspondence with the above-described guidance passage, so that the game ball guided by the guidance passage is provided. It distributes to a stage or a special passage by a distribution means.

  As described above, when the distribution path from the guide path to the stage or the special path is three-dimensionally arranged with respect to the game board surface, for example, when a game ball flowing down the guide path along the game board surface is distributed to the special path The course is changed three-dimensionally in the depth direction of the board, and then flows down to a predetermined path such as a path having the highest winning rate or a path that is advantageous / disadvantaged for the player through a special path. become. Thereby, the behavior of the game ball at the time of the distribution becomes complicated, and the visual interest is enhanced, and the performance of the ball distribution process is improved. In addition, the game balls distributed to the stage perform an effect of increasing the expectation of winning by moving on the stage. Therefore, game performance can be improved by combining these effects.

  In addition, when game balls are continuously distributed to the stage, or when game balls guided through other guide paths are also present on the stage, the behavior changes due to collision of game balls on the stage. Or a game ball moves from the stage to a special passage due to an impact at the time of a collision, and a more interesting game can be provided.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the game ball flowing down in the guide passage disposed on the right side of the game board is guided while freely moving in the depth direction of the board surface of the game board. The behavior of game balls flowing down the game is also complicated. In addition, for example, when a degree of freedom is also given in the horizontal direction parallel to the board surface, the game ball flows down while changing the course three-dimensionally in the board depth direction and the horizontal direction. Becomes complicated. Thereby, the visual interest is also enhanced in the guide passage, and it is possible to improve the stage performance up to the sorting. In addition, since the falling point of the game ball that falls to the sorting means via this guide path is random, it also affects the sorting, and the performance of the ball sorting process is further improved.

Further , by forming the front surface and at least one side surface of the guide passage disposed on the right side of the game board with a member such as transparent or translucent, the inside of the guide passage can be visually recognized from the outside through the front surface and at least one side surface. It becomes like this. As a result, even when the game ball flows down while changing its course three-dimensionally in the guide passage, the state of the game ball that behaves in a complicated manner can be visually recognized from the front and side, A visual presentation can be provided sufficiently.

The invention according to claim 2, in the gaming machine of claim 1, wherein said distributing means is characterized in that a protruding portion integrally provided on the stage.

In the second aspect of the present invention, the configuration of the sorting means can be simplified as compared with a case in which a separate sorting means is attached to the stage, for example, by forming the sorting means as a projection provided integrally with the stage. it can. Further, by appropriately setting conditions such as the shape of the protrusion and the inclination angle of the upper surface, the ball distribution rate to the stage or the special passage can be easily changed.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, a game ball that has entered the right side of the game area is given a chance to win, and a highly interesting production is added to the process before winning / not winning. A feeling is raised and game nature improves.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(Configuration of pachinko machine)
FIG. 1 shows a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 shows an inner frame, a glass frame, and a game board applied to the pachinko machine according to this embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 includes a rectangular outer frame 12 that constitutes an outline of the pachinko machine 10 and is installed in an island facility of the pachinko hall. A rectangular frame-shaped inner frame 14 is disposed on the front surface of the outer frame 12 (see FIG. 2), and the inner frame 14 has a pair of hinge portions 16 and 18 provided on the outer frame 12 with a left end portion as an axis. It is supported so that it can be opened and closed. A lower decoration 20 serving as a decorative panel is attached to the lower front portion of the outer frame 12.

  A glass frame 26 having a glass frame 24 fitted with a glass plate 22 in a window portion 25 is disposed on the front upper portion of the inner frame 14, and the left end of the glass frame 26 is pivotally supported by the inner frame 14 to open and close. It is attached as possible. Further, the glass plate 22 mounted on the glass frame 24 has a double structure composed of a pair of glass plates arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined interval in the depth direction of the paper surface of FIG. A rectangular opening 28 is provided in the upper part of the inner frame 14 on the back side of the glass frame 26 (see FIG. 2). An exchangeable game board 100 is set in the opening 28, and the game board 100 is covered with the glass frame 26 (glass plate 22) with the glass frame 26 closed by the inner frame 14. It has become.

  On the front surface of the glass frame 26, a lighting effect indicator lamp 142 that turns on, turns off, and blinks as the game progresses to produce an effect effect by illumination surrounds the glass plate 22 (the game area 101 of the game board 100). Further, in the upper left corner and the upper right corner, an error indicator lamp 144 for notifying various errors such as a prize ball payout error and a payout state error is provided. In addition, speakers 146L and 146R for outputting game sound effects in stereo are arranged inside each error indicator lamp 144.

  An integrated dish 30 serving as a hitting ball supply dish having functions of a general upper dish and lower dish is disposed at the lower front portion of the inner frame 14. The integrated dish 30 is attached so that the left end of the panel member 32 is pivotally supported by the inner frame 14 and can be opened and closed, and a ball dish part 34 for storing game balls is formed on the front surface of the panel member 32. A ball tray main body 36 is projected.

  The bottom surface of the ball tray 34 is inclined downward from the left side to the right side when viewed from the front, and on the left side, which is the downstream side in the inclination direction, the game balls are arranged in a line and arranged on the back surface of the panel member 32. An alignment passage is provided for feeding to a ball feeding device (not shown). On the upper right side of the front surface of the panel member 32, a ball discharge port 46 through which a prize ball discharged from a payout device 160 (see FIG. 8) provided in the pachinko machine 10 is discharged is formed. The prize balls discharged from the ball outlet 46 are stored in the ball tray 34, flow down to the left in the ball tray 34, are aligned in a line by the alignment passage, and are sent to the ball feeder.

  Further, an ashtray 38 is provided at the lower left portion on the front surface of the panel member 32, and a firing handle 39 for adjusting the firing force (flying distance) of the hit ball is attached to the lower right portion.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a launching device 40 is disposed at the lower left side of the game board 100 on the back side of the integrated dish 30 at the lower front surface of the inner frame 14, and is positioned behind the ball dish main body 36. A ball storage tank 42 detachably attached to 14 is attached by two plastic fasteners 43. The launching device 40 and the storage tank 42 are covered with the integrated tray 30 when the integrated tray 30 is closed by the inner frame 14.

  The storage tank 42 has a box shape with an open top surface, and a bottom surface 44 is inclined downward from the left side to the right side in a front view. A tank inlet (not shown) is formed on the left side of the storage tank 42 on the upstream side in the tilt direction of the bottom surface 44, and the panel member of the integrated dish 30 is formed on the right side of the front surface of the storage tank 42 on the downstream side in the tilt direction. A tank outlet 45 is formed at a position corresponding to the ball discharge port 46 provided at 32. Therefore, in a state where the integrated dish 30 is closed by the inner frame 14, the storage tank 42 and the ball tray portion 34 of the integrated dish 30 are communicated with each other via the tank outlet 45 and the ball outlet 46.

  In addition, a shutter plate that is movable in the vertical direction is disposed at a position below the ball outlet 46 on the back surface of the panel member 32 of the integrated dish 30 and a position below the tank outlet 45 on the lower right side of the front surface of the inner frame 14 (Only the shutter plate 50 on the inner frame 14 side is shown in FIG. 2). These shutter plates move downward when the integrated plate 30 is closed (position of the shutter plate 50 shown in FIG. 2), and the tank outlet 45 and the ball discharge port 46 communicate with each other. When opened, the shutter plate 50 on the inner frame 14 side is configured to block the lower edge side of the tank outlet 45, and the shutter plate on the side of the integrated dish 30 is configured to block the lower edge side of the ball discharge port 46. . The shutter plate prevents the game ball (prize ball) from flowing out of the ball storage tank 42 and the ball tray portion 34 when the integrated dish 30 is opened.

  A locking device 52 extending in the vertical direction is attached to the left end (the right end in front view) of the back surface of the inner frame 14. A cylinder lock (lock) 54 is provided at the lower portion of the locking device 52, and the key hole 56 of the cylinder lock 54 is exposed from a pedestal 55 provided at the lower right portion of the front surface of the inner frame 14.

  A pair of inner frame fixing hooks 60 </ b> A and 60 </ b> B protruding rearward are provided in the vicinity of the upper and lower end portions on the back surface side of the locking device 52. A pair of glass frame fixing hooks 62A and 62B are provided at positions corresponding to the glass frame 26 on the front surface side of the locking device 52. The glass frame fixing hooks 62A and 62B are provided on the right side of the front surface of the inner frame 14. It protrudes forward through slits 64A and 64B formed at the ends. In addition, a pair of integrated dish fixing key receiving members 66A and 66B that slide in the vertical direction are provided at positions corresponding to the integrated dish 30 on the front side of the locking device 52.

  As a result, when the inner frame 14 is closed to the outer frame 12, the inner frame fixing hooks 60A and 60B of the locking device 52 are connected to a pair of key receiving portions (not shown) provided on the right inner surface in front view of the outer frame 12. The inner frame 14 is held by the outer frame 12. When the glass frame 26 is closed to the inner frame 14, a pair of key receiving portions 70 </ b> A and 70 </ b> B provided on the glass frame reinforcing plate 68 attached to the right end of the rear surface of the glass frame 26 are used for fixing the glass frame of the locking device 52. The glass frame 26 is held by the inner frame 14 by engaging with the hooks 62A and 62B. When the integrated dish 30 is closed by the inner frame 14, a pair of hooks (not shown) attached to the right end of the back surface of the integrated dish 30 are engaged with the integrated dish fixing key receiving members 66 </ b> A and 66 </ b> B of the locking device 52. The integrated dish 30 is held by the inner frame 14.

  The inner frame fixing hooks 60A and 60B and the glass frame fixing hooks 62A and 62B are released from the engaged state by inserting a key (not shown) into the key hole 56 of the cylinder lock 54 and turning it in a predetermined direction. It has come to be unlocked. The integrated dish fixing key receiving members 66A, 66B are pushed down by releasing the release lever 72 of the locking device 52 that is exposed when the glass frame 26 is opened, so that the integrated dish fixing key receiving members 66A, 66B slide downward. The engaged state with each hook of the plate 30 is released.

  By this locking device 52, the inner frame 14 is locked to the outer frame 12 and the glass frame 26 is locked to the inner frame 14, and the integrated dish 30 is locked to the inner frame 14 and fixed in a closed state.

(Game board configuration)
The game board 100 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 has a resin sheet-like cell attached to a plywood board serving as a substrate, and the surface of the cell is a board surface 100A. In the vicinity of the outer peripheral edge of the board surface 100A, An arc-shaped outer rail 102 and an inner rail 104 are attached. In the circular area surrounded by the outer rail 102 and the inner rail 104, the game ball PB launched and driven from the launching device 40 can be moved by its own weight fall, and this area is a game area 101 where the game is played. It is said that.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a center accessory (an accessory device) 200 that is large and has a central portion opened in a rectangular shape is disposed at approximately the center of the game area 101 of the game board 100. In the opening, there is provided an effect symbol display device 105 composed of a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying images such as various effects related to lottery (variation and stoppage) of special symbols on the display screen. In the lower part, a special symbol display device 106 for displaying a special symbol lottery (variation and stop) and a normal symbol display device 107 for displaying a normal symbol lottery (variation and stop) are provided.

  On the left side of the center accessory 200, a passing gate (through chucker) 118 as a normal symbol starting winning opening is arranged. Also, directly below the center role 200, there are an upper start port 108 as a special symbol start winning port (special symbol start passage area / start chucker) and a winning port related to a normal electric role (electric tulip). A lower start opening 110 is arranged, and further below that, a variable winning device (special electric accessory) 112 is arranged near the lower end of the game area 101.

  The variable winning device 112 is provided with a rectangular large winning opening (attacker) 114 whose longitudinal direction is the left-right width direction, and in this large winning opening 114 is a continuous name called “V zone” according to game specifications. An accessory operating port (not shown) may be provided. The special winning opening 114 is opened or closed by opening or closing the opening / closing door 116. When the opening / closing door 116 is opened, the game ball dropped on the opening / closing door 116 is guided to the opening / closing door 116. Win a prize at the big prize opening 114.

  In addition, the game area 101 is provided with a number of game nails 122 (only a part of which is shown) for guiding a game ball that falls by itself in the game area 101 to a predetermined route. An out port 124 for discharging to the back side of the game board 100 is provided. Furthermore, the center effect item 200 and the variable prize device 112 provided in the game area 101 are turned on, turned off, and blinking according to the progress of the game to produce a lighting effect light-emitting element 126 (FIG. 8) are provided.

(Composition of center role)
Next, the center accessory 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the center accessory 200 according to the present embodiment is provided with a stage 202 extending in the left-right direction near the lower side of the effect symbol display device 105. On the left side of the effect symbol display device 105, the left warp passage entrance 204 through which the game ball PB flowing down the left side of the game area 101 can enter, and the game ball PB that has entered the left warp passage entrance 204 are placed on the left end of the stage 202. A left warp passage 206 is formed to guide the part. In addition, a right warp passage entrance 208 through which the game ball PB that has entered the right side of the game area 101 can enter is formed on the upper side of the effect symbol display device 105, and is hung from the upper side to the right side of the effect symbol display device 105. Is provided with a right warp passage 210 as a special warp passage for guiding the game ball PB entering the right warp passage entrance 208 to the right end of the stage 202.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stage 202 has a convex curved surface with a slightly raised central portion in the left-right direction, and a contrast-shaped concave curved slope 214 </ b> L on the left and right of the raised portion 212. , 214R are formed and have a gentle wave shape.

  The top surface portion (the highest position) of the raised portion 212 provided on the stage 202 is located substantially directly above the upper starting port 108, and the front side of the raised portion 212 is higher than the upper surface of the raised portion 212. A slightly elevated guide wall 216 protrudes, and the front side is open near the lowest positions of the slopes 214L and 214R where the guide wall 216 does not exist.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a shallow guide groove 218 for guiding the game ball PB to the rear side is formed in the rear portion of the top surface of the raised portion 212. A passage inlet 222 of the central passage 220 is disposed on the lower rear side of the guide groove 218. The central passage 220 extends from the rear side to the lower side of the raised portion 212, and the passage outlet 224 is located on the upper side. It is disposed directly above the start port 108.

  Further, a protrusion 215 is integrally formed at the right end of the right slope 214R. As shown in FIG. 6, the protrusion 215 has a trapezoidal shape whose width is narrower in the board surface depth direction (arrow Z direction) of the game board 100 as shown in FIG. An inclined surface 215A inclined downward from the front side (front side of the board surface) to the rear side (back side of the board surface) is formed except for a part of the front side.

  On the rear side of the stage 202, guide walls 226 </ b> L and 226 </ b> R are erected in a predetermined range on the left and right sides excluding the passage inlet 222 of the central passage 220. Further, a special passage 228 is disposed adjacent to the rear side of the right slope 214R with a guide wall 226R serving as a partition wall interposed therebetween. The special passage 228 is arranged in the left-right direction so as to be parallel to the slope 214R of the stage 202. The upper surface of the passage is gently inclined downward from the right side to the left side and reaches the passage entrance 222 of the central passage 220.

  The right warp passage (special warp passage) 210 of the present embodiment for guiding the game ball PB to the stage 202 configured as described above is arranged near the upper center of the game area 101 as shown in FIGS. The right warp passage entrance 208 extends in a substantially arc shape in the lower right direction along the outer rail 102 and reaches the right end of the stage 202 and the special passage 228. Further, the upstream warp passage 230 disposed on the upper side of the effect symbol display device 105 is formed on the front surface of the base 201 of the center accessory 200 and is opened on the front side, and is disposed on the right side of the effect symbol display device 105. The downstream warp passage 232 includes a front surface and an outer peripheral wall 234 of the base 201 and a passage cover 236 attached to the front and outer peripheral walls 234.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, two course changing plates 240, 242 project inwardly on the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral wall 234 near the upper part and the middle part of the downstream warp passage 232 section. The convex part 244 is provided in the lower part vicinity. These course changing plates 240 and 242 are inclined downward from the base end side (inner peripheral surface side) to the front end side, and the convex portion 244 is a board surface depth direction of the game board 100 (an arrow Z direction in FIG. 7). ) And is positioned in the vicinity of the upper right of the protrusion 215 provided at the right end of the stage 202.

  On the other hand, the passage cover 236 is formed of a transparent resin material and has an L-shaped cross section (see FIG. 6), and is attached to the right side of the effect symbol display device 105 on the front surface of the base 201. A passage space is formed between the inner peripheral surface of 234. Further, since the passage cover 236 is made of a transparent resin material, the inside of the passage is visible through the front surface 236A and the side surface 236B of the passage cover 236.

  On the inner surface of the passage cover 236, two route change plates 241 and 243 project outward (on the route change plate 240 and 242 side) near the middle and lower portions of the downstream warp passage 232 section. . These course changing plates 241 and 243 are inclined downward from the base end side (side surface 236B side of the passage cover 236) toward the distal end side, and when the passage cover 236 is attached to the base 201, the upper course changing plates are disposed. 241 is disposed between the route change plates 240 and 242 on the base 201 side, and the lower route change plate 243 is disposed between the route change plate 242 and the convex portion 244 on the base 201 side. As a result, the downstream warp passage 232 is moved in the horizontal direction (arrow X) by the four course changing plates 240 to 243 arranged alternately from the upper part on the passage inlet side to the lower part on the passage outlet side. (Zigzag) so as to meander in the direction.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the downstream warp passage 232 of the present embodiment has a longitudinal dimension (dimension WZ in FIG. 6) in the depth direction of the board in all sections of the passage. Further, the dimension in the front-rear direction (passage cross-sectional area) is gradually increased from the passage inlet side toward the passage outlet side. Specifically, for example, the diameter is set to about twice the sphere diameter on the passage inlet side and about four times the sphere diameter on the passage outlet side. The protrusion 215 of the stage 202 described above is disposed in the vicinity of the outlet of the right warp passage 210 including the downstream warp passage 232.

(Control system configuration)
Next, the control system of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the control system of the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment is configured around a main control unit 150. The main control unit 150 stores a basic program relating to games, and the operation of each unit is controlled based on a command signal from the main control unit 150.

  The main control unit 150 includes an upper start winning sensor (first start opening winning sensor) 180 for detecting a winning ball to the upper starting opening 108, a lower starting winning sensor 182 for detecting a winning ball to the lower starting opening 110, A pass gate winning sensor 184 for detecting a winning ball to the passing gate 118, which is a normal symbol starting port, a big winning port sensor 186 for detecting a winning ball to the big winning port 114, and a special winning port 114 according to game specifications. V zone sensors 188 for detecting a winning ball in the provided V zone are connected to each other, and each of these sensors outputs a detection signal to the main controller 150 when a winning ball is detected.

  Further, the main control unit 150 has a normal winning opening for opening / closing the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 174 for operating the electric tulip provided in the lower starting opening (starting winning apparatus) 110 and the opening / closing door 116 of the large winning opening 114. A solenoid 175, a holding lamp 176, a special symbol display device 106, and a normal symbol display device 107 are connected to each other, and these electric components and display devices are directly controlled by a port output from the main control unit 150.

  Here, when the game ball passes through the passing gate 118, the lottery of winning / losing the normal symbol is executed by the main control unit 150 by detecting this with the passing gate winning sensor 184, and the lottery result is won. If this happens, the main control unit 150 drives and controls the ordinary electric accessory solenoid 174 to open the lower start port 110 (electric tulip) for a predetermined time.

  Further, when a game ball wins the upper start opening 108, the main control unit performs a lottery of winning or losing a special symbol (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "special drawing lottery") by detecting this with the upper start winning sensor 180. When the result of the special drawing lottery is won, the main control unit 150 controls the game state to shift from the normal game state to the special game (big game) state. Further, when the result of the special drawing lottery is a win, a lottery of probability fluctuation (normal probability → high probability) in which the next hit probability is increased after the special gaming state is ended is continuously executed.

  Also, information (start winning signal, jackpot signal, symbol determination number signal) indicating the progress of the game is transmitted from the main control unit 150 to the hall computer via the board external terminal 190.

  Furthermore, an effect control unit 152 and a payout control unit 154 are connected to the main control unit 150, and these control units are controlled by command transmission from the main control unit 150.

  The effect symbol display device 105 is connected to the effect control unit 152 via the display control unit 156. In addition, the effect control unit 152 includes a light emitting element 126 for lighting effects provided in various game components of the game board 100, a display lamp 142 for lighting effects and an error indicating lamp 144 provided in the glass frame 26. Is turned on, off, and blinking, and the speakers 146L and 146R provided on the front surface of the glass frame 26 are operated to control the output of sound effects and the like.

  On the effect symbol display device 105 controlled by the effect control unit 152 via the display control unit 156, an effect image of a symbol variation pattern for informing the result of the special figure lottery is displayed, and from the speakers 146L and 146R, The BGM at the time of the design variation pattern production is output. Thereby, the player can enjoy the production | presentation by the design symbol corresponding to the result of special drawing lottery through vision and hearing. Note that the display contents by the normal symbol display device 107 and the hold lamp 176 may be displayed by the effect symbol display device 105.

  There are two types of symbol variation patterns: special symbol variation patterns and production symbol variation patterns, both of which notify the result of special symbol lottery, but the special symbol variation pattern performs a predetermined variation and stop and special symbol lottery While the result of the form is officially notified after a lapse of a predetermined time, the directing pattern variation pattern takes effect into the process of notifying the result of the special drawing lottery, and makes it awkward whether it is a hit or miss. However, it is of the nature to notify.

  Therefore, in the pachinko machine 10 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the effect symbol variation pattern is displayed on the large (large screen) effect symbol display device 105 arranged in the center of the game board 100, and the special symbol is displayed. The variation pattern is formally displayed on a small special symbol display device 106 arranged at the lower right of the game board 100.

  Here, when the result of the special symbol lottery becomes “winning” and the fact is notified by the symbol variation pattern effect on the effect symbol display device 105 and the special symbol display device 106 and the BGM output from the speakers 146L and 146R. A jackpot process that is a special game (big game) state is executed.

  In this jackpot process, the open / close door 116 of the variable winning device 112 is tilted to open the special winning opening 114 a predetermined number of times (rounds), and the opening time of one round is about 30 seconds, and a maximum of 10 pieces in this period. Game balls can be won. In other words, if one of 30 seconds, which is the time limit, or 10 numbers, which is the number limit, is satisfied first, the round ends, and in the case of a game specification with a V zone, the current round is If there is a winning in the V zone in the big winning opening 114 during the game, it is promised to move to the next round. If the game specification omits the V zone, a predetermined number of winnings are simply counted and the next round is entered.

  For this reason, in the special gaming state, more winnings are expected in a shorter period of time than in the normal gaming state, and the gaming state is advantageous to the player.

  In addition, as described above, in the effect symbol display device 105 and the special symbol display device 106, when the new start opening 108 is won during the execution of the symbol variation pattern effect, and also during the jackpot processing, the upper start opening 108 is won. In this case, the number of lighting of the holding lamp 176 increases to a maximum of four according to the number of winnings.

  On the other hand, when the previous symbol variation pattern effect ends or the jackpot process ends, the effect symbol display device 105 and the special symbol display device 106 use the new symbol variation pattern to notify the reserved special symbol lottery result. Production begins. Along with this, one hold lamp 176 is extinguished, and the player is informed of the digestion of the hold.

  Further, the payout control unit 154 is connected to the payout device 160 and the launch control unit 164, and the launch control unit 164 is connected to the launch device 40. The payout control unit 154 operates the payout device 160 provided in the pachinko machine 10 to control the payout and lending ball payout and stop operations and the number of payouts. In addition, the launch control unit 164 operates the launch device 40 by operating the launch handle 39 by the player, and controls the launch force of the game ball and the launch force according to the operation amount of the launch handle 39.

  Further, the payout control unit 154 transmits payout information to the hall computer installed in the hall via the frame external terminal 191.

(Game and action by pachinko machine)
Next, the game by the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the guidance process of the game ball PB guided to the right warp passage 210 of the center accessory 200, and the sorting operation will be described.

  In the game with the pachinko machine 10, when the player operates the launch handle 39, the game balls PB stored in the ball tray portion 34 of the integrated dish 30 are supplied to the launch device 40 one by one by the ball feeder, and the launch device 40 is fired upward (see FIG. 3). The launched game ball PB is driven into the game area 101 of the game board 100 along the outer rail 102 and falls in the game area 101 while changing the direction by hitting the game nail. Then, the game ball PB that has reached the lower end of the game area 101 without winning a prize is collected into the pachinko machine 10 from the out port 124.

  When the game ball PB passes the passing gate 118, the main control unit 150 executes a lottery process for hitting / losing the normal symbol, and the lottery result is displayed on the normal symbol display device 107.

  When the normal symbol lottery result is “winning”, the lower start port 110 (electric tulip) is opened for a predetermined time, and the game ball PB is likely to win the lower start port 110 easily.

  Further, when winning at the upper start opening 108 or the lower start opening 110, the main control unit 150 executes a lottery process for hitting / losing a special symbol, and the lottery result is displayed on the effect symbol display device 105, for example, the effect symbol is predetermined. It is notified by being changed and displayed in a stop pattern through the change pattern. Along with this display, the special symbol display device 106 displays a special symbol corresponding to the lottery result. It should be noted that the effect image of the effect symbol variation pattern displayed on the effect symbol display device 105 includes various effects and preferences such as, for example, display of a winning symbol through reach, display of a missing symbol, or display of a symbol without reach. A lot of patterns are prepared, and the player receives these effects and observes the lottery result with a sense of expectation, and the interest in the game is enhanced.

  When the special symbol lottery result is “winning”, a predetermined winning effect symbol predetermined on the effect symbol display device 105 is displayed and a predetermined winning symbol predetermined on the special symbol display device 106 is displayed. Is displayed, and the player is notified that the jackpot has occurred by adding effects such as blinking of the indicator lamp 142 for lighting effects and output of sound effects from the speakers 146L and 146R, and a predetermined jackpot operation Execute.

  As the jackpot operation, the opening / closing operation of the door 116 opens the grand prize opening 114, for example, 10 counts (the number of winning prizes) or a maximum of 30 seconds (one opening time) / up to 16 rounds (continuous number of times), and a big winning prize. In the case of a game specification in which a V zone is provided in the mouth 114, an operation is performed in which the next round is continued by fulfilling a prize in the V zone when a single big prize opening 114 is opened. Thus, the player can easily win a large number of prize balls by, for example, receiving 15 payouts per prize, for example, by winning the launched game balls to the big prize opening 114. At this time, the payout device 160 operates to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls, and the payout prize balls are discharged from the ball discharge port 46 to the ball tray portion 34 of the integrated dish 30.

  In addition, when the winning symbol is a combination of a predetermined symbol, the “probability changing function” in which the next jackpot probability is increased after the above jackpot operation ends, or the jackpot probability is not changed, but usually An additional function such as a “short-time function” that shortens the variation time of the symbol display device 107 and facilitates opening of the lower start port 110 to improve the holding of the ball, develops a gaming state advantageous to the player.

  Further, during the game, when the game ball PB flowing down the left side of the game area 101 enters the left warp passage entrance 204 of the center accessory 200 (see FIG. 3), the game ball PB passes through the left warp passage 206 and is on the stage 202. Is decelerated while reciprocating left and right on the stage 202 by inertial force.

  When the game ball PB enters the guide groove 216 while losing the moving force near the top surface of the raised portion 212 during the play on the stage 202, it is guided to the guide groove 216 and falls to the passage inlet 222. Then, it passes through the central passage 220 and is discharged from the passage outlet 224 to the board surface 100A side (arrow A in FIG. 4). The game ball PB wins the upper start opening 108 with a very high probability (almost 100%).

  Further, when the game ball PB loses the moving force in the vicinity of the lower portion of the slopes 214L and 214R, or rolls to the front side of the slopes 214L and 214R during the play, it falls to the board surface 100A side as it is (FIG. 4). Arrows B and C), the winning rate to the upper start port 108 is extremely low. However, if the lower start port 110 is in an open state, there is a possibility of winning the lower start port 110.

  On the other hand, when the game ball PB launched to the upper part of the game area 101 enters the right side of the game area 101 and is guided by the game nail 122 and enters the right warp passage entrance 208 of the center accessory 200 (see FIG. 3), The game ball PB is guided to the downstream warp passage 232 through the upstream warp passage 230 of the right warp passage 210 and collides with the course change plates 240 to 243 in order when passing through the downstream warp passage 232. However, it flows down while changing the course three-dimensionally in the board surface lateral direction (arrow X direction) and the board surface depth direction (arrow Z direction), and finally collides with the convex part 244 in the vicinity of the exit of the passage. It falls on the inclined surface 215A. Then, the game balls PB are distributed to the stage 202 or the right warp passage entrance 208 under conditions such as a drop position with respect to the protrusion 215, a collision speed, and a collision direction (entry direction).

  Here, the game balls PB distributed to the special passage 228 roll on the special passage 228 from the upstream side (right side) to the downstream side (left side) and fall to the passage inlet 222. Then, as described above, it is discharged to the board surface 100A side through the central passage 220 and wins the upper start opening 108 with a very high probability.

  Further, as described above, the game balls PB distributed to the stage 202 move on the stage 202 and fall from the raised portion 212 to the central passage 220 side, or from the lower portion of the slopes 214L and 214R to the board surface. It falls to 100A and wins or does not win.

  Further, for example, when the game ball PB that has continuously entered the right warp passage 210 is continuously distributed to the stage 202, or when the game ball PB guided from the left warp passage 206 is also present on the stage 202. In this case, the game ball jumps from the stage 202 to the special passage 228 due to the collision of the game balls on the stage 202, so that the interest is enhanced.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the game ball PB guided to the stage through the left warp passage 206 and the right warp passage 210 moves on the stage 202, and the process of the movement is as follows. In this way, it will flow down to one of multiple paths with different winning percentages and will become a winning / non-winning stage. In this way, the stage that moves the game ball to increase the expectation of winning, and the game ball is guided to the stage. In the configuration in which the warp path is provided in the game board, the right warp path 210 is disposed on the right side of the game area 101 as in the present embodiment, so that the game ball PB that has entered the right side of the game area 101 is in the right warp path 210. Is guided to the stage 202 and a chance to win a prize is given. In addition, a special passage 228 is provided adjacent to the stage 202 in the depth direction of the game board 100, and a projection 215 as a distribution means is provided at the right end of the stage 202 corresponding to the right warp passage 210. Thus, the game ball PB guided by the right warp passage 210 is distributed to the stage 202 or the special passage 228 by the protrusion 215.

  As described above, when the distribution path from the right warp passage 210 to the stage 202 or the special passage 228 is three-dimensionally arranged with respect to the game board surface, when the game ball PB is distributed to the special passage 228, the board depth The direction is changed in three dimensions in the direction. As a result, the behavior of the game ball PB at the time of the distribution becomes complicated, the visual interest is enhanced, and the performance of the ball distribution process is improved. In addition, the game balls PB distributed to the stage 202 are played on the stage 202 so that an effect of increasing the expectation of winning is performed. Therefore, the game performance is improved by combining these effects.

  Further, when the game balls PB are continuously distributed to the stage 202, or when the game balls PB guided through the left warp passage 206 are also present on the stage 202, the collision between the game balls on the stage 202 The occurrence of a change in behavior due to the occurrence of a game or the occurrence of a game ball PB moving from the stage 202 to the special passage 228 due to an impact at the time of a collision may occur, and an even more interesting game can be provided.

  In the present embodiment, the game ball PB flowing down the downstream warp passage 232 of the right warp passage 210 collides with the course change plates 240 to 243 in a three-dimensional manner in the board surface lateral direction and depth direction of the game board 100. Since it flows down while changing the course, the behavior of the game ball PB flowing down the downstream warp passage 232 becomes complicated. Thereby, the visual interest is also enhanced in the right warp passage 210, and the rendering performance up to the distribution is improved. Moreover, since the falling point of the game ball PB that passes through the right warp passage 210 and falls onto the protrusion 215 is random, it also affects the distribution, and the performance of the ball distribution process is further improved.

  In the present embodiment, since the inside of the downstream warp passage 232 in the right warp passage 210 can be visually recognized from the outside through the front surface 236A and the side surface 236B of the passage cover 236, the game behaves in a complicated manner while freely changing the course in the passage. The state of the sphere PB can be viewed from the front and the side, and a visual presentation can be sufficiently provided to the player.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the distributing unit is configured by the protrusion 215 provided integrally with the stage 202, the configuration is simplified as compared with a case where a separate distributing unit is attached to the stage, for example. be able to. Further, the ball distribution ratio to the stage 202 or the special passage 228 can be easily changed by changing the condition settings such as the shape of the projection 215 and the angle of the inclined surface 215A.

  As mentioned above, although this invention was demonstrated in detail by the specific embodiment mentioned above, this invention is not limited to it, Various other forms can be implemented within the scope of the present invention.

  For example, in the above embodiment, the case where two warp passages of the left warp passage 206 and the right warp passage 210 are provided on the game board 100 has been described, but the number of warp passages is not limited to this, and the left warp passage 206 may be deleted and only the right warp passage 210 may be provided, or two or more warp passages may be provided in addition to the right warp passage 210.

  Further, the inside of the downstream warp passage 232 is visible through the front face 236A and the side face 236B using a transparent passage cover 236, but at least the outer peripheral wall 234 in the base 201 of the center accessory 200 is formed of a transparent resin material or the like. Alternatively, by providing a structure corresponding to the outer peripheral wall on the side of the passage cover, the inside of the passage can be viewed through the front surface and both side surfaces.

  In addition, the projection 215 as a sorting unit that sorts the game balls PB into the stage 202 or the special passage 228 is integrally provided and fixed to the stage 202, but can be exchanged as a separate body or has an inclination angle. You may make it incorporate the adjustment mechanism etc. which can be adjusted.

It is a front view which shows the pachinko machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the perspective view seen from the front side which shows the inner frame, glass frame, and game board in the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a front view which shows the game board which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is an enlarged front view showing the right warp passage and the vicinity of the stage of the center accessory provided in the game board according to one embodiment of the present invention. It is a left view which shows the right warp channel | path provided in the center accessory which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is the plane sectional view seen in the 6-6 line section of Drawing 5 showing the right warp passage, the stage, and special passage which were provided in the center actor concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the right warp channel | path, the stage, and special channel | path provided in the center accessory which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the control system of the pachinko machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Pachinko machines (game machines)
100 gaming board 100A board surface 101 gaming area 200 center object 201 base 202 stage 206 left warp passage (guidance passage)
210 Right warp passage (guidance passage)
215 Projection (sorting means)
215A inclined surface 228 special passage 230 upstream side warp passage 232 downstream side warp passage 234 outer peripheral wall 236 passage cover 236A front surface 236B side surface PB game ball

Claims (2)

A game board in which a game ball fired by a player's operation wins a prize at the start opening, and an effect related to a lottery of symbols is performed;
Provided with a plurality of course changing plates that are alternately inclined from the upper entrance side to the lower exit side, and the inside can be seen from the outside through the front and at least one side, and is provided in the right region of the game board Giving a greater degree of freedom on the exit side than the entrance side in the board surface depth direction of the game board for the game ball entering and flowing down to the right side area, A guide passage that flows down while meandering in the depth direction of the board surface;
A distribution means for distributing a game ball that has flowed down from the exit of the guide passage, and has an inclined surface that is inclined downward from the front side of the game board toward the board surface depth direction;
A stage for causing the game balls distributed by the distribution means to flow down to any one of a plurality of paths having different winning rates to the start port ;
A special passage that is provided adjacent to the stage in the depth direction of the game board and that causes the game balls distributed by the distribution means to flow down to a predetermined path;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising:   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the distribution means is a protrusion provided integrally with the stage.

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