JPH01232982A - Prize winning ball device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To give to many pinball players a special favor that the opening and closing operation of a blade is continued by providing a regulating means for invalidating a start signal output after the number of the start signals from a detecting means reaches a variable N to limit the number of times M of continuous repetitive opening and closing operations of a blade member. CONSTITUTION:When a prize is won in a continuous prize winning port 22 during the passage of a big prize winning process and the count value of a counter coincides with a random number, the number of times of continuous opening and closing operations of a blade 11 reaches the final one. While then 18times of continuous opening and closing operations of the blade 11 are also repeated after the movement of a character, a pinball P thereafter enters a continuous prize winning port 22, and a CPU invalidates a pulse signal even if said pulse signal is output from a continuous prize winning ball detecting switch 31. The count value of a counter is not reset so that the blade 11 is kept opening and closing as it is. That is, the random number value will regulate the maximum repetitive number of 18times of continuous blade 11 opening and closing operations.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to a winning ball device used in pinball game machines such as pachinko machines.

[Conventional technology]

In order to make pachinko games more interesting, pachinko machines are equipped with various winning ball devices.

One of the most popular recent winning ball devices is the so-called “
There is something called "Hikoki". In this winning ball device, when a winning ball enters the starting port, a pair of blades opens and closes once or twice, and the ball flowing down the board is caught by the blades and easily enters the opening/closing winning part.

In the opening/closing winning section, in addition to the normal winning hole, a continuous winning hole called the V zone is provided.

If the ball received by the feather enters the opening/closing winning part and enters the continuous winning hole, the opening/closing operation of the feather will continue, for example, 18 times, and if there is another prize in the continuous winning hole during this period, then at that point From then on, the blades continue to open and close 18 times. The opening and closing operation of the blades 18 times can be repeated up to a minus number of times, for example, 8 times, each time a prize is obtained in the continuous winning hole.

In the winning ball device described above, the maximum benefit is obtained when the opening and closing operation of the blade is repeated up to 8 times from 18 times, and the number of prize balls (balls paid out due to winning) obtained is also extremely large.

Therefore, if such benefits are given to many players, it will be a big disadvantage from the sales perspective of the game parlor, so it is generally necessary to adjust the obstacle nails that make it difficult for the ball to enter the starting hole or continuous winning hole. is being carried out.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, if the generation of benefits is suppressed by the above-mentioned means, players can receive benefits depending on the number of pachinko machines that are adjusted so that balls can easily enter the starting hole or continuous winning hole. The number of players is limited, and many other players have very few opportunities to enjoy benefits. Therefore, it is still insufficient to arouse and sustain the interest of players.

The present invention was made in order to solve the drawbacks of the conventional device, and it provides many players with the privilege of continuing the opening and closing operation of the blades, thereby increasing the interest of the game.
Moreover, it is an object of the present invention to provide a winning ball device that does not cause a large negative impact on sales.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an opening/closing winning section, a feather member that is opened and closing to make it easier for balls flowing down the board to enter the opening/closing winning section, and a continuation winning opening provided in the opening/closing winning section. a detection means for detecting the entry of a ball and outputting a starting signal for continuously opening and closing the blade member M times from that point on, means for determining a variable N, and starting from the detecting means. After the number of signals reaches the variable N, a regulating means is provided which invalidates the activation signals outputted thereafter and limits the number of times the blade member is repeatedly opened and closed M times.

Further, in the winning ball device having the above configuration, while the blade member performs the opening/closing operation M times, the continuous opening/closing operation of the blade member is terminated when the number K of balls entering the opening/closing winning part reaches a certain number. It is also an effective means to achieve the object of the present invention by adding a display means for displaying the number of pitches K and the variable N.

[Effect]

According to the above configuration, the privilege obtained by the ball entering the continuous winning hole, that is, the number of times the blade member is repeatedly opened and closed M times is limited by the variable N.

Also, while the blade member continues to open and close M times,
When the opening and closing of the blade is stopped when the number K of winning balls in the opening/closing winning section reaches a certain number, this number of balls is displayed together with a variable N so that the player can identify it.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

〔Example〕

In FIG. 6 showing the appearance of a pachinko machine using the winning ball device of the present invention, pachinko balls P fired by operating the ball operating section 2 flow down the board surface 3.

In this process of flowing down, the pachinko ball P changes its path variously due to obstacles such as nails and windmills, and the pachinko ball P changes its path in various ways due to obstacles such as nails and windmills. Tulip 5. A prize is entered in the starting hole 6 or collected in the out hole 7.

In the center of the board 3, a winning ball device IO is arranged. This winning ball device 10 includes a pair of wings 11 that open and close within the board surface 3, as will be described in detail later.

Then, when a pachinko ball P enters the starting port 6 and is detected by a well-known starting ball detection switch provided at the back of the starting port 6, the blade 11 opens and closes once or twice and the winning ball device 10 To facilitate the insertion of pachinko balls P into an opening/closing winning part.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the winning ball device 10 includes a board 12 attached to the board surface 3, and this board 12.
an opening/closing winning part 13 integrally attached to the opening/closing winning part 13, and a pair of wings 1 provided on both sides of the opening/closing winning part 13 so as to be freely openable and closable.
1. Both sides of the opening/closing prize part 13 are
When the blade 11 is in the illustrated position, it is closed and no pachinko ball P can enter therein.

As described above, when the pachinko ball P enters the starting hole 6, the blade 11 opens and closes once or twice depending on the type of the starting hole 6. When the blades 11 are opened and closed in this way, the pachinko balls P flowing down the board surface 3 are stopped by the blades 11 moved to the open state, and when the blades 11 are subsequently closed, they enter the opening/closing winning part 13. In addition, a guide lla is integrally formed on one end side of each blade 11, so that the pachinko ball P that has rolled on the blade 11 falls to the center back side of the opening/closing winning section 13. .

In order to open and close the pair of blades 11, a shaft 15 is fixed to each of the blades 11. This shaft 15 is rotatably inserted through a pipe 16 integrated with the substrate 3, and a lever 17 is pivotally attached to the other end. The arm 19 is then driven by the blade opening/closing solenoid 18.
When the lever moves to the illustrated raised position, the shaft 15 rotates within the pipe 16 via the lever 17, and the blade 11 rotates in the opening direction. When the blade opening/closing solenoid 18 is deactivated, the arm 19 ．． Lever 17. The blade 11 rotates in the closing direction via the shaft 15, and the blade 11 performs one opening/closing operation.

A fairway 20 is provided in the center of the opening/closing prize winning section 13, which slopes downward from the back side toward the front side. In the center of this fairway 20 is the continuous winning hole 2.
2 have been opened. The periphery of the continuation winning hole 22 is slightly raised to prevent an extremely large number of pachinko balls P sent in by the blades 11 from entering the continuation winning hole 22. Further, on the near side of the fairway 20, three normal winning holes 23 are provided to receive pachinko balls P that have rolled on the fairway 20 without entering the continuous winning hole 22.

A continuous winning ball detection switch 31 consisting of a photo sensor or the like is provided on the ball road SL connected to the continuous winning opening 22, and detects the pachinko ball P that has entered the continuous winning opening 22, and this detection signal is sent to the blade 11. Used as a start signal for continuous opening/closing operation. In addition, the continuous winning ball detection switch 31
The subsequent ball road merges with the ball road S2 connected to the normal winning opening 23, and a winning ball detection switch 32 is provided after this merging point. This winning ball switch 32
When the passage of a pachinko ball P is detected, a well-known prize ball payout mechanism is activated and a fixed number of prize balls are paid out.

A character 24 that moves up and down by the operation of a character movement solenoid is provided at the back of the continuous winning opening 22. This character 24 moves up and down when a prize is won in the continuous winning opening 23, and displays to the player that the continuous opening/closing operation of the feather 11 is to be started. Also, character 2
A winning pitch number display section 26 is provided above 4 to display a digital value using a 7-segment LED. This winning ball number display section 26 displays "0 to 9" every time a pachinko ball P enters the continuous winning hole 221 and the normal winning hole 23, and displays the number of balls.

Above the opening/closing winning part 13, there is also a 7 segment LED.
A repetition count display section 27 is provided to display a digital value. This repetition number display section 27 indicates that the blade 1
This displays the number of times that the 18 continuous opening/closing operations of 1 can be repeated, and the number displayed will be a number less than or equal to 8 determined by the random number generation circuit as described later. .

FIG. 3 shows an example of a control circuit used in the winning ball device 10 described above. A starting ball detection switch 30 that detects the pachinko ball P that has entered the starting port 6. A continuous winning ball detection switch 31 that detects the pachinko ball P that has entered the continuous winning opening 22.
The winning ball detection switch 32, which detects the pachinko ball P that has passed through the continuous winning ball detection switch 31 and the pachinko ball P that has entered from the normal winning opening 23, is activated by the central processing unit every time it detects the passage of each pachinko ball P. (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 33 is supplied with a pulse signal.

Continuous winning ball detection switch 31. Winning ball detection switch 32
Counters 35 and 36 are connected to each of the counters 35 and 36, respectively. These counters 35 and 36 are connected to the continuous winning ball detection switch 31. Count the number of pulse signals from the winning ball detection switch 32, input the counted value information to the CPU 33,
In addition, the count value is set to “0” by the reset signal from the CPU 33.
” is reset.

Solenoid drive circuits 38 and 39 are connected to the CPU 33. The solenoid drive circuit 38 receives a drive pulse from the CPU 33 and operates the blade opening/closing solenoid 18 . Then, when one drive pulse is supplied from the CPU 33 to the solenoid drive circuit 38, the blade 11 performs one opening/closing operation via the blade opening/closing solenoid 18. Further, the number of drive pulses supplied from the CPU 33 to the solenoid drive circuit 38 is counted by a counter 40. The other solenoid drive circuit 39 is for operating a character movement solenoid 41 that moves the character 24 up and down.

The random number generation circuit 43 operates upon receiving a request signal from the CPU 33 and feeds back a randomly determined one-digit random number R to the CPU 33.

This random number R is stored in a predetermined register within the CPU 33, and is repeatedly digitally displayed on the display unit 27 via the LED driver 44. Further, the counted value of the counter 36 is digitally displayed on the winning pitch number display section 26 via the LED driver 45.

The data ROM 47 stores reference values to be compared with the counts of the counters 35 and 40, respectively. That is, as will be described in detail later, when the count value of the counter 35 or counter 40 reaches a reference value in the data ROM 47, the CPU 33 starts the next process.

The operation of the winning ball device 10 configured as above will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the starting ball detection switch 30 detects that a pachinko ball P has entered the starting hole 6, the CPU 33 starts the random number generation circuit 43. This activates the random number generation circuit 43, which randomly generates, for example, about 10 to 20 numbers within the range of "1" to "8" per second. The numerical value thus generated is supplied to the CPU 33, and the numerical value is digitally displayed on the repetition count display section 27 each time. Further, the CPU 33 outputs a drive pulse for opening and closing the blade 11 to the solenoid drive circuit 38. It should be noted that when the pachinko ball P enters the part marked with "1" in the starting port 6, the blade 11 opens and closes once in about 0.4 seconds, and r2. When the pachinko ball P enters the place marked with , the blade 11 repeats opening and closing twice for about 0.7 seconds.

While the blade 11 is opening and closing in this way, if the pachinko ball P does not enter the opening/closing prize part 13, or if it enters only into the normal winning hole 23 other than the continuous winning hole 22, the blade 11 opens and closes. opens and closes once or twice and returns to the initial state.

Note that the operation of the random number generation circuit 43 ends after a certain period of time has elapsed, and the random number R generated at that point is repeatedly displayed on the display section 27, but this random number R is not particularly used. Never.

On the other hand, when the pachinko ball P enters the opening/closing winning part 13 by opening and closing the blade 11 once or twice, and it enters the continuous winning hole 22, the continuous winning ball detection switch 3
A pulse signal is input from 1 to the CPU 33. As a result, the operation of the random number generation circuit 43 is stopped, the random number value R generated at that point is displayed on the repetition count display section 27, and the large winning process is started. In this case, the random value R has a great meaning as will be described later.

The big winning process is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The CPU 33 first closes the blade 11 at the moment it receives the pulse signal from the continuous winning ball detection switch 31. Then, a drive pulse is output to the solenoid drive circuit 39, and the character 24 is raised and lowered once in a predetermined period of time (approximately 1 degree) via the character movement solenoid 41, thereby informing the player that a privilege has been obtained. Further, the count value of each counter 35, 36, 40 is reset to the initial value "0" by a reset pulse from the CPU 33.

After confirming that the predetermined time required for raising and lowering the character 24 has elapsed, the CPU 33 sequentially supplies drive pulses to the solenoid drive circuit 38. This drive pulse is 24 to 25
Eighteen drive pulses are generated per second, and the period of the latter ten drive pulses is short.

As a result, the interval between opening and closing of the blade 11 during the second half of the ten openings and closings is shorter than the interval between the opening and closing of the blades 11 during the first eight openings. Furthermore, when the interval between opening and closing of the blade 11 becomes shorter, a drive pulse is supplied from the CPU 33 to the solenoid drive circuit 39 again, and the character 24 repeats the raising and lowering operation to open and close the blade 11 out of 18 times.
Displays that about half has been digested. Note that the movement of the character 24 during this period is omitted from the flowchart of FIG. 5 for the sake of simplification.

When the blades 11 are opened and closed in this manner, the pachinko balls P flowing down the board surface 3 easily enter the opening/closing winning part 13. The pachinko ball P that has entered the opening/closing winning part 13 falls onto the fairway 20 and enters either the continuous winning opening 22 or the normal winning opening 23.

While the blade 11 continues to open and close 18 times, when the pachinko ball P that entered the opening/closing winning part 13 enters the normal winning opening 23 and passes the winning ball detection switch 32, the winning ball detection switch 32 The same number of pulse signals as the number of balls that have passed through are output. This pulse signal is used by the CPU 33 as a prize ball payout signal, and is also used by the counter 36.
The number of pulse signals is counted. When this count reaches "10", the big winning process ends even if the number of times the blade 11 is continuously opened and closed is less than 18 times. That is, the maximum number of winning balls that can be obtained by the opening/closing winning section 13 while the blade 11 performs 18 continuous opening/closing operations is approximately 10.
limited to individuals.

Furthermore, even when the count value of the counter 36 reaches "10", there may be several pachinko balls P that are captured by the blade 11 and enter the opening/closing winning part 13, so in reality, the blade 11
It is possible to obtain more than 10 winning balls while the ball opens and closes 18 times.

Even if the count value of the counter 36 is less than "1o", the opening and closing of the blade 11 ends when the count value of the counter 40 reaches "18".

That is, if it is not possible to win a prize in the continuous winning opening 22, the 18 continuous opening/closing operations of the blade 11 are completed only once. In addition, the maximum number of continuous opening and closing times of the blade 11 is "18
”, and the maximum winning pitch number “10J” mentioned above is the data ROM.
47, and by rewriting these data, the maximum number of continuous opening/closing times of the blade 11 and the maximum number of winning balls can be set arbitrarily.

When a pachinko ball P enters the continuous winning hole 22 while the blade 11 is continuously opening and closing 18 times, the count value of the counter 35 is incremented by 1 by a pulse signal from the continuous winning ball detection switch 31. At the same time, the counts of counter 36 and counter 40 are reset to "0". Then, the count value of the counter 35 is compared with the random number value R determined by the random number generation circuit 43. If these two do not match, the character 24 moves 2, 18 of the feathers 11, as in the case when the pachinko ball P enters the continuous winning hole 22.
Continuous opening/closing of times is resumed. In addition, the number of repetitions display section 2
The numerical value displayed at 7 is subtracted by "1" each time a pulse signal is output from the continuous winning ball detection switch 31. As a result, the remaining number of repetitions will be displayed.

In this way, as the big prize process progresses, a prize is obtained in the continuous winning hole 22, and the count value of the counter 35 is changed to a random value R.
If they match, this will be the last time of the continuous opening/closing operation of the blade 11. In this case as well, after the movement of the character 24, the continuous opening/closing operation of the blade 11 is repeated 18 times. Even if a pulse signal is output, the CPU 33 invalidates this pulse signal.

Then, the counts of the counters 36 and 40 are not reset, and the blades 11 continue to open and close as they are. In other words, the random value R regulates the maximum number of times the blade 11 can be repeatedly opened and closed 18 times. Of course, even during the continuous opening and closing operation of the blade 11 this time, when the count value of the counter 36 reaches "IO", the blade 11
The opening and closing of will be completed. In addition, even if a winning occurs in the starting port 6 while the blade 11 is continuously opening and closing,
Only a certain number of prize balls are paid out to each square, and it does not affect the opening and closing of the blade.

Although the present invention has been described above according to the illustrated embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, instead of using a 7-segment LED for the repetition number display section 27, a 3-reel display section used in conventional fever-type pachinko machines may be used, and the number combinations on each reel may be marked with feathers 11. The number of repetitions of the continuous opening/closing operation may be associated with each other. In addition, the random number generation circuit 43
When determining the random value R, a stop button that can be operated by the player may also be used. Also, instead of generating random numbers, rl.

The numbers ˜8 may be changed cyclically. Furthermore, various methods are applied to determine the number of repetitions, such as increasing or decreasing the numbers from ``rl'' to ``8'' by 1 each time a prize is won in any of the winning slots on board 3. Is possible. The sequence control described above can be realized not only by using the CPU 33 but also by combining so-called logic circuits.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, according to the winning ball device of the present invention,
Since the number of repetitions of the continuous opening/closing operation of the blade member for a fixed number of times M is configured to change, even if a continuous winning is obtained, it is not always repeated a fixed number of times as in the past. .

Therefore, even if many players are given the privilege of continuously opening and closing the blade member, it is possible to appropriately vary the number of repetitions. As a result, by giving a wide range of benefits to players, we can increase the interest of the game, and at the same time, even if we give a wide range of benefits, the total number of prize balls paid out will not increase significantly, and from a sales perspective. But it won't cause any disadvantage.

Furthermore, since the number of repetitions of the continuous opening/closing operation of the blade member is displayed on the display each time, it gives the player a sense of anticipation as to how many times this repetition will occur, creating an unprecedented new feature. It will also be able to generate a lot of interest.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is an external view of a winning ball device using the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the winning ball device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the circuit configuration used in the winning ball device of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the processing up to the start of the big prize winning processing. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the big winning process. FIG. 6 is a front view of a pachinko machine using the present invention. 6... Starting port 10... Winning ball device 11... Feather 13... Opening/closing winning part 22... Continuous winning slot 23... Normal winning slot 24... Character 26... Winning ball number display part 27... Repeat Number of times display section 31... Continuous winning ball detection switch 32... Winning ball detection switch. Figure 6

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) An opening/closing winning section, a blade member that opens and closes to make it easier for the ball flowing down the board to enter the opening/closing winning section, and detecting that a ball has entered the continuous winning opening provided in the opening/closing winning section. , a detecting means for outputting a starting signal for opening and closing the blade member M times continuously from that point on, a means for determining a variable N, and a number of starting signals from the detecting means reaches the variable N. A winning ball device comprising: a regulating means for limiting the number of times the blade member is repeatedly opened and closed M times by invalidating a starting signal outputted thereafter. (2) Means for terminating the continuous opening and closing operation of the blade member when the number K of balls entering the opening/closing prize part reaches a certain number while the blade member opens and closes M times; variable N
The winning ball device according to claim 1, further comprising a display means for displaying a winning ball.