JPH01303171A - Pinball machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate visual measuring of the establishment of switching conditions to the second condition of a variable prize winning ball device, to allow a player to easily plan a correct tactics on a play, and to prevent a trouble concerning the number of prize winning balls by providing a numerical value information display means to display the number of the prize winning balls in response to a prize winning ball detecting means output. CONSTITUTION:In a variable prize winning device 40, a first condition advantageous for the player is the open condition of an opening/closing plate 41 in which the balls are easily win the prize, and a second condition disadvantageous for the player is the closed condition of the opening/closing plate 41 in which the balls are difficult to win the prize. The specific game condition in which the variable prize winning ball device 40 can be made into the first condition is determined by the combination of identifying information such as picture patterns on each column displayed by a rotary drum display mechanism 50A and the combination of numeric value information displayed by a segment display device 50B.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a pachinko game machine, and more specifically, it can freely change between a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player. The present invention relates to a pachinko game machine in which a variable winning ball device is arranged on a game board.

[Prior Art] In this type of pachinko game machine, one that has been generally known is, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 55-78975.
There was something described in the publication. In this conventional pachinko game machine, when a pachinko ball enters a special prize hole and the game state becomes a predetermined specific game state, the variable prize ball device is set to a first state advantageous to the player, and then,
The variable winning ball device is configured to change to the second state when a certain period of time passes or a certain number of pachinko balls enter the variable winning ball device, whichever comes first. Ta. In other words, in this conventional pachinko game machine, the variable winning ball device that is in the first state is controlled to switch to the second state after at least a certain period of time has elapsed, so that the limited time [... The player is made to play a game in which as many pachinko balls as possible are placed in the variable winning ball device within an allowable range within a period of time, and after the variable winning ball device changes to the first state. Also, they tried not to allow players to experience the thrill of a tense game.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in this type of conventional pachinko gaming machine, the first state of the variable winning ball device associated with the specific gaming state ends only once. The sense of satisfaction associated with the first state of the variable prize winning ball device ends quickly after only being played once, and the game lacks excitement.

Therefore, if a predetermined repetition continuation condition is satisfied during the period when the variable winning ball device is in the first state, the first state of the variable winning ball device is newly repeated again to continue control. It is also conceivable to configure the game system so that the player can experience the excitement associated with the first state of the variable prize winning ball device repeatedly and to give the player great excitement. In this way, when the repeat continuation of the first state is adopted, the player can determine whether or not the repeat continuation condition is satisfied during the period when the variable winning ball device is in the first state. It is expected that the player will concentrate his/her nerves when performing ball batting operations, and as a result, the player will not have the energy to sense the number of winning balls that have won in the variable winning ball device that is in the first state. It becomes difficult to visually estimate when the variable winning ball device in the current state will switch to the second state. Furthermore, since the switching conditions for the second state of the variable winning ball device involve two conditions: the passage of a predetermined period and the winning of a certain number of pachinko balls, this may cause the switching by the player to occur. This makes it even more difficult to predict whether the conditions will be satisfied. As a result, there arises an inconvenience in that the player makes an incorrect gaming strategy because the player's estimate is ambiguous.

Moreover, switching the variable winning ball device to the second state is switching to a disadvantageous state for the player, and due to a misunderstanding of the switching conditions, the variable winning ball device is switched to the second state against the player's will. If the situation changes to the above state, the player will be psychologically very dissatisfied, and there is a possibility that troubles with employees regarding the number of winnings may occur. In particular, the number of winning pachinko balls in the variable winning ball device is one of the conditions for the variable winning ball device to switch to the second state, that is, a state disadvantageous to the player. If the variable prize winning ball device switches to a disadvantageous state against the player's will, the player will be particularly dissatisfied, and this will cause pachinko games that try to give players entertainment. There was also a risk that the original functions of the gaming machine would be completely impaired.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a pachinko gaming machine in which the first state of the variable winning ball device can repeatedly and continuously occur due to the establishment of a specific gaming state, and the second state of the variable winning ball device.
To provide a pachinko game machine that makes it easy to estimate whether the conditions for switching to the state are met, makes it easier for players to formulate correct gaming strategies, avoids troubles related to the number of prizes won, and does not impair the interest of the game. The purpose is to provide.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A pachinko game machine according to the present invention is arranged on a game board and can freely change between a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player. A variable winning ball device, a specific gaming state detection that detects that the pachinko gaming state has become a predetermined state such that the variable winning ball device can change to a first state within a predetermined period of time. means, winning ball detection means for detecting winning balls that have won into the variable winning ball device when the variable winning ball device is in a first state; winning possible in the variable winning ball device when the variable winning ball device is in the first state; a number of winning balls setting means for setting the number of winning balls; a number of winning balls setting means for setting the number of winning balls; determining means for determining that the number of winning balls reaches the set number within a period of time, or that the certain period of time has elapsed without the number of winning balls reaching the set number; the variable winning ball device is in a first state; repeating continuation condition determining means for determining that a predetermined repeating continuation condition for repeatedly and continously controlling the variable winning ball device to the state of node 1 again during the period in which the specified gaming state is set; driving the variable winning ball device to a first state in response to an output of the determining means; driving the variable winning ball device to a second state in response to the output of the determining device; and driving the variable winning ball device to a second state in response to the output of the determining device; and a drive control means for continuously controlling the first state of the variable winning ball device by newly repeating the first state based on the determination output of the variable winning ball device, and further displaying the number of winning balls in response to the output of the entered winning ball detection means. It is characterized by being equipped with numerical information display means.

[Operation] According to the present invention, when the gaming state becomes a predetermined specific gaming state, the variable winning ball device changes to the first state. When the number of winning balls that can be won in the variable winning ball device is set in advance by the number of winning balls setting means, and the number of winning balls reaches the number set by the number of winning balls setting means within the certain period, or When the certain period of time passes without the number of winning balls reaching the set number, the variable winning ball device in the first state is driven and controlled to switch to the second state.

Further, if a predetermined repetition continuation condition is satisfied during the period in which the variable winning ball device is in the first state, the first state of the variable winning ball device is newly repeated. Furthermore, in order to display the number of winning balls won in the variable winning ball device in the first state by the numerical information display means and inform the player, the variable winning ball device is changed to the second state. It is easier to visually estimate when the switching conditions will be met.
Furthermore, troubles regarding the number of prizes won can be avoided.

[Embodiments of the Invention] Specific embodiments of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In configuration, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a front frame 11 and a game board 1 detachably attached to the front frame 11. The game board 1 includes safe holes 2a, 2b, winning areas 3a to 3c, which have conditions for variable display of a variable display device 50 (to be described later) depending on one person's winnings; A ball population of 5 has been formed. The safe holes 2a, 2c, the winning areas 3a to 3C, and the Yakumono 4a to 4b are examples of winning areas, and guide winning balls to the back side of the game board 1, and release prize balls by the winning balls guided to the back side. This is the winning hole determined as follows. Note that the winning area is not limited to the winning hole, but may be a passing area through which balls can pass. In that case, a passing ball detection switch may be provided to detect balls passing through the passing area, and the output of the switch may issue a command to release the prize ball.

A variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is arranged approximately in the center of the game board 1. Variable winning ball/variable display device 30
The variable winning ball device 40 and the variable display device 50, which will be explained later with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, are integrally attached to a mounting plate 31. Variable display device 50
The rotating drum display mechanism 5 is an example of a mechanically variable display member.
0A and a segment display 50B, which is an example of an electrically variable display member. Then, the variable display device 50 starts variable display on the rotary drum display mechanism 50A and segment display 50B in response to winnings in the winning areas 3a to 3c, and for a certain period of time from the player's stop command operation or the start of the variable display. Later, the variable display will be stopped.

When the combination of the display state of the rotary drum display mechanism 50A and the display state of the segment display 50B at this time becomes a predetermined state, the variable winning ball device 40 enters a specific game state determined to be able to be driven to open. It is determined that what has happened. In addition, as another example of the specific game state in which the variable winning ball device 40 is not driven to open, a winning region whose nails are adjusted so that it is relatively difficult to win or a specific winning region within the winning ball device is formed, and those The specific gaming state may be detected based on the winnings in the winning area.

At the upper left corner of the game board 1, a numerical information display 6, which is an example of numerical information display means, is provided.

The numerical information display 6 is for displaying the number of winning balls during one period in which the variable winning ball device 40 is opened based on a specific game state. The provision of this numerical information display 6 is a feature of this embodiment.

Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with the following components. Below the front frame 11, an upper prize discharge port 12, a batted ball standby gutter 13, a batted ball handle 14, a surplus prize ball number outlet 15, and a narrow slot 16 are arranged. Here, the batted ball waiting gutter 13 is used as a storage tray for temporarily storing the prize balls released from the prize top discharge port 12 and balls borrowed by the player from the ball rental machine, and also serves as a storage tray for arranging the stored balls.
It functions to supply each ball individually to a batted ball supply mechanism (not shown). The ball hitting handle 14 is used to adjust the strength of the ball by rotating it.

A ball hitting command switch 14s is provided on the front frame 11 near the ball hitting handle 14. Batted ball command switch 14
s generates a batting command signal when pressed.

This command switch 14s may be provided on the outer periphery of the ball hitting handle 14, depending on the case. A stop command switch 17 is provided on the left side of the front frame 11. The stop command switch 17 is used to command the variable display of the variable display device 50 to stop according to a command from the player.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the back structure of the pachinko gaming machine 10. In the figure, winning areas 3a and 3b.

On the back side of the game board 1 where 3C is formed, paths 211 and 212 are formed corresponding to the winning areas to guide the winnings passing through the winning areas downward. Route 211
A winning ball detector 22a for detecting winnings in the winning area 3a or 3b is attached below. Similarly, a winning ball detector 22b is attached below the path 212 to detect winnings in the winning area 3c.

In addition, if necessary, the winning ball detected by the winning ball detectors 22a, 22b is brought to the upper position of the Yakumono 4a, 4b, and is used to open the ball receiving pieces of the Yakumono 4a, 4b. . The outputs of the winning ball detectors 22a and 22b are transmitted to the rotating drum display mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B.
It is wired with a connection line (not shown) so that it can be used as a detection output for a state in which display can be driven.

A path 213 is provided on the back side of the game board 1 at a position slightly above the out ball population 5. The path 213 includes safe holes 2a and 2b, winning areas 3a to 3C, and Yakumono 4a and 4.
This is for guiding the winning balls to either the winning ball device 40 or the variable winning ball device 40 to the winning processing machine 23. The prize processing machine 23 drops the prizes one by one onto the prizes guided through the path 213. The balls dropped one by one by the prize processing machine 23 actuate an operating member connected to a conventionally known prize ball discharging mechanism to release a fixed number of prize balls for each winning prize.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30. 4A and 4B show details of the variable winning ball device 40, and in particular, FIG. 4A shows details of the variable winning ball device 40 seen from the back side of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30,
FIG. 4B is a vertical sectional view of the winning area portion of the variable winning ball device 40. FIG. 5 is an illustrative diagram showing details of the rotating drum display mechanism 50A.

Next, the configuration of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30 will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

The variable winning ball/variable display device 30 has a configuration in which the variable winning ball device 40 and the variable display device 50 are integrally attached to a mounting plate 31. Specifically, the mounting plate 31 has an opening 32 formed therein. The opening 32 is a horizontally long rectangular hole so as to become a winning area when the opening/closing plate 41 of the variable winning ball device 40 is opened. The mounting plate 31 has display windows 33a and 33b for displaying identification information drawn on the rotating drum included in the rotating drum display mechanism 50A.
, 33c are formed. Furthermore, a frame member 34 is attached to the top of the mounting plate 31. A segment display 50B is mounted on the frame member 34, and an inverted V-shaped ball receiving plate 341 is attached to the upper part of the segment display 50B. The balls received by the ball receiving plate 341 are guided to the back side through a hole that becomes the winning area 3a. Furthermore, frame member 3
Passage areas 342 and 343 for allowing balls to pass are formed in the laterally extending portions of the mounting plate 31 in order to change the fall of the balls that have passed through the passage areas 342 and 343. An appropriate number of obstruction nails 35 are installed in a horizontal row at the upper part of the opening 32 at approximately the center. A guide member 36 is provided between the obstacle nail 35 and the opening 32.
is installed. The guide member 36 has guide plates extending in the vertical direction at a plurality of locations in the lateral direction, and functions to guide the ball in the vertical direction and cause it to fall.

The variable prize winning ball device 40 has the first advantageous effect for the player.
In the second state, the opening/closing plate 41 is opened forward and balls can be easily accepted, and in the second state, which is disadvantageous for the player, the opening/closing plate 41 is closed and balls cannot be accepted.

The structure of such a variable winning ball device 40 will be explained in more detail. The variable prize winning ball device 40 includes an opening/closing plate 41 rotatably attached to the front surface of the frame member 42 (ie, the portion related to the opening 32). Triangular side walls 414.41275 are provided on both side edges of the opening/closing plate 41 to protrude toward the back side. The side walls 411 and 412 are connected to the frame member 42 by a shaft 413.
It is rotatably attached to the side of the Paths 421 and 422 are formed below the frame member 42. The back side of the frame member 42 is covered with a cover 423. Opening/closing plate 41
The opening 32 in the open state becomes a winning area 43 where balls can easily be won.

The winning area 43 includes a plurality of winning areas 43a to 43 in the horizontal direction.
It is divided into c. The winning area 43a is an area in which conditions are set so that the opening/closing plate 41 can be opened again by a winning ball during the opening of the opening/closing plate 41 in a specific game state, and the variable winning ball device 40 can be put into a state where it is easy to win a prize. A detection switch 44a is provided for that purpose. The detection switch 44a is for detecting a ball that enters the winning area 43a, is guided to the back side, and falls downward.

Further, the winning balls in the winning areas 4'3a to 43c are guided downward via paths 421 and 422, respectively. Below the paths 421 and 422, a detection switch 44b, which is an example of a winning ball detecting means for detecting a winning ball in the winning area 43, is provided.

This detection switch 44b constitutes a part of the counting means.

An opening/closing drive mechanism 45 is coupled to the opening/closing plate 41 . The opening/closing drive mechanism 45 includes a solenoid 451, a T-shaped lever 453, a rod 455, and a spring 456. The center of the T-shaped lever 453 is rotatably attached to the mounting plate 31 by a pin 454. One end of the short side of the T-shaped lever 453 is engaged with a plunger 452 of a solenoid 451, and a spring 456 is connected to the other end of the short side of the lever 453. Furthermore, the T-shaped lever 4
One end of a rod 455 is engaged with the long side end of 53;
The other end of the rod 455 is connected to the side wall of the opening/closing plate 41 and the bottle 413.
are connected by. When the solenoid 451 is electrically deenergized, the other end of the short side of the T-shaped lever 453 is pulled by the spring 456, so that the lever 453
The tip of the long side is pulled down, and a downward force is applied to the side wall of the opening/closing plate 41 by the rod 455, so that the opening/closing plate 41 is in a closed state. Conversely, when solenoid 451 is electrically energized, T-shaped lever 45
3 is rotated clockwise (clockwise in FIG. 4A), the rod 455 is pulled upward, and the opening/closing plate 41 is opened forward.

In this embodiment, the variable winning ball device 40 is in an open state in which the opening/closing plate 41 is easy to win a ball in the first state, which is advantageous to the player, and in the second state, which is disadvantageous to the player. The case where the opening/closing board 41 is closed and the balls cannot win a prize has been explained. However, the structure of the variable winning ball device and the state of change between the first state and the second state are not limited to those of the above-mentioned embodiments, and may take on various structures and states. For example, as another example of a variable winning ball device, like the so-called tulip, in the first state that is advantageous to the player, a pair of ball receiving pieces open left and right, making it easy for balls to win. In the second state, which is disadvantageous for the player, the ball with the ball receiving piece closed may be in a state where it is difficult to win a prize. Further, the variable prize winning ball device has a configuration including an opening/closing plate provided on the game board 1 so as to be openable and closable, and a ball socket capable of receiving one ball provided on the top of the opening/closing plate, and a second In the state of
The opening/closing board is closed, and balls can only be won at the ball entrance provided at the top of the opening/closing board, and there is a low probability of winning a prize.In the first state, the opening/closing board is open and there is a high probability of winning a prize. It is also possible to configure the structure so that the upper part occurs.

Next, details of the variable display device 50 will be explained. The variable display device 50 includes a rotating drum display mechanism 5OA and a segment display 50B.

The rotating drum display mechanism 50A has a configuration as shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 5, the rotating drum group 51 is
It includes multiple rows of rotating drums 51a, 51b, and 51c. Identification information such as pictures, symbols, and numbers (for example, bells, stars,
A picture pattern such as a sailboat or symbols such as numbers or the alphabet) are drawn on it. Rotating drum 51a in each row
A ratchet gear 52a having a fraction corresponding to the number of 1 pieces of information drawn on the outer periphery is provided on each side of ~51c.
~52C (only 52c is shown in the figure) is fixed. Each of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row is loosely fitted onto a drum shaft 53 and supported so as to be individually rotatable by the frictional force thereof. The drum shaft 53 is pivotally supported on both sides thereof or on the side surface of the box 54, and a gear 551 included in the rotational force transmission mechanism 55 is fixed to one end of the drum shaft 53. The gear 551 meshes with a gear change gear 552. A motor 56 for driving the rotating drum is mounted on the side of the box 54. Motor 56 is a geared motor, and its drive gear is engaged with gear 552. Therefore, the rotational force of the motor 56 is transmitted to the drum shaft 53 via the gears 552 and 551, and the rotating drum group 51 is rotationally driven.

On the rear back side of the box 54, each row of rotating drums 51a
Solenoids 57a to 57c for individually controlling rotation or stopping of each of 51c to 51c are fixed. The plungers 571 of the solenoids 57a to 57C are each connected to one end of the locking levers 58a to 58c by pins. Approximately central portions of the locking levers 58a to 58c are
It is supported by a shaft 581, and both ends of the shaft 581 are connected to the box 54.
is supported on both sides. Locking levers 58a to 58c
A claw-like portion 582 is formed at each tip. The claw-like portions 582 of each of the locking levers 58a to 58c
engages with each of the corresponding ratchet gears 52a to 52c to stop the rotating drums in each row and maintain the locked state.

The specific game state in which the variable winning ball device 40 can be put in the first state is determined by the combination of identification information such as the picture pattern in each row displayed on the rotating drum display mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B. It is determined by the combination with the display state of the displayed numerical information.

Note that the specific gaming state may be determined only by a combination of identification information displayed on the drums in each row of the rotating drum display mechanism 50A.

Alternatively, without using the rotating drum display mechanism 50A, a plurality of segment displays capable of electrically displaying numbers 0 to 9 are arranged, and the decision is made based on the combination of display information of multiple digits displayed by the segment displays. It may be possible to do so.

FIG. 6 is a game control circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. In the configuration, the game control circuit 60 includes a variable display possible condition detection circuit 61, a rotating drum drive control circuit 62, a display drive circuit 63, a specific game state detection circuit 64, a predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit 65, and a predetermined value imparting state detection circuit. 66, includes a numerical information display circuit 67 and a drive control circuit 70.

The variable display enable condition detection circuit 61 detects conditions that enable the variable display device 50 to perform variable display. The rotating drum drive control circuit 62 is a circuit for controlling the drive of the rotating drum display mechanism 50A based on the variable display possible conditions W. The display drive circuit 63 is a circuit for driving the display of the segment display 50B based on the variable display enable conditions.

The specific game state detection circuit 64 is connected to the rotating drum display mechanism 50.
This is a circuit for detecting that a predetermined specific gaming state has been entered based on the combination of the display state of A and the display state of the segment display 50B. In addition, in this embodiment, the specific gaming state detection circuit 65 detects not only a specific gaming state but also a gaming state in which a smaller gaming value can be given than the specific gaming state, and the variable winning ball device 40 is set to the first state. Contains a function to detect conditions that can result in a state. Therefore, in this embodiment, there are a wide variety of gaming states, and the pachinko gaming machine can be more interesting to players. The predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit 65 is a circuit that counts the number of winning balls in the variable winning ball device 40 in a specific gaming state and derives a detection output when the number of balls reaches a predetermined number allowed in advance. be. The predetermined value granting condition detection circuit 66 is a circuit for detecting a state in which a predetermined value is given in a specific gaming state (for example, a state in which a large number of prize balls set as the number to be discontinued is paid out). . The numerical information display drive circuit 67 is a predetermined winning ball number detection circuit 65
This is a circuit for displaying a predetermined numerical value on the numerical information display 6 based on the output.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of the drive control circuit 70 and the predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit 65, which are the features of this embodiment, of the game control circuit shown in FIG. 6.

Referring to FIG. 7, drive control circuit 70 includes OR gate 7
1. It includes timers 72 to 74, a driver 75, and a repetitive opening/closing drive circuit 760 for a certain period of time. Here, driver 75
is for driving the variable winning ball device 40 to the first state and the second state by energizing the solenoid 451 during the output period of the OR gate 71. - The constant-time repetitive opening/closing drive circuit 760 is for keeping the variable winning ball device 40 in a state where it is easy to win a prize continuously for a certain period of time (for example, tl-30 seconds) in principle.

Next, specific operations of the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

The player puts the ball borrowed from the ball lending machine into the ball waiting gutter 13,
After adjusting the strength of the ball by rotating the ball-hitting handle 14, the ball-hitting switch 14s is pressed. In response to the suppression of the ball hitting switch 14s, power is supplied to the motor 241, and the motor 2
41 is rotationally driven and the ball hitting hammer 243 is intermittently rotated, whereby balls are driven into the game board 1 one by one. When the player is playing a ball hitting game in this way, the ball is either in the safe holes 2a to 2c or in the Yakumono 4.
When a prize is won in a or 4b, the prize ball discharging mechanism is activated to control the release of a predetermined number of prize balls for each winning child.

Furthermore, when a hit ball lands in any of the winning areas 3a to 3c, the corresponding detection switch 22a or 22b derives a high level signal, and the signal is given to the drive circuit 621 via the OR gate 611. , timer 622
given to. Further, a high level signal from the OR gate 611 is applied to a flip-flop 631 included in the display drive circuit 63, and sets the flip-flop 631. Based on the signal from the OR gate 611, the drive circuit 621 energizes the solenoids 57a to 57c to release the engagement between the pawls 582 of the locking levers 58a to 58c and the corresponding ratchet gears 52a to 52c. , simultaneously drives the motor 56 to rotate. As a result, the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row are rotationally driven, and the display state of the rotating drums is varied. Also, flip-flop 63
The set output of 1 is given as one input of AND gate 632. The output clock pulse of the clock oscillator 633 is always supplied to the AND gate 632 as a manual input. Therefore, AND gate 632 derives a clock pulse according to the set output of flip-flop 631 and supplies it to ring counter 634 . The ring counter 634 cyclically counts the numerical values 0 to 9 that can be displayed on the segment display 50B according to the human power of the clock pulse, and the counted value is determined by the decoder driver 635 and the specific game state detection means. is given to a determination circuit 645 included in the specific game state detection circuit 64 as an example. The decoder driver 635 decodes the count value of the ring counter 634, and based on the count value, sequentially changes the number displayed on the segment display 50B in synchronization with the cycle of the clock pulse.

In this way, the rotary drums 51a to 51c are rotationally driven and the segment display 50B is variably displayed, whereby mechanically variable display and electrically variable display are performed simultaneously.

As described above, in a state where the rotating drums 51a to 51c and the segment display 50B are variably displayed, the player can select the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row.
The player presses the stop command switch 17 at an arbitrary timing, expecting that the combination of display states will result in a specific gaming state. Note that the timer 622 starts after the variable display starts.
If the stop command switch 17 is not pressed within a certain period of time set in , a stop command is issued by the output of the timer 622. In response to the output from the press of the stop command switch 17 or the output from the timer 622, the drive circuit 621 deenergizes the solenoids 57a to 57c in a predetermined order (or irregular order), and accordingly deactivates the locking levers 58a to 58c. Ratchet gears 52a to 52c corresponding to the claw-like portions 582 of
are engaged with each other, and the rotating drums 51a to 51c are sequentially stopped. Furthermore, the drive circuit 621 stops the rotation of the motor 56 after a short delay and derives a high level signal indicating that all rotating drums have stopped. This high level signal resets the flip-flop 631 and is given to the display state determination circuit 643 as a determination command signal. Resetting flip-flop 631 causes AND gate 632 to stop deriving clock pulses. For this reason, the count value of the ring counter 634 stops incrementing, and therefore the count value of the ring counter 634 stops increasing.
Numbers corresponding to the count value counted at 4 are continuously displayed on the segment display 50B.

The display state determination circuit 643 determines the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums in each row based on the outputs provided from the sensors 641 and 642 in response to the determination command signal. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the sensors 641 and 642 are composed of photoelectric sensors having a light projecting section and a light receiving section. The light projecting part and the light receiving part of each sensor 641, 642 are provided facing each other on both axially outer sides of the rotating drum. Although not shown in FIG. 5, on each side surface of the rotating drums 51a to 51c, a rotating drum is provided concentrically on a first circumference and a second circumference having different radii. A portion with a through hole and a portion without a through hole are formed at positions corresponding to the identification information displayed in . And each rotating drum 51a to 51
Four types of identification information are output depending on the stop state of c. For example, if the part on the first and second circumferences where a through hole is drilled is set to logic "1", and the part where no through hole is drilled is set to logic "0", then there are four types. 2-bit code roOJ, rolJ, rl
oJ and rllJ can be defined, and the combination of identification information of the rotating drums in each row can be detected. Then, the display state determination circuit 643 determines a score based on the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c, and provides the score to the drive control circuit 70 and the determination circuit 645.

If the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51d is not a combination of a specific gaming state, that is, a combination determined to give the maximum value (for example, all symbols A), the display state The determination circuit 643 derives one of the determination signals j2 to j4 indicating that a value smaller than the maximum value should be assigned based on the combination at that time. Each determination signal j2-j4 is given to a corresponding timer 72-74. Each timer 72. 73°74
are the corresponding judgment signals j2. j3. j4
A predetermined period of time t2゜t3.
A high level signal is derived for only t4. Here, the fixed time set by the timers 72 to 74 is t2
≧t3≧t4, for example, t-10 seconds, t
3-6 seconds, t4-4 seconds. Note that the determination circuit 6
45, if the determination signal is other than j1 (i.e., j2 to j4), no determination of the display state of the segment display 50B is made.

Now, for example, the display state determination circuit 643 receives the determination signal j2.
Assuming that the timer 72 is derived for a certain period of time t
A high level signal of 2 is derived.

This high level signal is applied to the driver 75 via the OR gate 71. Accordingly, the driver 75 operates for a certain period of time t.
2 continuously energizes the solenoid 451. Therefore, the opening/closing plate 41 of the variable winning ball device 40 is opened for a predetermined time t2 to facilitate winning of balls. At this time,
When the hit ball lands in any of the winning areas 43a to 43c, the prize ball release mechanism pays out a predetermined number of prize balls in accordance with the winning ball. In this case, even if the hit ball enters the winning area 43a, the extension control of the opening operation of the variable winning ball device 40 is not provided.

Next, a case will be described in which the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row is determined to give the maximum value. In this case, the display state determination circuit 643 derives a determination signal j1, and this signal j1 is provided to the determination circuit 645, and the flip-flop 7
61 set input. In this way, flip-flop 761 is set. In addition, the determination circuit 64
5 is a display state (for example, a state where 7 is displayed) in which the maximum value is to be given, where the count value of the ring counter 634 is set in the combination setting section 644 according to the judgment signal j1.
Determine whether or not. At this time, the determination circuit 645 determines whether the segment display 5
If 0B does not display the number 7, the maximum value assignment command signal jO (high level signal) is not derived. in this case,
Flip-flop 7 set by judgment signal j1
The set output of 61 is sent to timer 7 via OR gate 762.
63. In response, the timer 763 starts a certain period of time t.
1, a high level signal is derived during that period, and the high level signal is applied to the collector of transistor 764. At this time, the mismatch output (low level) of the comparator circuit 653 is inverted to high level by an inverter 655 and is applied to the base of the transistor 764. Therefore, transistor 764 is conductive during the period when comparator circuit 653 is deriving a mismatch output, and the output of timer 763 is passed to driver 75 through OR gate 71.
give to In response, the driver 75 energizes the solenoid 451 to open the opening/closing plate 41. In this case,
Since flip-flop 766 is not set, AND gates 651 and 767 remain disabled. Therefore, the predetermined winning ball number detection circuit 65 does not detect the winning balls that have entered the winning area 43a, and the variable winning ball device 40
Do not perform preparatory actions for repeated and continuous opening.

Then, when the timer 763 measures a certain period of time t1, its output becomes low level, so the opening/closing plate 41 is closed.

Next, when a specific game state, which is a feature of this embodiment, is reached, that is, a predetermined state in which the combination of display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c can give the maximum value (for example, a display state of all A symbols) The operation when the display state of the segment display 50B becomes 7 will be described.

A determination circuit 645 derives a high level signal indicating that a specific gaming state has been established, and supplies it to an AND gate 646. At this time, since the low level of the output of the predetermined value provision state detection circuit 66 is inverted to a high level and is applied to the AND gate 646, a high level determination signal jO is derived from the AND gate 646. Decision signal jO sets flip-flop 766. Therefore, when a specific gaming state is entered, only the above-mentioned display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c are operated in accordance with the determination signal J1 when the maximum value giving state is reached, and the repetition based on the specific gaming state is performed. A value adding operation is performed. That is,
The timer 763 derives a high level for a certain period of time t1 from when the determination signal j1 is applied, drives the driver 75, and opens the opening/closing plate 41. At this time, AND gate 651 is activated by the set output of flip-flop 766. Therefore, the ball hit is in the winning area 43.
If you win either a or 43c, the detection switch 44
b. The detection output of the detection switch 44b is applied to a counter 652 via an AND gate 651. The counter 652 counts the number of winnings in the winning areas 43a to 43c in a specific gaming state, and provides the counted value to the comparison circuit 653 and the numerical information display drive circuit 67. The comparison circuit 653 is given the number of winning balls (for example, 10) that can be won into the variable winning ball device 40 in the specific gaming state set in the setting section 654 of an example of the winning ball number setting means as a reference human power. . Comparison circuit 653 derives a low level signal when the count value of counter 652 is smaller than a set number. This low level signal is inverted to high level by the inverter 655 and the transistor 76
4 as the base input of transistor 7.
64 supplies the high level signal of the output of timer 763 to OR gate 71.

Further, the counted value of the counter 652 is displayed by the numerical information display drive circuit 67 on the digital numerical information display 6 shown in FIG.

This numerical information display 6 is a well-known light emitting diode type display that is composed of a number of light emitting diodes corresponding to the number of winnings that can be set by the setting section 654, and lights up one by one for each winning ball hit. It may also be configured by means. By looking at the display state of the numerical information display 6, the player can know the number of winning balls during the opening period of the variable winning ball device 40 in a specific gaming state, and how many winning balls are allowed. You can also easily tell if there are any.

Therefore, there is an advantage that the player can accurately and easily formulate a strategy for the game based on this display.

If there is a predetermined number of allowed winning balls before the timer 763 times up, the comparison circuit 653 derives a high level signal. This high level signal is transmitted to inverter 6
55 to a low level signal, and the transistor 764
is turned off, and the high level signal of timer 763 is not derived. In this way, when a specific gaming state is entered, when the number of winning balls in the winning area reaches a predetermined number before the fixed time t1 set by the timer 763 has elapsed, the solenoid 451 is forcibly turned off. The opening/closing plate 41 is opened. Then, the predetermined number of winning balls detecting circuit 65 and the opening/closing drive circuit 76 detect that the number of winning balls has reached the set number within a certain period of time, or that the number of winning balls has not reached the set number for the certain period of time. A determining means is configured to determine that the period has elapsed. The judgment output of this judgment means is given to the drive control circuit 70. In addition, the opening/closing plate 41
When the inverter 655 is closed, the output of the inverter 655 is applied to a falling differentiation circuit 767 via an OR gate 765.
It is differentiated in the falling direction. This differential pulse is then given to the monostable multi 768, and the monostable multi 768 derives a high level signal for a certain period of time. This output is applied to AND gate 769.76a and causes flip-flop 761 to be reset.

By the way, when a ball enters the winning area 43a during the period when the variable winning ball device 40 is being driven to open after the specific game state, the detection switch 44 outputs a detection output and sets the flip-flop 76b. For this reason,
AND gate 769 indicates that there is a set output of flip-flop 766 (that is, a specific gaming state)
, there is a set output of the flip-flop 76b (that is, a condition that allows the variable winning ball device 40 to be newly opened repeatedly and continuously) and that there is an output of the monostable multi 768 (that is, the variable winning ball device 40 is detected). A high-level signal is derived based on the invention (developed by the inventor), and the high-level signal is applied to a timer 763 via an OR gate 762. In response, the timer 763 again starts counting operation for a certain period of time t1, and derives a high level signal during that period.

This high level signal is applied to the dry huff 5 via the transistor 764 and the OR gate 71, and the solenoid 451 is energized. Therefore, after entering the specific gaming state, as long as the repeating condition is detected, the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly and continuously driven to open.

In addition, after a certain time delay from the output of the monostable multi-768,
Delay circuit 76c is configured to reset flip-flop 76b. In this case, the reset output of the flip-flop 76b is given to the AND gate 76a, but at this time, the output of the monostable multi 768 is no longer given as the other input of the AND gate 76a, so the AND gate 76a is at a high level. No signal derived.

Thereafter, in the same way, after a specific gaming state, one cycle is defined as a certain period of time tl (for example, 30 seconds) or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls that are allowed during one opening period are generated. As long as there are winning balls in area 43a,
The cycle repeats.

In addition, when the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly and continuously driven to open, if no ball enters the winning area 43a, the flip-flop 76b remains reset. Therefore, in this case, monostable multi 76
AND gate 76a derives a high level signal in response to the output of 8, and resets flip-flop 766 via OR gate 76d. As a result, variable winning ball device 4
The repeated opening drive operation of 0 is terminated.

After the specific game state, each time the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly driven to open, if a ball enters the winning area 43a, the repeated opening operation of the variable winning ball device 40 is continued. However, when the predetermined value imparting state detection circuit 66 detects a predetermined number (stopped number) of prize balls (for example, 2000 pieces)
If it is detected that the payout is made, the detection output is given to the flip-flop 766 via the OR gate 76d, and the flip-flop 766 is reset. This also ends the repeated opening drive operation of the variable winning ball device 40.

In this embodiment, the predetermined value awarding state detection circuit 66 derives the detection output when a fixed number of prize balls are paid out, but the predetermined value awarding state detection circuit 66 is configured to, for example, The configuration may be such that the number of repeated opening drives is counted, and the detection output is derived when the number of repetitions reaches a certain number, for example, 10 times.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned embodiment, as the repetition condition detection means,
Although a case has been described in which there is one or more winning balls in the winning area 43a during the opening period of the variable winning ball device 40 in the specific gaming state, other repeating conditions may be detected. For example, the number of man-hours for winning a prize in any of the winning areas 43a to 43c is less than the number of balls (for example, 10) detected by the predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit 65 (for example, 3
The configuration may be such that the repeat continuation condition is detected when there are more than 1). In that case, a comparison circuit is separately provided to detect that the counter 652 has counted the small number of winning balls (3), and the output of the comparison circuit is used to control the flip-flop 76.
The configuration may be such that b is set.

Further, as another embodiment of the drive circuit 70, an AND gate is provided between the OR gate 71 and the driver 75, and a pulse with a fixed time interval (for example, 2 seconds) is applied to the other input of the AND gate, thereby making it possible to control the variable winning balls. The device 40 may be driven open and closed within a relatively long period of time. The repetitive continuation control may be performed after the current driving control of the variable winning ball device is completed, but the repetitive continuation control may be performed immediately after the determination output from the repetitive continuation condition determining means is derived. Repeated continuation control may be performed.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 described above, a case was shown in which a hardware circuit was used to explain the present invention in detail, but the technical idea of the present invention is that it is constructed by program processing using a microprocessor. You can also do it. In that case, the program can be set to perform the circuit operations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, but since such program settings can be easily devised by those skilled in the art who are familiar with electronic technology, a detailed explanation thereof will be provided. is omitted.

[Effect of the invention] As described above, according to the present invention, if a predetermined repetition continuation condition is established when the variable winning ball device is in the first state, the variable winning ball device returns to the first state. Since this is repeated again, the real thrill of the game associated with the first state of the variable prize winning ball device is repeated, providing great excitement and satisfaction to the player.

Furthermore, even if the player concentrates on whether or not the repeat continuation condition is satisfied during the period in which the variable winning ball device is in the first state, the player may not be able to enter the variable winning ball device in the first state. Since the number of winning pachinko balls is displayed and the player can easily know it, it is easy to estimate when the conditions for switching the variable winning ball device to the second state will be satisfied, and the player can correctly plan the game strategy. It is also easy to set up, and troubles related to the number of prizes won can be avoided, and overall,
It has now been possible to provide a pinball game machine that can improve the interest of the game.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing the back structure of the pachinko game machine. Figure 3 shows variable winning balls and variable display device 3.
FIG. FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B are detailed views of the variable winning ball device 40. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the rotating drum display mechanism 50A. FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram of the game control circuit included in this embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a predetermined winning ball number detection circuit 65 and a drive control circuit 70.
FIG. In the figure, 2a to 2C are safe holes, 3a to 3c, 43
a to 43c winning areas, 6 numerical information display, 10 pachinko gaming machine, 30 variable winning ball/variable display device, 40 variable winning ball device, 50 variable display device, 50A rotating drum display, 50B is a segment display, 60 is a game control circuit, 61 is a variable display possible condition detection circuit, 62 is a rotating drum drive control circuit, 63 is a display drive circuit, 44b is a detection switch which is an example of a winning ball detection means, and 654 is a winning ball detection circuit. 64 is a specific game state detection circuit which is an example of specific game state detection means; 65 is a predetermined winning ball number detection circuit; 66 is a predetermined value imparting state detection circuit; 67 is numerical information A numerical information display drive circuit is an example of a display means, 70 is a drive control circuit that is an example of a drive control means, and 76 is a drive circuit that repeatedly opens and closes for a certain period of time.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A variable winning ball device that is arranged on a game board and can change freely between a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player, the pachinko game state being variable. A specific gaming state detection means for detecting that the winning ball device is in a predetermined state such that the winning ball device can be changed to a first state within a predetermined period of time, and the variable winning ball device is in the first state. Winning ball detection means for detecting the winning balls that have entered the variable winning ball device when the variable winning ball device is in a first state; winning ball number setting means for setting the number of winning balls that can be won in the variable winning ball device when the variable winning ball device is in the first state. , the number of winning balls reaches the set number within the certain period based on the detection output from the entered winning balls detection means, the set number of winning balls by the entering prize ball number setting means, and the predetermined period of time; or, a determination that determines that the condition for changing the variable winning ball device to the second state is satisfied under the condition that the certain period of time has passed without the number of winning balls reaching the set number. Means, during the period when the variable winning ball device is in the first state, a predetermined repeated continuation condition for repeatedly and continuously controlling the variable winning ball device to the first state again is satisfied. repeat continuation condition determining means for determining, driving the variable winning ball device to the first state in accordance with the output of the specific game state determining means; drive control means for repeating the first state again and continuously controlling the first state, and further comprising numerical information display means for displaying the number of winning balls in response to the output of the entered prize ball detection means. A pachinko machine.