JPH02246992A - Pin ball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the monotony of a game and to improve the interest of a player by operating an output mode changing means and changing the output mode of a passing ball detecting means when the realization of prescribed conditions to be specified beforehand is decided. CONSTITUTION:In an ordinary game condition, only first start-up prize-winning ports 33a-33c function as to operate variable display devices 16a-16c as game devices, and in a specific game condition, namely, in the case where a big bit is executed, a frequency attains to a final continuous frequency and the big hit condition is completed, when the fact that the prescribed conditions to be specified beforehand are realized is decided, second start-up prize-winning ports 36a and 36b are also made to have a function to operate the variable display devices 16a-16c as the game device in addition to the first start-up prize-winning ports 33a-33c. Consequently, when the game is continuously executed, the output mode of the start-up prize winning port is changed, and a pattern for operating the game device can be changed.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] This invention provides a passing area through which a hit ball can pass, a passing ball detecting means for detecting a hitting ball passing through the passing area, and a passing ball detecting means for detecting a hitting ball passing through the passing area. a gaming device that operates based on the detection output of the means;
[Background Art] Conventionally, a game device is provided on a game board in which a hit ball falling on a game board is detected by passing through a passing area, for example, Pinball game machines that operate variable display devices, variable winning ball devices, etc. have been provided on the market. In such a pinball game machine, the passing area is always fixed, and its output mode, for example, the position of the passing area may change, or the number of passing areas may change. There was no increase in the number of players or changes in the operating mode of the gaming machine.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in the above-mentioned pinball game machine, since the passage area for operating the game devices such as the variable display device and the variable winning ball device is fixed, it is difficult to operate the game device. There was a problem in that there was little variation in the operating patterns, making the game monotonous and failing to attract players.

This invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to prevent the monotony of the game and sufficiently attract the interest of the players by changing the operation pattern of the game machine. Our goal is to provide a pinball game machine that can.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the pinball game machine according to the present invention includes: a passing area through which a hit ball can pass; and a passing area through which a hit ball can pass through the passing area. A ball detecting means; a game device that operates based on the detection output of the passing ball detecting means; The present invention is characterized by comprising an output mode changing means for changing an output mode of the passing ball detecting means provided to the gaming machine based on a judgment output of the predetermined condition judging means.

[Function] When the predetermined condition determining means determines that a predetermined condition is satisfied in the pinball game, the output mode changing means operates to change the output mode of the passing area to the game device, for example, the function as a passing area. The position of the parts having the function of passing areas, the number of parts having the function of passage areas, or the operating mode for the gaming machines, etc. are changed. As a result, if a predetermined condition is met while the game continues, the pattern for operating the gaming device can be changed, preventing the game from becoming monotonous, thereby sufficiently attracting the player's interest. be able to.

[Example] Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, a pinball game machine according to an embodiment will be explained based on FIG. FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine as an example of a pinball game machine. In FIG. 1, in the opening of the front frame 2 formed in the shape of a picture frame of the pachinko game machine 1,
A door holding frame 3 is provided around the periphery, and a glass door frame 4 for storing a glass plate and a front door plate 5 are pivotally attached to one side of the door holding frame 3 so as to be openable and closable. A game board holding frame (not shown) is fixed to the back surface of the front frame 2 to which the game board 10 and a firing rail (not shown) are attached. A batted ball supply tray 6 is attached to the front door plate 5. The ball supply tray 6 is configured to store prize balls ejected from a prize ball dispensing device (not shown), and to guide each of the stored pachinko balls to a ball ejection rail. In addition, a speaker 7 as a sound generating device is installed in the space below the upstream side of the batted ball supply tray 6.
is stored. This speaker 7 generates sound effects to enliven the atmosphere of the game when a specific game state is entered or when a winning ball is generated such as the starting winning holes 33a to 33c or the specific winning hole 24, which will be described later. belongs to.

At the bottom of the front frame 2, pachinko balls are placed on the game board 10.
An operating handle 8 for launching into the game area 12 and a surplus ball tray 9 for storing surplus prize balls are attached.

The surface of the game board 10 is provided with a guide rail 11 for guiding the hit balls to the game area 12, a large number of obstacle nails 42, various winning ball devices, and the like. To explain in more detail, game board 1
In the game area 12 of 0, there is a variable winning ball device 1 with a variable display.
3. Starting prize openings 33a to 33c, 38 as passing areas
a, 36b.

Winning openings 43a, 43b, 44a, 44b, game effect lamps 45a, 45b, out opening 46, etc. are provided, respectively.

The variable winning ball device 13 with variable display device is located in the gaming area 12.
The detailed structure is shown in FIG. To explain this, the variable winning ball device 13 with variable display has a mounting board 14 that is attached to the game board 10, and a winning hole 15 is formed in the upper part of the mounting board 14. Further, in the center of the mounting board 14, there are a plurality of (three) variable displays 16a to 16c constituting a variable display device as a gaming machine in this embodiment.
(consisting of 7 segment LEDs) is provided. The variable indicators 16a to 16C start variable display when a ball hits a starting winning hole 33a to 33c, which will be described later, or a second starting winning hole 36a, 36b when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and for a predetermined period of time (for example, 5 (seconds) has elapsed.

When the display mode at the time of the stop is a predetermined specific display mode (for example, an odd number of doubles), it is determined that the game is in a specific gaming state, and the opening/closing plate 21 (described later) is moved for a predetermined period of time (for example, 30 seconds has elapsed). or until 10 winning balls are generated (hereinafter referred to as cycle period). In addition, when a ball hits a specific winning hole 24 which will be described later while the opening board 21 is opening, after the cycle period has passed, the opening of the cycle period is repeated again. Therefore, this number of repetitions (I consecutive number) is a predetermined number of times (for example, 1
0 times). In other words, when a specific gaming state is entered, the opening/closing plate 21 is held for a cycle period of 30 seconds or until 10 winning balls are generated, and the regulation condition is that the cycle period can be repeated a predetermined number of times. The drive will be controlled. In addition, in the embodiment described later, the opening/closing plate 21 is once closed after the end of the cycle period, and the opening/closing plate 21 is opened again on the condition that there is a winning in the specific winning hole 24 during the cycle period. However, after the end of the cycle period, the next cycle period may be started without closing the opening/closing plate 21.

In addition, the variable display 16b in the center of the figure displays the number of winning balls that is inserted into the opening/closing plate 21 and detected by winning number detectors 26, 27a and 27b, which will be described later, when a specific gaming state is entered. It also serves as a piece count display.

A continuation count display 17 (consisting of a 7-segment LED) is provided between the entry prize hole 15 and the variable display 16b, which displays the continuation count when a specific gaming state is reached.

In addition, below the variable displays 16a to 16c, when a ball hits the starting winning openings 33a to 33c during a specific gaming state, a starting winning memory display is displayed to indicate that the winning has been memorized (up to 4 pieces). A container 18 is provided. therefore,
When the starting winning memory display 18 is lit, after the specific game state ends, the variable indicators 16a to 16c are variably displayed by the number of lights lit.

A rectangular opening 19 is opened below the mounting board 14, and a winning space 20 is formed behind it. Also,
An opening/closing plate 21 is provided to open and close the opening 19. This opening/closing plate 21 is connected to a solenoid 22 (not shown) (fourth
(shown in the block diagram in the figure). The said winning space 20 is provided with a specific winning opening forming member 23 that partitions the space 20 into three parts, the partitioned center constitutes a specific winning opening 24, and the left and right sides are normal winning openings 25a.

25b. And, in the specific prize opening 24,
A specific winning ball detector 26 is provided, and normal winning holes 25a, 25b are also provided with winning number detectors 27a, 27b. Note that the signal derived from the specific winning ball detector 26 is a signal for detecting the repetition condition, and is also a signal for counting the number of winning balls.

Further, below the mounting board 14, there is a front decorative plate 28 attached at a predetermined distance from the board 14.
Guide parts 29a and 29b are formed between the front decorative plate 28 and the mounting board 14 to guide falling balls toward the opening/closing plate 21. Therefore, when the opening/closing plate 21 is in the closed state, the ball guided to the guiding parts 29a, 29b falls downward through the front surface of the opening/closing plate 21, and when the opening/closing plate 21 is in the open state, the ball falls downward through the opening/closing plate 21. Uke is now accepted on the 21st.

Furthermore, the mounting board 14 is provided with special game display LEDs 30a and 30b on the left and right sides of the upper part of the mounting board 14. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the pinball game, a second starting prize winning slot 36a, which will be described later, is activated.

36b lights up when it becomes effective, notifying the player that a predetermined condition has been met.

It should be noted that when the predetermined condition is satisfied, the player is also notified of the fact by means of the small calf.

Furthermore, when the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the special game display LEDs 30a and 30b remain off.

Returning to FIG. 1, in the game area 12 of the game board 10, below the variable winning ball device 13 with a variable display, there is a starting winning hole device 31 including starting winning holes 31a to 31c as a passing area.
is installed. The details of the starting prize opening device 31 are shown in FIG. 3. To explain this, the starting prize opening device 31 has a mounting board 32 that is attached to the game board 10. The mounting board 32 is provided with three first starting prize openings 33a to 33c.

That is, these three first starting winning openings 33a to 33c are constituted by winning ball receiving frames 34a to 34c protruding from the center and left and right sides of the mounting board 32, and the winning ball receiving frames 34a
~34c Starting winning ball detector 3 that detects winning balls
5a to 35c are provided. Therefore, when a hit ball is received in the winning ball receiving frames 34a to 34c and detected by the starting winning ball detectors 35a to 35c, the variable indicators 16a to 16c as a gaming device are activated. There is. The front surfaces of the winning ball receiving frames 34a to 34c are covered with a common necklace plate 39.

Furthermore, the mounting board 32 has left and right first starting holes 33b.
, 33c are provided with second starting person award holes 36a and 36b. The second starting prize holes 36a, 36b are also constituted by winning ball receiving frames 37a, 37b protruding from the mounting board 32, and a winning ball detector 38a detects the winning balls in the winning ball receiving frames 37a, 37b. , 38b are provided,
Its front surface is covered with the necklace plate 39. In addition, the first starting prize openings 33a to 33c and the second starting winning opening 3
An operation indicator 40 is provided on the lower front surface of 6a and 36b. This operation indicator 40 is for displaying that it is actually functioning as a starting prize opening for operating the variable indicators 168 to 16c as a gaming device, and in a normal gaming state, the first When the operation indicators 40 corresponding to the starting prize holes 338 to 33c light up and a predetermined condition is satisfied, the first starting prize holes 33a to 33c and the second starting prize holes 36a, 36
All operation indicators 40 corresponding to b are lit. Note that the operation indicator 40 is protected by a protection member 41 that is erected between the mounting board 32 and the necklace plate 39.

Therefore, the second starter prize opening 36 configured as described above
a, 38b, in the normal gaming state, the winning ball detectors 38a, 38b are disabled, so even if a hit ball enters the winning ball receiving slots 37a, 37b, the winning ball detectors 38a, 38b are disabled.
8b does not operate, that is, it is just a winning opening.

On the other hand, in the pinball game, when a predetermined condition is established, the winning ball detectors 38a, 38b are activated, and therefore the hit balls enter the winning ball receiving frames 37a, 37b, and the winning ball detectors 38a, 38b are activated. When the switch 38b is turned on, the variable display devices 16a to 16c serving as gaming machines start variable display. In other words, when the predetermined condition is met, the output mode of the second starter prize openings 36a, 36b has been changed so as to function as a starter prize. Of course, in this case, since the first starting winning holes 33a to 33b also have the function of starting winning as they are, the number of starting winning holes increases due to the establishment of the predetermined condition. In addition, in this embodiment, as described later, the establishment of the predetermined condition is determined by the end of the specific gaming state, that is, the end of the jackpot, and after the end of the jackpot. , the predetermined condition is maintained until the number of variable displays on the variable displays 16a to 16c reaches a predetermined number (for example, 20 times).

In addition, the above-mentioned first starter prize holes 33a to 33c and the second
Obstacle nails 42 are planted above the starting winning holes 38a and 38b, so that the winning rate for each starting winning hole can be adjusted.

In addition, there are winning holes 43a, 43b, 44a, 4 on both left and right sides and diagonally downward sides of the variable winning ball device 13 with variable display.
4b is also placed. Furthermore, game effect lamps 45a and 45b are provided on the left and right sides of the center of the game area 12 to notify when the specific game state is reached.

Frame lamps 47a, 47 are provided on the upper part of the front frame 2 as having the same function as the game effect lamps 45a, 45b.
b is provided. Further, at the lowest part of the gaming area 12, an out port 46 is formed into which the balls that have not entered the winning ports described above flow into.

The configuration of the pachinko game machine 1 has been explained in detail above, and the operation of the pachinko game machine 1 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5A to 5C.

First, control of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be explained based on FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the control circuit configuration.

In the figure, the control circuit includes a microcomputer 50 as a control center, and the microcomputer 50 has the function of controlling the overall operation of the pachinko game machine 1 as described below. For this purpose, microcomputer 5
For example, 0 is composed of several chips of LSI,
It includes an MPU 51 that can execute control operations according to predetermined procedures, a ROM 52 that stores operation program data for the MPU 51, and a RAM 53 that can write and read necessary data. Furthermore, the microcomputer 50 includes an input circuit 54 that receives human input signals and provides input data to the MPU 51, an output circuit 55 that receives output data from the MPU 51 and outputs it to the outside, and
a sound generator 56 receiving sound data from 1;
A power-on reset circuit 57 that provides a reset pulse to the MPU 51 when the power is turned on, a clock generation circuit 58 that provides a clock signal to the MPU 51, and a clock generation circuit 5.
8 and an address decoding circuit 60 that decodes address data from the MPU 51. The MPU 51 can execute the operation of the interrupt control routine in response to interrupt pulses periodically given from the pulse frequency dividing circuit 59. Further, the address decoding circuit 60 decodes address data from the MPU 51 and stores it in the ROM 52 and RAM.
53, input circuit 54, output circuit 55, and sound generator 56 each receive a chip select signal. In this embodiment, the ROM 52 is a programmable ROM so that its contents can be rewritten, that is, the program data for the MPU 51 stored therein can be changed if the need arises. Then, the MPU 51 provides control signals to the variable winning ball device 13 with a variable display device and the like in accordance with the program data stored in the ROM 52 and in response to the input of each control signal described below.

The following signals are given to the microcomputer 50 as human input signals. First, the first starting prize opening 33a
Starting winning ball detectors 35a to 35C (hereinafter abbreviated as DS-SWI) provided corresponding to each of 33c to 33c,
And winning ball detectors 38a and 38b (hereinafter referred to as D
A detection signal of S-SW2) is given to the detection circuit 61 and given to the microcomputer 50 as a starting winning ball detection signal. Specific winning ball detector 26 (hereinafter,
The detection signal detected by the vSW (abbreviated as vSW) is provided to the detection circuit 62, and is then provided to the microcomputer 50 as a repetitive signal. Prize winning number detector 26.27a,
The detection signal detected by 27b (hereinafter abbreviated as CTSW) is given to the detection circuit 63 and given to the microcomputer 50 as a winning ball number counting signal.

The microcomputer 50 also provides control signals to the following circuits and devices. First, a drive signal is applied via the solenoid drive circuit 64 to the solenoid 22 that opens and closes the opening/closing plate 21 of the variable winning ball device 13 with a variable display. Via the lamp drive circuit 65, game effect lamps 45a, 45b and frame lamp 47a are provided corresponding to a specific game state.
, 47b are given a control signal to turn on or blink, respectively. Via the 7-segment LED drive circuit 66, the variable indicators 16a to 16c and the continuation count indicator 17
Gives a control signal to display variably. Control for lighting special game display LEDs 30a and 30b via the LED drive circuit 67 to notify that when a predetermined condition is met, the second starting winning holes 36a and 36b have the function of starting winning holes. A signal and a control signal for lighting up an operation indicator 40 indicating that it is currently functioning as a starting prize. Furthermore, the speaker 7 is connected via the amplifier 68.
The sound effect will be announced. Note that a predetermined DC voltage is supplied to each circuit of the above configuration from a power supply circuit (not shown).

Next, the operation of the control circuit shown in FIG. 4 will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 5A to 5C.

When the power of the control circuit is turned on, the microcomputer 50 first performs a VSW reception prohibition process (step S1). This is a measure to prevent illegal games by preventing the specific winning ball detector 26 (hereinafter referred to as SW) from operating even if the winning ball enters the specific winning hole 24.

When the game is started, it is first determined whether or not the starting increase flag is set (step S2). This start increase flag is set when a predetermined condition is satisfied, and in the case of this embodiment, the start increase flag is set in step S, which will be described later.
62, and determines whether a predetermined condition is satisfied when a specific gaming state, that is, a jackpot state ends.However, if it is determined that the starting increase flag is not set, the first starting winning flag is set. Mouths 33a to 33c
It is determined whether a hit ball has won and the starting winning ball detectors 358 to 35C (hereinafter referred to as DS-SWI) have been turned on (step S3). If it is determined that the DS/SWI is turned on, it is determined whether the value of the starting memory counter is "4", which is the highest value allowed for storage (step S4), and r
If it is not 4J, "1" is added to the value of the starting memory counter (step S5), and then the process proceeds to the next step 313.

On the other hand, in the step S2, if it is determined that the starting increase flag is set, the second starting winning holes 36a and 36b also have the function of starting winning holes, so the DS-5W1 or 2nd starting prize opening 36
Winning ball detectors 38a, 38b corresponding to a, 36b (
It is determined whether or not the DS-SW2 (hereinafter referred to as DS-SW2) is turned on (step S6). If it is determined that the DS-SW2 is turned ON, the value of the starting memory counter is set to the maximum storage value of "4".
” (Step S7), and if it is not “4”, “1” is added to the value of the starting memory counter (Step S8), and “1” is added to the value of the starting number counter (Step S8). S9). Then, the value of the start count counter becomes “
Step 5: IO)
2o", step S1 described later
Proceed to step 3. If it becomes "20", reset the starting increase flag (step 5ll), clear the starting number counter (step 512), then step 51
As described above, in this embodiment, after the starting increase flag is set, the first starting person reward ports 33a to 33c
And the number of times that the ball won in the second starting prize winning slot 36a, 36b and the variable display devices 16a to 16c were variably displayed (including those in the starting winning memory), that is, the value of the starting number counter reaches "20". Then, the starting increase flag is reset and the function of the second starting winning holes 36a, 36b as starting winning holes is extinguished. In other words, the predetermined condition is maintained until the variable indicators 16a to 16c display the variable 20 times. Note that the period during which the predetermined condition is maintained may be set to a certain period of time (for example, 10 minutes).

Ds-sw in step S3 or step s6
t or DS-3W2 is not turned on, or if it is determined that the value of the startup memory counter is "4" in step s4 or step S7, or the process of step s5 or step SIO When the process or the process of step S12 is completed, it is determined whether or not the variable displays 168 to 16c (hereinafter referred to as D) are in variable display mode (step 513). If variable display is in progress, the process advances to step s20, which will be described later. On the other hand, when variable display is not in progress, timer T1 is first turned on.
It is determined whether or not it is inside (step 514). After the timer T is determined to be in a specific game state, the opening/closing plate 2
This is set as the interval time between the timer T1 and the cycle period until the timer T1 opens and closes, and between the cycle periods. If it is determined that the timer T2 is not ON, it is determined whether or not the timer T2 is ON (step 515). This timer T2 is the opening time of the opening/closing plate 21 in a specific gaming state,
In this embodiment, 30 seconds is set. If it is determined that the timer T is ON, the process proceeds to step S31, which will be described later. If it is determined that the timer T is not ON, it is further determined whether or not the timer T is ON. This timer T3 is determined (step 816), and the solenoid of the opening/closing plate 21 is activated when the number of continuations does not reach the final one and when no ball hits the specific winning hole 24 during the cycle period. 22 is turned ON immediately after it is turned OFF. This is because the ball that won just before the opening/closing plate 21 is closed may enter the special winning hole 24 even after the solenoid 22 is turned off, and after the solenoid 22 is turned off. minute time (
For example, 2 seconds) the winning of the hit ball into the specific winning hole 24 is monitored. If the timer T is on, the process proceeds to step S45 shown in FIG. 5B; if the timer T is not on, it is determined whether or not the value of the starting memory counter is "0" (step S45). 517). The value of the starting memory counter is “
0'', the first starting prize openings 33a to 33C or the second starting person's prize opening 36a when the predetermined condition is satisfied.

Since there is no winning of the ball hit to 36b, the process returns to step S2.

If it is not "O", the first starting prize opening 338-33c
Or, since it means that the ball hits the second starting prize hole 36a, 38b when the predetermined condition is met, after subtracting "1" from the value of the starting memory counter (step 318),
Start variable display on the variable display device D1 (step 51
9). Next, it is determined whether or not there is a DI stop command signal, in this embodiment, a stop command signal derived after a predetermined time from the variable start (step 520), and if there is no stop command signal, the above-mentioned stop command signal is determined. Returning to step S2, steps 52 to S20 are repeated until a stop command signal is received. Note that the stop command signal may be derived by a stop switch that can be operated by the player.

In step S20, if it is determined that the stop command signal has been derived, the variable display of DI is stopped (step 521), and the display mode at the time of the stop is the jackpot display mode (odd numbered square). If it is not the jackpot display mode (step 522), the process returns to step S2 to return to the normal game again.

On the other hand, if the display D is determined to be a jackpot display, the game effect lamp 45 indicates that a specific game state has been entered.
a, 45b, frame lamps 45a, 45b and speaker 7
etc. (Step 523), and a timer T, which is an interval time, is turned on (Step 524). after that,
The process does not proceed to the next step until timer T1 times up (step 525).

When the timer T times out, the solenoid 22 (hereinafter referred to as 5oL1) is turned on to open the opening/closing plate 21 (step 526), the timer T2 is turned on (step 527), and the inhibition of VSW reception is canceled (step 528). Then, "1" is added to the value of the continuation number counter (step 529).

Next, it is determined whether the value of the continuation number counter is "10", which is the upper limit of the number of continuations (step 530),
If it is determined that it is rloJ, that is, it is determined that it is the last cycle period, then the fifth c.
Proceeding to the process shown in the figure, if it is determined that the value is not "10", first, in order to process the opening/closing plate 21, the vsw
It is determined whether or not the switch is turned ON (step 531).
If so, ■ Set the winning flag (Step 5)
32).

In step S31, VSW is ONL.

If it is determined that the CTSW has not been turned on, or if the process of step S32 has been completed, it is determined whether or not the CTSW has been turned on (step 533). ” (step 534
). After this process is completed, or if it is determined in step S33 that the CTSW is not ONL, it is determined whether or not the timer T2 has timed up (
Step 535), if the time is not up,
It is determined whether the value of the winning prize counter has reached "10" (step 536). However, if it is not "10", return to step S2 and step 5.
2~Step S15 → Step S31~Step S36
Repeat the process. Further, when the value reaches "10", the timer T is turned off to stop the timer T2 from counting time (step 537).

If it is determined in step S35 that the timer T2 has timed up, or if the process in step S37 is completed, it is assumed that the cycle period has ended, and 5OLI is turned off (step 538), and the prize winning counter is cleared. (step 539), the fifth B
Proceed to the process shown in the figure.

The process shown in FIG. 5B is a process of monitoring whether or not there is a winning of a ball hit into the specific winning opening 24 for a certain period of time even after the opening/closing plate 21 is closed. First, the ■ winning winning flag is set. It is determined whether or not (step 540). ■If it is determined that the winning flag is set, ■Clear the winning flag (step 541), and turn off the timer T1.
After NL/(step 542) and VSW acceptance prohibition processing (step 543), the process returns to step S2 to proceed to the next cycle period, and steps 82 to S
14→Step 525 to step S43 are repeated.

■If the winning flag is not set, that is, if there is no winning in the specific winning opening 24 while the opening/closing plate 21 is open, the timer T3 is turned on (step 544), and after that, whether the timer T3 times out or not It is determined whether or not (
Step 545), if the time is not up,
It is determined whether the VSW is turned on (step 546).
). If it is not ONL/, the process returns to step S2 and steps 32 to S16 → step S
Steps 45 to S46 are repeated. That is, timer T,
■Monitor the winnings until the time is up. However,
(2) If there is a winning prize, the timer T3 is turned off (step 547), and then the process proceeds to step S42 to proceed to the next cycle period.

When the timer T3 times up in step S45, it is assumed that the specific gaming state has ended, and first,
Perform vSW reception prohibition processing (step 548), and then
After clearing the continuation counter (step 549),
The process returns to step S2 and a normal game is played.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that the value of the continuation number counter is "10", the processes from step 350 to step S62 shown in FIG. 5C are performed as the final cycle period. To explain this, first, vSW reception prohibition processing is performed (step 5).
SO), this is a process performed because there is no need to detect a repetition condition in the final round. Then, C
It is determined whether the TSW is ONL (step 551).
), ONL, the value of the prize winning counter is set to “1”.
” is added (step 552). After this process is completed or in step S51, CTSW is turned ON.
If it is determined that the timer T2 has not timed up, it is determined whether or not the timer T2 has timed up (step 553). If the timer T2 has not timed up, the value of the prize winning counter is set to "
10” is determined (step 554).
However, if it is not "10", the DS-S
It is determined whether or not W is turned on (step 5).
55), when it is determined that the DS-5W is turned on, the value of the starting memory counter becomes "4", which is the highest memory allowed.
It is determined whether the DS-S
If it is determined that W is not ONL, or if it is determined that the value of the starting memory counter is "4" in step S56, or if the process of step S57 is completed, step S51 The process returns to step S51 to step S57 and repeats the process. Also, in step S54, the value of the prize winning number counter is "10".
If this happens, timer T2 stops counting time.

is turned off (step 558).

If it is determined in the step 553 that the timer T2 has timed out, or if the process in the step S58 is completed, it is assumed that the final cycle period has ended, and the winning prize counter is first cleared (step 559). , 5QL1 is turned off (step 560).
, the continuation counter is cleared (step 561),
Thereafter, after setting the starting increase flag as a predetermined condition has been established (step 562), the process returns to step S2 and the normal game is continued.

In this way, in this embodiment, it is determined that a predetermined condition in the pinball game is satisfied in a specific game state, that is, when a jackpot occurs and the jackpot state is terminated when the final number of continuations is reached and the jackpot state is terminated. It has become.

As is clear from the above description of the operation, in the pachinko game machine 1 according to this embodiment, in the normal gaming state, only the first starting prize openings 33a to 33c display the variable indicators 16a to 16c as the gaming device. However, when it is determined that a predetermined condition in the pinball game is satisfied in a specific game state, that is, when a jackpot occurs and the jackpot state is terminated by reaching the final number of consecutive playbacks. In addition to the first starting winning holes 33a to 33c, the second starting winning holes 36a and 36b also have the function of operating the variable display devices 16a to 16c as gaming devices, so the game can be continued. When the player is playing, the output mode of the starting prize opening changes, thereby making it possible to change the pattern for operating the gaming device, preventing the game from becoming monotonous, and thereby sufficiently attracting the player's interest. can.

Note that the following may be considered as a modification of the above-described embodiment.

■ Variable display 168-1 when the number of starting winning holes increases
The number of variable displays (additional display) using 7 segment LED etc. to notify the allowed number of variable displays (20 times) of 6c.
Alternatively, the remaining number of variable display times (subtraction display) may be displayed.

■ A variable display 16 as a device that satisfies a predetermined condition.
a to 16c may also be used. In this case, for example, when the variable indicators 16a to 16c show a specific display (double number of "2"; display other than jackpot), one or both of the second starting prize holes 36a, 36b It is only necessary to provide the engine with a starting function.

■ The number of starting winning holes after the jackpot ends may change depending on the display of the jackpot. For example, "1" or "
If you hit the jackpot with the number ``3'', the number of starting winning holes will not change, and if you hit the jackpot with the number ``5'' or ``9'', you will newly receive one of the second starting prizes. The winning opening has a starting function, and if you hit the jackpot with a double of "7",
Both of the second starter prize holes may have a starting function.

■ The number of starting winning holes may change depending on the number of continuations. For example, if the jackpot ends after the number of continuations from the 1st to the 5th time, one of the second starting prize holes will have a new starting function, and if the jackpot ends after the number of continuations from 6th to 5th time. What is necessary is to newly provide both second starting prize holes with a starting function.

(2) The number of starting winning holes after the jackpot ends may be changed by the ball passing through a special passing area in the variable winning ball device.

In the starting prize opening device 31 in the embodiment described above, the second starting prize opening is fixed, and in the normal gaming state, it acts as a mere winning opening, and when a predetermined condition is met, it has a starting function. However, a different starting prize opening device may be used. There is a starting prize opening device 70 shown in FIG. 6 as a different one. below,
With reference to FIG. 6, a starting prize opening device 70 according to the second embodiment
The configuration of is explained below. In the figure, the starting winning slot device 70 has a mounting board 71 that is attached to the game board 10, and three starting winning lowers 2.
76a and 76b are provided. Among these, the center starting prize lower lower 2 is configured as a movable starting winning lower lower 2 that can move in the left and right direction, and the starting winning lower lower a, 76 on both left and right sides.
b is a fixed starting winning lower arrow a fixed to the mounting board 71;
.

76b. Therefore, in the movable starting winning lower 2, the winning ball receiving frame 3 is formed separately from the mounting board 71, and this winning ball receiving frame 73 is inserted along the guide elongated hole 74 opened laterally in the mounting board 71. Constructed to be movable. In addition, the winning ball receiving frame 73 includes a starting winning ball detector 75.
is integrally provided so that winning balls can be detected. In addition, winning ball receiving frames 77a5, 77b are protruded from both left and right sides of the mounting board 71, and this winning ball receiving frame 7
Starting winning ball detectors 78a, 7 provided at 7a, 77b
Together with 8b, fixed start winning lower a and 76b are configured. The movable starting winning lower 2 is configured to be able to reciprocate between the fixed starting winning lowers a and 76b at a predetermined period.

In the starting winning opening device 70 according to the second embodiment configured as described above, the movable starting winning winning lower 2 is located at the center in the normal gaming state, and a predetermined condition predetermined in the pinball game is satisfied. Then, it starts to move periodically in the left and right direction, and when a ball hits the movable starting winning lower 2, its function is changed so that the gaming device operates in a manner different from the normal gaming state. If the hit ball enters the winning hole 43a as a predetermined condition is satisfied, then when the hit ball enters the winning hole 43a, it moves in the left and right direction at a constant period. Therefore, when the left and right fixed starting winning lowers a and 76b and the movable starting winning lower 2 are lined up in parallel (as shown by the dashed line in Fig. 6), it is as if the thickness of the starting winning opening is doubled. As a result, it becomes extremely easy for the balls that fall in the vicinity to win a prize, and the operating mode of the movable starting prize winning lower 2 with respect to the gaming machine changes (
For example, the game device is activated twice), so the number of times the gaming device is activated can be increased.

Therefore, also in the starting winning hole device 70 according to the second embodiment, the position of the starting winning hole changes while the game is being played continuously, and the output mode thereof also changes, thereby causing the gaming device to change. The operating pattern can be changed, preventing the game from becoming monotonous, thereby sufficiently attracting the interest of the players.

In the case of this embodiment, the movable starting winning lower 2 is moved at regular intervals, but it may be stopped for a predetermined period of time in parallel with the left and right fixed starting winning lowering lowers a and 76b. Alternatively, it may be possible to move only in one direction. In addition, all three starting prize openings may be movable.Furthermore, the movement period of the movable starting winning lower 2 is until a predetermined number of balls enter the starting winning opening, or until a certain period of time has elapsed. Alternatively, it may be set to continue until a condition is met, such as until a prize is won in the movable start winning lower 2 again.

In addition, the establishment of the predetermined condition may be determined by the end of the jackpot state as in the first embodiment, or may be determined by the display mode of the variable display.
Instead, the predetermined condition may be satisfied when a hit ball hits a winning ball device or the like that is opened at the start of winning or under other conditions.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the variable display device (variable display devices 16a to 16c) was illustrated as the gaming device, but
The present invention is not limited to this, and a variable winning ball device that can change between a first state in which it is easy to receive a hit ball and a second state in which it is difficult to receive a hit ball or not to be received may be used. For example, a variable winning ball device 80 as shown in FIG. 7 may be used.

To explain this variable winning ball device 80, the variable winning ball device 80 includes a mounting board 8 attached to the game board 10.
1, a rectangular window opening 82 is formed in the center of the mounting board 81, and a winning space 8 is formed on the back side of the window opening 82.
3 is formed. A winning regulation part 84 is protruded from the upper part of the window opening 82 , and an upper decorative plate 85 is fixed to the front surface of the winning regulation part 84 . A prize opening 86 is formed in the slot.

In addition, in the center of this upper decorative plate 85, there is a continuation number display 8 for notifying the number of continuations (8 times) of the opening/closing cycle, which will be described later.
A plurality of them are arranged so that 7 faces the front.

A pair of opening/closing wings 8 are located approximately at the center left and right of the window opening 82.
8a and 88b are pivotally supported so that they can be opened and closed. The opening/closing blades 88a, 88b are connected to a solenoid (not shown) as an electric drive source via a link member (not shown), and the opening/closing blades 88a, 88b are connected to a solenoid (not shown) as an electric drive source, and the opening/closing blades 88a, 88b are turned on or off in response to the energization or de-energization of the solenoid. The receiver alternately changes between an open state in which the ball is received by the receiver and a closed state in which the receiver does not receive the ball.

The winning space 83 has a concave shape with a depth width in the front and rear directions, and a normal rolling plate 91 that divides the winning space 83 into upper and lower parts is lying horizontally. The normal rolling plate 91 is provided so as to be inclined downwardly toward the rear, and the opening/closing wing piece 88
The winning pressure guided by points a and 8.8b and riding on the normal rolling plate 91 is transferred to the rear and falls downward toward the rear of the winning space 83. Therefore, the winning pressure guided to the normal rolling plate 91 is applied to the winning ball receiving frame 93 which will be described later.
Since the winnings do not flow to the specified winning slot 96, there is no possibility of winning into the specific winning opening 96.

At the center of the forward rotating plate 91, a sorting device 89 with an airplane design is provided. This distribution device 89 is configured such that a swinging member 90 in the nose section swings vertically about a support shaft. That is, a solenoid (not shown) is connected to the swinging member 90, and swings in the vertical direction in response to energization or de-energization of the solenoid. Therefore, the device 89 distributes the winning pressure guided by the opening/closing wings 88a, 88b to the opening/closing wings 8.
8a, 88b to fall toward a specific winning opening 96 and normal winning openings 97a, 97b, which will be described later, depending on the delicate positional relationship with the rotation angle of 8a, 88b. More specifically, when the swinging member 90 swings downward, there is a high possibility that the balls guided by the opening/closing wings 88a and 88b will fall directly downward, and therefore, the balls will fall into the specific winning hole 96. You have a higher chance of winning. On the other hand, when the swinging member 90 is in the upward swinging position, the ball is moved from the opening/closing blades 88a, 88b to the normal rolling plate 91.
Or, it flows down from the opening/closing wing pieces 88a, 88b and collides with the side of the swinging member 90, and is repelled in the left and right direction.
7a, 97b becomes more likely. Therefore, when the swinging member 90 is rocking, the specific winning hole 9
There is a high possibility of winning the 6th prize. Therefore, in this embodiment, the distribution device 89 is driven in the latter half of the opening/closing cycle (for example, after winning 5 prizes or opening/closing 9 times). Note that the distribution may be performed by fixing the device 89 without swinging it as described above.

Further, a winning number display 92 is provided on the lower rear panel of the distribution device 89 to display the number of winning balls won during one opening/closing cycle when a specific gaming state is entered.

The winning pressure guided by the opening/closing blades 88a and 88b is transferred backward on the normal rolling plate 91 as described above, or
Alternatively, the ball falls directly downward from the opening/closing wing pieces 88a and 88b, and a winning ball receiving frame 93 is protruded from the lower part thereof so as to surround both lower side edges and the lower edge of the window opening 82, and the winning ball receiving frame 93 A lower decorative plate 94 is attached to the front surface of the. Thus, a plurality of winning holes are formed in this winning ball receiving frame 93 by partition members 95. That is, a specific winning hole 96 is formed approximately in the center of the winning ball receiving frame 93, and normal winning holes 97a and 97b are formed on both left and right sides thereof. Then, the winning pressure of winning in the specific winning hole 96 is detected by a specific winning ball detector (not shown).

The operation of the variable prize winning ball device 80 as a gaming machine configured as described above will be explained. This variable winning ball device 8
0, the first starting prize holes 33a to 33c of the starting winning hole device 31 in the first embodiment are provided so as to correspond. Therefore, when a ball hits the center starting winning hole 33a among the starting winning holes 33a to 33c, the opening/closing wing pieces 88a88b open and close twice at a relatively short time interval,
When the ball hits the left and right starting prize openings 33b and 33c,
The opening/closing blades 88a, 88b open/close once at relatively short time intervals. When the ball received by the opening/closing wings 88a, 88b during the opening/closing operation twice or once enters the special winning hole 96, a specific game state is entered and the opening/closing wings 88a.

88b is opened and closed a predetermined number of times (for example, 18 times) at relatively short time intervals, or a predetermined number of balls (for example, 10) hit by the variable winning ball device 80 win during the predetermined number of opening and closing operations. The state changes to an advantageous state for the player (hereinafter referred to as an opening/closing cycle) until the ball hits the specified winning hole 96, and such opening/closing cycle continues for a predetermined number of times (e.g., 8 times) on the condition that the ball enters the specific winning hole 96. It is now possible to do so. However, in this embodiment, when a ball hits the specific winning hole 96, the current opening/closing cycle ends immediately and the next opening/closing cycle begins.

By the way, the relationship between the starting winning holes 33a to 33c and the variable winning ball device 80 as a gaming device is that in the normal gaming state, as described above, the central starting winning hole 33a opens and closes the opening/closing wings 88a and 88b twice. The left and right starting winning ports 33b and 33c open and close the opening and closing wings 88a and 88b once, but when predetermined conditions are met, the opening and closing wings of the left and right starting winning ports 33b and 33c open and close once. 88a
The output mode for 88b is set to be different. For example, after the predetermined condition is established, the left and right starting prize openings 33
When the hit ball lands on b, 33c, the opening/closing wing piece 88a
, 88b is set to change its function so that it opens and closes twice. Therefore, even when the variable winning ball device 8o is applied, the output mode of the starting winning hole to the gaming device changes while the game is being played continuously, and as a result, the variable winning ball device 8o as a gaming device changes.
The pattern for operating can be changed,
It is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous and thereby sufficiently attract the interest of the players.

In addition, in the case of this example, the output mode was changed from the 1-time opening/closing starting winning hole to the 2-time opening/closing starting winning hole, but the output mode was changed from the 2-time opening/closing starting winning hole to the 3-time opening/closing starting winning hole. Alternatively, instead of changing the number of times of opening and closing, the output mode may be changed so that the opening angle and opening/closing time of the opening/closing blades 88a88b are changed. Further, the variable winning ball device may be provided with a sliding member that slides laterally in place of the opening/closing wings 88a and 88b.

Although three embodiments have been described above, the following may be considered as other embodiments.

■ As a change in the output mode of the starting winning hole, an example of changing the starting winning hole (including increase/decrease) and an example of moving the starting winning hole have been shown, but the invention is not limited to this.

For example, changing what normally functions as a starting winning hole to a normal winning opening, changing what was a normal winning opening to a starting winning hole, or even if the starting winning hole is the same, the gaming device The output mode may be changed such that the number of times the game is activated is different, or the output mode may be changed such that different game devices are operated.

■ As a predetermined condition for the pinball game, the end of the jackpot or a specific winning opening (including the starting winning opening)
Although the example is exemplified in which the ball won in the game, the present invention is not limited to this, and any condition may be used as long as it occurs while playing the game. For example, if the variable winning ball device is opened when a ball hits the starting winning hole while the right is being generated, the starting winning hole is considered to be the fulfillment of a predetermined condition, and the starting winning hole is opened by the variable winning ball device. It may also be arranged to move downward.

■ The period during which the output mode of the starting prize opening changes, that is,
The period during which the predetermined condition is maintained may be from the time when the output mode of the starting winning hole is changed until the next jackpot is achieved.

■ If a predetermined condition is met, the starting winnings may be memorized. In this case, the player is asked to turn on the operation switch.
Then, the gaming machine may be arbitrarily operated according to the stored amount.

■ After a predetermined condition is satisfied, the number of prize balls paid out by starting winnings may be reduced.

For example, in the normal gaming state, 13 prize balls are paid out by winning in the starting prize opening, whereas 8 prize balls are paid out by winning in the starting winning opening after the predetermined conditions are met. ■ Instead of a pinball game machine in which a player throws borrowed balls into the hit ball supply tray 6 to play the game, an enclosed ball is enclosed in the game machine by a storage medium that stores ball data. It is also possible to use a so-called card-type pinball game machine in which a game can be played by firing a ball.

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above explanation, in the pinball game machine according to the present invention, when it is determined that a predetermined condition is satisfied in the pinball game, the output mode changing means is activated. Since the configuration is configured to change the output mode of the passing ball detection means provided to the gaming device, if a predetermined condition is satisfied during the continuation of the game, the pattern for operating the gaming device can be changed. This can prevent the game from becoming half-toned,
As a result, it is possible to sufficiently attract the interest of the players.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine as an example of a pinball game machine according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a variable winning ball device with a variable display as a game device provided on the game board of the pachinko game machine. 3 is a front view of the starting winning slot device provided on the game board, FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a circuit that controls the operation of the pachinko gaming machine, and FIGS. 5A to 5C are FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the specific operation of the control circuit, FIG. 6 is a front view of a starting winning slot device according to another embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a variable winning opening device as another example of the gaming machine. FIG. 3 is a front view of the ball device. 1. Pachinko gaming machine (pinball gaming machine) 16a to 16c... Variable display (gaming device) 33a to 3
3c... 1st starting prize opening (passing area) 35a to 35c.
- Starting winning ball detector (passing ball detection means) 38a, 36b...Second starting winning hole (passing area) 38a
, 38b... Winning ball detector (passing ball detection means) 50... Microcomputer 72... Movable starting winning hole (passing area) 75... Starting winning ball detector (passing ball detecting means) 76a,
76b...Fixed starting prize opening (passing area) 78a, 78b
...Starting winning ball detector (passing ball detection means) 80...Variable winning ball device (gaming device) Figure 2 Patent applicant Sankyo Co., Ltd.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A gaming device that operates based on a detection output of the passing ball detecting means: a passing area through which a hit ball can pass; passing ball detecting means for detecting a hitting ball passing through the passing area; In a pinball game machine, the pinball game machine includes:
Furthermore, a predetermined condition determining means for determining whether a predetermined condition is satisfied in the pinball game, and an output mode of the passing ball detecting means provided to the gaming device based on the determination output of the predetermined condition determining means are changed. A pinball game machine comprising: output mode changing means.