JPH04218189A - Pinball machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide a pinball machine which can give a large game value at a time as far as possible along with the generation of a specified game condition and further reduce as far as possible the choking of prize winning balls caused by the employment of a storing system by employing the storing system for storing the prize winning balls received in a variable prize winning ball device. CONSTITUTION:The pinball machine comprises a drive control circuit 70 to drivably open a variable prize winning ball device 40 on the basis of a specified game condition having a predetermined special game condition, an arranging path 37 capable of storing prize winning balls received in the variable prize winning ball device 40 drivably opened by the drive control circuit 70, a releasing means to release the prize winning balls stored in the arranging path 37 on the basis of at least a certain number of prize winning balls stored in the variable prize winning ball device 40 and a prize ball ejecting mechanism to eject the prize ball on the basis of the prize ball released by the releasing means.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a pinball game machine typified by a pachinko game machine, etc., and more specifically, it changes between a first state that is advantageous for the player and a second state that is disadvantageous for the player. The present invention relates to a pinball game machine in which a variable winning ball device is provided, and the variable winning ball device is drive-controlled to the first state when the gaming state becomes a predetermined specific gaming state.

0002

[Prior Art] In this type of pinball game machine, one that has been generally known is, for example, a variable winning ball device based on a game state becoming a predetermined specific game state. The variable winning ball device is configured to drive and control the ball to a first state that is advantageous to the player, and to award a predetermined gaming value each time a ball hits the variable winning ball device.

However, in this type of conventional pinball game machine, every time the ball hit in the variable winning ball device wins, one
The player is given a gaming value equivalent to the number of times he wins a prize, and from the player's point of view, the gaming value given is piecemeal and increases slowly. The drawback was that you couldn't really enjoy the real thrill.

0004

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned drawbacks, the variable winning ball device is drive-controlled to be in the first state for a certain period of time, and the variable winning ball device is drive-controlled to the first state. It is conceivable to store winning balls that have won in the device, release the stored winning balls after the certain period of time has elapsed, and provide a large gaming value all at once based on the released winning balls. . By configuring a storage-type pinball game machine that stores winning balls in this way, it is possible to allocate a large amount of gaming value all at once based on the released winning balls, and the great thrill that accompanies the occurrence of a specific gaming state can be enhanced. It becomes possible to give the player a taste of the game.

[0005] However, if the winning balls are stored once and then released all at once, there is a possibility that the winning balls will become jammed because too many winning balls will be released and flow down at once. A new drawback arises.

[0006] The present invention was devised in view of the actual situation, and its purpose is to provide a large gaming value at once by adopting a storage method of storing winning balls in a variable winning ball device. To provide a pinball game machine which can prevent winning balls from clogging as much as possible due to adoption of a storage system.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides a variable winning ball device that can freely change between a first state that is advantageous for the player and a second state that is disadvantageous for the player, and a game state that is predetermined. a specific gaming state detection means for detecting that a specific gaming state has been entered; and a drive control means for driving and controlling the variable winning ball device to the first state based on the detection output of the specific gaming state detection means; a storage means capable of storing winning balls received in the variable winning ball device whose drive is controlled to be in the first state by the drive control means; and a storage device capable of storing winning balls received in the variable winning ball device; a winning number detecting means for detecting that the winning number has exceeded the number of winning balls, a releasing means for releasing the winning balls stored by the storing means when the detection output of the winning number detecting means is derived, and the releasing means The present invention is characterized in that it includes a gaming value imparting means for imparting a gaming value based on the winning balls released by.

[0008]

[Operation] According to the present invention, when the gaming state reaches a predetermined specific gaming state, the variable winning ball device is drive-controlled to the first state that is advantageous to the player, and the drive control is performed to the first state. The winning balls received in the variable winning ball device are stored by the function of the storage means. When the number of winning balls accepted in the variable winning ball device exceeds a certain number, the winning balls stored by the storage means are released, and the gaming value based on the released winning balls is transferred to the gaming value giving means. It is given by work.

In other words, by adopting a storage method in which winning prize balls are stored in a variable winning ball device, a large amount of gaming value is given at once, and the player can experience the real thrill of the game when a specific gaming state occurs. Although it is possible to
If the number of winning balls accepted in the variable winning ball device exceeds a certain number, the stored winning balls will be released, so an upper limit is set on the number of stored winning balls, and when the stored winning balls are released. Ball clogging is minimized.

0010

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine which is an embodiment of the pinball game machine according to the present invention. In the configuration, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a front frame 11 that can be opened and closed,
A game board 1 is mounted on a front frame 11. On game board 1,
Safe holes 2a, 2b, a winning area 3a where conditions are set for variable display of a variable display device 50 (described later) depending on winning balls.
~3c, multiple yakumono (commonly known as tulips) 4a, 4
b, and an out ball inlet 5 are formed. These safe holes 2a, 2b, winning areas 3a to 3c and Yakumono 4a,
Reference numeral 4b denotes a winning hole, which is an example of a winning area, and is determined to 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. 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 is provided to detect balls that have passed through the passing area, and the output of the switch is used to issue a command to release a prize ball.

Further, a variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is arranged approximately in the center of the game board 1. The variable winning ball/variable display device 30 includes a variable winning ball device 40 and a variable display device 50 shown in FIGS.
It is configured by being integrally attached to the. The variable display device 50 is
Rotating drum display mechanism 50A as an example of a mechanically variable display member
and a segment display 5 as an example of an electrically variable display member.
It is configured including 0B. Then, the variable display device 50 starts variable display on the rotary drum display mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B according to the winning balls 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, stop the variable display. 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 for driving the variable winning ball device 40 to open, a winning area is formed in a place where it is relatively difficult to win (for example, inside the variable winning ball device 40), and the winning area is A specific gaming state may be detected based on winning balls.

Further, in the lower part of the variable winning balls/variable display device 30, an alignment path 37 is provided as an example of winning ball number display means. This alignment path 37 is a variable winning ball device 40
The winning balls are arranged and stored, and the stored winning balls can be seen through from the front of the game board 1. Details of this alignment path 37 will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, which will be described later. Note that instead of the alignment path 37, a numerical information display 6 may be provided at the upper corner of the game board 1 as another example of the winning ball number display means. In this case, a detection switch is provided to detect winning balls without storing winning balls in the variable winning ball device 40,
A counter for counting the output of the detection switch may be provided, and the count value of the counter may be electrically displayed on the numerical information display 6. Details of this case will be described later in FIG. 9.

A prize ball discharge port 12, a batted ball waiting gutter 13, a batted ball handle 14, a surplus prize ball discharge port 15, and a ball tray 16 are provided below the front frame 11. Here, the batted ball waiting gutter 13 is used as a storage tray for temporarily storing the prize balls released from the prize ball discharge port 12 and the balls borrowed by the player from the ball rental machine, and also serves as a storage tray for arranging the stored balls into one. It functions to supply each ball 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. In addition, if necessary, on the front frame 11 near the ball hitting handle 14 or on the outer periphery of the ball hitting handle 14,
A batting command switch 14s is provided.

Further, the front frame 11 is provided with a stop command switch 17. The stop command switch 17 is used to command the variable display of the variable display device 50 to stop by operation by the player.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the back structure of the pachinko gaming machine 10. In the figure, winning areas 3a, 3b, 3c
Paths 211 and 212 are formed on the back surface of the game board 1 on which the winning balls passing through the winning area are guided downward. Below the path 211, there is a winning area 3a or 3b.
A winning ball detector 22a is provided for detecting winning balls. A winning ball detector 22b is provided below the path 212 to detect winning balls entering the winning area 3c. In addition, if necessary, the winning balls detected by the winning ball detectors 22a and 22b are brought to the upper positions of the Yakumono 4a and 4b, and are used to open the ball receiving pieces of the Yakumono 4a and 4b. . The outputs of the winning ball detectors 22a and 22b are:
Rotating drum display mechanism 50A and segment display 50
B is used as a detection output indicating a state in which display driving is possible. Then, the game board 1 is located slightly above the out ball entrance 5.
A path 213 is provided on the back surface of the . The path 213 includes safe holes 2a and 2b, winning areas 3a to 3c, and Yakumono 4a.
, 4b or the variable winning ball device 40 is guided to the winning ball processing device 23. The winning ball processing device 23 drops the winning balls guided through the path 213 one by one. The balls dropped one by one by the winning ball processing device 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 ball. This prize ball discharging mechanism constitutes a gaming value imparting means that imparts a gaming value based on the winning balls released by the releasing means described later.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30.

4 and 5 show details of the variable winning ball device 40, particularly FIG. 4 shows details of the variable winning ball device 40 seen from the back side of the variable winning ball/variable display device 30, and FIG. 5 shows the details of the variable winning ball device 40. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the winning area portion of the winning ball device 40.

FIG. 6 is an illustrative diagram showing details of the rotating drum display mechanism 50A.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6, variable winning balls and
The configuration of the variable display device 30 will be explained. The variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is constructed by integrally mounting the variable winning ball device 40 and the variable display device 50 on a mounting plate 31. More specifically, the mounting plate 31 has an opening 32 formed therein. The opening 32 is selected to be a rectangular hole so that it becomes a winning area when the opening/closing plate 41 of the variable winning ball device 40 is opened. Further, the mounting plate 31 is provided with display windows 33a, 33b, and 33c for displaying identification information drawn on the rotating drum included in the rotating drum display mechanism 50A. Further, a frame member 34 is attached to an upper position of the mounting plate 31. The frame member 34 is equipped with a segment display 50B, and an inverted eight-shaped ball receiving plate 341 is formed on the upper part of the segment display 50B. The balls received by this ball receiving plate 341 are guided to the back side through a hole that becomes the winning area 3a. Passage areas 342 and 343 for allowing balls to pass are formed in a laterally extending portion of the frame member 35. Furthermore, a plurality of obstruction nails 35 are installed in the mounting plate 31 at the upper position of the opening 32.

A guide member 36 is installed between the obstruction nail 36 and the opening 32. The guide member 36 forms guide plates along 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 opens the opening/closing plate 41 to the front to accept balls as a first state which is advantageous to the player, and opens the opening/closing plate 41 to the front as an example of a second state which is disadvantageous to the player. This closes the ball and makes it impossible to accept balls. More specifically, a variable winning ball device 40 is provided in relation to the opening 32. The variable prize winning ball device 40 has an opening/closing plate 41 rotatably attached to the front surface of the frame member 42 (that is, the portion related to the opening 32). That is, triangular side walls 411, 4 are provided on both sides of the opening/closing plate 41.
12 is formed. The side walls 411 and 412 are rotatably directed to the side portion of the frame member 42 by a shaft 414. Frame member 4
Paths 421 and 422 are formed below 2. The back side of the frame member 42 is covered with a cover 423. When the opening/closing plate 41 is opened, the opening 32 becomes a winning area 43 where balls can be won. The winning area 43 is laterally divided into a plurality of winning areas 43a to 43c as necessary. The winning area 43a is opened and closed again as needed by a winning ball while the opening and closing board 41 is being opened in a specific game state.
1 is opened to put the variable winning ball device 40 in a state where it is easy to win a prize. For that purpose, winning area 4
The winning ball 3a is guided to the back side and detected by a detection switch 44a provided below. Winning area 43a~
The winning balls 43c are guided downward via paths 421 and 422, respectively. Note that the first state of the variable winning ball device 40 may be one in which the opening/closing plate 41 is opened and closed repeatedly, and the second state is a state in which no balls win at all, but a state in which no balls win. It may be difficult.

An alignment path 37 is provided below the paths 421 and 422. This alignment path 37 has a width that is slightly larger than the diameter of one ball, and a length that is approximately similar to the length of a predetermined number of balls lined up that was allowed during the opening period of the variable winning ball device 40. Selected by On the front surface of the alignment path 37, a slot slightly smaller than the diameter of one ball is formed along the alignment direction, so that the winning balls stored in the alignment path 37 can be seen through from the front of the game board 1. do. This alignment path 37 constitutes a storage means capable of storing winning balls received in the variable winning ball device, which is drive-controlled to the first state by a drive control means to be described later. An outlet 371 is formed below the alignment path 37 . Further, an exit (a hole through which the ball can pass) 372 is formed on the back surface near the upper entrance of the alignment path 37. This outlet 372 is configured to release the ball when a certain number (for example, the 10th ball) enters the alignment path 37 when the number of balls that is one less than a certain number is stored in the alignment path 37. Lead to the back side. A path 373 is formed on the back side of the outlet 372. A detection switch 44b for detecting a certain number of winning balls is provided at the end of the path 373. In addition, this detection switch 44b and winning area 43a are as follows:
There is a detection switch 44 on the upper side of the ball flow lower than the winning area 43a.
The positional relationship may be such that b is placed.

Note that numbers corresponding to the number of balls that are sequentially aligned from the bottom may be drawn on the back cover of the alignment path 37. In order to be able to see through the balls stored in the alignment path 37, instead of the slots, small holes may be bored at intervals equal to the diameter of the balls. In yet another modification, the width of the slot formed on the front surface of the alignment path 37 may be selected to be approximately equal to or greater than the diameter of the ball, and a transparent cover may be formed in front of it.

[0025] On the back side of the alignment path 37, a winning ball storage and release mechanism 38 is provided in association. The winning ball storage and release mechanism 38 is constructed by fixing a sliding lever 383 to a plunger 382 of a solenoid 381 and slidably supporting the sliding lever 383 with a support portion 384. Sliding lever 3
The tip of 83 is bent into an L shape and faces the outlet 371 below the alignment path 37 . And solenoid 38
1 is energized, the sliding lever 383 is slid upward to open the outlet 371 and release the winning balls stored in the alignment path 37. When the solenoid 381 is deenergized, the sliding lever 383 is slid downward to close the outlet 371.
is closed, and winning balls are stored in the alignment path 37. This state is shown in FIG.

An opening/closing drive mechanism 45 is provided in conjunction with the opening/closing plate 41. The opening/closing drive mechanism 45 includes a solenoid 4
It is constructed by connecting a part of a T-shaped lever 453 to a plunger 452 of 51. The lever 453 is rotatably supported at its center by a pin 454 fixed to the mounting plate 31. One end of the rod 455 is engaged with one end of the lever 453 . The other end of the rod 455 is connected to a pin 413 formed on the side wall of the opening/closing plate 41 . The other end of the short side of the lever 453 is tension-biased by a spring 456. by this,
When the solenoid 451 is electrically de-energized, the lower end of the lever 453 is pulled by the spring 456 and the tip of the long side is rotated in the counterclockwise direction in the figure.
The opening/closing plate 1 is closed. On the contrary, solenoid 45
When 1 is energized, the lever 453 rotates clockwise in the figure and pulls up the rod 455 to open the opening/closing plate 41 to the front.

[0027] In the illustration, as an example of a variable winning ball device, there is a variable winning ball device that can be changed into a state in which it is easy to win a ball as a state that is advantageous to the player, and a state in which it is not possible to win a ball as a state that is disadvantageous to the player. However, it goes without saying that various other variable winning ball devices may be used. For example, as another example of a variable winning ball device, like the so-called tulip, a pair of ball receiving pieces are opened on the left and right to make it easier for the player to win the ball, which is advantageous to the player. As a disadvantageous state, the ball receiving piece may be closed to make it difficult to win a ball. Further, as yet another example of the variable winning ball device, an opening/closing plate that can be opened and closed is provided on the front of the game board 1,
A ball entrance for receiving one ball may be formed at the top of the opening/closing board, and the opening/closing board may be closed during normal gaming conditions, and may be configured to open based on a certain gaming state. .

Next, details of the variable display device 50 will be described. Variable display device 50 includes a rotating drum display mechanism 50A and a segment display 50B. Rotating drum display mechanism 5
0A is configured as shown in FIG. That is, the rotating drum group 51 includes multiple rows of rotating drums 51a, 51b, 5
Contains 1c. Identification information such as a picture pattern, a symbol, or a number (for example, a picture pattern such as a bell, a star, a yacht, or a symbol such as a number or an alphabet) is drawn on the outer periphery of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row. Rotating drum 5 in each row
A ratchet gear 5 having a number of teeth corresponding to the number of identification information drawn on the outer periphery is provided on each side of 1a to 51c.
2a to 52c (only 52c is shown in the figure) are fixed. Each of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row is loosely fitted onto the 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 of the box 54. A gear 551 included in the rotational force transmission mechanism 55 is fixed to one end of the drum shaft 53. The gear 551 is meshed with a transmission gear 552. A motor 56 for driving the rotating drum is mounted on the side of the box 54. A geared motor is used as the motor 56, and its driving gear is coupled to the gear 552. The rotational force of the motor 56 is transmitted through the gears 552 and 55.
1 to the drum shaft 53, and the rotary drum group 51
drive the rotation. Further, on the rear back surface of the box 54, a solenoid 57a is provided for individually rotating or stopping each of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row.
~57c is fixed. These solenoids 57a-5
The plungers 571 of 7c each have a locking lever 58a.
It is connected to one end of ~58c with a pin. Approximately central portions of these locking levers 58a to 58c are supported by a shaft 581. Both sides of the shaft 581 are fixed to both sides of the box 54. At the tip of each of the locking levers 58a to 58c,
A claw-like portion 582 is formed. Each locking lever 58a to 58
The claw-like portion 582 of c is connected to the corresponding ratchet gear 52a~
52c to stop the rotating drums in each row and maintain the locked state.

[0029]The specific game state in which the variable winning ball device 40 can be kept in the first state for a relatively long period of time is determined by identifying the picture pattern of each row displayed on the rotating drum display mechanism 50A. It is determined by the combination of the information combination state and the display state of the numerical information displayed on the segment display 50B.

Other examples of the specific game state include only the display state of the rotating drum display mechanism 50A, only the display state of the segment display 50B when a plurality of digits are provided, or only the display state of the segment display 50B provided on the game board 1. This may be based on any of the cases where a ball passes through a specific winning area.

FIG. 7 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 and a rotating drum drive control circuit 62.
, a display drive circuit 63, a specific game state detection circuit 64 as an example of a specific game state detection means, a predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit 65, and a drive control circuit 70 as an example of drive control means. Further, the game control circuit 60 includes a predetermined value provision state detection circuit 66 and a numerical information display drive circuit 67 as necessary.

Here, the variable display enable condition detection circuit 61 detects a condition that allows the variable display device 50 to display a variable display. The rotating drum drive control circuit 62 drives and controls the rotating drum display mechanism 50A based on variable display enable conditions. The display drive circuit 63 drives the segment display 50B to display based on variable display enable conditions. Based on the combination of the display state of the rotating drum display mechanism 50A and the display state of the segment display 50B, the specific game state detection circuit 64
It is detected that a predetermined specific gaming state has been entered. In addition, the specific gaming state detection circuit 64 preferably includes a function of detecting not only the specific gaming state but also other gaming states and a condition that allows the variable prize winning ball device 40 to be in the first state. The predetermined winning ball number detection circuit 65 detects that the number of winning balls that can be won in the variable winning ball device 40 in a specific game state is a predetermined number allowed in advance. This predetermined number of winning balls detecting circuit 65 constitutes winning number detecting means for detecting that the number of winning balls received in the variable winning ball device exceeds a certain number. Predetermined value provision state detection circuit 6
6 detects a state in which a predetermined value is given in a specific game state (for example, a state in which a relatively large number of prize balls set as the number of prize balls is given).

FIG. 8 is a detailed circuit diagram of the drive control circuit 70 and the predetermined winning ball number detection circuit 65. This drive control circuit 70 includes timers 711 to 714, an OR gate 72,
Driver 73, flip-flop 74, and gate 7
5, a timer 76, a differentiation circuit 77, and a driver 78. Here, the driver 73 drives the variable winning ball device 40 to the first state by energizing the solenoid 451 during the output period of the OR gate 72. The flip-flop 74 is set by the determination signal j0 and reset by the output of the predetermined value provision state detection circuit 66. That is, the drive control circuit 70 of this embodiment repeats the variable winning ball device 40 during the period from when the determination signal j0 is received until it gives a predetermined value (that is, reaches the stoppage) to select the first ball that is easy to win. This is to ensure that a certain number of winning balls are produced at that time, and a predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit 65 detects that a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls have entered the alignment path 37. A case is shown in which a detection switch 44b for detection is used.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 8, specific operations when playing a game with the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment will be explained. The player puts the ball borrowed from the ball lending machine into the ball waiting gutter 13, rotates the ball hitting handle 14 to adjust the strength of the ball, and then presses the ball hitting switch 14s. Electric power is supplied to the motor 241 in response to the depression of the ball hitting switch 14s. Accordingly, the motor 241 rotates and the ball hitting cam 2
By intermittently rotating the ball hitting hammer 243 at 42, balls are hit into the game board 1 one by one. When the player is playing a ball hitting game in this way, the ball is thrown from the safe hole 2a to
2c or any of the Yakumono 4a and 4b, the prize ball release mechanism is activated to control the release of a predetermined number of prize balls for each winning ball. On the other hand, the hit ball is in the winning area 3a
3c, the corresponding detection switches 22a and 22b will output a high level and the OR gate 61 will be activated.
1 to the drive circuit 621 and also to the timer 622. Furthermore, the output of the OR gate 611 causes a flip-flop 631 included in the display drive circuit 63 to be set. Accordingly, the drive circuit 621 drives the solenoid 5
7a 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, and to drive the motor 56 to rotate, the rotating drums of each row are 51a to 51c are rotationally driven to vary the display state of the rotating drum. At the same time, the set output of flip-flop 631 is given as one input of AND gate 632. The output clock pulse of the clock oscillator 633 is always applied to the AND gate 632 as the other input. Therefore, the AND gate 632 derives a clock pulse according to the set output of the flip-flop 631, and outputs the clock pulse from the ring counter 631.
Give to 34. The ring counter 634 cyclically counts the numerical values 0 to 9 that can be displayed on the segment display 50B according to the input of the clock pulse, and the counted value is sent to the decoder driver 635 and the specific game state detection circuit 64. is applied to the determination circuit 645 included in the. The decoder driver 635 decodes the count value of the ring counter 634, and based on the count value, the segment display 50
The numbers displayed by B are sequentially changed in synchronization with the period of the clock pulse. In this way, the rotary driver 5
1a to 51c are rotationally driven and the segment display 50
By variably displaying B, mechanically variable display and electrically variable display are performed simultaneously.

As described above, the rotating drums 51a to 5
1c and the segment display 50B, the player can control the rotating drum 51 of each row.
The stop command switch 17 is pressed so that the combination of display states a to 51c becomes a specific game state. Note that if the stop command switch 17 is not pressed within a certain period of time set by the timer 622 after starting the variable display,
A stop command is issued by the output of the timer 622. In response, the drive circuit 621 deenergizes the solenoids 57a-57c in a predetermined order (or in an irregular order) to sequentially stop the rotating drums 51a-51c. The drive circuit 621 then stops the rotation of the motor 56 after a short delay, and also 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. In response, AND gate 632 stops deriving clock pulses. Therefore, the count value of the ring counter 634 is not incremented, and therefore, the number corresponding to the count value counted by the ring counter 634 is 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. By the way, as the sensors 641 and 642, for example, a photoelectric sensor having a light projecting section and a light receiving section is used. 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 drums of all rows. And the rotating drums 51a to 51c
Although not shown in FIG. 6, there are a first circumference and a second circumference that correspond to the identification information displayed on each rotating drum and have different radii. A portion with a through hole and a portion without a through hole are provided at the upper position. As a result, four types of identification information can be identified by combining portions with and without holes. For example, the part where the through hole is drilled is logically “1”.
” and the part where the hole is not drilled is logic “0”, then four types of 2-bit codes “00”, “01”,
By "10" and "11", it is possible to detect the combination of identification information of the rotating drums in each row. Then, the display state determination circuit 643 determines the score based on the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c, and sends determination signals j1 to j4 corresponding to the score to the drive control circuit 70 and the determination circuit. Give to 645.

If the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c is a combination of a specific gaming state, that is, a combination determined to give the maximum value (
For example, if all symbols are A), the display state determination circuit 643 sends a determination signal j2 indicating that a value smaller than the maximum value should be assigned based on the combination at that time.
~ j4 is derived. Each determination signal j2-j4 is given to a corresponding timer 712-714. Each of the timers 712, 713, and 714 derives a high-level signal for a predetermined period of time t2, t3, and t4 in response to the input of the corresponding determination signal j2, j3, and j4, respectively. Here, the fixed time set by the timers 712 to 714 is selected such that t2≧t3≧t4,
For example, t2=10 seconds, t3=6 seconds, and t4=4 seconds. Note that the determination circuit 645 determines that the determination signal is other than j1 (
That is, if j2 to j4), the segment display 50
The display state of B is not determined at all.

For example, assuming that the display state determination circuit 643 derives the determination signal j2, the timer 7
12 derives a high level signal for a certain period of time t2. This high level signal is passed through the OR gate 72 to the driver 7.
given to 3. Accordingly, the driver 73 operates for a certain period of time t2.
energizes the solenoid 451 continuously. Therefore, the opening/closing plate 41 of the variable winning ball device 40 is opened for a certain period of time t2, allowing the ball to win. At this time, when a ball enters the winning area 43a to 43c, the prize ball discharging mechanism releases a predetermined number of prize balls according to the winning ball.

Next, a case will be explained 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,
Display state determination circuit 643 derives determination signal j1 and provides it to determination circuit 645. The determination circuit 645 receives the determination signal j1
In response to this, it is determined whether the count value of the ring counter 634 is in a display state (for example, a state in which 7 is displayed) in which the maximum value set in the combination setting section 644 should be given. At this time, the determination circuit 645 determines whether the rotating drum 51a
Even if the combination of display states 51c to 51c gives the maximum value, unless the segment display 50B is displaying 7, the maximum value giving command signal j0 (high level) is not derived. In this case, according to the determination command signal j1,
The timer 711 starts counting a certain period of time t1 and outputs a high level signal during that period. Here, the fixed time t1 is the fixed time t2 set by the timer 712.
longer than , and to the extent that even if the number of balls that can be hit per unit time (i.e., batting speed) is taken into account, the fixed number of winning balls that are allowed during one opening period of the variable winning ball device 40 does not occur within t1. (for example, 20 seconds). The output of the timer 711 is sent to the driver 7 via the OR gate 72.
given to 3. Accordingly, the driver 73
51 to open the opening/closing plate 41. When the timer 71 measures a certain period of time t1, its output is set to a low level, so that the opening/closing plate 41 is closed.

Further, in accordance with the output of the OR gate 72, the differentiating circuit 77 derives a differentiated pulse and supplies it to the driver 78. In response, the driver 78 turns the solenoid 3 on for a certain period of time.
81 is energized to open the outlet 371 of the alignment path 37 and release the stored balls. These stored balls are used to release the prize balls.

Next, when a specific game state is reached, which is a feature of the present invention, a combination of the display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c is in a predetermined state (
For example, when all symbols A are displayed and the segment display 50B is displaying 7, the following operation is performed. That is, the determination circuit 645 derives a high level signal indicating that a specific gaming state has been established and supplies it to the AND gate 646. At this time, the AND gate 646 derives a high level determination signal j0 because the low level of the output of the predetermined value provision state detection circuit 66 is inverted to a high level. This determination signal j0 causes the flip-flop 74 to be set. Therefore, when a specific gaming state is entered, the set output (high level signal) of the flip-flop 74 is given as one input of the AND gate 75. The output of the timer 76 (in this case, a low level signal) is inverted to a high level and applied to the other input of the AND gate 75. Therefore, AND gate 75 continuously derives a high level signal during the set output period of flip-flop 74 and supplies it to driver 73 via OR gate 72 . The driver 73 operates in the same manner as described above to open the OR gate 7.
By continuously energizing the solenoid 451 during the period when a high level signal is given from 2 to
will be opened. In this state, the balls hit into the winning areas 43a to 43c with a relatively high probability, and the balls hit the alignment path 37.
stored within. Then, when there is a certain number of winning balls allowed during one opening period of the variable winning ball device 40 after a specific gaming state, the winning balls go to the back side through the exit 372 at the upper part of the alignment path 37. and is guided to the detection switch 44b via the path 373. Accordingly, the detection switch 44b detects a certain number of winning balls and sets its output to a high level. In response, the timer 76 sets its output to a high level for a certain period of time, disabling the AND gate 75. Therefore, the driver 73
Close it once. At this time, the differentiating circuit 77 differentiates the output of the OR gate 72 and provides a differentiated pulse to the driver 78. In response, the driver 78 energizes the solenoid 381 for a shorter time than the fixed time set by the timer 76. Accordingly, solenoid 381
82 and pull up the sliding lever 383 to open the exit 372.
to open. Therefore, the winning balls that have been stored in the alignment path 37 are released to the path 213, and each winning ball is used to release a predetermined number of prize balls. In this way, if a predetermined number of winning balls enters the variable winning ball device 40 that is in the first state, the variable winning ball device 40 switches to the second state, and the predetermined number of winning balls Among the balls, one less winning ball is stored in the alignment path 37. In other words, not all of the winning balls that have won in the variable winning ball device 40 that is in the first state are stored in the alignment path 37, but some of the winning balls are stored in the alignment path 37. It is. Note that the solenoid 381 may be energized based on the fact that a certain period of time has been counted by a timer or the like, or the energization of the solenoid 381 may be based on the detection output of the detection switch 44b or the measurement of the certain period of time, whichever is earlier. This may be carried out when a condition is satisfied, or may be carried out when the number of winning balls into the variable winning ball device 40 reaches a certain number that is smaller than the upper limit number of winning balls. a release means for releasing the winning balls stored by the storage means when the detection output of the winning number detection means is derived by the winning ball storage and release mechanism 38 including the differentiation circuit 77, the driver 78, and the solenoid 381; is configured.

After the detection switch 44b derives the detection output, when the timer 76 measures a certain period of time, the output is set to a low level and the AND gate 75 is activated. In response, the AND gate 75 again derives a high level signal and operates the opening/closing plate 41 in the same manner as described above.
The opening drive is performed. In this way, once the specific game state is entered, the first state of the variable winning ball device 40, which is advantageous for the player who is likely to win a prize, continues until a certain number of winning balls are generated. After generating winning balls, the variable winning ball device 40 is once driven to the second state, which is disadvantageous for players who are unlikely to win or who do not win.
The drive is controlled to make it easier to win again. As a result, the player can reliably generate a certain number of winning balls when the variable winning ball device 40 is in a state where it is easy to win, and the player can reliably generate a certain number of winning balls even if the winning probability varies from machine to machine due to nail adjustments, etc. The advantage is that you can get a certain number of winning balls.

[0043] After the specific game state, each time the variable winning ball device 40 opens the opening/closing plate 41 to become in a state where it is easy to win, and a certain number of winning balls are guaranteed, the normal pachinko game is resumed. The number of hits is reached much faster than that. In this case, the predetermined value provision state detection circuit 66 detects that the number of stops has been reached, and uses its output to reset the flip-flop 74. Therefore, the AND gate 75 does not derive a high level from now on, and therefore the variable winning ball device 4
The repeated opening drive operation of 0 is completed.

[0044] In the above embodiment, the number of winning balls that can be stored in the alignment path 37 is set to be a relatively small number (10), and the variable winning ball device 40 is operated until a certain number of winning balls are generated. Although we have described the case where the state is set to an easy state and then changed to a state where it is difficult to win, the number of winning balls that can be stored in the alignment path 37 is selected to be a relatively large number (for example, 50), and the detection switch 44b detects a certain number of balls. The flip-flop 74 may be reset based on what has happened. Further, in the above-mentioned embodiment, after the determination signal j0 is received, the variable winning ball device 40 is activated every time there is a certain number of winning balls until the predetermined value imparting state detection circuit 66 detects that the number of winning balls has been reached. Although the case where the opening/closing drive is repeatedly performed has been described, other conditions may be selected as the repeating opening/closing driving conditions. For example, a detection switch 44a may be provided to detect winning balls in the winning area 43a, and the flip-flop 74 may be reset by the output of the detection switch 44a. Alternatively, the solenoid 451 may be immediately deenergized and then reenergized by the detection output of the detection switch 44a to repeatedly open and close the solenoid 451. moreover,
The storage means is moved to the winning area 4 so that the balls stored by the storage means are released and the relative positional relationship is such that a prize can be won in the winning area 43.
It may be arranged on the lower and upper side of the ball flow of No. 3. Furthermore, the gaming value based on the winning balls released by the releasing means may be provided in the form of points or the like.

By the way, in the above-mentioned embodiment, a detection switch 44b is provided as a predetermined number of winning balls detecting means for detecting that a certain number of winning balls are present in the alignment path 37, and the number of winning balls in the winning area 43a is displayed. Although the case where the winning balls themselves are shown in order to win has been described, various other embodiments are possible. FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing another embodiment of the predetermined winning ball number detection circuit. In this embodiment, the detection switch 44
In place of b, a detection switch 651 for detecting a winning ball in the winning area 43 is provided. The output of the detection switch 651 is given as one input of an AND gate 652. The other input of the AND gate 652 has a flip-flop 7
A set output of 4 is given. The output of AND gate 654 is given to counter 653 as an addition command signal. This counter 653 is variable winning ball device 4 after a specific game state.
The number of winning balls that have entered the winning area 43 in a state where winning is easy at 0 is counted. The count value of the counter 653 is applied to a comparison circuit 654 and also to a numerical information display drive circuit 67 and displayed on the numerical information display 6. Comparison circuit 654 compares the constant number set in setting section 655 with the counted value of counter 653, and provides an operation command signal to timer 656 when the counted value reaches the constant number. The timer 656 derives a high level signal for a certain period of time in response to the coincidence output of the comparison circuit 654, disables the AND gate 75, and resets the counter 653. Note that since the configuration of the drive control circuit 70 is the same as that in FIG. 8, the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

By the way, although the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 described above show a case in which a hardware circuit is used to achieve the operation of the present invention, the technical idea of the present invention is that a program is implemented using a microprocessor. This can also be done by processing. In that case, a person skilled in the art would easily be able to set a program to perform the operations of the circuits shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, so a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0047]

[Effects of the Invention] By adopting a storage method in which winning balls received in a variable winning ball device are stored, the present invention provides a large gaming value as much as possible at once when a specific gaming state occurs, thereby enhancing the real pleasure of the game. Furthermore, by setting an upper limit on the number of stored winning balls, it is possible to minimize ball jamming when releasing the stored winning balls.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko game machine as an example of a pinball game machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view showing the back structure of the pachinko game machine.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a variable winning ball/variable display device.

FIG. 4 is a back view for explaining the structure of the variable winning ball device.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view for explaining the structure of the variable winning ball device.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the rotating drum display mechanism.

FIG. 7 is a game control circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a detailed circuit diagram of a predetermined winning ball number detection circuit and a drive control circuit.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of another embodiment of the predetermined winning ball number detection circuit.

[Explanation of symbols]

2a to 2c are safe holes, 3a to 3c, 43a to 43c are winning areas, 6 is a numerical information display, 10 is a pachinko game machine, 30 is a variable winning ball/variable display device, 40 is a variable winning ball device, 50 is a Variable display device, 50A is a rotating drum display mechanism, 50B is a segment display, 60 is a game control circuit,
61 is a variable display possible condition detection circuit, 62 is a rotary drum drive control circuit, 63 is a display drive circuit, 64 is a specific game state detection circuit, 65 is a predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit, 66 is a predetermined value imparting state detection circuit, 67 is a numerical information display drive circuit, 7
0 indicates a drive control circuit.

Claims (1)

[Claims] [Claim 1] A variable winning ball device that can freely change between a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player, and a game state that has become a predetermined specific game state. a specific gaming state detecting means for detecting the specific gaming state detecting means; and a drive controlling means for driving and controlling the variable winning ball device to the first state based on the detection output of the specific gaming state detecting means.
a storage means capable of storing winning balls received in the variable winning ball device whose drive is controlled to be in the first state by the drive control means; and a storage device capable of storing winning balls received in the variable winning ball device; a winning number detection means for detecting that the winning number has exceeded the number of winning balls, a releasing means for releasing the winning balls stored by the storage means when the detection output of the winning number detecting means is detected; and the releasing means A pinball game machine, comprising: a game value imparting means for imparting a game value based on the winning balls released by the pinball game machine.