JPH0424077B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a pinball game machine typified by a pachinko game machine, etc., and more specifically, a pinball game machine that is arranged on a game board,
The present invention relates to a pinball game machine including 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.

[Prior Art] In this type of pinball game machine, it is generally known that, for example, when the game state reaches a predetermined specific game state, the variable winning ball device is activated for a predetermined period of time. There was something that changed the first state to be advantageous to the player.

[Problems to be solved by the invention] In this kind of conventional pinball game machine,
When the predetermined period of time has elapsed, the variable winning ball device changes to a second state that is disadvantageous to the player, but from the player's perspective, it is difficult to know when the variable winning ball device will change to the second state. There was the inconvenience of having to play the game in an anxious psychological state because one did not know whether the situation would change.

Generally, the player plays the game after knowing the predetermined period during which the variable winning ball device changes to the first state. There may be cases where you feel distrustful whether or not the state has changed to the first state for a predetermined period of time, and this is because
This caused trouble between players and amusement park employees.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention eliminates the feeling of anxiety of the player due to not knowing the change period of the variable winning ball device changing to the first state, and also eliminates the feeling of anxiety of the player due to the change period of the variable winning ball device changing to the first state. The purpose is to prevent travel around the length changed to the first state.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A pinball game machine according to the present invention is arranged on a game board, and has two states: a first state that is advantageous to the player, and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player. a variable winning ball device that can freely change into a state; and a specific gaming state that detects that the gaming state has reached a specific gaming state that allows the variable winning ball device to change to a first state for a predetermined period of time. The present invention is characterized in that it includes a detection means, and a period display means for displaying a change period of the variable winning ball device changing to the first state.

[Operation] By the function of the specific gaming state detection means, it is detected that the gaming state has become a specific gaming state determined to allow the variable winning ball device to change to the first state for a predetermined period. Then, the change period of the variable winning ball device changing to the first state is displayed to the player by the period display means.

In other words, it is possible to make the player aware of the change period of the variable winning ball device changing to the first state, and also remove the player's distrust regarding the length of the first state of the variable winning ball device during the game. be able to.

[Embodiments of the Invention] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine which is an example of a pinball game machine according to the present invention. In the configuration, the pachinko game machine 10 has a front frame 11 mounted so as to be freely openable and closable, and a game board 1 mounted on the front frame 11 so as to be freely attachable and detachable. The game board 1 includes safe holes 2a to 2c, which are examples of winning areas, and a winning area 3a, which has conditions for changing a variable display device 40 (described later) depending on winning balls.
~3c, multiple yakumono (commonly known as chulip) 4
a, 4b, and an out ball inlet 5 are formed.

Further, in the lower part of the game board 1, a variable prize winning ball device (so-called electric type Yakumono) 30, which will be explained in detail with reference to FIG. 3 described later, is arranged. This variable winning ball device 30 includes light emitting diodes 6a and 6b.
is provided in a related manner. Light emitting diode 6a, 6
b is a variable winning ball device 30 in a specific game state.
is in the first state that is advantageous to the player, the state is changed to the second state that is disadvantageous to the player after a certain period of time based on the passing balls to the predetermined winning area or passing area, and then the first state is changed again. It is used to indicate that the specified conditions have been met to enable the state.

A variable display device 40, which will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, is disposed approximately in the center of the game board 1. This variable display device 40 includes:
A plurality of light emitting diodes 7a-7d are provided in association. The light emitting diodes 7a to 7d are used to display the number of times the variable display device 40 can perform variable display depending on the number of light emitting displays. Note that as a means for displaying the variable displayable number of times on the variable display device 40, a segment display capable of displaying numbers may be used instead of the light emitting diodes 7a to 7d. In this case, the segment display may also be used as the segment display 41, which will be described later, or may be provided separately.

Furthermore, a segment display 8 for displaying numerical information is provided at the upper corner of the game board 1. This segment display 8 is used to display the elapsed time of the first state or the remaining time that can be brought to the first state when the variable winning ball device 30 enters the first state. Here, the reason why the variable winning ball device 30 displays the elapsed time in the first state or the remaining time that can continue in the first state is that when the player interrupts the game, the elapsed time is stopped. This is to let players know that they are not putting them at a disadvantage, and to make it easier for them to plan their gaming strategies.
Specific means in this case will be explained in detail later.

Below the front frame 11 is a prize ball payout opening 1.
2. A ball waiting gutter 13, a ball handle 14, a surplus prize ball payout opening 15, and a prize ball tray 16 are provided. This batted ball waiting gutter 13 temporarily stores the prize balls paid out from the prize ball payout port 12 and the balls borrowed by the player from the ball lending machine, and sends the stored balls one by one to a batted ball supply mechanism (not shown). It works to supply. The ball hitting handle 14 is used to adjust the strength of the ball by rotating it. Further, if necessary, a ball hitting command switch 14s is provided on the outer periphery of the ball hitting handle 14 or on the front frame 11 near the ball hitting handle 14. In addition, the batting command switch 1
4s, a switch pressed by a cam fixed to the shaft of the ball-striking handle 14 may be provided, and when the ball-striking handle 14 is rotated, this switch may be pressed to start the ball-striking command. good. In this case, if necessary, a single hitting switch is provided in place of the ball hitting command switch 14s, and the ball is intermittently hit when the single hitting switch is pressed.

Further, a speaker 17a and a stop command switch 18 are provided on the front frame 11 as necessary. The speaker 17a is used to notify the player of a specific game state by voice. Note that the speaker placement position is not limited to the front frame 11, but may be placed on a part of the curtain plate (1
7b) may be selected. The stop command switch 18 is used to command the variable display of the variable display device 40 to stop by operation by the player. Note that the stop command switch 18 is 1 in the illustration.
Although a case in which one is provided is shown, a plurality of such devices may be provided corresponding to each of the rotating drums included in the variable display device 40.

2A and 2B are illustrative views of the back structure of the pachinko game machine, and in particular, FIG. 2A shows the game board 1.
2B shows a mechanism plate attached to the back side of the front frame 11 so as to be openable and closable. Next, the back structure of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be specifically explained.

Game board 1 in which the safe holes 2a to 2c are formed
Paths 211 and 212 for guiding the winning balls to the Yakumono 4a and 4b are formed on the back side of the . Detection switches 22a to 22c are provided on the back surfaces of the winning areas 3a to 3c, respectively. These detection switches 22a to 22c are located in the winning area 3a.
It is used to detect the conditions under which variable display of the variable display device 40 is possible by detecting the winning balls in the ranges 3c to 3c. On the back side of the game board 1, there are paths 213 and 2 at a position slightly above the out ball entrance 5.
14 are provided. The paths 213 and 214 lead the winning balls that have entered any of the safe holes 2a to 2c, the winning areas 3a to 3c, the Yakumono 4a and 4b, or the variable winning ball device 30 to the winning ball processing device 23. The winning ball processing device 23 intermittently drops the winning balls guided through the path 213 one by one. When the winning balls dropped by the winning ball processing device 23 pass through the meandering path 215, the weight of the winning balls moves the operating lever 2 connected to the prize ball payout mechanism 26.
61 is activated to perform one prize ball payout operation with one winning ball. In addition, when an electric type is used as the prize ball payout mechanism, a winning ball detection switch (not shown) that is closed in conjunction with the rotation of the winning ball processing device 23 is provided. Then, the prize ball payout mechanism is electrically driven by the output of the winning ball detection switch to pay out a predetermined number of prize balls.

Front frame 11 corresponding to the location of the ball-hitting handle
An electric ball hitting mechanism 24, which is an example of a ball firing mechanism, is provided on the back side of the ball. This electric ball hitting mechanism 24 is
As is well known in the art, a ball hitting cam 242 is rotated by the rotational force of a motor 241, and a ball hitting hammer 243 is intermittently rotated by the rotation of the ball hitting cam 242 to hit a ball. In this manner, when the ball firing mechanism is an electric ball hitting mechanism, the ball hitting command switch 14s is used as means for detecting the ball firing operating state (that is, the ball hitting operating state). In this embodiment, if the batted ball command switch is not pressed or closed during the period when the variable winning ball device 30 is opened in the specific game state,
The timing operation for a predetermined period of time is stopped so that the variable winning ball device 30 can be opened.

In addition, as another example of the ball firing mechanism, it may be a conventionally well-known manual ball hitting mechanism in which the ball is hit by rotating the ball hitting handle intermittently by manual operation. In this case, the ball firing operation state detection means may be one that detects that the ball striking handle has been rotated at least once in a short period of time (for example, one minute), or one that detects that the ball striking handle has been rotated at least once in a short period of time (for example, one minute), or one that detects that the ball striking handle is rotated at least once in a short period of time (for example, one minute), or one that detects that the ball striking handle is rotated at least once in a short period of time (for example, one minute), or one that detects that the ball striking handle is rotated at least once in a short period of time (for example, one minute). A device that is connected to a touch switch that conducts to the ball and detects that the touch switch has been operated for a short period of time, or a device that is provided near the ball batting handle and that is used to fix the hand when playing the ball batting handle with the thumb. Projecting member (so-called proboscis)
A touch switch or the like that detects when a finger is touching is used.

Another ball firing mechanism is a ball firing mechanism that is equipped with a lift that lifts the pachinko balls from the end of the prize ball tray to the top of the game board, and that allows the direction in which the pachinko balls are fired from the top of the game board to be freely selectable. mechanism, for example, the patent application proposed by the applicant
Those described in No. 56-36984 may be used.

A prize ball tank 27 is fixed to the upper part of the mechanism plate 25. The prize ball tank 27 is supplied with supply balls from a supply gutter (not shown). Prize ball tank 2
A prize ball payout mechanism 26 is formed below 7. Between the prize ball payout mechanism 26 and the prize ball tank 27, an alignment path 271 is provided at an angle.
The alignment path 271 aligns the balls stored in the prize ball tank 27 into multiple rows and passes them to the prize ball payout mechanism 26.
It is intended to be supplied to A merging gutter 28 is formed below the prize ball payout mechanism 26. Merging gutter 28
integrates a gutter 281 that guides prize balls paid out from the prize ball payout mechanism 26 to the prize ball payout port 12, a gutter 282 that guides surplus prize balls to the surplus prize ball payout port 15, and a gutter 283 that guides out balls downward. It is formed and constructed.

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

This variable prize winning ball device 30 opens the opening/closing plate to the front to receive balls, which will be described later, as an example of a first state that is advantageous to the player, and an example of a second state that is disadvantageous to the player. This closes the opening/closing plate to prevent the ball from being received.

Next, a more specific configuration of the variable winning ball device 30 will be explained with reference to FIG. A through hole is formed in the center of the decorative frame 31, which becomes a winning area 32 in which a ball can be won. An opening/closing plate 33 is provided on the front side of the through hole so as to be freely openable on the front side. The lower side of the opening/closing plate 33 is supported by a shaft 331, and a U-shaped protrusion 332 is formed on the back surface of one side (the right side in the figure). A through hole is bored in the protrusion 332 .
A pin 3 fixed to the tip of the lever 34 is inserted into the through hole.
41 is inserted. The other end of the lever 34 is the fulcrum 3
42 is supported. At the upper position of the lever 34,
An opening/closing mechanism 35 for driving the opening/closing plate 33 to open or close is provided. The opening/closing mechanism 35 is a solenoid 351
A rod 353 is connected to the plunger 352 of the solenoid 351, and the other end of the rod 353 is connected to the center of the lever 34.

The entry award area 32 is divided into a plurality of areas 32a, 32b, and 32c as necessary. The winning balls in the winning areas 32b and 32c are directly guided to the back side of the game board 1 and reach the winning ball processing device 23 via a path 213. The winning area 32a is an area defined so that the opening/closing plate 33 of the variable winning ball device 30 can be repeatedly driven to open and close in accordance with the passage of balls. Safe holes 36a and 36b are formed in the decorative frame 31 on both sides of the winning area 32. The safe holes 36a and 36b are formed so as to protrude from the surface of the decorative frame 31 to the front side so that they can always receive balls falling along the game board 1, and the balls that have fallen are sent to the back side as winning balls. lead Light emitting diodes 6a and 6b are provided in the decorative frame 31 portion exposed when the opening/closing plate 33 is opened. The light emitting diodes 6a and 6b close the opening/closing plate 33 after a certain period of time based on the occurrence of a winning ball in the winning area 32a while the opening/closing plate 33 is open in a specific game state. Displays that the conditions for repeated opening have been met.

In operation, the opening/closing plate 33 is connected to the solenoid 35
When the plunger 1 is energized and the plunger 352 is pulled up, it is opened to the front side as shown in the figure, which is advantageous to the player. On the other hand, when the solenoid 351 is deenergized, the plunger 352 is pushed downward, and the lever 34 is rotated downward. Therefore, the opening/closing plate 33 is closed, resulting in a disadvantageous situation for the player.

By the way, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the opening/closing plate 33 is continuously opened as the first state, and the opening/closing plate 33 is closed as the second state, but various other states where it is easy to win a prize are shown. It is also possible to make it difficult to win a prize. For example, in the first state,
Opening and closing may be alternately repeated a predetermined number of times at relatively short fixed time intervals (2 seconds).
In addition, as another example of the variable winning ball device, a device such as a so-called chulip may be used, and the second state may be a state in which it is difficult for balls to enter.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the variable display device 40. In construction, the variable display device 40 includes a segment display 41 that electrically displays a variable display, and a rotating drum display mechanism 50 that displays a variable display by mechanically rotating. Specifically, the variable display device 40 includes a segment display 41 provided on the upper part of the decorative frame 42, and a plurality of windows (three in the figure) formed in the horizontal direction of the decorative frame 42 to rotate drums 51a, 51b. , 51c is housed in a rotating drum display mechanism 50 so that a portion of the drum display mechanism 51c can be visually observed. The segment display 41 displays numbers 0 to 9, and the rotating drum display mechanism 50
The numbers are displayed variably during a period that is approximately the same as the variable display period. Note that details of the rotating drum display mechanism 50 will be explained with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the rotating drum display mechanism 50. In the figure, a rotating drum display mechanism 50
The rotary drum group 51 included in the rotary drum group 51 includes multiple rows of rotary drums 51a, 51b, and 51c. 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 number or a symbol such as an alpha alphabet) is drawn on the outer periphery of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row. Ratchet gears 52a to 52c (only 52c is shown in the figure) having the number of teeth corresponding to the number of identification information drawn on the outer periphery are fixed to the respective side surfaces of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row. Rotating drum 51 in each row
Each of a to 51c is loosely fitted onto the drum shaft 53 and supported so as to be individually rotatable by its frictional force. 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 provided at one end of the drum shaft 53.
is fixed. The gear 551 is meshed and coupled with a speed change gear 552. On the side of Box 54,
A motor 56 is mounted to drive the rotating drum. 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 generated by the gears 552 and 551.
is transmitted to the drum shaft 53 via the rotary drum group 51 to rotate. Furthermore, solenoids 57a to 57c are fixed to the rear rear surface of the box 54 for individually controlling rotation or stopping of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row.
Plungers 571 of these solenoids 57a-57c are connected to one ends and pins of locking levers 58a-58c, respectively. These locking levers 5
Approximately central portions of 8a to 58c are supported by a shaft 581. Both sides of the shaft 581 are fixed to both sides of the box 54. A claw-like portion 582 is formed at the tip of each of the locking levers 58a to 58c. The claw-like portions 582 of each of the locking levers 58a-58c engage with the corresponding ratchet gears 52a-52c, respectively, to stop the rotating drums in each row and maintain the locked state.

The specific game state that allows the variable winning ball device 30 to be in the first state for a relatively long time is a combination of identification information such as a picture pattern in each row displayed on the rotary drum display mechanism 50. The alignment condition and
It is determined in combination with the display state of numerical information displayed on the segment display 41.

Other examples of the specific game state include only the display state of the rotating drum display mechanism 50, only the display state of the segment display 41 when a plurality of digits are provided, or a specific winning state provided on the game board 1. The case may be based on any case where there is a ball passing through the area.

FIG. 6 is a game control circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. In the configuration, the game control circuit 60 includes a variable display possible condition detection means 61, a decoder driver 62, a rotating drum drive control circuit 63, a display drive circuit 64, a specific game state detection means 65, a batting motor drive circuit 66, and a predetermined value imparting circuit. State detection circuit 6
7, and drive control means 70. Here, the variable display possible condition detection circuit 61 detects the variable display device 4.
A condition under which 0 can be displayed variably is detected and the number of times it is detected is counted. The decoder driver 62 drives the light emitting diodes 7a to 7d to display a display based on the number of times that the variable display device 40 can perform variable display. The rotating drum drive control circuit 63 drives and controls the rotating drum display mechanism 50 based on variable display enable conditions. The display drive circuit 64 drives the segment display 41 to display based on variable display enable conditions. The specific game state detection means 65 detects that a predetermined specific game state has been entered based on the combination of the display state of the segment display 41 and the display state of the rotary drum display mechanism 50. Note that the specific game state detection means 60 is
Preferably, it includes a function of detecting a condition that allows the variable prize winning ball device to be in the first state not only in the specific game state but also in other game states. The predetermined value awarding state detection circuit 67 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 winnings is given). The drive control means 70 drives and controls the variable winning ball device 30, and its circuit configuration is shown in detail in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a detailed circuit diagram of the drive control means 70. This drive control means 70 includes a decoder driver 71, an OR gate 72, a driver 73, and a timer 7.
4 to 76 and a constant time repetitive opening/closing drive circuit 70
Contains 0. Here, the decoder driver 71 is an example of a period display means for elapsed time during which the variable winning ball device 30 is in the first state based on the count value of the counter 706 included in the repetitive opening/closing drive circuit 700 for a certain period of time. This is to be displayed on the segment display 8 of. The driver 73 is the or gate 7
By energizing the solenoid 351 during the second output period, the variable winning ball device 30 is driven to the first state. The drive circuit 700 repeatedly opens and closes for a certain period of time, as an example of putting the variable winning ball device 30 in the first state, so that the variable winning ball device 30 tends to win continuously for a relatively long certain period of time (for example, t1 = 30 seconds). It is used as a period measuring means for measuring the period of change in the state.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7, specific operations when playing a game with the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment will be explained. The player places the ball borrowed from the ball lending machine into the ball waiting gutter 13, adjusts the strength of the ball by rotating the ball handle 14, and then turns the ball hitting switch 1.
Press 4a. The press signal (high level) of the ball hitting switch 14a turns on the transistor 661 and supplies power to the motor 241. In response, the motor 241 rotates to drive the ball hitting hammer 24.
By intermittently rotating the ball 3, balls are driven into the game board 1 one by one. In this way, when a player is playing a ball hitting game, the ball is hit into the safe hole 2a.
When a prize is won in either of ~2c or Yakumono 4a, 4b, the prize ball payout mechanism 26 is activated to control the payout of a predetermined number of prize balls for each winning ball. On the other hand, when the ball hits any of the winning areas 3a to 3c, the corresponding detection switch 22a to 22c is activated.
One of them derives a high level and OR gate 6
11 as an addition input to an addition/subtraction counter 612. The addition/subtraction counter 612 performs an addition operation each time there is an output from the OR gate 611 and performs a subtraction operation each time there is an output from the comparison circuit 613, and provides the counted value to the comparison circuit 613 and the decoder driver 62. The decoder driver 62 drives a number of light emitting diodes 7a to 7d corresponding to the count value of the addition/subtraction counter 612 for display. Comparison circuit 6
13, the output of the delay circuit 646 included in the display drive circuit 62 is given as a comparison command signal.
The comparison circuit 613 determines that when a high-level comparison command signal is input, the count value (n) of the addition/subtraction counter 612 is a value (for example, 1 or more; that is, n
Based on the fact that ≧1), a high-level variable display command signal is derived. This variable display command signal is applied to the drive circuit 631 and as a set input to the flip-flop 641. Further, the output of the comparison circuit 613 is output from the addition/subtraction counter 61.
The number of possible variable displays, which is given as a subtraction command signal of 2 and counted by the addition/subtraction counter 612, is 1.
subtract only. The drive circuit 631 energizes the solenoids 57a-57c to lock the locking levers 58a-5.
Ratchet gear 5 corresponding to claw-like portion 582 of 8c
By releasing the engagement state with 2a to 52c and rotating the motor 56, the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row are rotationally driven and the display state of the rotating drums is varied. At the same time, the set output of flip-flop 641 is provided as one input of AND gate 642. A clock pulse output from a clock oscillator 643 is always applied to the AND gate 642 as the other input. Therefore, AND gate 642 derives a clock pulse according to the set output of flip-flop 641 and supplies it to ring counter 644. The ring counter 644 cyclically counts the numerical values 0 to 9 that can be displayed on the segment display 41 according to the input of the clock pulse.
The determination circuit 655 included in the decoder driver 645 and the specific game state detection means 65
give to The decoder driver 645 decodes the count value of the ring counter 644, and based on the count value, sequentially changes the number displayed on the segment display 41 at the cycle of the clock pulse. In this way, the rotating drums 51a to 51c
is rotated and the segment display 41 is variably displayed, whereby mechanically variable display and electrically variable display are performed simultaneously.

As described above, the rotating drums 51a to 51c
In a state where the segment display 41 is variably displayed, the player presses the stop command switch 18 so that the combination of display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row becomes a specific game state. In response to this, the drive circuit 631 deenergizes the solenoids 57a to 57c in a predetermined order (or an irregular order is also possible) to operate the rotating drum 51a.
~ 51c are sequentially stopped. And the drive circuit 6
31 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 641 and is applied to the display state determination circuit 653 as a determination command signal. In response, AND gate 642 stops deriving clock pulses. Therefore, the count value of the ring counter 644 is not incremented, and therefore, the number corresponding to the count value counted by the ring counter 644 is continuously displayed on the segment display 41.

The display state determination circuit 653 determines the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums in each row based on the outputs provided from the sensors 651 and 652 in response to the determination command signal. Here, the sensors 651 and 652 are, for example, photoelectric sensors having a light projecting part and a light receiving part, and the light projecting part and the light receiving part are provided facing each other on both axially outer sides of the rotating drum in each row. And the rotating drums 51a to 51c
Although not shown in FIG. 5, on each side of the drum, there is a mark at a position corresponding to the identification information displayed on each rotating drum on the first circumference and the second circumference having different radii. , a portion with a through hole and a portion without a through hole are provided, and four types of identification are possible by the combination of the portion with a through hole and the portion without a through hole. For example, if the part on the first and second circumferences where a through hole is drilled is set to logic "1" and the part where no through hole is drilled is set to logic "0", there are four types. 2-bit code “00”, “01”, “10”, “11”
Accordingly, the combination of identification information of the rotating drums in each row displayed in the window of the decorative frame 42 can be detected. Then, the display state determination circuit 653 determines a score based on the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c, and provides the score to the drive control means 70 and the determination circuit 655. If the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c is not a combination of a specific gaming state, that is, a combination determined to give the maximum value (for example, all sailing shapes),
The display state determination circuit 653 generates determination signals (or score signals) j2 to j4 indicating that a value smaller than the maximum value should be assigned based on the combination at that time.
Derive one of the following. Each determination signal j2-j4 is given to a corresponding timer 74-76. Each timer 7
4, 75, 76 are respective corresponding judgment signals
A predetermined period of time depending on the input of j2, j3, and j4
High level signals are derived only at t2, t3, and t4. Here, the fixed times set by the timers 74 to 76 are selected such that t2>t3>t4, for example, t2=10 seconds, t3=6 seconds, and t4=4 seconds.
Note that the determination circuit 655 does not make any determination on the display state of the segment display 41 if the determination signal is other than the signal j1 representing the specific game state (ie, j2 to j4).

For example, assuming that the display state determination circuit 653 derives the determination signal j2, the timer 74
derives a high level signal for a certain period of time t2. This high level signal is applied to the driver 73 via the OR gate 72. In response, the driver 73 continuously energizes the solenoid 351 for a certain period of time t2. Therefore, the opening/closing plate 33 of the variable winning ball device 30 is opened for a certain period of time t2, allowing the hit ball to win. At this time, the hit ball is in the winning area 32b
Or if you win on 32c, the prize ball payout mechanism 26
pays out a predetermined number of prize balls according to the winning balls. However, even if the hit ball enters the winning area 32a, the opening operation of the variable winning ball device 30 is not extended and only a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out for each winning ball. .

Next, a case will be described in which the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row is determined to give the maximum value. In this case, the display state determination circuit 653 derives the determination signal j1 and provides it to the determination circuit 655 and also provides it as a set input to the flip-flop 701.
Accordingly, flip-flop 701 is set. Further, the determination circuit 655 determines, in response to the determination signal j1, that the count value of the ring counter 644 is in a display state (for example, a state in which 7 is displayed) giving the maximum value set in the combination setting section 654. Determine whether or not. At this time, the determination circuit 655
Even if the combination of display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c gives the maximum value, if the segment display 41 does not display the number 7, the maximum value provision command signal (high level) is derived. do not. That is, the determination circuit 655 continues to apply the low level signal to the AND gate 656.
In this case, the set output of flip-flop 701 set by determination signal j1 is passed through OR gate 702 to AND gates 703 and 704.
given to. At this time, a low level signal representing that the predetermined time t1 has not elapsed is inverted to a high level signal and inputted to the AND gate 704 from the comparison circuit 707. Therefore, the AND gate 704 continuously derives a high level signal and supplies it to the driver 73 via the OR gate 72 until the comparator circuit 707 detects a certain time t1.
In response, the driver 73 energizes the solenoid 351 to open the opening/closing plate 33 of the variable winning ball device 30. At this time, a high level signal is given to the AND gate 703 based on the depression of the ball batting command switch 14s. For this reason, and gate 7
03 derives the pulse given from the pulse generation circuit 705 and supplies it to the counter 706. The counter 706 increments its count value every time there is a pulse input, and the comparator circuit 707 and the decoder driver 7
Give to 1. Here, the pulse generation period of the pulse generation circuit 705 is, for example, 1/10 second (or 1/10 second).
100 seconds). In this case, the decoder driver 71 causes the segment display 8 to display the upper two digits of the counted value of the counter 76 (that is, the number rounded down to the decimal point) as opening duration data of the variable winning ball device 30. As described above, since the period measuring means 700 represents the continuous opening time of the variable winning ball device, the continuous opening time measuring means for measuring the continuous opening time of the variable winning ball device is controlled by the period measuring means 700. It is configured for dual use. More specifically, since the continuous opening time measuring means measures the elapsed time of continuous opening of the variable winning ball device, the period measuring means 700 measures the elapsed time of continuous opening of the variable winning ball device. The continuous opening elapsed time continuation means for measuring the continuous opening elapsed time is also configured. Next, the comparison circuit 707 detects that the count value of the counter 706 corresponding to a certain time t1 (that is, the value obtained by dividing the count value of the counter 706 by the period of the output pulse of the pulse generation circuit 705) reaches the certain time t1. When it is determined that the predetermined time t1 has been reached, a high level signal is derived. This high level signal resets flip-flop 701 and counter 706, is applied to delay circuit 708, and disables AND gate 704. As a result, the variable winning ball device 30 receives the judgment signal j2 or
Although it is opened for a certain period of time t1, which is longer than when j4 is derived, it is not repeatedly driven to open. Note that the period measuring means may detect the opening of the variable winning ball device 30 and start measuring the period.

On the other hand, the combination of the display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c is a predetermined state (all sailing shapes) that can give the maximum value, and the display state of the segment display 41 is displaying the number 7 that can give the maximum value. If the state is reached, the determination circuit 655
derives a high level signal representing a specific gaming state, that is, the fulfillment of the maximum value granting condition. This high level signal sets the flip-flop 713 and is applied to the predetermined value provision state detection circuit 67. Therefore, when the specific game state is entered, the opening operation of the variable winning ball device 30 is repeatedly performed after the operation when the above-mentioned determination signal j1 is derived is completed. That is, when the variable winning ball device 30 is closed after being opened for a certain period of time t1, the delay circuit 708 derives a high level signal after a certain period of time and supplies it to the AND gate 709.

By the way, the condition under which the opening drive of the variable winning ball device 30 can be repeatedly performed in a specific gaming state is when a winning ball hits the winning area 32a during the period when the variable winning ball device 30 is opened. Therefore, if there is a winning ball in the winning area 32a,
A special prize ball detection switch 711 provided in connection with the winning area 32a detects a winning ball and sets a flip-flop 710. For this reason, the AND gate 709 is activated when there is a set output from the flip-flop 713, that is, a specific gaming state, when there is a set output from the flip-flop 710, that is, when there is a winning ball in the winning area, and when there is an output from the delay circuit 708. That is, based on the three conditions that the variable winning ball device 30 is opened for a certain period of time t1 and then closed, a high level signal representing a repeated opening command is derived and sent via the OR gate 702 to the AND gate 703. and 704. As a result, the variable winning ball device 30 is opened again for a certain period of time t1 in the same way as when the above-described determination signal j1 is derived. At this time, the AND gate 716 turns on the transistor 717 in response to both set outputs of the flip-flops 710 and 713, and turns on the light emitting diode 6.
a and 6b are displayed by emitting light. By looking at the display states of the light emitting diodes 6a and 6b, the player can easily know that the variable prize winning ball device 30 will be opened again after being closed. Further, the output of delay circuit 708 is given to delay circuit 712. Delay circuit 7
12 derives a high level signal with a minute delay required to open and drive the variable winning ball device 30, and sets the flip-flop 710. As described above, when the specific game state is entered, as long as there are winning balls in the winning area 32a during the period when the variable winning ball device 30 is open, the variable winning ball device 3
Open drive can be performed by repeating 0. This provides the player with an opportunity to win a large amount of prize balls in an extremely efficient manner.

When the variable winning ball device 30 is repeatedly driven to open, if no winning ball enters the winning area 32a during that period, the flip-flop 710 continues to be in the set state. Therefore, when the comparison circuit 707 detects that a certain period of time t1 has elapsed since the opening of the variable winning ball device 30,
AND gate 714 derives a high level signal and passes it through OR gate 714 to flip-flop 71.
Set 3. As a result, the repeated opening operation of the variable winning ball device 30 is thereafter completed. In addition, each time the variable winning ball device 30 is opened, the winning area 3
When a prize ball is won in 2a, the player can win a large amount of prize balls corresponding to the number of winnings at an early opportunity. In this case, the predetermined value provision state detection circuit 67
detects that a predetermined number of prize balls have been paid out, derives a high level signal, and outputs the AND gate 6.
In addition to inactivating 56, Or Gate 71
Flip-flop 713 is set via 5. Therefore, the fixed time of the variable winning ball device 30
The repeated opening operation at t1 will be stopped if there are no winning balls in the winning area within a certain period of time t1 or if a predetermined value is given to the extent that it is stopped.

By the way, as mentioned above, the variable winning ball device 30
When the is repeatedly opened and driven, a large amount of prize balls will be generated in a short period of time, so a large amount of prize balls will be paid out. Therefore, the player needs to transfer the prize balls stored in the prize ball tray 16 to another container. In this case, the player interrupts the ball hitting operation, prepares another container, and transfers the prize balls stored in the prize ball tray 16 to the other container. At this time, the pressure on the batting command switch 14s is released, so
AND gate 703 is disabled. Therefore, even if the batting game is stopped while the variable winning ball device 30 is being opened, the counter 706 stops counting the fixed time t1 during which the variable winning ball device 30 should be opened. In this way, when the variable winning ball device 30 is opened in a specific game state, if the ball hitting operation is stopped, the timing operation of the fixed time t1 for opening the variable winning ball device 30 is stopped, and the state is changed. It is displayed on the segment display 7. That is, when the player stops hitting the ball, the display of the opening time that has elapsed up to that point continues. In this case, motor 2
Since the ball hitting command switch 14s is not operated, power is not supplied to the ball 41, and therefore the ball hitting operation is stopped.

As a result, if the ball firing operation or ball hitting operation is interrupted during the opening of the variable winning ball device 30 in a specific game state, the interrupted time will not be counted as the time when the variable winning ball device 30 can be opened, and the game will start. This has the advantage that the recipient can safely transfer the prize balls to another container. In addition, if the number of times that the variable winning ball device 30 can be repeatedly opened and closed in a specific gaming state is limited, or if there is one or a certain number of winning balls during one opening of the variable winning ball device 30, Even in the case where a condition is established that allows the player to repeatedly open the game, there is an advantage that the player will not be disadvantaged by interrupting the game while the variable winning ball device 30 is being opened.

Further, even before the fixed time t1 has elapsed, if a predetermined number of balls hit the variable winning ball device 30, the first state of the variable winning ball device may be ended at that point. Further, the repeat opening drive of the variable winning ball device 30 may be performed immediately when the repeat opening condition is satisfied.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the segment display 8
Although the case has been described in which the time information displayed is the opening duration time of the variable winning ball device 30 in the specific game state, it may be the time t2 to t4 when the determination signals j2 to j4 are derived. in this case,
The configuration may be such that the time information measured by the timers 74 to 76 is converted into a digital signal, and the gates are appropriately switched depending on the type of the determination signals j2 to j4 and provided to the decoder 71. Also,
Instead of the opening duration time of the variable winning ball device 30, the remaining time that can be opened may be displayed. In this case, a subtraction circuit is used in place of the counter 706, and the circuit is configured such that at the timing when a high level is derived from the OR gate 702, a count value corresponding to a certain time t1 is preset in the subtraction circuit. Then, the subtraction circuit performs a subtraction operation every time a pulse is input, and the subtracted value is provided to the comparison circuit 707 and the data driver 71.
In this case, the comparison circuit 707 is replaced by one that detects when the count value of the subtraction circuit becomes zero. In this case, the period measuring means 700 incorporating the subtraction circuit constitutes a continuous open remaining time measuring means that can continuously open the variable winning ball device.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the first state, the opening/closing plate 33 of the variable winning ball device 30 is
Although the case of opening and closing has been described, it may be driven to open and close periodically (for example, at intervals of 2 seconds). In that case,
A pulse generation circuit that generates pulses at regular intervals is provided, and the output of the pulse generation circuit and the OR gate 72
The circuit is configured so that the output of the AND gate is given to the AND gate, and the output of the AND gate is given to the driver 73,
The opening/closing plate 33 may be opened only when the output of the AND gate is at a high level. In this case, the fixed time t1 is selected to be twice that of the case where the opening is continuous. Further, the numerical information displayed on the segment display 8 may display the number of openings and closings (or the remaining number of openings and closings) instead of the fixed time. In this case, a counter that adds (or subtracts from a predetermined number) every opening/closing operation is provided, and the count value of the counter is displayed on the segment display 8.
All you have to do is display it. The period measuring means 700 provided with the counter constitutes an opening/closing number measuring means for measuring the number of times the variable winning ball device is repeatedly opened and closed. In this case, the measurement period is a period that correlates to the product of the time corresponding to the period of the opening/closing operation and a certain number of opening/closing operations.

In addition, in the above embodiment, as an example of prizes paid out in accordance with winning balls, the case of replayable balls was described, but instead of this, a value object corresponding to a relatively large number of balls (for example, a game A prize payout means that pays out a ball (or a metal ball larger than the ball) may also be used.

By the way, although FIGS. 6 and 8 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 it is constructed by program processing using a microprocessor. You can also do it with As for the operation in this case, a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted since those skilled in the art can easily imagine setting a program to perform the operation of the hardware circuit shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[Effects of the Invention] The present invention configured as described above allows the player to recognize the change period of the variable winning ball device changing to the first state, and also allows the player to recognize the change period of the variable winning ball device during the game. It is possible to remove the player's sense of distrust regarding the length of the first state, and it is possible to remove the player's sense of anxiety caused by not knowing the change period of the variable winning ball device that is changing to the first state. Moreover, it has been possible to provide a pinball game machine that can prevent as much as possible troubles related to the length of time during which the variable winning ball device changes to the first state during actual gaming.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko game machine as an example of the pinball game machine of the present invention. Figures 2A and 2
Figure B is an exploded view showing the back structure of the pachinko game machine. FIG. 3 is a detailed diagram of an example of a variable winning ball device. FIG. 4 is a detailed diagram of the variable winning ball device 40. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the rotating drum display mechanism 50 included in the variable winning ball device 40. FIG. 6 is a game control circuit diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. 7th
The figure is a detailed circuit diagram of an example of the drive control means. In the figure, 10 is a pachinko game machine which is an example of a pinball game machine, 30 is a variable winning ball device, 65 is a specific game state detection means, 8 is a segment display which is an example of a period display means, 700 is a period measurement means, and 40 60 is a variable display device, 60 is a game control circuit, 64 is a display drive circuit, 66 is a batting motor drive circuit, and 67 is a predetermined value provision state detection circuit.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A first state that is arranged on the game board and is advantageous to the player, and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player.
a variable winning ball device that can freely change into a state; and a specific gaming state that detects that the gaming state has reached a specific gaming state that allows the variable winning ball device to change to a first state for a predetermined period of time. A pinball game machine, comprising: a detection means; and a period display means for displaying a change period of the variable winning ball device changing to the first state. 2. A patent characterized in that the invention further includes a period measuring means that starts measuring the period based on an output related to the specific gaming state detecting means and outputs and displays the measured state on the period display means. A pinball game machine according to claim 1. 3. The variable winning ball device enters the first state by changing to a continuous open state, and enters the second state by changing to a continuous closed state, and the period measuring means: The pinball game machine according to claim 2, further comprising continuous opening time measuring means for measuring the continuous opening time of the variable winning ball device. 4. The pinball game machine according to claim 3, wherein the continuous opening time measuring means includes continuous opening elapsed time measuring means for measuring the elapsed time of consecutive openings of the variable winning ball device. . 5. The pinball game machine according to claim 3, wherein the continuous opening time measuring means includes continuous opening remaining time measuring means for measuring the remaining continuous opening time of the variable winning ball device. . 6. The variable prize winning ball device enters the first state by changing to an open and closed state that repeats opening and closing, and enters the second state by changing to a continuous closed state, and the period 3. The pinball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the measuring means includes an opening/closing number measuring means for measuring the number of times the variable winning ball device is repeatedly opened and closed.