JPH0587271B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to an information processing device for a pinball game machine represented by a pachinko game machine, a coin game machine, etc.
More specifically, if a specific gaming state occurs where the minimum necessary condition is that the ball has won a prize in the starting winning area provided in the gaming area where the ball is hit,
The present invention relates to an information processing device for a pinball game machine that generates a game state in which a specific game value can be awarded.

[Prior art] In an information processing device for this type of pinball game machine,
For example, one that has been generally known in the past is that described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 183883/1983. In the information processing device of this conventional pinball game machine, for example, the variable display device is variably started based on the fact that the ball hit into the game area enters the start winning area, and the variable display device is stopped. If the display result at the time becomes predetermined specific identification information, a specific game state occurs, and a specific game state such as, for example, opening a variable winning ball device to create a first state advantageous to the player. In a pinball game machine that generates a game state in which a value can be assigned, the number of times a specific game value can be assigned due to the occurrence of the specific gaming state is counted, and the counted value is displayed or printed. It was configured. In other words, in the information processing device of the conventional pinball game machine, data related to the provision of specific game values that are given in response to the occurrence of a specific gaming state are aggregated, and the aggregated results are effectively used for nail adjustment, etc. It was configured to output as shown below.

If the specific gaming state in which specific gaming value is awarded occurs too many times, this will provide a service to the players, but the gaming parlor will suffer from inconveniences such as operating in the red. On the other hand, if the number of occurrences of the specific gaming state is too small, on the other hand, it will be profitable for the gaming parlor, but on the other hand, the service provided to the players will deteriorate, resulting in the inconvenience that fewer customers will flock to the gaming parlor. arise. Therefore, the information processing device of the conventional pinball game machine collects and outputs data related to the provision of specific gaming values associated with the occurrence of specific gaming conditions, which is extremely important for amusement center management. .

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] However, the data regarding the specific gaming value imparted due to the occurrence of the specific gaming state is based on the fact that the number of winnings at the start of hitting the balls is not that large, but by chance on that day. There are rare cases in which specific game states occur frequently, and vice versa. However, when nail adjustments are made based only on the output data regarding the provision of specific gaming value provided by the management system of conventional pinball game machines, the value of the output data becomes large due to the aforementioned coincidence. There is a drawback that even pinball game machines that do not need to be adjusted because the nails are getting thinner or smaller can be adjusted incorrectly.

On the other hand, the services provided to players through games are not limited to the provision of a specific gaming value that accompanies the occurrence of a specific gaming state; There are also gaming services associated with starting winnings that can provide an interesting game by creating a sense of expectation that a gaming state may occur. The more frequently this hitting ball start winning hole occurs, the more interesting the game can be provided, and the more customers will gather at the game hall.

However, in the information processing device of the conventional pinball game machine, data related to the provision of specific gaming value associated with the occurrence of a specific gaming state is collected and output, but the data on the hitting ball, which is a prerequisite for the occurrence of the specific gaming state, is collected and output. Since no data regarding starting winnings is collected and output, it is important for gaming parlors to weigh both the services to players and the profits of the gaming parlor. However, there was a drawback in that no data was provided that could be used to judge the services provided to players, and only insufficient data could be provided for game hall management.

The present invention has been devised in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming facility that must weigh both the service to players and the profit of the gaming facility, and to avoid being misled by mere chance. In addition to being able to provide reliable information,
Providing information that also takes into account the services provided to players when the ball starts winning,
To provide an information processing device for a pinball game machine that can provide information that enables more advanced game hall management.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention comprises: a starting winning area provided in a game area where balls are hit; starting winning ball detection means for detecting starting winning balls that have entered the starting winning area; A specific gaming state detecting means for detecting the occurrence of a specific gaming state with the minimum necessary condition that the detection output of the starting prize winning ball detecting means has been derived, and based on the detection output of the specific gaming state detecting means. an information processing device for a pinball game machine, the information processing device comprising: a game state control means for causing a game state in which a specific game value can be imparted to appear; ,
The present invention includes a data aggregation means for aggregating data regarding the provision of the specific gaming value based on the detection means of the specific gaming state detection means, and an output means for outputting the data aggregated by the data aggregation means. Features.

[Function] According to the present invention, when a hit ball wins a prize in the starting winning area provided in the gaming area, data regarding the starting winning of the hitting ball is aggregated, and the starting winning of the hitting ball is set as the minimum necessary condition to generate a prize. Based on the detection output of the specific gaming state detecting means to the effect that the specific gaming state has occurred, data regarding a specific gaming value award accompanying the occurrence of the specific gaming state is aggregated, and the aggregated data is output.

[Embodiments of the Invention] Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. In the following explanation, a pachinko game machine will be described as an example of a pinball game machine, but the present invention is not limited to the case of a pachinko game machine, but can be used for example in a coin game machine, etc. It's okay.

1A and 1B are external views of a pachinko machine, which is an example of a pinball game machine to which the present invention is applied, and in particular, FIG. 1A shows its front view, and FIG. 1B shows its rear view.

In FIG. 1A, a pachinko machine 10 has a front frame 1 mounted so as to be freely openable and closable, and a glass frame 2 mounted on the front frame 1 so as to be freely openable and closable. A game board 3 is detachably attached to the front frame 1. On the game board 3 on which a game area is formed on the front side, specific areas 4a to 4c, which are examples of starting winning areas, safe holes 5a to 5c,
and multiple yakumono (commonly known as chulips) 6
a and 6b are arranged. Furthermore, a variable display member 20, which is an example of a game state changing means, is mounted approximately at the center of the game board 3. The variable display member 20 is
It includes a segment display 20a for electrically variably displaying identification information, and a rotating drum mechanism (details shown in FIG. 2, which will be described later) for mechanically variably displaying identification information. Furthermore, a winning ball device 30 (details shown in FIG. 3 described later), which is an example of maximum value imparting means, is provided at a position slightly above the out ball entrance 7 of the game board 3.

The specific areas 4a to 4c are winning holes defined so that the variable display member 20 can be driven or variably displayed when a winning ball is won. This variable display member 20 changes its display state based on the winning balls in the specific areas 4a to 4c, and gives the maximum value based on the display state. Therefore, a specific gaming state occurs in which the maximum value of an example of specific gaming values can be awarded with the minimum necessary condition that a ball hit in the specific areas 4a to 4c wins. For example, the specific areas 4a and 4b constitute first and second starting winning areas, respectively.

Note that the specific area is not limited to the winning hole, but also the game board 3.
It may be a region formed above through which balls can pass, that is, a passage region through which balls falling from above pass and are ejected onto the game board 3 again. In other words,
"Winning" is a broad concept that includes "passing."

If necessary, a start switch 8a and a stop switch 8b are provided on a part of the front frame 1. This start switch 8a is used to set conditions for starting the variable display of the variable display member 20 that there are winning balls in the specific areas 4a to 4c and that the player operates a start command. The stop switch 8b is used to manually stop the change in the display state of the variable display member 20.

Furthermore, in the position on the game board 3 that is hidden when the glass frame 2 is closed and exposed when it is opened,
A connection terminal 9 is provided. This connection terminal 9 is used when outputting data based on the operating state of the pachinko machine 10 to the outside.

In FIG. 1B, a plurality of paths 111 to 117 are provided on the back side of the game board 3. Route 11
1,112, the ball that has entered the specific area 4a, 4b or the safe holes 5a to 5c is placed in the accessory 6a or 6.
The ball is guided to the upper position of the back surface of the ball b, and the ball opens the yakumono 6a, 6b. Route 11
3 guides the winning ball into the specific area 4c to the detection switch 12c. The path 114 is an inclined path for guiding various winning balls that have entered the safe hole, the winning hole, or the winning ball device 30, and leads them to the winning ball processing device 16. The winning balls processed by the winning ball processing device 16 are guided to a confluence path 117 via a path 115. A path 116 is provided between the out ball inlet 7 and the merging path 117.

Detection switches 12a to 12c, which are an example of starting winning ball detecting means, are provided on the back surfaces of the specific areas 4a to 4c, in order to detect the winning balls in the corresponding specific areas. A detection switch 13 for detecting a winning ball into the winning ball device 30 is provided on the back side of the winning ball device 30. The winning ball device 30 opens its plate when it reaches the maximum value granting state, and the winning ball device 30 opens the plate to a predetermined winning area (32a shown in FIG. 3) among the winning areas that can be passed through by opening the plate. A detection switch 1 is provided to detect winning balls. A ball detection switch 15 is provided in connection with the merging path 117.

Further, on the back side of the game board 3, a box 17 is mounted which houses a game control circuit 40 shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later, and a management device 50 shown in FIG. 5A.
The output of box 17 is connected to connection terminal 9. Although not shown, Pachinko machine 1
A prize ball storage tank is provided at the upper part of the back side of 0. This prize ball storage tank is replenished with prize balls from a conventionally known return device. A supply ball detection switch (18 shown in FIG. 5) is provided in connection with the prize ball supply path. This supply ball detection switch 1
8 detects a supply ball, which is an example of a ball that is profitable for the player. Ball detection switch 1
5 is used to detect a hit ball, which is an example of a ball that is disadvantageous to the player.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a rotating drum mechanism 20B included in the variable display member. In the figure, the rotating drum mechanism 20A includes a plurality of rotating drums 21a to 21.
Contains c. Identification information (picture patterns, symbols, numbers, alphanumeric characters, etc.) is drawn on the outer periphery of each of the rotating drums 21a to 21c. Each rotating drum 21
Ratchet gears 22a to 22c (only 22c is shown in the figure) having the number of teeth corresponding to the number of identification information are fixed to the side surfaces of a to 21c. The rotating drums 21a to 21c each have a drum shaft 2.
3, and are individually rotated by the frictional force. Both ends of the drum shaft 23 are supported by the sides of the box 24. A rotational drive mechanism 25 is provided at one end of the drum shaft 23. Rotation drive mechanism 25 includes a motor 251. motor 2
A geared motor 51 transmits its rotational force to a gear 253 via a gear 252. The gear 253 is fixed to one end of the drum shaft 23.

On the back of the box 24, solenoids 26a to
26c is fixed. Solenoids 26a-26c
The plunger 261 has locking levers 27a to 2.
One end of 7c is connected. Lock lever 27a-2
7c is pivotally supported approximately at the center by a lever shaft 282. Claw-shaped portions 271 are formed at the tips (other ends) of the locking levers 27a to 27c. A pawl 271 on each locking lever 27a-27c engages a corresponding ratchet gear 22a-22c to hold each rotating drum 21a-21c in a selectively locked condition.

The aforementioned rotating drum mechanism 20B is mounted on the back surface of the game board 3 so that a portion of each of the rotating drums 21a to 21c can be visually seen from the front surface of the game board 3.

In this embodiment, when the identification information displayed for each rotating drum 21a to 21c included in the rotating drum mechanism 20B is a predetermined combination and the display state of the segment display 20A is a predetermined state, the maximum value is This is the condition under which it can be granted. Next, details of the winning ball device will be explained as an example of a means for imparting maximum value.

FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of the winning ball device 30. In the winning ball device 30 of this embodiment, the opening/closing plate 33 (described later) is opened in the front to accept balls as a first state that is advantageous (or profitable) to the player, and is disadvantageous to the player. (or disadvantage)
As an example of the second state, the opening/closing plate is closed to prevent the ball from being received.

To explain more specifically, the winning ball device 30 includes a decorative frame 31. In the center of the decorative frame 31,
A through hole is formed which becomes a winning area 32 in which a ball can be won. An opening/closing plate (or plate) 33 is provided on the front side of the through hole so that it can be opened and closed toward the front side. The lower part of the opening/closing plate 33 is supported by a shaft 331,
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 341 fixed to the tip of the lever 34 is inserted into the through hole. Lever 34
The other end is supported at a fulcrum 342. Lever 34
An opening/closing mechanism 35 is provided at an upper position. The opening/closing mechanism 35 selectively drives the opening/closing plate 33 to open or close, and includes a solenoid 351 . The plunger 352 of the solenoid 351 has a rod 3.
One end of 53 is connected. The other end of the rod 353 is connected to the lever 34.

The winning area 32 is divided into a plurality of winning areas 32a, 32b, and 32c as necessary. The winning balls in the winning areas 32b and 32c are guided directly to the back side of the game board 3 and reach the detection switch 13. The winning area 32a is a special prize area that is set so that it can be opened repeatedly after the opening/closing plate 33 is closed in accordance with the passage of the ball. A detection switch 14 (see FIG. 1B) is provided at a position in the back of this winning area 32a through which the balls pass.

Safe holes 36a and 36b are formed on both sides of the decorative frame 31 sandwiching the winning area 32. Safe hole 3
6a and 36b are for guiding the hit balls to the back side as winning balls even when the opening/closing plate 33 is closed.

FIG. 4 is a game control circuit diagram of the pachinko machine 10. Next, the configuration and operation of the game control circuit 40 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

The ball is safe hole 5a-5c or Yakumono 6
When a prize is won in a or 6b, a fixed number of prize balls are released for each winning ball, similar to conventional pachinko machines. On the other hand, the ball hit in specific areas 4a to 4
When one of the winning balls is won, one of the corresponding detection switches 12a to 12c detects the winning ball and derives a start signal. This start signal is given to the mechanical display drive circuit 41 and also to the display information generation circuit 42a included in the electrical display drive circuit 42. In response, mechanical display drive circuit 41 energizes solenoids 26a-26c and energizes motor 251. depending on,
Locking levers 27a to 27c and ratchet gear 22
Since the engagement state with a to 22c is released, each of the rotating drums 21a to 21c is rotationally driven by the rotational force of the motor 251. Therefore, the rotating drum mechanism 20A is mechanically driven as the rotating drum rotates to change the identification information. Almost simultaneously, the display information generation circuit 42 generates information (for example, numerical information) to be displayed on the segment display 20A, and provides it to the driver 42b and the maximum value provision state detection circuit 46. Such a display information generating circuit 42a is configured to include, for example, a clock oscillator, a counter that counts clock pulses, and a decoder that decodes the count value of the counter, and changes the display information sequentially in accordance with the clock generation period. The displayed information is derived. The driver 42b drives the segment display 20A to display based on the display information. As a result, the segment display 20A is electrically variably displayed.

In this state, the stop signal generation circuit 43 generates a stop signal at a timing desired by the player or after a certain time delay from the start signal. This stop signal is applied to the mechanical display drive circuit 41 and also to the display information generation circuit 42a. The mechanical display drive circuit 41 includes solenoids 26a to 26
c is deenergized, and the motor 251 is deenergized to stop each of the rotating drums 21a to 21c.
The identification information displayed on each of the rotating drums 21 a to 21 c is detected by a mechanical display state detection section 44 and provided to a combination display state determination circuit 45 . The combination display state determination circuit 45 determines the combination of identification information displayed on each of the rotating drums 21a to 21c, and provides the result to the maximum value provision state detection circuit 46. The display information displayed on the segment display 20A is supplied to the maximum value imparting state detection circuit 46 from the display information generation circuit 42a. Maximum value adding state detection circuit 46
It is determined whether the combination of the display states of the rotating drums 21a to 21c and the display information of the segment display 20A are in a state in which a predetermined maximum value can be given. If it is detected that the maximum value provision state has been reached, the detection output is sent to the value provision control circuit 47.
and an interface 52 shown in FIG. 5A described below.
given to. The value imparting control circuit 47 energizes the solenoid 351 for a relatively long time (or energizes it intermittently) to open the opening/closing plate 33, thereby making it easier for the ball to win with a relatively high probability.

In addition, as another example of the maximum value imparting state, the state may be based on, for example, only a mechanically variable display or only an electrically variable display.
Further, as another example of the maximum value, after once reaching the maximum value imparting state, the opening/closing plate 33 is closed after a certain period of time based on the ball hitting the winning area 32a while the opening/closing plate 33 is open. It is also possible to repeat the process again. In that case, a repeated opening condition detection circuit 48 is provided. This repeated opening condition detection circuit 48 is configured to detect, for example, the detection switch 1.
4 acts on the value adding control circuit 47 to repeatedly energize the solenoid 351.

The maximum value imparting state detection circuit 46 constitutes a specific gaming state detecting means that detects the occurrence of a specific gaming state with the minimum necessary condition being that the detection output of the starting prize winning ball detecting means has been derived. There is. By the game control circuit 40,
A gaming state control means is configured to cause a gaming state in which a specific gaming value can be awarded to appear based on the detection output of the specific gaming state detecting means.

Next, we will describe the operation when collecting various data during the operation of the pachinko machine 10 as described above, particularly data regarding the provision of maximum value.

5A to 5C are diagrams for explaining the details of the management device as an example of the information processing device of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 6a shows a block diagram of the management device 50, and FIG. 6b shows the management device included in the management device. 7 is a diagram schematically showing a storage area of a memory (RAM) 54, and FIG. 7 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the CPU 51.

In FIG. 5A, the management device 50 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) 51, an interface 52,
A program storage memory (hereinafter referred to as ROM) 53 and a data storage memory (hereinafter referred to as an example of a storage means)
(RAM) 54. The CPU 51 writes data to the RAM 54 or reads data previously written to the RAM 54, and functions as a reading means. The detection switches 12a to 15 and the detection switch 18 are connected to the interface 52, and the output of the maximum value provision state detection circuit 46 is provided thereto. The interface 52 also includes an output unit 70A (shown in FIG. 7A to be described later).
is connected directly or via connection terminals (or connectors) 9 and 85 to the output unit 80A.
(shown in FIG. 11 described later) is connected. This CPU
51, interface 52 and output unit 7
0A (or output unit 80A and connection terminal 9)
The output means is configured by: Here, the output units 70A, 80A serve as means for outputting the data stored in the RAM 54 in a visually perceivable manner.

Note that the operation of the CPU 51 will be explained in detail with reference to FIG.

Details of the storage area of the RAM 54 will be explained with reference to FIG. 5B. The RAM 54 includes a plurality of storage areas (or storage areas) 54a to 54h. Here, the storage area 54a is used to store the number of winning balls in the specific area 4a (ie, the number A of winning balls at the left start). The storage area 54a is used to store the number of winning balls in the specific area 4b (ie, the number B of winning balls in the right start). The storage area 54c is used to store the number of winning balls in the specific area 4c (that is, the center starting winning ball number C). The storage area 54d is used to store the maximum number of values D. The storage area 54e is
Number of winning balls E in the winning area 32 of the winning ball device 30
It is used to memorize. Storage area 54f
is used to store the number of winning balls that entered the winning area 32a, that is, the number of times F that the opening/closing board 33 was opened continuously. The memory area 54g is used to store the number of outputs of the detection switch 15 and the number G of balls hit. The storage area 54h is used to store the number of outputs of the detection switch 18, that is, the number H of balls to be supplied.

Note that in place of the storage areas 54a to 54h, a counter for counting the number of balls or the number of times of each ball may be used.

Next, the operation of the management device 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C.

The CPU 51 determines whether the output mode has been selected in step 1, and proceeds to step 2 if it determines that the output mode has not been selected. Here, in the case of the output unit 70A, for example, the output mode is determined based on the pressing of a switch (72 shown in FIG. 7A) for activating the output of the memory contents of the RAM 54. Ru. In addition, if the output unit 80A is detachable from the connection terminal 9, the connection terminals 9 and 8
5 is connected, or in addition to this, the switch (82 shown in FIG. 8A) is operated.

Subsequently, in steps 2 to 13, various data related to giving the maximum value are written into the RAM 54. Specifically, in step 2, it is determined whether the detection switch 12a is turned on or not.
That is, it is determined whether the ball hit into the specific area 4a or not. If it is determined that the detection switch 12a is on, in step 3, 1 is added to the number A of left-start winning balls that has been stored in the storage area 54a. Thereafter, or if it is determined in step 2 that the detection switch 12a is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step 4. In step 4, it is determined whether or not the detection switch 12b is turned on, that is, whether or not the ball hit the specific area 4b. When it is determined that the detection switch 12b is on, in step 5, 1 is added to the right start winning ball number B stored in the storage area 54b. Thereafter, or if it is determined in step 4 that the detection switch 12b is in the OFF state, the process proceeds to step 6. Step 6
At this point, it is determined whether or not the detection switch 12c is on, that is, whether or not the ball hit the specific area 4c. If the detection switch 12c
When it is determined that the button is turned on, in step 7, 1 is added to the number C of center start winning balls stored in the storage area 54c. Thereafter, or if it is determined in step 6 that the detection switch 12c is in the OFF state, the process advances to step 8.

In step 8, it is determined whether or not the maximum value imparting state is reached. This determination is made based on whether the maximum value provision state detection circuit 46 has detected the maximum value provision state. If it is determined that the state is the maximum value provision state, 1 is added to the maximum value provision number D stored in the storage area 54d in step 9. After that, or if it is determined in step 8 that the state is not the maximum value imparting state, the process proceeds to step 10. In step 10, it is determined whether or not the detection switch 13 is turned on, that is, whether or not there is a winning ball in the winning area 32 of the winning ball device 30. When it is determined that the detection switch 13 is in the on state, in step 11, 1 is added to the number of winning balls E stored in the storage area 54e. then or step
If it is determined in step 10 that the detection switch 13 is in the OFF state, the process advances to step 12. step
At step 12, it is determined whether or not the detection switch 14 is turned on, that is, whether or not a winning ball is generated in the winning area 32a where the conditions for continuous opening while the opening/closing plate 33 is open are determined. Detection switch 1
When it is determined that 4 is turned on, 1 is added to the number of continuations F stored in the storage area 54f in step 13.

Thereafter, in steps 14 to 17, detection and collection of difference data based on the operating state of the pachinko machine 10 is performed. That is, in step 14, it is determined whether the detection switch 15 has been turned on, that is, whether or not the ball has been hit. If it is determined that the detection switch 15 is turned on, 1 is added to the number of balls G stored in the storage area 54g in step 15. After that, or in step 14, the detection switch 15 is activated.
If it is determined that the off state of
In step 16, it is determined whether or not the detection switch 18 is turned on, that is, whether or not there is a replenishment ball. When it is determined that the detection switch 18 is turned on, the storage area 54h is stored in step 18.
1 is added to the supply ball number H stored in . Thereafter, or when it is determined in step 16 that the detection switch 18 is in the OFF state, step 1
Return to

In this way, the operation of collecting various data based on the operating state of the pachinko machine 10 is repeatedly performed.

As mentioned above, the various data collected in the RAM 54 are displayed or printed and output in a visually recognizable manner, but for the operation and output manner, please refer to FIGS. 7A to 10B. will be described later.

Note that data regarding the number of variable display times of the variable display member 20 may be aggregated and outputted by the output means. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the game control circuit of the pachinko machine 10 is configured with a hardware circuit, and the management device 50 is configured using a microprocessor. It may also be controlled by software processing. In that case, a program for performing operations or functions similar to those shown in FIG. 4 can be easily created by those skilled in the art by following the technical idea shown in FIG. 4, and therefore detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

The CPU 51 aggregates data regarding the starting winnings of balls based on the detection output of the starting winning ball detection means, and aggregates data regarding the provision of the specific gaming value based on the detection output of the specific gaming state detecting means. A data aggregation means is configured.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a pachinko machine provided with a variable display member was described as an example of a pachinko machine that can provide the maximum value. However, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to various other pachinko machines that can provide maximum value based on changes in gaming conditions. Therefore, other pachinko machines to which the present invention is applied will be described below. FIG. 6A is a front view of another embodiment of a pachinko machine to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 6B is a perspective view illustrating details of a winning ball device 65 applied to this pachinko machine.

In FIG. 6A, the pachinko machine 6 of this embodiment
0, the specific areas 61a to 61c are formed in the lower area of the game board 3. Each specific area 61a to 61c
is an area through which a ball can pass, and is a starting area defined so that the operating state of the winning ball device 65, which will be described later, can be changed in accordance with the passage of a hit ball. Each of the specific areas 61a to 61c has detection switches 62a to 62a to 61c.
62c is associated. Furthermore, a winning ball device 65, which is another example of the game state changing means, is installed approximately in the center of the game board 3.

Details of the winning ball device 65 will be explained with reference to FIG. 6B. A special prize area 652 is formed in the lower part of the mounting board 651, and is determined to be in the maximum value imparting state in response to the passage of the ball. On both sides of the special prize area 652, there are winning areas (32 in FIG. 4) for releasing a predetermined number of prize balls according to winning balls.
b, corresponding to 32b) is formed. Above the special prize area 652 and winning area 653, ball bearing members (or opening/closing wing pieces) 654, 655 are supported so as to be openable and closable. This ball floating member 654, 655
is driven to open and close by an opening and closing drive mechanism 656 mounted on the back surface of the mounting board 651. The opening/closing drive mechanism 656 includes a solenoid 657 and a link mechanism 658.

The operation of the pachinko machine 60 of this embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. When the ball passes through any of the specific areas 61a to 61c, the detection switches 62a to 62c detect it. In response to this, the solenoid 657 is generated, and the opening/closing drive mechanism 656 moves the ball bearing member 654,
655 for a relatively short period of time (1 to 2 seconds), or repeat the opening and closing operation of a fraction of a second once or twice. During the opening operation of the ball receiving members 654, 655, if the ball does not enter the special prize area 652 but only enters the winning area 653, a predetermined number of balls will be awarded for each winning ball in the same way as in the conventionally known system. Prize balls will be released. Further, the variable winning ball device 65 is divided into a first starting winning area (for example, 61a, 61c) for opening and closing once, and a second starting winning area (for example, 61b) for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 65 twice. Detects and counts the total number of winning balls that enter the starting winning area, detects and counts winning balls that enter the second starting winning area, and collects and outputs both counting data separately by the information collecting device 70. You may also do so. In addition, the variable winning ball device 6
It is also possible to aggregate and output data regarding the number of times the one-time opening or double-opening operation was performed in conjunction with the starting winning of No. 5.

On the other hand, when the ball hits the special prize area 652,
Solenoid 657 is activated for a relatively short period of time (e.g.
The ball bearing members 654 and 655 are intermittently energized a certain number of times (for example, 18 times) at a period of 0.4 seconds to open and close intermittently. In this state, if the hit ball enters the special prize area 652, the ball receiving member 6
The intermittent opening/closing operation is repeated a certain number of times, 54, 655, and the operation is continued. Special prize area 6 where one ball is hit during a certain number of intermittent opening/closing operations.
If no prize is won in 52, the operation ends after a certain number of intermittent opening/closing operations. That is, in this embodiment, the maximum value imparting state is detected by detecting the first ball hit into the special prize area 652, and the number of continuations is counted by detecting the balls that have won after that. , will be continued a certain number of times.

Note that the pinball game machines to which this invention is applied are not limited to those shown in Figures 1A to 3 or Figures 6A and 6B, but also include various other pachinko machines and coin game machines that can provide the maximum value. Needless to say, it can be adapted to any occasion.

Next, details of the output unit for outputting the data stored in the RAM 54 in a visually recognizable manner will be explained.

7A and 7B are perspective views showing one embodiment of the output unit. In particular, what is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B shows a case where the box 17 is provided integrally with the box 17 attached to the back surface of the game board 3, or is provided in conjunction with the box 17.

In FIG. 7A, output unit 70A includes a box 71 (although it may also be used as box 17). BOX 71 has RAM5
A switch (or power switch) 72 for instructing the output of the stored data of 4 is provided, and a graphic area 73 showing the arrangement relationship of specific areas 4a to 4c of the game board 3 is formed. Furthermore, a numeric display device 74 including a plurality of numeric displays is formed in the box 71. Here, the numeric display 74
a, 74b or 74c is the corresponding specific area 4
It is used without displaying the number of winning balls in a, 4b, or 4c, that is, the left starting winning ball number A, the right starting winning ball number B, or the center starting winning ball number C. The numerical display 74d is used to display the maximum number of times D of value is given.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5C and FIG. 7A, the operation when outputting various data by the output unit 70A will be briefly described. switch 7
2 is turned on, the CPU 51 determines that the output mode was selected in step 1, and proceeds to step 18. In step 18, RAM5
The number A of winning balls for left start, the number B of winning balls for right start, the number C of winning balls for center start, and the number of maximum value awards D stored in the storage areas 54a to 54b of 4 are successively displayed, and the corresponding number of times D is given through interface 52. By looking at this display state, you can easily know the number of maximum value additions, as well as the number of specific areas that will be the trigger for adding maximum value. It has the advantage of being able to know the number of winning balls and obtaining information useful for nail adjustment.

In FIG. 7B, the output unit 70B is the seventh
The difference from the one shown in Figure A is that the configuration is as follows. That is, the box 71 is provided with one multi-digit numeric display 75. and,
The box 71 includes a selection switch 76 for selecting the type of data to be displayed on the numeric display 75.
a to 76d are provided. Each selection switch 76
a, 76b, 76c, and 76d are used to select the left starting winning ball number A, the right starting winning ball number B, the center starting winning ball number C, and the maximum value award number D, respectively. Corresponding to each of the selection switches 76a to 76d, display units (such as light emitting diodes) 78a to 78d are used to indicate which selection switch the type of data displayed on the numeric display 75 corresponds to. provided.

If configured as in this embodiment, there is an advantage that one numeric display 75 can be used to display a plurality of types of data.

FIGS. 8A to 8D are illustrative views of other embodiments of the output unit. In particular, in these examples:
Rather than being installed on each pachinko machine, it is designed so that it can be detachably attached to the pachinko machine 10 whose operating status data is desired, and one output unit can be shared by multiple pachinko machines. .

To explain more specifically, the output unit 80A shown in FIG. 8A has a box (or housing) 81.
A switch 82 for issuing an output command and a command to stop output is provided on the top, and a numeric display device 84 is also included. The numeric display device 84 includes a plurality of numeric displays 84a to 84d. It is displayed on each number display 84a to 84d.

The types of data are the same as those of the numeric displays 74a to 74d. And, in the output unit 80A,
A connection terminal 85 is connected via a cord. This connection terminal 85 is connected to a connection terminal 9 provided at a position exposed when the glass frame 2 of the pachinko machine 10 is opened.

With the configuration of this embodiment, when adjusting the nails, it is only necessary to connect the connection terminal 85 of the output unit 80A to the connection terminal 9 of the pachinko machine 10 to which the nails are to be adjusted, and the data of a plurality of pachinko machines can be transferred. It has the advantage that it can also be used for output, and that various data can be viewed from the front of the game board 3.

The output unit 80B shown in FIG. 8B is configured to be detachably attached to the box 17 mounted on the back side of the game board 3. For that purpose, the box 17 is provided with a connecting terminal 9'. Furthermore, a connecting terminal 85' that fits into the connecting terminal 9' is fixed to the box 81 of the output unit 80B.

The output unit 80C shown in FIG. 8C is equipped with a printing function. For that purpose, Box 8
1 includes a printer (in the illustration, printed paper 86
(Only shown) is built-in, and a print key 87 for issuing a print command is also provided. Although the drawing shows a case in which the connection terminal 9 is provided in connection with the box 17, it may be provided on the front surface of the game board 3 as shown in FIG. 8A. The rest of the configuration is the same as that in FIG. 8A, so the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

The output unit 80D shown in FIG. 8D has only a printing function.

In this way, the output unit 8 equipped with a printing function
An example of a printing format in which various data are printed using 0C or 80D is shown in FIG. 10A.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of a further preferred embodiment of the output unit. Output unit 90 of this embodiment
is provided for each pachinko machine in relation to the curtain board at the top of the island where the pachinko machine 10 is installed. The output unit 90 then displays the display panel 9.
1, and a door 92 is attached to the front surface of a display panel 91 so as to be openable and closable. A lock 93 is provided on the door 92 so that only a specific person (such as a staff member) can open the door 92 and view the displayed data.

The display panel 91 includes a plurality of numeric displays 84a.
A numeric display device 84 including numbers 84e to 84e is attached, and numeric displays 94a to 94d for displaying other data are also attached. Numerical display 9
4a displays the number G of balls hit (the number of balls entered as seen from the gaming hall) stored in the storage area 54g of the RAM 54. The number display 94b displays the number H of balls to be supplied (the number of balls put out as seen from the gaming hall) stored in the storage area 54h. Difference data is displayed on the numeric display 94c. This difference number data is obtained by subtracting the number H of balls to be supplied from the number G of balls hit (GH). The ball output rate is displayed on the numerical display 94d. This ball output rate is obtained by dividing the number H of supplied balls by the number G of balls hit (H÷G).

This embodiment has the advantage that when adjusting the nails, by opening the door 92 formed in a part of the curtain plate, various data can be obtained without lifting the output unit. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to easily know not only data regarding maximum value provision, but also data such as the number of balls struck, the number of supplied balls, the number of differences, and the ball output rate. In addition, if necessary, a printer may be provided in connection with the display panel 91, and each numeric display 84a to 84d, 9
The data displayed in 4a to 94d may be printed. The printing format in that case is shown in FIG. 10B.

The output units 70A, 40B, 80A-8
0D or 90 constitutes an output means for outputting the data aggregated by the data aggregation means.

In each of the above embodiments, the data of one pachinko machine is displayed or printed by one output unit, but a large computer is used to centrally manage multiple pachinko machines, and each pachinko machine is It may be configured to output various data of the pachinko machine selectively or all at once.

[Effects of the Invention] The present invention outputs data regarding the starting winnings of balls that are a prerequisite for the occurrence of a specific gaming state, and therefore compares the data regarding the starting winnings with the data regarding the specific gaming value imparting. By doing so, it is possible to judge whether or not the data related to the provision of a specific game value has become such a value by chance. Only gaming machines can be found. In addition, not only data related to the granting of specific gaming values accompanying the occurrence of a specific gaming state, but also data regarding the start winning of the hit ball, which is a prerequisite for the occurrence of the specific gaming state, are aggregated and output. It is also possible to take into consideration the services provided to the players when the balls start winning, and it has become possible to provide information that allows for more advanced game hall management.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrative views of an example of a pachinko machine to which the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the rotating drum mechanism included in the variable display member. FIG. 3 is a detailed diagram of the winning ball device. Fourth
The figure is a game control circuit diagram of the pachinko machine shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 5A is a block diagram of the management device, FIG. 5B is a diagram schematically showing the storage method of the RAM, and FIG. 5C is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the management device. Figures 6A and 6B
The figure is an illustrative diagram showing details of another pachinko machine to which the present invention is applied. Figures 7A and 7B are detailed views of the output unit. Figure 8A, Figure 8B
8C and 8D are illustrations of other embodiments of the output unit. FIG. 9 is an illustrative view of yet another embodiment of the output unit. FIGS. 10A and 10B are illustrative views of an example of a printing format. In the figure, 10 and 60 are pachinko machines, 3 is a game board, 4a to 4c, 61a to 61 are specific areas, and 1
2a to 12c, 62a to 62c are detection switches (passing ball detection means), 20 is a variable display member (game state changing means), 20A is a segment display, 20
B is a rotating drum mechanism, 30 is a winning ball device, 40 is a game control circuit, 41 and 42 are driving means, 46
47 is a maximum value provision state detection circuit, 47 is a value provision control circuit (winning ball device driving means), 50 is a management device,
51 is a CPU, 53 is a ROM, 54 is a RAM (storage means), 65 is a winning ball device (game state changing means), 7
0A, 70B, 80A to 80D, and 90 indicate output units (visual output means).

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A starting winning area provided in the game area where balls are hit, starting winning ball detection means for detecting starting winning balls that have entered the starting winning area, and starting winning ball detection means. a specific gaming state detection means for detecting the occurrence of a specific gaming state with the minimum necessary condition that a detection output of An information processing device for a pinball game machine including a game state control means for making a grantable game state appear, wherein the information processing device aggregates data regarding the starting prize opening of the hit ball, and calculates the specific game state. It is characterized by comprising: a data aggregation means for aggregating data regarding the provision of the specific gaming value based on the detection output of the detection means; and an output means for outputting the data aggregated by the data aggregation means. Information processing device for pinball game machines. 2. The gaming area is capable of changing into a first state that is advantageous to the player and a second state that is disadvantageous to the player, and based on the detection output of the specific gaming state detection means. 2. The information processing device for a pinball game machine according to claim 1, further comprising a variable winning ball device that changes to the first state when the ball changes to the first state. 3. The gaming area is provided with a variable display device capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, the identification information being variably started based on the detection output of the starting winning ball detection means, and the specific gaming state The detecting means includes a display data detecting means for detecting that the display data regarding the identification information when the variable display device is stopped is predetermined specific display data. An information processing device for a pinball game machine according to claim 1 or 2. 4. The variable winning ball device changes to the first state based on the detection output of the starting winning ball detection means, and the specific gaming state detection means changes when the variable winning ball device is in the first state. 3. The information processing device for a pinball game machine according to claim 2, wherein the information processing device detects the occurrence of a specific game state based on balls accepted in the game. 5. The data aggregation means includes a first aggregation means for cumulatively aggregating the number of times the specific gaming value is awarded based on the detection output of the specific gaming state detection means. An information processing device for a pinball game machine according to any one of items 1 to 4. 6. The starting winning area includes a first starting winning area and a second starting winning area, and the starting winning ball detecting means has a first starting winning area that detects winning balls that have entered the first starting winning area. The data aggregation means includes a starting winning ball detecting means and a second starting winning ball detecting means for detecting a winning ball that has entered the second starting winning area, and the data aggregation means is configured to detect winning balls that have entered the first starting winning area. An information processing device for a pinball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it further includes a second counting means for cumulatively counting the number of winnings related to the starting winnings. . 7. Any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the output means includes a visual output means that outputs the data aggregated by the aggregation means in a visually recognizable manner. An information processing device for a pinball game machine according to claim 1. 8. The information processing device for a pinball game machine according to claim 7, wherein the visual output means includes a display means. 9. The information processing device for a pinball game machine according to claim 7, wherein the visual output means includes a printing means.