JPH0450031B2 - - Google Patents

Description

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

[Prior Art] For this type of pachinko game machine, some of the commonly known pachinko machines include, for example,
-There was one described in Publication No. 68475. In this conventional pachinko game machine, a variable display device that can variably display multiple types of identification information is disposed on the game board, and when the pachinko game state reaches a predetermined game state, the The variable display device is controlled to stop, and when the identification information at the time of stop reaches a predetermined display state, the variable winning ball device is drive-controlled to a first state and is configured to provide a relatively large gaming value to the player. was. In other words,
In this type of conventional pachinko game machine, the variable winning ball device is driven and controlled to the first state based on the establishment of a specific display state of the variable display device that is not related to the ball batting operation technique, and a relatively large game value is generated. The aim was to provide gaming services to a wide range of players, giving even beginners who were not very good at batting ball operation techniques an opportunity to acquire great gaming value.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in this type of conventional pachinko gaming machine, once the variable winning ball device is driven and controlled to the first state, the variable winning ball device has a predetermined state. Since the variable winning ball device was configured to be driven and controlled to the second state when a certain number of balls hit a prize, once the variable winning ball device was driven and controlled to the first state, Since the variable winning ball device does not switch to the second state until the certain number of winning balls are generated, the sense of urgency in the game is lost and the game becomes uninteresting.

Therefore, when the variable winning ball device which is drive-controlled to the first state is satisfied, either the elapse of a certain period or the winning of a predetermined number of balls hit into the variable winning ball device, whichever comes first. By controlling the drive to the second state and setting a deadline for the first state of the variable winning ball device, and having the player play the game within the time limit, the sense of urgency in the game is maintained and the game is full of thrills. It is also conceivable to let the players enjoy the game. However, in that case, the player attempts to win as many pachinko balls as possible within the allowable range during the period when the variable winning ball device is switched to the first state, and as a result, the player An attempt is made to estimate when the variable winning ball device in the first state will switch to the second state, and the current number of winning pachinko balls is counted to calculate the number of winning pachinko balls that are still allowed. try to do this. However, in this type of conventional pachinko gaming machine, the conditions for switching the variable winning ball device in the first state to the second state are:
Since two conditions are involved: the passage of a predetermined period of time and the winning of a certain number of pachinko balls, it is extremely difficult for the player to estimate whether the switching conditions have been met, and furthermore, calculating the number of winning pachinko balls is complicated. It is easy to make mistakes, resulting in the inconvenience that players end up making incorrect gaming strategies. In particular, pachinko gaming machines equipped with the variable display device have been developed with the aim of providing gaming services to a wide range of beginners, and beginners are especially likely to make mistakes in estimating whether the switching conditions will be satisfied, and thus suffer from the above-mentioned inconveniences. becomes noticeable. Moreover, switching the variable winning ball device to the second state means switching to a disadvantageous state for the player, and due to a misunderstanding of the switching conditions, the variable winning ball device may be switched against the player's will. If the system switches to the second state, the player will feel psychologically very dissatisfied, and there is a risk of trouble with the employee regarding the number of prizes won. In particular, the number of winning pachinko balls in the variable winning ball device is one of the conditions for the variable winning ball device to switch to the second state, that is, a state disadvantageous to the player. If the variable winning ball device switches to a disadvantageous state against the player's will, the player will be particularly dissatisfied, and this will cause
There was also a risk that the original function of the pachinko game machine, which aims to provide players with entertainment, would be completely impaired.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention has been developed to maintain a tense game even after the variable winning ball device has switched to the first state, and to enjoy the thrill of the game while still allowing the variable winning ball device to maintain a tense game even after switching to the first state. To provide a pachinko game that makes it easy to estimate whether the conditions for switching to the second state are satisfied, makes it easier for players, especially beginners, to formulate correct gaming strategies, avoids troubles related to the number of prizes won, and does not spoil the interest of the game. The purpose is to provide gaming machines.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A pachinko 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 whose state can be freely changed; A variable display device disposed on a game board and capable of variably displaying multiple types of identification information; a gaming state determining means for determining whether a gaming state has been reached; a stop signal deriving means for deriving a stop signal for stopping the variable display of the variable display device; Display drive control means for starting a variable display of a variable display device and stopping the variable display of the variable display device based on a stop signal of the stop signal deriving means; a specific display state determining means for determining that the winning ball device has entered a predetermined display state so that the winning ball device can change to the first state within a predetermined period; winning ball detection means for detecting winning balls that have won into the variable winning ball device when the variable winning ball device is in the first state; winning ball number setting that sets the number of winning balls that can be won into the variable winning ball device when the variable winning ball device is in the first state; means, based on the detection output from the input prize ball detection means, the set number of winning balls by the input prize ball number setting means, and the predetermined fixed period, the number of winning balls reaches the set number within the fixed period; determining means for determining that the number of winning balls has reached the predetermined number, or that the certain period has elapsed without the number of winning balls reaching the set number; drive control means for driving the variable winning ball device to a first state and driving the variable winning ball device to a second state in response to the output of the determining means; It is characterized by comprising a numerical information display means for displaying a number.

[Operation] According to the present invention, when the identification information at the time of stop of the variable winning ball device becomes a predetermined display state, the variable winning ball device changes to the first state. and,
The number of winning balls that can be won in the variable winning ball device is set in advance by the winning ball number control means, and if the number of winning balls reaches the number set by the number of winning balls setting means within the certain period, or If the certain period of time passes without the number reaching the set number, the variable winning ball device in the first state changes to the second state.
The drive is controlled and switched to the state. In other words, since a fixed period of time is set for the first state of the variable winning ball device, the player is forced to play a tense game after the deadline has passed, thereby maintaining the sense of urgency in the game and providing a thrilling experience. It becomes a game. Furthermore, the first
Since the number of winning balls in the variable winning ball device in the state is displayed by the numerical information display means and notified to the player, it is possible to estimate when the conditions for switching the variable winning ball device to the second state will be met. It becomes easy, and
Troubles regarding the number of prizes won can also be avoided.

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

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. In configuration, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a front frame 11 and a game board 1 detachably attached to the front frame 11. The game board 1 includes safe holes 2a and 2b, winning areas 3a to 3c with defined conditions for variable display of a variable display device 50 (to be described later) depending on winning balls, a plurality of Yakumono (commonly known as tulips) 4a and 4b, and An out ball inlet 5 is formed. Safe hole 2a, 2
c, winning areas 3a-3c and Yakumono 4a-4
b is an example of a winning area, and is a winning hole that is determined to guide winning balls to the back side of the game board 1 and release prize balls by the winning balls guided to the back side. Note that the winning area is not limited to the winning hole, but may be a passing area through which balls can pass. In that case,
A passing ball detection switch for detecting balls passing through the passing area may be provided, and the output of the switch may be used to issue a command to release a prize ball.

A variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is arranged approximately in the center of the game board 1. The variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is constructed by integrally mounting a variable winning ball device 40 and a variable display device 50 on a mounting plate 31, which will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 below. . The variable display device 50 includes a rotary drum display mechanism 50A, which is an example of a mechanically variable display member, and a segment display 50B, which is an example of an electrically variable display member. Then, the variable display device 50 starts variable display on the rotary drum display mechanism 50A and the segment display 50B according to the winning balls in the winning areas 3a to 3c, and for a certain period of time from the player's stop command operation or the start of the variable display. Later, stop the variable display. When the combination of the display state of the rotary drum display mechanism 50A and the display state of the segment display 50B at this time reaches a predetermined state, the variable winning ball device 40 enters a specific gaming state determined to be able to be driven to open. It is determined that he is tired. In addition, as other examples of the specific game state for opening and driving the variable winning ball device 40,
A winning area or a specific winning area within the winning ball device may be formed in which the nails are adjusted so that it is relatively difficult to win, and a specific gaming state may be detected based on the winning balls in these winning areas.

At the upper left corner of the game board 1, a numerical information display 6, which is an example of numerical information display means, is provided.
The numerical information display 6 is for displaying the number of winning balls during one period in which the variable winning ball device 40 is opened based on a specific game state. The provision of this numerical information display 6 is a feature of this embodiment.

Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with the following components. Below the front frame 11, there are a prize ball discharge port 12, a batted ball waiting gutter 13, a batted ball handle 14, a surplus prize ball discharge port 15, and a ball tray 1.
6 are arranged. Here, the batted ball waiting gutter 13
is used as a storage tray for temporarily storing the prize balls released from the prize ball discharge port 12 and the balls borrowed by the player from the ball rental machine, and also serves as a ball supply mechanism (not shown) that arranges the stored balls one by one. It functions to supply water to The ball hitting handle 14 is used to adjust the strength of the ball by rotating it. In the front frame 11 near the ball-hitting handle 14,
A batting command switch 14s is provided. The batting command switch 14s generates a batting command signal when pressed. This command switch 14s
may be provided on the outer periphery of the ball hitting handle 14 depending on the case. A stop command switch 17 is provided on the left side of the front frame 11. Stop command switch 1
Reference numeral 7 is for instructing the variable display device 50 to stop the variable display according to a command from the player.

FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of the back structure of the pachinko gaming machine 10. In the figure, winning areas 3a, 3b,
On the back side of the game board 1 where 3c is formed, paths 211 and 212 are formed corresponding to the winning areas to guide the winning balls passing through the winning areas downward. A winning ball detector 22a is attached below the path 211 to detect winning balls entering the winning area 3a or 3b. Similarly, path 21
A winning ball detector 22b for detecting winning balls entering the winning area 3c is attached below the winning ball 2. In addition, if necessary, the winning ball detector 22a,
The winning balls detected in 22b are Yakumono 4a, 4
brought to the upper position of b, Yakumono 4a, 4b
It is used to open the ball holder. The outputs of the winning ball detectors 22a and 22b are used as detection outputs for the state in which the rotating drum display mechanism 50A and the segment display device 50B can be driven to display.
It is wired by a connection wire (not shown).

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

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

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

The variable winning ball/variable display device 30 is mounted on a mounting plate 31
The variable prize winning ball device 40 and the variable display device 50 are integrally attached to the player. Specifically, the mounting plate 31 has an opening 32 formed therein. The opening 32 is the opening/closing plate 4 of the variable winning ball device 40.
The hole is a horizontally long rectangular hole so that it becomes a winning area when the number 1 is opened. The mounting plate 31 has
Display window 33 for displaying identification information drawn on the rotating drum included in the rotating drum display mechanism 50A
a, 33b, and 33c are formed. moreover,
A frame member 34 is attached to the top of the attachment plate 31. A segment indicator 50 is provided on the frame member 34.
B is attached, and an inverted V-shaped ball receiving plate 341 is attached to its upper part. The balls received by the ball receiving plate 341 are guided to the back side through a hole that becomes the winning area 3a. Furthermore, passage areas 342 and 343 for allowing balls to pass are formed in the horizontally extending portion of the frame member 34, and in order to change the fall of the balls that have passed through the passage areas 342 and 343, An appropriate number of obstruction nails 35 are installed in a horizontal row at approximately the center of the mounting plate 31 and above the opening 32. Obstacle nail 35
A guide member 36 is installed between the opening 32 and the opening 32 . The guide member 36 has guide plates extending in the vertical direction at a plurality of locations in the lateral direction, and functions to guide the ball in the vertical direction and cause it to fall.

The variable prize winning ball device 40 opens the opening/closing plate 41 forward in a first state that is advantageous to the player to easily accept balls, and in a second state that is disadvantageous to the player, it opens and closes. The plate 41 is closed and balls cannot be received. The structure of such a variable winning ball device 40 will be explained in more detail. The variable prize winning ball device 40 includes an opening/closing plate 41 rotatably attached to the front surface of the frame member 42 (ie, the portion related to the opening 32). On both side edges of the opening/closing plate 41, triangular side walls 414, 41 protrude toward the back side.
2 are provided. The side walls 411 and 412 are the shaft 4
13, it is rotatably attached to the side surface of the frame member 42. Below the frame member 42 are paths 421, 4.
22 is formed. The back side of the frame member 42 is covered with a cover 423. When the opening/closing plate 41 is in the open state, the opening 32 becomes a winning area 43 where balls can easily be won.

The winning area 43 includes a plurality of winning areas 43 in the horizontal direction.
It is divided into a to 43c. The winning area 43a is an area where conditions are set such that in a specific game state, the opening/closing plate 41 can be opened again by a winning ball while the opening/closing plate 41 is open, and the variable winning ball device 40 can be put in a state where it is easy to win a prize. be. A detection switch 44a is provided for that purpose. The detection switch 44a is for detecting a ball that enters the winning area 43a, is guided to the back side, and falls downward. Further, the winning balls in the winning areas 43a to 43c are guided downward via paths 421 and 422, respectively. Below the paths 421 and 422, a detection switch 44b, which is an example of winning ball detection means, is provided for detecting winning balls in the winning area 43. This detection switch 44b constitutes a part of the counting means.

An opening/closing drive mechanism 45 is coupled to the opening/closing plate 41 . The opening/closing drive mechanism 45 includes a solenoid 451
The structure includes a T-shaped lever 453, a rod 455, and a spring 456. T-shaped lever 453
is rotatably attached to the mounting plate 31 by a pin 454 at its center. T-shaped lever 453
One end of the short side is the plunger 4 of the solenoid 451.
52, and a spring 456 is connected to the other end of the short side of the lever 453. Further, one end of a rod 455 is engaged with the long side end of the T-shaped lever 453, and the other end of the rod 455 is connected to the opening/closing plate 4.
1 by a pin 413.
When the solenoid 451 is electrically deenergized, the other short end of the T-shaped lever 453 is connected to the spring 45.
6, the long side tip of the lever 453 is pulled down, and the rod 455 applies a downward force to the side wall of the opening/closing plate 41, closing the opening/closing plate 41. state.
Conversely, when the solenoid 451 is electrically energized, the T-shaped lever 453 is rotated clockwise (clockwise in FIG. 4A), the rod 455 is pulled upward, and the opening/closing plate 41 is moved forward. It will be developed.

In addition, in this embodiment, the variable winning ball device 40
In the first state, which is advantageous for the player, the opening/closing board 41 is in an open state where it is easy for balls to win, and in the second state, which is disadvantageous for the player, the opening/closing board 41 is in a closed state. explained what was in a condition that made it impossible to win. However, the structure of the variable winning ball device and the state of change between the first state and the second state are not limited to those of the above-mentioned embodiments, and may take on various structures and states. For example, as another example of a variable winning ball device, like a so-called chulip, in the first state that is advantageous to the player, a pair of ball receiving pieces open left and right, making it easy for balls to win. In the second state, which is disadvantageous for the player, the ball with the ball receiving piece closed may be in a state where it is difficult to win a prize.
Further, the variable prize winning ball device has a configuration including an opening/closing plate provided on the game board 1 so as to be openable and closable, and a ball socket capable of receiving one ball provided on the top of the opening/closing plate, and a second In the state, the opening/closing plate is closed,
This is a state in which balls can only be won through the ball entrance provided at the top of the opening/closing board, and winning balls occur with a low probability.In the first state, the opening/closing board is open and a winning ball is created with a high probability. You can also do that.

Next, details of the variable display device 50 will be explained. The variable display device 50 includes a rotating drum display mechanism 5
0A and a segment indicator 50B.

The rotating drum display mechanism 50A has a configuration as shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 5, a rotating drum group 51 includes a plurality of rows of rotating drums 51a, 51.
b, 51c. Rotating drum 51 in each row
Identification information such as a picture pattern, a symbol, or a number (for example, a picture pattern such as a bell, a star, a sailboat, or a symbol such as a number or an alphabet) is drawn on the outer periphery of each of a to 51c. Rotating drum 51a in each row
Ratchet gears 52a to 52c (only 52c is shown in the figure) having fractions corresponding to the number of identification information drawn on the outer periphery are fixed to the side surfaces of each of gears 51c to 51c. Each of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row has a drum shaft 53.
The parts are loosely fitted into each other and are individually rotatably supported by the frictional force. The drum shaft 53 is pivotally supported on both sides of the box 54, and
A gear 551 included in the rotational force transmission mechanism 55 is fixed to one end of the drum shaft 53. gear 55
1 is meshed with the speed change gear 552. A motor 56 for driving the rotating drum is mounted on the side surface of the box 54. The motor 56 is a geared motor, and its driving gear is a gear 552.
is engaged with. Therefore, the rotational force of the motor 56 is transmitted to the drum shaft 53 via the gears 552 and 551.
The rotational drum group 51 is driven to rotate.

On the rear back surface of the box 54, solenoids 57a to 57 are provided for individually controlling rotation or stopping of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row.
7c is fixed. Solenoids 57a-57
The plungers 571 of c are each connected to the locking lever 5.
It is connected to one end of 8a to 58c with a pin. Approximately central portions of the locking levers 58a to 58c are connected to the shaft 58.
1, and both ends of the shaft 581 are supported by a box 54.
is supported on both sides. Locking lever 58a~
A claw-like portion 582 is formed at each tip of 58c. And each locking lever 58a to 5
The claw-like portions 582 of 8c are adapted to engage with each of the corresponding ratchet gears 52a-52c to stop the rotating drums in each row and maintain the locked state.

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

Note that the specific game state is indicated by the rotating drum display mechanism 5.
It may be determined only by the combination of identification information displayed on the drums in each row of 0A.
Alternatively, without using the rotating drum display mechanism 50A,
A plurality of segment displays capable of electrically displaying numbers 0 to 9 may be arranged, and the determination may be made based on a combination of display information of multiple digits displayed by the segment displays.

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

The variable display enable condition detection circuit 61 detects conditions that enable the variable display device 50 to perform variable display. The rotary drum drive control circuit 62 is a circuit for driving and controlling the rotary drum display mechanism 50A based on variable display enable conditions. Display drive circuit 6
3 is a circuit for display-driving the segment display 50B based on variable display enable conditions.
The specific gaming state detection circuit 64 is a circuit for detecting that a predetermined specific gaming state has been entered based on the combination of the display state of the rotary drum display mechanism 50A and the display state of the segment display 50B. In addition, in this embodiment, the specific gaming state detection circuit 65 detects not only a specific gaming state but also a gaming state in which a smaller gaming value can be given than the specific gaming state, and the variable winning ball device 40 is set to the first state. Contains a function to detect conditions that can result in a state. Therefore, in this embodiment, there are a wide variety of gaming states, and the pachinko gaming machine can be more interesting to players. Predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit 6
5 is a variable winning ball device 40 in a specific game state.
This is a circuit that counts the number of winning balls and derives a detection output when the number of balls reaches a predetermined number allowed in advance. The predetermined value giving condition detection circuit 66 is a circuit for detecting a state in which a predetermined value is given in a specific game state (for example, a state in which a large number of prize balls set as the number of prize balls are paid out). The numerical information display drive circuit 67 is a circuit for driving a predetermined numerical value to be displayed on the numerical information display 6 based on the output of the predetermined winning ball number detection circuit 65.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a detailed configuration of the drive control circuit 70 and the predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit 65, which are the features of this embodiment, of the game control circuit shown in FIG. 6. Referring to FIG. 7, the drive control circuit 70 includes an OR gate 71, a timer 72 to
74, a driver 75, and a circuit 760 for repeatedly opening and closing for a certain period of time. Here, by energizing the solenoid 451 during the output period of the driver 75 and the OR gate 71, the variable winning ball device 40 is set to the first position.
state and the second state. The fixed time repeated opening/closing drive circuit 760 is for putting the variable winning ball device 40 into a state where it is easy to win continuously for a fixed time (for example, t1 = 30 seconds) in principle.

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

The player takes the ball borrowed from the ball rental machine to the ball waiting gutter 13.
After adjusting the strength of the ball by rotating the ball hitting handle 14, the ball hitting switch 14s is pressed. In response to the press of the ball hitting switch 14s, the motor 241
Electric power is supplied to the motor 241, which rotates the motor 241.
By intermittently rotating the ball hitting hammer 243, balls are driven into the game board 1 one by one. When the player is playing the ball hitting game in this way, if the ball hits one of the safe holes 2a to 2c or the Yakumono 4a or 4b, the prize ball release mechanism is activated and one winning ball is released. The release of a predetermined number of prize balls is controlled.

Furthermore, when the ball hits one of the winning areas 3a to 3c, the corresponding detection switch 22a or 22b derives a high level signal, and the signal is given to the drive circuit 621 via the OR gate 611. , is given to the timer 622, which is an example of stop signal deriving means. Furthermore, or gate 611
A high level signal from the display drive circuit 63 is applied to a flip-flop 631 included in the display drive circuit 63, and sets the flip-flop 631. Drive circuit 62
1 is based on the signal from the OR gate 611,
energizing the solenoids 57a to 57c to release the engagement between the pawls 582 of the locking levers 58a to 58c and the corresponding ratchet gears 52a to 52c;
At the same time, the motor 56 is driven to rotate. As a result, the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row are rotationally driven, and the display state of the rotating drums is varied. Further, the set output of flip-flop 631 is given as one input of AND gate 632. The output clock pulse of the clock oscillator 633 is always applied to the AND gate 632 as the other input. Therefore, AND gate 632 derives a clock pulse according to the set output of flip-flop 631 and supplies it to ring counter 634. The ring counter 634 cyclically counts the numerical values 0 to 9 that can be displayed on the segment display 50B according to the input of the clock pulse, and the counted value is an example of a decoder driver 635 and a specific game state detection means. The determination circuit 645 included in the specific game state detection circuit 64 is provided. Decoder driver 635 decodes the count value of ring counter 634, and based on the count value, sequentially changes the number displayed on segment display 50B in synchronization with the cycle of the clock pulse.

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

As described above, the rotating drums 51a to 51c
In the state in which the segment displays 50B and 50B are variably displayed, the player stops at an arbitrary timing in the hope that the combination of display states of the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row will result in a specific gaming state. A stop command switch 17, which is an example of a signal deriving means, is pressed. Note that if the stop command switch 17 is not pressed within a certain period of time set by the timer 622 after the start of variable display, a stop command is issued by the output of the timer 622. In response to the output from the press of the stop command switch 17 or the output from the timer 622, the drive circuit 621 deenergizes the solenoids 57a to 57c in a predetermined order (or irregular order), and accordingly the locking lever 58 is turned off.
The claw-like portions 582 of a to 58c engage with the corresponding ratchet gears 52a to 52c, respectively, and the rotating drums 51a to 51c are sequentially stopped. Furthermore, the drive circuit 621 stops the rotation of the motor 56 after a short delay and derives a high level signal indicating that all rotating drums have stopped. This high level signal is applied to flip-flop 6.
31 and is also given to the display state determination circuit 643 as a determination command signal. Resetting flip-flop 631 causes AND gate 632 to stop deriving clock pulses. Therefore, the count value of the ring counter 634 stops incrementing, and therefore, the number corresponding to the count value counted by the ring counter 634 is continuously displayed on the segment display 50B.

The display state determination circuit 643 determines the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums in each row based on the outputs provided from the sensors 641 and 642 in response to the determination command signal. Incidentally, in this embodiment, the sensors 641 and 642 are composed of photoelectric sensors having a light projecting section and a light receiving section. The light emitting part and the light receiving part of each sensor 641, 642 are provided facing each other on both axially outer sides of the rotating drum. Although not shown in FIG. 5, on each side surface of the rotating drums 51a to 51c, a rotating drum is provided concentrically on a first circumference and a second circumference having different radii. A portion with a through hole and a portion without a through hole are formed at positions corresponding to the identification information displayed in . Four types of identification information are output depending on the stopped state of each of the rotating drums 51a to 51c. For example, if the part on the first and second circumferences where a through hole is drilled is set to logic "1", and the part where no through hole is drilled is set to logic "0", then there are four types. 2-bit codes "00", "01", "10", and "11" can be defined, and the combination of identification information of the rotating drums in each row can be detected. Then, the display state determination circuit 643 determines a score based on the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c, and provides the score to the drive control circuit 70 and the determination circuit 645.

If the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51d is a combination of a specific gaming state,
In other words, unless the combination is determined to give the maximum value (for example, all A symbols),
The display state determination circuit 643 derives one of the determination signals j2 to j4 indicating that a value smaller than the maximum value should be assigned based on the combination at that time. Each determination signal j2-j4 is given to a corresponding timer 72-74. Each timer 72, 73,
74 are the corresponding judgment signals j2, j3, j
A predetermined period of time t according to the input of step 4.
2, t3, and t4 to derive high level signals. Here, the fixed time set by the timers 72 to 74 is selected such that t2≧t3≧t4≧, for example, t=10 seconds, t3=6 seconds, t4=
It is said to be 4 seconds. Note that the determination circuit 645 does not determine the display state of the segment display 50B if the determination signal is other than j1 (ie, j2 to j4).

For example, assuming that the display state determination circuit 643 derives the determination signal j2, the timer 7
2 derives a high level signal for a certain period of time t2. This high level signal is applied to the driver 75 via the OR gate 71. In response, the driver 75 continuously energizes the solenoid 451 for a certain period of time t2. Therefore, the variable winning ball device 40
The opening/closing plate 41 is opened for a predetermined time t2 to facilitate the winning of balls. At this time, if the ball hits any of the winning areas 43a to 43c,
A prize ball discharging mechanism pays out a predetermined number of prize balls according to winning balls. In this case, even if the hit ball enters the winning area 43a, the variable winning ball device 4
Extension control of the opening operation of 0 is not performed.

Next, a case will be described in which the combination of identification information displayed on the rotating drums 51a to 51c in each row is determined to give the maximum value. In this case, the display state determination circuit 643 uses the determination signal j1
The signal j1 is applied to the determination circuit 645 and as a set input to the flip-flop 761. In this way, flip-flop 761 is set. In addition, the determination circuit 64
5 is a ring counter 63 according to the determination signal j1.
The count value of 4 is the display state where the maximum value set in the combination setting section 644 should be given (for example, 7
is displayed). At this time, the determination circuit 645 determines whether the rotating drums 51a~
Even if the combination of display states 51c gives the maximum value, unless the segment display 50B displays the number 7, the maximum value giving command signal j0 (high level signal) is not derived. In this case, the set output of flip-flop 761 set by determination signal j1 is output to OR gate 762.
is given to timer 763 via. In response, the timer 763 starts counting a certain period of time t1,
During this period, a high level signal is derived and the high level signal is applied to the collector of transistor 764. At this time, the mismatch output (low level) of the comparator circuit 653 is inverted to high level by an inverter 655 and is applied to the base of the transistor 764. Therefore, transistor 7
64 is conductive during the period in which the comparison circuit 653 derives a non-coincidence output, and supplies the output of the timer 763 to the driver 75 via the OR gate 71. depending on,
The driver 75 energizes the solenoid 451 to open the opening/closing plate 41. In this case, AND gates 651 and 767 remain disabled since flip-flop 766 is not set. Therefore, the predetermined number of winning balls detection circuit 65 does not detect the winning balls in the winning area 43a,
Preparatory operations for repeatedly and continuously opening the variable winning ball device 40 are not performed. And timer 763
When the constant time t1 is counted, the output becomes low level, and the opening/closing plate 41 is closed.

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

A determination circuit 645 derives a high level signal indicating that a specific gaming state has been established, and supplies it to an AND gate 646. At this time, the AND gate 64
6 is given by inverting the low level of the output of the predetermined value provision state detection circuit 66 to a high level, so that a high level determination signal j0 is derived from the AND gate 646. Decision signal j0 sets flip-flop 766. Therefore, when a specific gaming state is entered, only the display state of the rotating drums 51a to 51c described above is performed in response to the determination signal j1, and the operation is performed when the display state of the rotating drums 51a to 51c becomes the maximum value giving state, and the repetition based on the specific gaming state is A value adding operation is performed. That is, the timer 763 derives a high level for a certain period of time t1 from when the determination signal j1 is applied, and drives the driver 75.
The opening/closing plate 41 is opened. At this time, AND gate 651 is enabled by the set output of flip-flop 766. Therefore, when the ball hits either of the winning areas 43a, 43c, it is detected by the detection switch 44b. The detection output of the detection switch 44b is output from the AND gate 65.
1 to counter 652. The counter 652 is set in the winning area 43 in a specific gaming state.
The number of winning balls in a to 43c is counted, and the counted value is sent to a comparison circuit 653 and a numerical information display drive circuit 6.
Give to 7. The comparison circuit 653 is given as a reference input the number of winning balls (for example, 10) that can be won into the variable winning ball device 40 in a specific gaming state, which is set in a setting section 654 of an example of the winning ball number setting means. . Comparison circuit 653 derives a low level signal when the count value of counter 652 is smaller than a set number. This low level signal is inverted to high level by the inverter 655 and the transistor 7
64, the transistor 764 provides the high level signal of the output of the timer 763 to the OR gate 71.

Further, the count value of the counter 652 is displayed by the numerical information display drive circuit 67 on the digital numerical information display 6 shown in FIG. This numerical information display device 6 is constituted by a number of light emitting diodes corresponding to the number of winnings that can be set by the setting section 654, and uses a well-known light emitting diode type display means that lights up one by one for each winning ball hit. may be configured. By looking at the display state of the numerical information display 6, the player can know the number of winning balls during the opening period of the variable winning ball device 40 in a specific gaming state, and how many winning balls are allowed. You can also easily tell if there are any. Therefore, there is an advantage that the player can accurately and easily formulate a strategy for the game based on this display.

If a predetermined number of winning balls are received before the timer 763 times up, the comparison circuit 6
53 derives a high level signal. This high level signal is inverted to a low level signal by inverter 655, transistor 764 is turned off, and the high level signal of timer 763 is not derived. In this way, when the specific gaming state is entered, when the number of winning balls in the winning area reaches a predetermined number before the fixed time t1 set by the timer 763 has elapsed,
The solenoid 451 is forcibly deenergized and the opening/closing plate 41 is closed. Then, the predetermined number of winning balls detecting circuit 65 and the opening/closing drive circuit 76 detect that the number of winning balls has reached the set number within a certain period of time, or that the number of winning balls has not reached the set number for the certain period of time. A determining means is configured to determine that the period has elapsed. The judgment output of this judgment means is given to the drive control circuit 70. Further, when the opening/closing plate 41 is closed, the output of the inverter 655 falls through the OR gate 765 and the differential circuit 7
67 and is differentiated in the falling direction. and,
This differential pulse is given to a monostable multi 768, and the monostable multi 768 derives a high level signal for a certain period of time. This output is the AND gate 76
9, 76a and causes flip-flop 761 to be reset.

By the way, after the specific game state, the variable winning ball device 4
When a ball enters the winning area 43a while the 0 is being driven open, the detection switch 44 outputs a detection output to set the flip-flop 76b. For this reason, and gate 769
This means that there is a set output from the flip-flop 766 (that is, it is in a specific gaming state), and that there is a set output from the flip-flop 76b (that is, that a condition that allows the variable winning ball device 40 to be opened repeatedly and continuously is detected). ) and the existence of the output of the monostable multi 768 (that is, the opening of the variable winning ball device 40), a high level signal is derived and the high level signal is given to the timer 763 via the OR gate 762. In response, the timer 763 again starts counting operation for a certain period of time t1, and derives a high level signal during that period. This high level signal is applied to driver 75 via transistor 764 and OR gate 71, and solenoid 451 is energized. Then,
After entering the specific gaming state, as long as the repeating condition is detected, the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly and continuously driven to open.

Note that after a certain period of time delay from the output of the monostable multi 768, the delay circuit 76c outputs the flip-flop 76.
b. In this case, the reset output of the flip-flop 76b is given to the AND gate 76a, but at this time, the output of the monostable multi 768 is no longer given as the other input of the AND gate 76a, so the AND gate 76a receives a high level signal. do not derive.

Thereafter, in the same way, the specific game state is maintained for a certain period of time t.
1 (for example, 30 seconds) or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of winning balls that are allowed during one opening period are generated as one cycle, and as long as there are winning balls in the winning area 43a, that cycle continues. repeated.

In addition, when the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly and continuously driven to open, the ball does not reach the winning area 43.
If there is no prize in a, flip-flop 7
6b remains reset. Therefore, in this case, the AND gate 76a derives a high level signal according to the output of the monostable multi 768, and the high level signal is output from the flip-flop 766 via the OR gate 76d.
to reset. As a result, variable winning ball device 4
The repeated opening drive operation of 0 is terminated.

After the specific game state, each time the variable winning ball device 40 is repeatedly driven to open, if a ball enters the winning area 43a, the repeated opening operation of the variable winning ball device 40 is continued. However, if the predetermined value awarding state detection circuit 66 detects that a predetermined number (stopped number) of prize balls (for example, 2000) has been paid out, the detection output is
6d to flip-flop 766, and flip-flop 766 is reset.
With this as well, the repeatedly continued opening drive operation of the variable winning ball device 40 ends.

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

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the variable winning ball device 4 is used as a repeating condition detecting means in a specific game state.
During the opening period of 0, the number of winning balls in the winning area 43a is 1.
Although the case where there are more than 10 repetition conditions has been described, other repetition conditions may be detected. For example, the number of balls won in any of the winning areas 43a to 43c is smaller (for example, 3 balls) than the number of balls (for example, 10 balls) detected by the predetermined winning ball number detection circuit 65.
It may be configured such that the repeat continuation condition is detected when the number of times (number) or more occurs. In that case, counter 65
It is sufficient to separately provide a comparison circuit for detecting that 2 has counted the small number of winning balls (3), and to set the flip-flop 76b with the output of the comparison circuit.

Further, as another embodiment of the drive circuit 70, an AND gate is provided between the OR gate 71 and the driver 75, and the variable The winning ball device 40 may be driven to open and close within a relatively long fixed period.

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

[Effects of the Invention] The present invention having the above configuration allows the player to play a game with a sense of urgency and enjoy the thrill of the game even after the variable winning ball device is switched to the first state. Since the number of winning pachinko balls in the variable winning ball device in the first state is displayed so that the player can know, the condition for switching the variable winning ball device to the second state is set for a certain period of time. Although it consists of two elements: the passage of time and the predetermined number of winnings, it is easy to estimate when the switching conditions will be satisfied, and players, especially beginners, can correctly and easily plan their gaming strategies. It becomes possible,
Furthermore, it has been possible to provide a pinball game machine that can avoid problems related to the number of prizes won and can improve the interest of the game as a whole.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

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 its state; a variable display device disposed on a game board that can variably display a plurality of types of identification information; a gaming state determining means for determining whether a predetermined gaming state has been reached; a stop signal deriving means for deriving a stop signal for stopping the variable display of the variable display device; based on a determination output of the gaming state determining means. Display drive control means for starting variable display on the variable display device and stopping the variable display on the variable display device based on a stop signal from the stop signal deriving means; Specific display state determining means for determining that the variable winning ball device has entered a predetermined display state so that the variable winning ball device can change to the first state within a predetermined period; Winning ball detection means for detecting winning balls that have won into the variable winning ball device when the variable winning ball device is in the first state, a winning ball number that sets the number of winning balls that can be won into the variable winning ball device when the variable winning ball device is in the first state. a setting means, based on the detection output from the entered prize balls detection means, the set number of winning balls by the entered prize ball number setting means, and the predetermined period of time, the number of winning balls within the certain period of time reaches the set number; determining means for determining that the number of winning balls has reached the predetermined number, or that the certain period has elapsed without the number of winning balls reaching the set number; drive control means for driving the variable winning ball device to a first state and driving the variable winning ball device to a second state in response to an output of the determining means, further comprising a drive control means for driving the variable winning ball device to a second state in response to an output of the winning ball detecting means; A pachinko game machine characterized by being equipped with numerical information display means for displaying the number of balls.