JPH06218094A - Pinball game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] The probability of occurrence of a specific state that is advantageous to the player can be easily adjusted by a simple key operation, and both are considered in consideration of the profit margin of the amusement store and the return rate to the player. While maintaining the balance of, always be able to play with a lot of interest. [Structure] A symbol display device 12 having a plurality of symbol display parts 16, 17, 18 and each symbol display of the symbol display device 12 when a game ball fired on a game board enters a specific starting opening 15 Part 16,1
Design variation processing means that varies 7,18 symbols for a fixed time
57, a specific state setting means 58 for setting the game contents to a specific state advantageous to the player, and the specific state setting means 58 is activated when the stop symbols of the respective pattern display portions 16, 17, 18 are in a predetermined combination. It is provided with a specific state determination means 59 to be made, and a one-frame variation time setting means 54 for changing the variation time per one frame of the symbol when the symbol display parts 16, 17, 18 of the symbol display device 12 are changed by a key operation. ing.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ball-ball game machine such as an arrangement ball machine or a pachinko machine having a specific state generating function for changing a game content to a specific state advantageous to a player during a game. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Arrange ball machines have 16 lower entrances arranged in a row, for example, in the lower part of a game board having obstacle nails, etc., and a winning symbol corresponding to each of the lower entrances. The display units are arranged in a horizontal row. Then, 16 game balls per game are shot to the upper part of the game board, and the position of the lower ball entrance into which the game ball enters is displayed as a pattern by causing each corresponding winning symbol display section to emit light. When the symbols become a preset combination, a score is added according to the difficulty level of the establishment, and a predetermined prize ball is paid out according to the score.

In this type of arranging ball machine, conventionally, a symbol display device having a plurality of symbol display portions is provided in the central portion of the game board, and a game ball shot on the game board enters a specific starting opening. At that time, the symbols of the respective symbol display parts of the symbol display device are varied for a predetermined time at a speed that cannot be visually identified, and the stop symbols of the respective symbol display parts are in a predetermined combination, for example, "7", "7", "7". There is a type of game in which the game contents are switched to a specific state that is advantageous to the player, such as a score increasing formula for increasing the score when "."

[0004]

This arranging ball machine, in addition to the combination of symbols formed by entering into the 16 lower entrances, has a certain state that is generated by a certain probability, which is advantageous to the player. It is designed to be used. Therefore, if the frequency of occurrence of the specific state becomes high, the player will be very profitable and the prize balls will be returned, so that a game with an excellent interest can be played.

In the conventional arranging ball machine, the probability that a specific state occurs when the stop symbols of the respective symbol display parts of the symbol display means become a predetermined combination is a random number value for determining the specific state when it is manufactured. Since it is fixedly set to a predetermined value, the setting probability cannot be changed thereafter. Therefore, depending on the setting probability, a great profit will be brought to either the player or the game shop side. Therefore, the game shop side considers the profit rate of the game shop and the return rate to the game player. However, a method of adjusting the distance between the obstacle nails on the entrance side of the starting opening is adopted.

However, this adjustment requires a great deal of skill, and it is difficult to immediately judge whether or not the adjusted state is at a proper profit rate and return rate, and it becomes difficult for the game ball to enter the starting opening. Since the interest in the game is lost and the number of players decreases, the characteristics of the arrange ball machine having the specific state generating function cannot be fully utilized, resulting in a decrease in the operating rate.

In view of the above conventional problems, the present invention can easily adjust the probability of occurrence of a specific state that is advantageous to a player, and considers both the profit rate of the amusement store and the return rate to the player. It is an object of the present invention to provide a ball-and-ball game machine capable of playing a game that is always entertaining while maintaining a good balance.

[0008]

According to the present invention, a symbol display device 12 having a plurality of symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 and a game ball shot on a game board 5 enters a specific starting opening 15. At the time of playing, the symbol variation processing means 57 for varying the symbols of the respective symbol display parts 16, 17, 18 of the symbol display device 12 for a fixed time, and the specific state setting means 58 for setting the game contents in a specific state advantageous to the player. When,
Specific state determination means 59 that activates the specific state setting means 58 when the stop symbols of each symbol display portion 16, 17, 18 are in a predetermined combination, and of the symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 of the symbol display device 12. It is provided with a one-frame variation time setting means 54 for setting a variation time per one frame of the symbol at the time of variation.

[0009]

[Function] The game ball launched on the game board 5 has a specific starting opening.
When entering 15, the symbol variation processing means 57 causes the symbol display device 12
Is activated and the symbols on the symbol display portions 16, 17, and 18 are changed for a fixed time. Then, when the stop symbols of each of the symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 become a predetermined combination that occurs based on the set probability, the specific state determination means 59 determines that and operates the specific state setting means 58. , Set and change the game contents to a specific state that is advantageous to the player.

The probability of occurrence of the specific state is one of the symbols in each symbol display section 16, 17, 18 by the one-frame variation time setting means 54 in consideration of the profit rate of the amusement store and the return rate to the player. It can be adjusted by changing the fluctuation time per frame. Therefore, the occurrence probability can be easily adjusted, and the validity of the adjusted setting probability can be easily determined.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a front view of the arrangement ball machine. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 is a machine frame, and 2 is a front frame that is pivotally attached to the front surface of the machine frame 1 so as to be openable and closable. A glass door frame 3 and a front plate 4 are attached to the front frame 2, and a game board 5 is detachably attached to the rear side thereof.

A guide rail 6 for guiding a hit ball is provided on the front surface of the game board 5, a ceiling entrance 7, a left and right gates.
8, 9, left and right accessory working ports 10, 11, a center case 61, a symbol display device 12, a lower entry slot 13, a winning symbol display device 14, etc. are provided. The center case 61 has a starting opening 15 for starting the variation of the symbol in the central portion.

The symbol display device 12 has three symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 as shown in FIG. 4, and each symbol display portion 16, 17, 18 is
Ten different designs, for example, numerical designs from 0 to 9 are displayed in segments.

The lower ball entrances 13 are 16 in number, which is the same as the number of game balls used in one game, and are arranged in a horizontal row at the bottom of the game board 5. The winning symbol display device 14 is formed by arranging 16 display portions 19 corresponding to each lower entrance port 13 in a row in a row, and when the launched game ball enters the lower entrance port 13, it corresponds to it. The display unit 19 is turned on to display the numbers 1 to 16.

An upper plate 20 is mounted on the front plate 4, and a lower plate 21 and an operating handle 23 for a launcher 22 are provided on the lower portion of the front frame 2.
Is provided, and by operating the operation handle 23,
Sixteen play balls are supplied to the launching part, and they are hit and fired one by one. 24 is a score display section for displaying the score.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the arrangement ball machine.
In FIG. 3, reference numeral 25 is a back set plate, which is attached to the front frame 2 so as to press the game board 5 from the back side. 26 is a control board attached to the back cover 27 on the back side of the game board 5,
A microcomputer 28 for controlling the game operation of the entire arrangement ball machine, other electric parts and the like are mounted, and a key switch 29 for changing the setting probability is mounted.

The control board 26 is a protective cover as shown in FIG.
The protective cover 38 is covered by a key 39
An insertion hole 40 for inserting and operating the key switch 29 is provided. Reference numeral 30 is a launching motor for the launching device 22 mounted on the lower portion of the back side of the front frame 2, and when the operating handle 23 is operated, this launching motor 30 is activated, and the batting mallet 31 moves the play ball on the batting rail 32. It is designed to hit and fire.

Reference numeral 33 is a prize ball tank for storing prize balls, 34 is a prize ball tank rail communicating with the prize ball tank 33, and a back set plate 25
Installed on the top of the. Reference numeral 35 denotes a ball break switch for detecting the ball break of the prize ball, which is extended by an operating piece 36 pivotally supported below the prize ball tank rail 34. Working piece
The weight 36 has a weight 37, and when the ball is out, the weight 36 rises to turn off the ball out switch 35.

Reference numeral 41 denotes an award ball payout device for paying out a required number of award balls, which is mounted on the back set plate 25 on the side of the control board 26. The prize ball payout device 41 includes two rows of prize ball supply passages 42 and prize ball payout passages 43 on the left and right, and the passages in each row.
A payout rotating body 44 is provided between 42 and 43, and the rotating body 44 is rotationally driven by a payout motor 45.
The prize ball supply passage 42 communicates with the prize ball tank rail 34 on the upper side,
The prize ball payout passage 43 is communicated with the inside of the upper tray 20 on the front side through the prize ball guide passage 46 on the lower side.

Reference numeral 47 denotes an out-of-ball confirmation switch for confirming that the prize-ball supply passage 42 has run out of prize balls. The switch 47 is provided at the upper end of the prize-ball supply passage 42 and is turned off when the prize ball is exhausted. 48
Is a payout detection switch for detecting the payout of prize balls from the prize ball payout device 41, and is provided at the lower end of the prize ball payout passage 43. Reference numeral 49 is a full detection switch, which is turned on through the operating piece 50 when the hitting ball of the lower plate 21 becomes full.

Reference numeral 51 is a ball collection case, which is the sky entrance 7 of the game board 5.
The game balls that have entered the lower entrance 13 and the starting opening 15 are collected and discharged from the discharge passage 52 to the outside. Reference numeral 53 is a switch unit for detecting a game ball entering the lower ball entrance 13 and causing each display portion 19 of the winning symbol display device 14 to emit light.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system that controls the control operation of the arrange ball machine. Reference numeral 54 is a one-frame variation time setting means for changing and setting the variation time per one frame of the symbol when the symbol display parts 16, 17, 18 of the symbol display device 12 are changed by a key operation, a key switch 29 and a power source. At the time of turning on, the variable output time per frame of each symbol for each symbol display section 16, 17, 18 which is predetermined according to the key output X _1, X _2, X ₃ from the key switch 29 is read and stored. Storage buffer 55
It consists of and.

By the way, the key switch 29 can be switched to the stairs from 1 to 5, and if the total number of symbols is 8 types from 0 to 7, each symbol display section 16, 17, 18 is changed at the time of change. The fluctuation time of each displayed numerical design is set as shown in the following table.

[0024]

[Table 1]

That is, when the key switch 29 is 1, the key output X₁
In case of, 0 to 7 displayed on each symbol display section 16, 17, 18
The variation time of each number pattern in is 300ms, and the key output
Power X ₂In case of, the fluctuation time of each number pattern from 0 to 6 is 29
In 5ms, only "7" is 335ms. Also key output X₃ 
At the time of, the fluctuation time of each numerical pattern from 0 to 7 is 290 ms
Alternating to. Key output X_FourAt the same time 285ms
And 315ms alternately change, and key output X_FiveAt the time of
Alternating between 280ms and 320ms.

Therefore, each symbol display section 1 of the symbol display device 12
When the numerical symbols displayed on 6, 17, 18 become "7", "7", "7", and when it is assumed to be in a specific state advantageous to the player, in each symbol display section 16, 17, 18 Assuming that the time required to change from 0 to 7 is T and the display time of the symbol "7" is t, the probability that the symbol "7" is displayed for each symbol display unit 16, 17, 18 is t / T. Therefore, 3 symbol display areas 16,1
The probability that all 7,18 symbols will be "7" is (t / T) ³ .

Therefore, the probability of occurrence of a specific state is shown in Table 1 above.
As shown in, when the switch output is X ₁ , (300/2400) ³ ,
(335/2400) ³ , switch output X when switch output X _2
3 (310/2400) ³ , switch output X ₄ (315/2400)
400) ³ and switch output X ₅ gives (320/2400) ³ .

Reference numeral 56 is a symbol changing initial setting means, for example, a random number is generated in advance every predetermined time, and the game ball is a starting opening 15
When entering the ball, the random number value at that time is extracted, and initial setting is performed so that the symbols of the symbol display units 16, 17, and 18 of the symbol display device 12 at the start of fluctuation are randomly changed according to the random number value. It is for.

Reference numeral 57 is each symbol display section 16, 17 of the symbol display device 12,
In the symbol fluctuation processing means for varying the display symbol of 18 for a fixed time, according to the initial setting by the symbol change initial setting means 56, the fixed time at a speed at which the display symbols of the respective symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 cannot be visually identified. Only fluctuates. Reference numeral 58 is a specific state setting means for setting the specific state of the game content for a predetermined time during the game so as to increase the score in a specific state where the game content is advantageous to the player, for example, when a predetermined condition is satisfied. It is for.

Reference numeral 59 is a specific state determination means, which is the symbol display device 12
After the stop of each symbol display unit 16,17, of this symbol display device 12,
When the stop symbol displayed in 18 is a predetermined combination, for example, “7”, “7”, and “7”, the score displayed on the score display unit 24 at that time is increased under predetermined conditions. This is for operating the specific state setting means 58. Reference numeral 60 is an input / output control circuit.

Next, the operation of the arrange ball machine having the above configuration will be described. At the time of playing, put a game ball in the upper plate 20, and turn the operating handle 23 for firing, the firing motor 30 operates, and hits the game ball supplied from the upper plate 20 to the launching part.
It is hit by 31 and fired on the play board 5 along the guide rail 6. There are 16 play balls used in one game.

The game balls shot on the game board 5 either enter the skylight entrance 7 or the like, or enter one of the 16 lower entrances 13 arranged in a line. Then, for example, if a game ball enters the lower ball entrance 13, the switch unit 53 detects the ball, and in the display section 19 of the winning symbol display device 14, the lower ball entrance 13 containing the game ball. The corresponding display unit 19 emits light to display the winning symbol.

At this time, if four winning symbols in the light emitting state are combined in succession, the winning symbol is regarded as a winning symbol, and the winning symbol points are sequentially added and displayed on the score display section 24. And 16 play balls can be acquired as prize balls for each winning score, and up to 160 prize balls can be obtained with a maximum of 10 points per game. Whenever there is a prize during the game, the prize ball payout device 41 works to pay out the prize ball.

When the game ball passes through the left gate 8, the left accessory working port 10 is opened for a very short time. Center case 61
There are three mouths in the center case 61, and the game ball that has entered the center case 61 passes through any of them, but if it passes through the starting opening 15 in the center, the fluctuation set by the one-frame fluctuation time setting means 54. A specific state that is advantageous to the player occurs at a frequency based on time, and the score is further increased.

That is, as soon as the game ball enters the starting opening 15, the symbols displayed on the symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 of the symbol display device 12 fluctuate by one frame for each fluctuation time, and the constant time elapses. After the lapse of time, the central symbol display unit 17 and the left and right symbol display units 16 and 18 are stopped in this order. Then, when the stop symbols of the respective symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 become "7", "7", "7" in advance, if it is determined that the occurrence condition of the specific state has occurred, the respective symbol display portions 16, 17, If the stop symbol of 18 becomes "7", "7", "7", it becomes a hit, so the specific state setting means 58 operates and operates until the result of the 14th game is obtained.

When the specific state setting means 58 is operating, the right gate 9
When the game ball passes through, the right accessory operating port 11 is opened, and if the game ball enters this, the score is doubled. The right accessory working port 11 is opened up to three games including the game, but is closed immediately when a game ball enters it. Each symbol display section
If the stop symbols of 16, 17, and 18 are combinations other than the specific state, the specific state setting means 58 does not work, and the specific state does not occur.

As described above, in the arrange ball machine having the specific state generation function, the specific state is generated with a probability according to the one frame variation time set by the one frame variation time setting means 54. It can be easily adjusted by changing the variation time per frame when the symbols on the symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 fluctuate by key operation before throwing.

The operation at this time will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Before the power is turned on, the key 39 is inserted into the key switch 29 through the insertion hole 40 of the protective cover 38, and the key 39 is turned to an appropriate position to change the key output X _n . Then, after that, when the power is turned on (step S ₁ ), the key output X _n from the key switch 29 is read (step S ₂ ), and the respective symbol display portions 16, 17, ₁ are selected according to the key output X _n.
The change time per frame when the 8 symbols change is determined on the program.

For example, if the setting up to the previous day is the key output X ₁ , and the probability (300/2400) ³ is that the occurrence frequency of the specific state is very low and the operating rate is bad, the key switch 29 is changed from the key output X ₁ to the key output X _1. Turn to key output X ₃ or X ₄ position.
Then, when the power is turned on, the key output X ₃ or X ₄ is read and stored in the storage buffer 55 (step S ₃ ).

Therefore, even if the total number of symbols is 8 types from 0 to 7, the display time for displaying the numeral symbol "7" displayed in each symbol display portion 16, 17, 18 at the time of the change is ,
Since extending from 300ms to 310ms or 315Ms, the probability of occurrence of a particular condition, compared to (300/2400) ³ in the case of the key output X _1, when the key output X ₃ (310/2400) ^3, the key output X ₄
In case of, it will be up to (315/2400) ³ respectively.

After the play is started, when the play ball passes through the starting opening 15 of the center case 61 and is detected (step S ₄ ), the symbol change initial setting means 56 extracts the random number value at that time and before the start of fluctuation. The symbols on the symbol display portions 16, 17, and 18 in are randomly changed to be initialized (step S ₅ ). And
Performs symbol variation processing by symbol variation processing means 57 (step S _6, S _7), a predetermined time the display symbols of the symbol display unit 16, 17 and 18, corresponding to each symbol of the predetermined time only symbol display device 12 Vary one frame at a time.

When this symbol variation process ends (step S
₈ ) If the symbols of each symbol display section 16, 17, 18 are stopped in the order of center, left and right, each symbol display section 1 by the specific state determination means 59.
Whether or not the stop symbols of 6, 17, and 18 are predetermined combinations that should be in a specific state, that is, whether or not they are hit is determined (step S ₉ ).

If it is a hit, after the specific state setting processing means 58 performs the setting process of the specific state (step S ₁₀ ), if the predetermined condition is satisfied thereafter, the solenoid of the accessory working port 11 is turned on. A game-related process such as activating or turning on the indicator light of each part is performed (step S ₁₁ ), and the score is doubled, for example.

By providing the one-frame changing time setting means 54 in this way, by changing the changing time per one frame when each of the symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 is changed by a simple key operation,
It is possible to adjust the probability of occurrence when a specific state that is advantageous to the player is adjusted, so considering the profit margin of the amusement store side and the return ratio of profit to the player, a reasonable probability of occurrence while balancing the two Can be adjusted to.

Therefore, the occurrence probability is easier to adjust than the conventional case in which the interval between obstacle nails is adjusted, and the validity of the adjusted probability is also easy to judge. In addition, since it is possible to make adjustments while balancing the two, the return rate to the player does not become extremely bad due to improper adjustment, and it is possible for the player to enjoy play that is full of interest, and the operating rate of the arrangement ball machine itself. Also improves.

FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the state of the key switch 29 is not input when the power is turned on, but the key output from the key switch 29 is input each time a reset signal is input after the game-related processing. The input is X _n . By doing so, the probability of occurrence can be changed by operating the key switch 29 at any time during operation.

8 and 9 show a third embodiment, which is a drive circuit 6 for driving the respective symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 of the symbol display device 12.
Built-in 1-frame fluctuation time setting unit 66, 67, 68 for every 3, 64, 65, and by operating the key switch 29, each 1-frame fluctuation time setting unit 66, 67, 68 sets the fluctuation time per frame at the time of fluctuation. This is a hard method called adjustment.

In this case, in accordance with the key output from the key switch 29, the variation per frame when each symbol display section 16, 17, 18 is driven by the 1-frame variation time setting section 66, 67, 68 Time changes. Then, when the game ball passes through the starting port 15, the fluctuation starts from the symbol initially set by the symbol fluctuation initial setting means 56 at that point, and the same operation is performed thereafter.

In the embodiment, the score increasing process is exemplified as the process in the specific state. However, the condition and the content of the score increasing process are not limited to the embodiment, and other processes are possible. It is good and includes all that works for the benefit of the player. Needless to say, the symbols displayed on the symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 of the symbol display device 12 may be other than numbers.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, a segment display type liquid crystal display device is illustrated as the symbol display device 12, but the same applies when a rotary drum type display device or a CRT type display device which displays symbols on the outer periphery is used. It is feasible. Further, in the embodiment, the arranging ball machine is exemplified, but the same can be applied to a ball-ball game machine such as a pachinko machine. Further, the one-frame variation time setting means 54 sets the variation time per symbol one frame by key operation, but it may be set by operation of the volume, toggle switch or the like.

[0051]

According to the present invention, a plurality of symbol display portions 1
Design display device 12 having 6,17,18, when the game ball fired on the game board 5 enters a specific starting opening 15, the design of each design display unit 16,17,18 of the design display device 12 , A symbol variation processing means 57 for varying for a fixed time, a specific state setting means 58 for setting the game content in a specific state advantageous to the player, and a predetermined combination of stop symbols of the respective symbol display parts 16, 17, 18 Specific state determining means for activating the specific state setting means 58 when
59 and the one-frame variation time setting means 54 for setting the variation time per one frame of the symbol when the symbol display portions 16, 17, 18 of the symbol display device 12 vary, which is advantageous to the player. You can easily adjust the probability of occurrence of a specific state,
Moreover, the adequacy of the occurrence probability after the adjustment can be easily judged.

Therefore, the probability of occurrence can be adjusted while maintaining a balance between the profit rate of the amusement store and the rate of return to the player, so that the player can always enjoy the game. Therefore, it is possible to fully utilize the characteristics of the ball-playing game machine having the specific state generating function and improve the operation rate thereof.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control system showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the arrange ball machine showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the arrange ball machine showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the symbol display device showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a key switch mounting portion showing the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a control system showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of sign]

 5 Play board 12 Symbol display device 15 Starting port 16 Symbol display unit 17 Symbol display unit 18 Symbol display unit 29 Key switch 39 Key 54 1 frame variation time setting means 55 Memory buffer 56 Symbol variation initial setting means 57 Symbol variation processing means 58 Identification State setting means 59 Specific state judging means

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A symbol display device (12) having a plurality of symbol display parts (16) (17) (18), and a game ball launched on a play board (5) has a specific starting opening (15). When entering, the pattern display device (12)
The symbol variation processing means (57) for varying the symbols of the respective symbol display parts (16) (17) (18) for a certain period of time, and the specific state setting means (58) for setting the game contents in a specific state advantageous to the player. ), And the specific state determination means (59) that activates the specific state setting means (58) when the stop symbols of the respective symbol display parts (16) (17) (18) form a predetermined combination, and the symbol display device ( 12) each symbol display section (16)
(17) An arrangement ball machine characterized by comprising a one-frame variation time setting means (54) for setting a variation time per one frame of a symbol at the time of variation of (18).