Pinball game machines

Abstract

To provide a pinball game machine that can enhance the enjoyment of the game. [Solution] A pinball game machine according to one embodiment of the present invention is a pinball game machine composed of a repetition of a plurality of unit games in which a specific game state occurs when predetermined specific game conditions are met and a large prize opening is opened, comprising: a large prize opening into which game balls can enter; and a movable means for performance that moves in relation to the opening of the large prize opening and forms a performance passage area through which game balls can pass, The system includes a first detection means for detecting game balls that have passed through a designated area for special effects, a guidance means capable of guiding game balls to a specific area based on the detection by the first detection means, a second detection means for detecting game balls that have passed through the specific area, and a specific game continuation means for continuing a specific game state to the next unit game based on the detection of game balls by the second detection means.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pinball game machine. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, in pinball game machines (such as pachinko machines), it is a common configuration that when a special game state (jackpot state) occurs, a large winning opening provided on the game board is opened. Furthermore, a configuration is widely known in which a specific area (a so-called V-attacker or V-zone) is provided inside the large winning opening, and the special game state is continued to the next round on the condition that a game ball enters the specific area (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2021-083928 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2009-142325 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-149742 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In the conventional game machines as described above, although the large winning opening is opened during the special game state, the game tends to be monotonous for the player, who merely makes game balls enter the large winning opening. In particular, in many conventional configurations, it is often assumed that winning a prize in the specific area is almost certain, and the presentation also tends to be monotonous, so there is an aspect that it lacks unexpectedness for maintaining the player's sense of expectation. In this regard, conventional game machines still leave room for improvement in terms of improving the amusement of the game.

[0005] This invention was proposed in view of the above points, and in one aspect aims to provide a pinball game machine that can enhance the enjoyment of the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A pinball game machine according to one aspect of the present invention is Specific game state Grand Prize Entrance of open accompanied A pinball game machine composed of repeated unit games, A starting gate, a lottery means that executes a lottery process based on the fact that a game ball has entered the starting gate, and when the lottery process is successful, the specific game state occurs. Game balls can enter Open to The aforementioned grand prize entrance, Located inside the aforementioned grand prize slot, In connection with the opening of the aforementioned large prize slot, it enters a moving state, Entered the aforementioned grand prize gate. A visual effect area through which the game ball can pass. Yes A movable means for performance purposes, a first detection means for detecting game balls that have passed through the performance passage area, and a means for guiding game balls to a specific area based on the detection by the first detection means. do The system includes a guidance means, a second detection means for detecting game balls passing through the specific area, and a specific game continuation means for continuing the specific game state to the next unit game based on the detection of game balls by the second detection means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to embodiments of the present invention, in one aspect, it is possible to provide a pinball game machine that can enhance the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is an external view of a pachinko machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows the control system configuration of a pachinko machine according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows a front view and a perspective view of the grand prize winning area according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the movement of the V-shaped element used for performance in this embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing an enlarged view of the V-shaped component used for presentation according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a diagram illustrating the flow of a game in a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the internal structure of the big winning opening when the effect V member is in the standard state. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing the internal structure of the big winning opening when the effect V member is in the expanded state. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the cross-sectional position used for explaining the flow path of a game ball in the big winning opening. [Figure 10] It is a D-D cross-sectional view. [Figure 11] It is a E-E cross-sectional view. [Figure 12] It is a F-F cross-sectional view. [Figure 13] It is a G-G cross-sectional view. [Figure 14] It is a H-H cross-sectional view. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing the flow of a battle effect according to the present embodiment. [Figure 16] It is a diagram showing the flow of a battle effect according to the present embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. <Configuration> FIG. 1 is an external view of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment. A pachinko machine (pinball game machine) 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called digital pachinko machine. When a player operates the operation handle 101 to launch a game ball from the upper tray 102, the game ball is launched into the game board 103. When the launched game ball enters the starting opening 104, a jackpot lottery is performed inside the pachinko machine 10. Further, simultaneously when the game ball enters the starting opening 104, symbols displayed on the video display device 105 (for example, three number symbols, etc.) vary. When the player wins the jackpot lottery, for example, a special game state (jackpot state) occurs when the stop symbols are aligned. When the jackpot state occurs, the big winning opening (attacker) 106 opens and closes.

[0010] Figure 2 is a diagram showing the control system configuration of a pachinko machine according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the pachinko machine 10 according to this embodiment has a main board 200 and a peripheral board 300 as control boards.

[0011] The main board 200 is a main control board that functions as the main control unit. The main board 200 performs lottery processing for big wins and small wins, various calculations, and performance control for the peripheral board 300. The main board 200 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 201 that performs various calculations and controls the pachinko machine 10, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 202 that stores various control programs for the pachinko machine 10 and lottery tables for big win lotteries, a rewritable RAM (Random Access Memory) 203 that serves as a working area for programs or stores temporary data, and an input / output unit 204 that performs input / output from various drive sources and sensors, and outputs such as sending commands to the peripheral board 300.

[0012] The input / output section 204 of the main board 200 is connected to a large prize slot 106 that allows game balls to enter when a jackpot is hit, an open / close movable piece (including a drive source for the specific prize slot) 110 located inside the large prize slot 106 that controls the entry of game balls into a specific area 111, a specific area (specific area passage detection sensor) 111 that detects the passage of game balls to determine the right to continue to the next round, a large prize slot count sensor 112 that counts the number of prize balls that enter the large prize slot 106, a performance V-element passage detection sensor 114 that detects when a game ball has passed through a performance V-element 113, and a losing area passage detection sensor 115 that detects when a game ball that did not reach the specific area 111 has passed through a losing channel from which it is discharged. Based on the detection result of the game balls by the specific area 111, the main board 200 determines whether the special game (jackpot) will continue to the next round or end (fail).

[0013] The peripheral board 300 is a sub-control board that functions as a sub-control unit. The peripheral board 300 executes performance processing in response to performance commands received from the main board 200. The peripheral board 300 includes a CPU 301 that performs performance control, a ROM 302 that stores a program for controlling the video display device 105, the lighting device 310, and the speaker 311, a RAM 303 that serves as a working area for the program or stores temporary data, a VDP 304 that drives the video display device 105, and a sound source IC 305 for generating voice and sound effects from the speaker 311. The peripheral board 300 stores performance data for executing performances using the video display device 105, the lighting device 310, the speaker 311, etc. The peripheral board 300 determines the performance content from the performance data based on performance commands from the main board 200 and realizes the determined performance content by outputting an image (video) to the video display device 105.

[0014] The peripheral board 300 is further connected to a performance V-element (including a performance V-drive source) 113 that moves back and forth and expands and contracts inside the large prize opening 106. Based on performance commands from the main board 200, the peripheral board 300 controls and drives the performance V-element 113, and also determines the performance content using the video display device 105, lighting device 310, speaker 311, etc., and implements the determined performance content.

[0015] <Configuration and operation of V-structure components for performance> Figure 3 shows a front view and a perspective view of the main prize opening according to this embodiment. Figure 4 shows the movement of the V-shaped element used for presentation according to this embodiment. Figure 5 shows a magnified view of the V-shaped element used for presentation according to this embodiment.

[0016] As shown in Figure 4(a), a V-shaped element for performance purposes (also called a "V" attacker or dummy V for convenience of explanation) is positioned inside the large prize slot 106 at a location visible to the player when the large prize slot is open. In other words, when a jackpot is hit and the large prize slot opens, the "V" attacker appears inside the attacker, which begins to move back and forth in the left-right direction.

[0017] As shown in Figure 4(b), the V-shaped element for performances 113 moves to the right within the large prize opening 106. Similarly, the V-shaped element for performances 113 moves to the left within the large prize opening 106 (not shown). Furthermore, regarding this back-and-forth movement, the V-shaped element for performances 113 can move at a constant speed, as well as at high speed, or with speed fluctuations that combine low and high speeds.

[0018] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5(a) and (b), the V-shaped element 113 for presentation may have a configuration that allows its shape to expand or contract. For example, by expanding the V-shaped element 113 to the left and right at a specific presentation timing, a state is created in which the game ball can easily pass through the element, thereby performing an action that enhances the sense of anticipation during gameplay along with a visual change.

[0019] In this embodiment, the V-shaped element 113 for performance purposes begins to move in conjunction with (or in relation to) the opening of the large prize slot 106, and is controlled to stop moving at least after the jackpot is finished (after the large prize slot 106 is closed).

[0020] If the specific area 111 itself were to be physically moved, it might be necessary to keep it running continuously throughout the power-on period, including when there is no jackpot, in order to ensure equal opportunities for winning and prevent detection errors. In addition, if the specific area 111 is moved, design considerations are required such as placing the area in a position where it can always be seen in order to demonstrate the fairness of its operation to the player.

[0021] However, in this embodiment, in addition to the specific area 111 that determines the continuation right and does not move, a V-member 113 for performance purposes is provided in a position easily visible to the player, and this is driven only for a limited period, such as when the big prize opening 106 is opened. This makes it possible to give the player a visual sense of satisfaction that the V-attacker is moving, without hindering the actual possibility of reaching the specific area 111 (fairness), while reducing the load on the drive source.

[0022] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, since the movable element for performance (performance V member 113) and the true rights-generating area (specific area 111) are separated, it becomes possible to place the specific area 111 itself in a position that is difficult for the player to see. This makes it possible to design and implement a highly surprising performance configuration (for example, a revival performance after not passing through the performance V described later) in which the player's expectations are heightened by the movable performance of the performance V member 113, while the continuation rights are actually determined in an area that is not visible.

[0023] <Game Overview> Referring to Figure 6, the gameplay flow of the pachinko machine 10 according to this embodiment will be explained. In this embodiment, the game state is broadly divided into a normal state and a jackpot state which is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. In the normal state, when a game ball enters the start opening 104 and the jackpot probability lottery on the main board 200 is won, the symbols indicating a jackpot stop on the video display device 105, and the jackpot state is activated.

[0024] When a jackpot occurs, the large prize slot 106 located on the game board 103 is opened. In this embodiment, the jackpot state consists of a repetition of multiple rounds in which the large prize slot 106 is opened. In order to continue the jackpot state to the next round, it is necessary to pass the game ball through a specific area 111 within the large prize slot 106 (V-entry) in each round.

[0025] As shown in Figure 6, when a game ball that has entered the large prize opening 106 passes through a performance V region (passage region) formed by a moving or expanding / contracting performance V member 113, the game ball is detected by a performance V passage detection sensor 114.

[0026] Upon receiving this detection signal, the main board 200 can immediately cause the peripheral board 300 to execute an effect on the video display device 105, etc., that suggests a V-win (for example, displaying the words "V-win successful" or character actions that hint at continuation to the next round). However, as the effect V component 113 is also called a "dummy V," the continuation of the jackpot state has not actually been determined yet.

[0027] The game ball that passes through the V-element element 113 is guided to the vicinity of the retractable movable piece 110 located further inside. Only when the game ball passes through the passage opened by the retractable movable piece 110 and enters the specific area (including the specific area passage detection sensor) 111 (winning), is the continuation to the next round determined. In other words, the appearing V-element element 113 is, so to speak, a false (dummy) V-attacker, and the specific area 111 functions as the true V-attacker (for the sake of explanation, also called a hidden V) that determines the continuation, creating a dual structure.

[0028] In this embodiment, even if the game ball does not pass through the V-element for presentation 113, there remains a possibility that it will pass through the specific area 111 via another path within the large prize opening 106, thus maintaining the expectation of continuation until the very end. This point will be explained in more detail later.

[0029] <Detailed structure of the main prize area and the flow path of the game balls> Referring to Figure 7-13, the internal structure of the large prize opening 106 and the flow paths of the game balls according to their passage routes will be explained. First, as shown in Figure 7-8, the aforementioned V-shaped element for performance 113 is arranged inside the large prize opening 106. Figure 7 shows the standard state, and Figure 8 shows the V-shaped element for performance 113 expanded in the left-right direction (expanded state).

[0030] In Figures 9-11, the V-shaped element used for presentation, shown in an enlarged state in Figure 8, is used as an example to clearly illustrate the structure and the movement of the game balls. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional position for explaining in detail the flow path (route) of the game balls using the cross-sectional views from Figure 10 onward.

[0031] (Branching between the V-passing path for special effects and the V-non-passing path for special effects) As shown in Figure 10-12, there are two routes for the game balls within the large prize opening 106: a "visual V passage route" that passes through the visual V member 113, and a "visual V non-passing route" that does not pass through the visual V member 113 (the balls flow down to the side).

[0032] As shown in Figure 11, game balls that pass through the V-shaped element 113 and flow down the V-shaped element passage path pass the V-shaped element passage detection sensor 114. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 12, game balls that flow down the non-V-shaped element passage path do not pass the V-shaped element passage detection sensor 114. As shown in Figure 13, game balls that have flowed down these two paths are all collected in a common guide path provided on the inner bottom surface of the large prize opening 106, and reach the vicinity of the openable / closed movable piece 110 located at the downstream end (near the exit).

[0033] (Control of rights creation by an open / close movable piece) Referring to Figure 14, the logic for determining the final continuation right (V prize) will be explained. In this embodiment, the pachinko machine 10 controls the open / closed movable piece 110 as follows, based on whether or not it is detected by the performance V passage detection sensor 114.

[0034] When a game ball passes through the V-element element 113 and goes through the V-element passage path, the main board 200 opens the openable / closable movable piece 110 for a certain period of time (for example, about 3 seconds) based on a detection signal from the V-element passage detection sensor 114. This allows the game ball to pass through the specific area 111, and the continuation to the next round is determined.

[0035] Furthermore, when a game ball passes through the V-shaped path used for performances, the peripheral board 300, based on performance commands from the main board 200, displays a notification such as "V-winning successful" on the video display device 105.

[0036] On the other hand, if the game ball passes through the non-passage path for the performance V component 113 without passing through the performance V component 113, the performance V passage detection sensor 114 does not detect it, and the main board 200 maintains the openable / closable movable piece 110 in a closed state (except for random opening, which will be described later). In this case, the game ball does not pass through the specific area 111 and is discharged to the losing path (losing area passage detection sensor 115).

[0037] Furthermore, if the game ball passes through a non-V-passing path for the performance (i.e., the game ball does not pass through the V-passing path for the performance), the V-passing detection sensor 114 does not detect it. Therefore, the peripheral board 300 does not receive performance commands from the main board 200 to notify the video display device 105 of "successful V-entry," etc., and the video display device 105 executes a performance that suggests a failure to continue (for example, a "defeat performance").

[0038] (Realization of "revival effects" through irregular opening) In this embodiment, the open / close movable piece 110 is controlled to repeatedly open irregularly (randomly) for short periods (for example, several times for 0.3 seconds each) while the large prize winning opening 106 is open, in addition to opening based on the detection of a game ball by the V-pass detection sensor 114 for performance purposes described above (open for a certain period of time).

[0039] Within the large prize winning opening 106, the V-element for visual effects 113 is positioned in a location easily visible to the player. Therefore, if the game ball does not pass through the V-element for visual effects 113, the player will perceive that they have "failed to continue." Consequently, when the game ball passes through a path that does not pass through the V-element for visual effects, the video display device 105 will, as described above, display an effect suggesting failure to continue, such as "defeat."

[0040] However, in the double structure of this embodiment, the openable and closable movable piece 110, which is positioned in a location that is difficult for the player to see, is opened randomly as described above. Therefore, even when the player is certain of failure, the game ball may actually pass through a specific area 111 and a V-win may occur.

[0041] In such cases, the peripheral board 300 executes a "revival animation" that overturns the "defeat" animation that was initially displayed, triggered by a revival animation command from the main board 200 based on an actual V-win (detection in a specific area 111), and announces continuation to the next round. This surprises the player by creating a continuation right that goes against their visual perception, thereby improving the game's appeal.

[0042] The main components are summarized below. Openable / closable movable piece (including drive source for specific prize entry opening) 110: This is a component whose drive is controlled by the main board 200 and which opens and closes to physically restrict or allow the inflow of game balls into a specific area 111 inside the large prize entry opening 106. In this specification, "including drive source for specific prize entry opening" means that, for convenience, the actuator such as a solenoid or motor that actually drives the movable piece in response to the control signal from the main board 200 is treated as an integral part of the movable piece.

[0043] Specific area (including specific area passage detection sensor) 111: This is an area through which a game ball that has entered the large prize opening 106 passes, thereby generating the right to continue to the next round, and a detection means disposed in this area. In this specification, "including specific area passage detection sensor" means that the area as a physical path for the game ball and the sensor installed inside it that electrically detects the passage of the game ball are combined and defined with a single code. The main board 200 internally determines the right to continue the jackpot state upon receiving a detection signal from this specific area 111 (specific area passage detection sensor within it).

[0044] Large Prize Opening Count Sensor 112: This sensor is used to detect the number of game balls that have entered the large prize opening 106. Although not shown in the diagram, this sensor is installed upstream near the entrance to quickly detect game balls entering the large prize opening 106, or in the downstream discharge channel where all the flow paths converge. Upon receiving the detection signal, the main board 200 determines, based on the counting result, whether the maximum number of prize balls per round (e.g., 10) has been reached, and executes closing control of the large prize opening 106. The main board 200 executes closing control of the large prize opening 106 when either the number of prize balls has reached the maximum number, or a predetermined opening time (e.g., 30 seconds) has elapsed since the large prize opening 106 was opened, whichever comes first (closing condition).

[0045] Performance V component (including performance V drive source) 113: This is a performance movable component (so-called dummy V) that moves back and forth and expands and contracts in a position easily visible to the player within the large prize opening 106. The specific operation pattern of this component (movement speed, timing of expansion and contraction, etc.) is determined by the main board 200 based on the lottery result (type of special symbol, etc.). The peripheral board 300 drives the performance V drive source according to the performance control commands transmitted from the main board 200. For example, if the main board 200 determines that a specific symbol such as "777" has been won, the main board 200 selects a "chance-up state (e.g., expansion of the component)" in which the game ball is more likely to pass through the performance V component 113, and transmits the corresponding performance command to the peripheral board 300.

[0046] Performance V-pass detection sensor 114: This sensor detects when a game ball passes through a passage area formed by the performance V-member 113. The detection signal from this sensor is sent to the main board 200. Based on the detection signal, the main board 200 drives the open / close movable piece 110 and sends a performance command to the peripheral board 300. The peripheral board 300 uses the performance command received from the main board 200 as a trigger to execute a preliminary V-winning notification performance on the video display device 105, etc.

[0047] Losing Area Passage Detection Sensor 115: This sensor detects when a game ball that did not reach a specific area 111 within the large prize opening 106 passes through a losing path. The detection signal from this sensor is sent to the main board 200 and used for fraud monitoring, determining the timing of the end of the performance, etc.

[0048] <LCD display effect> Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the battle sequences performed on the video display device 105 will be explained. The opening and closing of the large prize slot 106 in one round, the progression of the sequence, and the success or failure of continuing to the next round will be explained in the following steps.

[0049] Battle begins (Figure 15: Step S1) When a special game state (jackpot) occurs and the large prize slot 106 opens, the video display device 105 will display text such as "Battle Start." The player will then begin shooting game balls towards the opened large prize slot 106, and the game balls will enter the large prize slot 106 one after another.

[0050] Attack and Defense Sequence (Figure 15: Step S2) While the 106th prize slot is open, a fierce battle between your character (or an ally character) and an enemy character unfolds on the screen in real time.

[0051] Attacking character appears (Figure 15: Step S3) When the large prize slot count sensor 112 counts a predetermined number of prize balls (for example, 10) into the large prize slot 106, or when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has elapsed since the large prize slot 106 was opened, the large prize slot 106 closes, and immediately after the large prize slot 106 closes, the attacking character appears in the center of the screen in preparation for the final judgment of that round.

[0052] In step S2, if at least one of the incoming game balls passes through the V-element for performance 113 and is detected by the V-element passage detection sensor 114, the player can also visually confirm the passage of the game ball, causing their own character (or an ally character) to appear and increasing the expectation of victory. On the other hand, if the V-element passage detection sensor 114 does not detect anything in step S2, the player can also visually confirm that the game ball has not passed through, causing the enemy character to appear in a superior position and suggesting a pinch of defeat (failure to continue).

[0053] Notification of results (Figure 16: Step S4) Based on the attacking character that appeared in Step S3, the final result of the battle is announced. If the game ball enters (passes through) the V for the presentation, the game ball will also enter (pass through) specific area 111, so the friendly character will declare "victory" and the continuation to the next round is confirmed.

[0054] On the other hand, if the game ball does not enter (pass through) the V-shaped area used for the game's presentation, the player's character is temporarily "defeated" by the enemy character. At this point, the player initially perceives that they have failed to continue to the next round, meaning the jackpot has ended. If, after this "defeat" notification, the ball does not enter the specific area 111 (hidden V), the jackpot state ends with the end of that round, and the LCD screen returns to the "normal stage".

[0055] Revival announcement (Figure 16: Step S5) This is a reversal animation that occurs immediately after "Defeat" is displayed in Step S4, even if the game ball does not enter (pass through) the V for the animation, if it has entered a specific area 111 (hidden V). For example, an ally character will reappear powerfully, and words such as "Resurrection" will be dramatically displayed. By overturning a failure to enter the easily visible animation V (dummy V) with a true entry in a specific area (hidden V) that is difficult for the player to see, it creates a dramatic and surprising battle animation.

[0056] Furthermore, the above-mentioned performance steps can also be advanced at a predetermined number of seconds (times) while the large prize slot 106 is open. In this case, if the performance V component 113 passes through within the set number of seconds before step S3, an ally character will appear; otherwise, an enemy character will appear. After that, steps S4 and beyond are executed when the predetermined number of entries into the large prize slot 106 are completed. In this time management pattern as well, if an entry into the specific area 111 occurs before the large prize slot 106 closes, "Victory" will be announced in step S4. If an entry into the specific area 111 (hidden V) occurs even if an enemy character has appeared, "Defeat" will be announced in step S4, followed by "Resurrection" in step S5. If none of these V entries occur, the LCD screen will transition to the "Normal Stage" as described above.

[0057] <Summary> According to the pinball game machine of this embodiment, a double structure is adopted in which, in addition to the true V-attacker (specific area 111) that determines the right to continue, a movable element for performance (performance V-member 113) is provided which is positioned in a location easily visible to the player and moves or deforms in relation to the opening of the big prize opening 106.

[0058] The V-element 113 for visual effects can perform a variety of actions, such as reciprocating movement, speed changes, or expansion and contraction, thereby enhancing the visual impact and dramatically increasing the enjoyment of the game.

[0059] Furthermore, since there is no need to move the specific area 111 which is directly related to the continuation right, the V-element component 113 for performance does not need to be driven constantly, and the load on the drive source can be greatly reduced. In addition, by fixing the specific area 111, the imbalance in winning opportunities due to movement can be eliminated, and the fairness of the game can be ensured.

[0060] Furthermore, for players who are disappointed after removing the V-element 113 for presentation purposes, a revival animation linked to the LCD screen is triggered based on a true win in a specific area 111 that is difficult to see. This is achieved by irregular guidance control (random opening of the openable / closed movable piece 110), which always leaves a possibility of continuation even for game balls that have deviated from the planned route in the presentation, thus giving players a sense of anticipation that never ends.

[0061] While the present invention has been described with specific examples based on preferred embodiments, it is clear that various modifications and changes can be made to these examples without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. In other words, the details of the examples and the accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0062] <Note> (Feature 1) A pinball game machine (10) is composed of a repetition of multiple unit games (e.g., each round) in which a specific game state (e.g., a jackpot state, etc.) occurs when predetermined specific game conditions (e.g., specific symbols align) are met, and the large prize winning slot (106) is opened. The aforementioned large prize opening (106) into which the game ball can enter, In connection with the opening of the aforementioned large prize opening (106), the movable means for performance (Figure 6, 10, performance V member (including performance V drive source) 113) moves into a moving state (Figure 4) and forms a performance passage area (Figure 11, for example, a ball path formed by the performance V member 113) through which the game ball can pass, A first detection means (Figure 11, V-pass detection sensor 114 for performance) detects game balls that have passed through the aforementioned performance passage area, Based on the detection by the first detection means (114), a guidance means (Figure 14, open / close type movable piece (including a drive source for a specific prize entry point) 110) capable of guiding the game ball to a specific area (111), A second detection means (specific area (including specific area passage detection sensor) 111) for detecting game balls passing through the specific area (111), Based on the detection of game balls by the second detection means (111), a specific game continuation means (for example, the main board 200, etc.) that continues the specific game state to the next unit game, A pinball game machine (10) characterized by having the following.

[0063] (Feature 2) The guidance means (110) is controlled to guide the game ball to the specific area (111) at irregular timings while the large prize opening (106) is open, even when the first detection means (114) does not detect a game ball (for example, control such as randomly operating the opening / closing movable piece 110 even when it misses the performance V) (Figures 13, 14). A pinball game machine as described in Feature 1, characterized by the above.

[0064] (Feature 3) The aforementioned movable means for performance (113) is positioned in a location that is more easily visible to the player than the aforementioned specific area (111) (for example, the front side of the large prize opening 106), and the aforementioned specific area (111) is positioned in a location that is more difficult for the player to see than the aforementioned movable means for performance (113) (for example, the back side of the large prize opening 106). A pinball game machine characterized by the features described in Feature 1 or 2.

[0065] (Feature 4) It has means for executing performances (for example, peripheral board 300, video display device 105, etc.) that perform performances, The aforementioned performance execution means is When a game ball is detected by the first detection means (114), an effect that suggests the continuation of the specific game state (for example, an effect indicating a high probability of success in continuing the game) is executed (Figure 15). If the first detection means (114) does not detect a game ball, an effect that suggests the discontinuation of the specific game state (for example, a disappointing effect that suggests a failure to continue) is executed (Figure 15). If a game ball is detected by the second detection means (111) after the aforementioned performance suggesting discontinuation has been performed, a performance that determines the continuation of the specific game state (for example, a reversal revival performance, etc.) is performed (Figure 16). A pinball game machine as described in feature 2 or 3, characterized by the above.

[0066] (Feature 5) The aforementioned movable means for performance (113) changes its speed of movement (for example, high-speed movement, etc.) or deforms to expand the performance passage area (Figure 5, for example, the wings of the performance V member 113 spread out, etc.) when predetermined conditions are met. A pinball game machine characterized by any one of the features 1 to 4. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 10 Pachinko machines 101 Operating handle 102 Upper tray 103 Game board 104 Starter Port 105 Video display device 106 Grand Prize Entrance 110 Open / close movable piece 111 Specific area 112 Grand Prize Count Sensor 113 V-shaped components for stage effects 114 V-pass detection sensor for performance purposes 115 Sensor for detecting passage through an incorrect area 200 Main board 300 Peripheral boards

Claims

1. A pachinko game machine in which a specific game state is composed of the repetition of a plurality of unit games accompanied by the opening of a large prize slot, The starter port, A lottery means that performs a lottery process based on the fact that a game ball has entered the starting opening, When the aforementioned lottery process is successful, the aforementioned specific game state occurs, and the large prize slot is opened so that game balls can enter, A movable means for performance is provided within the aforementioned large prize opening, which moves in conjunction with the opening of the large prize opening and has a performance passage area through which game balls that have entered the large prize opening can pass; A first detection means for detecting game balls that have passed through the aforementioned visual effect area, Based on the detection by the first detection means, a guidance means guides the game ball to a specific area, A second detection means for detecting a game ball passing through the specified area, Based on the detection of game balls by the second detection means, a specific game continuation means is provided to continue the specific game state to the next unit game, A pinball game machine characterized by having the following features.

2. The guidance means is controlled to guide the game ball to the specific area at irregular timings while the large prize opening is open, even when the first detection means does not detect a game ball. The aforementioned movable means for performance is positioned in a location that is more easily visible to the player than the aforementioned specific area. The aforementioned specific area is positioned in a location that is less visible to the player than the aforementioned movable means for performance. A pinball game machine according to claim 1, characterized by the following:

3. A video display device, The aforementioned video display device has a means for executing an image presentation that is output for each unit game, The aforementioned performance execution means is When a game ball is detected by the first detection means, an effect is performed that suggests the continuation of the specific game state. If no game ball is detected by the first detection means, an effect is performed that suggests the discontinuation of the specific game state. If a game ball is detected by the second detection means after the aforementioned performance suggesting discontinuation has been performed, the performance that determines the continuation of the specific game state is to be performed. The pinball game machine according to claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. The performance execution means is When a game ball is detected by the first detection means, before the game ball is detected by the second detection means, an effect is performed that suggests the continuation of the specific game state. A pinball game machine according to claim 3, characterized by the following:

5. The aforementioned movable means for performance purposes is When certain conditions are met, the speed of movement is changed, or the area through which the performance is performed is expanded. A pinball game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

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