BALL-SHOOTING GAME MACHINE

Abstract: A ball-shooting game machine in which a shot ball detection signal is produced whenever a predetermined number of balls are shot from a ball shooter (4) to a game board (2) in response to a player's operation, a random number is generated according to the detection signal, and winning control is effected according to the value of generated random number. In case of a pachinko game machine having variable winning devices (5C, 5L, 5R) capable of being driven to assume a first state disadvantageous to a player and a second state advantageous to a player regarding production of winning balls from game balls shot from a ball shooter, the variable winning devices are driven to assume the second state when a predetermined effective number is generated as random number. When a predetermined number of winning balls are produced in the variable winning devices being driven, the driving is stopped by restoring the variable winning devices to the first state. If the predetermined number of winning balls fail to be produced, the number of deficient winning balls is carried to next driving, that is, the next driving is continued to an extent corresponding to the predetermined number plus the number of the previous deficient winning balls.

Description: This invention relates to a ball-shooting game machine for playing game by shooting balls from a ball shooter to a game zone over a game board, comprising one or more variable devices capable of being driven to assume a first state disadvantageous to a player and a second state advantageous to a player and control means for controlling the state of said variable devices. Such a ball-shooting game machine is known from US-A-4 508 343. The control means of this ball-shooting game machine introduces control signals to control switches for operating solenoids in a predetermined sequence which may be random or regular, depending upon the programming of the computer in the control means. In other words, the computer controls driving means of variable devices (drop target assemblies) in a predetermined random or regular sequence. As in all other known ball-shooting game machines the winning probability depends from the player's skill. The object of the present invention is to provide a ball-shooting game machine, which permits prize balls to be obtained, irrespective of the player's skill, with an impartial winning probability. This object is achieved in that shot ball detection means are provided for providing an output signal every time a predetermined number of balls are shot from said ball shooter, and in that the control means generate a random number in response to said output signal from said shot ball detection means and effect the second state of said variable devices depending upon a value of the random number generated. In other words, the control means in the present invention is different from the computer of US-A-4 508 343, not only in generating a random number in response to an output signal from the shot ball detection means but also in driving the variable devices into the second state which is advantageous for a player depending upon the value of the generated random number. According to the invention a variable winning devices switched from the first state to the second state by controlling a predetermined probability based upon the detection of shot balls. The random number is generated every time a predetermined number of game balls are shot and variable devices are switchable driven by control in a manner correspondent to the random number generated, thereby appearing the winning of shot ball for bringing a lot of advantageous to a player independently of his skill. Independent claim 5 also describes a ball-shooting game machine according to the basic idea of the invention. Advantageous embodiments are given in the sub-claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front view showing a pachinko game machine according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing examples of a ball shooter and a shot ball sensor; Fig. 3 is a view showing a method of detecting shot balls and returned balls; Figs. 4 and 5 are exploded perspective views showing an example of variable winning hole and drive means therefor; Figs. 6(A) and 6(B) are perspective views showing an example of variable winning device; Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view showing a separate game device; and Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing an electric circuit section of the embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF SPECIAL EMBODIMENT Fig. 1 is a front view of a pachinko game machine as an embodiment of the invention. The pachinko game machine generally designated by reference numeral 1 comprises a game board 2 having a plurality of variable winning devices, which can assume a first state disadvantageous to the player and a second state advantageous to the player concerning a winning of game ball shot from a ball shooter to be described later to the game board 2. The variable winning devices are classified into general winning holes and special winning holes as will be described later in detail. The game board 2 has a number of nails 3 arranged as guide means such that a ball shot from the ball shooter may be guided to positions over the variable winning devices. A ball shooting handle 4 is provided on a right lower portion of the front of the machine. When the handle 4 is operated by a player, balls are shot from the ball shooter mounted on the back side of the game board so that they may be guided along a guide rail on the game board 2. Fig. 2 shows an example of the ball shooter. This ball shooter 9 includes a ball shooting section 11 having a solenoid for causing advancement of a plunger 10 by an electromagnetic force to shoot a ball P and a ball guide section 12 provided on the side, to which the plunger 10 is advanced. The ball guide section 12 consists of a cylindrical member with a notch formed in a free end portion such that a ball is fed to it through the notch. Its inner bottom surface is provided with a pair of parallel guide ridges 13 for forwardly guiding a ball P kicked by an end of the plunger 10. A shot ball sensor 14 is disposed in front of the ball shooter 9 to detect each ball P shot from the ball shooter. It is a magnetic sensor having a hole, through which each shot ball P can pass. The output of the shot ball sensor 14 is supplied to a shot ball counter 61 (Fig. 8) to be described later. Each ball P shot from the ball shooter 9 is guided along a guide rail 18 defining a shot ball path upwardly to an upper portion of the game board 2, as shown in Fig. 3. Some shot ball P ', however, may return toward the ball shooter 9 without reaching a game zone of the game board 2. Such a ball P ' will fall into a recovery path 16. A returned ball sensor 17 is disposed on an intermediate portion of the recovery path 16 to detect returned balls. The output of the returned ball sensor 17 is supplied to a returned ball counter 62 (Fig. 8) to be described later. Thus, the game balls (returned balls), which have been returned toward the ball shooter 9 without reaching the game zone over the game board 2, are not counted as shot balls. In this embodiment, random numbers are generated according to the output signal from the shot ball sensor 14, and when a predetermined number is generated as random number, a plurality of variable winning devices are driven such that they are continuously or intermittently held in the second state advantageous to the player. When a winning ball is produced, that is, when a ball enters one of the variable winning devices, the driving thereof is stopped to restore the first state. If the winning balls produced until the restoration of the first state is greater or less in number than a predetermined number, a state indication signal (flag) is produced for making up for an excess or a deficiency of winning balls. As the method of driving a plurality of variable winning devices, there is one, in which all the variable winning devices are driven at a time, or one, in which the individual variable winning devices successively assume the two states once. In the latter method, there is an excursion of driving of the variable winning devices to bring interesting display, and when a predetermined number of winning ball are produced, the driving of the variable winning devices being driven is stopped. Thus, compared to the case where all the variable winning devices are stopped as in the former method, there is less change in the status of the overall variable winning devices, which is desirable from the visual standpoint. The general winning hole is provided for paying out a predetermined number (for example thirteen) of prize balls when a game ball entered the hole. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the general winning holes are formed by variable winning devices 5L, 5R and 5C, which can be brought to either a first state not (or difficultly) permitting production of winning balls or a second state permitting production of winning balls with movement of a winning restriction member located over each of them, and which are disposed on left, right and central positions of the game board 2, respectively. Each of the variable winning devices 5L, 5R and 5C, as shown in Fig. 4, includes a cup-shaped ball receiving member 22 provided on the front side of the game board 2, in which game balls P may be received one by one from a top opening 21 and be fed out to the back side of the game board 2, and a winning restriction member 6 which consists of a bar-like movable member and can project to the front side of the game board 2 by penetrating the same. The winning restriction member 6 is driven perpendicularly to the game board 2 by drive means consisting of a ball screw. The front of the variable winning device is preferably covered by a decorative plate to conceal the winning restriction member 6. Fig. 5 shows an example of the drive means. As is shown, a channel-shaped bracket 23 is mounted on the back side of the game board 2. A male thread 24 of the ball screw is rotatably supported in the bracket 23. A female thread 25 is screwed on the male thread 24 and has an upward projection 26, to which a rear end of the winning restriction member 6 is coupled. The male thread 24 is coupled to a shaft of a pulse motor 27. When the pulse motor 27 is driven by a suitable controller to cause rotation of the male thread 24, the female thread 25 is moved along the male thread 24 to cause advancement or retreat of the winning restriction member 6 perpendicularly to the game board 2. The displacement of the winning restriction member 6 is determined by a rotational angle of the male thread 24, and the rotational angle is determined by a number of drive pulses for driving the pulse motor 27. Thus, by controlling the number of drive pulses supplied to the pulse motor 27 a position of the winning restriction member 6 forwardly projecting from the game board 2 can be adjusted to switch between the first state in which no game ball P can become a winning ball entering the ball receiving member 22 from the top opening 21, and the second state in which the winning balls can be produced. The special winning hole is provided for paying out a predetermined number (for example seven) of prize balls when a game ball entered the hole. In addition, at this time it also serves as a starter hole to start a separate game by a variable display device 7 disposed on a central portion of the game board 2. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the special winning holes are formed by variable winning devices (called tulips) 8L and 8R, each of which can be brought to either a first state not permitting production of winning balls, or a second state permitting production of winning balls with open and close movement of a pair of left and right pivotable members, and which are disposed on the game board 2 at left and right positions thereof. The variable winning devices 8L and 8R each have a construction as shown in Figs. 6(A) and 6(B). As is shown, a pair of pivotable members 42a and 42b are pivotably provided on the front side of the game board with their lower portions covered by a cover 43. In this variable winning device, when the pair of pivotable members 42a and 42b are closed as shown in Fig. 6(A), the first state permitting production of no winning ball is brought about. When the pair of pivotable members 42a and 42b are opened as shown in Fig. 6(B), the second state permitting production of winning ball is brought about. On the back side of the game board, a bracket 45 accommodating a solenoid 44 is mounted. A plunger 46 penetrates the solenoid 44, and engagement disks 47 and 48 are secured to the respective upper and lower ends of the plunger 46. A coil spring 49 is provided between the upper engagement disk 47 and an upper surface of the bracket 45. When the solenoid 44 is energized, the lower end of the plunger 46 projects downwardly from the state shown in Fig. 6(A). When the solenoid 44 is subsequently de-energized, the plunger 46 is returned to the initial position by the force of the coil spring 49. In the variable winning devices 8L and 8R, the pair of pivotable members 42a and 42b are opened and closed by making use of the displacement of the plunger 46. The pair of pivotable members 42a and 42b each have a cylindrical stem and are supported on the inner side of the cover 43 by an excentric pin 51 extending from the front side of the stem. Between the stem of each of the pivotable members 42a and 42b and the solenoid 44, there is a motion converting member 52 for converting the vertical reciprocal motion of the plunger 46 to opening and closing motions of the pivotable members 42a and 42b. The motion converting member 52 mainly consists of a rectangular plate with left and right ears 53a and 53b, which are rotatably supported in respective left and right supports 41a and 41b extending rearwardly from a mounting plate (not shown) for the variable winning device. The motion converting member 52 has an L-shaped extension 54 extending from the rear edge and having a bifurcated end portion clamping the lower engagement disk 48 of the plunger, and it also has a pair of transmission bars 55a and 55b extending from the front edge toward the stems of the respective pivotable members 42a and 42b. The transmission bars 55a and 55b each have a reduced-diameter free end portion slidably inserted in each of holes 56a and 56b provided on the back side of the stems of the pivotable members 42a and 42b. Between the stems of the pivotable members 42a and 42b is disposed a winning ball receiving section 58 with a triangular projection 57 for receiving and rearwardly directing winning balls produced when the pivotable members are opened. A winning ball discharge gutter 59 is disposed behind and beneath the section 58. The winning ball receiving section 58, in addition to be able to receive the winning balls, can hold the pair of the pivotable members 42a and 42b in the open state as shown in Fig. 6(B) in engagement with projections 60a and 60b downwardly projecting from the stem of the pivotable members 42a and 42b. In the variable winning devices 8L and 8R having the above construction, the pair of pivotable members 42a and 42b are in the closed state as shown in Fig. 6(A) when the solenoid 44 is not energized. When the solenoid 44 is energized, the plunger is lowered against the force of the spring 49 to lower the L-shaped extension 54 of the motion converting member 52 via the lower engagement disk 48. Thus, the motion converting member 52 is rotated to raise the front side transmission bars 55a and 55b. As a result, the pair pivotable members 42a and 42b are opened as shown in Fig. 6(B) to the left and right, respectively, until their lower projections 60a and 60b strike the winning ball receiving section 58. Now, it is ready to produce winning balls, and the winning balls are discharge from the winning ball receiving section 58 along the discharge gutter 59 to the winning ball path. When the solenoid 44 is de-energized, the plunger 46 is returned to the initial upper position by the force of the coil spring 49. This upward displacement of the plunger 46 causes the motion converting member 52 to be rotated in the opposite direction, thus lowering the transmission bars 55a and 55b. As a result, the pair pivotable members 42a and 42b are brought to the closed state. In the embodiment, the variable winning device shown in Fig. 4 (adopting a winning restriction system using a movable bar) is used as a general winning hole while using the variable winning device shown in Fig. 6 (opening and closing system) is used as a special winning hole, i.e., starter hole to start a separate game. However, it is possible to interchange these variable winning devices. Now, the variable display device 7 for a separate game provided on a central portion of the game board 2 as shown in Fig. 1, and a changeable winning device 20 provided on a lower portion of the game board 2 will be described. The variable display device 7, as shown in Fig. 7, has a front section 32 mounted on the front side of the game board 2. The front section 32 has a pair of small openings 33L and 33R formed in upper left and right portions and a large opening 34 formed in a lower portion. Inside the small openings 33L and 33R are disposed respective seven-segment LED (light-emitting diode) display elements 35L and 35R, while inside the large opening 34 is found a part of outer periphery of a cylindrical reel 36. The reel 36 can be driven for rotation about its horizontal axis of rotation in one direction by a reel drive unit 37 including a pulse motor as a drive source. The outer periphery of the reel 36 carries a sheet with a plurality (for instance ten) of pattern impressions (not shown). The reel drive unit 37 can position the reel 36 such that one of the pattern impressions of the sheet provided on the reel outer periphery is found in the large opening 34 of the front section 32 when the rotation of the reel 36 is stopped. The changeable winning device 20 is commonly termed "attacker" and has a trapezoid front plate having a top opening. On the front side of this opening a door having substantially the same shape is pivotally mounted while a winning hole is formed inside of the opening. The door of the changeable winning device 20 is driven for opening and closing by a drive mechanism including a solenoid as a drive power source mounted on the back side of the front plate. Next, an electric circuit section of the embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 8, the section includes a shot ball counter 61 and a returned ball counter 62, these counters receiving detection signals from the respective shot and returned ball sensors 14 and 17 noted before, a random number generator 63 for generating random numbers according to the outputs of the counters 61 and 62, a judging section 64 for judging the value of generated random number, and a control unit or section 65 for causing driving of the plurality of variable winning devices according to the result of judgement by the judging section 64 and until a winning ball is produced in one of the variable winning devices. Further, three general winning ball sensors 66 and two special winning ball sensors 67 are provided as winning ball detection means for detecting winning balls produced in the general variable winning devices 5L, 5R and 5C and the special variable winning devices 8L and 8R, respectively. Each winning ball sensor consists of a magnetic sensor having a hole, through which a ball can pass. It can detects a winning ball from a magnetic field change produced when a ball emerging from the variable winning device passes through the hole. It is of course possible to use a sensor other than the magnetic sensor (for instance an optical sensor, a microswitch, etc.). Detection signals from the individual winning ball sensors are supplied to an associated winning ball counter 68 or 69 which counts winning balls. In the circuit of Fig. 8, the count of the shot ball counter 61 is incremented by one every time the shot ball sensor 14 detects a shot ball P . The count of the returned ball counter 62 is incremented by one every time the returned ball sensor 17 detects a returned ball P '. The random number generator 63 performs a predetermined calculation to generate a random number every time the count of the shot ball counter 61 is incremented by one. However, the random number generator 63 generates a random number so long as the count of the returned ball counter 62 is "0", and does not generate any random number if the count is "1" or more. For example, if the count of the returned ball counter 62 is "2", the count output of the shot ball counter 61 is passed (i.e., no random number is generated) twice from the time of appearance of the count "2", and the count of the returned ball counter 62 is decremented by that number of times to "0". When the random number generated from the random number generator 63 in the above way is a predetermined number, the variable winning devices of kind corresponding to that number (either general or special winning hole) are driven such that they assume the second state advantageous to the player. The probability at this time is predetermined depending on the pertaining kind of winning hole. For example, where the range of random numbers which may be generated is from 1 to 4,096, by setting the random number range for the general winning hole to be from 1 to 91, the probability of winning the general prize is about one fourty-fifth, and by setting the random number range for the special winning hole to be from 1,001 to 1,273, the probability of winning the special prize is about one fifteenth. The judging section 64 judges whether a random number generated by the random number generator 63 is in either of the predetermined range as noted above. When a generated random number is found to be a predetermined effective number as a result of judgement or check by the judging section 64, the control section 65 supplies a drive signal to a driver section 71 for driving the general variable winning devices 5L, 5R and 5C or to a driver section 72 for driving the special variable winning devices 8L and 8R so that the driver section 71 or 72 drives the associated variable winning devices to assume the second state continuously or intermittently. When a winning ball is produced in any variable winning device being driven so that the counter 68 or 69 produces an output signal, the driving of variable winning devices is stopped to bring them to be the first state disadvantageous to the player. In the case of a ball-shooting game machine with the variable display device 7 for a separate game and the changeable winning device 20 as shown in Fig. 1, when a predetermined count is reached in the special winning ball counter 69 with production of a special winning ball (or when one winning ball is produced if the count is "1"), the control unit 65 supplies a signal to a drive section of the separate game device 7 to start the separate game. At the same time, the random number generator 63 generates a random nember, which is checked in the judging section 64. If it is found that a big prize state is produced as a result of the separate game (the probability of this case being determined as well as the case of the variable winning devices), the display of the separate game device 7 is stopped at "BIG PRIZE", while a signal is produced for opening the door of the changeable winning device 20 for a predetermined period of time (this state is advantageous to the player). In case of a prize state other than the big prize state or a no-prize state, the separate game device 7 is stopped at a corresponding display, and in the case of the prize state a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. This is the same as the usual pachinko game machine. Though the shot and returned ball counters 61 and 62, the random number generator 63, the judging section 64, the control section 65 and the winning ball counters 66 and 67 are implemented by well-known electronic circuits, it is possible to permit a microcomputer to execute the operation of these components. In that case, the microcomputer generates a random number whenever a predetermined number of balls are shot, and it sets a flag of "1" when the generated random number is a predetermined effective number, i.e., in a range corresponding to the general or special winning hole. In the embodiment, the flag is a state indication signal representing the number of winning balls (number of occasions of winning prize) that are accepted when the associated variable winning devices are set to the second state advantageous to the player. The microcomputer is programmed to provide a signal for driving the general variable winning devices 5L, 5R and 5C or the special variable winning devices 8L and 8R corresponding to a predetermined flag so as to set the associated variable winning devices in the second state advantageous to the player either continuously or intermittently, and to stop the driving when a winning ball is produced in either one of the variable winning devices that have been driving. If no winning ball is produced in the presence of the flag "1", a flag "2" is set when the next random number generation results in a predermined effective number, so that the associated variable winning devices are driven until two winning balls are produced. The content of flag is incremented by one at the time of the predetermined effective number generation if no winning ball is produced in the presence of the preceding flag. On the other hand, if n (n≧2) winning balls are produced in the presence of a flag "1", then the content of flag is set to (1-n) to cancel a flag "1" produced at the next time of predetermined effective number generation. For example, if n = 3, the next flag is "-2", which is changed to "-1" and then to "0" with generation of subsequent successive flags. According to the invention, the first state of the variable winning device is not limited to the state which does not permit production of any winning ball, but may be a state which difficultly permits production of winning ball. In the latter case, a winning ball may be produced in a variable winning device in the first state, i.e., in the absence of the flag "1". Since such a winning ball is detected by the winning ball sensor 66 or 67, the microcomputer decrements the prevailing content of the flag corresponding to the general or special winning devices by one every time such a winning ball is produced, so that a flag "1" set at the next time of predetermined effective number generation can be cancelled. In the above way, by compensating for the flag which represents the number of times of switching of the variable winning devices to the second state, using a microcomputer and in accordance the actual winning status, the driving of the variable winning devices can be executed with a predetermined probability. The probability of winning ball production in the variable winning devices may be set as desired by suitably varying the probability of generation of a predetermined random number to switch the variable winning devices to the second state. The probability of production of a given result in the separate game may be similarly set. While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been described in the foregoing, the present invention is applicable not only to a pachinko game machine but also other ball-shooting game machines such as a smart ball game machine and a mah-jong ball game machine. Further, it is possible to properly select the constructions of the shot ball detection means, control means and variable winning device, and also the modes of winning control. As explained above, in a ball-shooting game machine according to the present invention, the winning control is effected in accordance with a predetermined probability whenever a predetermined number of game balls are shot. Therefore, it is possible to provide a constant probability of winning ball production, thus making the conventional subtle nail adjustment unnecessary. In addition, a player is given an impartial opportunity of winning prize and can thus enjoy the ball-shooting game without need of any skill for the game.

Claims: A ball-shooting game machine for playing game by shooting balls from a ball shooter (9) to a game zone over a game board (2), comprising one or more variable devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) capable of being driven to assume a first state disadvantageous to a player and a second state advantageous to a player and control means for controlling the state of said variable devices, characterized in that shot ball detection means (14) are provided for providing an output signal every time a predetermined number of balls are shot from said ball shooter (9), and in that the control means generate a random number in response to said output signal from said shot ball detection means (14) and effect the second state of said variable devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) depending upon a value of the random number generated. The ball-shooting game machine according to claim 1, which further comprises returned ball detection means (17) for detecting game balls returned without reaching said game zone after being shot from said ball shooter (9), said control means refraining from random number generation a number of times corresponding to a number of detected returned balls. A ball-shooting game machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said variable devices are variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) capable of being driven by drive means to assume the first state disadvantageous to a player and the second state advantageous to a player regarding production of winning balls from the game balls shot from said ball shooter (9), and in that said control means includes random number generation means (63) for generating random numbers in response to said output signal from said shot ball detection means (14); judging means (64) for checking said random numbers generated from said random number generation means (63); and control unit (65) responsive to said judging means (64) for causing said drive means to drive said variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) to said second state until a predetermined number of winning balls are produced in said variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R). The ball-shooting game machine according to claim 3, wherein said variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) are classified into general winning hole and special winning hole, and a separate game device (7) for playing a separate game when a winning ball is produced in said special winning hole and a changeable winning device (20) capable of assuming a state advantageous to a player according to a result of said separate game by said separate game device (7) are provided on said game board. A ball-shooting game machine having one or more variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) capable of being driven to assume a first state disadvantageous to a player and a second state advantageous to a player regarding production of winning balls from game balls shot toward a game board (2), and control means for controlling the state of said variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R), characterized in that said control means includes random number generation means (63) for generating random numbers; judging means (64) for checking said random numbers generated from said random number generation means (63) against preselected numbers; and control unit (65) responsive to said judging means (64) for determining the state of said variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) when a random number is generated corresponding to said preselected numbers, generating a state indication signal representing the determined state, and controlling driving of said variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) according to a content of said state indication signal, said control unit (65) further compensating the content of said state indication signal in accordance with a status of said production of winning balls. The ball-shooting game machine according to claim 5 werein said state indication signal represents number of acceptable winning balls in said second state of said variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) said state indication signal being changed, if said number of acceptable winning balls fail to be produced until a next state indication signal is generated to a content representing number represented by said next indication signal plus number of previous deficient winning balls. The ball-shooting game machine according to claim 5 wherein said state indication signal represents number of acceptable winning balls in said second state of said variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) said state indication signal being changed if winning balls are produced in excess of said number of acceptable winning balls until a next state indication signal is generated to a content representing number represented by said next indication signal minus number of previous excess winning balls. The ball-shooting game machine according to claim 5 wherein said control means (65) generates a state indication signal for cancelling subsequent driving to said second state of said variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) every time a winning ball is produced in said variable winning devices (5L, 5C, 5R; 8L, 8R) in said first state.

Inventors: OKADA, KAZUO
Applicants: UNIVERSAL CO. LTD.
Application year: 1989
Main classification: A63F7
IPC codes: A63F7, A63F9