JP7519124B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

Pachinko gaming machines, which are a type of gaming machine, are conventionally equipped with various gaming parts that work together to allow players to play (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For example, the various gaming parts include a wide variety of moving bodies for effects, sensors that detect the game ball K, and launch handles (launchers).

JP 2019-013606 A

However, when gaming machines are used for a long period of time, the gaming parts that make up the gaming machine may wear out, making it necessary to perform certain maintenance. However, with conventional gaming machines, it is difficult to grasp the usage status of the machine, making it difficult to perform necessary maintenance in a timely manner.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that makes it easy to understand the usage status of the game.

The gaming machine that solves the above problem is a gaming machine configured to be able to execute a symbol variation game based on the result of a winning lottery, and is equipped with a counting means that counts the number of gaming media using the detection result of the gaming media used in the game, a display means that displays predetermined information, a display control means that controls the display means, and a storage means that is able to store information, and the display control means is capable of controlling the display means to display maintenance information that enables the user to recognize that the specific number has been reached and that specific maintenance is required when the number of gaming media reaches a specific number, and the display manner of the maintenance information differs depending on the situation when the number of gaming media reaches the specific number, and the maintenance information is displayed in a manner that is different from the state of the game. The gist of the invention is that the condition set forth above can be met whether the pattern change game is being executed or not, the display of the maintenance information is performed each time the power is turned on until a specific condition is met, the specific condition is met in response to an operation of initializing specified information, the storage means is capable of accumulating and storing information capable of identifying the content of the maintenance information displayed on the display means, the display means is capable of displaying information indicating the content identified by the accumulated and stored information, and when the power is turned on, the maintenance information can be displayed and return information capable of identifying a return based on the information stored in the storage means .

A gaming machine that solves the above problem is a gaming machine configured to be able to execute a symbol-changing game based on the result of a winning lottery, and is equipped with a counting means that counts the number of gaming media using the detection result of the gaming media used in the game, a display means that displays predetermined information, a display control means that controls the display means, and a storage means that can store information, and the display control means is capable of controlling the display means to display maintenance information that enables the user to recognize that the specific number has been reached and that specific maintenance is required when the number of gaming media reaches a specific number, and the display manner of the maintenance information differs depending on the situation when the number of gaming media reaches the specific number, and the condition for displaying the maintenance information is the number of the gaming media that has been detected based on the result of the winning lottery. The gist of the invention is that the maintenance information can be satisfied whether the moving game is being executed or the pattern changing game is not being executed, the display of the maintenance information is performed each time the power is turned on until a specific condition is met, the specific condition is met in response to an operation of initializing predetermined information, the storage means is capable of accumulating and storing information that can identify the content of the maintenance information displayed on the display means, the display means is capable of displaying information indicating the content identified by the accumulated and stored information, a display means other than the display means is provided, notification by display of the maintenance information can also be executed by the other display means , and the timing at which the notification of the maintenance information ends can differ between the display means and the other display means .

The present invention makes it easy to understand the usage status of games.

FIG. Front view of the game board. Schematic diagram showing the path of the game ball. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display mode of maintenance information. A schematic diagram showing the relationship between the number of balls fired and the display mode of maintenance information. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display form of maintenance information in the second embodiment. (a) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the first number of balls fired and the display mode of the first maintenance information in the second embodiment, and (b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the second number of balls fired and the display mode of the second maintenance information. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a maintenance device according to a third embodiment. 4A to 4C are schematic diagrams showing a first performance display device and a second performance display device in a modified example.

First Embodiment
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine, which is an example of a gaming machine, will be described.
In this specification, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate the respective directions as seen by the player.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured as an enclosed type game machine (so-called managed game machine) in which game balls K as game media are enclosed inside the machine and the game balls K are circulated and reused inside the machine. The pachinko game machine 10 has a frame 11. The frame 11 has an outer frame 11a for fixing the machine to the island equipment and a mounting frame 11b for mounting various game parts. The mounting frame 11b is attached to the game board YB described later. The pachinko game machine 10 has a speaker SP. The speaker SP can execute a performance that outputs a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as a sound performance). For example, the predetermined sound is a song, a sound effect, etc. The pachinko game machine 10 has a decorative lamp LA. The decorative lamp LA can execute a performance (hereinafter referred to as a light-emitting performance) by turning on, blinking, and turning off a built-in light-emitting body (not shown).

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a launching device HS that launches game balls K. The launching device HS is equipped with an intake section (not shown) that takes in the supplied game balls K, a striking hammer (not shown) that launches the taken-in game balls K, and a launching motor (not shown) that causes the striking hammer to launch the game balls K. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a launching handle HD that is operated when launching the game balls K. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that the strength with which the game balls K are launched by the launching device HS (launch strength) can be adjusted depending on the amount of rotation of the launching handle HD. The launching device HS is an example of a launching means for launching the game balls K.

As shown in FIG. 2, a game area YBa that is approximately circular in front view is defined on the front of the game board YB. A display window YBb is formed in approximately the center of the game area YBa. A launch passage YBc is formed to the left of the game area YBa, which guides the game ball K launched by the launching device HS to the game area YBa. The launch passage YBc is an example of a first guide passage. In this specification, supplying the game ball K to the launching device HS means providing the game ball K for play.

The game board YB is equipped with a first special symbol display device 19a. The first special symbol display device 19a is capable of executing a first special symbol change game (hereinafter referred to as the first special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and a special symbol is finally displayed in a stationary manner. The game board YB is equipped with a second special symbol display device 19b. The second special symbol display device 19b is capable of executing a second special symbol change game (hereinafter referred to as the second special game) in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and a special symbol is finally displayed in a stationary manner. The special symbol is a symbol for announcing the result of an internal lottery (a lottery for a winning special symbol). Hereinafter, the first special game and the second special game are collectively referred to as the "special game". The special symbols include at least a jackpot symbol as a jackpot display result and a loss symbol as a loss display result. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a jackpot is won in the special symbol winning lottery, the jackpot symbol is displayed statically in a special game, and after the special game for that jackpot ends, the jackpot game is awarded. The jackpot game will be described later.

The game board YB is equipped with a first reserved display device 19c. The first reserved display device 19c displays information that can identify the number of first special games whose execution has been put on hold because the reserved conditions have been met but the start conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the first reserved number). The game board YB is equipped with a second reserved display device 19d. The second reserved display device 19d displays information that can identify the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold because the reserved conditions have been met but the start conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the second reserved number).

The game board YB is equipped with a normal symbol display device 19e. The normal symbol display device 19e can execute a normal game in which a predetermined symbol is displayed in a variable manner and a normal symbol is finally displayed in a stationary manner. The normal symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of an internal lottery (a lottery for a winning normal symbol). The normal symbol includes at least a normal winning symbol and a normal losing symbol. In this embodiment, when a winning lottery for a winning normal symbol is won, a normal winning symbol is displayed in a stationary manner in the normal game, and a normal winning game is awarded after the end of the normal game. The game board YB may be equipped with a normal hold display device. The normal hold display device displays information that can identify the number of normal games whose execution is held because the hold condition is satisfied but the start condition is not yet satisfied. The game board YB may also be equipped with a right-hit display device that displays information instructing a right hit, which will be described later, and a round display device that notifies the upper limit number of round games, which will be described later.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect display device EH having an image display unit capable of displaying an image. The effect display device EH is attached to the game board YB so that the display area R in the image display unit can be seen through the display window YBb. For example, the effect display device EH is a liquid crystal device. The effect display device EH can execute an effect that displays a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as a display effect). For example, the predetermined image is an image such as an effect pattern, a character, a landscape, a letter (character string), a number, and a symbol. In the following description, when it is simply stated that these characters, etc. are "displayed," it means that these characters, etc. are displayed as an image. In this embodiment, the effect display device EH, the speaker SP, and the decorative lamp LA are each an effect device capable of executing an effect, and form a effect device group ES consisting of a plurality of effect devices.

For example, the display effects on the effect display device EH include an effect pattern change game (hereinafter referred to as the effect game) that uses multiple rows of effect patterns (decorative patterns). In the effect game, multiple rows of effect patterns are displayed in a changing manner, and finally a combination of effect patterns (hereinafter referred to as a pattern combination) is displayed stationary. The effect patterns (decorative patterns) are patterns decorated with characters, patterns, etc., and are used to diversify the display effects. For example, the effect game of this embodiment is performed by changing (scrolling) the effect patterns of the left pattern row, middle pattern row, and right pattern row in a predetermined direction.

The presentation game starts and ends with the special game. In the presentation game, a symbol combination corresponding to the special symbol displayed in the special game is displayed. For example, when a big win symbol is displayed in the special game, the big win symbol combination is displayed in the presentation game. When a losing symbol is displayed in the special game, the losing symbol combination is displayed in the presentation game. In the following explanation, the special game and the presentation game executed in response to the special game are collectively referred to as the "symbol change game", or simply referred to as the "change game" for short.

In the game area YBa, a plurality of winning holes (ball winning holes) into which the game ball K can enter are formed. The winning holes include at least a first starting hole 12, a second starting hole 13, a big winning hole 14, and a normal winning hole 15. The first starting hole 12 is a winning hole into which the game ball K enters when the conditions for awarding prize balls and the reservation conditions for the first special game are met. The first starting hole 12 is located below the performance display device EH and is open so that the game ball K can enter at all times. The game board YB is equipped with a first starting sensor SE1 that detects the game ball K that has entered the first starting hole 12 (see FIG. 5). The second starting hole 13 is a winning hole into which the game ball K enters when the conditions for awarding prize balls and the reservation conditions for the second special game are met. The second starting hole 13 is located to the right of the first starting hole 12. The second starting hole 13 has an opening and closing piece, for example, a door-like piece, and is closed so that the game ball K cannot be inserted or is difficult to insert when a normal winning game is not awarded. When a normal winning game is awarded, the second starting hole 13 is opened so that the game ball K can be inserted or is easy to insert. The game board YB has a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for opening the second starting hole 13 (see FIG. 5). The game board YB also has a second starting sensor SE2 that detects the game ball K that has entered the second starting hole 13 (see FIG. 5). The second starting hole 13 is a so-called "normal electric device."

The big prize opening 14 is an opening through which the game ball K enters when the conditions for awarding a prize ball are met. The big prize opening 14 is located at the lower right of the performance display device EH. The big prize opening 14 has an opening and closing piece, for example a door-like opening, and is closed so that the game ball K cannot enter when a big win game has not been awarded. When a big win game has been awarded, the big prize opening 14 can enter the game ball K, or is opened so that the ball can enter easily. The game board YB is equipped with a special solenoid SL2 as a means for opening the big prize opening 14 (see FIG. 5). The game board YB is also equipped with a count sensor SE3 that detects the game ball K that has entered the big prize opening 14 (see FIG. 5).

The normal winning opening 15 is a winning opening through which the game ball K enters when the conditions for awarding a prize ball are met. The normal winning opening 15 is located at the lower left of the performance display device EH and at the lower right of the performance display device EH. The normal winning opening 15 is always open so that the game ball K can enter. The game board YB is equipped with a normal sensor SE4 that detects the game ball K that enters the normal winning opening 15 (see Figure 5).

A gate 17 is provided in the game area YBa. The gate 17 is located in the right area of the game area YBa, above the second start opening 13 and the large prize opening 14. The gate 17 has a gate opening 17a that is always open so that the game ball K can enter. A gate sensor SE5 that detects the game ball K that enters and passes through is provided in the gate opening 17a (see FIG. 5). The gate 17 is an entrance through which the game ball K enters when the start condition of the normal game is satisfied. Even if the game ball K enters the gate 17, the condition for awarding a prize ball is not satisfied. At the bottom of the game area YBa, an outlet 18 is formed for discharging the game ball K that did not enter any of the first start opening 12, the second start opening 13, the large prize opening 14, and the normal prize opening 15 from the game area YBa. The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with an out sensor (not shown) that detects the game ball K that enters the outlet 18.

By operating the launch handle HD, the player adjusts the launch strength of the game ball K and hits the game ball K into either the left area to the left of the display window YBb or the right area to the right of the display window YBb. For example, if the game ball K is launched with a strong launch strength (hereinafter referred to as a right hit), the game ball K is likely to flow down to the right area and may enter the second starting hole 13, the big prize hole 14, the normal prize hole 15, or the gate 17. Since a right hit requires the game ball K to be launched with force in order to reach the right area, the launch strength is adjusted to maximum strength or a strength slightly weaker than maximum strength. On the other hand, if the game ball K is launched with a weak launch strength (hereinafter referred to as a left hit), the game ball K is likely to flow down to the left area and may enter the first starting hole 12 or the normal prize hole 15. When hitting from the left, the game ball K does not need to be launched as vigorously as when hitting from the right, so the strength is adjusted so that the launched game ball K does not reach the right area. In this embodiment, when hitting from the right, a flow path for the game ball K is formed by game parts such as game nails so that the game ball K cannot enter the first starting hole 12. The game parts may be arranged to restrict the ball from entering the first starting hole 12 when hitting from the right, or may be arranged to make it more difficult for the ball to enter the first starting hole 12 compared to when hitting from the left.

In this embodiment, the left area is an area located to the left of the center line C that bisects the play area YBa into left and right when the play board YB is viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the right area is an area located to the right of the center line C when the play board YB is viewed from the front. The play ball K launched by operating the launch handle HD is guided to the launch passage YBc on the left side of the play area YBa and reaches the play area YBa. Therefore, the left area is also an area closer to the launch passage YBc, and the right area is also an area farther from the launch passage YBc. The play ball K guided down the left area passes by the left side of the performance display device EH located in the center of the play area YBa in a front view, and heads toward the outlet 18 located at the bottom of the play area YBa. On the other hand, the play ball K guided down the right area passes by the right side of the performance display device EH located in the center of the play area YBa in a front view, and heads toward the outlet 18.

As shown in FIG. 3, inside the pachinko game machine 10, a recovery passage TK is formed that collects game balls K that enter any of the first start opening 12, the second start opening 13, the big prize opening 14, the normal prize opening 15, and the outlet opening 18, and guides them to the launching device HS. The recovery passage TK is an example of a second guide passage that collects game balls K that have been launched into the game area YBa and guides them to the launching device HS. The passages that connect to the first start opening 12, the second start opening 13, the big prize opening 14, the normal prize opening 15, and the outlet opening 18 join at the collection point TKa.

A maintenance device 60 is provided in the recovery passage TK between the collection section TKa and the launching device HS. The game balls K passing through the collection section TKa undergo predetermined maintenance in the maintenance device 60 before heading toward the launching device HS. As an example of predetermined maintenance, the maintenance device 60 is a device (mechanical part) that polishes the game balls K flowing through the recovery passage TK. Details of the maintenance device 60 will be described later.

Inside the pachinko game machine 10, the above-mentioned shot passage YBc is formed so as to connect the launch device HS and the play area YBa. The shot passage YBc is formed on the play board YB so as to extend vertically along the left edge of the play area YBa. The game ball K shot out by the launch device HS passes through the shot passage YBc and is guided to the play area YBa. Inside the pachinko game machine 10, a foul ball passage TKb is formed to collect game balls K (so-called foul balls) that are shot out from the launch device HS into the shot passage YBc but do not reach the play area YBa. The foul ball passage TKb connects the launch passage YBc and the collection passage TK. The game ball K as a foul ball flows from the shot passage YBc to the collection passage TK via the foul ball passage TKb and is taken in by the launch device HS again.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a launch sensor SE6 that detects game balls K that are shot out by the launch device HS and pass through the launch passage YBc. The launch sensor SE6 is disposed in the launch passage YBc, and is configured to be able to output a predetermined detection signal when it detects a game ball K passing through the launch passage YBc. The launch sensor SE6 is disposed on the launch device HS side of the part where the launch passage YBc and the foul ball passage TKb are connected. Therefore, the launch sensor SE6 can detect all game balls K shot out by the launch device HS.

The maintenance device 60 will now be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the maintenance device 60 has a first abrasive belt section 61 and a second abrasive belt section 65 located downstream of the first abrasive belt section 61 in the flow direction KD of the game balls K.

The first abrasive belt section 61 has two first abrasive belts 63 facing each other with the recovery passage TK in between. The first abrasive belt section 61 has a plurality of first rotating shafts 62 on which the first abrasive belts 63 are respectively stretched. The two first abrasive belts 63 each have a first opposing surface 63a facing each other. The distance between the first opposing surfaces 63a is smaller than the average diameter of the game ball K. Therefore, when the game ball K passes through the recovery passage TK, it comes into contact with the two opposing first abrasive belts 63. The maintenance device 60 has a first abrasive motor 64 that rotates the first rotating shaft 62. As shown by the arrow Y1, when the first rotating shaft 62 rotates due to the driving force of the first abrasive motor 64, the game ball K is sandwiched between the two first abrasive belts 63 and transported while being abraded.

The second abrasive belt section 65 has two second abrasive belts 67 facing each other with the recovery passage TK in between. The second abrasive belt section 65 has a plurality of second rotating shafts 66 on which the second abrasive belts 67 are respectively stretched. The two second abrasive belts 67 each have a second opposing surface 67a facing each other. The distance between the second opposing surfaces 67a is smaller than the average diameter of the game ball K. Therefore, when the game ball K passes through the recovery passage TK, the game ball K comes into contact with the two opposing second abrasive belts 67. The maintenance device 60 has a second abrasive motor 68 that rotates the second rotating shaft 66. As shown by the arrow Y2, when the second rotating shaft 66 is rotated by the driving force of the second abrasive motor 68, the game ball K is conveyed while being abraded in a state sandwiched between the two second abrasive belts 67.

The second grinding belt section 65 is disposed downstream of the first grinding belt section 61 in the flow direction KD of the game ball K in the recovery passage TK. That is, in the maintenance device 60, the game ball K is received between the two first grinding belts 63 and ground. The game ball K is then received between the two second grinding belts 67 and ground. The game ball K is then discharged from the maintenance device 60 and heads toward the launching device HS. The first grinding belt 63 and the second grinding belt 67 are examples of grinding members that grind the game ball K passing through the recovery passage TK.

In this embodiment, the first abrasive belt 63 and the second abrasive belt 67 are both abrasive cloths with little elasticity and excellent tensile strength. The first abrasive belt 63 has a coarser weave and greater surface irregularities than the second abrasive belt 67. For this reason, in the maintenance device 60, the first abrasive belt 63 removes coarse dirt from the game ball K, and the game ball K is then polished by the second abrasive belt 67.

The maintenance device 60 is equipped with two first replacement sensors SEa. The two first replacement sensors SEa each detect the first grinding belt 63 attached so as to span the first rotating shaft 62, and output a detection signal. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with two second replacement sensors SEb. The two second replacement sensors SEb each detect the second grinding belt 67 attached so as to span the second rotating shaft 66, and output a detection signal.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a belt replacement opening 69 for replacing the grinding belts 63, 67 that constitute the maintenance device 60. The belt replacement opening 69 opens on the back side of the pachinko gaming machine 10. The pachinko gaming machine 10 has an opening/closing door 69a that is pivotally supported so that the belt replacement opening 69 can be closed and opened. In the pachinko gaming machine 10, when the belt replacement opening 69 is opened, the grinding belts 63, 67 can be accessed through the belt replacement opening 69, and these grinding belts 63, 67 are configured to be replaceable.

Next, the big win game will be described.
In the jackpot game, a predetermined performance is first performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as the opening time). For example, the predetermined performance is an opening performance that allows the start of the jackpot game to be recognized. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game in which the large prize winning hole 14 is opened is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a first condition is met in which a predetermined upper limit number of game balls K enter the hole, or a second condition is met in which a predetermined upper limit time has elapsed. In the round game, the large prize winning hole 14 is opened in a predetermined opening mode (opening pattern). In each round game, a round performance is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined performance is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter, referred to as the ending time). For example, the predetermined performance is an ending performance that allows the end of the jackpot game to be recognized. The jackpot game ends with the ending time having elapsed.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function (hereinafter referred to as a probability variation function).
The probability variation function is a function for varying the probability of winning a jackpot in a jackpot lottery (hereinafter referred to as jackpot probability). That is, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a low probability state in which the probability variation function is not activated, and a high probability state in which the probability variation function is activated, as states in which the jackpot probability can differ. The high probability state has a higher jackpot probability than the low probability state. In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the low probability state, making it an extremely advantageous state for the player. The high probability state is what is known as a "probability variation state (probability variation state)."

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assistance function.
The ball entry assist function is a function for varying the ball entry rate into the second starting hole 13 by assisting winning into the second starting hole 13, which is a normal electric role. That is, the pachinko game machine 10 has a low ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function does not operate, and a high ball entry rate state in which the ball entry assist function operates, as states in which the ball entry rate into the second starting hole 13 can be different. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball K will enter the second starting hole 13 is higher than in the low ball entry rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball K will enter the second starting hole 13 increases, making it easier for the game ball K to enter the second starting hole 13, which is an advantageous state for the player (easy ball entry state). The high ball entry rate state is the so-called "electric support state", and the low ball entry rate state is the so-called "non-electric support state".

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be realized by performing one of the three controls described below, which are arbitrarily selected, or by combining multiple controls. The first control is a normal pattern variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal game compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second control is a normal pattern probability variation control that varies the probability of winning the normal winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than in the low ball entry rate state. The third control is an opening time extension control that makes the total opening time of the second start port 13 in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The opening time extension control may be at least one of the following: a control that increases the number of openings of the second start port 13 in one normal winning game compared to the low ball entry rate state, and a control that makes the opening time of the second start port 13 in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The high ball entry rate state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a special symbol fluctuation time shortening control that shortens the fluctuation time of the special game (for example, the average fluctuation time) compared to when the ball is in a low winning rate state. When the special symbol fluctuation time shortening control is performed, the high winning rate state becomes a special symbol fluctuation time shortening state (time shortening state), and the low winning rate state becomes a special symbol non-fluctuation time shortening state (non-time shortening state).

In the pachinko gaming machine 10, game states are created by a combination of whether or not the probability bonus function is activated and whether or not the ball entry assistance function is activated. In the following explanation, a game state that is a low probability state and a low ball entry rate state is referred to as a "low probability low ball entry rate state," and a game state that is a high probability state and a low ball entry rate state is referred to as a "high probability low ball entry rate state." In addition, a game state that is a low probability state and a high ball entry rate state is referred to as a "low probability high ball entry rate state," and a game state that is a high probability state and a high ball entry rate state is referred to as a "high probability high ball entry rate state."

Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 5, the pachinko game machine 10 includes a main board 40 and a sub-board 50 on the back side (rear) of the game board YB. The main board 40 and the sub-board 50 are connected so that a control signal (control command) can be output in one direction from the main board 40 to the sub-board 50. The main board 40 executes a predetermined process and outputs a control signal to the sub-board 50. The sub-board 50 executes a predetermined process based on the control signal input from the main board 40. The pachinko game machine 10 also includes a launch board 55 and a power supply unit 56 on the back side of the game board YB.

The main board 40 will now be described.
The main board 40 includes a main control CPU 41, a main control ROM 42, a main control RWM 43, a random number generation circuit 44, an external communication unit (not shown), and an RWM clear switch (not shown). The main control CPU 41 executes a main control program to execute processes related to the progress of the game. The main control ROM 42 stores the main control program, judgment values used for various judgments and lotteries, tables, and the like.

The main control ROM 42 stores multiple types of fluctuation patterns. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation time from the start to the end of the special game. The fluctuation pattern is information that can specify the fluctuation content (performance content) of the presentation game that is performed while the special game is being executed. There are jackpot fluctuation patterns and miss fluctuation patterns. The presentation game based on the jackpot fluctuation pattern has fluctuation content in which a jackpot pattern combination is stopped and displayed after a reach performance, or without a reach performance, and finally a miss pattern combination is stopped and displayed.

The main control RWM 43 stores various information that is rewritten depending on the processing results of the main control CPU 41. For example, the information stored by the main control RWM 43 is a flag, a counter, a timer, etc. The main control RWM 43 is an example of a storage means capable of storing information. The random number generation circuit 44 generates hardware random numbers. The main board 40 may be configured to be able to generate software random numbers by the random number generation process by the main control CPU 41.

The main board 40 is connected to each of the sensors SE1 to SE6. The main control CPU 41 can input a detection signal output by each of the sensors SE1 to SE6 when they detect the game ball K. The main board 40 is connected to each of the display devices 19a to 19e. The main control CPU 41 can control the display contents of each of the display devices 19a to 19e. The main board 40 is connected to each of the solenoids SL1 and SL2. The main control CPU 41 can control the opening state of the second start hole 13 and the large winning hole 14 by controlling the operation of each of the solenoids SL1 and SL2. The main control CPU 41 is connected to the RWM clear switch. The main control CPU 41 can input an operation signal that is output when the RWM clear switch is operated. The RWM clear switch is an example of an initialization operation means. As will be described in detail later, the RWM clear switch can be operated to initialize part or all of the memory contents of the main control RWM 43.

The external communication unit (not shown) is configured to be able to output information (hereinafter referred to as game-related information) about the game status of the pachinko game machine 10 to a management device (hereinafter referred to as an external management device) installed outside the pachinko game machine 10. The external communication unit may be able to output the game-related information by either wired or wireless means. The external communication unit may be directly connected to the external management device, or may be able to output the game-related information via a communication network such as the Internet. For example, the external management device may be a management computer (a so-called hall computer) in the game parlor where the pachinko game machine 10 is installed, or a management server installed in a location other than the game parlor. For example, the game-related information is the number of balls fired by the firing device HS, the number of prize balls based on the establishment of the awarding condition, the number of jackpot games, and the number of times a variable game has started. The game-related information may be personal information read by an information reading device attached to the pachinko game machine 10 from a personal information medium (e.g., an IC card storing the player's personal information), the number of game balls loaned to the player, and the amount of valuable medium (e.g., monetary amount) consumed by the player to loan the game balls K. The game-related information may be information to which individual identification information (e.g., a serial number, etc.) of the pachinko game machine 10 is added.

The sub-substrate 50 will now be described.
The sub-substrate 50 includes a sub-control CPU 51, a sub-control ROM 52, and a sub-control RWM 53. The sub-control CPU 51 executes a sub-control program to perform processing related to the presentation. The sub-control ROM 52 stores the sub-control program and a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery. The sub-control ROM 52 stores display presentation data used for display presentation, light-emitting presentation data used for light-emitting presentation, and audio presentation data used for audio presentation. The sub-control RWM 53 stores various information that is rewritten during the operation of the pachinko game machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-control RWM 53 includes a flag, a counter, and a timer. The sub-substrate 50 is configured to be capable of generating software random numbers by the random number generation process by the sub-control CPU 51. The sub-substrate 50 may include a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The sub-board 50 is connected to the performance display device EH. The sub-control CPU 51 can control the display content in the display area R of the performance display device EH. The sub-board 50 is connected to the speaker SP. The sub-control CPU 51 can control the output content of the speaker SP. The sub-board 50 is connected to the decorative lamp LA. The sub-control CPU 51 can control the light emission mode of the decorative lamp LA. The sub-board 50 is connected to the maintenance device 60. The sub-control CPU 51 outputs control signals to the polishing motors 64, 68 provided in the maintenance device 60, and can rotate the polishing belts 63, 67 independently.

The launch board 55 will now be described.
The launch board 55 is connected to the main board 40. The launch handle HD and the launch device HS are connected to the launch board 55. The launch board 55 can input a launch operation signal output by the launch handle HD with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation. The launch board 55 outputs a drive signal to the launch device HS with an intensity corresponding to the intensity of the input launch operation signal. The launch motor of the launch device HS generates a drive force corresponding to the intensity of the input drive signal, and causes a hitting hammer (not shown) to perform a hitting operation so as to hit the game ball K taken into the launch device HS. As a result, the game ball K is shot out into the shooting passage YBc.

The power supply unit 56 will now be described.
The power supply unit 56 converts a power supply voltage supplied from an external power supply such as an amusement facility into a predetermined power supply voltage V1, and converts the converted power supply voltage V1 into a power supply voltage V2 to be supplied to the main board 40 and the sub-board 50. The power supply unit 56 is provided with a backup power supply (not shown). The backup power supply supplies power to the main board 40 even after the power supply is cut off. The main control RWM 43 can retain the memory contents of the main control RWM 43 at the time of power cut even after the power supply is cut off by receiving power from the backup power supply. In this way, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, a so-called backup function is realized by the power supply unit 56 (backup power supply). The power supply unit 56 constitutes an example of a backup means capable of retaining the memory contents of the main control RWM 43 after the power supply is cut off. Not limited to this, the main control RWM 43 may be a non-volatile memory capable of retaining memory contents even when the power supply is stopped, and thus can retain the information stored therein even after the power supply is cut off.

Information that can be stored in the main control RWM43 and that is subject to backup includes first type information as the first information, and second type information as the second information. The first type information includes information about special games, information about jackpot games, and information about the game state. For example, information about special games includes information that can identify the lottery results of a special lottery, information that can identify the fluctuation pattern of a special game, and information that can identify a special symbol that is stopped and displayed in a special game. Information about jackpot games includes information that can identify the progress of jackpot games. Information about the game state includes information that can identify whether or not it is a high probability state and a high ball entry rate state.

The second type of information includes information regarding the management of the pachinko game machine 10. For example, the information regarding the management is specific information regarding the counting result of the number of game balls K fired, and information regarding the base value in the pachinko game machine 10. As will be described in detail later, the number of game balls K fired is counted by the main control CPU 41. The base value is a value indicating the ratio of the total number of prize balls to the total number of valid balls. The base value is a value indicating the ratio (ratio) of the total number of prize balls during normal play to the total number of valid balls during normal play. Normal play is a game when the game is in a low probability low ball entry rate state and no jackpot game is being played. The valid balls are the game balls K that have reached the game area YBa among the game balls K fired from the launching device HS. The base value is calculated based on the assumption that the jackpot game is not being played, using the formula "total number of prize balls in a low probability low ball entry rate state ÷ total number of valid balls in a low probability low ball entry rate state × 100". In this embodiment, the information about the base value is the total number of winning balls in a low probability, low winning rate state, and the total number of effective balls in a low probability, low winning rate state. In addition to these, the information about management may include information that can identify which of multiple setting values that determine the probability of a jackpot has been set. The process for generating the second type of information will be described later.

Next, various processes performed by the main control CPU 41 will be described.
The power-off process will now be described.
The main control CPU 41 executes power-off processing when it receives a power-off signal output by the power supply unit 56 when the power supply voltage drops below a specified voltage. In the power-off processing, the main control CPU 41 calculates a checksum value of the main control RWM 43 and stores the calculated checksum value in the main control RWM 43. The main control CPU 41 also stores information (hereinafter referred to as a backup flag) that can identify that the power-off processing has been executed normally in the main control RWM 43. The main control CPU 41 then waits until the power is completely cut off. The various pieces of information stored in the main control RWM 43 when the power is cut off are retained even after the power is cut off by the backup function described above.

The power-on process will now be described.
When the voltage supplied to the main board 40 reaches the voltage required for the operation of the main control CPU 41 upon power-on, the main control CPU 41 inhibits timer interrupt processing. The main control CPU 41 determines whether the backed up information is normal or not. Specifically, the main control CPU 41 determines whether a backup flag is stored in the main control RWM 43. The main control CPU 41 also calculates a checksum value of the main control RWM 43 and determines whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the power-off processing. The main control CPU 41 determines that the information is normal if a backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, and determines that the information is abnormal if they do not.

If the backed up information is determined to be abnormal, the main control CPU 41 initializes the first type information stored in the main control RWM 43. At this time, the main control CPU 41 does not initialize the second type information. The main control CPU 41 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) capable of specifying the initialization of the first type information to the sub-board 50. Thereafter, the main control CPU 41 executes a process for outputting a specific control command (hereinafter referred to as a specific command output process) and then terminates the power-on process. The specific command output process will be described in detail later.

When the backed up information is judged to be normal, the main control CPU 41 judges whether an operation signal is input from the RWM clear switch. When an operation signal is input from the RWM clear switch, the main control CPU 41 initializes the first type information stored in the main control RWM 43. At this time, the main control CPU 41 does not initialize the second type information. The main control CPU 41 outputs an initialization command to the sub-board 50. On the other hand, when an operation signal is not input from the RWM clear switch, the main control CPU 41 outputs a control command (hereinafter, referred to as a power recovery command) that can be specified to return based on the backed up first type information to the sub-board 50. After that, the main control CPU 41 executes a specific command output process and then ends the power-on process. As described above, according to the configuration of this embodiment, the first type information is initialized by power-on accompanied by the operation of the RWM clear switch, while the second type information is not initialized by power-on accompanied by the operation of the RWM clear switch.

Then, when the main control CPU 41 finishes the power-on process, it allows the timer interrupt process. That is, the main control CPU 41 is able to execute the process for progressing the game (hereinafter referred to as the normal process). If the first type information has been initialized, the normal process is executed based on the first type information after initialization. That is, the main control CPU 41 executes various processes included in the normal process based on a state in which the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are both zero, neither the first special game nor the second special game is being executed, and no jackpot game has been awarded. If the first type information has not been initialized, the normal process is executed based on the backed-up first type information. That is, if the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are the reserved numbers at the time of power off, and either the first special game or the second special game is being executed, the main control CPU 41 returns to the process of executing the special game, and if a jackpot game is being awarded, returns to the process of awarding the jackpot game.

The main control CPU 41 executes special symbol input processing, special symbol start processing, etc. as timer interrupt processing that is performed every predetermined control period (e.g., 4 ms). Both special symbol input processing and special symbol start processing are normal processing. In addition to this, normal processing also includes jackpot game processing, state transition processing, reset processing, and information generation processing, which will be described later.

The special symbol input process will be described.
The main control CPU 41 judges whether the game ball K has entered the first start hole 12 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the first start sensor SE1. When the game ball K has entered the first start hole 12, the main control CPU 41 judges whether the first reserved number stored in the main control RWM 43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41 adds 1 to the first reserved number to update it. Next, the main control CPU 41 controls the first reserved display device 19c to display information that can identify the updated first reserved number. In this embodiment, the reserved condition of the first special game is met when the game ball K is detected by the first start sensor SE1 when the first reserved number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the main control CPU 41 acquires the random numbers generated by the random number generation circuit 44, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RWM 43. For example, the random numbers are winning random numbers used in the lottery for winning special symbols, winning symbol random numbers used to determine winning symbols, and variation pattern random numbers used to determine variation patterns. The main control CPU 41 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the first special game, and the storage order of the random number information. The random number information may be the acquired random numbers themselves, or may be information obtained by processing the random numbers using a predetermined method. By storing the random number information used for the first special game in the main control RWM 43, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the first special game until the start conditions of the first special game are met.

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the main control RWM 43, if the game ball K has not entered the first start hole 12 and if the first reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41 determines whether the game ball K has entered the second start hole 13 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second start sensor SE2. If the game ball K has entered the second start hole 13, the main control CPU 41 determines whether the second reserved number stored in the main control RWM 43 is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). If the second reserved number is less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU 41 adds 1 to the second reserved number to update it. The main control CPU 41 controls the second reserved display device 19d to display information that can identify the second reserved number after the addition. In this embodiment, the reserved condition for the second special game is met when the game ball K is detected by the second start sensor SE2 when the second reserved number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the main control CPU41 acquires the random numbers generated within the main board 40, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main control RWM43. The main control CPU41 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information to be used for the second special game, and the order in which the random number information is stored. By storing the random number information to be used for the second special game in the main control RWM43, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the second special game until the start conditions of the second special game are met. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the main control RWM43, if the game ball K has not entered the second start hole 13, and if the second reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the main control CPU41 ends the special symbol input process.

Next, the special symbol start process will be described.
First, the main control CPU 41 judges whether or not the start condition of the special game is satisfied. The main control CPU 41 judges positively when neither a jackpot game nor a special game is being played, whereas it judges negatively when a jackpot game or a special game is being played. If the start condition of the special game is not satisfied, the main control CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process. If the start condition of the special game is satisfied, the main control CPU 41 judges whether or not the second reserved number is greater than zero. If the second reserved number is zero, the main control CPU 41 judges whether or not the first reserved number is greater than zero. If the first reserved number is zero, the main control CPU 41 ends the special symbol start process.

If the first reserved number is greater than zero, the main control CPU41 performs processing to execute the first special game. Specifically, the main control CPU41 updates the first reserved number by subtracting one. The main control CPU41 controls the first reserved display device 19c to display information that can identify the first reserved number after subtraction. Next, the main control CPU41 acquires the random number information stored first from the random number information for the first special game from the main control RWM43. Next, the main control CPU41 uses the winning random number identified from the acquired random number information to perform a jackpot lottery (jackpot determination) to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won as a winning lottery for the special pattern. The main control CPU41 performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the special jackpot function is activated).

When a jackpot is won, the main control CPU 41 performs jackpot variation processing. In the jackpot variation processing, the main control CPU 41 performs a lottery for a jackpot pattern using a winning pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot pattern to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The main control CPU 41 performs a lottery for determining a variation pattern using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among multiple jackpot variation patterns. After that, the main control CPU 41 ends the special pattern start processing.

If the jackpot is not won, the main control CPU41 performs a loss variation process. In the loss variation process, the main control CPU41 determines the loss symbol to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The main control CPU41 performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among multiple loss variation patterns. After that, the main control CPU41 ends the special symbol start process.

If the second reserved number is greater than zero, the main control CPU 41 performs processing to execute a second special game. The processing to execute a second special game is the same as the processing to execute a first special game, except that "first special game" is replaced with "second special game" and "first reserved number" is replaced with "second reserved number", and therefore a detailed explanation is omitted. In other words, the main control CPU 41 subtracts the second reserved number, performs a jackpot drawing, and performs any variation processing based on the result of the jackpot drawing, and then ends the special symbol start processing.

The main control CPU 41 outputs a variation start command and a special pattern command to the sub-board 50 during the jackpot variation process and the loss variation process. The variation start command is a control command that can identify the variation pattern determined in each variation process and the start of the variation game. The special pattern command is a control command that can identify the special pattern (jackpot pattern or loss pattern) determined in each variation process. Note that the variation start command and the special pattern command are different control commands when the variation process of the first special game is executed and when the variation process of the second special game is executed.

When the special pattern start process is completed, the main control CPU41 executes a first special game or a second special game through a process separate from the special pattern start process. Specifically, when the main control CPU41 executes the first special game, it controls the first special pattern display device 19a to start the variable display of a specified pattern. The main control CPU41 measures the variable time set in the variable pattern. When the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU41 controls the first special pattern display device 19a to stop displaying the special pattern determined in the special pattern start process. In addition, when the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU41 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a variable end command) capable of identifying the end of the variable game to the sub-board 50.

On the other hand, when the main control CPU41 executes the second special game, it controls the second special symbol display device 19b to start displaying a predetermined symbol. The main control CPU41 measures the change time set in the change pattern. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU41 controls the second special symbol display device 19b to stop displaying the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process. In addition, when the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main control CPU41 outputs a change end command to the sub-board 50. As described above, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be able to execute a winning lottery when the game ball K enters the start hole and execute a symbol change game based on the result of the winning lottery by the main control CPU41 executing the special symbol input process and the special symbol start process.

The big win game processing will be explained.
The jackpot game process is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the main control CPU 41 stops and displays a jackpot symbol in a special game, the main control CPU 41 executes the jackpot game process after the end of the jackpot special game. The main control CPU 41 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start process. The main control CPU 41 awards the specified type of jackpot game.

First, the main control CPU 41 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as an opening command) capable of identifying the start of the opening time to the sub-substrate 50. When the opening time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41 performs processing to execute a round game. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the big win game to open the big win opening 14. When the number of game balls K detected by the count sensor SE3 reaches the above-mentioned upper limit number or the above-mentioned upper limit time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41 controls the special solenoid SL2 to close the big win opening 14, thereby ending the round game. The main control CPU 41 repeats such processing to execute a round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the big win game is completed. The main control CPU 41 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a round command) capable of identifying the start of a round game to the sub-substrate 50 every time a round game is started. When the final round of play ends, the main control CPU 41 outputs a control command capable of identifying the start of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as the ending start command) to the sub-board 50. When the ending time has elapsed, the main control CPU 41 ends the jackpot game. The main control CPU 41 outputs a control command capable of identifying the elapse of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as the ending end command) to the sub-board 50.

The state transition process will now be described.
When the main control CPU 41 ends the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern among the jackpot patterns, it sets a high probability flag in the main control RWM 43. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to a high probability state. After the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern ends, the main control CPU 41 does not erase the probability flag until the next jackpot game is awarded. On the other hand, when the main control CPU 41 ends the jackpot game based on the second jackpot pattern different from the first jackpot pattern, it does not set the high probability flag in the main control RWM 43. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to a low probability state. When the main control CPU 41 starts a jackpot game and the high probability flag is set, it erases the high probability flag. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to a low probability state during the jackpot game.

When the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern or the second jackpot pattern ends, the main control CPU 41 sets an operation flag in the main control RWM 43. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to a high ball entry rate state. After the jackpot game based on the second jackpot pattern ends, the main control CPU 41 counts the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game ends by updating the value of the execution counter stored in the main control RWM 43 each time a special game is started. When the special game ends in which the number of times the special game is executed after the jackpot game ends and the number of times it is activated, the main control CPU 41 erases the operation flag stored in the main control RWM 43. That is, the main control CPU 41 controls to a low ball entry rate state when the special game that has been activated ends after the jackpot game based on the second jackpot pattern ends. In addition, the main control CPU 41 does not clear the activation flag after the end of the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern until the next jackpot game is awarded. When the main control CPU 41 is about to start a jackpot game and the activation flag is set, the main control CPU 41 clears the activation flag. In other words, the main control CPU 41 controls the game to a low ball entry rate state during the jackpot game.

Next, various processes executed by the sub-control CPU 51 will be described.
First, the big win effect processing will be described.
The jackpot presentation process is a process for executing presentations during jackpot play (hereinafter referred to as jackpot presentations). When an opening command is input, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the presentation device group ES to execute an opening presentation. When a round command is input, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the presentation device group ES to execute a round presentation. When an ending start command is input, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the presentation device group ES to execute an ending presentation. When an ending end command is input, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the presentation device group ES to end the ending presentation.

The effect game process will now be described.
The presentation game process is a process for executing a presentation game as one of the display presentations related to a special game during the execution of the special game. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a variation start command and a special pattern command, it controls the presentation device group ES including the presentation display device EH to execute a presentation game. Specifically, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a variation start command, it selects a presentation pattern (presentation content) of the presentation game based on a variation pattern that can be specified from the command. Also, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a special pattern command, it determines a pattern combination to be stopped and displayed in the presentation game based on a special pattern that can be specified from the command. When a jackpot pattern can be specified from the special pattern command, the sub-control CPU 51 determines a jackpot pattern combination. When a miss pattern can be specified from the special pattern command, the sub-control CPU 51 determines a miss pattern combination. Note that when a reach presentation is executed, the sub-control CPU 51 determines a miss pattern combination including a reach.

Then, the sub-control CPU51 controls the effect display device EH so that it starts the variable display of the effect patterns in each pattern row in response to the input of the variation start command. That is, the sub-control CPU51 starts the effect game. Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU51 is to execute a predetermined effect in relation to the effect game, it controls the effect device group ES including the effect display device EH so that the effect is executed. When a predetermined timing arrives after the sub-control CPU51 starts the effect game, it causes the pattern combination to be displayed as a provisional stop, and causes the pattern combination to be displayed as a definite stop in response to the input of the variation end command. Note that the sub-control CPU51 may also cause the pattern combination to be displayed as a definite stop in response to the passage of a variation time set for the variation pattern, regardless of the variation end command. In this case, the variation end command may be omitted.

Next, an information generation process for generating the second type of information will be described.
First, the generation of information regarding the base value and the counting of the base value will be described.
The main control CPU 41 cumulatively counts the number of valid balls when the game is in a low probability low ball winning rate state and no big win game is being played. The main control CPU 41 adds 1 to the total number of valid balls stored in a specific memory area of the main control RWM 43 every time it inputs a detection signal from any of the first start sensor SE1, the second start sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, the normal sensor SE4, and the out sensor (not shown). In addition, the main control CPU 41 adds the number of prize balls set for the winning hole corresponding to the detection signal to the total number of prize balls stored in a specific memory area of the main control RWM 43 every time it inputs a detection signal from any of the first start sensor SE1, the second start sensor SE2, the count sensor SE3, and the normal sensor SE4.

When the total number of effective balls stored in the main control RWM 43 reaches a specified number (for example, 60,000 balls), the main control CPU 41 stores the total number of prize balls at that time in a specified memory area in the main control RWM 43. In the main control RWM 43, the specified memory areas referred to here are a first area that stores the total number of prize balls in the specified number of games one game ago, a second area that stores the total number of prize balls in the specified number of games two games ago, and a third area that stores the total number of prize balls in the specified number of games three games ago. Therefore, the main control CPU 41 can calculate the past base value in the specified number of games up to three games ago by dividing the total number of prize balls stored in each of the first area, second area, and third area by the specified number. In addition, the main control CPU 41 can calculate the current base value by dividing the total number of prize balls stored in a specific memory area by the number of effective balls stored in the specific memory area.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be configured to be able to notify the calculated base value. For example, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be provided with a base display unit on the back side of the machine that can display the base value. In this case, the main control CPU 41 may control the base display unit to switch between displaying three past base values and the current base value in sequence every predetermined period. Furthermore, the main control CPU 41 may output the past base value and the current base value from the external communication unit when a predetermined output timing arrives.

The counting of the number of game balls K shot will be explained.
The main control CPU 41 cumulatively counts the number of game balls K shot after a predetermined reset condition is satisfied. The reset condition is satisfied when the first abrasive belt 63 and the second abrasive belt 67 are all replaced. Details of the reset process executed by the main control CPU 41 based on the satisfaction of the reset condition will be described later. The main control CPU 41 adds 1 to the number of shot balls stored in the main control RWM 43 every time a detection signal is input from the shot sensor SE6. In this way, the main control CPU 41 constitutes an example of a counting means for counting the game balls K used in a game. The main control CPU 41 outputs a control command (hereinafter referred to as a drive command) to the sub-board 50 to instruct the abrasive belts 63 and 67 of the maintenance device 60 to rotate every time the cumulatively counted number of shot balls increases by a first number.

When the cumulatively counted number of shot balls reaches m times the second number, which is n times the first number, the main control CPU 41 outputs a first notification command among the control commands (hereinafter referred to as notification commands) that instruct the display of maintenance information to the sub-board 50. When the cumulatively counted number of shot balls reaches 2m times the second number, the main control CPU 41 outputs a second notification command among the notification commands to the sub-board 50. When the cumulatively counted number of shot balls reaches 3m times the second number, and each time the number of shot balls increases by m times the second number after reaching 3m times the second number, the main control CPU 41 outputs a third notification command among the notification commands to the sub-board 50.

Next, the specific command output process will be described.
The main control CPU 41 executes a specific command output process in the power-on process and outputs a control command as follows. As described above, in the pachinko game machine 10 of this embodiment, the first type of information is initialized by operating the RWM clear switch, while the second type of information is not initialized. Therefore, when the main control CPU 41 is powered on, it continues to cumulatively count the number of game balls K fired from the number of balls fired at the most recent power-off. Also, in the specific command output process, when the main control CPU 41 is powered on, it determines whether the output conditions of various control commands are met based on the number of balls fired at the most recent power-off, and outputs a control command according to the output condition that is met.

In the specific command output process, the main control CPU 41 outputs a first notification command to the sub-board 50 when the cumulatively counted number of fired balls is m times or more and less than 2m times the second number. The main control CPU 41 outputs a second notification command to the sub-board 50 when the cumulatively counted number of fired balls is 2m times or more and less than 3m times the second number. The main control CPU 41 outputs a third notification command to the sub-board 50 when the cumulatively counted number of fired balls is 3m times the second number or more. In this embodiment, m times the second number is a specific number.

For example, the first number can be set to 600, n to 100, and m to 3. According to this, after the reset condition is satisfied, the drive command is output every time the number of shot balls reaches 600. After the reset condition is satisfied, the first notification command is output when the number of shot balls reaches 3 times 60,000 (180,000), the second notification command is output when the number of shot balls reaches 6 times 60,000 (360,000), and the third notification command is output when the number of shot balls reaches 9 times 60,000 (540,000). Also, after the reset condition is satisfied, if the number of shot balls at the time of power-on is 3 times or more but less than 6 times 60,000 (180,000 or more but less than 360,000), the first notification command is output. After the reset condition is satisfied, if the number of shot balls at the time of power-on is 6 times or more but less than 9 times 60,000 (360,000 or more but less than 540,000), the second notification command is output. After the reset condition is met, if the number of balls released when the power is turned on is 9 times or more than 60,000 (540,000 or more), the third notification command is output.

Next, the drive process of the maintenance device 60 will be described.
The sub-control CPU 51 controls the first grinding motor 64 to rotate the first rotating shaft 62 and rotate the first grinding belt 63 every time a drive command is input. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the first grinding motor 64 so that each of the first grinding belts 63 makes one revolution when the drive command is input n times and each of the first grinding belts 63 operates n times. That is, in this embodiment, each of the two first grinding belts 63 makes one revolution every time n times the first number of game balls K are shot. In one example of this embodiment, the two first grinding belts 63 make one revolution every time 60,000 game balls K are shot.

Each time a drive command is input, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the second grinding motor 68 to rotate the second rotating shaft 66 and rotate the second grinding belt 67. The sub-control CPU 51 controls the second grinding motor 68 so that each of the second grinding belts 67 makes one revolution when the drive command is input n times and each of the second grinding belts 67 operates n times. In other words, in this embodiment, each of the two second grinding belts 67 makes one revolution each time n times the second number of game balls K are launched. In one example of this embodiment, the two second grinding belts 67 make one revolution each time 60,000 game balls K are launched.

As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the pachinko game machine 10 is configured to be able to display maintenance information MJ related to maintenance as special information on the contents of the game usage status. The maintenance information MJ is displayed on the performance display device EH. The performance display device EH is an example of a display means for displaying predetermined information. In one embodiment, the maintenance information MJ includes prompting information J1 that prompts the replacement of the abrasive belts 63, 67, such as the character string "Please replace the abrasive member." In other words, the maintenance information MJ is information that can identify the replacement of the predetermined member. More specifically, it can be said that the maintenance information MJ includes information that can identify the replacement of the abrasive member (abrasive belts 63, 67) as an example of the predetermined member. In one embodiment of the present invention, the maintenance information MJ includes criteria information J2 that can identify the criteria for replacing the abrasive belts 63, 67, such as the character string "The number of shot balls has reached xx million."

There are multiple display modes for the maintenance information MJ. Specifically, in this embodiment, there is a first display mode in which the color tone when displaying the maintenance information MJ is blue, a second display mode in which the color tone when displaying the maintenance information MJ is yellow, and a third display mode in which the color tone when displaying the maintenance information MJ is red. In this way, the first display mode, the second display mode, and the third display mode are different display modes. Furthermore, the colors of the maintenance information MJ have the strongest ability to call attention to the manager of the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the order of the first display mode (blue) < the second display mode (yellow) < the third display mode (red). In other words, the notification strength of the maintenance information MJ is strongest in the order of the first display mode < the second display mode < the third display mode.

Then, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the first notification command, it controls the performance display device EH to display the maintenance information MJ in the first display mode. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the second notification command, it controls the performance display device EH to display the maintenance information MJ in the second display mode. When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the third notification command, it controls the performance display device EH to display the maintenance information MJ in the third display mode.

In this way, the sub-control CPU 51 constitutes an example of a display control means that controls the performance display device EH, which is an example of a display means. The sub-control CPU 51 can control the performance display device EH to display maintenance information MJ when the number of fired balls counted by the main control CPU 41 reaches a specific number (m times the second number in this embodiment). The sub-control CPU 51 then changes the display mode of the maintenance information MJ depending on how many m times the second number the number of fired balls counted by the main control CPU 41 is when it reaches the specific number.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs a power restoration command together with a notification command when the power is turned on, it controls the performance display device EH to display, in addition to the maintenance information MJ, restoration information that can identify that the pachinko gaming machine 10 has been restored based on the backed-up first type information. For example, the restoration information is the character string "Power restoration processing in progress." Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the power restoration command alone without inputting the notification command, it controls the performance display device EH to display the restoration information without displaying the maintenance information MJ.

When the sub-control CPU 51 inputs an initialization command together with a notification command when the power is turned on, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the performance display device EH to display, in addition to the maintenance information MJ, initialization information that can identify that the pachinko gaming machine 10 has returned based on the initialized first type information. For example, the initialization information is the string "Initialization processing in progress." Furthermore, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the initialization command alone without inputting the notification command, it controls the performance display device EH to display the initialization information without displaying the maintenance information MJ.

The sub-control CPU 51 controls the performance display device EH to display one or both of the recovery information and maintenance information MJ when the power is turned on, and then terminate the display of this information after a specified time has elapsed.The sub-control CPU 51 controls the performance display device EH to display one or both of the initialization information and maintenance information MJ when the power is turned on, and then terminate the display of this information after a specified time has elapsed.

In addition, when the notification command is input alone during the execution of the performance game, during the execution of the jackpot performance, or during the execution of the standby performance, the sub-control CPU 51 controls the performance display device EH to display the maintenance information MJ. The standby performance is a performance during the standby state. The standby state is a state in which the variable game is not being executed and the jackpot game is not being awarded. In this case, the sub-control CPU 51 may control the performance display device EH to display the maintenance information MJ smaller than when the notification command is input together with the initialization command or the power recovery command. In this way, the maintenance information MJ is displayed whether the pattern variable game is being executed or not. In this embodiment, the maintenance information MJ is displayed in the same area (same area and same position) of the display area R of the performance display device EH during the execution of the pattern variable game and when the pattern variable game is not being executed. Not limited to this, the display position and/or display area (range) of the maintenance information MJ in the display area R of the performance display device EH may be different when the pattern change game is being played and when the pattern change game is not being played.

Next, the reset process will be described. The reset process is one of the normal processes.
The main control CPU 41 judges whether the abrasive belts 63, 67 have been replaced. Specifically, the main control CPU 41 judges that the abrasive belts 63, 67 have been replaced when the abrasive belts 63, 67 are all removed and then are all attached in a removed state, respectively. The removed state is a state in which no detection signal is input from any of the two first replacement sensors SEa, and no detection signal is input from any of the two second replacement sensors SEb. The attached state is a state in which a detection signal is input from any of the two first replacement sensors SEa, and a detection signal is input from any of the two second replacement sensors SEb. The main control CPU 41 executes a reset process and constantly monitors the detection results of the replacement sensors SEa and SEb.

When the main control CPU 41 determines that the abrasive belts 63, 67 have been replaced, it resets the number of shot balls stored in the main control RWM 43 to zero. In other words, in this embodiment, the reset condition is met by replacing the abrasive belts 63, 67. Note that in the reset process, the main control CPU 41 does not reset the number of shot balls in a situation where only some of the abrasive belts 63, 67 have been removed and replaced.

The operation of this embodiment will be described.
In the performance display device EH, when the number of game balls K shot reaches a specific number (m times the second number), the maintenance information MJ is displayed. The display mode of the maintenance information MJ differs depending on whether the number of shot balls has reached Xm times the second number (where X is a natural number). This allows the manager of the pachinko game machine 10 to easily grasp the importance (priority) of the maintenance content prompted by the maintenance information MJ.

In this embodiment, the display of the maintenance information MJ, which is performed by executing a specific command process when the power is turned on, is repeated every time the power is turned on until a reset condition, which is an example of a specific condition, is met. In other words, the display of the maintenance information MJ may be repeated unless the abrasive belts 63, 67 are properly replaced. This prevents the administrator, etc., from overlooking the maintenance information.

In this embodiment, the maintenance information is displayed when the power is turned on, and also when a certain number of balls are fired. This allows the game's usage status to be understood in real time.

The effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) According to this embodiment, when the number of shot balls counted by the main control CPU 41 reaches a specific number, the maintenance information MJ is displayed, and the display mode of the maintenance information MJ differs depending on the situation in which the number of shot balls reaches the specific number. Therefore, for example, the manager of the pachinko gaming machine 10 can understand the status of the pachinko gaming machine 10 from the display of the maintenance information MJ and its display mode, and can perform the required maintenance. The maintenance information MJ is displayed regardless of whether the pattern variation game is being played or not. This makes it possible to prevent the maintenance information MJ from being overlooked. This makes it easy to understand the usage status of the game.

(2) According to this embodiment, the display of the maintenance information MJ is repeated until the reset condition, which is a specific condition, is met. This further reduces the risk of overlooking the maintenance information MJ.

(3) According to this embodiment, the number of balls fired counted by the main control CPU 41 is not initialized even when the RWM clear switch is operated. Therefore, regardless of whether the RWM clear switch is operated or not, the number of balls fired can be counted appropriately, making it easier to perform maintenance according to the time.

(4) According to this embodiment, since the maintenance information MJ includes the prompt information J1, it is easy to know when to replace the abrasive belts 63, 67 (abrasive members). This makes it easy to perform maintenance according to the timing.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
In the following description, the same configurations and the same controls as those in the already described embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted or simplified.

In the first embodiment, the number of balls shot is counted without distinguishing between the grinding belts 63 and 67. In the second embodiment, the grinding belts 63 and 67 are distinguished, the number of balls shot is counted separately, and maintenance information MJ is displayed.

The main control CPU 41 counts the first number of fired balls corresponding to the first abrasive belt 63 in order to display the maintenance information MJ related to the first abrasive belt 63. The main control CPU 41 counts the second number of fired balls corresponding to the second abrasive belt 67 in order to display the maintenance information MJ related to the second abrasive belt 67. Specifically, in the information generation process, the main control CPU 41 adds 1 to the first number of fired balls and the second number of fired balls stored in the main control RWM 43 each time it inputs a detection signal from the firing sensor SE6.

When the first number of balls fired reaches m times the second number, the main control CPU 41 outputs a first notification command A to the sub-board 50. When the first number of balls fired reaches 2m times the second number, the main control CPU 41 outputs a second notification command A to the sub-board 50. When the first number of balls fired reaches 3m times the second number, and each time the first number of balls fired increases by m times the second number after reaching 3m times the second number, the main control CPU 41 outputs a third notification command A to the sub-board 50.

On the other hand, the main control CPU 41 outputs a first notification command B to the sub-board 50 when the second number of balls fired reaches 2m times the second number. The main control CPU 41 outputs a second notification command B to the sub-board 50 when the second number of balls fired reaches 4m times the second number. The main control CPU 41 outputs a third notification command B to the sub-board 50 when the second number of balls fired reaches 6m times the second number, and each time the second number of balls fired increases by 2m times the second number after reaching 6m times the second number.

The specific command output process in the second embodiment includes a first process that performs the same process as the specific command output process in the first embodiment based on the first number of shot balls, and a second process that performs the same process based on the second number of shot balls. Specifically, the first process is a process in which the "number of shot balls" is replaced with the "first number of shot balls" and the "notification command" is replaced with the "notification command A" in the specific command output process in the first embodiment. The second process is a process in which the "number of shot balls" is replaced with the "second number of shot balls", "m times", "2m times", and "3m times" are replaced with "2m times", "4m times", and "6m times", respectively, and the "notification command" is replaced with the "notification command B" in the specific command output process in the first embodiment. In other words, for the first number of shot balls, the specific number is m times the second number, and for the second number of shot balls, the specific number is 2m times the second number.

As shown in Figures 8, 9(a), and 9(b), when the sub-control CPU 51 receives notification command A, it controls the performance display device EH to display the first maintenance information MJ1. When the sub-control CPU 51 receives notification command B, it controls the performance display device EH to display the second maintenance information MJ2.

In one example of this embodiment, the first maintenance information MJ1 includes first prompting information J1A that prompts the user to replace the first abrasive belt 63, such as the character string "Please replace the first abrasive member." The first maintenance information MJ1 includes first reference information J2A that can specify the criteria for replacing the first abrasive belt 63, such as the character string "The first number of shot balls has reached xx million." The second maintenance information MJ2 includes second prompting information J1B that prompts the user to replace the second abrasive belt 67, such as the character string "Please replace the second abrasive member." The second maintenance information MJ2 includes second reference information J2B that can specify the criteria for replacing the second abrasive belt 67, such as the character string "The second number of shot balls has reached xx million." The display forms of the first maintenance information MJ1 and the second maintenance information MJ2 each have a plurality of display forms, from first to third, as in the first embodiment.

The reset process will now be described.
The main control CPU 41 judges whether the first abrasive belt 63 has been replaced based on the detection signals from the two first replacement sensors SEa. Specifically, the main control CPU 41 judges that the first abrasive belt 63 has been replaced when the first removal state in which the two first abrasive belts 63 have been removed is reached, and then the first installation state in which the two first abrasive belts 63 have been installed is reached. When the main control CPU 41 judges that the first abrasive belt 63 has been replaced, it resets the first number of shot balls stored in the main control RWM 43 to zero. In other words, in this embodiment, the reset condition for the first number of shot balls is met by replacing the first abrasive belt 63.

The main control CPU 41 determines whether the second abrasive belt 67 has been replaced based on the detection signals from the two second replacement sensors SEb. Specifically, the main control CPU 41 determines that the second abrasive belt 67 has been replaced when the state changes to a second attachment state in which the two second abrasive belts 67 are attached after the state changes to a second removal state in which the two second abrasive belts 67 have been removed. When the main control CPU 41 determines that the second abrasive belt 67 has been replaced, it resets the second number of shot balls stored in the main control RWM 43 to zero. In other words, in this embodiment, the condition for resetting the second number of shot balls is met by replacing the second abrasive belt 67.

The effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) According to this embodiment, when the first number of shot balls reaches a specific number, the first maintenance information MJ1 is displayed, and when the second number of shot balls reaches a specific number, the second maintenance information MJ2 is displayed. The display form of these maintenance information MJ1 and MJ2 differs depending on the situation in which each number of shot balls reaches a specific number. Therefore, it is possible to grasp the status of the pachinko gaming machine 10 by dividing it into predetermined parts, and to perform predetermined maintenance. Therefore, it is easy to perform maintenance according to the time.

(2) According to this embodiment, the specific number for the first number of balls to be fired is different from the specific number for the second number of balls to be fired. This makes it easier to perform maintenance at an appropriate time depending on the specific member (abrasive belts 63, 67) that is the target of notification of maintenance information MJ.

(3) According to this embodiment, the specific number as the first number of shot balls is smaller than the specific number as the second number of shot balls. In other words, the first maintenance information MJ1 regarding the first abrasive belt 63 is displayed more frequently than the second maintenance information MJ2 regarding the second abrasive belt 67. As already explained, the first abrasive belt 63 is disposed upstream of the second abrasive belt 67 in the flow direction KD of the game balls K, and is relatively prone to becoming dirty. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the first abrasive belt 63 can be replaced early, enabling proper maintenance to be performed.

Third Embodiment
A third embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
This embodiment can be applied to both the first and second embodiments. When applied to the second embodiment, it is preferable to apply it to the second number of shot balls (second maintenance information MJ2), but it may be applied to the first number of shot balls (first maintenance information MJ1), or it may be applied to both numbers of shot balls.

As shown in FIG. 10, the maintenance device 60 is equipped with an image sensor Cm as an example of a means capable of detecting the degree of wear of a specific member (polishing member). For example, the image sensor Cm is a CCD image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. The image sensor Cm is disposed at a position capable of capturing an image of the outer circumferential surface (contact surface with the game ball K) of the second polishing belt 67. The image sensor Cm is connected to the main board 40. The main control CPU 41 is configured to be capable of inputting an image signal output by the image sensor Cm in accordance with the image capture result.

The main control CPU 41 executes a monitoring process as part of its normal processing, and quantifies the degree of wear (average degree of dirt in this embodiment) of the second abrasive belt 67 in the most recent monitoring section based on the image signal input from the image sensor Cm, and judges this in three stages: "light" < "moderate" < "severe". In other words, the main control CPU 41 constantly monitors the degree of wear of the second abrasive belt 67 based on the image signal input from the image sensor Cm. For example, the "monitoring section" is the period each time a specific number of game balls K are launched. Such information indicating the result of the judgment by the main control CPU 41 and the numerical value indicating the degree of wear are second-type information.

When the number of game balls K fired reaches a specific number, the main control CPU 41 outputs a first notification command if the degree of wear of the second abrasive belt 67 is "light", outputs a second notification command if the degree of wear is "medium", and outputs a third notification command if the degree of wear is "severe". As a result, in the performance display device EH, the display mode of the maintenance information MJ can differ depending on the degree of wear of the second abrasive belt 67. In this embodiment, it can be said that the situation when the number of fired balls counted by the main control CPU 41 reaches a specific number includes a situation where a specified member (abrasive member) is in a first state (e.g., a degree of wear of "light") and a situation where a specified member (abrasive member) is in a second state (e.g., a degree of wear of "medium" or "severe").

The effects of this embodiment will be described.
(1) According to this embodiment, the maintenance information MJ can be displayed taking into account the degree of wear of a specific component (polishing component). This allows the manager or the like to grasp the specific degree of wear of a specific component and perform the required maintenance. This makes it easy to perform maintenance according to the time.

(2) According to this embodiment, the display mode of the maintenance information MJ changes based on the degree of dirt on the second abrasive belt 67, so that attention can be drawn to the second abrasive belt 67 when the first abrasive belt 63 is about to be replaced.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.
In this embodiment, the maintenance information MJ, which is an example of special information, is displayed on a single performance display device EH, but this is not limited to this and it may be displayed on multiple performance display devices.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a first performance display device EH1 and a second performance display device EH2. The first performance display device EH1 has the same configuration as the performance display device EH in this embodiment. The second performance display device EH2 may be provided on the game board YB or on the mounting frame 11b. The display area of the second performance display device EH2 may be the same area as the display area of the first performance display device EH1, may be relatively smaller, or may be relatively larger.

Then, when the sub-control CPU 51 inputs the notification command, it causes the performance display devices EH1 and EH2 to display the maintenance information MJ. For example, as shown in FIG. 11(a), the same maintenance information MJ may be displayed on each of the performance display devices EH1 and EH2. In this case, the non-display condition of the maintenance information MJ on the first performance display device EH1 may be established later than the non-display condition of the maintenance information MJ on the second performance display device EH2. For example, as shown in FIG. 11(b), one of the performance display devices EH1 and EH2 may display promotion information J1 of the maintenance information MJ, and the other of the performance display devices EH1 and EH2 may display reference information J2 of the maintenance information MJ. Also, as shown in FIG. 11(c), one maintenance information MJ may be displayed across the display areas of the performance display devices EH1 and EH2.

In this manner, according to this modified example, the display of maintenance information, which is an example of special information, is performed on multiple display means. This makes it possible to prevent overlooking the maintenance information MJ, which is an example of special information. This makes it easier to perform maintenance according to the time.

- In this embodiment, the number of game balls K fired is cumulatively counted, and a notification command is output when the number of fired balls reaches Xm times the second number, but this is not limited to this. Alternatively, the number of times the number of fired balls reaches m times the second number may be counted, and the first notification command may be output the first time, the second notification command the second time, and the third notification command the third time and thereafter. The number of times the number of fired balls reaches m times the second number is the second type of information. In addition, the main control CPU 41 may reset the number of fired balls and count again each time the number of fired balls reaches m times the second number. In other words, the main control CPU 41 starts counting the number of fired balls anew when the number of fired balls reaches a specific number. In this modified example, m times the second number is an example of a specific number. In addition, in the specific command output process, the main control CPU 41 outputs a first notification command when the number of times that the second number is reached is m times, outputs a second notification command when the number of times is two, and outputs a third notification command when the number of times is three or more.

As a result, in the performance display device EH, the display mode of the maintenance information MJ can differ depending on the number of times the number of fired balls reaches a specific number. The situations when the number of fired balls counted by the main control CPU 41 reaches a specific number can be said to be a situation where the number of times the number of fired balls reaches the specific number is a first number (e.g., once), and a situation where the number of times the number of fired balls reaches the specific number is a second number (e.g., twice or more). In this modified example, the display mode of the maintenance information MJ differs depending on the situation when the number of fired balls reaches a specific number. According to this modified example, the display mode of the special information (e.g., maintenance information MJ) changes depending on the number of times the number of fired balls reaches a specific number. Therefore, it is easy to consider the need for maintenance and its contents by using the specific number as one unit.

- In this embodiment, the performance display device EH only displays the maintenance information MJ corresponding to the number of balls fired at that time, but it is not limited to this and may display past maintenance information MJ or information that can identify past maintenance information MJ. Specifically, each time the main control CPU 41 outputs a notification command, it stores information that can identify the type of the notification command in the main control RWM 43 for a predetermined number of outputs (e.g., the most recent three times). In the specific command output process, the main control CPU 41 outputs control commands (hereinafter referred to as past notification commands) that can identify the notification commands for the above number of outputs to the sub-board 50.

When a predetermined display condition is met upon power-on, the sub-control CPU 51 may control the performance display device EH to display information (hereinafter referred to as past information) that can identify the maintenance information MJ corresponding to the notification command for the number of output times that can be identified from the past notification command that has already been input. The past information may be the maintenance information MJ itself that was displayed in the past. For example, the predetermined display condition may be met when a power recovery command or an initialization command is input and an operation signal is input from a predetermined operation unit (for example, a performance button arranged on the front side of the device). If this modified example is applied to the second embodiment, the first maintenance information MJ1 and the second maintenance information MJ2 can be displayed in the past in the performance display device EH. If applied to the third embodiment, different maintenance information MJ can be displayed in the past (for example, three sections) according to the monitoring result (quantified average degree of dirt) by the image sensor Cm. In addition, multiple pieces of past information may be displayed by switching them in order, or may be displayed together on one screen.

In this manner, in this modified example, the main control RWM43, which is an example of a storage means, can accumulate and store information that can identify the contents of the maintenance information MJ, which is an example of special information displayed on the performance display device EH, which is an example of a display means. The performance display device EH can then display past information that indicates the contents identified by the accumulated and stored information. According to this modified example, the contents of the special information (e.g., maintenance information MJ) that was displayed in the past can be checked later. This makes it easier to perform maintenance according to the timing while taking into account maintenance that was performed in the past. This modified example can also be combined with the modified example described above in which multiple performance display devices EH1, EH2 are provided. In this case, the past information may be displayed on any one of the performance display devices, or, like the maintenance information, may be displayed on multiple performance display devices.

- In this embodiment, the maintenance device 60 is provided in the recovery passage TK, but this is not limited, and it may be provided in the shot passage YBc in addition to or instead of the recovery passage TK. In other words, the pachinko game machine 10 may be equipped with polishing belts 63, 67 as polishing members that polish the game balls K passing through the shot passage YBc, which is an example of a first guide passage.

In the present embodiment, the maintenance device 60 is controlled by the sub-board 50 (sub-control CPU 51), but this is not limited thereto, and the maintenance device 60 may be controlled by the main board 40 (main control CPU 41).
In this embodiment, one or both of the abrasive belts 63, 67 may contain a cleaning liquid as an example of a liquid, and may contain a coating agent for the game balls K.

- In this embodiment, the polishing belts 63 and 67 may be the same polishing cloth. One or both of the polishing belts 63 and 67 are not limited to being polishing cloth, and may be a porous rubber belt.

- In the third embodiment, the image sensor Cm is configured to monitor the degree of dirt on the second abrasive belt 67, but this is not limited thereto. In addition to or instead of the second abrasive belt 67, an image sensor may be provided that monitors the degree of dirt on the first abrasive belt 63.

- In the third embodiment, the performance display device EH may be capable of displaying the current monitoring results (quantified average degree of dirt) from the image sensor Cm. The current monitoring results are the monitoring results from the time when the number of balls fired reaches a specific number to the present. It is preferable that such a display can be switched to display when past maintenance information MJ can be displayed, as in the modified example above.

- In the third embodiment, the display mode of the maintenance information MJ may be changed according to both the number of times the number of shot balls reaches a specific number and the degree of wear of a specific component (polishing component). For example, the specific number is m times the second number. In this case, when the number of shot balls reaches m times the second number, the main control CPU 41 outputs the first notification command if the degree of wear is "light", the first notification command if it is "medium", and the third notification command if it is "heavy". When the number of shot balls reaches 2m times the second number, the main control CPU 41 outputs the second notification command if the degree of wear is "light" or "medium", and the third notification command if it is "heavy". When the number of shot balls reaches 3m times the second number, the main control CPU 41 outputs the third notification command regardless of whether the degree of wear is "light", "medium", or "heavy". The degree of wear of a specific component is information different from the number of shot balls.

- In this embodiment, the display mode of the maintenance information MJ is such that the color tone, which is one of its components, is different, but this is not limited to the above. The display position or display area (range) of the components of the maintenance information MJ may be different, the presence or absence of text or characters may be different, or the blinking speed may be different. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the components of the maintenance information MJ is different.

- In this embodiment, the display means is embodied as a display device EH that can also display effects, but it is not limited to this and may be a dedicated display device or a display device provided on the back of the machine.

- In this embodiment, the polishing members as the specified members are the polishing belts 63 and 67, but this is not limited to this and may be block-shaped polishing members or roller-shaped polishing members. The number of polishing members is not limited to four, but may be three or less, or five or more. The polishing members are not limited to being individually replaceable, but may be configured to be replaceable in groups of multiple polishing members.

- In this embodiment, the maintenance information MJ is displayed as the special information, but this is not limited to the above, and information with content different from the maintenance information MJ may be displayed. For example, the special information may include, as promotion information, information encouraging the replacement of the various sensors SE1 to SE6, which are examples of specific components, the performance movable body, the launch handle HD, and the launch device HS (launch motor and battering mallet), or may simply include only standard information.

- In this embodiment, the maintenance information is configured as a character string, but this is not limited thereto, and it may be configured to be displayed simply as a numerical value (replacement instruction number) on one or more 7-segment displays. In addition, the display means may be controlled by the main control CPU 41. In other words, the main control CPU 41 may be configured to function as a display control means.

- In this embodiment, the reset condition is met by replacing the polishing member, but this is not limited to the above, and may be met when a specified operating means is operated. The reset condition may also be met when a specified control (e.g., initialization of the first type of information) is performed.

- In this embodiment, the main control CPU 41 counts the number of game balls K fired, but this is not limited thereto. The sub-control CPU 51 may count and display special information (maintenance information) when a specific number is reached. In this case, the main control CPU 41 may output a control command capable of identifying the detection result of the firing sensor SE6 to the sub-board 50.

- In this embodiment, the number of balls fired is counted based on the detection result of the firing sensor SE6, but this is not limited to the above. The number of balls fired may be counted by adding 1 each time a detection signal is input from some or all of the sensors SE1 to SE4 and the out sensor (not shown). The number of balls fired may also be counted as the number of times the firing motor is driven (the number of times the batter hammer is operated to fire the ball).

In this embodiment, the pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a predetermined display device, and the predetermined display device may be configured to display part or all of the game-related information for each player (number of winning balls and number of jackpot games). The predetermined display device may be capable of displaying processed game-related information (for example, information in which the number of winning balls is converted into an icon such as a dollar box, and the difference between the number of winning balls and the total number of shots), and may be capable of displaying information that is different from the game-related information that is output from the external communication unit (for example, the number of players today). One or both of the main control CPU 41 and the sub-control CPU 51 may identify the start of a game by a certain player by inserting a personal information medium into the information reading device, and may identify the end of a game by a certain player by removing the personal information medium. The predetermined display device in this modified example may be used in combination with the performance display device EH in this embodiment, or may be used in combination with one or both of the performance display devices EH1 and EH2 in the modified example, or may be a dedicated display device different from any of the performance display devices EH. Also, in this modified example, the specified display device may be capable of displaying one or both of the current and past maintenance information MJ, as in the above embodiment and modified example. Furthermore, the display form (e.g., display position and display area) of the maintenance information MJ may differ depending on game-related information (e.g., the number of players), which is an example of information different from the number of balls fired (number of game media) to be counted.

- In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with the probability change function may be a machine that provides a high probability state until the next big win, a machine that provides a high probability state until a fall lottery is won, or a machine that provides a high probability state until a specified number of variable games are completed (a so-called ST machine). In addition, the pachinko gaming machine 10 equipped with the probability change function may be a machine that provides a high probability state on the condition that the game ball K passes through a specific area (a so-called V probability change machine). The pachinko gaming machine 10 may be a machine that combines the specifications of a fall machine and a V probability change machine.

- In this embodiment, in addition to the big win lottery, a small win lottery may be held as the winning lottery for the special pattern. If a small win is won in the winning lottery, a small win game (winning game) is awarded after the special game ends. In this embodiment, the system may be configured to be controllable to a state (so-called small win rush) in which the number of times (frequency) a small win is won per unit time or the number of times (frequency) a small win game is awarded per unit time is increased compared to a normal game state (for example, a low probability, low ball entry rate state).

- In this embodiment, the pachinko gaming machine 10 may be of the second type, also known as the "wing type" or "airplane type." In this type of pachinko gaming machine, the opening and closing wings (opening and closing members) of the ball entry device (big prize entry port) open when the game ball K enters the starting port, and the game ball K that entered the ball entry device enters the special prize entry port, generating a big win game.

In the present embodiment, the main control CPU 41, the main control ROM 42, the main control RWM 43, and the random number generation circuit 44 may be configured on a single chip.
In the present embodiment, the specific configuration of the game board YB may be changed arbitrarily.

- In this embodiment, the sub-substrate 50 is a sub-general control substrate, and a display control substrate that specializes in controlling the performance display device EH, a light emission control substrate that specializes in controlling the decorative lamps LA, and a sound control substrate that specializes in controlling the speaker SP may be provided separately from the sub-substrate 50. Such a sub-general control substrate and substrates that control other performances may be included in the sub-substrate. In addition, in the embodiment, the main control CPU 41 and the sub-control CPU 51 may be mounted on a single substrate. Furthermore, the display control substrate, light emission control substrate, and sound control substrate may be combined in any manner to form a single or multiple substrates.

- In this embodiment, the gaming medium used in the gaming machine is a gaming ball K, but this is not limited to this and may be gaming medals. In other words, the gaming machine may be a slot machine. In a slot machine, a bet can be placed by inserting a gaming medal, and a winning combination is drawn by operating the start lever, and a pattern change game is started. In a slot machine, while the pattern change game is being played, the patterns are stopped by operating the stop button, and when a winning pattern combination stops on an active line, a jackpot game (bonus game) is awarded. The main control CPU 41 may count the number of inserted gaming medals as the number of gaming media.

- In this embodiment, the gaming machine is configured to circulate all of a predetermined amount of gaming media (as an example, gaming balls K), but this is not limited to the above, and the gaming machine may be configured so that some or all of the gaming media can be replaced with gaming media outside the gaming machine.

Next, the technical ideas that can be understood from the above embodiment and modified examples will be described.
(1) The counting means may start counting the number of gaming media anew when the number of gaming media reaches a specific number, and the situations in which the number of gaming media counted by the counting means reaches the specific number may include a situation in which the number of times that the number of gaming media has reached the specific number is a first number, and a situation in which the number of times that the number of gaming media has reached the specific number is a second number.

(2) The special information may be information capable of identifying the replacement of a specified component.
(3) The game medium is a game ball, and the game device comprises a first guide passage that guides the game ball launched by a launching means to a game area, a second guide passage that collects the game balls launched to the game area and guides them to the launching means, and a polishing member that polishes the game balls passing through the first guide passage or the game balls passing through the second guide passage, and the special information includes information that can identify the replacement of the polishing member.

(4) A gaming machine configured to be able to execute a symbol-changing game based on the result of a winning lottery, comprising: a counting means for counting the number of gaming media using the detection result of the gaming media used in the game; a display means for displaying predetermined information; and a display control means for controlling the display means, wherein the display control means is capable of controlling the display means to display maintenance information with content that enables a player to recognize that a predetermined maintenance is required when the number of gaming media reaches a specific number; the display mode of the maintenance information differs depending on the situation when the number of gaming media reaches the specific number; the display of the maintenance information is performed whether the symbol-changing game is being executed or not; there are a plurality of display means; the maintenance information can be displayed on a plurality of the display means; the gaming machine comprises a storage means capable of storing information; the storage means is capable of accumulating and storing information that can identify the content of the maintenance information displayed on the display means; and the display means is capable of displaying information that indicates the content identified by the accumulated and stored information.

(5) A gaming machine configured to be able to execute a pattern change game based on the result of a winning lottery, comprising: a counting means for counting the number of gaming media using the detection result of the gaming media used in the game; a display means for displaying predetermined information; and a display control means for controlling the display means, wherein the display control means is capable of recognizing that the number of gaming media reaches a specific number when the number of gaming media reaches the specific number, and is capable of controlling the display means to display special information encouraging the replacement of parts, wherein the display mode of the special information differs depending on the situation when the number of gaming media reaches the specific number, wherein the special information is displayed whether the pattern change game is being executed or not, wherein the display means is multiple, wherein the special information can be displayed on the multiple display means, wherein the gaming machine comprises a storage means capable of storing information, wherein the storage means is capable of accumulating and storing information capable of identifying the content of the special information displayed on the display means, and wherein the display means is capable of displaying information indicating the content identified by the accumulated and stored information.

10... Pachinko game machine, 40... Main board, 41... Main control CPU, 43... Main control RWM, 50... Sub-board, 51... Sub-control CPU, 56... Power supply unit, 60... Maintenance device, 63... First grinding belt, 67... Second grinding belt, EH... Performance display device, K... Game ball, MJ... Maintenance information, YBa... Game area, YBc... Shooting passage, TK... Recovery passage.

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine configured to be able to execute a symbol variation game based on the result of a winning lottery,
A counting means for counting the number of gaming media used in a game using a detection result of the gaming media;
A display means for displaying predetermined information;
A display control means for controlling the display means;
A storage means capable of storing information,
the display control means is capable of controlling the display means to display maintenance information, the maintenance information being the content of which enables a user to recognize that the number of the game media has reached a specific number and that a specific maintenance is required, when the number of the game media has reached a specific number;
a display mode of the maintenance information is changed depending on a situation when the number of the game media reaches the specific number;
The condition for displaying the maintenance information can be satisfied whether the symbol variation game is being played or not.
The display of the maintenance information is performed every time the power is turned on until a specific condition is satisfied, and the specific condition is satisfied in response to an operation for initializing predetermined information,
the storage means is capable of accumulating and storing information capable of identifying the content of the maintenance information displayed on the display means,
The display means is capable of displaying information indicating contents specific to the cumulatively stored information,
A gaming machine characterized in that , when the power is turned on, the maintenance information can be displayed and restoration information that can specify restoration based on the information stored in the memory means can be displayed . In a gaming machine configured to be able to execute a symbol variation game based on the result of a winning lottery,
A counting means for counting the number of gaming media used in a game using a detection result of the gaming media;
A display means for displaying predetermined information;
A display control means for controlling the display means;
A storage means capable of storing information,
the display control means is capable of controlling the display means to display maintenance information, the maintenance information being the content of which enables a user to recognize that the number of the game media has reached a specific number and that a specific maintenance is required, when the number of the game media has reached a specific number;
the display manner of the maintenance information varies depending on the situation when the number of the game media reaches the specific number, and the condition for displaying the maintenance information can be satisfied whether the pattern variation game is being played or not;
The display of the maintenance information is performed every time the power is turned on until a specific condition is satisfied, and the specific condition is satisfied in response to an operation for initializing predetermined information,
the storage means is capable of accumulating and storing information capable of identifying the content of the maintenance information displayed on the display means,
The display means is capable of displaying information indicating contents specific to the cumulatively stored information,
A gaming machine comprising a display means other than the above-mentioned display means , wherein notification by displaying the maintenance information can also be executed by the above-mentioned other display means , and wherein the end timing of the notification of the maintenance information can differ between the above-mentioned display means and the above-mentioned other display means .