Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suitably performing a game.SOLUTION: A performance control device includes: a sound IC for outputting a sound signal, such as a performance sound, on the basis of designation from an MPU; a first sound signal path for transmitting a sound signal from the sound IC to a speaker portion; and a second sound signal path for transmitting a sound signal from the sound IC to a jack portion. The first sound signal path has an SP output control IC for adjusting a sound volume level of a transmission sound to the speaker portion. The second sound signal path has an HP output control IC for adjusting a sound volume level of a transmission sound to the jack portion. An output portion of the HP output control IC and an input portion of the jack portion are connected via an isolation transformer.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Known gaming machines include pachinko gaming machines and slot machines. For example, in a pachinko gaming machine, a gaming ball is shot toward a gaming area in response to a shooting operation by a player, and when the gaming ball enters a ball entry portion provided in the gaming area, a gaming value such as a prize ball is awarded (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In a slot machine, a lottery process is executed by operating a start lever, and the reels start to spin, and the reels stop spinning when a stop button is operated while the reels are spinning. If the reels stop spinning and the result of the reels stopping corresponds to a winning combination in the lottery process, a game value corresponding to the winning combination is awarded to the player. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-81853 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, there is still room for improvement in the gaming machines and the like exemplified above in terms of enabling players to play games in a convenient manner.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide a gaming machine that allows players to play games in a convenient manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to A gaming machine configured to execute a predetermined output at least in accordance with the progress of a game, A control means for controlling the execution of the predetermined output based on the establishment of a predetermined opportunity accompanying the progress of a game; an external output means for connecting to a predetermined external means, and for causing the predetermined output to be executed through the predetermined external means when the control means controls the predetermined output to be executed; a specifying means for allowing a flow of the predetermined signal from the first predetermined section to the second predetermined section while isolating a first predetermined section and a second predetermined section located closer to the external output means than the first predetermined section in a transmission path of the predetermined signal for executing the predetermined output; The present invention is characterized in that it is provided with: Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to play games in a convenient manner. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the game board. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of the second operating port when it is in a closed state, and FIG. 4B is a schematic diagram of the second operating port when it is in an open state. [Figure 6] 1A is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device in a closed state, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the variable winning device in an open state. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. FIG. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. FIG. [Figure 10] 11 is a diagram for explaining the display contents on the display screen of the pattern display device. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the contents of various counters used in lotteries, etc. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing in the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an abnormality monitoring process. [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal process. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart showing a game play control process. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a game state transition process. [Figure 17] A flowchart showing the process of opening and closing the large prize opening. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing a dispensing status detection process executed by the dispensing control device. [Figure 19] A block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the performance control device and its peripheral devices. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration relating to audio output control. [Figure 21] FIG. 2A is a diagram showing an example of sound data, FIG. 2B is a diagram showing an example of a sound data table, and FIG. 2C is a diagram showing an example of a playback sound data storage area. [Figure 22] 4 is a flowchart showing a sound output process in a sound IC. [Figure 23] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a plug section. [Figure 24] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a jack portion. [Diagram 25] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a cover portion. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart showing mute control processing in an MPU of a performance control device. [Figure 27]13 is a flowchart showing a temporary release process. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a flow of a muting process. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration related to audio output control according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a volume adjustment display on a display screen. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of volume settings for headphones. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <First embodiment> A first embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a "pachinko machine"), which is a type of gaming machine, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine 10 seen from the front side, and Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an expanded form. Note that Fig. 2 omits the components inside the play area PE of the pachinko machine 10 for the sake of convenience.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 that forms the outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a gaming machine main body 12 attached to this outer frame 11.

[0012] The outer frame 11 is a rectangular frame made of plate materials connected on all four sides. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the game hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment. Note that the outer frame 11 is not a required component of the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be attached to the island equipment of the game hall (game facility).

[0013] The gaming machine body 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in an openable and closable state. Specifically, an upper support metal fitting 17 is fixed to the connecting portion between the upper frame portion and the left frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a lower support metal fitting 18 is provided at the connecting portion between the lower frame portion and the left frame portion of the outer frame 11. The upper support metal fitting 17 and the lower support metal fitting 18 form a support mechanism, which allows the gaming machine body 12 to rotate forward of the pachinko machine 10 with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front of the pachinko machine 10 relative to the outer frame 11 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0014] 2, the gaming machine main body 12 includes an inner frame 13 as a base body, a front door frame 14 disposed in front of the inner frame 13, and a back pack unit 15 disposed behind the inner frame 13. The inner frame 13 of the gaming machine main body 12 is supported rotatably relative to the outer frame 11. In detail, the inner frame 13 is rotatable forward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front.

[0015] A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and can be rotated forward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front. A back pack unit 15 is rotatably supported by the inner frame 13, and can be rotated backward with the left side as the base end and the right side as the tip end when viewed from the front (see FIG. 3).

[0016] Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 having an outer shape substantially identical to that of the outer frame 11, and covers substantially the entire front area of ​​the inner frame 13. A substantially elliptical window section 21 is formed in the center of the frame body 20 so that substantially the entire area of ​​a play area PE, which will be described later, can be viewed from the front, and the window section 21 is closed by a glass unit 22 from the rear side of the front door frame 14.

[0017] The glass unit 22 includes a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder that holds the glass panels 23. The glass holder is formed with a partition that separates the holding area of ​​the glass panels 23 into front and rear, and the two glass panels 23 face each other from the front and rear with the partition between them. In other words, by ensuring a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, the glass panels 23 are prevented from interfering with each other, and the playing area PE is doubly covered from the front side of the pachinko machine 10 by the glass panels 23.

[0018] It is not necessary to unitize both glass panels 23 using a glass holder, and each glass panel 23 may be attached to the frame body 20 individually. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary, and may be one, or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and crime prevention, it is preferable to employ a plurality of glass panels and arrange the respective glass panels facing each other at the front and rear with a predetermined gap therebetween. Incidentally, it is also possible to employ a panel member made of a transparent synthetic resin instead of the glass panels.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, various light emitting means such as lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (specifically, the window section 21). For example, a lamp section (annular illumination section) 26 incorporating a light emitting means such as an LED is provided along the periphery of the window section 21. The lamp section 26 lights up or blinks in response to changes in the game state, such as when a big win occurs or when a predetermined reach occurs. In addition, an error display lamp section 27 that lights up in the event of a predetermined error is provided at the center of the lamp section 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and further, prize ball lamp sections 28 that light up during prize ball payout are provided on the left and right sides of the error display lamp section 27. In addition, speaker sections 29 that output sound effects according to the game state are provided in positions close to the left and right prize ball lamp sections 28.

[0020] Below the window 21 in the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulge 31 and a lower bulge 32, which bulge toward the front, are arranged side by side. An upper tray 33 that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulge 31, and a lower tray 34 that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulge 32. The upper tray 33 has the function of temporarily storing game balls paid out from a payout device described later, and guiding them to a game ball launching mechanism described later while aligning them in a row. The lower tray 34 also has the function of storing surplus game balls in the upper tray 33.

[0021] In addition, a performance operation unit 36 ​​(more specifically, a push button) that is manually operated by the player is provided on the upper surface of the upper bulge 31. For example, when the performance operation unit 36 ​​is manually operated in accordance with a suggestion or the like displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 75 described later, the performance content on the display screen G or the like becomes a predetermined performance content corresponding to the operation.

[0022] A game ball launching handle 41 is provided to the right of the lower bulge 32 (lower tray 34) so ​​as to protrude forward. When the game ball launching handle 41 is operated, a game ball is launched from a game ball launching mechanism, which will be described later.

[0023] A jack section 37 is provided to the left of the lower bulge section 32 (lower plate 34). The jack section 37 is for connecting headphones 38, and by inserting a plug section 39 of the headphones 38 into the jack section 37, the pachinko machine 10 and the headphones 38 are connected, and sound from the pachinko machine 10 is output to the headphones 38. The jack section 37 may be configured to connect not only the headphones 38 but also earphones, and in short, it is sufficient that it can connect an external listening device (audio output means) that a player (person) wears on his / her ear or head.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, a passage forming unit 45 is attached to the back of the front door frame 14. The passage forming unit 45 is molded from synthetic resin and has a front door side upper tray passage leading to the upper tray 33 and a front door side lower tray passage leading to the lower tray 34. In the passage forming unit 45, a receiving portion that protrudes rearward and opens upward is formed at the upper corner, and the receiving portion is divided into left and right by a partition wall to define an entrance portion of the front door side upper tray passage and an entrance portion of the front door side lower tray passage. Game balls that enter the front door side upper tray passage are guided to the upper tray 33, and game balls that enter the front door side lower tray passage are guided to the lower tray 34.

[0025] Protruding shafts are provided at the upper and lower ends of the pivot base end on the rear surface of the front door frame 14. These protruding shafts constitute an assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. In addition, at the pivot tip end on the rear surface of the front door frame 14, as shown in Figure 2, a plurality of hook fittings 49 extending rearward are arranged in parallel in the vertical direction. These hook fittings 49 constitute a locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.

[0026] Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 50 having an outer shape of a substantially rectangular shape similar to that of the outer frame 11. The height dimension of the resin base 50 is set to be slightly smaller than the height dimension of the outer frame 11. The resin base 50 is disposed close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a slight gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the resin base 50. A fascia is attached to the outer frame 11 so as to close this gap. The fascia is disposed below the resin base 50 (specifically, its lower end portion), and when the inner frame 13 is closed to the outer frame 11, the resin base 50 rests on the fascia.

[0027] Support fittings 51, 52 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the rotation base end side on the front surface of the resin base 50. Axle holes are formed in the support fittings 51, 52, and the protruding shafts of the front door frame 14 are inserted into these axle holes, thereby supporting the front door frame 14 rotatably relative to the inner frame 13.

[0028] The front end of the resin base 50 is provided with insertion holes for inserting the hooks 49 provided on the back of the front door frame 14. As shown in FIG. 3, the pachinko machine 10 has a configuration in which a locking device 55 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is hidden and arranged on the back side of the inner frame 13. Therefore, the hooks 49 are engaged with the locking device 55 (more specifically, the front door hook receiving member) through the insertion holes, thereby locking the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13 so that it cannot be opened. The locking device 55 also has a plurality of inner frame hook members 57 extending rearward from the inner frame 13. The inner frame hook members 57 are hooked on the hook receiving members 19 of the outer frame 11, thereby locking the gaming machine body 12 in a closed state to the outer frame 11.

[0029] A cylinder lock 58 for unlocking the locking device 55 is provided in the lower right corner of the resin base 50. The cylinder lock 58 is integrated with the locking device 55, and the locking device 55 is configured such that when a key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 is turned to the right, the front door frame 14 is unlocked from the inner frame 13, and when the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 is turned to the left, the inner frame 13 is unlocked from the outer frame 11.

[0030] A substantially elliptical window 54 is formed in the center of the resin base 50, and the window 54 is blocked from the rear by a game board 60 attached to the resin base 50. The game board 60 is made of a wooden plywood and a sheet material covering the front plate surface of the plywood, and its front surface is exposed to the front side of the resin base 50 through the window 54. A game area PE where game balls flow down is formed in this exposed portion, i.e., the front surface of the game board 60. The game board 60 is not limited to being made of wood, and can also be made of synthetic resin.

[0031] Hereinafter, the game board 60 (particularly the various components arranged in the play area PE) will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a front view of the game board 60.

[0032] A plurality of openings of various sizes are formed in the game board 60, penetrating in the thickness direction (front-rear direction) of the game board 60. Each opening is provided with a general winning opening 61, a first operating opening 62, a second operating opening 63, a through gate 64, a variable winning device 65, a variable display unit 67, etc.

[0033] When balls enter the general winning opening 61, the variable winning device 65, the first operating opening 62, and the second operating opening 63, the entry is detected by a winning sensor (detection sensor), and a bonus such as a payout of a predetermined number of prize balls is given to the player based on the detection result. In this case, when a ball enters the general winning opening 61, 10 game balls are paid out, and when a ball enters the variable winning device 65, 15 game balls are paid out. When a ball enters the first operating opening 62, 3 game balls are paid out, and when a ball enters the second operating opening 63, 1 game ball is paid out. Incidentally, even if a ball enters the through gate 64, no game balls are paid out.

[0034] The number of prize balls is arbitrary, and for example, the number of prize balls associated with the first operating port 62 may be the same as the number of prize balls associated with the second operating port 63, or the number of prize balls associated with the second operating port 63 may be greater than the number of prize balls associated with the first operating port 62. Also, the number of prize balls associated with the variable winning device 65 may be the same as or less than the number of prize balls associated with other operating ports. Also, a predetermined number of game balls may be paid out when a ball enters the through gate 64.

[0035] An outlet 68 is provided at the bottom of the game board 60, and game balls that do not enter the various ball entry sections are discharged from the game area PE through the outlet 68. Here, "entering" means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening position, and includes not only a state in which the game ball is discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening position, but also a state in which the game ball is not discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening position. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish from the entry of the game ball into the outlet 68, the entry into the general winning port 61, the operating port 62, 63, the variable winning device 65, or the through gate 64 is also expressed as winning.

[0036] In addition, numerous nails 69 are planted on the game board 60 to appropriately distribute and adjust the flow path of the game balls, and various components (apparatuses) such as windmills are also arranged. The flow of the game balls is diversified by the various configurations of these nails 69 and windmills, and adjustments are made so that the above-mentioned general winning hole 61 and the like will win with a reasonable probability.

[0037] The variable display unit 67 is disposed in the center of the game board 60. The variable display unit 67 is installed on the back side of the game board 60 (FIG. 3), and the display screen G can be viewed through an opening provided in the center of the game board 60. A frame-shaped center frame 76 is attached to the front of the game board 60 in correspondence with the periphery of the opening.

[0038] The center frame 76 protrudes forward from the front surface of the game board 60, and the gap dimension between the front surface of the center frame 76 and the glass unit 22 is smaller than the diameter dimension of the game ball. This prevents the game ball flowing down the game area PE from flowing into the inner area of ​​the center frame 76 and coming into contact with the display screen G. In addition, the center frame 76 distributes the flow path of the game ball when it flows down the game area PE to the left and right, forming a left route that passes through the left side of the center frame 76 and a right route that passes through the right side.

[0039] Whether the game ball flows down (passes through) the left route or the right route is determined by the amount of rotation of the game ball launching handle 41, i.e., the launching force of the game ball. The launched game ball enters the game area PE from the upper left side of the game board 60, so the stronger the launching force of the game ball, the more likely the game ball will flow down the right route.

[0040] In detail, when the player rotates the game ball launching handle 41 as the first launching operation with a rotation operation amount in a first range that is equal to or larger than the predetermined rotation amount but smaller than the reference rotation amount, the launched game ball flows down the left route, and when the player rotates the game ball launching handle 41 as the second launching operation with a rotation operation amount in a second range that is equal to or larger than the reference rotation amount, the launched game ball flows down the right route. Note that the predetermined rotation amount is the rotation operation amount that allows the launched game ball to pass through the guide rail 100 described later and enter the game area PE, and the reference rotation amount is the rotation operation amount that launches the game ball with a launch force that can reach the top of the center frame 76.

[0041] A first operating port 62 that opens upward is disposed below the center frame 76 (variable display unit 67). The first operating port 62 is located in the left-right center of the game board 60, but game components such as nails 69 are disposed so that game balls flowing down the right route do not enter the first operating port 62. In other words, only game balls flowing down the left route can enter the first operating port 62. Therefore, when a player aims to enter the first operating port 62, the player plays by shooting the game ball so that the game ball flows down the left route. A first operating port entry sensor 62a (FIG. 7) is provided in the first operating port 62, and the entry sensor 62a detects a game ball that has entered the first operating port 62.

[0042] The second actuation port 63 is disposed to the right of the center frame 76 (variable display unit 67). The configuration of the second actuation port 63 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0043] A normal power attachment 63a (variable receiving means) as a guide piece (support piece) consisting of a pair of left and right movable pieces is provided in the second operating port 63. Specifically, the pair of movable pieces supported so as to be rotatable in the left and right direction are arranged so as to sandwich the opening as the second operating port 63 from both the left and right sides.

[0044] By rotating each of the movable pieces, the second operating port 63 can be switched between a closed state (non-support state or non-guide state) shown in FIG. 5(a) and an open state (support state or guide state) shown in FIG. 5(b). In detail, a protrusion 63d is provided at the top of the second operating port 63 so as to protrude forward, and when the movable pieces are in an upright position as shown in FIG. 5(a), the gap between each of the movable pieces and the protrusion 63d becomes smaller than the diameter of the game ball, and the game ball is prevented from flowing into the second operating port 63. On the other hand, when the movable pieces are rotated so as to incline outward as shown in FIG. 5(b), an opening large enough for the game ball to pass through is formed between the protrusion 63d and the movable pieces, and the game ball is allowed to flow into the second operating port 63. A winning sensor 63c for the second operating port is provided at the second operating port 63, and the winning sensor 63c detects a game ball that has won the second operating port 63.

[0045] In addition, the normal power supply mechanism 63a is provided with a drive unit 63b that drives each movable piece. Each movable piece is switched between an open state (inclined posture) and a closed state (standing posture) by being driven by the drive unit 63b through a link mechanism (not shown). Incidentally, the first operating port 62 is not provided with a normal power supply mechanism (opening and closing structure).

[0046] In the above configuration, it is impossible to win through the second operating port 63 when it is in the closed state, but it may be configured so that it is possible to win. In other words, it may be configured so that it is possible to win through the second operating port 63 when it is in the closed state, but it is more difficult to win (it is more difficult to win) than when it is in the open state. In short, it is sufficient that the ease of winning through the second operating port 63 differs between the open state and the closed state, and the degree of closing or opening is arbitrary. In addition, the configuration of the normal power device 63a is not limited to the above, and for example, the second operating port 63 may be opened and closed by a movable piece rotating back and forth or sliding back and forth or left and right.

[0047] As shown in Fig. 4, a through gate 64 is disposed above (upstream of) the second operating port 63 on the right route. The through gate 64 has a through hole (not shown) that penetrates vertically, and a game ball that enters the through gate 64 passes through the through gate 64 and flows down the game area PE again. Therefore, a game ball that enters the through gate 64 can also enter the second operating port 63. A through entry sensor 64a (Fig. 7) is provided on the through gate 64, and the game ball that enters the through gate 64 is detected by the entry sensor 64a.

[0048] The through gate 64 is a trigger for opening the normal power role 63a provided in the second operating port 63. Specifically, an internal lottery is held when a prize is won at the through gate 64, and when the result of the internal lottery is an opening result (support winning), the normal power role 63a is opened from the closed state, and then a role opening / closing game (support execution mode) is executed to return it to the closed state.

[0049] In the right route, a variable winning device 65 is disposed below (downstream) the second operating port 63. The configuration of the variable winning device 65 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0050] The variable winning device 65 includes a large winning opening 65a that opens forward, and an opening / closing door 65b that opens and closes the large winning opening 65a. The large winning opening 65a is a horizontally long rectangle when viewed from the front, and is large enough to allow multiple game balls to win at the same time. The large winning opening 65a communicates with a guide passage 65e provided on the back side of the game board 60, and is configured so that all game balls that win the large winning opening 65a are guided to the guide passage 65e. A winning sensor 65c for the large winning opening is provided in the guide passage 65e, and the winning sensor 65c detects the game balls that win the large winning opening 65a.

[0051] The variable winning device 65 is also provided with a drive unit 65d that drives the opening and closing door 65b. The opening and closing door 65b is driven by the drive unit 65d through a link mechanism (not shown) to switch between a closed state (FIG. 6(a)) in which a game ball cannot enter the big winning opening 65a and an open state (FIG. 6(b)) in which a game ball can enter the big winning opening 65a. Specifically, the opening and closing door 65b is normally in a closed state, and is switched to an open state when a transition to an opening and closing execution mode (big winning game) is selected in an internal lottery.

[0052] The open / close execution mode is a mode to which the mode is shifted when a big win is won. The open / close execution mode will be described in detail later. In the case of a big win, the variable winning device 65 may be repeatedly opened up to a maximum of multiple rounds (for example, 10 rounds), with one round being the passage of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or the winning of a predetermined number of prizes (for example, 10 prizes).

[0053] In the above configuration, it is not possible to win a prize in the large prize opening 65a when it is in the closed state, but it may be possible to win a prize. In other words, it may be possible to win a prize in the large prize opening 65a when it is in the closed state, but it may be more difficult to win a prize (to win a prize) than when it is in the open state. In short, it is sufficient that the ease of winning a prize in the large prize opening 65a differs between the open state and the closed state, and the degree of closing or opening is arbitrary.

[0054] Here, only game balls flowing down the right route can win the second operating port 63, the through gate 64, and the variable winning device 65. Therefore, when a player aims to win the second operating port 63, the through gate 64, and the variable winning device 65, the player plays by shooting the game ball so that it flows down the right route.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4, a main display unit 81 is provided below the variable winning device 65. The main display unit 81 is arranged along the outer edge of the lower side of the game area PE, and protrudes forward from the front of the game board 60. The front of the main display unit 81 is provided with a special display section 43 and a normal display section 44 on which predetermined pictures and the like are displayed. These display sections 43, 44 are visible from the front through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14. The gap dimension between the front of the main display unit 81 and the glass unit 22 is smaller than the diameter of the game ball. This prevents the game ball from passing in front of the main display unit 81, and ensures the visibility of the various display sections 43, 44.

[0056] The special chart display section 43 is provided with a first special chart display section AS which displays the results of a lottery conducted based on winning at the first operating port 62, and a second special chart display section BS which displays the results of a lottery conducted based on winning at the second operating port 63.

[0057] In the first special chart display unit AS, the winning of the first operating port 62 is used as a trigger to display a varying pattern, and the result of stopping the varying display is indicated as the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning of the first operating port 62. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the first operating port 62 is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot, the varying display is stopped in the first special chart display unit AS, a predetermined pattern is displayed as the stopping result, and then the above-mentioned opening / closing execution mode is entered.

[0058] In the second special chart display section BS, the winning of the second operating port 63 is used as a trigger to display a varying pattern, and the result of the varying display is displayed as a result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the second operating port 63. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning of the second operating port 63 is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot, the varying display is stopped in the second special chart display section BS, a predetermined pattern is displayed as a result of the stop, and then the above-mentioned opening and closing execution mode is entered.

[0059] In the following, in order to distinguish between the pattern that is variably displayed upon winning the first operating port 62 and the pattern that is variably displayed upon winning the second operating port 63, the former will be referred to as the first special pattern or first special design, and the latter will be referred to as the second special pattern or second special design.

[0060] Here, based on a winning entry into any of the operating ports 62, 63, a variable display is started in the corresponding special chart display unit AS, BS, and a predetermined stop result is displayed and the variable display is stopped, which corresponds to one game round in the special chart display unit AS, BS. However, one game round is not limited to the above content, and for example, in a configuration in which a single display area is provided and the variable display is performed in that single display area regardless of whether a winning entry into any of the operating ports 62, 63 occurs, a variable display is started in that single display area, and one game round is considered to be a period until the variable display is stopped with the predetermined stop result displayed.

[0061] In addition, the main display unit 81 is provided with a special symbol reserved number display unit AM. The number of times that the game ball enters the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63 can be reserved up to four times, and the special symbol reserved number display unit AM can display the reserved number of the first special symbol (first actuation port 62) and the reserved number of the second special symbol (second actuation port 63) separately.

[0062] The normal map display unit 44 is a display unit for displaying the result of the internal lottery performed based on winning the through gate 64. In this case, the normal map display unit 44 displays the variation of the image triggered by winning the through gate 64, and as a result of the stop of the variation display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on winning the through gate 64 is displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on winning the through gate 64 is a winning result corresponding to the transition to the support state in which the normal power role 63a is opened, the normal map display unit 44 displays a predetermined stop result, the variation display is stopped, and then the state transitions to the support state. The image that is displayed in a variable manner in response to winning the through gate 64 is sometimes called a normal pattern or a normal map.

[0063] Here, based on the winning of the through gate 64, the variable display starts in the normal map display section 44, and the period from when a predetermined stop result is displayed until the variable display stops corresponds to one game round in the normal map display section 44. In the following, in order to distinguish between a game round in the normal map display section 44 and a game round in the special map display sections AS and BS, the former may be referred to as a normal map game round, and the latter as a special map game round.

[0064] In addition, the normal map display unit 44 is provided with a normal map reservation number display unit FM. The number of times that the game ball enters the through gate 64 can be reserved up to four times, and the normal map reservation number display unit FM can display the number of reserved normal maps (through gates 64).

[0065] The special map display unit 43 and the general map display unit 44 are composed of a segment display device having a plurality of segments, but are not limited to this and may be composed of other display devices such as a liquid crystal display device.

[0066] In addition, although not shown, the main display unit 81 is provided with a round display section for indicating the number of rounds in the opening and closing execution mode. The round display section starts displaying the number of rounds when the opening and closing execution mode is started or has been started. This display continues without changing the display content while the opening and closing execution mode is being executed, and ends when the opening and closing execution mode is ended or has been ended.

[0067] Next, a description will be given of the variable display unit 67. The variable display unit 67 is provided with a pattern display device 75 that variably displays (or variably displays or switchably displays) a pattern, which is a type of picture.

[0068] The pattern display device 75 is configured as a liquid crystal display device equipped with a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device described later. Note that the pattern display device 75 is not limited to being a liquid crystal display device, and may be other display devices such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, or a CRT.

[0069] The pattern display device 75 displays patterns arranged, for example, at the top, middle, and bottom, and these patterns are scrolled left and right to display them in a variable manner. In this case, the variable display on the pattern display device 75 is started based on the winning of the first operation port 62 or the second operation port 63. That is, when a variable display is performed on the special pattern display unit 43, a variable display is also performed on the pattern display device 75 accordingly. Then, when the variable winning device 65 is shifted to a big win game state (open / close execution mode) in which it is in an open state, a predetermined pattern combination is displayed on a preset effective line on the pattern display device 75.

[0070] In addition, the pattern display device 75 displays a reserved number corresponding to the first special symbol display unit AS and the second special symbol display unit BS. In this reserved number display, a predetermined reserved image is displayed, and the number of reserved numbers in each operating port 63, 64 is indicated by the number of images displayed. The reserved number is not limited to the reserved number indicated by the reserved image, and may be indicated by a numerical display. In addition, the number may be indicated by a display unit (a display unit separate from the reserved number display units AM, FM of the main display unit 81) or a light-emitting unit (reserved lamp unit) provided on the game board 60 separately from the pattern display device 75, for example.

[0071] Here, in the vicinity of the first actuation port 62 on the rear side of the game board 60, a magnet detection sensor 47 and a radio wave detection sensor 48 are provided.

[0072] As described above, since the first operating port 62 is a trigger for the internal lottery (determining whether the first special symbol is a winning symbol or not), it is assumed that a magnet may be brought close to the periphery of the first operating port 62 in front of the glass unit 22 to illegally guide a game ball to the first operating port 62, or an electric wave may be illegally outputted toward the first operating port 62 to cause the winning detection sensor of the first operating port 62 to erroneously detect the passage of a game ball. By providing the magnet detection sensor 47 and the electric wave detection sensor 48 against these, it is possible to detect any illegal acts using magnets or electric waves. Note that it is not necessary to provide both the magnet detection sensor 47 and the electric wave detection sensor 48 as a countermeasure against illegal acts, and a configuration in which only one of the detection sensors 47 and 48 is provided may be used.

[0073] The configuration of the inner frame 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 again. Below the mounting area of ​​the game board 60 in the resin base 50, a game ball launching mechanism 110 is provided that launches game balls toward the game area PE based on the operation of the game ball launching handle 41. The game ball launching mechanism 110 mainly comprises a solenoid 111 that launches game balls arranged at a predetermined launch waiting position, a launch rail 112 that determines the launch direction of the game balls launched by the solenoid 111, a ball sending device 113 that supplies game balls to the launch waiting position, and a base plate 114 on which the various components 111 to 113 are mounted. The base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 50, and the game ball launching mechanism 110 is integrated with the resin base 50.

[0074] The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 in an obliquely inclined state so as to slope upward toward the game board 60. A ball stopper that stops the game balls supplied from the ball sending device 113 at the above-mentioned launch waiting position is provided at a position further downstream of the ball stopper. The above-mentioned solenoid 111 is disposed at a position further downstream of the ball stopper.

[0075] The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power source and a launch control device, which will be described later. The output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the extension / contraction direction based on the output of an electrical signal from the power source and the launch control device, so that the game ball placed in the launch standby position is launched toward the game board 60, more specifically, toward the guide rail 100 attached to the game board 60.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 4, the guide rail 100 defines the play area PE so that the outer shape of the play area PE is approximately circular. The guide rail 100 is composed of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 that are arranged to face each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and a guide passage 103 is defined by both rails 101 and 102. The guide passage 103 has an entrance portion that opens at the tip side (diagonally downward) of the launch rail 112 and an exit portion located at the top of the play area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the play area PE by moving in the order of the launch rail 112 → the guide rail 100 (entrance portion → exit portion).

[0077] In addition, a backflow prevention member 106 is attached to the end of the exit portion of the game board 60, more specifically, near the tip of the inner rail 101, to prevent the game ball that has reached the game area PE from going back into the guide passage 103, thereby preventing the game ball that has already reached the game area PE from interfering with the launch of subsequent game balls.

[0078] 2, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 face each other diagonally across the lower edge of the game board 60. In other words, the rails 100, 112 are arranged so that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are shifted left and right near the lower edge of the game board 60. This allows the rails 100, 112 to approach the lower edge of the game board 60, while forming a predetermined gap between the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

[0079] A foul ball passage 46 is disposed below the gap thus formed. The foul ball passage 46 is integrally molded with the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. If a game ball launched from the game ball launching mechanism 110 does not reach the game area PE and returns as a foul ball through the guide passage 103, the foul ball will enter the foul ball passage 46 through the above-mentioned gap. The foul ball passage 46 is connected to the lower tray passage on the front door side, and game balls that enter the foul ball passage 46 are discharged to the lower tray 34. This suppresses interference between the foul ball and the next game ball to be launched, and the game ball that has become a foul ball is returned to the player.

[0080] A through hole is formed in the resin base 50 on the left side of the launch rail 112 (more specifically, on the side supporting the front door frame 14) that penetrates the resin base 50 in the front-rear direction, and a passage forming member 121 is disposed in this through hole. The passage forming member 121 is screwed to the resin base 50, and has a main body side upper plate passage and a main body side lower plate passage. The upstream sides of the main body side upper plate passage and the main body side lower plate passage are connected to a game ball distribution section described later. In addition, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit 45 attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted below the passage forming member 121, and the front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side upper plate passage, and the front door side upper plate passage is disposed below the main body side lower plate passage.

[0081] An opening / closing member 124 for opening and closing the upper plate passage on the main body side and the lower plate passage on the main body side is attached below the passage forming member 121 in the resin base 50. The opening / closing member 124 is supported by a support shaft provided at its lower end so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction, and a biasing member is provided to bias the opening / closing member 124 to a forward position where the upper plate passage on the main body side and the lower plate passage on the main body side are closed. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is opened relative to the inner frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises as shown in the figure, and closes the upper plate passage on the main body side and the lower plate passage on the main body side. This prevents the stored balls from spilling out when the front door frame 14 is opened while game balls are stored in the upper plate passage on the main body side or the lower plate passage on the main body side. On the other hand, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by the receiving portion provided in the passage forming unit 45 of the front door frame 14. In this state, the upper tray passage on the main body side is connected to the upper tray passage on the front door side, and the lower tray passage on the main body side is connected to the lower tray passage on the front door side.

[0082] Next, the rear structure of the inner frame 13 (resin base 50 and game board 60) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0083] Bearing fittings 132 are arranged vertically side by side on the rotation base end side on the back surface of the resin base 50. The bearing fittings 132 are formed with bearing portions spaced apart from each other on the top and bottom, and the back pack unit 15 is rotatably attached to the inner frame 13 by these bearing portions.

[0084] A plurality of locking fittings are provided on the rear surface of the resin base 50, and the game board 60 is attached to the resin base 50 by these locking fittings. Here, the configuration of the rear surface of the game board 60 will be described.

[0085] A display control device is attached to the variable display unit 67 arranged in the center of the game board 60 so as to cover the variable display unit 67 from behind (not shown). A performance control device unit 142 is mounted behind the display control device so as to overlap the display control device. The performance control device unit 142 is configured to include a performance control device 143 and a mounting base 144, and the performance control device 143 is mounted on the mounting base 144.

[0086] The performance control device 143 is equipped with a performance control board that controls audio, lamp displays, and the display control device in accordance with instructions from the main control device described below, and the performance control board is housed in a board box 145 made of a transparent resin material or the like.

[0087] 3, a collection board 150 is provided on the back of the game board 60 below the variable display unit 67. The collection board 150 is provided with a game ball recovery mechanism that recovers game balls that have entered various winning holes, a detection mechanism that detects the entry of game balls into various winning holes, etc.

[0088] Regarding the game ball recovery mechanism, the collecting board 150 is provided with recovery passages corresponding to the various winning holes such as the general winning hole 61. These recovery passages run down from the winning holes along the back of the game board 60, and define the path along which the game balls fall. The recovery passages join together near the bottom end of the game board 60, and all game balls that pass through the winning holes such as the general winning hole 61 are collected at the bottom of the game board 60 via the recovery passages. The outlet of each recovery passage is open downward, and a discharge passage is provided at the end of the outlet (more specifically, below the game board 60). The game balls that have been collected below the game board 60 by the recovery passages are led out to the discharge passage. The outlet 68 also leads to the discharge passage, and game balls that have not won any of the winning holes are also led out to the discharge passage via the outlet 68.

[0089] Regarding the detection mechanism, the collecting board 150 is provided with winning sensors (detection sensors) that correspond to the various ball entry sections such as the general winning opening 61. These winning sensors are arranged at intermediate positions of each recovery passage connected to the ball entry section such as the general winning opening 61, and detect the passage of the game ball when the falling path of the game ball is specified in the recovery passage. In other words, the game ball passing through a detection area provided at an intermediate position of each recovery passage detects the entry of the game ball into the ball entry section such as the general winning opening 61. The winning sensor is composed of, for example, a magnetic sensor that grasps the change in the magnetic field that occurs when the game ball passes through the detection area.

[0090] These various winning sensors are electrically connected to a main control device unit 160 (more specifically, the main control device) provided on the rear side of the game board 60, and detection signals from these winning sensors are output to the main control device. The main control device unit 160 and its associated configuration will be described below.

[0091] The main control device unit 160 is mounted on the game board 60 so as to cover the assembly board 150 from the rear side, and is composed of a mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin and a main control device 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. The main control device 162 is equipped with a main control board having a function (main control circuit) for mainly controlling the game, and the main control board is housed in a board box 163 made of a transparent resin material or the like.

[0092] The board box 163 comprises a box base (front case body) of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (rear case body) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected to each other by a sealing part as a sealing means so that they cannot be opened, thereby sealing the board box 163. A plurality of sealing parts are provided on the long sides of the board box 163, and at least one of them is used for the sealing process.

[0093] The sealing part can be of any configuration as long as it can connect the box base and the box cover in an unopenable manner, but the box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner by inserting a locking claw into the long hole that constitutes the sealing part. The sealing process using the sealing part prevents unauthorized opening after the sealing, and even if unauthorized opening occurs, makes it possible to detect such a situation early and easily, and it is possible to perform the sealing process again even after it has been opened once. That is, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking claw into at least one long hole of the multiple sealing parts. Then, when the board box 163 is opened, such as when a malfunction occurs in the housed main control board or when inspecting the main control board, the connection part between the sealing part into which the locking claw is inserted and the other sealing parts is cut. This separates the box base and the box cover of the board box 163, and the main control board inside can be taken out. After that, when the sealing process is performed again, a locking claw is inserted into the long hole of the other sealing part. If a record indicating that the board box 163 has been opened is left in the board box 163, it is possible to easily discover that unauthorized opening has occurred by looking at the board box 163.

[0094] A plurality of connecting pieces are provided so as to protrude laterally from one short side of the board box 163. These connecting pieces correspond one-to-one to a plurality of connectable pieces formed on the mounting base 161, and a sealing process is performed between the board box 163 and the mounting base 161 by the connecting pieces and the connectable pieces.

[0095] Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0096] As shown in Fig. 2, the inner frame 13 is covered from the rear by the rear pack unit 15. The rear pack unit 15 has a rear pack 201, to which a dispensing mechanism 202, a discharge passage panel 203 and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached.

[0097] The back pack 201 is molded from a transparent synthetic resin, and has a base part 211 to which the payout mechanism part 202 and the like are attached, and a protective cover part 212 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that protrudes to the rear of the pachinko machine 10, as shown in Fig. 3. The protective cover part 212 has a shape in which the left and right sides and the top are closed and only the bottom is open, and is large enough to surround at least the variable display unit 67.

[0098] The base portion 211 is provided with an external output terminal 213 at its upper right side. The external output terminal 213 is provided with various output terminals, and various signals are output to a hall computer HC (management control device) on the gaming hall side through these output terminals. In addition, the base portion 211 is provided with a pair of upper and lower latch pins at its right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10, and the back pack unit 15 is supported rotatably relative to the inner frame 13 by inserting the latch pins into a bearing metal fitting 132 (more specifically, a bearing portion) provided on the inner frame 13. In addition, a fastener for fastening to a fastening hole provided on the inner frame 13 is provided at the pivot tip of the base portion 211, and the back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by fitting the fastener into the fastening hole.

[0099] The payout mechanism 202 is disposed in the base 211 so as to bypass the protective cover 212. The payout mechanism 202 is provided with a tank 221 that is disposed at the top of the back pack 201 and opens upward, and game balls supplied from the island equipment of the game hall are successively replenished to the tank 221. A tank rail that gently slopes toward the downstream side is connected to the bottom of the tank 221, and a case rail that extends in the vertical direction is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail. A payout device 222 is provided at the most downstream part of the case rail. The game balls paid out from the payout device 222 are supplied to a game ball distribution section provided in the base 211 of the back pack 201 through a payout passage provided downstream of the payout device 222.

[0100] The game ball distribution section has the function of distributing game balls paid out from the payout device 222 to either the upper tray 33, the lower tray 34, or the discharge passage described below, and is formed so that its inner opening leads to the upper tray 33 via the above-mentioned main body side upper tray passage and front door side upper tray passage, and its outer opening leads to the lower tray 34 via the main body side lower tray passage and front door side lower tray passage.

[0101] 3, a discharge passage panel 203 and a control device assembly unit 204 are attached to the lower end of the base portion 211 so as to sandwich the lower end from the front and rear. A discharge passage that is open to the rear is formed on the surface of the discharge passage panel 203 that faces the control device assembly unit 204, and the open part of the discharge passage is blocked by the control device assembly unit 204. The discharge passage is formed so as to discharge game balls to an island facility or the like of the game hall, and the game balls led to the discharge passage from the above-mentioned collection passage or the like are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 by passing through the discharge passage.

[0102] The control device aggregate unit 204 has a horizontally long mounting base, on which the payout control device 181 and the power supply and launch control device 191 are mounted. The payout control device 181 and the power supply and launch control device 191 are stacked in front and behind each other so that the payout control device 181 is located at the rear of the pachinko machine 10.

[0103] In the payout control device 181, a payout control board that controls the payout device 222 is housed in a board box, and a state return switch provided on the payout control board protrudes outside the board box. For example, when a payout error occurs such as a ball jam in the payout device 222, if the state return switch is pressed, the ball jam is cleared.

[0104] The power supply and launch control device 191 has a power supply and launch control board housed in a board box, which generates and outputs the specified power required by various control devices, etc., and also controls the launch of the game ball in response to the player's operation of the game ball launch handle 41.

[0105] The power supply and launch control device 191 is provided with a power outage monitoring section (power outage monitoring circuit) 315 that monitors the power supply and detects the occurrence of a power outage or other power interruption. This pachinko machine 10 has a function for storing and holding various data, so that in the unlikely event of a power outage, the state at the time of the power outage is stored and the machine can return to the state at the time of the power outage when the power is restored. For example, when the power supply is cut off in the normal manner, such as when an amusement hall closes, the state before the power outage is stored and held. The power supply and launch control device 191 is also provided with a RAM erase switch. When the power supply is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch, the RAM data is initialized.

[0106] <Electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10> Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0107] An MPU 312 is mounted on a main control board 311 of the main control device 162. The MPU 312 includes a ROM 313 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 312, a RAM 314 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control programs stored in the ROM 313 are executed, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as random number generators, and the like.

[0108] The RAM 314 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data using a backup voltage from the power supply and launch control device 191 even after a power outage occurs, and the RAM 314 is provided with a backup area in addition to an area for temporarily storing various data, etc. The backup area is an area for storing values ​​of the stack pointer, each register, I / O, etc. at the time of power interruption when a power outage occurs. When recovering from the power outage (when power is restored), the state of the pachinko machine 10 can be restored to the state before the power outage based on the information in the backup area.

[0109] 7, the ROM 313 and the RAM 314 are integrated into a single chip for the MPU 312, but this is not limiting and each may be integrated into a separate chip. This also applies to the MPUs of the control devices other than the main control device 162.

[0110] The MPU 312 is provided with an input port and an output port. The input side of the MPU 312 is connected to the payout control device 181 and the power supply and launch control device 191. In addition, various sensors are connected to the input side of the MPU 312.

[0111] The various sensors include a general winning port winning sensor 61a, a first operating port winning sensor 62a, a second operating port winning sensor 63c, a through winning sensor 64a, and a large winning port winning sensor 65c, which detect winnings in the general winning port 61, the first operating port 62, the second operating port 63, the through gate 64, and the variable winning device 65. The MPU 312 performs winning judgments (ball winning judgments) for each ball entry section based on the detection results of these various sensors 61a, 62a, 63c, 64a, and 65c. The MPU 312 also performs various lotteries based on winnings in the first operating port 62, the second operating port 63, and the through gate 64.

[0112] A magnet detection sensor 47 and a radio wave detection sensor 48 are further connected to the input side of the main MPU 312. The main MPU 312 receives signals from the magnet detection sensor 47 and the radio wave detection sensor 48, and determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred that is the target of detection for each sensor, based on the reception results.

[0113] The output side of the MPU 312 is connected to the payout control device 181 and the performance control device 143. For example, a prize ball command is output to the payout control device 181 based on the winning judgment result to the prize ball corresponding to the payout of the prize ball.

[0114] Various commands such as a change start command, a type command, a change end command, an opening command, and an ending command are output to the performance control device 143. In this case, when outputting these various commands, the command information storage area 313e of the ROM 313 is referenced. Details of these various commands will be explained later. Each of the above commands is configured as information of a predetermined number of bytes, and various information is included as the information of the predetermined number of bytes.

[0115] In addition, the output side of the MPU 312 is connected with various drive units, such as the drive unit 63b for the normal power role 63a and the drive unit 65d for the variable winning device 65. The main control board 311 is provided with various driver circuits, and the MPU 312 executes drive control of various drive units through the driver circuits. Specifically, when a transition to the open / close execution mode occurs, the drive control of the drive unit 65d is executed in the MPU 312 so that the opening / closing door 65b of the variable winning device 65 is driven. In addition, when a transition to the support state occurs, the drive control of the drive unit 63b is executed in the MPU 312 so that each movable piece of the normal power role 63a is driven. In addition, during each special game, display control of the first special game display unit AS or the second special game display unit BS in the special game display unit 43 is executed. In addition, during a normal game, display control of the normal game display unit 44 is executed.

[0116] Furthermore, the output side of the MPU 312 is connected to the above-mentioned external output terminal 213, and information on balls entering various entry areas and lottery results such as big wins are output to the hall computer HC through this external output terminal 213. This makes it possible for the hall computer HC to grasp the state of the pachinko machine 10, etc.

[0117] The power supply and launch control device 191 is connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) of the gaming hall. Based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, the power supply and launch control device 191 generates the operating power required for each of the main control board 311 and the payout control device 181, etc., and supplies the generated operating power.

[0118] The power supply and launch control device 191 is provided with a power failure monitoring unit 315, which monitors the stable 24-volt DC voltage output from the power supply and launch control device 191. When the output voltage from the power supply and launch control device 191 falls below 22 volts, the power failure monitoring unit 315 determines that a power failure (power cutoff) has occurred, and outputs a power failure signal to an NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) provided in the MPU 312 of the main control device 162. As a result, the main control device 162 recognizes the occurrence of a power failure and immediately executes NMI interrupt processing, and further executes power failure processing based on this.

[0119] The power supply and launch control device 191 is provided with a power supply unit for use in the event of power interruption, such as a backup capacitor, and when a power outage occurs or when the power to the pachinko machine 10 is turned off, power for memory retention is supplied from the power supply unit for use in the event of power interruption to the RAM 314 of the main control device 162. The power supply and launch control device 191 also controls the launch of the game ball launching mechanism 110, and the game ball launching mechanism 110 is driven when predetermined launch conditions are met.

[0120] The payout control device 181 controls the payout of prize balls and loan balls by the payout device 222 based on the prize ball command input from the main control device 162. The payout control device 181 is connected to a full detection sensor 82a that detects whether the lower tray 34 serving as a ball receiving tray is full of game balls, and a no-ball detection sensor 82b that detects whether the tank 221 is in a no-ball state where the amount of game balls stored is insufficient. The full detection sensor 82a is provided in a passage for discharging game balls to the lower tray 34, and the no-ball detection sensor 82b is provided in a passage for supplying game balls from the tank 221 to the payout device 222. The full detection sensor 82a and the no-ball detection sensor 82b output detection signals to the payout control device 181.

[0121] The performance control device 143 drives and controls the lamp units 26-28 and the speaker unit 29 provided on the front door frame 14, and controls the display control device 350, based on various commands input from the main control device 162. The display control device 350 executes display control of the pattern display device 75, based on commands input from the performance control device 143. In this case, the performance control device 143 determines the variable display time of the patterns on the pattern display device 75 and the type of combination of patterns to be finally stopped and displayed, based on various commands input from the main control device 162, and also determines whether or not a reach will occur and the content of the reach performance.

[0122] Here, the display contents of the pattern display device 75 will be described with reference to Figs.

[0123] As shown in Figures 8(a) to (j), the design, which is a type of picture, is composed of nine main designs each numbered "1" to "9" and a sub-design consisting of a shell-shaped picture. More specifically, the main designs are composed of nine character designs, such as an octopus, each numbered "1" to "9."

[0124] As shown in FIG. 9(a), the display screen G of the symbol display device 75 has three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3, which are upper, middle, and lower rows. Each symbol row Z1 to Z3 is configured by arranging main symbols and sub-symbols in a predetermined order. In detail, in the upper symbol row Z1, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in descending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In the lower symbol row Z3, nine types of main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending numerical order, and one sub-symbol is arranged between each main symbol. In other words, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are configured by 18 symbols. In contrast, in the middle symbol column Z2, nine main symbols from "1" to "9" are arranged in ascending numerical order, and a main symbol "4" is additionally arranged between the main symbol "9" and the main symbol "1", and one sub-symbol is arranged between each of these main symbols. In other words, only in the middle symbol column Z2, ten main symbols are arranged, making up a total of twenty symbols. Then, in the display screen G, the symbols of each of these symbol columns Z1 to Z3 are displayed variably so as to scroll in a predetermined direction with periodicity. Also, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the display screen G is configured so that three symbols are stopped and displayed for each symbol column, resulting in a total of nine symbols of 3×3 being stopped and displayed.

[0125] Five effective lines, namely, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right downward line L4, and a right upward line L5, are set on the display screen G. Then, the variable display stops in the order of the upper pattern column Z1 → the lower pattern column Z3 → the middle pattern column Z2, and when the variable display of all the pattern columns Z1 to Z3 ends in a state where a combination of patterns with the same numbers is formed on any of the effective lines, a jackpot video is displayed as the occurrence of a normal 4R jackpot result or a 10R variable jackpot result, which will be described later.

[0126] In this pachinko machine 10, the main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) correspond to "specific symbols", and when a 10R special jackpot result occurs, the same combination of specific symbols is stopped and displayed. Also, the main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to "non-specific symbols", and when a normal 4R jackpot result occurs, the same combination of non-specific symbols is stopped and displayed.

[0127] Here, the variable display of each symbol row will be explained with reference to FIG. 10. When a game round is started, first, high-speed variable display is started for all symbol rows Z1 to Z3. In this case, it is impossible or difficult to recognize which symbol row is being displayed. After that, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the variable display mode of the upper symbol row Z1 is switched from high-speed variable display to low-speed variable display in which the player can recognize the variable displayed symbol. Then, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the variable display mode of the lower symbol row Z3 is switched from high-speed variable display to low-speed variable display as the variable display of the upper symbol row Z1 ends. Then, as shown in FIG. 10(c), the variable display of the lower symbol row Z3 ends. After the variable display of all symbol rows Z1 to Z3 ends, a stop display period is provided in which the stop display is maintained and the player waits for a predetermined period.

[0128] Incidentally, in a gaming machine, when the symbols are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 75, the symbols in the final stop row (the middle symbol row Z2 in this embodiment) are generally not suddenly stopped, but are stopped gradually while slowing down the variable display speed. In this case, if the symbols in the middle symbol row Z2 (the final stop row) are configured to start stopping in synchronization with the start of the stop display on the special symbol display unit 43, the time during which the symbols are stopped is shortened by the time required for the symbols to decelerate to stop on the symbol display device 75, resulting in a reduction in the effective stop display time.

[0129] Therefore, the symbol strings Z1 to Z3, including the final stop string, are stopped (temporarily stopped) before the special symbol display section 43 starts to display the symbols, and then the temporarily stopped symbols are permanently stopped (determined display) in accordance with the start timing of the special symbol display section 43. The display mode of the symbol strings Z1 to Z3 in the temporary stop is different from that in the definitive display. For example, at least one of the symbol strings Z1 to Z3 moves gently back and forth, or at least a part of the characters (FIG. 8) such as an octopus that constitute the main symbol and the sub-symbol is moving. In other words, the temporary stop is performed so that the symbols appear to be stopped at first glance, but remain in an incompletely stopped state (stationary display). In contrast, the definitive display is performed so that the symbols are not moved back and forth or the characters do not move, and the symbols are completely stopped.

[0130] In addition, the provisional stop display of the pattern strings Z1 to Z3 may start with a stop result corresponding to the result of the win / lose lottery or the type of jackpot, and then transition directly to a final display. In addition, the provisional stop display may be temporarily stopped with a stop result that does not correspond to the result of the win / lose lottery or the type of jackpot, and then the pattern strings Z1 to Z3 may undergo a re-changing display, changing to a stop result that corresponds to the result of the win / lose lottery, etc., and then transitioning to a final display.

[0131] Incidentally, in the special pattern game performed by the special pattern display unit 43, the pattern is not temporarily stopped, but the variably displayed pattern is suddenly stopped according to the lapse of the variably displayed time, and the state (the state in which the pattern is stopped) is maintained until the fixed display time has elapsed. In other words, the stopped display of the pattern in the special pattern display unit 43 remains the fixed display. This is also the case in the normal pattern game performed by the normal pattern display unit 44.

[0132] In addition, the manner in which the pattern display device 75 displays the changing patterns is not limited to the above and is arbitrary, and the number of pattern rows, the direction of the changing pattern display in the pattern rows, the number of patterns in each pattern row, and the combination of patterns corresponding to a jackpot or a miss can be changed as appropriate.

[0133] In addition, when the pattern display device 75 displays a changing pattern, a predetermined changing sound is output from the speaker unit 29. The changing sound is BGM (background sound) during the changing display, and its output starts in accordance with the start timing of the changing display. By outputting the changing sound in accordance with the period of the changing display in this way, the player can auditorily recognize that the changing display is in progress.

[0134] As shown in Fig. 9(b), a reserve display section 200 for displaying a number of reserve images corresponding to the number of reserved plays before execution is provided at the bottom of the display screen G, and the player can recognize the number of reserved plays by visually checking the reserve display section 200. The reserve display section 200 has a first reserve display area Ga corresponding to the first special chart and a second reserve display area Gb corresponding to the second special chart.

[0135] In the first reserve display area Ga, unit reserve display areas Ga1 to Ga4, the same number as the maximum number of reserved balls when game balls enter the first operating port 62, are displayed side by side in the left-right direction. Specifically, the maximum number of reserved balls when game balls enter the first operating port 62 is four, and corresponding to this, the first reserve display area Ga1, the second unit reserve display area Ga2, the third unit reserve display area Ga3, and the fourth unit reserve display area Ga4 are set in the first reserve display area Ga.

[0136] For example, when the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the first operating port 62 is one, a predetermined reserved image is displayed only in the first unit reserved display area Ga1, and when the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the first operating port 62 is four, a predetermined reserved image is displayed in all of the first unit reserved display area Ga1 to the fourth unit reserved display area Ga4.

[0137] In addition, in the second reserve display area Gb, the same number of unit reserve display areas Gb1 to Gb4 as the maximum number of reserved balls when the game ball enters the second operating port 63 are displayed side by side in the left-right direction. Specifically, the maximum number of reserved balls when the game ball enters the second operating port 63 is four, and corresponding to this, the first unit reserve display area Gb1, the second unit reserve display area Gb2, the third unit reserve display area Gb3, and the fourth unit reserve display area Gb4 are set in the second reserve display area Gb.

[0138] For example, if the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the second operating port 63 is one, a predetermined reserved image is displayed only in the first unit reserved display area Gb1, and if the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the second operating port 63 is four, a predetermined reserved image is displayed in all of the first unit reserved display area Gb1 to the fourth unit reserved display area Gb4.

[0139] Also, an execution display area D is set so as to be sandwiched between the first reserve display area Ga and the second reserve display area Gb. In the execution display area D, a reserve image corresponding to the game round to be executed (being executed) is displayed. For example, when a game round ends and the next game round starts, the reserve image displayed in the first unit reserve display area Ga1 of the first reserve display area Ga or the first unit reserve display area Gb1 of the second reserve display area Gb is moved and displayed in the execution display area D. This enables the player to recognize that the reserved game round will be executed.

[0140] <Electrical configuration for performing various lotteries using the MPU 312 of the main control device 162> Next, the electrical configuration for performing various lotteries in the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0141] The MPU 312 uses various counter information during play to perform a lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, setting the display of the special symbol display section 43, and setting the display of the normal symbol display section 44. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11, the MPU 312 uses a jackpot random number counter C1 used for the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining the type of jackpot such as a guaranteed jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, a random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, a reach random number counter C3 used for the lottery for the occurrence of a reach when the symbol display device 75 misses and changes, and a change type counter CS for determining the change display time in each special symbol display section AS, BS in the special symbol display section 43. Furthermore, the MPU 312 uses a normal symbol random number counter C4 used for the lottery for whether or not the normal electric device 63a of the second operating port 63 is in a support state (open state).

[0142] Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter that adds 1 to the previous value each time it is updated and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short intervals, and the updated value is appropriately stored in a lottery counter buffer 314a set in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 314. In the lottery counter buffer 314a, information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the variation type counter CS is stored in a reserved ball storage area 314b, which serves as an acquired information storage means, when a winning occurs in the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63.

[0143] The reserved ball storage area 314b includes a reserved area RE consisting of a reserved area Ra for the first special symbol and a reserved area Rb for the second special symbol, and an execution area AE. The reserved areas Ra and Rb each include a first area, a second area, a third area, and a fourth area, and the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the variable type counter CS stored in the lottery counter buffer 314a is stored in one of the areas as reserved information according to the winning history of the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63. The reserved information corresponds to special information.

[0144] In this case, when winning occurs multiple times consecutively in the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63, the numerical information is stored in the first to fourth areas in the order of the first area → the second area → the third area → the fourth area in chronological order. By providing four areas in this way, up to four winning histories of game balls in the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63 are reserved and stored. In addition, the reserved ball storage area 314b is provided with a total reserved number storage area, and information for specifying the number of winning histories in the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63 that are reserved and stored is stored in the total reserved number storage area.

[0145] The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first area of ​​the reserve area RE when the variable display of the special chart display section 43 begins, and at the start of one game round, a win / loss determination is made based on the various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

[0146] Regarding each counter in detail, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of, for example, 0 to 199, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 199). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 goes around once, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 199). The jackpot random number counter C1 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 314b of the RAM 314 at the timing when the game ball enters the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63. More specifically, it is stored in the reserved area Ra for the first special symbol of the RAM 314 at the timing when the game ball enters the first actuation port 62, and is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second special symbol of the RAM 314 at the timing when the game ball enters the second actuation port 63.

[0147] The random number value for winning the jackpot is stored as a win / lose table (win / lose information group) in a win / lose table storage area 313a serving as a win / lose information group storage means in the ROM 313. As the win / lose table, a win / lose table for a low probability mode (win / lose information group for low probability) and a win / lose table for a high probability mode (win / lose information group for high probability) are set. In other words, in this pachinko machine 10, a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state) are set as the lottery modes in the win / lose lottery means. In each win / lose table, the random number value is set so that the probability of winning the jackpot is higher in the win / lose table for the high probability mode than in the win / lose table for the low probability mode.

[0148] In addition, in each lottery mode, any random number value other than the value that results in a jackpot win will result in a losing lottery result.

[0149] The jackpot type counter C2 is for allocating the type when a jackpot occurs, and is configured to be incremented by 1 within the range of 0 to 99, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 99). Here, in this embodiment, multiple jackpot results are set. These multiple jackpot results are set by providing differences in two conditions: (1) the lottery mode in the winning / losing lottery means after the opening / closing execution mode ends, and (2) the support mode in the normal power role 63a of the second operating port 63 after the opening / closing execution mode ends.

[0150] As the support mode for the normal power device 63a of the second operating port 63, a low-frequency support mode (low-frequency support state or low-frequency guide state) and a high-frequency support mode (high-frequency support state or high-frequency guide state) are set so that the frequency with which the normal power device 63a of the second operating port 63 opens per unit time is relatively high or low when compared with a situation in which game balls are continuing to be released in a similar manner into the game area PE.

[0151] Specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of a support winning result (a winning normal map) in the normal map winning lottery using the normal map winning random number counter C4 is the same (for example, both are 1 / 2), but in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times that the normal power role 63a is in an open state when a support winning result is obtained is set to be greater than in the low-frequency support mode, and the opening time for one time is set to be longer. In this case, when a support winning result is obtained in the high-frequency support mode and the open state of the normal power role 63a occurs multiple times, the closing time from the end of one opening state to the start of the next opening state is set to be shorter than the opening time for one time. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, the minimum time to be secured between one normal map winning lottery and the next normal map winning lottery is set to be shorter than in the low-frequency support mode.

[0152] As described above, in the high frequency support mode, the probability of a winning entry into the second actuation port 63 is higher than in the low frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, the probability of a winning entry into the first actuation port 62 is higher than in the second actuation port 63, but in the high frequency support mode, the probability of a winning entry into the second actuation port 63 is higher than in the first actuation port 62. When a winning entry into the second actuation port 63 occurs, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out, so that in the high frequency support mode, the player can play without losing too many balls.

[0153] The configuration for realizing the high-frequency support mode is not limited to the above, and may be configured to give preferential treatment to the number of times the normal power role 63a is opened or the opening time of one time in the high-frequency support mode compared to the low-frequency support mode, while making the winning probability of the normal drawing lottery equal in both modes. In short, it is sufficient that the frequency of winning in the second operating port 63 per unit time is higher than in the low-frequency support mode, and the high-frequency support mode and the low-frequency support mode can be set by making any one or any combination of the conditions of the normal drawing lottery, the number of times the role 63 is opened, and the opening time is made different.

[0154] In addition, the jackpot type counter C2 is also used to determine the stop result of the pattern stopped and displayed on each special chart display unit AS, BS when the result of the winning / losing lottery based on the winning / losing of the operation port 62, 63 is a jackpot. The stop result is determined by referring to the stop result table stored in the stop result table storage area 313d of the ROM 313. In the stop result table, multiple data of the stop result (the jackpot pattern stopped and displayed on each special chart display unit AS, BS) in the case of a jackpot is set in correspondence with the value of the jackpot type counter C2, and when the stop result is determined, the data of the multiple stop results corresponding to the acquired jackpot type counter C2 is read out. Here, the same jackpot type counter C2 is used to determine the stop result and the jackpot type, so the jackpot pattern stopped and displayed on each special chart display unit AS, BS corresponds to the jackpot type determined at the time of the jackpot.

[0155] The big win type counter C2 is updated periodically, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 314b of the RAM 314 at the timing when the gaming ball enters the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63. More specifically, it is stored in the reserved area Ra for the first special symbol of the RAM 314 at the timing when the gaming ball enters the first actuation port 62, and is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second special symbol of the RAM 314 at the timing when the gaming ball enters the second actuation port 63.

[0156] The allocation destination of the game result for the big win type counter C2 is stored in the type table storage area 313b of the ROM 313 as a big win type table.

[0157] In this embodiment, the types of jackpot results are set to be a normal jackpot result and a probability variable jackpot result. The normal jackpot result is a jackpot result in which, after the open / close execution mode ends, the winning / losing lottery mode becomes a low probability mode and the support mode becomes a low frequency support mode.

[0158] The probability of a jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the winning / losing lottery mode becomes a high probability mode and the support mode becomes a high frequency support mode after the opening / closing execution mode ends. The high frequency support mode continues until the lottery result in the winning / losing lottery becomes a jackpot state and the jackpot state is entered.

[0159] The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be incremented by 1 in sequence within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and to return to 0 after reaching a maximum value (i.e., 238). The reach random number counter C3 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 314b of the RAM 314 at the timing when the game ball enters the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63. More specifically, it is stored in the reserved area Ra for the first special symbol display section of the RAM 314 at the timing when the game ball enters the first actuation port 62, and is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second special symbol display section of the RAM 314 at the timing when the game ball enters the second actuation port 63. Then, it is determined whether or not to generate a reach based on the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of ​​the ROM 313.

[0160] However, in a game in which the opening / closing execution mode is entered, the MPU 312 determines whether a reach has occurred regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3.

[0161] The number of the reach random number counter C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display is the same in each game state, but may be set individually according to each game state. For example, the number of the reach random number counter C3 corresponding to the occurrence of the reach display may be set to be larger when the support mode is the high frequency support mode than when the support mode is the low frequency support mode.

[0162] Here, the term "reach display" (reach state) refers to a display state intended to make the player believe that the game machine is in a variable display state that is likely to result in the special display result after the variable display has started (or variable display) of the pattern (picture) on the pattern display device 75 and before the stop display result is derived and displayed, in a game machine equipped with a pattern display device 75 capable of performing a variable display (or variable display) of the pattern (picture), and in which the stop display result after the variable display is a special display result during a game round in which the variable winning device 65 is in the open / close execution mode.

[0163] In other words, it is a display state in which the patterns of some of the multiple pattern rows displayed on the display screen of the pattern display device 75 are stopped to display a combination of reach patterns that may result in a jackpot pattern combination corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode, and in this state, the patterns of the remaining pattern rows are displayed in a variable manner.

[0164] More specifically, as a preliminary step to terminating the display of changing patterns, a reach line is formed by displaying a combination of reach patterns which may result in a jackpot combination corresponding to the occurrence of the open / close execution mode on a preset effective line within the display screen of the pattern display device 75, and while the reach line is formed, the changing display of the patterns is performed using the final stopped pattern sequence.

[0165] The variation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by 1 in the range of, for example, 0 to 99, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 99). The variation type counter CS is used in determining the variation display time in the first special chart display section AS and the second special chart display section BS of the special chart display section 43 in the MPU 312.

[0166] The fluctuation type counter CS is updated once each time the normal processing described below is executed once, and is repeatedly updated during the remaining time in the normal processing. The fluctuation type counter CS is stored in the reserved ball storage area 314b of the RAM 314 at the timing when the gaming ball enters the first actuation port 62 or the second actuation port 63. More specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is stored in the reserved area Ra for the first special symbol of the RAM 314 at the timing when the gaming ball enters the first actuation port 62, and is stored in the reserved area Rb for the second special symbol of the RAM 314 at the timing when the gaming ball enters the second actuation port 63.

[0167] The random number counter C4 for winning the normal map is, for example, incremented by 1 within the range of 0 to 250, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 250). The random number counter C4 for winning the normal map is updated periodically, and is stored in the normal map reserve area 314c of the RAM 314 at the timing when the game ball enters the through gate 64. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to control the normal power device 63a to an open state based on the value of the stored random number counter C4 for winning the normal map. For example, if C4=0 to 190, the normal power device 63a is controlled to an open state, and if C4=191 to 250, the normal power device 63a is not controlled to an open state.

[0168] <Various processes executed by the main control device 162> Next, a description will be given of timer interrupt processing and normal processing executed by the MPU 312 of the main control device 162 to progress the game. In addition to timer interrupt processing and normal processing, the MPU 312 also executes main processing that is started when the power is turned on and NMI interrupt processing that is started by inputting a power failure signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal), but a description of these processes will be omitted.

[0169] <Timer interrupt processing> The timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 12. This process is started by the MPU 312 periodically (for example, every 2 msec).

[0170] In step S101, the random-number initial-value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random-number initial-value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches a maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random-number initial-value counter CINI is stored in a corresponding buffer area of ​​the RAM 314.

[0171] In step S102, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the normal win random number counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the normal win random number counter C4 are each incremented by 1, and when their counter values ​​reach their maximum values, they are each cleared to 0. Then, the updated values ​​of each counter C1 to C3 are stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​the RAM 314.

[0172] In step S103, it is determined whether or not the game progress is stopped (game stop state). The determination of whether or not the game is stopped is performed on the condition that a game stop flag is stored in the various flag storage area 314e of the RAM 314. If it is determined that the game is stopped, this timer interrupt process is terminated.

[0173] On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not stopped, the process proceeds to step S104, and a process of reading various winning sensors is executed. That is, the state of various winning sensors connected to the main control device 162 is read, and the state of the winning sensor (detection information from the winning sensor) is determined and the detection information (winning detection information) is stored. For example, if it is determined that a winning has occurred in the first operating port 62, a winning detection flag for the first special symbol is stored in the various flag storage area 314e of the RAM 314, and if it is determined that a winning has occurred in the second operating port 63, a winning detection flag for the second special symbol is stored in the various flag storage area 314e of the RAM 314. Also, if it is determined that the game ball has passed through the through gate 64, a winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 314e of the RAM 314.

[0174] In step S105, a winning process for through is executed in association with winning the through gate 64. In the winning process for through, it is determined whether or not a winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 314e of the RAM 314, and if the flag is stored, the value of the normal winning random number counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the normal reserve area 314c on the condition that the number of reserved roles stored in the normal reserve area 314c is less than 4. In addition, if a winning detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 314e, the winning detection flag is erased and the winning process for the through gate is terminated.

[0175] In step S106, a winning process for the actuation port is executed. In the winning process for the actuation port, a winning ball command for paying out a game ball based on the winning of the game ball into either of the actuation ports 62, 63 is set, and information acquisition process is performed to store the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the fluctuation type counter CS.

[0176] In the information acquisition process, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has entered the first operating port 62 (start winning). If the gaming ball has entered the first operating port 62, the number of reserved information stored in the reserve area Ra for the first special chart display unit is grasped, and the grasped number is set as the first start reserved memory number RaN. On the other hand, if the gaming ball has not entered the first operating port 62, it is determined whether or not the gaming ball has entered the second operating port 63 (start winning). If the gaming ball has entered the second operating port 63, the number of reserved information stored in the reserve area Rb for the second special chart display unit is grasped, and the grasped number is set as the second start reserved memory number RbN.

[0177] It is determined whether the set start pending memory number N (RaN or RbN) is less than the upper limit (4 in this embodiment). If the start pending memory number N is less than the upper limit, the start pending memory number N of the corresponding result display unit hold area is updated to increase by 1. Then, when the first start pending memory number RaN is set, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the change type counter CS are stored in the first storage area of ​​the empty storage area of ​​the first special chart display unit hold area Ra, and when the second start pending memory number RbN is set, the values ​​of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the change type counter CS are stored in the first storage area of ​​the empty storage area of ​​the second special chart display unit hold area Rb. After that, the performance control device 143 is made to update the display state of the hold display unit 200, and a process is executed to make the hold display unit 200 display the current start pending memory number.

[0178] In step S107, an abnormality monitoring process is executed, and then this timer interrupt process is terminated. In the abnormality monitoring process, the presence or absence of magnet detection or radio wave detection is determined by referring to the detection results of the magnet detection sensor 47 and the radio wave detection sensor 48. Here, the abnormality monitoring process in step S107 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0179] In the abnormality monitoring process, first, in step S201, it is determined whether or not radio waves are detected by the radio wave detection sensor 48. If radio waves are detected, a radio wave detection flag is set in the various flags storage area 314e of the RAM 314 in step S202.

[0180] In step S203, a radio wave detection command is set as a transmission target to the performance control device 143. The radio wave detection command is a command for making the performance control device 143 recognize that detection of a radio wave has been identified by the MPU 312. The radio wave detection command is transmitted to the performance control device 143 in the external output process of the normal process described later.

[0181] In step S204, an external output process for an abnormality is executed to output a signal to a management control device (hall computer) on the gaming hall side to indicate that detection of radio waves has been identified.

[0182] After execution of step S204 or if a negative judgment is made in step S201 (radio waves are not detected), the process proceeds to step S205, where it is judged whether or not a magnet is detected by the magnet detection sensor 47. If a magnet is not detected, the abnormality monitoring process is terminated.

[0183] On the other hand, if a magnet is detected, the process proceeds to step S206, where a magnet detection flag is set in the various flags storage area 314e of the RAM 314. In the following step S207, a magnet detection command is set as a command to be sent to the performance control device 143. The magnet detection command is a command for making the performance control device 143 recognize that the detection of a magnet has been identified by the MPU 312. The magnet detection command is sent to the performance control device 143 in the external output process of the normal process, which will be described later.

[0184] In step S208, an external output process for an abnormality is executed to output a signal to the hall computer that a magnet has been detected. After execution of step S208 or if a negative judgment is made in step S205 (a magnet has not been detected), the abnormality monitoring process is terminated.

[0185] <Normal processing> Next, the flow of normal processing will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 14. Normal processing is processing that starts after main processing, which is started when the power is turned on, is executed. In normal processing, main processing for playing games is executed. In summary, the processing of steps S301 to S308 is executed as periodic processing at a cycle of 4 msec, and the counter update processing of steps S311 and S312 is executed in the remaining time.

[0186] In the normal process, first, in step S301, a game stop determination process is executed. In the game stop determination process, it is determined whether or not a radio wave detection flag or a magnet detection flag is set in the various flag storage area 314e of the RAM 314, and whether or not fraud has been detected. If at least one of the radio wave detection flag and the magnet detection flag is set, it is determined that fraud has been detected, and a game stop process (abnormal response process) is executed to transition to a game stop state.

[0187] In the game stop process, a game stop flag is set in the various flag storage area 314e, and a closing control process is executed to close the variable winning device 65 and the normal power device 63a. Also, a launch stop process is executed to switch the launch permission signal to the power supply and launch control device 191 to a LOW level, so that game balls cannot be launched even if the player operates the game ball launch handle 41. Furthermore, a game stop command is output to the payout control device 181, and the payout of game balls by the payout device 222 is stopped. As a result, if an illegal act of paying out game balls has been performed, further payout of game balls is immediately restricted.

[0188] In addition, in the game stop process, a game stop command is output to the performance control device 143. Upon receiving the game stop command, the performance control device 143 stops the performance display on the symbol display device 75. Then, the performance control device 143 controls the symbol display device 75 to display an error notification image and the speaker unit 29 to output an error notification sound (fraud detection sound).

[0189] Furthermore, in the game stop process, an external information setting process is executed to output a predetermined external signal corresponding to the detection of fraud or the transition to a game stop state from the external output terminal 213. As a result, the predetermined external signal is output to the hall computer on the gaming hall side, and the occurrence of an abnormality in the pachinko machine 10 is notified.

[0190] After the game stop determination process in step S301 is executed, in step S302, it is determined whether or not the game stop flag is set in the various flag storage area 314e, thereby determining whether or not the game is stopped (a state in which the game is stopped). If the game is not stopped, the process proceeds to step S303, and an external signal output process is executed.

[0191] In the external signal output process, output data such as commands set in the timer interrupt process or the previous normal process is sent to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, the presence or absence of a prize ball command is determined, and if a prize ball command is set, it is sent to the payout control device 181. In addition, if a performance command such as a fluctuation start command, a type command, or a fluctuation end command is set, it is sent to the performance control device 143.

[0192] In step S304, the fluctuation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​the RAM 314.

[0193] In step S305, a game round control process for controlling the game in each game round is executed. In this game round control process, a big win determination, display control of the special chart display unit 43, etc. are performed.

[0194] In step S306, a game state transition process is executed. This game state transition process transitions the game state to an open / close execution mode, a high probability mode, a high frequency support mode, etc. Details of the game number control process in step S305 and the game state transition process in step S306 will be described later.

[0195] In step S307, a process for supporting the electric role is executed to drive and control the normal power role 63a provided in the second operating port 63. In this process for supporting the electric role, a lottery is performed to determine whether the normal power role 63a is opened or not using numerical information acquired from the normal power winning random number counter C4 stored in the normal power reserve area 314c of the RAM 314, and if a win is obtained, the opening and closing process of the normal power role 63a is executed. In addition, display control of the normal power display unit 44 is performed to inform the result of the lottery.

[0196] As already explained, the low frequency support mode and the high frequency support mode are set as the support mode by the normal power role 63a, and a transition to either of the support modes is performed by the game state transition process described later. If the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 314e of the RAM 314 after this process, the high frequency support mode is selected, and if the flag is not set, the low frequency support mode is selected.

[0197] In the electric role support process, whether or not the high frequency support mode is set is determined by determining whether or not the high frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 314e of the RAM 314. In the high frequency support mode, the number of times that the normal electric role 63a is in the open state when the electric role open state is won is set to be greater than in the low frequency support mode, and the opening time for one time is set to be longer. In addition, in the high frequency support mode, when the electric role open state is won and the open state of the normal electric role 63a occurs multiple times, the closing time from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state is set to be shorter than the opening time for one time.

[0198] In step S308, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 110 is excited once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on the condition that a launch permission signal is input from the power supply and launch control device 191. This causes the game ball to be launched toward the play area PE.

[0199] Here, if an affirmative decision is made in step S302 (if it is decided that the game is stopped), the external process in step S303 and the game ball launch process in step S308 are skipped and not executed. Also, in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12), if it is decided that the game is stopped in step S103, the various sensor reading process in step S104 and the winning process for the operation port in step S106 are skipped and not executed. Since these processes are essentially for progressing the game, not executing these processes results in a state in which the game does not progress at all.

[0200] After execution of step S308 or if a positive determination is made in step S302, the process proceeds to step S309, where it is determined whether or not a power outage flag is stored in the backup area of ​​the RAM 314. The power outage flag is set when the power outage monitoring unit 315 confirms the occurrence of a power outage and a power outage signal is input to the MPU 312.

[0201] If the power failure flag is not set, the last of the multiple processes that are repeatedly executed has ended, so in step S310, it is determined whether the execution timing of the next normal process has arrived, that is, whether a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the current normal process. Then, within the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process, the random number initial value counter CINI and the fluctuation type counter CS are repeatedly updated.

[0202] That is, in step S310, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches its maximum value, it is cleared to 0. The updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is then stored in a corresponding area of ​​RAM314. Also, in step S312, the fluctuation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by 1, and when the counter value reaches its maximum value, it is cleared to 0. The updated value of the fluctuation type counter CS is then stored in a corresponding area of ​​RAM314.

[0203] Here, since the execution time of each process of steps S303 to S308 changes according to the game state, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal process is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (i.e., the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be randomly updated, and similarly, the change type counter CS can also be randomly updated.

[0204] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S309 that the power failure flag is set, this means that a power interruption has occurred, and the power failure processing from step S313 onwards is executed. That is, in step S313, the timer interrupt processing is prohibited, and then in step S314, a RAM judgment value is calculated and stored. In the following step S315, after prohibiting access to the RAM 314, an infinite loop is continued until the power is completely cut off and processing can no longer be executed. Note that even after the power is completely cut off, power for storing and holding data in the RAM 314 is supplied from the power supply and launch control device 191, so that the information stored in the RAM 314 before the power interruption is held as it is for a predetermined period of time (for example, one or two days).

[0205] <Game Play Control Processing> Next, the game play control process in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0206] In the game play control process, first, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the game is in the open / close execution mode. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the open / close execution mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 314e of the RAM 314. The open / close execution mode flag is set when the game state is to be transitioned to the open / close execution mode in the game state transition process described later, and is cleared when the game state transition process is to end the open / close execution mode.

[0207] If the opening and closing execution mode is in progress, the game round control process is terminated without executing any of the processes after step S502, i.e., the game round start process in steps S503 to S505 and the game round progress process in steps S506 to S509. In other words, if the opening and closing execution mode is in progress, a game round will not be started regardless of whether or not a winning has occurred in the operating ports 62, 63.

[0208] If the opening / closing execution mode is not in progress, in step S502, it is determined whether the special chart display unit 43 is displaying a variable. Specifically, it is determined whether either the first special chart display unit AS or the second special chart display unit BS is displaying a variable. This determination is made by determining whether a variable display flag is stored in the various flag storage area 314e of the RAM 314. The variable display flag is set when variable display is started for either the first special chart display unit AS or the second special chart display unit BS, and is cleared when the variable display ends.

[0209] If the special symbol display section 43 is not displaying a variable, the process proceeds to step S503 to step S505 for starting a game. In the process for starting a game, first, in step S503, it is determined whether the common reservation number CRN, which is the sum of the start reservation memory numbers of the first special symbol display section AS and the second special symbol display section BS, is "0". When the common reservation number CRN is "0", it means that the start reservation memory numbers RaN, RbN are "0" for both the first actuation port 62 and the second actuation port 63.

[0210] If the common reservation number CRN is not "0", in step S504, a data setting process is executed to set the data stored in the reservation area Ra for the first special chart display unit or the reservation area Rb for the second special chart display unit for variable display, and further in step S505, a variable start process is executed to start the variable display in the special chart display unit 43 and the variable display in the pattern display device 75.

[0211] In the fluctuation start process, a winning / losing lottery is executed based on the data (reserved information) set in the data setting process, and the stop result is set so that the game round ends with the stop result corresponding to the winning / losing lottery result. In addition, the fluctuation display time of the game round to be executed this time is set based on the fluctuation type counter CS, etc.

[0212] In addition, in the variation start process, a variation command including information on the game result and a type command including information on the variation display time are set as targets for transmission to the performance control device 143 so that a performance corresponding to the currently executed game round is performed. The variation command and type command are transmitted to the performance control device 143 in step S303 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The performance control device 143 transmits the received command to the display control device 350 while maintaining its information form. By receiving the command, the display control device 350 executes display control of the pattern display device 75, etc. so as to start the performance of that game round.

[0213] After the fluctuation start process in step S505 is executed or if a positive judgment is made in step S503 (if the common hold number CRN is "0"), the game number control process is terminated.

[0214] If a positive judgment is made in step S502 (if the special chart display unit 43 is in a variable display state), the game round progression process of steps S506 to S509 is executed. In the game round progression process, first, in step S506, it is judged whether or not the variable display time for the current game round has elapsed. Specifically, it is judged whether or not the value of the variable display time information set in the variable display time counter area of ​​RAM 314 has become "0". The value of the variable display time information is set in the variable start process at the start of a game round. Furthermore, the value of this set variable display time information is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12) is started.

[0215] If the variable display time has not elapsed, a variable display process is executed in step S507. In the variable display process, the display control of the result display section (light emission control of each display segment) is performed so that each display segment in the result display section related to the current game round is turned on and off in a predetermined order, and the game round control process is terminated.

[0216] If the variable display time has elapsed, a variable end process is executed in step S508. In the variable end process, the set information is specified based on the result of the winning / losing lottery of the variable start process, and the special chart display unit 43 is controlled so that the picture corresponding to the information is stopped and displayed on the special chart display unit 43.

[0217] In the next step S509, a variation end command is set as a transmission target to the performance control device 143, and then the game round control process is terminated. The variation end command set in step S509 is transmitted to the performance control device 143 in step S303 in the normal process (FIG. 13). The performance control device 143 transmits the received variation end command to the display control device 350 while maintaining its information form. By receiving the variation end command, the display control device 350 displays the final stop pattern combination in that game round as a definite display (final stop display).

[0218] <Game state transition processing> The game state transition process in step S306 (FIG. 14) will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0219] First, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the game is in the open / close execution mode. If it is not in the open / close execution mode, it proceeds to step S602, and it is determined whether or not the timing of the variable display of the picture in the first special symbol display section AS or the second special symbol display section BS of one game has ended. If the timing of the variable display has not ended, the game state transition process is terminated.

[0220] When the variable display has ended, in step S603, it is determined whether the game result of the current game corresponds to the transition to the open / close execution mode. If the game result does not correspond to the transition to the open / close execution mode, the game state transition process is terminated.

[0221] If the transition corresponds to the opening and closing execution mode, the opening and closing execution mode start process is executed in step S604. In the start process, it is checked whether the variable winning device 65 is in a closed state before the opening and closing execution mode is started. In the opening and closing execution mode start process, an opening period setting process is executed to wait without starting the opening of the variable winning device 65 when the opening and closing execution mode is started. In the opening period setting process, the waiting time information for the opening, which is stored in advance in the ROM 313, is set in the timer counter T provided in the various counter area 314d of the RAM 314. The value of the timer counter T is decremented by 1 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 2 msec cycle, each time the timer interrupt process is started).

[0222] In the next step S605, a process for setting the number of rounds is executed. In the process for setting the number of rounds, a value corresponding to the number of rounds in the current opening / closing execution mode is set in the round counter RC provided in the various counter area 314d. For example, if the number of rounds in the current opening / closing execution mode is 10, the value of the round counter RC is set to "10".

[0223] In step S606, a round display start process is executed to notify the number of rounds in the open / close execution mode. In the round display start process, the number of rounds set in step S605 is controlled to be displayed in the round display section of the special diagram display section 43. The display of the number of rounds in the round display section continues until the open / close execution mode ends.

[0224] In step S607, an opening command is set for notifying the start of the opening and the opening period to the performance control device 143. This set opening command is transmitted to the performance control device 143 in step S303 in the normal processing (FIG. 13).

[0225] In step S608, the external signal setting process is executed, and then the game state transition process is terminated. In the external signal setting process, the output terminal for the jackpot signal provided in the external output terminal 213 is set to an output state. As a result, if the output terminal for the jackpot signal is connected to a management control device on the gaming hall side, a jackpot signal is output to the management control device, and the management control device can grasp that a jackpot has occurred in the pachinko machine 10.

[0226] If the determination in step S601 above is affirmative (if the game is in the open / close execution mode), the process proceeds to step S609, where it is determined whether the opening period has elapsed. If the opening period has not elapsed, the game state transition process is terminated. If the opening period has elapsed, the big prize opening open / close process is executed in step S610.

[0227] Here, the process of opening and closing the big prize opening will be described with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

[0228] First, in step S701, it is determined whether the special prize opening 65a is open or not. This determination is made based on the drive state of the drive unit 65d. If the special prize opening 65a is not open, it is determined in step S702 whether the value of the round counter area RC is "0". If the value of the round counter area RC is not "0", that is, if there is a round game to be played, it is determined in step S703 whether the value of the timer area T provided in the various counter areas 344b of the RAM 314 is "0". This process is to determine whether the waiting period between rounds (round interval period) has elapsed.

[0229] If the value of the timer area T is "0", the process proceeds to step S704, and "15000" is set in the timer area T as a value corresponding to the upper limit opening time (30 sec) of the variable winning device 65 in one round of play. The value set here is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 12) is started. In step S705, "10" is set in the winning counter area PC provided in the various counter areas 344b as a value corresponding to the upper limit number of winnings (10) in the variable winning device 65 in one round of play.

[0230] In step S706, the variable prize drive unit 32c is driven to open the large prize opening 65a. In step S707, an opening command is set to notify the performance control device 143 that the opening of the large prize opening 65a (variable prize device 65) has started, and then the large prize opening opening / closing process is terminated. This set opening command is sent to the performance control device 143 in step S303 in the normal process (FIG. 14).

[0231] If a positive judgment is made in step S702 above (the value of the round counter area RC is 0) or if a negative judgment is made in step S703 (the value of the timer area T is not 0), the large prize opening opening and closing process is terminated.

[0232] If the result of the above step S701 is affirmative (the large prize opening 65a is open), the process proceeds to step S708, where it is determined whether the value of the timer area T is "0." This process is for determining whether the upper limit opening time of the variable prize device 65 set in step S704 has elapsed.

[0233] If the value of the timer area T is not "0", the process proceeds to step S709, where it is determined whether or not a win has occurred in the large prize opening 65a based on the detection state of the large prize opening winning sensor 65c. If no win has occurred, the large prize opening opening opening process is terminated. On the other hand, if a win has occurred, the value of the winning counter area PC is decremented by 1 in step S710, and then it is determined whether or not the value of the winning counter area PC is "0" in step S711. If the value of the winning counter area PC is not "0", the large prize opening opening opening process is terminated.

[0234] If the above step S708 judges positive (if the value of the timer area T is 0) or if the above step S711 judges positive (if the value of the prize counter area PC is 0), the process proceeds to step S712, where the drive unit 65d is switched to a non-driven state and the large prize opening 65a is closed. In step S713, the value of the round counter area RC is decremented by 1, and in step S714, it is judged whether the value of the round counter area RC is "0".

[0235] If the value of the round counter area RC is not "0", i.e., if there are remaining rounds of play, proceed to step S715 and set the timer area T to "1000" as a value corresponding to the period (2 seconds) during which the variable winning device 65 will remain closed and wait for the start of the next round of play.

[0236] In step S716, a close command is set to notify the performance control device 143 that the variable winning device 65 has been closed (the round of play has ended), and then the large winning opening opening and closing process is terminated. The set close command is sent to the performance control device 143 in step S303 in the normal process (FIG. 14).

[0237] If the above step S714 judges positive (if the value of the round counter area RC is 0), that is, if the final round of the open / close execution mode has ended, the process proceeds to step S717, where the ending start process is executed. In this start process, an ending period is set during which the variable winning device 65 is kept in the closed state and waits for the start of the next game round (the first game round after the open / close execution mode has ended). In step S718, an ending command is set to notify the performance control device 143 of the start of the ending and the ending period, and then this large winning port open / close process is terminated. The set ending command is sent to the performance control device 143 in step S303 in the normal process (FIG. 14).

[0238] Returning to the explanation of the game state transition process (FIG. 16), after the large prize opening / closing process of step S610 is executed, it is determined in step S611 whether the value of the round counter area RC is "0." If the value of the round counter area RC is not "0," this game state transition process is terminated as it is in order to continue the opening / closing execution mode.

[0239] If the value of the round counter area RC is "0", the process proceeds to step S612, where it is determined whether the ending has ended (whether the ending period has elapsed). If the ending has not ended, the game state transition process is terminated in order to continue the ending.

[0240] If the ending has ended, proceed to step S613 and execute the transition process at the end of the opening and closing execution mode. In the transition process at the end of the opening and closing execution mode, the winning / losing lottery mode and the support mode after the opening and closing execution mode are set. Specifically, if the trigger for this opening and closing execution mode was a guaranteed big win result, the game state will transition to a high probability mode and a high frequency support mode after the opening and closing execution mode ends, and if the trigger is a normal big win result, the game state will transition to a low probability mode and a limited number of low frequency support mode after the opening and closing execution mode ends.

[0241] In step S614, a process for ending the round display is executed. In this process, the round display section in the special image display section 43 is controlled so that the round display section is turned off.

[0242] In step S615, the end process of the opening and closing execution mode is executed, and then, the game state transition process is terminated. In the end process of the opening and closing execution mode, the type flag and the opening and closing execution mode flag stored in the various flag storage area 314e are deleted.

[0243] <Dispense status detection process> Next, the dispensing state detection process executed by the dispensing control device 181 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 18. This process is periodically started by the dispensing control device 181 at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 2 msec).

[0244] In the payout state detection process, first, in step S801, it is determined whether or not the prize ball completion state has been detected. Specifically, it is confirmed that the game balls corresponding to the number of prize balls in the prize ball command received from the main control device 162 have been paid out from the payout device 222 (payout has been completed). Note that the payout device 222 is provided with a payout detection sensor that individually detects the game balls sent downstream, and it is confirmed that the payout has been completed based on the output result of the payout detection sensor.

[0245] If the prize ball completion state is detected, the process proceeds to step S802, and a prize ball completion command is set as a transmission target to the main control device 162. The prize ball completion command is for notifying the main control device 162 that the payout of the number of prize balls specified by the prize ball command from the main control device 162 has been completed.

[0246] After execution of step S802 or if a negative judgment is made in step S801, in step S803, it is judged whether or not there is no ball in the tank based on the detection result of the no-ball detection sensor 82b. If there is no ball in the tank, the process proceeds to step S804, and a no-ball in the tank command is set as a target for transmission to the main control device 162. The no-ball in the tank command is intended to notify the main control device 162 that the amount of game balls stored in the tank 221 is insufficient, in other words, that there is a shortage of game balls to be sent to the payout device 222.

[0247] When the main control device 162 receives a tank ball-free command from the payout control device 181, it sets a ball-free error command as a command to be sent to the performance control device 143. The ball-free error command is a command for notifying the performance control device 143 that the tank 221 is in a ball-free state and a ball-free error has occurred. When the performance control device 143 receives a ball-free error command, it controls the display of a ball-free error image on the pattern display device 75 to notify the user that a ball-free error has occurred, and the output of a ball-free error sound from the speaker unit 29 to notify the user of the error by voice.

[0248] After execution of step S804 or if a negative judgment is made in step S803 (if the tank ball is not in a non-existent state), the process proceeds to step S805, where it is judged whether the lower tray is full or not based on the detection result of the fullness detection sensor 82a. If the lower tray is full, the process proceeds to step S806, where a lower tray full command is set as a transmission target to the main control device 162. The lower tray full command is intended to notify the main control device 162 that the lower tray 34 is full, in other words, that game balls cannot be sent from the payout device 222 to the lower tray 34 and prize balls cannot be paid out.

[0249] When the main control device 162 receives a lower tray full command from the payout control device 181, it sets a full error command as a target for transmission to the presentation control device 143. The full error command is a command for notifying the presentation control device 143 that the amount of game balls stored in the lower tray 34 has reached a full state and that the player should be prompted to remove balls from the lower tray 34. When the presentation control device 143 receives a full error command, it controls so that a full error image is displayed on the pattern display device 75 to notify the player that a full error has occurred and to prompt the player to remove balls from the lower tray 34, and a full error sound is output from the speaker unit 29 to notify the player by voice.

[0250] After step S806 is executed or if a negative judgment is made in step S805 (the lower tray is not full), the dispensing status detection process is terminated.

[0251] <Electrical configuration of the performance control device 143 and the display control device 350> The electrical configuration of the performance control device 143 and the display control device 350 will be described below with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

[0252] The performance control board 341 provided in the performance control device 143 is equipped with an MPU 342. The MPU 342 includes a ROM 343 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the MPU 342, a RAM 344 ​​that is a memory for temporarily storing various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 343 are executed, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, and the like.

[0253] The MPU 342 is provided with an input port and an output port. The main control device 162 is connected to the input side of the MPU 342. From the main control device 162, various commands are received, such as hold display control commands such as a shift command and a hold command, game number control commands such as a fluctuation start command, a type command, and a fluctuation end command, and opening / closing execution mode commands such as an opening command and an ending command.

[0254] As already explained, the output side of the MPU 342 is connected to the lamp units 26 to 28, speaker unit 29, and jack unit 37 provided on the front door frame 14, as well as to the display control device 350.

[0255] The input side of the MPU 342 is connected to the performance operation unit 36 ​​provided on the front door frame 14. The performance operation unit 36 ​​is provided with a detection sensor that detects the operation of the performance operation unit 36, and detection information (detection signal) from the detection sensor is input. The MPU 342 determines whether the performance operation unit 36 ​​has been operated based on the detection information, and determines the type of operation that has been performed.

[0256] The display control device 350 includes a display control board 351 on which an MPU 372 in which a program ROM 373 and a work RAM 374 are integrated into a chip, a video display processor (VDP) 375, a character ROM 376, and a video RAM 377 are mounted.

[0257] The MPU 372 analyzes the commands received from the performance control device 143 or performs a predetermined calculation process based on the received commands, and controls the VDP 375 (specifically, generates internal commands for the VDP 375).

[0258] The program ROM 373 is a memory for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 372 and fixed value data, and also stores and holds JPEG format image data for the background image.

[0259] The work RAM 374 is a memory for temporarily storing work data, flags, etc. used when various programs are executed by the MPU 372. The work data, flags, etc. are stored in various areas of the work RAM 374.

[0260] The VDP375 is a kind of drawing circuit that directly operates an image processing device as a liquid crystal display driver built into the pattern display device 75. The VDP375 is also called a "drawing chip" because it is made into an IC chip, and its actual form should be described as a microcomputer chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP375 mediates data reading and writing by adjusting the timing of the MPU372, video RAM377, etc., and reads image data to be stored in the video RAM377 from the character ROM376 at a predetermined timing and displays it on the pattern display device 75.

[0261] The character ROM 376 serves as an image data library for storing character data such as designs to be displayed on the design display device 75. The character ROM 376 holds bitmap format image data of various display designs, a color palette table to be referenced when determining the color to be displayed at each dot of the bitmap image, and the like.

[0262] It is also possible to provide a plurality of character ROMs 376 and store image data and the like in each of the character ROMs 376. It is also possible to configure the character ROM 376 to store the JPEG format image data for the background image stored in the program ROM 373.

[0263] The video RAM 377 is a memory for storing display data to be displayed on the pattern display device 75, and the display contents of the pattern display device 75 are changed by rewriting the contents of the video RAM 377.

[0264] Next, the configuration of the performance control device 143 relating to audio output control will be described with reference to FIG.

[0265] A sound IC 83 for controlling the output of sound (audio) is connected to the MPU 342 of the performance control device 143. The sound IC 83 outputs a sound signal of the sound to be output based on the designation from the MPU 312. In this embodiment, for example, four speakers consisting of an upper right speaker, a lower right speaker, an upper left speaker, and a lower left speaker are mounted as the speaker unit 29, and four channels are set as the sound output channels. Correspondingly, the sound IC 83 outputs sound signals for four channels.

[0266] The number of output channels is not limited to four, but may be five or more, or may be three or less.

[0267] The ROM 343 of the MPU 342 is provided with a sound data storage area 84 in which a plurality of sound data are stored. As shown in FIG. 21(a), each sound data includes unique identification information assigned to each sound data, sound source data that is a sound source, volume information that specifies a reference volume when the sound source is output, and channel information that specifies an output channel. As the sound source data, sound source data of effect sounds such as fluctuation sounds and reach occurrence sounds, in addition to error sounds such as a fraud detection sound and a no-ball error sound, are stored. The fluctuation sounds are output in response to the execution of a game round (variable display) and are background sounds during the variable display. The reach occurrence sound is output in response to the execution of a reach display and is, for example, a sound such as "reach".

[0268] In addition, the ROM 343 is provided with a sound data table storage area 85 in which a sound data table is stored. As shown in Fig. 21(b), in the sound data table, address information indicating a storage area (an address in the ROM 343) of each sound data is stored in association with identification information assigned to each sound data.

[0269] It should be noted that the item "sound type" in FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b) is added for convenience, and is not stored in the sound data storage area 84 or the sound data table storage area 85.

[0270] As shown in Fig. 20, the RAM 344 ​​of the MPU 342 is provided with a playback sound data storage area 86 as an area for storing sound data to be played back (output). As shown in Fig. 21(c), the playback sound data storage area 86 is provided with a plurality of channel corresponding areas 86a to 86n, and the number of these channel corresponding areas 86a to 86n is set at least according to the number of output channels of the sound IC 83 (4 channels in this embodiment).

[0271] When outputting, for example, a no-ball error sound (FIG. 21(a)) as an output sound, the MPU 342 refers to the sound data table (FIG. 21(b)) stored in the sound data table storage area 85 of the ROM 343 to determine the address at which the sound data for the no-ball error sound is stored. Then, based on the determined address, the MPU 342 reads out the sound data for the no-ball error sound from the sound data storage area 84 of the ROM 343 and writes it into the playback sound data storage area 86 of the RAM 344.

[0272] At this time, if the sound data is set to output, for example, a no-ball error sound on channel 1 and channel 2, the sound data of the no-ball error sound read from the sound data storage area 84 of the ROM 343 is written to the channel corresponding area 86a for channel 1 and the channel corresponding area 86a for channel 2 in the playback sound data storage area 86. After that, an output instruction signal to output sound is sent to the sound IC 83, along with address information indicating the address where the sound data of the no-ball error sound is stored (an address in the RAM 344).

[0273] The processing of the MPU 342 regarding the output of the no-ball error sound is executed when a no-ball error command is received from the main control device 162. When an output instruction is given from the MPU 342 in this way, the sound IC 83 operates to output a sound signal to be output from the speaker unit 29 based on the instruction.

[0274] Here, the sound output process executed by the sound IC 83 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 22. This process is periodically started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 10 msec).

[0275] In step S901, it is determined whether or not an output instruction signal has been received from the MPU 342. If an output instruction signal has been received, in step S902, sound data of the voice to be output is acquired. Specifically, the address where the sound data is stored (the address of the playback sound data storage area 86 of the RAM 344) is identified based on the address information transmitted from the MPU 342, and the sound data is read from the area indicated by the address.

[0276] In step S903, the identification information included in the acquired sound data is grasped, and in step S4904, the sound source data included in the acquired sound data is played. In step S905, the volume of the sound to be output is set based on the sound data acquired in step S902. The volume set in this case is a reference volume that is preset for each sound (sound source). In step S906, the sound signal of the sound that started to be played in step S904 is output via a D / A conversion unit, an amplifier unit, etc. As a result, the sound signal of the sound specified by the sound data is output from the sound IC 83.

[0277] After execution of step S906 or if a negative judgment is made in step S901 (if an output instruction signal has not been received), in step S907 it is judged whether or not an end instruction signal has been received from the MPU 342. The end instruction signal is output from the MPU 342 when the output period of the audio to be output has ended, as an instruction to end the output. When the output period of the audio has ended, the MPU 342 outputs, in addition to the end instruction signal, identification information indicating the type of audio whose output should be ended.

[0278] If an end instruction signal is received, in step S908, the reproduction and output of the sound specified by the identification information is terminated. After execution of step S908 or if a negative judgment is made in step S907 (if an end instruction signal has not been received), the sound output process is terminated.

[0279] Returning to FIG. 20, the configuration of performance control device 143 relating to audio output control will be described again.

[0280] As described above, the sound IC 83 outputs a sound signal of a sound specified by the MPU 342, and the first sound signal path 87 for transmitting the sound signal from the sound IC 83 to the speaker unit 29 is connected to the output side of the sound IC 83. The first sound signal path 87 is provided with an SP output control IC 88 that adjusts the volume of the sound signal from the sound IC 83, and the sound signal that has been volume-adjusted by the SP output control IC 88 is output to the speaker unit 29.

[0281] A first volume switch 89 and a second volume switch 90 are connected to the input side of the performance control device 143 as operation units for adjusting the volume of the sound emitted from the speaker unit 29. The first volume switch 89 is located at a position that can be operated when the game board 60 is rotated forward together with the inner frame 13, such as the surface portion (element mounting surface) of the performance control board 341, and is a volume adjustment unit provided for the purpose of being operated by hall employees. On the other hand, the second volume switch 90 is located at the front portion of the pachinko machine 10, such as the front portion of the front door frame 14 (for example, the upper bulge portion 31), so as to be exposed to the outside of the pachinko machine 10, and is a volume adjustment unit mainly for being operated by players.

[0282] The performance control device 143 is configured so that the volume adjustment signals from the volume switches 89, 90 are input to the SP output control IC 88. At that time, the volume adjustment signal may be input directly to the SP output control IC 88, or may be input to the SP output control IC 88 via the MPU 342 or the sound IC 83.

[0283] The SP output control IC 88 increases or decreases the output level of the sound signal output from the sound IC 83 according to the volume specified by the volume adjustment signal from each volume switch 89, 90, and then outputs it to the speaker unit 29. Therefore, the volume of the sound emitted from the speaker unit 29 can be changed by the hall employee operating the first volume switch 89, or by the player operating the second volume switch 90. The volume can be adjusted with each volume switch 89, 90 in five stages, for example.

[0284] For error sounds (alarm sounds) such as the tamper detection sound and no-ball error sound, no volume adjustment is performed even if the volume switches 89 and 90 are operated. In other words, when sound signals corresponding to these sounds are output to the SP output control IC 88, they are emitted from the speaker unit 29 at a predetermined fixed volume regardless of the volume settings made by the volume switches 89 and 90.

[0285] 20, a second sound signal path 93 for transmitting a sound signal from the sound IC 83 to the jack unit 37 (headphones 38) is connected to the output side of the sound IC 83. More specifically, a branch line (branch path) 92 branches off from a middle portion of a sound signal output line 91 connecting the output unit of the sound IC 83 and the input unit of the first sound signal path 87, and the second sound signal path 93 is connected to the output unit of the sound IC 83 via this branch line 92.

[0286] The branching of the branch line 92 from the sound signal output line 91 is realized by forming a wiring pattern on the circuit board so that the output wiring heading toward the input side of the second sound signal path 93 branches off from the middle of the sound signal output line 91 (the output wiring heading from the sound IC 83 to the first sound signal path 87). In this case, since there is no route switching unit such as a switch, the sound signal output from the sound IC 83 is output to both the first sound signal path 87 and the second sound signal path 93.

[0287] In this embodiment, the speaker unit 29 has four output channels, while the jack unit 37 (headphones 38) has two output channels. Therefore, the branch line 92 is configured to combine (mix) four channels of sound signals transmitted through the sound signal output line 91 into two channels. For example, if the speaker unit 29 includes an upper right speaker, a lower right speaker, an upper left speaker, and a lower left speaker, and each speaker is assigned an output channel, the wiring pattern is arranged so that the sound signal for the upper right speaker and the sound signal for the lower right speaker are combined, and the sound signal for the upper left speaker and the sound signal for the lower left speaker are combined.

[0288] The second sound signal path 93 is provided with an HP output control IC 94 that adjusts the volume of the sound signal from the sound IC 83, and the sound signal volume-adjusted by the HP output control IC 94 is output to the jack unit 37. The HP output control IC 94 receives volume adjustment signals from the volume switches 89 and 90, similar to the SP output control IC 88.

[0289] The HP output control IC 94 increases or decreases the output level of the sound signal output from the sound IC 83 according to the volume specified by the volume adjustment signal, and then outputs it to the jack section 37. Therefore, the volume of the sound emitted from the headphones 38 can be changed by the hall employee operating the first volume switch 89, or by the player operating the second volume switch 90.

[0290] As in the case of the SP output control IC 88, error sounds (alarm sounds) such as a tamper detection sound and a no-ball error sound are not subject to volume adjustment. Therefore, when a sound signal corresponding to an error sound is output to the HP output control IC 94, the sound is emitted from the headphones 38 at a predetermined fixed volume, regardless of the volume settings made by the volume switches 89 and 90.

[0291] Here, in the second sound signal path 93, an output line 95 of the sound signal from the HP output control IC 94 is not directly connected to the jack section 37, but is connected to the jack section 37 via an isolation transformer 96. In other words, the output side of the HP output control IC 94 is connected to the primary side of the isolation transformer 96, and the secondary side of the isolation transformer 96 is connected to the input side of the jack section 37.

[0292] When a sound signal is output from the HP output control IC 94 and a corresponding current flows in the primary side of the isolation transformer 96, an induced electromotive force is generated in the secondary side of the isolation transformer 96, and a current of a magnitude corresponding to the output level of the sound signal flows in the secondary side. As a result, a current of a magnitude corresponding to the output level of the sound signal also flows in the jack unit 37 connected to the secondary side of the isolation transformer 96 through the wiring 97, and a change in potential occurs, so that the sound signal output from the HP output control IC 94 is transmitted to the jack unit 37.

[0293] On the other hand, inside the isolation transformer 96, the primary side and the secondary side are each formed by a winding, and these windings are not physically connected. In other words, the primary side and the secondary side of the isolation transformer 96 are not wired and are insulated. Therefore, by interposing the isolation transformer 96 between the HP output control IC 94 and the jack section 37, it is possible to construct a transmission path that allows the flow of sound signals from the output section of the HP output control IC 94 to the input section of the jack section 37 while isolating the output section of the HP output control IC 94 and the input section of the jack section 37 in terms of wiring.

[0294] If a jack section 37 is provided on the front of the pachinko machine 10 to allow connection of headphones 38, the player can listen to the effects sounds from the pachinko machine he is playing while being less susceptible to the sounds from surrounding pachinko machines and noises in the game hall, and the effects sounds can be more easily heard, improving convenience. However, on the other hand, there is a risk that fraudulent devices will be used to target the jack section 37, and fraudulent external signals will be input into the pachinko machine 10 through the jack section 37. In other words, there is a concern that the jack section 37 will be misused to commit fraud.

[0295] In this regard, by allowing the transmission of sound signals from the output side of the HP output control IC 94 to the input side of the jack section 37 while keeping them in a wired separated state, it is possible to make it more difficult for signals to flow in the opposite direction (from the jack section 37 side to the HP output control IC 94 side) compared to when the HP output control IC 94 and the jack section 37 are directly wired. This makes it possible to prevent unauthorized external signals from being sent to the control section (e.g., MPU 342) in the pachinko machine 10 through the jack section 37.

[0296] In addition, in this embodiment, the output line 95 connecting the HP output control IC 94 and the primary side of the isolation transformer 96 is connected to the OUT terminal 94a on the HP output control IC 94 side. This OUT terminal 94a is a terminal dedicated to output, and input to the HP output control IC 94 through this terminal is restricted. Therefore, by connecting this terminal to the primary side of the isolation transformer 96, even if an unauthorized external signal input from the jack unit 37 side is transmitted to the primary side of the isolation transformer 96, the signal cannot reach beyond the output unit of the HP output control IC 94. This makes it possible to more suitably suppress the input of unauthorized external signals into the inside of the pachinko machine 10.

[0297] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a power line is not provided in the transmission path between the output section of the HP output control IC 94 and the input section of the jack section 37, and only a sound signal is transmitted through the transmission path. For example, if a power line is provided in the transmission path, power can be obtained from the power line to drive a detection circuit, etc., making it possible to electrically detect the connection of the plug section 39 to the jack section 37. However, on the other hand, when an unauthorized device is connected through the jack section 37, the power line may be misused as the operating power of the unauthorized device. In this regard, by configuring as in this embodiment, it is possible to suppress the connection of unauthorized devices and to enhance the deterrent effect against unauthorized acts.

[0298] 20, because the output channel in the second sound signal path 93 is set to two channels, two signal paths are provided from the output side of the HP output control IC 94 to the input side of the jack unit 37. One isolation transformer 96 is provided for each of the signal paths (channels).

[0299] <Jack section configuration> The configuration of the jack portion 37 will be described with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Prior to describing the jack portion 37, the configuration of the plug portion 39 inserted into the jack portion 37 will be described.

[0300] In this embodiment, the plug section 39 of the headphones 38 is configured as, for example, a three-pole plug for stereo. As shown in FIG. 23, the plug section 39 has a plug body 230 extending in a rod shape from an insulating handle 231, and a first electrode 232, a second electrode 233, and a third electrode 234 are arranged on the plug body 230 in this order from its tip end to its base end. All of these first electrodes 232 to third electrodes 234 are annular. A first insulating ring 235 is arranged between the first electrode 232 and the second electrode 233, and a second insulating ring 236 is arranged between the second electrode 233 and the third electrode 234. As a result, the first electrode 232 to the third electrode 234 are insulated from each other, and the electrodes 232 to 234 are electrically separated from each other.

[0301] The first electrode 232 to the third electrode 234 are connected to a conductor in the cable 40 on the inside thereof, and are connected via the conductor to a left HP speaker 241 and a right HP speaker 242 built into the headphones 38. More specifically, the first electrode 232 of the plug portion 39 is connected to an input terminal 241a of the left HP speaker 241, the second electrode 233 is connected to an input terminal 242a of the right HP speaker 242, and the third electrode 234 is connected to GND terminals 241b, 242b of the HP speakers 241, 242.

[0302] Next, the configuration of the jack portion 37 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0303] The jack portion 37 includes a jack body 37a having, for example, a rectangular column shape, and a plug insertion hole 251 into which the plug portion 39 can be inserted is formed on the inside. The plug insertion hole 251 opens to the outside through an opening 252 provided on the front surface of the jack body 37a.

[0304] Provided within the jack body 37a are a first contact terminal 253, a second contact terminal 254, and a third contact terminal 255, each of which has electrical conductivity. These contact terminals 253 to 255 are arranged so as to come into contact with the first electrode 232, the second electrode 233, and the third electrode 234 of the plug portion 39, respectively, when the plug portion 39 is inserted into the plug insertion hole 251.

[0305] The first contact terminal 253 is provided corresponding to the third electrode 234 of the plug portion 39, and has a circular ring terminal 256 connected to its tip. The ring terminal 256 is arranged so that the plug portion 39 passes through its inner periphery when the plug portion 39 is inserted into the plug insertion hole 251. The inner diameter of the ring terminal 256 corresponds to the outer diameter of the third electrode 234 in the plug portion 39, and specifically, is slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the third electrode 234.

[0306] The second contact terminal 254 is provided corresponding to the second electrode 233 of the plug portion 39, and is arranged to extend from the rear to the front of the jack body 37a. A contact portion 254a is formed at the tip of the second contact terminal 254 so as to protrude toward the plug insertion hole 251, and the contact portion 254a is formed at a position in the insertion direction of the plug portion 39 where it comes into contact with the second electrode 233 when the plug portion 39 is inserted. The second contact terminal 254 is arranged so that the contact portion 254a faces the inside of the plug insertion hole 251 when the plug portion 39 is not inserted.

[0307] The third contact terminal 255 is provided corresponding to the first electrode 232 of the plug portion 39, and is arranged to extend from the rear to the front of the jack body 37a. A contact portion 255a is formed at the tip of the third contact terminal 255 so as to protrude toward the plug insertion hole 251, and the contact portion 255a is formed at a position in the insertion direction of the plug portion 39 where it comes into contact with the first electrode 232 when the plug portion 39 is inserted. The third contact terminal 255 is arranged so that the contact portion 255a faces the inside of the plug insertion hole 251 when the plug portion 39 is not inserted.

[0308] A first ground terminal 257 and a second ground terminal 258 are provided between the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255 at the rear of the jack body 37a. Each of these ground terminals 257, 258 is connected to earth and has a fixed potential at the ground potential. Each of the ground terminals 257, 258 is formed with a length that does not allow it to come into contact with the plug portion 39 when the plug portion 39 is inserted, and has protrusions 257a, 258a at its tip that protrude toward the second contact terminal 254 side and the third contact terminal 255 side, respectively.

[0309] In the jack body 37a, the second contact terminal 254 is biased toward the first ground terminal 257 by the first return spring 261, and the third contact terminal 255 is biased toward the second ground terminal 258 by the second return spring 262. Therefore, when the plug portion 39 is not inserted, the second contact terminal 254 abuts against the protruding portion 257a of the first ground terminal 257, and the third contact terminal 255 abuts against the protruding portion 258a of the second ground terminal 258.

[0310] The first to third contact terminals 253 to 255, the first ground terminal 257, and the second ground terminal 258 are formed by press molding a metal plate or the like.

[0311] Next, the state of the jack portion 37 when the plug portion 39 is inserted or removed will be described.

[0312] 24(a), in a state where the plug portion 39 is not inserted, the second contact terminal 254 abuts against the protruding portion 257a of the first ground terminal 257, and the third contact terminal 255 abuts against the protruding portion 258a of the second ground terminal 258. As a result, the potential of the second contact terminal 254 is set to the ground potential through the first ground terminal 257, and the potential of the third contact terminal 255 is set to the ground potential through the second ground terminal 258.

[0313] Moreover, first contact terminal 253 is connected to one of a pair of output terminals of the secondary winding of isolation transformer 96. Moreover, the other output terminal is connected to third contact terminal 255 of jack portion 37. Therefore, first contact terminal 253 is in a state of conduction with third contact terminal 255 through the secondary winding of isolation transformer 96, and thus the potential of first contact terminal 253 is set to the ground potential.

[0314] When the plug portion 39 is inserted into the jack portion 37 in this state, the plug portion 39 (plug body 230) comes into contact with the contact portion 254a of the second contact terminal 254 as the plug portion 39 is inserted into the plug insertion hole 251 toward the rear side of the jack portion 37. Thereafter, as the plug portion 39 is inserted further toward the rear side, the second contact terminal 254 is pushed outward by the plug portion 39. Then, as shown in FIG. 24(b), when the plug portion 39 is inserted to a predetermined insertion position, the contact portion 254a of the second contact terminal 254 comes into contact with the second electrode 233 of the plug portion 39 and they are conductive, while the second contact terminal 254 is separated from the protrusion 257a of the first ground terminal 257.

[0315] Similarly, with respect to the third contact terminal 255, as the plug portion 39 is inserted, the plug portion 39 abuts against the contact portion 255a, and then, as the plug portion 39 is inserted further inward, the third contact terminal 255 is pushed outward. Then, when the plug portion 39 is inserted to a predetermined insertion position, the contact portion 255a of the third contact terminal 255 comes into contact with the first electrode 232 of the plug portion 39 and they are conductive, while the third contact terminal 255 is separated from the protrusion 258a of the second ground terminal 258.

[0316] Similarly, with respect to the first contact terminal 253 , the inner periphery of the ring terminal 256 comes into contact with the third electrode 234 of the plug portion 39 , and thus the first contact terminal 253 is electrically connected to the third electrode 234 .

[0317] As a result, the electrodes 232-234 of the plug section 39 are connected to the secondary side of the insulating transformer in the second sound signal path 93. More specifically, the secondary side of the insulating transformer provided in the signal path for the left channel is connected to the first electrode 232 and the third electrode 234 of the plug section 39, and the secondary side of the insulating transformer provided in the signal path for the right channel is connected to the second electrode 233 and the third electrode 234 of the plug section 39. In this state, a sound signal is output from the HP output control IC 94 toward the primary side of the insulating transformer, whereby the sound signal is transmitted to the electrodes 232-234 of the plug section 39, and sound is emitted from the headphones 38.

[0318] When the plug portion 39 is pulled out from the inserted state as described above, the pressing force of the plug portion 39 on the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255 is gradually released as the plug portion 39 retreats within the plug insertion hole 251, and the terminals 254, 255 that were pushed outward return to their inward positions. At this time, since the return springs 261, 262 apply a biasing force in the return direction to each of the contact terminals 254, 255, each of the contact terminals 254, 255 smoothly returns to its original position.

[0319] Then, at the time when the entire plug portion 39 is pulled out from the plug insertion hole 251, as shown in FIG. 24(a), the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255 are completely returned to their original positions (positions before plug insertion), and the contact terminals 254, 255 are in contact with the protrusions 257a, 258a of the ground terminals 257, 258. As a result, the potentials of the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255 are set to the ground potential. The potential of the first contact terminal 253 is also set to the ground potential through the secondary side of the insulating transformer and the third contact terminal 255 as described above. That is, in this embodiment, the potentials of the contact terminals 253-255 connected to the electrodes 232-234 of the plug portion 39 when the plug portion 39 is inserted are all fixed to the ground potential when the plug portion 39 is not inserted.

[0320] As described above, by providing the jack unit 37 in the pachinko machine 10, it is possible to improve the convenience of the player, but on the other hand, there is a risk that the jack unit 37 may be targeted as a target for fraudulent activities. In that case, if the potential of each of the contact terminals 253-255 in the jack unit 37 is indefinite and the terminals 253-255 are in an electrically floating state, there is a concern that the terminals 253-255 may be easily used to input fraudulent signals. In this regard, by fixing the potential of each of the contact terminals 253-255 to the ground potential, even if a fraudulent external signal is supplied to the terminals 253-255, the signal can be prevented from being transmitted inside the pachinko machine 10.

[0321] It should be noted that the internal structure of jack portion 37 shown in FIG. 24 is merely one example, and other structures may be used as long as they can ground contact terminals 253-255 in jack portion 37 and fix their potentials to the ground potential when plug portion 39 is not inserted (in other words, when headphones 38 are not being used).

[0322] <Configuration for the Pachinko Machine 10 to Recognize the Connection of the Headphones 38> As described above, in this embodiment, the flow of signals in the opposite direction to the original output direction (the direction from the jack unit 37 to the MPU 342) is restricted in the second sound signal path 93 for transmitting sound signals to the jack unit 37. This prevents an unauthorized external signal from reaching, for example, the MPU 342, even if the signal is sent through the jack unit 37.

[0323] However, in this case, since the reverse flow is restricted not only for unauthorized external signals but also for all signals flowing through the second sound signal path 93, even if an attempt is made to detect a potential change when the plug portion 39 is inserted or removed and output the detection signal to the MPU 342 side, this cannot be done on the second sound signal path 93. In other words, it becomes difficult for the pachinko machine 10 to recognize the connection or disconnection of the headphones 38.

[0324] Therefore, in this embodiment, even in such a case, a configuration is devised so that the pachinko machine 10 can recognize the above connection and release. Hereinafter, the configuration will be described with reference to Figs. 20 and 25.

[0325] As shown in Fig. 25, a plate-shaped cover part 271 capable of covering the jack part 37 from the front of the pachinko machine is provided in the arrangement area of ​​the jack part 37 on the front part (front side wall part 14a) of the front door frame 14. The cover part 271 is supported so as to be able to slide in the vertical direction, and the opening part 252 of the jack part 37 is opened and closed by the vertical movement of the cover part 271. More specifically, the vertical positions of the cover part 271 are set so that, as shown in Fig. 25(a), the cover part 271 is in a closed state in which the entire opening part 252 is covered from the front of the pachinko machine at the lower end position (normal position), and, as shown in Fig. 25(b), the cover part 271 is in an open state in which the entire opening part 252 is exposed at the upper end position (raised position) of the cover part 271.

[0326] When the cover portion 271 is in the lower end position, the opening 252 of the jack portion 37 is closed by the cover portion 271, restricting insertion of the plug portion 39, whereas when the cover portion 271 is in the upper end position, the opening 252 is opened to an extent that the plug portion 39 can be inserted, allowing insertion of the plug portion 39. In other words, the cover portion 271 switches between the connection and disconnection of the plug portion 39 to the jack portion 37 by moving between the upper end position and the lower end position.

[0327] A finger hook 277 that protrudes forward is provided on the front surface of the cover portion 271. By hooking a finger on this finger hook 277 and lifting the cover portion 271, the cover portion 271 can be moved to the upper end position.

[0328] At least a part of the cover portion 271 is transparent or semi-transparent (has translucency), so that when the cover portion 271 covers the jack portion 37 (closed state), the jack portion 37 at the rear can be seen through the cover portion 271. With this configuration, even when the jack portion 37 is covered by the cover portion 271, the player can easily notice the presence of the jack portion 37, and it is possible to encourage active use of the jack portion 37.

[0329] A protruding piece 272 is provided on the back surface of the cover portion 271 so as to protrude toward the rear side of the pachinko machine. The protruding piece 272 protrudes so that a tip portion 272a thereof is positioned rearward of the back surface of the front side wall portion 14a.

[0330] A detector 273 for detecting whether the cover 271 is open or closed is provided on the rear surface side of the front sidewall 14a. The detector 273 is, for example, a photosensor in which a light emitting section and a light receiving section are arranged opposite each other, and its position is determined according to the protruding piece 272 that moves integrally with the cover 271. Specifically, the position of the detector 273 is set so that the protruding piece 272 fits between the light emitting section and the light receiving section when the cover 271 moves to the upper end position. In this configuration, the light path between the light emitting section and the light receiving section is blocked by the protruding piece 272 at the upper end position of the cover 271, while the light path is not blocked at other positions, so that it is possible to detect that the cover 271 is in the open state.

[0331] The detection unit 273 is electrically connected to the MPU 342 by a wiring 274 that is separate from the second sound signal path 93, and the detection signal DS from the detection unit 273 is output to the MPU 342 through the wiring 274. This enables the MPU 342 to recognize that the cover unit 271 is in the open state.

[0332] In addition, a supply of driving power (power source) is required to operate the detection unit 273, but the supply path (power source line) for this purpose is secured by an independent wiring separate from the second sound signal path 93. This wiring passes through the inside of the pachinko machine 10, and is made impossible or difficult to access from the outside. Therefore, in the case where an illegal device is planted targeting the jack portion 37, it is possible to prevent the driving power for operating the detection unit 273 from being misused as a power source for the illegal device.

[0333] In this embodiment, the MPU 342 can recognize that the cover portion 271 has been switched from the closed state to the open state without using the second sound signal path 93. In order to insert the plug portion 39 into the jack portion 37, the player needs to move the cover portion 271 upward to expose the jack portion 37 (opening 252). Therefore, the detection of the switch of the cover portion 271 to the open state can substitute for the detection of the connection of the plug portion 39 to the jack portion 37. Therefore, even if the second sound signal path 93 is configured to restrict signal transmission in the reverse direction, when the plug portion 39 is connected to the jack portion 37, the pachinko machine 10 can grasp that fact.

[0334] Here, on the back side of the front side wall 14a, a biasing member 275 such as a coil spring is stretched between the cover portion 271 and the front side wall 14a, and the cover portion 271 is biased in the closing direction by the biasing member 275. Therefore, when the plug portion 39 is removed from the jack portion 37, the cover portion 271 can be automatically closed in association with the removal of the plug portion 39 without the player having to move the cover portion 271 by hand.

[0335] This prevents the cover portion 271 from remaining in the open state (the jack portion 37 is exposed) after the jack portion 37 is used. This allows the detection of the open state by the detection portion 273 to be terminated in response to the removal of the plug portion 39, and ultimately allows the MPU 342 (the pachinko machine 10) to grasp that the plug portion 39 has been removed.

[0336] <About mute control> As described above, the pachinko machine 10 can recognize that the cover portion 271 is in the open state based on the detection signal DS of the detection portion 273, in other words, that the plug portion 39 is connected to the jack portion 37. By utilizing this, the volume of the sound emitted from the speaker portion 29 is reduced when the plug portion 39 is connected to the jack portion 37 (when the headphones 38 are used). The configuration for this purpose will be described below with reference to Figs. 20, 26 to 28.

[0337] 20, a mute signal MT is output from the output section of the MPU 342, and this mute signal MT is input to an SP output control IC 88 of a first sound signal path 87 (path for transmitting a sound signal to the speaker section 29). The mute signal MT is an instruction signal for reducing the volume (output level) of the sound signal.

[0338] <Mute control process> Next, the mute control process executed by the MPU 342 will be described with reference to Fig. 26. The mute control process is for reducing the volume of the sound emitted from the speaker unit 29, and is periodically started at a predetermined cycle (for example, 2 msec).

[0339] In the mute control process, first, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not a temporary release flag is set in the various flags storage area 344a of the RAM 344. The temporary release flag will be described in detail later.

[0340] If the temporary release flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S1102, where it is determined whether or not a mute flag is set in the various flag storage area 344a. The mute flag is a flag for the MPU 342 to grasp that a mute process is being performed, i.e., the volume of the sound emitted from the speaker unit 29 is being reduced.

[0341] If the mute flag is not set, that is, if the mute process is not being executed, in step S1103, it is determined whether or not the cover unit 271 is open. This determination is made by referring to the detection signal DS output from the detection unit 273.

[0342] If the cover portion 271 is in the open state, it is presumed that the plug portion 39 is connected to the jack portion 37, and in step S1104, the mute signal MT output to the SP output control IC 88 is set to the ON state. In response to this, the SP output control IC 88 reduces the volume level (output level) of the sound signal output from the sound IC 83 to a predetermined level, regardless of the volume adjustment signals from the first volume switch 89 and the second volume switch 90. More specifically, the volume level of the sound signal is set to 0 level, so that no sound is emitted from the speaker portion 29.

[0343] When the mute process is executed, volume information indicating the volume setting value at that time (based on the volume adjustment signal from each of the volume switches 89 and 90) is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 344. This is a process for restoring the original volume when the mute process is released.

[0344] The sound signal from the sound IC 83 is output not only to the SP output control IC 88 but also to the HP output control IC 94 on the second sound signal path 93 (path for transmitting the sound signal to the jack unit 37), but the above-mentioned muting process is not performed in the HP output control IC 94. Therefore, while the muting process is performed on the sound signal to the speaker unit 29, the sound signal whose volume has been adjusted according to the volume adjustment signal from each volume switch 89, 90 is output to the jack unit 37.

[0345] In step S1105, a mute flag is set in the various flag storage area 344a, so that the execution of the mute process can be recognized by the MPU 342. After execution of step S1105 or if a negative decision is made in step S1103 (the cover unit 271 is not in the open state), the mute control process ends.

[0346] If the answer is YES in step S1102 (the mute flag is set and the mute process is in progress), the process proceeds to step S1106, where it is determined whether the sound to be output is an error sound. Specifically, it is determined whether the sound signal to be output in this sound output process is a fraud detection sound, a no-ball error sound, or a full-bowl error sound.

[0347] If the sound to be output is not an error sound, in step S1107, it is determined whether or not the cover unit 271 is in a closed state, in other words, whether or not the open state of the cover unit 271 has not been detected. If the cover unit 271 is in a closed state, it is presumed that the plug unit 39 has been removed from the jack unit 37, and in step S1108, the mute signal MT output to the SP output control IC 88 is turned off. In response to this, the SP output control IC 88 cancels the mute process for the sound signal and sets the volume based on the volume information stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 344. As a result, the speaker unit 29 emits sound at the volume before the execution of the mute process.

[0348] At this time, an audio signal is also output from the HP output control IC 94, but when the plug portion 39 is not inserted, the potential of each contact terminal 253 to 255 of the jack portion 37 and the secondary side of the isolation transformer 96 are fixed to the ground potential, so that no audio signal is transmitted to the jack portion 37.

[0349] In step S1109, the mute flag set in the various flag storage area 344a is cleared, allowing the MPU 342 to grasp that the mute process is not being executed. After execution of step S1109 or if a negative judgment is made in step S1107 (the cover part 271 is not in the closed state), the mute control process is terminated.

[0350] If the determination in step S1106 is affirmative (the sound to be output is an error sound), the process proceeds to step S1110, where the mute signal MT output to the SP output control IC 88 is turned off. That is, even if the plug unit 39 is connected to the jack unit 37 (the headphones 38 are in use), if an error sound is to be output, the mute state is temporarily released so that the error sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29. In this case, the error sound is output from both the speaker unit 29 and the headphones 38.

[0351] In step S1111, a temporary release flag is set in the various flag storage area 344a. The temporary release flag is for the MPU 342 to know that the mute process has been released because the sound to be output is an error sound. After step S1111 is executed, the mute control process ends.

[0352] If the answer is YES in step S1101 (if the temporary release flag is set), temporary release processing is executed in step S1112, and then the mute control processing ends. Here, the temporary release processing in step S1112 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0353] In the temporary release process, first in step S1201, it is determined whether or not the output of the error sound has ended. If the output of the error sound has ended, in step S1202, the mute signal MT output to the SP output control IC 88 is set to the ON state. This restarts the mute process, and prevents sound from being emitted from the speaker unit 29 again.

[0354] In step S1203, the temporary release flag set in the various flag storage area 344a is cleared, and then the temporary release process is terminated. In this case, since the mute flag remains set, the MPU 342 recognizes that the mute process is being executed.

[0355] If a negative judgment is made in step S1201 (output of the error sound has not ended), then in step S1204 it is judged whether or not cover unit 271 is in the closed state. If cover unit 271 is in the closed state, this means that plug unit 39 has been removed from jack unit 37 while the mute process is being temporarily released.

[0356] In this case, the process proceeds to step S1205, where the mute flag and temporary release flag set in the various flag storage area 344a are cleared. As a result, even after the output of the error sound has ended, the mute process is not resumed, and sound continues to be emitted from speaker unit 29. After step S1205 is executed or if a negative decision is made in step S1204 (cover unit 271 is not in the closed state), the mute control process ends.

[0357] <Mute process flow> Next, the flow of the muting process will be described with reference to Fig. 28. Here, the description will be given assuming that the initial state is a state in which the plug portion 39 is not connected to the jack portion 37 and the cover portion 271 is closed.

[0358] When the cover 271 is in the closed state at timing t1, the MPU 342 determines that the plug 39 is not connected to the jack 37, and turns off the mute signal MT to the SP output control IC 88 of the first sound signal path 87 (path for transmitting a sound signal to the speaker 29) (FIGS. 29(a) and (b)). In this case, a sound signal of a volume level according to the volume adjustment signal from the first volume switch 89 and the second volume switch 90 is output from the SP output control IC 88, and sound is emitted from the speaker 29 (FIG. 29(d)).

[0359] At this time, the sound signal from the sound IC 83 is also input to the HP output control IC 94 on the second sound signal path 93 (path for transmitting the sound signal to the jack section 37). Since the HP output control IC 94 does not execute muting processing, the HP output control IC 94 outputs a sound signal at a volume level corresponding to the volume adjustment signals from the volume switches 89, 90. However, when the plug section 39 is not connected to the jack section 37, no sound corresponding to the sound signal is emitted.

[0360] At timing t2, when the cover 271 is switched to the open state (FIG. 29(a)), the MPU 342 detects this based on the detection signal DS output from the detection unit 273. In this case, the MPU 342 determines that the plug 39 is connected to the jack 37, and switches the mute signal MT for the SP output control IC 88 to the ON state (FIG. 29(b)).

[0361] In response to this, the SP output control IC 88 executes muting processing on the sound signal, reducing the volume level (output level) of the sound signal to 0 level regardless of the volume adjustment signals from the volume switches 89, 90 (Fig. 29(d)). As a result, no sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29. On the other hand, since the HP output control IC 94 outputs a sound signal at a volume level corresponding to the volume adjustment signals from the volume switches 89, 90, the sound signal is output to the headphones 38 via the jack unit 37, and sound is emitted from the headphones 38 (Fig. 29(e)).

[0362] In this way, when it is detected that the cover portion 271 has been switched to the open state, the sound signal outputted to the jack portion 37 is outputted at a volume level that the player can hear, while the sound signal outputted to the speaker portion 29 is muted to reduce the volume of the sound emitted from the speaker portion 29. This allows the player playing the pachinko machine 10 to which the headphones 38 are connected to hear the sound effects and the like through the headphones 38, while the sound emitted from the pachinko machine 10 is reduced or eliminated for the surroundings, thereby contributing to a reduction in the noise level in the game hall.

[0363] At timing t3 when the mute process is being executed, if a sound signal corresponding to an error sound is to be output, the MPU 342 switches the mute signal MT to the SP output control IC 88 to the OFF state (FIGS. 29(b) and 29(c)). In response to this, the SP output control IC 88 cancels the mute process for the sound signal and outputs the sound signal corresponding to the error sound at a predetermined volume level. This causes the error sound to be emitted from the speaker unit 29.

[0364] At this time, when the headphones 38 are connected to the jack unit 37, the headphone output control IC 94 also outputs a sound signal corresponding to the error sound at the above-mentioned predetermined volume level, so that the error sound is also emitted from the headphones 38. In other words, when the error sound is outputted while the headphones 38 are connected, the error sound is controlled to be emitted from both the speaker unit 29 and the headphones 38.

[0365] For example, in the case where a cheating detection sound is output as an error sound, if the cheating detection sound is output only from headphones 38 because headphones 38 are connected, the cheating detection sound cannot be heard by surrounding players or hall employees, which may lead to the risk of the jack unit 37 being misused for cheating. In this regard, by configuring the device to cancel the mute state when the output sound is the cheating detection sound, it is possible to quickly notify surrounding players and hall employees that cheating has been detected, and it is possible to suitably prevent delays in discovering cheating.

[0366] As another example, if a no-ball error sound is output when headphones 38 are connected, and the no-ball error sound is configured to be emitted only from headphones 38, for example, if a player is not wearing headphones 38, the no-ball error sound cannot be heard, and the player may not notice the occurrence of a no-ball state, which may cause problems in playing the game. In this regard, by emitting the no-ball error sound from speaker unit 29, the error sound can be heard even if the player is not wearing headphones 38, making it possible for the player to quickly recognize the occurrence of a no-ball state.

[0367] Furthermore, when a full-ton error sound is output, the full-ton error sound is emitted not only from the headphones 38 but also from the speaker unit 29, thereby encouraging the player to remove the balls even if the player is not wearing the headphones 38, and preventing the full state from being left unattended for a long period of time.

[0368] When an error sound is emitted from both the speaker unit 29 and the headphones 38, the volume levels of the sounds may be the same or different. In order to protect the ears when using the headphones 38, it is preferable that the volume level of the error sound from the headphones 38 is lower than the volume level of the error sound from the speaker unit 29.

[0369] In the above case, the error sound from the speaker unit 29 is emitted at the same volume level as when the headphones 38 are not connected. With this configuration, for example, when the error sound is a fraud detection sound, it is possible to issue a warning to a fraudster at the same level regardless of whether the headphones 38 are connected or not, and to appropriately draw the attention of surrounding players and hall employees to the pachinko machine 10.

[0370] After that, at timing t4, when the error state is resolved and the output of the sound signal corresponding to the error sound is terminated (Fig. 29(c)), the MPU 342 switches the mute signal MT to the SP output control IC 88 to the ON state (Fig. 29(b)). This reduces the volume level of the sound signal output from the SP output control IC 88, and no sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29. At this time, the HP output control IC 94 outputs a sound signal with a volume level corresponding to the volume adjustment signals from each volume switch 89, 90 (Fig. 29(e)), so that the player can hear the sounds, such as performance sounds, emitted from the pachinko machine 10 through the headphones 38.

[0371] Then, at timing t5, when the cover 271 is switched to the closed state (FIG. 29(a)), the MPU 342 detects this based on the detection signal DS output from the detection unit 273. In this case, the MPU 342 determines that the plug 39 (headphones 38) has been removed from the jack 37, and switches the mute signal MT for the SP output control IC 88 to the OFF state (FIG. 29(b)).

[0372] As a result, the mute process for the sound signal is cancelled in the SP output control IC 88, and sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29 (FIG. 29(d)). In this case, the volume of the sound signal transmitted through the SP output control IC 88 is adjusted according to the volume setting before the mute process was executed, and sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29 at the same volume level as before the plug unit 39 (headphones 38) was connected (before the mute process was executed).

[0373] According to the present embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects can be obtained.

[0374] A jack section 37 is provided on the pachinko machine 10 to allow connection of headphones 38. In this case, the player can listen to the effects sounds, etc. from the pachinko machine he or she is playing while being less affected by sounds from surrounding pachinko machines and noises in the game hall. This makes it easier to hear the effects sounds, etc. during play, improving convenience.

[0375] When the headphones 38 are connected, a muting process is executed on the sound signal to the speaker unit 29. In this case, the player playing the pachinko machine 10 can hear the performance sounds through the headphones 38, while the sound emitted from the pachinko machine 10 can be suppressed in a manner that can be heard by those around. This contributes to reducing the noise level in the game hall, and contributes to creating an environment in which each player visiting the game hall can easily play.

[0376] The sound signal output from the sound IC is configured to be output to both a first sound signal path 87 (a path for transmitting a sound signal to the speaker unit 29) and a second sound signal path 93 (a path for transmitting a sound signal to the jack unit 37).

[0377] In this case, the sound signal output from the sound IC can be made to always pass through both of the sound signal paths 87 and 93. Therefore, by simply executing a mute process on the first sound signal path 87 when the headphones 38 are connected, the volume level from the speaker unit 29 can be reduced while sound is output to the headphones 38 at a normal volume level, which simplifies the processing configuration. Also, when it is desired to switch from this state to a state in which sound is output from both the speaker unit 29 and the headphones 38 at a normal volume level, it is only necessary to cancel the mute process performed on the first sound signal path 87, which makes it easy to perform the above switching.

[0378] A branch line 92 is branched off from a middle portion of a sound signal output line 91 connecting the output portion of the sound IC 83 and the input portion of the first sound signal path 87, and this branch line 92 is connected to the input portion of the second sound signal path 93.

[0379] In this case, the sound signal from the sound IC 83 can be input to both the first sound signal path 87 and the second sound signal path 93 without increasing the number of output channels in the sound IC 83. For example, this is particularly effective in cases where a large number of channels have already been allocated to the speaker unit 29 and it is difficult to secure a channel for the jack unit 37 (headphones 38).

[0380] When the plug unit 39 is unplugged while the mute process is being performed on the sound signal to the speaker unit 29, the mute signal MT to the SP output control IC 88 is turned off, and the mute process is released.

[0381] For example, if the pachinko machine is left in this state after the mute process has started, when the next player starts playing, the player may be confused because no sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29. In this regard, by using a configuration in which the mute process is released in response to the pulling out of the plug unit 39 (switching the cover unit 271 to the closed state), the state in which sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29 can be automatically restored without the player having to manually switch the output. This prevents the pachinko machine from being left in the mute process execution state, and makes it possible to suitably prevent the occurrence of a situation that would confuse the next player.

[0382] When the headphones 38 are connected and an error sound is output while a muting process is being executed on a sound signal to the speaker unit 29, the muting process is temporarily cancelled and the error sound is output from both the speaker unit 29 and the headphones 38.

[0383] For example, if connecting headphones 38 results in a state where error sounds are not emitted from speaker unit 29, there is a risk that a cheater may exploit this. Also, when a no-ball error or full-ball error occurs in a pachinko machine, if the player does not wear headphones 38 even though headphones 38 are connected, the error sound cannot be heard, and there is a concern that the error state will be left unattended. In this regard, by configuring the speaker unit 29 to output an error sound when an error sound is to be output even when the mute process is being executed, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience.

[0384] In the second sound signal path 93 (path for transmitting a sound signal to the jack portion 37), an insulating transformer 96 is interposed between the HP output control IC 94 and the jack portion 37.

[0385] Although the provision of the jack section 37 can improve the convenience of the player, there is a risk that an illegal device may be used targeting the jack section 37, and illegal external signals may be input into the pachinko machine 10 through the jack section 37. In this regard, by interposing an insulating transformer 96 between the HP output control IC 94 and the jack section 37, it is possible to construct a transmission path that allows the flow of sound signals from the output section of the HP output control IC 94 to the input section of the jack section 37 while isolating the output section of the HP output control IC 94 from the input section of the jack section 37 in terms of wiring. In this case, it is possible to make it more difficult for signals to flow in the opposite direction compared to when the HP output control IC 94 and the jack section 37 are directly wired, and it is possible to suppress the sending of illegal external signals to the control section (e.g., MPU 342) in the pachinko machine 10.

[0386] When plug portion 39 is not attached to jack portion 37, the potential of contact terminals 253 to 255 of jack portion 37 is fixed to the ground potential.

[0387] There is a concern that the jack section 37 may be targeted as a target for fraudulent activities, and in that case, if the contact terminals 253-255 in the jack section 37 are in an electrically floating state, those terminals 253-255 may be easily used to input fraudulent signals. In this regard, by fixing the potential of each of the contact terminals 253-255 to the ground potential, even if fraudulent external signals are supplied to those terminals 253-255, the signals can be prevented from being transmitted inside the pachinko machine 10.

[0388] When the plug portion 39 is not attached to the jack portion 37, the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255 abut against the first ground terminal 257 and the second ground terminal 258, so that the potential of each contact terminal 254, 255 is set to ground potential, and the pressing force applied in conjunction with the attachment of the plug portion 39 causes each contact terminal 254, 255 to be separated from each ground terminal 257, 258.

[0389] According to this configuration, when the plug portion 39 is pulled out from the jack portion 37, the pressing force is released, and the contact terminals 254, 255 come into contact with the ground terminals 257, 258 again, and the potential of each of the contact terminals 254, 255 is fixed to the ground potential. That is, in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the plug portion 39, a state in which the potential of each of the contact terminals 254, 255 is fixed to the ground potential and a state in which the contact terminals are electrically connected to the electrodes 232, 233 of the plug portion 39 are mechanically switched, so that it is possible to preferably realize a configuration in which the potential of each of the contact terminals 254, 255 is fixed to the ground potential when the plug portion 39 is not attached.

[0390] A cover portion 271 is provided that can restrict the attachment of the plug portion 39 by covering the jack portion 37 (opening 252) from the front, and this cover portion 271 is configured to be switchable between a closed state (state in the normal position) that restricts the above-mentioned attachment and an open state (state in the raised position) that allows the above-mentioned attachment.

[0391] In this configuration, by covering the jack portion 37 (opening 252), it is possible to prevent the opening 252 from being exposed when the plug portion 39 is not attached, and to prevent a tamper with the jack portion 37 from being targeted by a tamperer. Furthermore, if a tamperer attempts to tamper with the jack portion 37, it becomes necessary to switch the cover portion 271 from the normal position to the raised position, which increases the effort required to perform the tampering. This makes it possible to deter tampering.

[0392] The cover portion 271 is transparent or opaque, and in the closed state, the jack portion 37 can be seen through the cover portion 271. In this case, even when the cover portion 271 is held in the closed state, the player can notice the presence of the jack portion 37. This makes it possible to encourage the player to actively use the jack portion 37 while ensuring a deterrent effect against cheating. In other words, it is possible to prevent the significance of enabling connection to the headphones 38 from being lost due to measures against cheating.

[0393] The opening and closing of the cover section 271 is detected by the detection section 273, and based on the result of the detection, the presence or absence of muting processing for the sound signal to the speaker section 29 is switched.

[0394] In order to attach the plug portion 39 to the jack portion 37 and connect the headphones 38 to the pachinko machine 10, it is essential to switch the cover portion 271 from a closed state to an open state. Therefore, by executing a mute process in response to the opening of the cover portion 271, it is possible to configure the speaker portion 29 to stop producing sound when the headphones 38 are connected.

[0395] In this case, since the detection of the connection of the headphones 38 (plug section 39) can be substituted by the detection of the opening of the cover section 271, the pachinko machine 10 can grasp the connection of the headphones 38 (plug section 39) without providing a circuit on the second sound signal path 93 for detecting (detecting) a change in potential when the plug section 39 is inserted or removed. For example, if such a detection circuit is provided, a power line for driving the circuit needs to be incorporated in the second sound signal path 93, but if an illegal device is installed targeting the jack section 37, the power line may be misused as a power source for the illegal device. In this respect, according to the present configuration, the detection circuit can be omitted, so that a configuration can be made in which a power line is not provided on the second sound signal path 93, and the illegal use of the power line can be suppressed. This makes it possible to enhance the effect of preventing fraud.

[0396] <Variation 1> Modification 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 29. Only the differences from the first embodiment will be described here. In Fig. 29, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0397] In the above-described first embodiment, a cover portion 271 is provided in front of the jack portion 37, and the opening and closing of the cover portion 271 is detected by the detection portion 273, but in this modified example, the cover portion 271 is not provided, and the insertion and removal of the plug portion 39 into the jack portion 37 is detected. The configuration for this purpose will be described in detail below.

[0398] 29, a detection unit 291 is disposed in front of the jack unit 37. This detection unit 291 is a separate type photosensor in which a light emitting unit 291a and a light receiving unit 291b are disposed in a separated state.

[0399] In this modification, the detection unit 291 is disposed so that the front area of ​​the opening 252 in the jack unit 37 is sandwiched between the light-emitting unit 291a and the light-receiving unit 291b. In this case, the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting unit 291a and the light-receiving surface of the light-receiving unit 291b face each other.

[0400] In this configuration, when the plug portion 39 is inserted into the jack portion 37, the optical path between the light-emitting portion 291a and the light-receiving portion 291b is blocked by the plug portion 39, whereas when the plug portion 39 is not inserted, the optical path is not blocked. Therefore, the detector 291 outputs a detection signal DS whose output level changes depending on whether the plug portion 39 is inserted or removed.

[0401] By referring to the detection signal DS, the MPU 342 can determine whether the plug unit 39 is attached to the jack unit 37. When it determines that the plug unit 39 is attached, it infers that the headphones 38 are connected, and executes a mute process by turning on the mute signal MT to the SP output control IC 88. This makes it possible to prevent sound from being emitted from the speaker unit 29 when the headphones 38 are connected.

[0402] As in the first embodiment, the wiring through which the detection signal DS is transmitted is separate and independent from the second sound signal path 93. The supply path of the driving power of the detection unit 291 is secured by a wiring that is separate and independent from the second sound signal path 93, and this wiring passes through the inside of the pachinko machine 10, making it impossible or difficult to access from the outside. Therefore, even if an illegal device is used to target the jack unit 37, it is possible to prevent the driving power for operating the detection unit 273 from being misused as a power source for the illegal device.

[0403] For example, in the first embodiment, if cover portion 271 is held in the upper end position even when plug portion 39 is removed, there is a risk that sound will not be emitted from speaker portion 29. In this regard, this modified example is configured to detect the insertion and removal of plug portion 39, so that cover portion 271 can be omitted, or even if cover portion 271 is provided, it is not necessary to link the presence or absence of muting processing to the opening and closing of cover portion 271, making it possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience.

[0404] <Other Modifications> The present invention is not limited to the above-described first embodiment and each modified example, and may be implemented, for example, as follows. Each of the following configurations may be applied individually to the above-described first embodiment and each modified example, or may be applied in combination with a part or all of the configurations to the above-described first embodiment and each modified example. It is also possible to arbitrarily combine all or a part of the various configurations shown in the above-described first embodiment and each modified example. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects to be exerted) of each of the configurations to be combined is guaranteed.

[0405] Also, for ease of understanding, some examples are specified as premise configurations, for example, "in the first embodiment," but the application of each of the following configurations is not limited to the specified premise configurations (examples), but can also be applied to other embodiments and modified examples.

[0406] (1) In the first embodiment and its modified examples described above, the volume level of the sound signal is set to 0 level in the muting process, and no sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29. However, the volume level may be reduced to a predetermined level that is lower than the volume level when the muting process is not executed and higher than 0 level. In other words, as long as the volume of the sound emitted from the speaker unit 29 is lower than when the muting process is not executed, the sound may be emitted from the speaker unit 29.

[0407] In a configuration in which no sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29, the launch sound (the hitting sound generated when the game ball is launched by the game ball launching mechanism 110) and the ball sound (the collision sound generated when the game ball flowing down the play area PE comes into contact with the game nails) generated by the pachinko machine become prominent, and these sounds may be unpleasant to the surrounding players who are playing without wearing headphones 38. In such a case, by emitting a comparatively small sound such as a performance sound from the speaker unit 29, and thereby making the launch sound and the ball sound less noticeable, it is possible to prevent the surrounding players from having difficulty playing.

[0408] In this case, in order to reduce the noise level in the game hall, it is preferable that the volume of the effect sounds etc. emitted from the speaker unit 29 in the mute processing execution state is lower than the normal volume (initial volume (reference volume) when the second volume switch 90 operable by the player is not operated) and that the content of the effect sounds etc. is harder for the player to hear (harder to recognize) than when they are emitted at the normal volume. For example, if five levels are set as the volume adjustment within the range in which sounds are emitted, the volume in the mute processing execution state can be set to about the same volume as the first level (minimum volume) or the second level (next volume). When the mute processing is executed, it is preferable that the volume is automatically changed to such a predetermined dedicated volume for mute.

[0409] (2) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, muting is performed only on the sound signal for the speaker unit 29 transmitted through the first sound signal path 87. However, a configuration may be adopted in which muting is also performed on the sound signal for the jack unit 37 (headphones 38) transmitted through the second sound signal path 93. In this case, muting of the sound signal for the jack unit 37 may be performed when the speaker unit 29 is in use (when the open state of the cover unit 271 is not detected). With such a configuration, howling between the speaker unit 29 and the headphones 38 can be suppressed.

[0410] In addition, from the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of howling, the configuration may be such that a muting process (level reduction process) is performed on the sound signal for the jack unit 37 when sound above a predetermined volume level is output when the speaker unit 29 is in use.

[0411] (3) In the first embodiment and each of its modified examples, when sound is to be prevented from being emitted from the speaker unit 29 when the plug unit 39 (headphones 38) is connected to the jack unit 37, the volume level (output level) of the sound signal transmitted through the first sound signal path 87 is reduced. However, sound may be prevented from being emitted from the speaker unit 29 by blocking the transmission path of the sound signal through the first sound signal path 87 and preventing the sound signal from being transmitted to the speaker unit 29. For example, a switch circuit capable of switching the conduction / non-conduction of the transmission path may be provided on the transmission path, and the switch circuit may be configured to operate in a conductive state when the open state of the cover unit 271 is not detected and to operate in a non-conductive state when the open state is detected.

[0412] (4) In the above first embodiment and each of its variations, a muting process is executed on the sound signal for speaker unit 29 when the open state of cover unit 271 is detected. However, the configuration may be such that a muting process is executed on the sound signal for speaker unit 29 when the open state of cover unit 271 is detected and a sound signal for jack unit 37 is output (when sound is emitted from headphones 38).

[0413] (5) In the first embodiment and each of its modified examples, the pachinko machine 10 may be configured so that the player can select whether or not to use the output (external output) for the headphones 38 when the plug unit 39 is connected to the jack unit 37. In this case, the pachinko machine 10 may be configured to execute muting processing on the sound signal for the speaker unit 29 when the use of the external output is selected (set). The selection of whether or not to use the external output may be configured so that it can be executed using the performance operation unit 36 ​​or another operation unit (located in a position where the player can operate it).

[0414] In the above case, the execution state of the mute process may be cancelled when the cover section 271 is switched from an open state to a closed state or when the plug section 39 is pulled out from the jack section 37, or when the player performs an output switching operation (operation to switch back from external output to speaker output). However, from the viewpoint of preventing forgetting to switch back the output, it is preferable to use the former configuration in which the mute process is automatically cancelled when the cover section 271 is switched to the closed state, etc.

[0415] (6) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, a configuration may be adopted in which muting is not performed on the sound signal for the speaker unit 29 regardless of the connection state of the plug unit 39 to the jack unit 37. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which sound can always be emitted from both the speaker unit 29 and the headphones 38 without having a function for executing muting in response to the connection of the plug unit 39 to the jack unit 37.

[0416] (7) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, when the open state of the cover portion 271 is detected or when the insertion of the plug portion 39 into the jack portion 37 is detected, it is determined that a connection to the jack portion 37 has been made, and the muting process is performed on the sound signal transmitted through the first sound signal path 87. However, the muting process may be performed under conditions different from those described above. For example, the muting process may be performed on the condition that a predetermined operation is performed on an operation means (the performance operation unit 36 ​​or another operation unit) that can be operated by a player. In other words, the muting process may be performed at the player's will, and even with such a configuration, it is possible to contribute to reducing the noise level in the game hall.

[0417] (8) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, the mute process is released when a sound signal corresponding to an error sound is output, but the mute process may be released when a sound signal corresponding to a sound other than an error sound is output. For example, the mute process may be released when a return sound is output when a return button (an operation unit operated when requesting the return of a card or the like inserted in a card unit) of a pachinko machine is operated. In this case, when the return button is operated by another person, it is possible to prevent the return sound from being inaudible, making it difficult to notice the removal of a card or the like.

[0418] The card etc. is a recording medium on which balance information is recorded when cash is inserted into a specified slot while inserted in the card unit, and the player can receive loan balls within the balance recorded on the card etc. by operating the loan button of the pachinko machine. The provision of loan balls (loan of game balls) is performed via the payout device 222 as already explained.

[0419] (9) In the first embodiment and each of its modifications, when a sound signal corresponding to an error sound is output, the mute process is cancelled uniformly regardless of the type of the sound. However, the mute process may be cancelled depending on the type of error sound. For example, for a fraud detection sound, which is preferable for surrounding players and hall employees to hear (for fraud), the mute process is cancelled in response to the output of the detection sound. For a full-box error sound, which is sufficient only for the player playing the pachinko machine to be notified (for an event occurring during a legitimate game), the mute process may not be cancelled even if the error sound is output. When the mute process is cancelled, the sound from the pachinko machine 10 is suddenly released from a state in which the sound cannot be heard, so there is a concern that surrounding players will be surprised and find it difficult to concentrate on the game. By reducing such opportunities, it is possible to prevent unnecessary surprise of surrounding players.

[0420] Also, the degree of cancellation (the degree of reduction in the volume level) may be varied depending on the type of error sound. For example, in the case of a fraud detection sound, the mute process may be completely cancelled, and the fraud detection sound may be emitted from the speaker unit 29 at the same volume as when the mute process is not executed, while in the case of a full-box error sound, the degree of cancellation may be set to about half, and the full-box error sound may be emitted at half the volume when the mute process is not executed. With this configuration, it is possible to notify the occurrence of a full-box error even when the player playing the pachinko machine 10 is not wearing the headphones 38, while preventing the players around them from being surprised.

[0421] Since the return sound is of high importance, it is preferable to completely cancel the muting process, as in the case of the fraud detection sound, and have the sound emitted from speaker unit 29 at the same volume as when the muting process is not performed.

[0422] (10) In the first embodiment and each of its modifications, when the mute process is released in accordance with the output of the error sound, that is, when the error sound is output in the execution state of the mute process, a different sound may be output as the error sound from when the mute process for the performance sound is not being executed. For example, when the full error occurs, when the mute process is not being executed, a sound saying "Please remove the balls" is emitted from the speaker unit 29, while when the mute process is released, a sound such as "beep beep" that is less noticeable than the above case may be emitted. When a full error occurs, it is common for the pattern display device 75 to display a message to that effect, so even if such a sound is less noticeable, it is possible to notify the occurrence of the full error if it can draw attention and encourage the player to move their gaze to the pattern display device 75. For this reason, by adopting the above-mentioned configuration, it is possible to notify the occurrence of an error to the player playing the pachinko machine 10 while suppressing the player from being surprised by the surrounding players.

[0423] (11) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, the mute process is released when the cover 271 is switched from an open state to a closed state or when the plug 39 is pulled out of the jack 37. Alternatively or additionally, the mute process may be released when the player performs an output switching operation. The output switching operation is not particularly limited as long as the player can manually switch the output. For example, the setting may be changed from an external output state (a state in which the mute process is being executed) to a speaker output state (a state in which sound is emitted from the speaker 29) when a predetermined operation is performed by the performance operation unit 36 ​​or another operation unit that can be operated by the player.

[0424] (12) In the first embodiment and its modifications, when the mute process is cancelled based on switching the cover 271 from the open state to the closed state or the plug 39 being pulled out from the jack 37, the volume level before the mute process is not applied as is, but may be lowered and emitted from the speaker 29. For example, the volume level (or volume setting) before the mute process is referred to, and if it is higher than a predetermined reference level, the volume level may be lowered to the reference level and emitted. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a loud sound from being suddenly emitted from the speaker 29, and to prevent players in the vicinity from being startled and being unable to concentrate on the game. This configuration can also be applied to the configuration of (11) above.

[0425] If the volume level before the mute process is executed is lower than the reference level, the sound may be output as is, or may be raised to the reference level before being output. In the latter case, the sound is essentially "emitted from the speaker unit 29 with the volume level after the mute process is released set to the reference level, regardless of the volume level before the mute process is executed."

[0426] (13) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, the mute process may be executed (the mute process is not cancelled) even when a sound signal corresponding to an error sound is output.

[0427] (14) In the above-mentioned first embodiment and each of its modified examples, when the second volume switch 90 is operated, a volume adjustment display may be displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 75. The volume adjustment display may be any display that allows the player to recognize the current volume level and the volume up / down. In that case, as shown in FIG. 30(a), a volume adjustment display 295 for the speaker unit 29 and a volume adjustment display 296 for the external output (headphones 38) may be displayed separately, and the volume adjustment displays 295, 296 may be displayed in a manner that allows the player to recognize whether the speaker unit 29 or the external output is in use. For example, when the external output is in use, the volume adjustment display 296 may be displayed brightly, and the volume adjustment display 295 may be displayed darkly.

[0428] In the case of a configuration in which muting processing is performed on the sound signal for the speaker unit 29 when the plug unit 39 is connected to the jack unit 37, as in the first embodiment and each of its modified examples, if a player who had been playing up until that point stops playing and leaves the seat in that state, the next player will play in a state in which no sound is being emitted from the speaker unit 29. In this case, it is assumed that the player will operate the second volume switch 90 in an attempt to emit sound, and as described above, a display is displayed to enable the player to recognize that the external output is in use, allowing the player to quickly detect the cause of no sound being emitted and preventing the player from becoming confused.

[0429] 30(b), a single volume control display 297 shared by the speaker unit 29 and the external output may be displayed, and a device in use display 298 indicating whether the speaker unit 29 or the external output is in use may be displayed separately. With such a configuration, the same effect as above can be expected. The device in use display 298 may be displayed only when the external output is in use, or may be displayed in a manner that notifies which of the speaker unit 29 and the external output is in use.

[0430] (15) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, both the error sound from the speaker unit 29 and the error sound from the headphones 38 are configured to have a fixed volume and cannot be adjusted in volume, but the error sound from the speaker unit 29 may be configured to have a fixed volume while the error sound from the headphones 38 may be configured to have an adjustable volume. In the case of the headphones 38, the sound emitted is directly heard by the ears, and it is thought that a loud sound has a large impact on the player. With the above configuration, it is possible to prevent excessively loud sounds from being emitted from the headphones 38.

[0431] In this case, the volume adjustment for the effect sound and the volume adjustment for the error sound may be performed separately, or the volume adjustment for the error sound may be automatically performed in conjunction with the volume adjustment for the effect sound. The latter linked type configuration is preferable in order to eliminate the hassle of adjusting the volume and to prevent forgetting to adjust the volume for the error sound.

[0432] In this case, the number of steps of the volume adjustment of the error sound may be the same as or different from the number of steps of the volume adjustment for the effect sound. In order to prevent the volume of the error sound from becoming too low, it is preferable to set the number of steps of the volume adjustment of the error sound to be smaller than the number of steps of the volume adjustment for the effect sound. For example, as shown in FIG. 31, if five steps are set as the number of steps of the volume adjustment for the effect sound, and the volume level increases in order from the first step to the fifth step, the number of steps of the volume adjustment of the error sound is set to three steps. In addition, if the volume level for the effect sound is set in the range from the first step to the third step by the second volume switch 90, the volume level of the error sound is set to the first step.

[0433] In this case, even if the volume level for the effect sound is changed within a range from the first stage to the third stage, the volume level of the error sound can be fixed at the volume level of the first stage. By allocating the minimum reference level required as the volume level of the error sound to this first stage volume level, a certain level or higher can be ensured as the volume level of the error sound even when the volume level for the effect sound is reduced from the third stage to the first stage by the second volume switch 90, and the volume of the error sound can be prevented from becoming too low.

[0434] The volume level of the error sound in this case (first volume level) may be the same as any one of the first to third volume levels for the effect sound, or may be a level that is different from any of them and is set independently. Because of the nature of the error sound, it is necessary to draw attention, and in that sense, a louder sound is preferable, and from this viewpoint, the latter configuration is preferable. In other words, it is preferable that the first volume level of the error sound is louder than the third volume level of the effect sound.

[0435] Even when the number of volume adjustment steps for the special sound and the number of volume adjustment steps for the error sound are the same, the volume levels of both sounds at each step may be the same or different. However, considering the role of the error sound described above, it is preferable that the error sound be emitted at a louder volume than the special sound, and from this perspective, it is preferable that the volume level of the error sound be set independently.

[0436] Also, in the case where the volume of the error sound is adjustable, the possibility of adjusting the volume may differ depending on the type of error sound. For example, the volume of a no-ball error sound or a full-ball error sound may be adjustable, while the volume of a cheating detection sound may not be adjustable and is output at a fixed volume. In other words, the volume of an error sound related to cheating may be fixed and a cheater may not be able to lower the volume of the detection sound, while the volume of other error sounds may be changed by the player according to preference.

[0437] Incidentally, examples of error sounds that make it impossible to adjust the volume include the fraud detection sound, the door opening sound that is emitted when the front door frame 14 is opened, and the power-on sound that is emitted when the power of the pachinko machine 10 is turned on (when the power switch is turned on). This is because, even if the operation of opening the front door frame 14 or turning on the power switch is not itself a fraudulent act, there is a risk that they may be performed at the same time as a fraudulent act.

[0438] Also, the configuration may be such that the volume of the error sound from the speaker unit 29 can be adjusted. In this case, the volume of the error sound from the headphones 38 may also be adjustable, or the error sound from the headphones 38 may be set to a fixed volume.

[0439] (16) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, the sound signal from the sound IC 83 is output to the second sound signal path 93 by branching the branch line 92 from the sound signal output line 91. However, the output section of the sound IC 83 may be configured to have a path for outputting the sound signal to the first sound signal path 87 and a path for outputting the sound signal to the second sound signal path 93. For example, six channels may be set as output channels of the sound IC 83, four of which are used as output paths to the first sound signal path 87, and the remaining two channels are used as output paths to the second sound signal path 93.

[0440] In this case, it becomes possible for the sound IC 83 to switch whether the sound signal is output to the first sound signal path 87 or the second sound signal path 93, thereby preventing sound from being emitted from the speaker unit 29, and therefore it is possible to omit the function of executing the mute process. However, since the number of output channels to be secured by the sound IC 83 increases, in that sense, the branching configuration as in the above-mentioned first embodiment and each of its modified examples is preferable.

[0441] (17) In the first embodiment and its modifications, the speaker unit 29 and the jack unit 37 are configured to output the same sound signal, but sound signals of different contents may be output. For example, when headphones 38 are used, it is expected that the sound of the game ball being launched and the sound of the game ball colliding with the nails will be difficult to hear, making it difficult to get a sense of playing the game. Therefore, sounds corresponding to the above-mentioned launch sounds and collision sounds may be synthesized into the sound signal sent to the jack unit 37. In this case, the "corresponding sound" may be a recording of the actual launch sound, etc., or an artificially created sound.

[0442] (18) In the above first embodiment and its variations, the sound signal is amplified to a reference volume by the sound IC 83, and then amplified again by the SP output control IC 88 or the HP output control IC 94 in accordance with volume adjustment. However, the sound signal may not be amplified by the sound IC 83, and may be amplified only by each output control IC 88, 94.

[0443] (19) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, the isolation transformer 96 disposed in the second sound signal path 93 may be omitted. In other words, the output side of the HP output control IC 94 and the input side of the jack unit 37 may be wired together.

[0444] (20) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, instead of the isolation transformer 96, a photocoupler may be arranged in which a pair of a light emitting element and a light receiving element face each other. In this case, the photocoupler is arranged so that the light emitting element is located on the output side of the HP output control IC 94 and the light receiving element is located on the input side of the jack section 37. The output side of the HP output control IC 94 and the input side of the jack section 37 are wired and separated from each other, while allowing a signal to flow from the output side of the HP output control IC 94 to the input side of the jack section 37. At the same time, the signal flow from the output side of the HP output control IC 94 to the input side of the jack section 37 is allowed, while restricting the signal flow in the opposite direction.

[0445] The position of the photocoupler is not limited to between the output part of the HP output control IC 94 and the input part of the jack part 37, but may be between the output part of the sound IC 83 and the input part of the HP output control IC 94. A photocoupler may also be used in combination with the isolation transformer 96. In this case, the photocoupler may be arranged on the primary side or the secondary side of the isolation transformer 96.

[0446] Alternatively, a diode may be used instead of a photocoupler. However, a photocoupler is more effective at restricting the flow of signals in the reverse direction than a diode, so in that sense it is preferable to use a photocoupler. Note that a diode may be used in combination with an isolation transformer 96 or a photocoupler.

[0447] (21) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, when the plug portion 39 is not inserted into the jack portion 37, the potentials of all the contact terminals 253 to 255 are fixed to the ground potential, but the potentials of some of the contact terminals 253 to 255 may be fixed to the ground potential. Even in this case, it is more difficult to transmit unauthorized signals than when all of the contact terminals 253 to 255 are in an undefined state, and a certain degree of unauthorized deterrence effect can be expected.

[0448] Furthermore, the potential to be fixed does not necessarily have to be ground potential, but may be other potentials such as 5V.

[0449] (22) In the first embodiment and its modified examples, a pressing force is applied to the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255 when the plug portion 39 is inserted, thereby separating the first ground terminal 257 and the second ground terminal 258 from each other. However, the pressing force may be applied directly or indirectly to each ground terminal 257, 258, thereby pressing each ground terminal 257, 258 in a direction away from each contact terminal 254, 255, thereby separating the ground terminals from each contact terminal 254, 255. The pressing force may be applied to a position different from each contact terminal 254, 255 and each ground terminal 257, 258, thereby separating them from each other.

[0450] (23) In the above first embodiment and its modified examples, the contact terminals 253-255 are grounded in mechanical conjunction with the removal of the plug portion 39. However, the contact terminals 253-255 may be grounded by control.

[0451] For example, the wiring connected to the earth part of the pachinko machine 10 and each of the contact terminals 253 to 255 are connected via a switch part (for example, a contact switch), and a switch control signal is output from the MPU 342 or the like to the switch part, so that the operation of the switch part can be switched. With this configuration, when the open state of the cover part 271 or the plugged-in state of the plug part 39 is detected by the detection parts 273 and 291, the switch control signal from the MPU 342 or the like is turned off to make the switch part non-conductive, whereas when the open state or the plugged-in state is not detected, the switch control signal is turned on to make the switch part conductive, and each of the contact terminals 253 to 255 is grounded by being grounded. Even with this configuration, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the potential of each of the contact terminals 253 to 255 is fixed to the ground potential when the plug part 39 is not attached to the jack part 37.

[0452] In the configuration using the switch section, a pressing force applied by the switch section when the plug section 39 is inserted may be applied to the switch section, so that the contact terminals 253 to 255 are grounded in mechanical interlocking with the removal of the plug section 39. That is, a pressing force applied directly or indirectly to the switch section when the plug section 39 is inserted may switch the switch section to a non-conductive state, while a pressing force is released in response to the removal of the plug section 39, so that the potential of the contact terminals 253 to 255 is fixed to the ground potential.

[0453] (24) In the above first embodiment and each of its variations, a jack portion 37 is provided on the pachinko machine 10 and the pachinko machine 10 and the headphones 38 are connected via a wired connection. However, a wireless communication device may be provided on the pachinko machine 10 and the pachinko machine 10 and the headphones 38 may be connected wirelessly.

[0454] (25) In the first embodiment and each of its modifications, a connection unit for connecting a display terminal (external device) such as a smartphone may be provided in the pachinko machine 10, and a game may be played while images such as game performance displays are displayed on the screen of the display terminal. In this case, when connected to the display terminal or when images such as game performance displays are displayed on the screen of the display terminal, the display may not be performed on the pattern display device 75, or the display on the pattern display device 75 may be darkened. In a pachinko machine in which images such as game performance displays can be displayed on a display unit other than the pattern display device 75, the display may not be performed on the display unit instead of the pattern display device 75.

[0455] (26) In the first embodiment described above, when the plug portion 39 is removed from the jack portion 37, the biasing force of the biasing member 275 switches the cover portion 271 from the open state to the closed state. However, the biasing member 275 may be omitted, and the cover portion 271 may be switched to the closed state by its own weight.

[0456] Also, the cover part 271 may be configured to require a closing operation by the player to switch from an open state to a closed state. However, in this case, there is a risk that the open state of the cover part 271 will be maintained even after the end of the game without the player performing the closing operation, and particularly in a configuration in which the mute process is executed in response to the cover part 271 being in an open state, there is a concern that the mute state will continue to be maintained even after the end of the game. In light of this, it is preferable to configure the cover part 271 to be in an open state and to release the mute state when it can be inferred that the player has already stopped playing (for example, when no game ball launch operation or game ball entry into the actuation ports 62, 63 has been performed for a predetermined period of time).

[0457] (27) In the first embodiment, cover portion 271 slides, but it may be configured to rotate. Also, the direction of movement of cover portion 271 is not limited to up and down, and may be left and right. In short, the specific configuration is arbitrary as long as jack portion 37 can be opened and closed and at least one of the open state and the closed state can be detected by the detection unit.

[0458] (28) In the above-described first embodiment, when cover portion 271 is in the closed state ( FIG. 25(a) ), opening 252 of jack portion 37 is entirely covered by cover portion 271. However, the configuration may also be such that only a portion of opening 252 is covered by cover portion 271 to the extent that connection of plug portion 39 to jack portion 37 is restricted.

[0459] In addition, in the open state of cover portion 271 (Figure 25 (b)), cover portion 271 does not overlap opening 252 at all, and the entire opening 252 is exposed, but cover portion 271 may be configured to overlap part of opening 252 to the extent that connection of plug portion 39 to jack portion 37 is permitted.

[0460] (29) In the first embodiment, the open state of cover portion 271 is detected, but the closed state of cover portion 271 may be detected (detection portion 273 is arranged in accordance with the closed position of cover portion 271). Also, separate detection portions may be arranged in accordance with the open position and the closed position of cover portion 271, respectively, to enable detection of both the open state and the closed state.

[0461] In addition, in the above-described first embodiment, a photosensor is used as the detection unit 273, but the type of sensor is not particularly limited and other sensors may be used as long as they can detect the position of the cover unit 271. This is also true in the first modification of the above-described first embodiment, and a sensor other than a separate photosensor may be used as the detection unit 291 that detects the insertion and removal of the plug unit 39.

[0462] (30) In the first embodiment, the connection restricting portion that restricts the connection of the plug portion 39 to the jack portion 37 is configured by the cover portion 271 (which covers the opening 252), but other configurations may be used as long as they are capable of restricting the above-mentioned connection. For example, a rod-shaped protruding portion may extend forward from the back side of the plug insertion hole 251, thereby preventing the insertion of the plug portion 39 into the plug insertion hole 251 (connection of the plug portion 39 to the jack portion 37).

[0463] In this case, for example, a predetermined operation unit that can be operated by a player may be provided on the front of the pachinko machine 10, and when a predetermined operation is being performed on the operation unit, the protruding portion can be accommodated at the back, and by pushing the protruding portion together with the plug portion 39, connection to the jack portion 37 is permitted. In this configuration, when the predetermined operation is not being performed, the position of the protruding portion is locked (fixed), and the protruding portion cannot be pushed in, thereby restricting connection to the jack portion 37.

[0464] (31) In the first embodiment, the cover portion 271 is transparent or semi-transparent, but it may be opaque so that the jack portion 37 is not visible or is difficult to see when the cover portion 271 is closed. This makes it possible to prevent the jack portion 37 (opening 252) from being conspicuous when the plug portion 39 (headphones 38) is not connected, and to prevent the appearance of the pachinko machine 10 (front door frame 14) from being marred by the presence of the jack portion 37.

[0465] (32) A predetermined notification may be made when it is detected that the cover unit 271 is in the open state in the first embodiment, or when it is detected that the plug unit 39 is inserted in the first modification of the first embodiment. For example, the notification made in response to the detection of the cover unit 271 being in the open state may be a notification that suggests that the cover unit 271 is in the open state, or a notification that suggests that the plug unit 39 (headphones 38) is connected. Also, it may be a notification that suggests that an external output is in use.

[0466] (33) In the first modification of the first embodiment, the cover portion 271 is omitted, but it may be provided. In this case, the cover portion 271 is disposed in front of the detection portion 291. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent external light from entering the detection portion 291 (light receiving portion 291b) when the plug portion 39 is not attached.

[0467] (34) In the first modification of the first embodiment, the attachment of the plug portion 39 is optically detected, but it may be electrically detected. Whereas the potentials of the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255 are set to the ground potential in response to the removal of the plug portion 39, for example, a detection unit may be provided that outputs a detection signal that detects a change in potential of at least one of the contact terminals 254, 255. The output level of the detection signal from this detection unit changes in response to the change in potential, and the MPU 342 or the like can determine whether the plug portion 39 is connected or not by referring to the output level of the detection signal.

[0468] (35) In the first embodiment and each of the modified examples, the reserved information based on winning at the first actuation port 62 is configured to be stored up to four pieces, but it may be less than four (it may be one piece), or it may be five or more pieces. In addition, the upper limit of the number of reserved information based on winning at the second actuation port 63 that can be stored may also be less than four (it may be one piece), or it may be five or more pieces. In addition, the upper limit of the number of reserved information based on winning at each of the actuation ports 62, 63 that can be stored may be different.

[0469] (36) In the first embodiment and each of the modified examples, the reserved information based on winning at the first actuation port 62 and the reserved information based on winning at the second actuation port 63 are differentiated, but they may not be differentiated. Also, the reserved information based on winning at the second actuation port 63 is given priority in determining whether it is a win or lose over the reserved information based on winning at the first actuation port 62, but the relationship may be reversed, or the winning or lose determination may be performed in the order of winning.

[0470] (37) In the first embodiment and each of the modified examples, only game balls flowing down the right route can pass through or win the through gate 64 and the second operating port 63, but only game balls flowing down the left route can pass through or win, or game balls can pass through or win from either the right route or the left route. However, in order to add variety to the game, it is preferable to configure the game so that only game balls flowing down one of the right route and the left route can win the first operating port 62, and only game balls flowing down the other of the right route and the left route can pass through or win the through gate 64 and the second operating port 63.

[0471] (38) In the first embodiment and each of the modified examples described above, the configuration is such that the result of the win / loss judgment becomes a jackpot result and the game transitions to a jackpot game (open / close execution mode). However, like a so-called type 1 / type 2 hybrid machine, the result of the win / loss judgment becomes a small win result and the game transitions to a jackpot game when the game ball passes through the V winning port (V winning sensor) during a small win game (a game state in which a variable winning device having a V winning port inside or a V winning port and a loss port is opened and closed) (when the result of the award judgment becomes a predetermined result and a predetermined game result is achieved).

[0472] In addition, in this invention, "based on the fact that a bonus corresponding to the award result has been reached, a bonus can be awarded to the player" and "based on the fact that a bonus corresponding to the award result has been reached, the player is transitioned to a special game state that is advantageous to the player" can be understood to also include the case where the result of the win / loss determination is a small win result and the player transitions to a big win game via a V win, as described above.

[0473] (39) In the above first embodiment and each modification, the variably displayed patterns on the display screen G of the pattern display device 75 are configured to scroll in the left-right direction, but the patterns may be displayed in a line on the left, center, and right, and these patterns may be variably displayed by scrolling in the up-down direction. That is, the arrangement direction of the patterns and the scroll direction are not particularly limited. In addition, the number of patterns (the number of rows of the pattern rows) is not limited to three, and may be two, or may be four or more.

[0474] (40) In the first embodiment and each modification, the pachinko machine is a type in which game balls are paid out, but it may be an enclosed type pachinko machine in which game balls are not discharged outside the machine. In such an enclosed type pachinko machine, when prize balls are awarded as a bonus for winning a prize, for example, a predetermined game value (virtual game medium such as credits) corresponding to the number of prize balls may be awarded to the player, and information indicating the number of prize balls may be notified.

[0475] (41) In the first embodiment and each modified example, a game round in the special symbol display unit 43 is started based on the winning / losing judgment made in the main control device 162, but the game round may be started at a timing before the winning / losing judgment is actually made when the condition for the winning / losing judgment is satisfied in the main control device 162, and the subsequent variable display pattern, variable display time, and stop result in the game round may be determined based on the winning / losing judgment made thereafter. In this case, the main control device 162 may be configured to first transmit a variable command when the start timing of the game round is reached, and then transmit a variable start command and a type command when the winning / losing judgment, the variable display time, and the type judgment are made, and the transmission timing of these variable start command and type command may also be shifted. In this case, the timing at which the variable start command and the type command are transmitted may be the timing at which the variable display of the pattern row Z1 to Z3 is switched from high-speed fluctuation to low-speed fluctuation in the pattern display device 75.

[0476] (42) The present invention can also be applied to other types of pachinko machines different from the above-described embodiments, such as pachinko machines in which an electric device opens a predetermined number of times when a gaming ball enters a specific area of ​​a special device, pachinko machines in which a right is generated and a jackpot is awarded when a gaming ball enters a specific area of ​​a special device, pachinko machines equipped with other devices, arrange ball machines, mahjong ball machines, and other gaming machines.

[0477] The present invention can also be applied to non-pinball gaming machines, such as slot machines, which have multiple reels with multiple types of patterns printed around them, and which start the rotation of the reels by inserting a medal and operating the start lever, and which, after the reels stop when the stop switch is operated or a predetermined time has passed, give the player a special privilege, such as the payout of medals, if a specific pattern or combination of specific patterns is formed on a winning line visible through a display window.

[0478] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine that combines a pachinko machine and a slot machine, in which the gaming machine main body is supported on an outer frame so that it can be opened and closed, is equipped with a storage section and an intake device, and the reels begin to rotate when the start lever is operated after a predetermined number of gaming balls stored in the storage section have been taken in by the intake device.

[0479] <Inventions extracted from the above embodiments> The following describes the features of the inventions extracted from each of the above-mentioned embodiments, while indicating, as necessary, the effects, etc. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configurations in each of the above-mentioned embodiments are appropriately indicated in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations indicated in parentheses.

[0480] <Features Group A to Group E> The inventions described in the following Feature Group A to Feature Group E are a group of inventions extracted from the above-mentioned embodiments and modifications, or combinations thereof, and are mainly extracted from the above-mentioned first embodiment and its modifications. The invention described in these characteristic groups has been made with a problem to be solved by the invention, which is, "Here, there is still room for improvement in the gaming machines and the like exemplified above in terms of enabling players to play in a convenient manner," with regard to the background technology, which is, "Pachinko gaming machines, slot machines, and the like are known as gaming machines. For example, in pachinko gaming machines, gaming balls are fired toward a gaming area in response to a player's firing operation, and when a gaming ball enters a ball entry section provided in the gaming area, gaming value such as prize balls is awarded (for example, JP 2004-81853 A). Also, in slot machines, a lottery process is executed by operating a start lever, and the rotation of the reels is started, and while the reels are rotating, the rotation of the reels is stopped by operating a stop button. Then, if the result of the reels stopping after the rotation of the reels has stopped corresponds to a winning combination in the lottery process, a gaming value corresponding to the winning combination is awarded to the player."

[0481] <Features Group A> Feature A1. A gaming machine configured to execute a predetermined output (output of a performance sound such as a fluctuation sound or a reach occurrence sound) at least according to the progress of the game, A control means (a function for executing sound output processing by the MPU 342 and the sound IC 83) for controlling the execution of the predetermined output based on the establishment of a predetermined opportunity (execution of a game round or a reach display) accompanying the progress of the game; a first output means (speaker unit 29) for causing the predetermined output to be executed by the gaming machine when the control means controls the gaming machine to execute the predetermined output; a second output means (a jack unit 37, a second sound signal path 93) that is connected to a predetermined external means (a headphone 38) so that, when the control means controls the predetermined output to be executed, the predetermined output is executed through the predetermined external means; A specifying means (a function of executing a mute control process by an MPU 342) for enabling no output from the first output means or an output level from the first output means to be lower than a predetermined case in which the first output means is not in the connected state or not in the used state, in a situation in which the predetermined output can be performed through the predetermined external means in the connected state or the used state of the predetermined external means; A gaming machine comprising:

[0482] In the above configuration, as a means for executing a predetermined output according to the progress of a game, a first output means for causing the predetermined output to be executed by the gaming machine, and a second output means for connecting to a predetermined external means to cause the predetermined output to be executed through the external means are provided. When the second output means causes the external means to execute the predetermined output, the predetermined output from the first output means is not executed, or the output level of the predetermined output from the first output means is reduced. In this case, for example, if a headphone or the like is used as the external means, the predetermined output from the first output means is not executed when the headphone or the like is used, so that the sound as the predetermined output is suppressed from being emitted from the gaming machine in a manner that can be heard by the surroundings. This contributes to reducing the noise level in the gaming hall, and contributes to creating an environment in which each player who visits the gaming hall can easily play games.

[0483] Feature A2. A signal means (sound IC 83) for outputting a predetermined signal (sound signal) corresponding to the predetermined output; a first transmitting means (first sound signal path 87) for transmitting the predetermined signal to the first output means; a second transmission means (a second sound signal path 93) for transmitting the predetermined signal to the second output means; Equipped with A gaming machine described in feature A1, characterized in that when the specified signal is output from the signal means, the specified signal is input to the first transmission means, and the specified signal is input to the second transmission means (a branch line 92 heading toward the input side of the HP output control IC 94 branches off from a midpoint of a sound signal output line 91 connecting the output side of the sound IC 83 and the input side of the SP output control IC 88).

[0484] In the above configuration, when performing a predetermined output, the predetermined signal output from the signal means is output to the first transmission means, which is the transmission path to the first output means, and the second transmission means, which is the transmission path to the second output means, so that the predetermined signal output from the signal means can always pass through both of the above transmission paths. Therefore, when a predetermined external means is connected, simply by reducing the level of the predetermined signal transmitted through the first transmission means, the external means can output at a normal output level while reducing the output level from the first output means, which makes it possible to simplify the processing configuration. Also, when it is desired to switch from this state to a state in which both the first output means and the second output means output at a normal output level, it is only necessary to cancel the level reduction in the first transmission means, so that the above switching can be easily performed.

[0485] Feature A3: A state detection means (detection units 273, 291) is provided to detect the connection state of the predetermined external means (a state in which the plug portion 39 is connected to the jack portion 37) or a predetermined state in which the connection state can be inferred (an open state of the cover portion 271), The specifying means, based on a detection result of the state detecting means, prevents output from the first output means or causes an output level from the first output means to be lower than the predetermined case, A gaming machine described in Feature A1 or Feature A2, characterized in that the detection of the connection state or the specified state by the state detection means is performed without using a transmission path for transmitting a specified signal (sound signal) corresponding to the specified output to the second output means.

[0486] For example, if a detection means for detecting the connection of an external means is provided on a transmission path for a predetermined output (a transmission path through which a predetermined signal for performing a predetermined output is transmitted), when an unauthorized device is connected to the transmission path via a second output means, there is a risk that the power for driving the detection means may be misused as a power source for the unauthorized device. In this respect, in this feature, since a detection means for detecting whether or not an external means is connected to the gaming machine is not provided on the transmission path, it is possible to prevent such misuse of power. This makes it possible to prevent the power source for the unauthorized device from being easily secured, thereby enhancing the deterrent effect of fraud.

[0487] Feature A4. The specifying means executes a specific process (mute process) so that no output is performed from the first output means or the output level from the first output means is lower than the predetermined case; A gaming machine described in any of Features A1 to A3, comprising a means for canceling the execution of the specific process on the output from the first output means when the specified external means is switched from the connected state or used state to an unconnected or unused state (a function for canceling the mute process in response to switching the cover portion 271 to a closed state or pulling out the plug portion 39).

[0488] For example, if a specific process is executed to prevent output from the first output means, and the gaming machine is left in the execution state of the specific process, the next player may be confused when the next player starts playing because no output is performed. In this respect, in this feature, when the external means is disconnected, the execution of the specific process is canceled accordingly. That is, even if the player does not manually switch the output, the state in which the output is performed from the first output means can be automatically restored in response to the disconnection of the external means. Therefore, the gaming machine is prevented from being left in the execution state of the specific process, and it is possible to suitably prevent the occurrence of a situation that would confuse the next player.

[0489] Feature A5. The specifying means executes a specific process (mute process) so that no output is performed from the first output means or the output level from the first output means is lower than the predetermined case; The execution of the specific process for the output from the first output means can be released based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (switching of the cover portion 271 to a closed state, pulling out the plug portion 39, or execution of an output switching operation by a player), A gaming machine described in any of Features A1 to A4, characterized in that it is equipped with a means (a function of adjusting the volume level and restoring the output when the mute process is released) capable of making the output level of the first output means when the execution of the specific process is released lower than the output level before the specific process is executed and higher than the output level when the specific process is executed.

[0490] For example, when a player disconnects the external means in order to switch the output during a game, the output level from the first output means may be restored, and output at a high level may suddenly start. As a result, there is a risk that surrounding players may be surprised and their concentration on the game may decrease. In this respect, in this feature, when the execution of the specific process is canceled and the output level from the first output means is restored, the output level is not restored to the output level before the execution of the specific process, but is adjusted to a lower level and restored. With such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the sudden start of output at a high level and suppress the occurrence of a situation in which surrounding players are surprised.

[0491] In addition, the feature's "means for enabling the output level of the first output means, when the execution of the specific process is cancelled, to be lower than the output level before the specific process is executed and higher than the output level when the specific process is executed" can also be expressed as "means for enabling the execution of the specific process to be cancelled by enabling the output level of the first output means, when the execution of the specific process is cancelled, to be lower than the output level before the specific process is executed and higher than the output level when the specific process is executed".

[0492] Feature A6. A gaming machine described in any one of Features A1 to A5, characterized in that the specified external means is one that a person can wear on their head or ears to hear sounds.

[0493] In the above configuration, the predetermined external means is so-called headphones or earphones, and when such listening devices are connected to the gaming machine, output from the first output means (output of sound from the speaker mounted on the gaming machine) is prevented, thereby suppressing sound from being emitted from the gaming machine in a manner that can be heard by surrounding players. This contributes to reducing the noise level in the gaming hall, and contributes to creating an environment in which each player who visits the gaming hall can easily play games.

[0494] Feature A7. An output means (speaker unit 29) capable of outputting sound; A change means (SP output control IC 88) capable of changing the volume of at least a specific sound (performance sound) among the sounds output from the output means in a predetermined situation; In a gaming machine equipped with The change means is A gaming machine characterized by including a means (a function for executing mute control processing by MPU342) for changing the volume of the specific sound so that the specific sound cannot be recognized or is difficult to recognize by the player.

[0495] In the above configuration, the volume of at least a specific sound among the sounds output from the output means can be changed so that the specific sound cannot be recognized or is difficult to be recognized by the player under a predetermined situation. This makes it possible to prevent the gaming machine from emitting a sound as a predetermined output in a manner that can be heard by those around, thereby contributing to reducing the noise level in the gaming hall.

[0496] It should be noted that the technical ideas shown in any one of the features A1 to A7, B1 to B6, C1 to C8, D1 to D6, and E1 to E6 may be applied individually to each of the features A1 to A7, or a part or all of the technical ideas may be applied in combination. When applying each technical idea in combination, it is also possible to combine them across feature groups.

[0497] <Characteristics Group B> Feature B1. A gaming machine configured to execute a predetermined output (output of a performance sound such as a fluctuation sound or a reach occurrence sound) at least according to the progress of the game, A control means (a function for executing sound output processing by the MPU 342 and the sound IC 83) for controlling the execution of the predetermined output based on the establishment of a predetermined opportunity (execution of a game round or a reach display) accompanying the progress of the game; an external output means (a jack unit 37, a second sound signal path 93) that is connected to a predetermined external means (a headphone 38) so that the predetermined output is performed through the predetermined external means when the control means controls the predetermined output to be performed; a specific means (insulating transformer 96, photocoupler) for allowing the flow of the predetermined signal from the first predetermined section to the second predetermined section while isolating a first predetermined section (output section of HP output control IC 94) and a second predetermined section (input section of jack section 37) on the external output means side from the first predetermined section in a transmission path of the predetermined signal (sound signal) for executing the predetermined output; A gaming machine comprising:

[0498] In the above configuration, as a means for executing a predetermined output according to the progress of a game, an external output means is provided which is connected to a predetermined external means so that the predetermined output is executed through the external means. In this case, for example, if a configuration is used in which headphones or the like are used as the external means, the player can listen to the effect sounds, etc. from the gaming machine he is playing on while being less susceptible to the effects of surrounding sounds, and the effect sounds, etc. are easier to hear, improving convenience. However, if an external output means available to a player is provided in a gaming machine, there is a concern that, for example, an illegal device may be connected to the external output means and an illegal signal may be sent to the inside of the gaming machine (for example, the control means) through a signal transmission path for performing a predetermined output.

[0499] In this respect, in this feature, a specific means is provided that allows a signal to flow from the first predetermined unit to the second predetermined unit while isolating, in a signal transmission path for performing a predetermined output, a first predetermined unit located upstream in a normal signal output direction from a second predetermined unit located downstream of the first predetermined unit. In this case, compared to a case in which the first predetermined unit and the second predetermined unit are directly connected, it is possible to make it more difficult for a signal to flow from the second predetermined unit to the first predetermined unit, and it is possible to prevent an illegal signal from being input into the gaming machine even if an illegal device is connected to the external output means. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that allows a game to be played in a suitable manner while preventing illegal acts.

[0500] Feature B2. The external output means includes a connection means (jack portion 37) to which a predetermined connection member (plug portion 39) can be attached, When the predetermined connection member is attached to the connection means, the game machine is configured to be connected to the predetermined external means, A gaming machine according to feature B1, characterized in that the connection means and the transmission path are conductive in the gaming machine.

[0501] In the above configuration, the gaming machine is provided with a connection means that is conductive to the transmission path, and a predetermined connection member is attached to the connection means to connect the gaming machine to a predetermined external means. In such a configuration, since the connection means is exposed in the gaming machine, it is expected that the connection means will be used to easily send illegal signals into the gaming machine. In this regard, by providing the above feature B1, it is possible to effectively prevent such acts from being performed.

[0502] Feature B3. A gaming machine as described in Feature B1 or Feature B2, characterized in that it is provided with a means for fixing the potential of the second specified part in the transmission path to a specified potential when the specified external means is not connected (a configuration in which the contact terminals 253 to 255 come into contact with the ground terminals 257, 258 when the plug portion 39 is pulled out).

[0503] In the above configuration, when the predetermined external means is not connected to the gaming machine, the potential of the second predetermined part in the transmission path of the predetermined signal is fixed to a predetermined potential. This prevents the second predetermined part from being electrically floating, and when a signal is input to the transmission path from outside the gaming machine, the signal can be prevented from being transmitted to the first predetermined part. In other words, it is possible to preferably prevent an illegal signal from being input to the inside of the gaming machine.

[0504] Feature B4. A gaming machine according to Feature B3, wherein the predetermined potential is ground potential.

[0505] In the above configuration, when the predetermined external means is not connected to the gaming machine, the potential of the second predetermined part in the transmission path of the predetermined signal is fixed to the ground potential. This prevents the second predetermined part from being electrically floating, and makes it difficult for a current to flow to the first predetermined part side in response to an input from outside the gaming machine. This makes it possible to preferably prevent an illegal signal from being input into the gaming machine.

[0506] Feature B5. A gaming machine according to any one of Features B1 to B4, characterized in that the identification means includes an insulating transformer or a photocoupler.

[0507] In this feature, the specifying means includes an insulating transformer or a photocoupler. In other words, by using an insulating transformer or a photocoupler, it is possible to preferably realize a configuration that allows a signal to flow from the first specified part to the second specified part while isolating the first specified part and the second specified part in terms of wiring in a transmission path of the specified signal.

[0508] Feature B6. A gaming machine described in any of Features B1 to B5, characterized in that the identifying means includes an isolation transformer, and is equipped with a means for fixing the potential of the secondary side of the isolation transformer to a predetermined potential when the specified external means is not connected (a configuration in which, when the plug portion 39 is pulled out, the contact terminals 253 to 255 come into contact with the ground terminals 257, 258, and the secondary side of the isolation transformer 96 is grounded).

[0509] In the above configuration, when a predetermined external means is not connected to the gaming machine, the potential of the secondary side of the isolation transformer is fixed to a predetermined potential, which prevents the secondary side of the isolation transformer from being electrically floating, and prevents a signal input from the outside of the gaming machine from being transmitted to the transmission path.

[0510] In addition, the technical ideas shown in any one of the features A1 to A7, B1 to B6, C1 to C8, D1 to D6, and E1 to E6 may be applied individually to each of the features B1 to B6, or a part or all of the technical ideas may be applied in combination. When applying each technical idea in combination, it is also possible to combine them across feature groups.

[0511] <Feature C Group> Feature C1. A gaming machine configured to execute a predetermined output (output of a performance sound such as a fluctuation sound or a reach occurrence sound) at least according to the progress of the game, A control means (a function for executing sound output processing by the MPU 342 and the sound IC 83) for controlling the execution of the predetermined output based on the establishment of a predetermined opportunity (execution of a game round or a reach display) accompanying the progress of the game; an external output means (a jack unit 37, a second sound signal path 93) that is connected to a predetermined external means (a headphone 38) so that the predetermined output is performed through the predetermined external means when the control means controls the predetermined output to be performed; Equipped with The external output means includes a connection means (jack portion 37) to which a predetermined connection member (plug portion 39) can be attached, The predetermined connection member is attached to the connection means, and when a connection terminal (contact terminal 253-255) of the connection means and a predetermined portion (electrode 232-234) of the predetermined connection member are electrically connected, the connection with the predetermined external means is enabled, A gaming machine characterized by comprising a means for fixing the potential of the connection terminal to a predetermined potential when the specified connection member is not attached to the connection means (a configuration in which the contact terminals 253 to 255 come into contact with the ground terminals 257, 258 when the plug portion 39 is pulled out).

[0512] In the above configuration, the device is provided with an external output means that is connected to a predetermined external means as a means for executing a predetermined output according to the progress of the game, and that allows the predetermined output to be executed through the external means. In this case, for example, if a configuration is used in which headphones or the like are used as the external means, the player can listen to the effects of the gaming machine he or she is playing while being less susceptible to the effects of surrounding sounds, thereby improving convenience for the player.

[0513] Here, in this configuration, a predetermined connection member is attached to the connection means provided in the gaming machine to connect the gaming machine to an external means, but in this configuration, the connection means is exposed in the gaming machine, and access to the connection terminal of the connection means is relatively easy, so there is a concern that an illegal signal may be sent to the inside of the gaming machine (e.g., the control means) using the connection terminal. In this regard, in this feature, when the connection member is not attached to the connection means, that is, when the connection terminal is accessible from the outside, the potential of the connection terminal is fixed to a predetermined potential, so that it is possible to prevent illegal signals from being input into the gaming machine. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that allows players to play games in a suitable manner while preventing illegal acts.

[0514] Feature C2. The gaming machine described in Feature C1, wherein the predetermined potential is ground potential.

[0515] In the above configuration, when the predetermined connection member is not attached to the connection means, the potential of the connection terminal is fixed to the ground potential, which prevents the connection terminal from being electrically floating and also prevents the unauthorized signal from flowing back through the signal transmission path for performing the predetermined output and being sent to the inside of the gaming machine when an unauthorized signal is input to the connection terminal from the outside.

[0516] Feature C3. When the predetermined connection member is not attached to the connection means, the connection terminal is configured to abut against a specific portion (ground terminal 257, 258) so that the potential of the connection terminal is set to a predetermined potential; A gaming machine described in feature C1 or feature C2, characterized in that the connection terminal and the specific portion are configured to separate from each other by the pressing force applied in association with the attachment of the specified connection member to the connection means.

[0517] In the above configuration, when the connecting member is not attached, the connecting terminal of the connecting means abuts against the specific portion, so that the potential of the connecting terminal is fixed to a predetermined potential, and then, when the connecting member is attached to the connecting means, the pressing force at that time causes the connecting terminal to move away from the specific portion. Then, when the connecting member is detached from the connecting means, the pressing force is released, the connecting terminal abuts against the specific portion again, and the potential of the connecting terminal is fixed to the predetermined potential. In other words, in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the connecting member, a state in which the potential of the connecting terminal is fixed to a predetermined potential and a state in which it is conductive with the specific portion of the connecting member are mechanically switched, so that it is possible to preferably realize a configuration in which the potential of the connecting terminal is fixed to a predetermined potential when the connecting member is not attached.

[0518] Feature C4. A means (insulating transformer 96, photocoupler) is provided for allowing the flow of the predetermined signal (sound signal) from the first predetermined section (output section of HP output control IC 94) on the control means side to the second predetermined section (input section of jack section 37) on the connection means side while isolating the first predetermined section from the second predetermined section in a transmission path of the predetermined signal (sound signal) for executing the predetermined output, A gaming machine described in any of Features C1 to C3, characterized in that the second specified portion and the connection terminal are conductive.

[0519] In the above configuration, in a transmission path of a predetermined signal for executing a predetermined output, a first predetermined section on the upstream side in the normal signal output direction is wired and separated from a second predetermined section on the downstream side, and when a connecting member is not attached, the potential of the second predetermined section is fixed to a predetermined potential through the connecting terminal, so that when an illegal signal is input from the outside to the connecting terminal, the signal can be prevented from being transmitted to the first predetermined section. In other words, the illegal signal can be prevented from being input into the gaming machine.

[0520] Feature C5. The gaming machine is provided with an overlapping portion (cover portion 271) configured to be overlapped with the connection means from the front of the gaming machine, The overlapping portion is switchable between a first state (closed state) in which the overlapping portion overlaps the connection means from the front of the gaming machine and a second state (open state) in which the overlapping portion does not overlap the connection means or has a smaller area overlapping the connection means than the first state, A gaming machine described in any of Features C1 to C4, characterized in that by placing the overlapping portion in the second state, the specified connection member can be attached to the connection means.

[0521] In the above configuration, the connection terminal provided on the connection means cannot be accessed until the overlapping portion is switched to the second state, which makes it more difficult to commit fraud at least because of the need to make the switch, thereby making it possible to enhance the deterrent effect against fraud.

[0522] Feature C6. A switching means (contact switch) capable of switching whether the potential of the connection terminal is set to the predetermined potential or not; a means for operating the switching means so as to set the potential of the connection terminal to the predetermined potential when the overlapping portion is in the first state (a function for switching on / off a contact switch based on a detection result regarding opening / closing of the cover portion 271); The gaming machine described in feature C5 is characterized by being equipped with:

[0523] When the connection member is attached to the connection means, the overlapping portion is necessarily in the second state, but by providing a switching means capable of switching whether the potential of the connection terminal is set to a predetermined potential or not, and by configuring the switching means to operate to set the potential of the connection terminal to the predetermined potential when the overlapping portion is switched from the second state to the first state, the potential of the connection terminal can be fixed to the predetermined potential in response to the removal of the connection member, thereby making it possible to prevent unauthorized signals from being input into the gaming machine.

[0524] Feature C7. The predetermined connection member is a predetermined insertion member (plug portion 39), A gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C6, characterized in that the connection means is an insertion portion (jack portion 37) into which the specified insertion member can be inserted and removed.

[0525] In the above configuration, a predetermined insertion member is inserted into an insertion portion provided in the gaming machine, thereby connecting the gaming machine to an external means. In such a configuration, the opening (insertion port) of the insertion portion is exposed in the gaming machine, making it relatively easy to access the connection terminal from the outside. In such a case, by applying the configuration of feature C1, it is possible to prevent the act of sending an unauthorized signal into the gaming machine through the connection terminal.

[0526] Feature C8. Equipped with a connection means (jack portion 37) to which a predetermined connection member (plug portion 39) can be attached, The predetermined connection member is attached to the connection means, and when a connection terminal (contact terminal 253-255) of the connection means and a predetermined portion (electrode 232-234) of the predetermined connection member are electrically connected, a connection with a predetermined external means is possible; A gaming machine characterized by comprising a means for fixing the potential of the connection terminal to a predetermined potential when the specified connection member is not attached to the connection means (a configuration in which the contact terminals 253 to 255 come into contact with the ground terminals 257, 258 when the plug portion 39 is pulled out).

[0527] In the above configuration, a predetermined connection member is attached to the connection means provided in the gaming machine to connect the gaming machine to an external means, but in such a configuration, the connection means is exposed in the gaming machine and access to the connection terminal of the connection means is relatively easy, so there is a concern that an illegal signal may be sent to the inside of the gaming machine (e.g., the control means) using the connection terminal. In this regard, in this feature, when the connection member is not attached to the connection means, that is, when the connection terminal is accessible from the outside, the potential of the connection terminal is fixed to a predetermined potential, so that it is possible to prevent illegal signals from being input into the gaming machine.

[0528] It is possible to apply the configurations of the above features C2 to C7 to this feature, in which case further effects can be achieved by applying these configurations.

[0529] It should be noted that the technical ideas shown in any one of the features A1 to A7, B1 to B6, C1 to C8, D1 to D6, and E1 to E6 may be applied individually to each of the features C1 to C8, or a part or all of the technical ideas may be applied in combination. When applying each technical idea in combination, it is also possible to combine them across feature groups.

[0530] <Feature D group> Feature D1. A first means (a function of controlling the output of the performance sound by the MPU 342 and the sound IC 83) for controlling the output of a first predetermined sound (a performance sound such as a fluctuation sound or a reach occurrence sound) from a predetermined output means (speaker unit 29) in accordance with the progress of the game; A means for executing specific control (mute processing) so that the first predetermined sound is not output from the predetermined output means or the output level of the first predetermined sound from the predetermined output means is reduced (a function for executing mute control processing by the MPU 342); A detection means (such as the radio wave detection sensor 48 and the full-valve detection sensor 82a) for detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event (such as radio wave reception, a full-valve error, or the operation of a return button); A second means (a function of controlling the output of a sound effect by the MPU 342 and the sound IC 83) for controlling the output of a second predetermined sound (an error sound or a return sound) different from the first predetermined sound from the predetermined output means based on the detection result of the detection means; a specifying means for restricting the execution of the specific control for the second predetermined sound when the second means controls the output of the second predetermined sound in a situation where the specific control can be executed for the first predetermined sound (a mute flag is set), the specifying means being configured to cancel the mute process for the sound signal transmitted through the first sound signal path 87 when a sound signal corresponding to an error sound is to be output; A gaming machine comprising:

[0531] In the above configuration, in a gaming machine capable of outputting a first predetermined sound from a predetermined output means in accordance with the progres...

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising a first means for controlling the output of a first predetermined sound in accordance with the progress of the game, A means that enables the output of the first predetermined sound from a predetermined output means provided in the gaming machine when the first means controls the machine to output the first predetermined sound, A means that enables the output of the first predetermined sound through the predetermined external means when the connection between the predetermined external means and the gaming machine is controlled by the first means to output the first predetermined sound, Means that enable specific control to be performed so that the first predetermined sound is not output from the predetermined output means when the predetermined external means is connected or in use, A second means for controlling the output of a second predetermined sound different from the first predetermined sound based on the detection of a first abnormal event, A third means controls the output of a third predetermined sound, which is different from the first predetermined sound and the second predetermined sound, based on the detection of a second abnormal event, which is different from the first abnormal event. Means that enable the output of the second predetermined sound from the predetermined output means when the first abnormal event is detected in the connection state or usage state of the predetermined external means, Means for preventing the output of the third predetermined sound from the predetermined output means when the second abnormal event is detected in the connection state or usage state of the predetermined external means, A means for enabling the output of the second predetermined sound at a predetermined volume when the second predetermined sound is output from the predetermined output means in the connected or used state of the predetermined external means, A gaming machine characterized by having the following features.

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