Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that allows for easy replacement of external device connection units in case of damage or other issues. [Solution] A jack circuit board 23 is fixed to the fixing part 25 of the lower ball tray 15 by fixing means 26. A connection jack 22, to which earphones 21 can be connected, is detachably attached to a jack connector 24 mounted on the jack circuit board 23. The jack circuit board 23 is connected to a sound control means via a detachably connected jack harness 28. If the connection jack 22 or jack harness 28 is damaged, etc., it can be addressed by replacing only the damaged connection jack 22 or jack harness 28.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine to which an external device can be connected.

Background Art

[0002] In a pachinko machine, which is a typical gaming machine, a speaker for outputting sound effects is provided, and various sound effects corresponding to various gaming states are output from the speaker to enhance the sense of presence and interest of the game. On the other hand, a game arcade has broadcasting equipment for playing audio through speakers or the like in a hall where a plurality of pachinko machines are arranged, and in-store broadcasting is performed to convey various information to game players using the broadcasting equipment, or BGM is played. Since the in-store broadcasting flows at a louder volume than the sound effects emitted by the pachinko machines, it may be difficult for the game player to clearly hear the sound effects flowing from the pachinko machines. Therefore, a proposal has been made to provide an earphone jack on the pachinko machine and connect the connection plug of an earphone (external device) to the earphone jack so that the game player can easily hear the sound effects (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The pachinko machine includes a sound control board that controls the output of sound from the speaker, and the earphone jack is mounted on the sound control board. Therefore, when the earphone jack is damaged or the like due to mischief or the like, it is necessary to replace the sound control board, and it is pointed out that the maintenance becomes cumbersome and the cost increases.

[0005] In other words, the present invention was proposed in view of the aforementioned problems inherent in conventional gaming machines, and aims to provide a gaming machine in which the connection unit for external devices can be easily replaced if it is damaged or otherwise damaged. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems and achieve the intended objective, the first means is: A gaming machine to which an external device (21) can be connected to the front side, A circuit board (23) fixed to the gaming machine by a fixing means (26), The circuit board (23) is provided with connection units (22, 24, 28) to which the external device (21) can be connected, The system comprises control means (33) capable of performing control over the external device (21) connected to the connection unit (22, 24, 28), and connection means (28) for indirectly or directly connecting the circuit board (23), The gist of the connection unit (22, 24, 28) is that at least some of the multiple components (22, 24, 28) constituting the connection unit (22, 24, 28) are interchangeable. With this configuration, if the connection unit is damaged, etc., it can be easily addressed by replacing only the damaged part, and the cost of replacement can be kept low. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, if the connection unit is damaged, etc., it can be easily addressed by replacing only the damaged part. Furthermore, the cost required for replacement can be kept low. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a pachinko machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part showing the location of the connection jack according to the embodiment. [Figure 3]This is a control block diagram of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the sound control means, relay board, and connection jack according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Next, a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. In the embodiments, a pachinko machine that uses pachinko balls as the game balls will be used as an example. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, "front," "rear," "left," and "right" refer to the view of the pachinko machine from the front (player side) as shown in Figure 1. [Examples]

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the pachinko machine 10 according to the embodiment has an outer frame 11 as a fixed frame, which is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame with openings at the front and rear and is installed in a vertical position on an installation frame stand (not shown) of a game parlor. An inner frame 12 as a main frame that detachably holds the game board 20 is assembled to the front of the opening of the outer frame 11 as a fixed frame, which is formed in the shape of a rectangular frame with openings at the front and rear and is installed in a vertical position on an installation frame stand of a game parlor. A display device (performance means) 17 as a display means that can display multiple types of patterns in a variable manner is detachably disposed on the back of the game board 20. Furthermore, a front frame 13 is assembled to the front of the inner frame 12 so as to cover the window portion 13a that opens at the front and rear with a transparent protective plate 13b made of a glass plate or transparent synthetic resin material that provides transparent protection for the game board 20, and a lower ball receiving tray 15 for storing pachinko balls is assembled below the front frame 13 so as to be openable and closable. In this embodiment, an upper ball tray 14 for storing pachinko balls is integrally assembled to the lower part of the front frame 13, and the upper ball tray 14 is configured to open and close integrally with the opening and closing of the front frame 13. The upper ball tray 14 may be formed separately from the front frame 13 and assembled to the middle frame 12 so as to be openable and closable. In this embodiment, the display device 17 is a liquid crystal display device in which a liquid crystal panel capable of displaying various patterns is housed in a housing case, but it is not limited to this, and various conventionally known display devices capable of stopping and changing the display of various patterns, such as drum-type display devices and dot matrix-type display devices, may be used.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, a lamp device (light-emitting means) 18 is arranged on the front frame 13 so as to surround the window portion 13a, and a speaker (sound output means) 19 capable of outputting voice and sound effects is arranged at the upper position of the front frame 13. The device is configured to perform light and sound effects in conjunction with various display effects (pattern change effects) performed by the display device 17 by lighting up and flashing light-emitting elements (not shown) such as LEDs provided on the lamp device 18, and by outputting appropriate sounds from the speaker 19. In this embodiment, the display device 17 is configured to function as a notification means to perform error notification (displaying various information such as the type of error) when various errors described later occur. The lamp device 18 and speaker 19 are also configured to perform error notification when an error occurs, and the lamp device 18 and speaker 19 have the function of notification means in the same way as the display device 17.

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, an operating handle 16 is provided in the lower right position of the front frame 13 to operate a ball launching device (not shown) located in the middle frame 12. The operating handle 16 is equipped with an operating lever 16a biased to rotate counterclockwise, and when the player rotates the operating lever 16a clockwise, the ball launching device is activated, and the pachinko balls stored in the upper ball receiving tray 14 are launched toward the game board 20. Here, the force with which the pachinko balls are launched by the ball launching device changes in strength according to the amount of rotation of the operating lever 16a. By adjusting the amount of rotation of the operating lever 16a, the player can choose between so-called "left-handed shooting," where the pachinko balls flow down a first ball flow path (not shown) formed in the game area of ​​the game board 20 where pachinko balls can flow down and to the left of the display device 17, and so-called "right-handed shooting (rubber shot)," where the pachinko balls flow down a second ball flow path (not shown) formed in the game board 20 and to the right of the display device 17.

[0013] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, a connection jack 22 is provided on the left side of the lower ball receiving tray 15, allowing a sound transmission means (external device) 21 such as earphones or headphones to be connected from the front of the pachinko machine, with a portion of it exposed to the front (outside). In other words, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment is configured to allow the sound transmission means (external device) 21 to be connected to the front side. In this embodiment, the case where the sound transmission means is a wired earphone 21 will be described. The earphone 21 consists of a main body 21a that is worn in the user's ear, a plug 21b, and a cable 21c that connects the main body 21a and the plug 21b. The connection jack 22 is disposed on a jack circuit board (board) 23, into which the necessary electrical circuit is formed, at the rear side of the wall portion 15a that constitutes the outer casing of the lower ball receiving tray 15, with the insertion opening into which the plug 21b can be inserted facing forward. Specifically, a jack connector (connector part) 24 is mounted on the jack circuit board 23, and a connecting jack 22 is configured to be detachably attached to the jack connector 24. The jack circuit board 23 is detachably fixed to a fixing part 25 provided on the lower ball tray 15 by fixing means 26 such as screws. The jack circuit board 23 is also provided with an external connector 27 that connects to the jack connector 24 by an electrical circuit, and a jack harness 28 connected to the external connector 27 by a connector 28a is connected to a relay circuit board 35, which will be described later, by a connector 28b. In other words, the connecting jack 22 is electrically connected to the relay circuit board 35 via the jack connector 24, the jack circuit board 23, and the jack harness 28. In this embodiment, a connection unit is provided to which an earphone (external device) 21 can be connected, comprising a jack connector 24 disposed on a jack circuit board 23, a connection jack 22 attached to the jack connector 24, and a jack harness 28. The connection jack 22 and jack harness 28 constituting the connection unit are configured to be replaceable. That is, at least some of the multiple components 22, 24, and 28 constituting the connection unit are configured to be replaceable.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the connecting jack 22 is provided with a flange portion 22b that is larger than the through-hole 15b opened in the wall portion 15a protruding outward from the front of the mounting portion 22a that is attached to the jack connector 24. When the mounting portion 22a is attached to the jack connector 24, the flange portion 22b faces the rear side of the wall portion 15a, and only the insertion opening of the plug 21b is exposed to the front through the through-hole 15b in the wall portion 15a. In other words, the connecting jack 22 attached to the jack connector 24 is configured so that it cannot be removed from the front side of the pachinko machine through the through-hole 15b by the flange portion 22b. Furthermore, the location where the fixing means 26 for fixing the jack board 23 to the fixing part 25 is installed, and the connection portion between the external connector 27 of the jack board 23 and the connector 28a of the jack harness 28 are covered by the wall portion 15a. The location where the fixing means 26 is installed and the connection portion between the external connector 27 and the connector 28a are inaccessible from the front (outside) of the pachinko machine 10, and the connection jack 22, jack board 23, and jack harness 28 are configured to be inaccessible from the front of the pachinko machine. In other words, the connection unit comprising the jack connector 24, connection jack 22, and jack harness 28 is configured to be inaccessible from the front of the pachinko machine.

[0015] (Regarding the control configuration of pachinko machines) Next, the control configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described. As shown in Figure 3, the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a main control means 29 as a control means for controlling the pachinko machine 10 as a whole, and sub-control means 30, 31, 32, and 33 as control means for controlling each control target based on control signals from the main control means 29. The pachinko machine 10 is also equipped with various detection sensors (detection means) that detect when pachinko balls enter multiple ball entry sections (start entry section, gate section, special entry section, normal entry section, etc.) provided in the game area of ​​the game board 20 into which pachinko balls can be entered. The main control means 29 executes various processes based on detection signals from the various detection sensors provided in the pachinko machine 10, and various control signals (control commands) according to the processing results are output to the sub-control means 30, 31, 32, and 33, enabling a predetermined game to be played.

[0016] The pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment includes, as sub-control means, an effect control means 30 that controls the game effects as a whole, a display control means 31 that controls the display content on the display device 17, a lamp control means 32 that controls the illumination of various light-emitting effect means (lamp device 18, etc.) provided by the pachinko machine 10, and a sound control means (control means) 33 that controls the output of sound from the speaker 19 provided by the pachinko machine 10 and the earphone 21 connected to the connection jack 22. In other words, the effect control means 30 is configured to control the display control means 31, the lamp control means 32 and the sound control means 33 based on the control signals (control commands) output by the main control means 29, so that the various game effects (symbol variation effects (symbol combination effects), light-emitting effects, sound effects) performed by the pachinko machine 10 can be comprehensively controlled. Here, the display control means 31 is configured to control the display content of the symbol variation effects, such as the symbols (decorative figures) and background images displayed on the display device 17, based on the control signals (control commands) output from the effect control means 30. Furthermore, the lamp control means 32 controls the timing of lighting up and extinguishing various light-emitting effects means of the pachinko machine 10, as well as the light intensity, etc., based on the control signals (control commands) output from the effect control means 30. The sound control means 33 controls the timing and content of audio output from various speakers 19 and earphones 21 of the pachinko machine 10, based on the control signals (control commands) output from the effect control means 30. In other words, the sound control means 33 functions as a control means capable of performing control on external devices (sound transmission means) connected to the connection jack (connection unit) 22. In addition, the various control means 29, 30, 31, 32, and 33 of the pachinko machine 10 all include a CPU, ROM, RAM, input port, output port, etc.

[0017] The pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment is provided with a plurality of types of error detection means capable of detecting various errors that may occur in the pachinko machine 10. When detection signals from these plurality of types of error detection means are input to the main control means 29, the main control means 29 is configured to be able to output error information indicating an error state corresponding to the type of the detection signal to the effect control means 30. Further, the effect control means 30 is configured to output a control signal (control command) corresponding to the error information input from the main control means 29 to the display control means 31, the lamp control means 32, and the sound control means 33. As the error detection means, for example, there are a vibration detection means SE1 capable of detecting the vibration (vibration error) of the game board 20, a radio wave detection means SE2 capable of detecting radio waves (radio wave error) output from a radio wave output device, a magnetic detection means SE3 capable of detecting magnetism (magnetic error) output from a magnetic generation device, a full detection means SE4 for detecting that the pachinko balls stored in the upper and lower ball trays 14 and 15 have reached a predetermined amount (full error), etc. (see FIG. 3). Note that the error detection means can be provided with various sensors capable of detecting other types of errors. In the pachinko machine 10, when the upper and lower ball trays 14 and 15 become full, the hitting ball launching device is configured to be inoperable, and the full error detected by the full detection means SE4 is an error that makes the game in the pachinko machine 10 impossible.

[0018] The display device 17 is connected to the display control means 31. In the ROM included in the display control means 31, a display control program for controlling the display content of the display device 17 and various image data (image data such as symbols, various background images, characters, characters, etc.) are stored. Further, in the ROM of the display control means 31, as image data, image data of error notification displays (error notifications) corresponding to various errors detected by the various error detection means SE1, SE2, SE3, SE4 are stored. Then, the display control means 31 is configured to control the display device 17 to display an error notification display based on a control signal (control command) corresponding to the error information input from the effect control means 30.

[0019] The lamp control means 32 is connected to the lamp device 18. In the ROM included in the lamp control means 32, various light emission data corresponding to the display content of the display device 17 and the like are stored. Further, in the ROM of the lamp control means 32, as light emission data, light emission data of error notification light (error notification) corresponding to various errors detected by the various error detection means SE1, SE2, SE3, SE4 are stored. Then, the lamp control means 32 is configured to control the lamp device 18 based on a control signal (control command) corresponding to the error information input from the effect control means 30 to emit error notification light.

[0020] The sound control means 33 is connected to the speaker 19 and the connection jack 22. In the ROM included in the sound control means 33, various sound data (sound data such as music, sound effects, notification sounds, etc.) corresponding to the display content of the display device 17 and the like are stored. Further, in the ROM of the sound control means 33, as sound data, sound data of error notification sounds (error notification) corresponding to various errors detected by the various error detection means SE1, SE2, SE3, SE4 are stored. Then, the sound control means 33 is configured to control the speaker 19 and the earphone 21 based on a control signal (control command) corresponding to the error information input from the effect control means 30 to output an error notification sound.

[0021] In this embodiment, the speaker 19 and the connection jack 22 are indirectly connected to the sound control means 33 via the relay board 35. Specifically, as shown in Figure 4, the jack board 23, on which the jack connector 24 with the connection jack 22 attached is mounted, is electrically connected to the relay board 35 by a jack harness (connection means) 28, and the relay board 35 is electrically connected to the speaker 19 by a speaker harness 36. The relay board 35 is also electrically connected to the sound control means 33 by a relay harness 34. Various sound data from the sound control means 33 are output to the relay board 35 via the relay harness 34, and the sound data is output to the connection jack 22 or speaker 19 via the relay board 35 and the jack harness 28 or speaker harness 36. In this embodiment, the speaker harness 36 constitutes the means for connecting the sound control means 33 and the speaker 19.

[0022] The relay board 35 includes an output switching unit 37 that can switch between a state in which sound data from the sound control means 33 can be output to the connection jack 22 (jack board 23), a state in which it can be output to the speaker 19, and a state in which it can be output to both the connection jack 22 (jack board 23) and the speaker 19. Furthermore, the sound control CPU 33a of the sound control means 33 has a function as a detection unit that detects whether or not the earphones 21 are connected to the connection jack 22 (whether or not the plug 21b is inserted). If the sound control CPU 33a detects that the earphones 21 are connected to the connection jack 22 (the plug 21b is inserted), the sound control means 33 controls the output switching unit 37 of the relay board 35 to switch to a state in which sound data from the sound control means 33 can be output to the connection jack 22. If the sound control CPU 33a detects that the earphones 21 are not connected to the connection jack 22 (the plug 21b is not inserted), the sound control means 33 controls the output switching unit 37 of the relay board 35 to switch to a state in which sound data from the sound control means 33 can be output to the speaker 19. In other words, when the earphones 21 are not connected to the connection jack 22, the speaker 19 can output sound data from the sound control means 33. When the earphones 21 are connected to the connection jack 22, the speaker 19 does not output sound data from the sound control means 33 (the required sound), and the sound data from the sound control means 33 can be output from the earphones 21. The connection jack 22 is configured to output a connection signal (low signal) when the earphones 21 are connected and a disconnection signal (high signal) when the earphones 21 are not connected. The sound control CPU 33a of the sound control means 33 is configured to detect whether the earphones 21 are connected or not based on the type of signal input from the connection jack 22 via the relay board 35.

[0023] Here, the sound control CPU 33a of the sound control means 33 is configured to detect if the jack harness 28 is disconnected or broken when neither a connection signal nor a disconnection signal is input from the connection jack 22. The sound control means 33 is configured to switch the output switching unit 37 of the relay board 35 to a state in which sound data can be output to the connection jack 22 (jack board 23) and the speaker 19 when it detects that the jack harness 28 connecting the connection jack 22 to the sound control means 33 is not connected to the corresponding jack board 23 or relay board 35 (disconnection state) or is broken (broken state). In this embodiment, the first condition is set to be that the jack harness 28 is disconnected or disconnected. The sound control means 33 is configured to switch the output switching unit 37 when it detects that the first condition has been met while the earphone 21 is connected to the connection jack 22, thereby enabling it to output sound data (required sound) from the sound control means 33 from at least the speaker 19.

[0024] The relay board 35 is configured to output a connection signal (low signal) to the sound control means 33 when the speaker 19 is connected, and a disconnection signal (high signal) when the speaker 19 is not connected. The sound control CPU 33a of the sound control means 33 is configured to detect whether the speaker 19 is connected or not based on the type of signal input from the relay board 35. Furthermore, the sound control CPU 33a of the sound control means 33 is configured to detect if the speaker harness 36 is disconnected or broken if neither the connection signal nor the disconnection signal for the speaker 19 is input from the relay board 35. Furthermore, the sound control means 33 is configured to, when it detects that the speaker harness 36 connecting the speaker 19 to the relay board 35 is not connected to the relay board 35 or the speaker 19 (disconnected state) or is disconnected (disconnected state), to set the output switching unit 37 of the relay board 35 to a state in which sound data can be output to either the connection jack 22 (jack board 23) only, or to the connection jack 22 (jack board 23) and the speaker 19. In other words, even if the speaker harness 36 is disconnected or disconnected, sound data can be output from the earphone 21 by connecting the earphone 21 to the connection jack 22.

[0025] In this embodiment, the occurrence of the error state is set as a second condition, and when the second condition is met while the earphone 21 is connected to the connection jack 22, the sound control means 33 is configured to switch the output switching unit 37 of the relay board 35 to a state in which sound data can be output to the connection jack 22 (jack board 23) and the speaker 19, based on a control signal from the main control means 29. In other words, when an error state occurs, even if the earphone 21 is connected to the connection jack 22, the system is configured to output sound data (a specific sound) that notifies the occurrence of an error from at least the speaker 19. Furthermore, when the second condition is met while the earphone 21 is connected to the connection jack 22, the display control means 31 is configured to display image data (information) of an error notification display related to the sound data (a specific sound) that notifies the occurrence of an error on the display device 17, based on a control signal from the main control means 29.

[0026] On the front of the pachinko machine 10, a volume adjustment means (adjustment means) 38 is provided in a position accessible to the player for adjusting the volume of sound data output from the speaker 19. This volume adjustment means 38 is electrically connected to the sound control means 33 (see Figure 3). The sound control means 33 is configured to output sound data from the earphones 21 at the volume adjusted by the volume adjustment means 38 when the earphones 21 are connected to the connection jack 22. Furthermore, the sound control means 33 is configured not to change the volume of the sound data output from the earphones 21 if, while the earphones 21 are connected to the connection jack 22, a specific condition (second condition), such as one of the various error conditions, occurs and the volume adjustment means 38 is operated to adjust the volume during that specific condition. Not changing the volume also includes not changing the state if the earphones 21 were not outputting sound data before adjustment. Furthermore, the sound control means 33 is configured to set the volume output from the earphones 21 to a preset default volume when the earphones 21 are connected to the connection jack 22. This prevents the next player from being startled, even if the volume is increased to maximum using the volume adjustment means 38.

[0027] (Effect of the example) Next, the operation and effects of the pachinko machine described above will be explained.

[0028] In the pachinko machine 10 of the embodiment, even when the earphone 21 is connected to the connection jack 22, if the jack connector 24 becomes non-contact or disconnected (when condition 1 occurs), the output switching unit 37 of the relay board 35 is configured to output sound data to the connection jack 22 and the speaker 19. Therefore, even if condition 1 occurs with the earphone 21 connected and sound data is no longer output from the earphone 21, sound data can still be output from the speaker 19, allowing various sounds to be heard from the speaker 19, thus preventing a decrease in the sense of realism and enjoyment of the game due to the inability to hear sound effects corresponding to the game state. Furthermore, if an error occurs while the earphones 21 are connected (when the second condition is met), the output switching unit 37 of the relay board 35 is configured to output sound data to the connection jack 22 and the speaker 19. Therefore, even when the earphones 21 are connected to the connection jack 22, an error notification sound (a specific sound) can be output from at least the speaker 19 to notify the player of the error. This error notification sound allows the player to recognize that an error has occurred. Additionally, if an error occurs while the earphones 21 are connected (when the second condition is met), the display device 17 is configured to display an error notification (information), allowing the player to recognize that an error has occurred through this error notification (information). In other words, even when the state of the pachinko machine 10 changes to the first or second condition, the player can hear various sounds such as sound effects and notification sounds in a form appropriate to that state, and can recognize the occurrence of an error through the error notification sound and error notification display.

[0029] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the sound control means 33 is configured to, when it detects that the speaker harness 36 connecting the speaker 19 to the relay board 35 is disconnected or broken, to set the output switching unit 37 of the relay board 35 to a state in which sound data can be output to either only the connection jack 22 or to both the connection jack 22 and the speaker 19. In other words, even if the speaker 19 is unable to output sound data, by connecting the earphones 21 to the connection jack 22, the sound that would normally be output from the speaker 19 can be heard through the earphones 21.

[0030] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the sound control means 33 is configured to output sound data from the earphone 21 at a volume adjusted by the volume adjustment means 38, which adjusts the volume of the speaker 19. In other words, since the volume of the sound data output from both the speaker 19 and the earphone 21 can be adjusted by a single volume adjustment means 38, the number of parts does not increase and the control does not become complicated by using separate volume adjustment means. Furthermore, the sound control means 33 is configured so that even if the volume is adjusted by the volume adjustment means 38 during an error state, the volume of the sound data output from the earphone 21 does not change when the error state is resolved. Therefore, when the error state is resolved, sound effects and the like can be heard through the earphone 21 at the volume level before the error occurred.

[0031] In the pachinko machine 10 of this embodiment, the connection unit, which includes a jack connector 24 disposed on the jack circuit board 23, a connecting jack 22 attached to the jack connector 24, and a jack harness 28, is configured so that the connecting jack 22 and jack harness 28 constituting the connection unit are replaceable. Therefore, if the connecting jack 22 or jack harness 28 constituting the connection unit is damaged, it can be easily addressed by replacing only the damaged connecting jack 22 or jack harness 28, and the cost required for replacement can be kept low. Furthermore, the jack circuit board 23 on which the connection unit is disposed is also configured to be detachable from the lower ball receiving tray 15. Therefore, if the jack circuit board 23 is damaged, it can be addressed by removing the connecting jack 22 and jack harness 28 and replacing only the jack circuit board 23.

[0032] Furthermore, the connection jack 22 constituting the connection unit is configured so that it cannot be removed from the front (outside) through the through hole 15b formed in the lower ball receiving tray 15 for inserting the plug 21b of the earphone 21 into the connection jack 22, thus preventing tampering by removing the connection jack 22 from the pachinko machine 10. In addition, the location of the fixing means 26 that fixes the jack circuit board 23 to the fixing part 25, and the connection part between the external connector 27 of the jack circuit board 23 and the connector 28a of the jack harness 28 are covered by the wall part 15a, so that the location of the fixing means 26 and the connection part between the external connector 27 and the connector 28a cannot be accessed from the front (outside) of the pachinko machine 10, thus preventing tampering by removing the jack circuit board 23 and the jack harness 28.

[0033] This application includes the following technical ideas: [Note 1] The connection unit (22, 24, 28) comprises a connection jack (22) to which the external device (21) can be connected, and a connector portion (24) connected to the control means (33) by the connection means (28). The connection units (22, 24, 28) are configured to allow the replacement of the connection jack (22) or connector portion (24). With this configuration, the problem can be addressed by replacing only the damaged connection jack or connector. [Note 2] The aforementioned connection units (22, 24, 28) are configured to be non-removable from the front of the gaming machine. This configuration prevents the connection unit from being removed due to tampering or other mischief.

[0034] (Example of change) The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments, and can be modified as follows, for example. Furthermore, the configurations described in the embodiments are not limited to the following examples, and various embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the spirit of the present invention. (1) The connection jack may be configured to allow connection of a USB terminal on a sound transmission device such as earphones or headphones. (2) The connection jack can be replaced with a Bluetooth® module that enables wireless communication with wireless earphones or headphones. (3) In the configuration corresponding to the wired earphone of the embodiment, a configuration can be adopted in which the entire connection unit, including the part of the connection jack that faces the inside of the pachinko machine, is covered by a wall. With this configuration, even if the connection jack exposed on the outside of the lower ball receiving tray is destroyed and a gap is created, the wall can prevent unauthorized materials (for example, piano wire) that have entered the inside of the pachinko machine from entering the various prize winning parts through that gap, thereby preventing fraudulent activity from occurring. (4) In this embodiment, the connection jack and the sound control means are configured to be connected indirectly via an intermediate board, but a configuration in which the connection jack and the sound control means are directly connected by a connection harness (connection means) can also be adopted. (5) The connection jack can be installed not only in the lower ball tray, but also in the upper ball tray, outer frame, middle frame, or front frame, and the installation position should be such that the wire connecting the main body of the sound transmission means and the plug does not interfere with the operation of the player's operating handle or other performance buttons or control devices. (6) In the embodiment, the jack connector on which the connecting jack is detachably disposed is configured to be mounted on the jack board, but a configuration in which the jack connector is detachably disposed on the jack board can also be adopted. With this configuration, if either the connecting jack or the jack connector is damaged, only the damaged one needs to be replaced, and the cost required for replacement can be kept low. (7) In the embodiment, when no errors occur and earphones (sound transmission means) are connected to the connection jack, the system is configured to output sound data only from the earphones. However, a configuration can be adopted in which the volume of sound data from the speaker is reduced. (8) When an error condition (second condition) occurs while earphones (sound transmission means) are connected to the connection jack, a configuration can be adopted in which the display device displays an error notification display or a pre-explanatory display that allows the player to recognize that an error condition has occurred before an error notification sound is output from the earphones. In this way, by displaying an error notification display or a pre-explanatory display on the display device before an error notification sound is output, the player can know in advance that an error notification sound will be output, and it is possible to prevent them from being surprised by a sudden loud error notification sound being output from the earphones. Alternatively, instead of an error notification display or pre-explanatory display by the display device, a configuration can be adopted in which an error notification light or pre-explanatory light (a type of light that allows the player to recognize that an error condition has occurred) is emitted by a lamp device, or a configuration can be adopted in which both the display device and the lamp device perform the corresponding display and illumination. (9) The performance control means may be configured such that when the sound control means detects that an external device such as earphones has been connected to the connection jack, it controls the sound control means, display control means and lamp control means to cause notification means such as speakers, display devices and lamp devices to execute a connection notification that allows the user to recognize that an external device has been connected. With this configuration, the connection notification allows employees of the amusement parlor to know that an external device has been connected, thus deterring fraudsters from connecting illegal devices to the connection jack for mischief or cheating. Furthermore, the notification means that executes the connection notification may be provided separately from the means that execute the game performance (speakers, display devices, lamp devices, etc.) and may be a dedicated means for notifying the connection notification. (10) When an error condition (second condition) occurs, the type of sound data output from the earphones and the type of sound data output from the speaker can be made different. In a configuration in which the types of sound data output from the earphones and the speaker are different, if earphones are not connected to the connection jack, the sound corresponding to the sound data for earphones may be output from the speaker, or one of the sound data for earphones or the sound data for the speaker may be determined by lottery and the corresponding sound may be output from the speaker. Furthermore, a configuration can be adopted in which the output or non-output of the error notification sound corresponding to the error condition is set to be from the earphones depending on the type of error condition. For example, in the case of a full-capacity error that makes it impossible to play the pachinko machine, the corresponding error notification sound may be output from the earphones, while in the case of specific errors such as vibration errors, radio wave errors, and magnetic errors that are caused by the cheating of a player, the corresponding error notification sound may not be output from the earphones and the corresponding error notification sound may be output only from the speaker. In a state where no error condition (second condition) has occurred (normal state), a configuration can be adopted in which the type (volume, sound quality, etc.) of sound data output from the earphones and the sound data output from the speaker are different. In other words, it is possible to suppress excessively loud sound output from earphones, or to output sound at a volume and expression appropriate for each device (speaker, earphones). Furthermore, in a normal state, a configuration can be adopted in which sound data (performance sound) is output only from the earphones, or in which sound data (performance sound) is output only from the speaker. In the configuration in which sound data (performance sound) is output only from the earphones, if earphones are not connected to the connection jack, the speaker may be configured to output sound corresponding to the earphone-specific sound data, or if earphones are connected to the connection jack, the speaker may be configured to output sound corresponding to the earphone-specific sound data at a volume lower than normal or silently. (11) The specific state is not limited to an error state, but may also be any other state, such as a state in which inconvenience occurs due to a change in the volume of the sound data output from the earphones. (12) External devices connected to the connection unit are not limited to sound transmission devices, but can include various devices such as chargers, smartphones, and tablet terminals, and the connection jack should be structured to allow connection according to the type of external device.

[0035] (13) The performance control means may have all or part of the functions of the main control means, or conversely, the main control means may have all or part of the functions of the performance control means. In this embodiment, the main control means and the performance control means are provided separately, but they can also be a single control means. That is, the functions of the main control means and the performance control means may be provided by a single control means. Furthermore, a separate control means may be provided to have all or part of the functions of the main control means and the performance control means in this embodiment provided by another control means. (14) The display control means may have all or part of the functions of the performance control means, and conversely, the performance control means may have all or part of the functions of the display control means. Although the performance control means and the display control means are provided separately, they can also be a single control means. That is, a single control means may perform both the functions of the performance control means and the display control means. (15) The sound control means may have all or part of the functions of the performance control means, and conversely, the performance control means may have all or part of the functions of the sound control means. Although the performance control means and the sound control means are provided separately, they can also be a single control means. That is, a single control means may perform both the functions of the performance control means and the sound control means. (16) The configurations of the modified examples can be combined with each other. (17) In the embodiment, a pachinko machine was used as an example to explain the gaming machine, but it is not limited to this, and various gaming machines such as arrangement ball machines, pinball machines, or slot machines that use pachinko balls or coins can be used. In the case of a slot machine, the jack circuit board (board) only needs to be installed inside the casing that forms the main body of the gaming machine. (18) Even if the disconnection state or earphone connection state switches multiple times while an error notification sound is being output or a specific sound effect is being output, the time from the start to the end of each sound output (the output time set in advance by the sound control means) can be configured so that it does not change. For example, if the sound output time is set to 10 seconds, even if the disconnection state or earphone connection state switches, the sound output will end 10 seconds after it starts. Also, if the disconnection state or earphone connection state switches multiple times, the time each sound is output can be configured so that it changes depending on the time the disconnection state is active and the time the switch occurs (the time the earphones are not connected). For example, if the sound output time is set to 10 seconds, and the disconnection state occurs 5 seconds after the start of sound output and then recovers 2 seconds later, the sound will be output for 5 seconds after recovery and then end. In other words, the sound output is controlled so that the total time the sound is output continuously or intermittently is equal to the pre-set output time. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0036] 21. Earphones (external device), 22. Connection jack (connection unit) 23 Jack circuit board (circuit board), 23 Jack connector (connector part, connection unit) 26 Fixing means, 28 Harness for jack (connection means, connection unit) 33 Sound control means (control means)

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine that allows external devices to be connected to the front side, A circuit board fixed to the gaming machine by a fixing means, A connection unit provided on the substrate to which the external device can be connected, The connection unit comprises control means capable of performing control over the external device connected to the connection unit, and connection means for indirectly or directly connecting the circuit board, The connection unit is configured such that at least some of the multiple components constituting the connection unit are replaceable. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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