Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a gaming machine that allows for optimal gameplay. [Solution] The sound control device includes a sound IC that outputs sound signals such as sound effects based on a specification from the MPU, a first sound signal path that transmits the sound signal from the sound IC to the speaker, and a second sound signal path that transmits the sound signal from the sound IC to the jack. The second sound signal path includes an HP output control IC that adjusts the volume level of the sound transmitted to the jack. The jack is provided with multiple contact terminals that make contact with each electrode of the headphone plug when the plug is inserted, thereby creating conductivity. When the plug is not inserted, the potential of each contact terminal of the jack is fixed to the ground potential.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] As gaming machines, pachinko machines and slot machines are known. For example, in a pachinko machine, a game ball is launched toward a game area in response to a launch operation by a player, and when the game ball enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, for example, a game value such as a bonus ball is given (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In a slot machine, a lottery process is executed by operating a start lever and the rotation of a reel is started, and the rotation of the reel is stopped by operating a stop button during the rotation of the reel. Then, when the stop result after the rotation of the reel stops corresponds to a winning combination of the lottery process, a game value corresponding to the winning combination is given to the player.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Here, in gaming machines and the like as exemplified above, there is still room for improvement in order to perform games suitably.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-exemplified circumstances and the like, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine capable of suitably performing games.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention is A first means controls the output of a first predetermined sound from a predetermined output means in accordance with the progress of the game, Means for performing specific control such 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 detection means for detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event, A second means controls the output of a predetermined sound from the predetermined output means based on the detection result of the detection means, A specific means that allows the execution of the specific control for the second predetermined sound to be restricted when the second means controls the output of the second predetermined sound in a situation in which the specific control can be executed for the first predetermined sound, It is characterized by having the following features. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to perform games in a suitable manner. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the main components of a pachinko machine. [Figure 4] This is a front view showing the configuration of the game board. [Figure 5] (a) is a schematic diagram of the second operating port when it is in the closed state, and (b) is a schematic diagram of the second operating port when it is in the open state. [Figure 6] (a) is a cross-sectional view of the variable prize device in the closed state, and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the variable prize device in the open state. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko machine. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the display content on the display screen of a graphic display device. [Figure 9] This is a diagram for explaining the display content on the display screen of the symbol display device. [Figure 10] This is a diagram for explaining the display content on the display screen of the symbol display device. [Figure 11] This is an explanatory diagram for explaining the content of various counters used in a win / loss lottery or the like. [Figure 12] This is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing in the MPU of the main control device. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart showing the abnormality monitoring process. [Figure 14] This is a flowchart showing the normal process. [Figure 15] This is a flowchart showing the game turn control process. [Figure 16] This is a flowchart showing the game state transition process. [Figure 17] This is a flowchart showing the big winning opening / closing process. [Figure 18] This is a flowchart showing the payout state detection process executed by the payout control device. [Figure 19] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the effect control device and its peripheral devices. [Figure 20] This is a block diagram showing the configuration related to the output control of sound. [Figure 21] (a) is a diagram showing an example of sound data, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a sound data table, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of a reproduced sound data storage area. [Figure 22] This is a flowchart showing the sound output processing in the sound IC. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the plug part. [Figure 24] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the jack part. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing the configuration of the cover part. [Figure 26] This is a flowchart showing the mute control processing in the MPU of the effect control device. [Figure 27]This is a flowchart showing the temporary release process. [Figure 28] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the flow of the mute process. [Figure 29] This is a block diagram showing the configuration for audio output control according to Modification 1 of the First Embodiment. [Figure 30] This figure shows an example of a volume control display on the screen. [Figure 31] This figure shows an example of volume settings for headphones. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] <First Embodiment> The following describes in detail a first embodiment of a pachinko game machine (hereinafter referred to as "pachinko machine"), a type of amusement machine, based on the drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pachinko machine 10 seen from the front, and Figures 2 and 3 are perspective views showing the main components of the pachinko machine 10 in an unfolded state. For convenience, the components within the game area PE of the pachinko machine 10 are omitted in Figure 2.

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

[0012] The outer frame 11 is constructed by connecting boards on all four sides and has a rectangular frame shape. The pachinko machine 10 is installed in the gaming hall by attaching and fixing the outer frame 11 to the island equipment. However, the outer frame 11 is not an essential component of the pachinko machine 10, and the outer frame 11 may be installed on the island equipment of the gaming hall (gaming parlor).

[0013] The gaming machine body 12 is supported by the outer frame 11 in a manner that allows it to be opened and closed. Specifically, an upper support fitting 17 is fixed to the connection between the upper frame and the left frame of the outer frame 11, and a lower support fitting 18 is provided at the connection between the lower frame and the left frame of the outer frame 11. These upper support fittings 17 and 18 constitute a support mechanism, and this support mechanism 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 (see Figures 2 and 3).

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

[0015] The front door frame 14 is rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can rotate forward with the left side as the pivot end and the right side as the pivot end when viewed from the front. The back pack unit 15 is also rotatably supported on the inner frame 13, and can rotate backward with the left side as the pivot end and the right side as the pivot end when viewed from the front (see Figure 3).

[0016] Next, the front door frame 14 will be described. As shown in Figure 2, the front door frame 14 is mainly composed of a synthetic resin frame body 20 whose outer shape is almost identical to that of the outer frame 11, and covers almost the entire front surface of the inner frame 13. A roughly elliptical window portion 21 is formed in the central part of the frame body 20 so that almost the entire area of ​​the game area PE, which will be described later, can be seen from the front, and this window portion 21 is covered from the rear side of the front door frame 14 by a glass unit 22.

[0017] The glass unit 22 comprises a plurality of transparent glass panels 23 and a glass holder that holds these glass panels 23. The glass holder has a partition that divides the holding area of ​​the glass panels 23 into front and rear sections, and the two glass panels 23 face each other front and rear with the partition in between. In other words, by ensuring a predetermined gap between the two glass panels 23, interference between the glass panels 23 is avoided, and the game area PE is double-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; each glass panel 23 may be individually attached to the frame 20. Furthermore, the number of glass panels is arbitrary; it may be one or three or more. However, from the viewpoint of improving safety and security, it is preferable to use multiple glass panels and to position each of these glass panels facing each other front and back with a predetermined gap in between. Incidentally, it is also possible to use a transparent synthetic resin panel member instead of glass panels.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, various light-emitting means such as lamps are provided around the glass unit 22 (more specifically, the window section 21). For example, a lamp section (ring-shaped illuminated section) 26 containing light-emitting means such as LEDs is provided along the periphery of the window section 21. The lamp section 26 lights up or flashes in accordance with changes in the game state, such as when a jackpot is hit or when a predetermined reach occurs. In addition, an error indicator lamp section 27 that lights up in the event of a predetermined error is provided in the center of the lamp section 26 and at the top of the pachinko machine 10, and prize ball lamp sections 28 that light up when prize balls are paid out are provided on the left and right sides of the error indicator lamp section 27. In addition, a speaker section 29 that outputs sound effects according to the game state is provided in a position close to the left and right prize ball lamp sections 28.

[0020] Below the window portion 21 of the front door frame 14 (frame body 20), an upper bulge 31 and a lower bulge 32 are arranged vertically side by side, bulging toward the front. Inside the upper bulge 31 is an upper tray 33 that opens upward, and inside the lower bulge 32 is a lower tray 34 that also opens upward. The upper tray 33 has the function of temporarily storing the game balls dispensed from the dispensing device (described later) and guiding them to the game ball launching mechanism (described later) while aligning them in a line. The lower tray 34 has the function of storing any game balls that are left over in the upper tray 33.

[0021] Furthermore, the upper surface of the upper bulge 31 is provided with a performance control unit 36 ​​(specifically, a push button) that is manually operated by the player. For example, when the performance control unit 36 ​​is manually operated according to suggestions displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 75 (described later), the performance content on the display screen G etc. becomes a predetermined performance content corresponding to that operation.

[0022] To the right of the lower bulge 32 (lower tray 34), a game ball launching handle 41 is provided, protruding toward the front. When the game ball launching handle 41 is operated, game balls are launched from the 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 tray 34). The jack section 37 is for connecting headphones 38, and by inserting the 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. Note that the jack section 37 may be configured to accept not only headphones 38 but also earphones, and the point is that it should be able to accept any external listening device (sound output means) that is worn on the ears or head by the player (person).

[0024] As shown in Figure 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 is formed at the upper corner, which protrudes to the rear and opens upward. By dividing this receiving portion into left and right sections with a partition wall, the entrance portion of the front door side upper tray passage and the entrance portion of the front door side lower tray passage are separated. 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] On the rear side of the front door frame 14, at the pivot base end, projection shafts are provided at its upper and lower ends. These projection shafts constitute the assembly mechanism for the inner frame 13. Furthermore, on the rear side of the front door frame 14, at the pivot tip end, as shown in Figure 2, multiple hook fittings 49 extending to the rear are arranged in a vertical direction. These hook fittings 49 constitute the locking mechanism for the inner frame 13.

[0026] Next, the inner frame 13 will be described in detail based on Figures 2 and 3. The inner frame 13 is mainly composed of a resin base 50, which has an outer shape that is roughly rectangular, similar to 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 positioned close to the upper frame portion of the outer frame 11, and a small gap is formed between the lower frame portion of the outer frame 11 and the resin base 50. A fascia board is attached to the outer frame 11 to close this gap. The fascia board is positioned below the resin base 50 (more specifically, its lower end), and when the inner frame 13 is closed to the outer frame 11, the resin base 50 rests on top of the fascia board.

[0027] Support brackets 51 and 52 are attached to the upper and lower ends of the pivot base side on the front surface of the resin base 50. The support brackets 51 and 52 have axial holes formed in them, and the projection shaft of the front door frame 14 is inserted into these axial holes, thereby supporting the front door frame 14 so that it can rotate relative to the inner frame 13.

[0028] The front of the resin base 50, on the rotating tip side, is provided with an insertion hole for inserting a hook fitting 49 located on the back of the front door frame 14. In this pachinko machine 10, as shown in Figure 3, a locking device 55 for locking the inner frame 13 and the front door frame 14 is positioned hidden on the back side of the inner frame 13. Therefore, the hook fitting 49 engages with the locking device 55 (specifically, the hook receiving member for the front door) through the insertion hole, thereby locking the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13 in an unopenable state. The locking device 55 also has a plurality of inner frame hook members 57 that extend to the rear of the inner frame 13. These inner frame hook members 57 catch on the hook receiving member 19 of the outer frame 11, thereby locking the game machine body 12 to the outer frame 11 in a closed state.

[0029] A cylinder lock 58 for unlocking the locking device 55 is installed 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 turning the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 to the right unlocks the front door frame 14 to the inner frame 13, and turning the key inserted into the keyhole of the cylinder lock 58 to the left unlocks the inner frame 13 to the outer frame 11.

[0030] A roughly oval-shaped window opening 54 is formed in the center of the resin base 50, and the window opening 54 is closed from the rear by the game board 60 mounted on the resin base 50. The game board 60 consists of a wooden plywood and a sheet material that covers the front surface of the plywood, and its front surface is exposed to the front side of the resin base 50 through the window opening 54. A game area PE is formed on this exposed part, i.e., the front surface of the game board 60, through which the game balls flow. Note that the game board 60 is not limited to wood, and can also be made of synthetic resin.

[0031] The following describes the game board 60 (particularly the various components arranged in the game area PE) based on Figure 4. Figure 4 is a front view of the game board 60.

[0032] The game board 60 has multiple openings of varying sizes that penetrate in the direction of its own thickness (front-to-back direction). Each opening is provided with a general prize entry opening 61, a first operation opening 62, a second operation opening 63, a through gate 64, a variable prize entry device 65, a variable display unit 67, and the like.

[0033] When a ball enters the general prize slot 61, the variable prize device 65, the first operating slot 62, or the second operating slot 63, this is detected by a prize sensor (detection sensor), and based on the detection result, the player is granted a predetermined number of prize balls or other benefits. In this case, if a ball enters the general prize slot 61, 10 game balls are dispensed, and if a ball enters the variable prize device 65, 15 game balls are dispensed. Also, if a ball enters the first operating slot 62, 3 game balls are dispensed, and if a ball enters the second operating slot 63, 1 game ball is dispensed. Incidentally, no game balls are dispensed if a ball enters the through gate 64.

[0034] The number of prize balls is arbitrary; for example, the number of prize balls related to the first operating port 62 may be the same as the number of prize balls related to the second operating port 63, or the number of prize balls related to the second operating port 63 may be greater than the number of prize balls related to the first operating port 62. Furthermore, the number of prize balls related to the variable prize entry device 65 may be the same as or less than the number of prize balls related to other operating ports. Additionally, a predetermined number of game balls may be dispensed 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 points are discharged from the game area PE through the outlet 68. Here, "entering" means that a game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and includes not only the case in which the game ball is discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening, but also the case in which the game ball is not discharged from the game area PE after passing through the opening. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish it from the entry of a game ball into the outlet 68, the entry of a game ball into the general prize entry point 61, the operating points 62, 63, the variable prize entry device 65, or the through gate 64 will also be referred to as "winning."

[0036] Furthermore, the game board 60 is equipped with numerous nails 69 to appropriately disperse and adjust the flow path of the game balls, as well as various components (mechanisms) such as windmills. These various configurations, including the nails 69 and windmills, diversify the flow of the game balls, and are adjusted so that the balls enter the general prize winning holes 61 and other areas as described above with a reasonable probability.

[0037] The variable display unit 67 is located in the center of the game board 60. The variable display unit 67 is installed on the back side of the game board 60 (Figure 3), and its 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, corresponding to the periphery of the opening.

[0038] The center frame 76 protrudes forward from the front of the game board 60, and the gap between the front of the center frame 76 and the glass unit 22 is smaller than the diameter 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 as 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 or right route is determined by the amount of rotation of the game ball launch handle 41, that is, by the launch force of the game ball. Since the launched game ball enters the game area PE from the upper left side of the game board 60, the stronger the launch force of the game ball, the more likely the game ball is to flow down the right route.

[0040] More specifically, if the player performs a first firing operation by rotating the game ball firing handle 41 with a rotation amount in the first range which is greater than or equal to a predetermined rotation amount but less than the standard rotation amount, the fired game ball will flow down the left route. If the player performs a second firing operation by rotating the game ball firing handle 41 with a rotation amount in the second range which is greater than or equal to the standard rotation amount, the fired game ball will flow down the right route. The predetermined rotation amount is the amount of rotation operation required for the fired game ball to pass through the guide rail 100 (described later) and enter the game area PE, and the standard rotation amount is the amount of rotation operation required to fire the game ball with a firing force that allows it to reach the top of the center frame 76.

[0041] Below the center frame 76 (variable display unit 67), there is a first operating port 62 that is open upwards. 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 arranged 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, they will play the game by launching the game ball so that it flows down the left route. The first operating port 62 is equipped with a first operating port entry sensor 62a (Figure 7), and this entry sensor 62a detects game balls that have entered the first operating port 62.

[0042] A second operating port 63 is located to the right of the center frame 76 (variable display unit 67). The configuration of the second operating port 63 will be explained with reference to Figure 5.

[0043] The second operating port 63 is provided with a general-purpose electrical component 63a (variable receiving means) which serves as a guide piece (support piece) consisting of a pair of left and right movable pieces. Specifically, the pair of movable pieces, which are supported so as to be rotatable in the left and right directions, are arranged so as to sandwich the opening of the second operating port 63 from both the left and right sides.

[0044] Furthermore, by rotating each of the above-mentioned movable pieces, it is possible to switch between a closed state (unsupported or unguided state) as shown in Figure 5(a) and an open state (supported or guided state) as shown in Figure 5(b). Specifically, a protruding portion 63d is provided on the upper part of the second operating port 63 so as to protrude forward. As shown in Figure 5(a), when the above-mentioned movable pieces are in an upright position, the gap between each of the movable pieces and the protruding portion 63d becomes less than the diameter of the game ball, preventing the game ball from flowing into the second operating port 63. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 5(b), when the above-mentioned movable pieces are rotated to tilt outward, an opening of a size that allows the game ball to pass through is formed between them and the protruding portion 63d, allowing the game ball to flow into the second operating port 63. The second operating port 63 is provided with a prize sensor 63c for the second operating port, and the prize sensor 63c detects when a game ball enters the second operating port 63.

[0045] Furthermore, the general-purpose electrical device 63a is provided with a drive unit 63b that drives each movable piece. Each movable piece is driven by the drive unit 63b through a link mechanism (not shown) to switch between an open state (tilted position) and a closed state (upright position). Incidentally, the first operating port 62 is not provided with a general-purpose electrical device (opening / closing structure).

[0046] In the above configuration, it is not possible to win a prize in the second operating port 63 when it is closed, but a configuration in which it is possible to win a prize is also possible. That is, a configuration in which it is possible to win a prize in the second operating port 63 when it is closed, but it is more difficult to win a prize (it becomes difficult to win a prize) than when it is open. In short, it is sufficient that the ease of winning a prize in the second operating port 63 differs between the open and closed states, and the degree of closure or opening is arbitrary. Furthermore, the configuration of the general-purpose 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 Figure 4, a through gate 64 is positioned above (upstream of) the second operating port 63 in the right route. The through gate 64 has a through hole (not shown) that penetrates vertically, and game balls that enter the through gate 64 pass through the through gate 64 and flow down the game area PE again. Therefore, game balls that enter the through gate 64 can also enter the second operating port 63. The through gate 64 is equipped with a through-gate entry sensor 64a (Figure 7), which detects game balls that enter the through gate 64.

[0048] The through gate 64 acts as a trigger to open the above-mentioned electric power device 63a located in the second operating port 63. Specifically, an internal lottery is held when a ball enters the through gate 64, and if the result of this internal lottery is an opening result (support win), the electric power device 63a is opened from the closed state, and then the device opening / closing game (support execution mode) is executed to return it to the closed state.

[0049] In the right route, a variable prize-winning device 65 is located below (downstream of) the second operating port 63. The configuration of the variable prize-winning device 65 will be explained with reference to Figure 6.

[0050] The variable prize winning device 65 includes a large prize winning opening 65a that opens to the front, and an opening / closing door 65b that opens and closes the large prize winning opening 65a. The large prize winning opening 65a is a horizontally elongated rectangle when viewed from the front, and is large enough to allow multiple game balls to enter simultaneously. The large prize winning opening 65a is connected to a guide passage 65e provided on the back side of the game board 60, and all game balls that enter the large prize winning opening 65a are guided to the guide passage 65e. A prize winning sensor 65c for the large prize winning opening is provided in the guide passage 65e, and the prize winning sensor 65c detects game balls that have entered the large prize winning opening 65a.

[0051] Furthermore, the variable prize winning device 65 is equipped 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) and can be switched between a closed state in which game balls cannot enter the large prize winning opening 65a (Figure 6(a)) and an open state in which game balls can enter the large prize winning opening 65a (Figure 6(b)). Specifically, the opening and closing door 65b is normally in the closed state, and is switched to the open state when the internal lottery results in a transition to the opening and closing execution mode (jackpot game).

[0052] The opening / closing execution mode is a mode that is entered when a jackpot is won. This opening / closing execution mode will be explained in detail later. In the case of a jackpot, the variable prize device 65 may be opened repeatedly for a maximum of multiple rounds (for example, 10 rounds), with one round defined as the elapsed time (for example, 30 seconds) or the entry of a predetermined number of items (for example, 10 items).

[0053] In the above configuration, it is not possible to win a prize in the large prize slot 65a when it is closed, but a configuration in which it is possible to win a prize is also acceptable. That is, a configuration in which it is possible to win a prize in the large prize slot 65a when it is closed, but it is more difficult to win a prize (it becomes difficult to win a prize) than when it is open is also acceptable. In short, it is sufficient that the ease of winning a prize in the large prize slot 65a differs between the open and closed states, and the degree of closure or opening is arbitrary.

[0054] Here, only game balls flowing down the right route can enter the second operating port 63, the through gate 64, and the variable prize winning device 65. Therefore, when a player aims to win a prize at the second operating port 63, the through gate 64, or the variable prize winning device 65, they will launch the game balls so that they flow down the right route.

[0055] As shown in Figure 4, a main display unit 81 is provided below the variable prize winning device 65. The main display unit 81 is positioned along the lower outer edge 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 for displaying predetermined patterns and a general display section 44. These display sections 43 and 44 are visible from the front through the glass unit 22 of the front door frame 14. The gap 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 and 44.

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

[0057] In the first special display unit AS, the display of changing symbols is triggered by a prize being won in the first operating port 62, and as a result of stopping the display of the changing symbols, the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the prize being won in the first operating port 62 is clearly displayed. If the result of the internal lottery based on the prize being won in the first operating port 62 is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot, the display of the changing symbols in the first special display unit AS is stopped, and after a predetermined symbol is displayed as a result of stopping, the system transitions to the opening and closing execution mode described above.

[0058] In the second special display unit BS, the display of changing symbols is triggered by a prize being awarded in the second operation port 63, and the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the prize being awarded in the second operation port 63 is clearly displayed as a result of the stopping of this changing display. If the result of the internal lottery based on the prize being awarded in the second operation port 63 is a winning result corresponding to a jackpot, the display of changing symbols in the second special display unit BS is stopped, and after a predetermined symbol is displayed as a result of the stop, the system transitions to the opening and closing execution mode described above.

[0059] In the following, in order to distinguish between the symbols that change and are displayed when a prize is won in the first operating port 62 and the symbols that change and are displayed when a prize is won in the second operating port 63, the former may be referred to as the first special symbol or first special symbol, and the latter as the second special symbol or second special symbol.

[0060] Here, based on a winning entry into either of the operating ports 62 or 63, a variation display is started in the corresponding special display unit AS or BS, and the period from when the variation display stops after displaying a predetermined stop result is considered one game round in the special display unit AS or BS. However, one game round is not limited to the above content. For example, in a configuration where a single display area is provided and a variation display is performed in that single display area regardless of when a winning entry occurs into any of the operating ports 62 or 63, one game round is considered to be from when the variation display starts in that single display area and stops after displaying a predetermined stop result.

[0061] Furthermore, the main display unit 81 is equipped with a special symbol retention count display unit AM. The number of times a game ball enters the first operation port 62 or the second operation port 63 is retained up to a maximum of 4 times, and the special symbol retention count display unit AM can display the number of retained special symbols for the first special symbol (first operation port 62) and the number of retained special symbols for the second special symbol (second operation port 63) separately.

[0062] The regular symbol display unit 44 is a display unit for clearly indicating the results of the internal lottery conducted based on the entry into the through gate 64. In this case, the regular symbol display unit 44 displays a changing pattern triggered by the entry into the through gate 64, and as a result of the stopping of this changing pattern display, the result of the internal lottery conducted based on the entry into the through gate 64 is clearly indicated by the display. If the result of the internal lottery based on the entry into the through gate 64 is a winning result that corresponds to a transition to a support state that opens the regular electric device 63a, the regular symbol display unit 44 displays a predetermined stop result and the changing pattern display stops, after which it transitions to the support state. The pattern that is displayed in a changing pattern triggered by the entry into the through gate 64 is sometimes called a regular pattern or regular diagram.

[0063] Here, based on the entry into the through gate 64, the display unit 44 for general diagrams starts a variable display, and the period from when the predetermined stop result is displayed until the variable display stops corresponds to one game round in the display unit 44 for general diagrams. Hereafter, in order to distinguish between game rounds in the display unit 44 for general diagrams and game rounds in the special diagram display units AS and BS, the former may be referred to as a general diagram game round and the latter as a special diagram game round.

[0064] Furthermore, the display unit 44 for the regular display is equipped with a regular display number display unit FM. The number of times a game ball enters the through gate 64 is reserved up to a maximum of 4 times, and the regular display number display unit FM can display the number of regular display balls (through gate 64) reserved.

[0065] The special drawing display unit 43 and the general drawing display unit 44 are composed of a segment display device having multiple 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 in the diagram, the main display unit 81 is provided with a round display section to indicate the number of rounds in the opening / closing execution mode. The round display section starts displaying the number of rounds when the opening / closing execution mode is started or has been started. This display continues without changing the display content while the opening / closing execution mode is running, and ends when the opening / closing execution mode ends or has ended.

[0067] Next, the variable display unit 67 will be described. The variable display unit 67 is equipped with a pattern display device 75 that displays patterns, which are a type of image, in a variable manner (or in a variable or switching manner).

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

[0069] The symbol display device 75 displays symbols arranged, for example, at the top, middle, and bottom, and these symbols are displayed in a variable manner by scrolling horizontally. In this case, the variable display on the symbol display device 75 is initiated based on a winning entry into the first operating port 62 or the second operating port 63. That is, when a variable display is performed on the special symbol display unit 43, a variable display is also performed on the symbol display device 75 accordingly. When the variable winning device 65 is opened, the game transitions to a jackpot state (open / close execution mode), and a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped and displayed on a preset active line on the symbol display device 75.

[0070] Furthermore, the symbol display device 75 displays a hold indicator corresponding to the first special symbol display unit AS and the second special symbol display unit BS. In this hold indicator, a predetermined hold image is displayed, and the number of holds for each operation port 63, 64 is indicated by the number of images displayed. Note that the number of holds is not limited to what is shown by the hold image, but may also be shown by a numerical display. Moreover, the display may not be limited to the symbol display device 75, but may also be shown by a display unit (a display unit separate from the hold number display units AM and FM of the main display unit 81) or a light-emitting unit (hold lamp unit) provided on the game board 60 separately from the symbol display device 75.

[0071] Here, on the back side of the game board 60, a magnet detection sensor 47 and a radio wave detection sensor 48 are provided near the first operating port 62.

[0072] As described above, the first operating port 62 acts as a trigger for internal lottery (determination of whether the first special symbol is a winner or loser). Therefore, it is conceivable that someone might try to illegally guide a game ball into the first operating port 62 by bringing a magnet close to it in front of the glass unit 22, or illegally output radio waves towards the first operating port 62 to cause the entry detection sensor in the first operating port 62 to falsely detect the passage of a game ball. The magnet detection sensor 47 and the radio wave detection sensor 48 are provided to counter these actions, making it possible to detect any illegal activities using magnets or radio waves. It should be noted that it is not always necessary to provide both the magnet detection sensor 47 and the radio wave detection sensor 48 as countermeasures against illegal activities; a configuration with only one of these detection sensors 47 or 48 is also acceptable.

[0073] Referring again to Figure 2, the configuration of the inner frame 13 will be explained. Below the mounting area of ​​the game board 60 on 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 positioned at a predetermined launch standby position, a launch rail 112 that defines the launch direction of the game balls launched by the solenoid 111, a ball feeding device 113 that supplies game balls to the launch standby position, and a base plate 114 on which these various components 111 to 113 are mounted. The base plate 114 is fixed to the resin base 50, thereby integrating the game ball launching mechanism 110 with the resin base 50.

[0074] The launch rail 112 is fixed to the base plate 114 at an angle so as to slope upward toward the game board 60. A ball stopper is provided near the downstream end (i.e., lower end) of the launch rail 112 to hold the game balls supplied from the ball feeding device 113 in the aforementioned launch standby position. The solenoid 111 is located further downstream from the ball stopper.

[0075] The solenoid 111 is electrically connected to a power supply and a launch control device, which will be described later. Based on the output of electrical signals from the power supply and launch control device, the output shaft of the solenoid 111 reciprocates in the extension and retraction direction, causing the game ball, which is placed in the launch standby position, to be launched toward the game board 60, more specifically toward the guide rail 100 attached to the game board 60.

[0076] As shown in Figure 4, the guide rail 100 partitions the game area PE so that the outer shape of the game area PE is approximately circular. The guide rail 100 consists of an inner rail 101 and an outer rail 102 that are positioned opposite each other with a gap slightly larger than the diameter of the game ball, and these two rails 101 and 102 partition a single guide passage 103. The guide passage 103 has an entrance portion that is open on the tip side (diagonally downward) of the launch rail 112 and an exit portion located at the top of the game area PE. The game ball launched based on the operation of the solenoid 111 is guided to the game area PE by moving in the order of launch rail 112 → guide rail 100 (entrance portion → exit portion).

[0077] Furthermore, in the game board 60, a reverse return prevention member 106 is attached to the front of the exit portion, more specifically near the tip of the inner rail 101, to prevent game balls that have reached the game area PE from returning back into the guide passage 103, thereby preventing the launch of subsequent game balls from being obstructed by game balls that have reached the game area PE earlier.

[0078] As shown in Figure 2, the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112 are positioned such 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 two rails 100 and 112 are positioned so that the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the tip portion of the launch rail 112 are offset to the left and right near the lower edge of the game board 60. This brings both rails 100 and 112 closer to the lower edge of the game board 60 while creating a predetermined gap between the entrance portion of the guide rail 100 and the launch rail 112.

[0079] Below the gap formed in this manner, a foul ball passage 46 is provided. 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 to the guide passage 103 as a foul ball, these foul balls will enter the foul ball passage 46 through the 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 into the lower tray 34. This suppresses interference between foul balls and the next game ball to be launched, while returning the foul balls to the player.

[0080] In the resin base 50, a through hole is formed to the left of the launch rail 112 (more specifically, the side supporting the front door frame 14), 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 tray passage and a main body side lower tray passage. The upstream side of these main body side upper tray passage and main body side lower tray passage leads to the game ball distribution section, which will be described later. Furthermore, below the passage forming member 121, the receiving portion of the passage forming unit 45 attached to the front door frame 14 is inserted, and below the main body side upper tray passage is the front door side upper tray passage, and below the main body side lower tray passage is the front door side upper tray passage.

[0081] In the resin base 50, an opening / closing member 124 is attached below the passage forming member 121 to open and close the upper tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the main body side. The opening / closing member 124 is supported so as to be rotatable in the front-rear direction by a support shaft provided at its lower end, and is further provided with a biasing member that biases it to a forward position that closes the upper tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the main body side. Therefore, when the front door frame 14 is open relative to the inner frame 13, the opening / closing member 124 rises up as shown in the figure, closing the upper tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the main body side. This prevents the inconvenience of game balls spilling out if the front door frame 14 is opened while game balls are stored in the upper tray passage on the main body side or the lower tray passage on the main body side. In contrast, when the front door frame 14 is closed, the opening / closing member 124 is pushed open against the biasing force by a 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 unit side and the upper tray passage on the front door side are connected, and furthermore, the lower tray passage on the main unit side and the lower tray passage on the front door side are connected.

[0082] Next, the rear configuration of the inner frame 13 (resin base 50 and game board 60) will be described based on Figure 3.

[0083] On the rotating base end side of the back of the resin base 50, bearing fittings 132 are arranged vertically side by side. The bearing fittings 132 have bearing portions formed spaced apart vertically, and these bearing portions allow the back pack unit 15 to rotatably attach to the inner frame 13.

[0084] Multiple locking brackets are provided on the back of the resin base 50, and the game board 60 is attached to the resin base 50 by these locking brackets. The configuration of the back of the game board 60 will now be explained.

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

[0086] The performance control device 143 is equipped with a performance control board that controls sound, lamp displays, and display control devices according to instructions from the main control device, which will be described later. The performance control board is housed in a board box 145 made of a transparent resin material or the like.

[0087] As shown in Figure 3, a collection plate 150 is provided on the back of the game board 60, below the variable display unit 67. The collection plate 150 is equipped with a game ball collection mechanism for collecting game balls that have entered various prize slots, and a detection mechanism for detecting when game balls enter various prize slots, etc.

[0088] The game ball collection mechanism is explained as follows: The collection plate 150 is provided with collection passages that correspond individually to various ball entry points, such as the general prize entry point 61. These collection passages descend from these ball entry points along the back of the game board 60, defining the path for the game balls to fall. Each collection passage merges near the bottom of the game board 60, and all game balls that pass through the ball entry points, such as the general prize entry point 61, are collected at the bottom of the game board 60 via the collection passages. The exit of each collection passage is open downwards, and a discharge passage is provided beyond that (more specifically, below the game board 60). The game balls that have been collected at the bottom of the game board 60 via the collection passages are guided to the discharge passage. Similarly, the out exit 68 also leads to the discharge passage, and game balls that do not enter any of the prize entry points are also guided to the discharge passage via the out exit 68.

[0089] To explain the detection mechanism, the collection plate 150 is equipped with prize entry sensors (detection sensors) that correspond individually to various ball entry points such as the general prize entry point 61. These various prize entry sensors are positioned at intermediate locations in each collection passage connected to the ball entry points such as the general prize entry point 61, and detect the passage of game balls when the drop path of the game balls is defined in the collection passage. In other words, when a game ball passes through a detection area provided at an intermediate location in each collection passage, the entry of a game ball into a ball entry point such as the general prize entry point 61 is detected. The prize entry sensor is composed of, for example, a magnetic sensor that grasps the change in the magnetic field that occurs when a game ball passes through the detection area.

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

[0091] The main control unit 160 is mounted on the game board 60 so as to cover the manifold plate 150 from the rear, and consists of a mounting base 161 made of synthetic resin and a main control unit 162 mounted on the mounting base 161. The main control unit 162 is equipped with a main control board that has a function (main control circuit) that is in charge of the main control of the game, and the main control board is housed in a board box 163 made of transparent resin material or the like.

[0092] The circuit board box 163 comprises a box base (front case) with a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape and a box cover (back case) that covers the opening of the box base. The box base and the box cover are connected in an unopenable manner by a sealing part, thereby sealing the circuit board box 163. Multiple sealing parts are provided on the long side of the circuit board box 163, and at least one of them is used to perform the sealing process.

[0093] The sealing section can be configured in any way that makes it impossible to open the box base and the box cover, but the box base and the box cover are made impossible to open by inserting a locking claw into the elongated hole that makes up the sealing section. The sealing process by the sealing section prevents unauthorized opening after sealing, and even if unauthorized opening occurs, it is possible to detect such a situation early and easily, and it is possible to reseal the box even after it has been opened. In other words, the sealing process is performed by inserting a locking claw into at least one elongated hole among the multiple sealing sections. When the board box 163 is opened, such as when a malfunction occurs in the contained main control board or when the main control board is inspected, the connection between the sealing section in which the locking claw is inserted and the other sealing sections is cut. This separates the box base and the box cover of the board box 163, and the main control board inside can be removed. After that, when resealing the box, the locking claw is inserted into the elongated hole of the other sealing section. If a record indicating that the circuit board box 163 has been opened is left on the circuit board box 163, it will be easy to detect that unauthorized opening has occurred by looking at the circuit board box 163.

[0094] Multiple connecting pieces are provided on one of the short sides of the circuit board box 163, protruding laterally. These connecting pieces correspond one-to-one with multiple pieces to be connected formed on the mounting base 161, and a sealing process is performed between the circuit board box 163 and the mounting base 161 by the connecting pieces and the pieces to be connected.

[0095] Next, the back pack unit 15 will be described based on Figures 2 and 3.

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

[0097] The back pack 201 is molded from a transparent synthetic resin and has a base portion 211 to which the dispensing mechanism 202 and the like are attached, as shown in Figure 3, and a protective cover portion 212 that protrudes from the rear of the pachinko machine 10 and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. The protective cover portion 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 on its upper right side. The external output terminal 213 is equipped with various output terminals, and various signals are output to the hall computer HC (management control device) on the gaming hall side through these output terminals. The base portion 211 is also provided with a pair of upper and lower locking pins on its right end when viewed from the rear of the pachinko machine 10. By inserting the locking pins into the bearing fittings 132 (more specifically, the bearing portion) provided on the inner frame 13, the back pack unit 15 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the inner frame 13. Furthermore, the rotating tip of the base portion 211 is provided with a fastener for fastening to a fastening hole provided on the inner frame 13, and the back pack unit 15 is fixed to the inner frame 13 by fitting the fastener into the fastening hole.

[0099] The dispensing mechanism 202 is positioned on the base 211 so as to bypass the protective cover 212. The dispensing mechanism 202 is equipped with a tank 221 located at the top of the back pack 201 and opening upwards, into which game balls supplied from the island equipment of the gaming hall are sequentially replenished. Below the tank 221, a tank rail that slopes gently downstream is connected, and a case rail extending vertically is connected to the downstream side of the tank rail. A dispensing device 222 is provided at the downstream end of the case rail. Game balls dispensed from the dispensing device 222 are supplied to the game ball distribution section provided on the base 211 of the back pack 201 through a dispensing passage provided downstream of the dispensing device 222.

[0100] The game ball distribution unit has the function of distributing game balls dispensed from the payout device 222 to either the upper tray 33, the lower tray 34, or the discharge passage described later. The inner opening is connected to the upper tray 33 via the upper tray passage on the main body side and the upper tray passage on the front door side, and the outer opening is connected to the lower tray 34 via the lower tray passage on the main body side and the lower tray passage on the front door side.

[0101] As shown in Figure 3, the discharge passage panel 203 and the control unit 204 are attached to the lower end of the base portion 211, sandwiching the lower end from front to back. The discharge passage panel 203 has a discharge passage formed on the side facing the control unit 204 that is open to the rear, and the opening of the discharge passage is closed by the control unit 204. The discharge passage is formed to discharge game balls to island equipment in the game hall, and game balls that are led from the above-mentioned collection passage to the discharge passage are discharged to the outside of the pachinko machine 10 by passing through the discharge passage.

[0102] The control unit assembly 204 has a horizontally elongated 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 arranged in a front-to-back configuration, with the payout control device 181 facing the rear of the pachinko machine 10.

[0103] In the dispensing control device 181, a dispensing control board that controls the dispensing device 222 is housed in a circuit board box, and a state reset switch provided on the dispensing control board protrudes outside the circuit board box. For example, when a dispensing error occurs in the dispensing device 222, such as a ball jam, pressing the state reset switch will resolve the ball jam.

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

[0105] The power supply and launch control device 191 is equipped with a power outage monitoring unit (power outage monitoring circuit) 315 that monitors the power supply and detects the occurrence of power interruptions such as power outages. This pachinko machine 10 has a function to store and retain various data, so that even if a power outage occurs, it will retain the state at the time of the power outage and will be able to return to that state when power is restored. For example, if the power is shut off in the normal procedure, such as when a gaming hall closes for the day, the state before the shutdown will be stored in memory. In addition, the power supply and launch control device 191 is equipped with a RAM erase switch. When the power is turned on while pressing the RAM erase switch, the RAM data will be initialized.

[0106] <Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10> Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be explained based on the block diagram in Figure 7.

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

[0108] RAM314 is configured to retain (back up) data using backup voltage from the power supply and launch control device 191 even after a power outage occurs. RAM314 has a backup area separate from the area for temporarily storing various data. The backup area is for storing the stack pointer, the values ​​of each register, I / O, etc. at the time of power outage. When power is restored from a power outage, 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] In the configuration shown in Figure 7, the ROM 313 and RAM 314 are integrated into a single chip for the MPU 312, but this is not the only option; each component may be integrated into a separate chip. This also applies to the MPUs of control devices other than the main control device 162.

[0110] The MPU312 is equipped with input and output ports. The MPU312's input side is connected to the dispensing control device 181 and the power supply and firing control device 191. Various sensors are also connected to the MPU312's input side.

[0111] Various sensors are provided, including a general prize entry sensor 61a, a first operation entry sensor 62a, a second operation entry sensor 63c, a pass-through entry sensor 64a, and a large prize entry sensor 65c, which detect entries into the general prize entry slot 61, the first operation entry slot 62, the second operation entry slot 63, the pass-through gate 64, and the variable prize entry device 65. The MPU312 performs prize entry determination (ball entry determination) for each ball entry section based on the detection results of these various sensors 61a, 62a, 63c, 64a, and 65c. The MPU312 also performs various lotteries based on entries into the first operation entry slot 62, the second operation entry slot 63, and the pass-through gate 64.

[0112] A magnetic 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 magnetic detection sensor 47 and the radio wave detection sensor 48, and based on the reception results, determines whether or not the abnormality targeted by each sensor has occurred.

[0113] The output side of the MPU312 is connected to the payout control device 181 and the performance control device 143, etc. The payout control device 181 outputs a prize ball command based on, for example, the result of the prize ball entry determination to the prize ball corresponding to the payout of prize balls.

[0114] The performance control device 143 outputs various commands, including a variation start command, a type command, a variation end command, an opening command, and an ending command. In this case, the command information storage area 313e of the ROM 313 is referenced when outputting these various commands. Details of these various commands will be explained later. Note that each of the above commands is composed of information of a predetermined number of bytes, and various information is included in that predetermined number of bytes.

[0115] Furthermore, various drive units, including a drive unit 63b for the regular electric prize mechanism 63a and a drive unit 65d for the variable prize winning device 65, are connected to the output side of the MPU 312. Various driver circuits are provided on the main control board 311, and the MPU 312 performs drive control of the various drive units through these driver circuits. Specifically, when a transition to the opening / closing execution mode occurs, the MPU 312 performs drive control of the drive unit 65d so that the opening / closing door 65b of the variable prize winning device 65 is driven. Also, when a transition to the support state occurs, the MPU 312 performs drive control of the drive unit 63b so that each movable piece of the regular electric prize mechanism 63a is driven. In addition, for each special symbol game round, display control of the first special symbol display unit AS or the second special symbol display unit BS in the special symbol display unit 43 is performed. Also, for regular symbol game rounds, display control of the regular symbol display unit 44 is performed.

[0116] Furthermore, the aforementioned external output terminal 213 is connected to the output side of the MPU312, and information regarding ball entry into various ball entry points and lottery results such as jackpots is output to the hall computer HC through this external output terminal 213. This allows the hall computer HC to understand the status of the pachinko machine 10.

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

[0118] The power supply and launch control device 191 is equipped with a power outage 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 outage monitoring unit 315 determines that a power outage (power interruption) has occurred and outputs a power outage signal to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) provided on the MPU 312 of the main control device 162. As a result, the main control device 162 recognizes the occurrence of a power outage and immediately executes NMI interrupt processing, and further executes power outage processing based on this.

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

[0120] The payout control device 181 controls the payout of prize balls and loaned balls by the payout device 222 based on prize ball commands input from the main control device 162. The payout control device 181 is connected to a fullness detection sensor 82a that detects whether the lower tray 34, which serves as a ball receiving tray, is full of game balls, and a ball-empty detection sensor 82b that detects whether the amount of game balls stored in the tank 221 is insufficient, resulting in a ball-empty state. The fullness detection sensor 82a is provided in the passage for discharging game balls into the lower tray 34, and the ball-empty detection sensor 82b is provided in the passage for supplying game balls from the tank 221 to the payout device 222. The fullness detection sensor 82a and the ball-empty detection sensor 82b output detection signals to the payout control device 181.

[0121] The performance control device 143 controls the operation of the lamp units 26-28 and 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 performs display control of the symbol display device 75 based on commands input from the performance control device 143. In this case, the performance control device 143 determines the display time for the variation of the symbols on the symbol display device 75 and the type of symbol combination to be finally displayed, as well as whether or not a reach occurs and the content of the reach performance, based on various commands input from the main control device 162.

[0122] Here, the display contents of the pattern display device 75 will be explained based on Figures 8 to 10.

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

[0124] As shown in Figure 9(a), the display screen G of the symbol display device 75 has three symbol rows Z1, Z2, and Z3 set up: upper, middle, and lower. Each symbol row Z1 to Z3 is composed of main symbols and sub-symbols arranged in a predetermined order. Specifically, the upper symbol row Z1 has nine types of main symbols, "1" to "9", arranged in descending numerical order, with one sub-symbol placed between each main symbol. The lower symbol row Z3 has nine types of main symbols, "1" to "9", arranged in ascending numerical order, with one sub-symbol placed between each main symbol. In other words, the upper symbol row Z1 and the lower symbol row Z3 are composed of 18 symbols each. In contrast, the middle symbol row Z2 has nine main symbols, "1" through "9," arranged in ascending numerical order, with an additional main symbol "4" placed between the "9" and "1" symbols, and one sub-symbol placed between each of these main symbols. In other words, the middle symbol row Z2 consists of 10 main symbols and 20 symbols in total. On the display screen G, the symbols from each of these symbol rows Z1 to Z3 are displayed in a variable manner, scrolling in a predetermined direction with periodicity. Also, as shown in Figure 9(b), on the display screen G, three symbols are displayed stationary for each symbol row, resulting in a total of 3 x 3 = 9 symbols being displayed stationary.

[0125] Display screen G has five active lines set: left line L1, middle line L2, right line L3, downward right line L4, and upward right line L5. The display of symbols stops in the order of top symbol row Z1 → bottom symbol row Z3 → middle symbol row Z2, and when the display of symbols for all symbol rows Z1 to Z3 has finished with a combination of symbols with the same number formed on any of the active lines, a jackpot video is displayed, indicating that either a normal 4R jackpot result or a 10R probability variation jackpot result has occurred, as described later.

[0126] In this pachinko machine 10, the main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) are considered "specific symbols," and when a 10R probability variation jackpot occurs, the same combination of specific symbols will be displayed. On the other hand, the main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) are considered "non-specific symbols," and when a regular 4R jackpot occurs, the same combination of non-specific symbols will be displayed.

[0127] Here, we will provide a supplementary explanation of the display of each symbol row by referring to Figure 10. When a game round begins, high-speed display starts for all symbol rows Z1 to Z3. In this case, it is difficult or impossible to recognize which symbol row is being displayed in a display. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 10(a), the display mode of the upper symbol row Z1 switches from high-speed display to low-speed display, which allows the player to recognize the displayed symbol. Then, as shown in Figure 10(b), the display of the upper symbol row Z1 ends, and the display mode of the lower symbol row Z3 switches from high-speed display to low-speed display. Then, as shown in Figure 10(c), the display of the lower symbol row Z3 ends. After the display of all symbol rows Z1 to Z3 has finished, a stop display period is provided during which the display remains stopped for a predetermined period.

[0128] Incidentally, in gaming machines, when the symbol display device 75 stops the symbols, it is common practice to stop the symbols in the final stopping row (the middle symbol row Z2 in this embodiment) gradually while reducing the fluctuation display speed, rather than stopping them abruptly. In this case, if the symbol display device 75 is configured to start stopping the symbols in the middle symbol row Z2 (final stopping row) in conjunction with the start of the stop display on the special symbol display unit 43, the time the symbols are stopped will be shortened because of the deceleration time required for the symbols to stop in the symbol display device 75, resulting in an effective reduction in the stop display time.

[0129] Therefore, before the start of the stop display on the special display unit 43, the symbol sequences Z1 to Z3, including the final stop sequence, are temporarily stopped, and then, in conjunction with the start of the stop display on the special display unit 43, the temporarily stopped symbols are brought to a permanent stop (confirmed display). The display manner of the symbol sequences Z1 to Z3 during temporary stop is different from that during confirmed display. For example, at least one of the symbol sequences Z1 to Z3 moves slightly back and forth, or at least a part of the characters (Figure 8), such as the octopus that make up the main or sub-symbols, moves. In other words, temporary stop is performed in such a way that the symbols appear to be stopped, but maintain an incomplete stopped state (stationary display). In contrast, confirmed display is performed in such a way that the symbols do not move back and forth or the characters do not move, resulting in a complete stopped state.

[0130] The temporary stop display for symbol sequences Z1-Z3 begins with a stop result corresponding to the win / loss lottery result or the type of jackpot, and then proceeds directly to the confirmed display. Alternatively, it may initially display a stop result that does not correspond to the win / loss lottery result or the type of jackpot, then, after a re-spin display of symbol sequences Z1-Z3, change to a stop result corresponding to the win / loss lottery result, etc., and then proceed to the confirmed display.

[0131] Incidentally, in special symbol game rounds executed by the special symbol display unit 43, the symbols are not temporarily stopped. Instead, the symbols that have been displayed in motion are abruptly stopped as the motion display time elapses, and this state (the state in which the symbols are stopped) is maintained until the confirmed display time has elapsed. In other words, the stopped symbol display on the special symbol display unit 43 becomes the confirmed display. The same applies to regular symbol game rounds executed by the regular symbol display unit 44.

[0132] Furthermore, the manner in which the symbols are displayed in the symbol display device 75 is not limited to those described above and is arbitrary. The number of symbol rows, the direction of the symbol display in each symbol row, the number of symbols in each symbol row, and the combinations of symbols corresponding to a jackpot or a miss can all be changed as appropriate.

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

[0134] As shown in Figure 9(b), a reserve display unit 200 is provided at the bottom of the display screen G to display a number of reserve images corresponding to the number of reserved spins in the game before execution. By looking at the reserve display unit 200, the player can recognize the number of reserved spins. The reserve display unit 200 is set up with a first reserve display area Ga corresponding to the first special symbol and a second reserve display area Gb corresponding to the second special symbol.

[0135] In the first reserve display area Ga, the unit reserve display areas Ga1 to Ga4 are arranged side by side in a left-right direction, with the same number of units as the maximum number of reserves when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62. Specifically, the maximum number of reserves when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62 is 4, and correspondingly, the first reserve display area Ga is set to have the first unit 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.

[0136] For example, if the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the first operating port 62 is 1, a predetermined reserved image will be displayed only in the first unit reserved display area Ga1. If the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the first operating port 62 is 4, a predetermined reserved image will be displayed in all of the first unit reserved display areas Ga1 to the fourth unit reserved display areas Ga4.

[0137] Furthermore, in the second reserve display area Gb, the same number of unit reserve display areas Gb1 to Gb4 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction, corresponding to the maximum number of reserves when a game ball enters the second operation opening 63. Specifically, the maximum number of reserves when a game ball enters the second operation opening 63 is 4, and corresponding to this, the second reserve display area Gb is set to include 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.

[0138] For example, if the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the second operation opening 63 is 1, the predetermined reserved image will be displayed only in the first unit reserved display area Gb1. If the number of reserved balls when a game ball enters the second operation opening 63 is 4, the predetermined reserved image will be displayed in all of the first unit reserved display areas Gb1 to the fourth unit reserved display areas Gb4.

[0139] Furthermore, the execution display area D is set up so as to be sandwiched between the first hold display area Ga and the second hold display area Gb. The execution display area D displays a hold image corresponding to the game round that is being executed (currently being executed). For example, when a game round ends and the next game round begins, the hold image that was displayed in the first unit hold display area Ga1 of the first hold display area Ga or the first unit hold display area Gb1 of the second hold display area Gb is moved and displayed in the execution display area D. This makes it possible for the player to recognize that the held game round is being executed.

[0140] <Electrical configuration for performing various lotteries using the MPU312 of the main control unit 162> Next, the electrical configuration for performing various lotteries using the MPU 312 of the main control unit 162 will be explained with reference to Figure 11.

[0141] The MPU312 uses various counter information during gameplay to perform tasks such as the lottery for the occurrence of a jackpot, setting the display of the special symbol display unit 43, and setting the display of the regular symbol display unit 44. Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, it 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 probability variation jackpot result or a regular 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 is fluctuating without a win, and a fluctuation type counter CS that determines the fluctuation display time of each special symbol display unit AS and BS in the special symbol display unit 43. Furthermore, it uses a regular symbol jackpot random number counter C4 used for the lottery to determine whether or not to put the regular electric mechanism 63a of the second operation port 63 into a support state (open state).

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

[0143] The reserved ball storage area 314b comprises a reserved area RE consisting of a first special symbol reserved area Ra and a second special symbol reserved area Rb, and an execution area AE. The reserved areas Ra and Rb each comprise a first area, a second area, a third area, and a fourth area, respectively. In accordance with the winning history at the first operation port 62 or the second operation port 63, the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and variation type counter CS stored in the lottery counter buffer 314a is stored in one of the areas as reserved information. This reserved information corresponds to special information.

[0144] In this case, when multiple consecutive entries into the first or second operating port 63 occur, the numerical information is stored chronologically in the order of Area 1 → Area 2 → Area 3 → Area 4 in Areas 1 through 4. With these four areas, up to four entries in the history of game balls entering the first or second operating port 63 can be stored in reserve. In addition, the reserved ball storage area 314b is provided with a total reserved number storage area, which stores information to identify the number of entries in the history of game balls entering the first or second operating port 63 that are being stored in reserve.

[0145] The execution area AE is an area for moving the values ​​stored in the first area of ​​the hold area RE when the variable display of the special display unit 43 is started. At the start of each game round, a win / loss determination is made based on the various numerical information stored in the execution area AE.

[0146] For more details on each counter, the jackpot random number counter C1 is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 199, and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 199). In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 completes one cycle, 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 updated periodically and stored in the reserved ball storage area 314b of RAM 314 when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62 or the second operation opening 63. More specifically, when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62, it is stored in the first special symbol reserved area Ra of RAM 314, and when a game ball enters the second operation opening 63, it is stored in the second special symbol reserved area Rb of RAM 314.

[0147] The random number values ​​that result in a jackpot are stored as a win / loss table (win / loss information group) in the win / loss table storage area 313a, which serves as a win / loss information group storage means in the ROM 313. Two win / loss tables are set up: a win / loss table for the low probability mode (low probability win / loss information group) and a win / loss table for the high probability mode (high probability win / loss information group). In other words, this pachinko machine 10 has two lottery modes set up in the win / loss lottery means: a low probability mode (low probability state) and a high probability mode (high probability state). In each win / loss table, the random number values ​​are set so that the probability of winning a jackpot is higher in the win / loss table for the high probability mode than in the win / loss table for the low probability mode.

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

[0149] The jackpot type counter C2 is used to assign a jackpot type when a jackpot occurs. It is configured to increment by 1 in the range of 0 to 99, and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 99). In this embodiment, multiple jackpot results are set. These multiple jackpot results are set by creating differences in two conditions: (1) the lottery mode in the win / loss lottery means after the opening / closing execution mode has ended, and (2) the support mode in the general-purpose device 63a of the second operating port 63 after the opening / closing execution mode has ended.

[0150] As support modes for the electric 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 at which the electric device 63a of the second operating port 63 is open per unit time is relatively high or low when compared in a situation where game balls are continuously launched in the same manner to the game area PE.

[0151] Specifically, in both the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of a support win (a regular win) in the regular figure win / fail lottery using the regular figure win random number counter C4 is the same (for example, 1 / 2 in both). However, in the high-frequency support mode, the number of times the regular electric mechanism 63a opens when a support win occurs is set to be greater than in the low-frequency support mode, and the opening time for each instance is also set to be longer. In this case, when the regular electric mechanism 63a opens multiple times when a support win occurs in the high-frequency support mode, 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 instance. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, the minimum time required between regular figure win / fail lotteries is set to be shorter than in the low-frequency support mode.

[0152] As described above, in high-frequency support mode, the probability of a ball entering the second operating port 63 is higher than in low-frequency support mode. In other words, in low-frequency support mode, the probability of a ball entering the first operating port 62 is higher than in the second operating port 63, but in high-frequency support mode, the probability of a ball entering the second operating port 63 is higher than in the first operating port 62. When a ball enters the second operating port 63, a predetermined number of game balls are dispensed, so in high-frequency support mode, players can play without significantly reducing their number of balls.

[0153] Furthermore, the configuration for achieving the high-frequency support mode is not limited to the above. For example, the probability of winning the regular drawing lottery may be made equal in both modes, and the number of times the regular electric mechanism 63a opens and the duration of each opening may be more favorable in the high-frequency support mode than in the low-frequency support mode. 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 low-frequency support mode can be set by differentiating one of the following conditions, or any combination thereof: the regular drawing lottery, the number of openings, and the opening duration.

[0154] Furthermore, the jackpot type counter C2 is also used to determine the stopping result of the symbols displayed on each special symbol display unit AS and BS when the result of the win / loss lottery based on the entry into the operating openings 62 and 63 is a jackpot. The stopping result is determined by referring to the stopping result table stored in the stopping result table storage area 313d of the ROM 313. The stopping result table has multiple data sets of stopping results (jackpot symbols displayed on each special symbol display unit AS and BS) in the case of a jackpot, corresponding to the value of the jackpot type counter C2, and when determining the stopping result, the one corresponding to the acquired jackpot type counter C2 is read from among these multiple stopping result data. Here, since the same jackpot type counter C2 is used for both determining the stopping result and determining the jackpot type, the jackpot symbols displayed on each special symbol display unit AS and BS correspond to the jackpot type determined at the time of the jackpot.

[0155] The jackpot type counter C2 is updated periodically and stored in the reserved ball storage area 314b of RAM 314 when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62 or the second operation opening 63. More specifically, when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62, it is stored in the first special symbol reserved area Ra of RAM 314, and when a game ball enters the second operation opening 63, it is stored in the second special symbol reserved area Rb of RAM 314.

[0156] The distribution destination of the game results for the jackpot type counter C2 is stored as a jackpot type table in the type table storage area 313b of the ROM 313.

[0157] In this embodiment, two types of jackpot results are set: a normal jackpot result and a probability-increasing jackpot result. A normal jackpot result is a jackpot result in which, after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the win / loss lottery mode becomes a low-probability mode and the support mode becomes a low-frequency support mode.

[0158] A guaranteed jackpot result is one in which, after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the win / loss lottery mode becomes a high-probability mode and the support mode becomes a high-frequency support mode. This high-frequency support mode continues until the lottery result in a jackpot state is won and the machine transitions to the jackpot state.

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

[0160] However, during gameplay rounds that transition to the open / close execution mode, the MPU312 makes a decision on whether a reach occurs regardless of the value of the reach random number counter C3.

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

[0162] Here, "reach display" (reach state) refers to a display state in a gaming machine equipped with a symbol display device 75 capable of displaying (or changing) the variation of symbols (pictures), where in a game round in which the opening and closing execution mode of the variable prize winning device 65 is activated, the stop display result after the variation display becomes a special display result, and which is intended to make the player believe that the variation display state is likely to result in the special display result, from the start of the variation display (or changing) of symbols (pictures) on the symbol display device 75 until the stop display result is derived and displayed.

[0163] In other words, this is a display state in which, by stopping the display of some of the multiple rows of symbols shown on the display screen of the symbol display device 75, combinations of symbols that have the potential to form a winning combination corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode are displayed, and the remaining rows of symbols are displayed in a variable state.

[0164] More specifically, as a preliminary step before ending the display of changing symbols, a reach line is formed by stopping and displaying combinations of reach symbols that have the potential to form a winning combination corresponding to the occurrence of the opening / closing execution mode on a preset active line within the display screen of the symbol display device 75, and then the change in symbols is displayed using the final stopped symbol sequence while the reach line is formed.

[0165] The variation type counter CS is configured to increment by 1 sequentially within the range of 0 to 99, and then return to 0 after reaching the maximum value (i.e., 99). The variation type counter CS is used in the MPU 312 to determine the variation display time in the first special figure display unit AS and the second special figure display unit BS of the special figure display unit 43.

[0166] The variation type counter CS is updated once each time the normal processing described later is executed, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time of the normal processing. The variation type counter CS is then stored in the reserved ball storage area 314b of RAM 314 when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62 or the second operation opening 63. More specifically, it is stored in the first special symbol reserved area Ra of RAM 314 when a game ball enters the first operation opening 62, and in the second special symbol reserved area Rb of RAM 314 when a game ball enters the second operation opening 63.

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

[0168] <Regarding the various processes executed by the main control unit 162> Next, we will explain the timer interrupt processing and normal processing performed by the MPU312 of the main control unit 162 to advance the game. In addition to timer interrupt processing and normal processing, the MPU312 also performs main processing which is started when the power is turned on, and NMI interrupt processing which is started when a power failure signal is input to the NMI terminal (non-maskable terminal), but we will omit the explanation of these processes.

[0169] <Timer interrupt handling> The timer interrupt handling process will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 12. This process is activated periodically (for example, every 2 msec) by the MPU312.

[0170] Step S101 updates the random number initial value counter CINI. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by 1, and when its value reaches the maximum value, it is cleared to 0. Then, the updated value of the random number initial value counter CINI is stored in the corresponding buffer area of ​​RAM314.

[0171] In step S102, the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and regular win random number counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, jackpot type counter C2, reach random number counter C3, and regular 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 ​​RAM 314.

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

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

[0174] In step S105, the entry process for the through gate 64 is executed. In the entry process for the through gate, it is determined whether or not the entry detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 314e of RAM 314. If the flag is stored, and provided that the number of prize item reserves stored in the regular symbol reserve area 314c is less than 4, the value of the regular symbol winning random number counter C4 updated in step S103 is stored in the regular symbol reserve area 314c. If the entry detection flag for the through gate is stored in the various flag storage area 314e, the entry detection flag is cleared and the entry process for the through gate is terminated.

[0175] In step S106, the prize entry process for the operating slots is executed. In the prize entry process for the operating slots, based on the fact that a game ball has entered one of the operating slots 62 or 63, a prize ball command is set to dispense the game ball based on that entry, and information acquisition processing 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 variation type counter CS.

[0176] In the information acquisition process, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the first operation opening 62 (starting entry). If it has entered the first operation opening 62, the number of reserved information stored in the first special display unit's reserved area Ra is determined, and this determined number is set as the first starting reserved memory number RaN. On the other hand, if the game ball has not entered the first operation opening 62, it is determined whether or not it has entered the second operation opening 63 (starting entry). If it has entered the second operation opening 63, the number of reserved information stored in the second special display unit's reserved area Rb is determined, and this determined number is set as the second starting reserved memory number RbN.

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

[0178] In step S107, an abnormality monitoring process is executed, and then this timer interrupt process is terminated. In the abnormality monitoring process, the detection results of the magnet detection sensor 47 and the radio wave detection sensor 48 are referenced to determine whether magnet detection or radio wave detection is present. Here, the abnormality monitoring process in step S107 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 13.

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

[0180] In step S203, a radio wave detection command is set as the target to be transmitted to the performance control device 143. The radio wave detection command is a command that makes the performance control device 143 aware that the MPU 312 has identified the detection of radio waves. The radio wave detection command is transmitted to the performance control device 143 during the external output processing of the normal processing described later.

[0181] In step S204, an external output process for abnormalities is executed to output a signal to the management control device (hall computer) on the gaming hall side that radio waves have been detected.

[0182] After step S204 is executed, or if a negative result is obtained in step S201 (if no radio waves are detected), the process proceeds to step S205 to determine whether or not a magnet is detected by the magnet detection sensor 47. If no magnet is 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 flag storage area 314e of RAM 314. In the following step S207, a magnet detection command is set as the target to be sent to the performance control device 143. The magnet detection command is a command that makes the performance control device 143 aware that the MPU 312 has identified the detection of a magnet. The magnet detection command is sent to the performance control device 143 during the external output processing of the normal processing described later.

[0184] In step S208, an external output process for abnormalities is executed to output a signal to the hall computer indicating that magnet detection has been identified. After the execution of step S208 or if a negative determination is made in step S205 (i.e., no magnet was detected), the abnormality monitoring process is terminated.

[0185] <Normal processing> Next, the normal processing flow will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 14. Normal processing is the process that begins after the main processing, which is started when the power is turned on, has been executed. The main processing for the game is executed during normal processing. In summary, the processes in steps S301 to S308 are executed as periodic processing with a 4 msec cycle, and the counter update processing in steps S311 and S312 is executed in the remaining time.

[0186] In normal processing, the first step, S301, executes a game stop determination process. In the game stop determination process, the system checks whether the radio wave detection flag or the magnet detection flag is set in the various flag storage area 314e of RAM 314 to determine whether fraud has been detected. If at least one of the radio wave detection flag and the magnet detection flag is set, the system determines that fraud has been detected and executes a game stop process (abnormal response process) 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 prize winning device 65 and the general-purpose device 63a. In addition, 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 no game balls are 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, stopping the payout of game balls by the payout device 222. This immediately restricts further payouts of game balls if an act of illegally dispensing game balls has been detected.

[0188] Furthermore, during 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, it controls the symbol display device 75 to display an error notification image or to output an error notification sound (fraud detection sound) from the speaker unit 29.

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

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

[0191] In the external signal output processing, output data such as commands set in the timer interrupt processing or the previous normal processing is sent to each control device on the sub-side. Specifically, it determines whether or not a prize ball command is set, and if a prize ball command is set, it is sent to the payout control device 181. In addition, if performance commands such as a variation start command, type command, or variation end command are set, they are sent to the performance control device 143.

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

[0193] In step S305, game round control processing is performed to control the game in each game round. This game round control processing includes determining whether a jackpot has been hit and controlling the display of the special display unit 43.

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

[0195] In step S307, a support process for the electric function is executed to drive and control the electric function 63a provided in the second operating port 63. In this support process, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to open the electric function 63a, using numerical information obtained from the electric function random number counter C4 stored in the electric function reserve area 314c of the RAM 314. If successful, the opening and closing process for the electric function 63a is executed. In addition, the display control of the electric function display unit 44 is performed to inform the user of the lottery result of the electric function win / fail lottery.

[0196] As explained earlier, the support provided by the general-purpose device 63a is divided into two modes: a low-frequency support mode and a high-frequency support mode. The game transition process described later will transition to one of these support modes. If the high-frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 314e of RAM 314 after this process, the game will be in high-frequency support mode. If the flag is not set, the game will be in low-frequency support mode.

[0197] In the processing for electric power support, it is determined whether or not high-frequency support mode is in operation by checking whether or not a high-frequency support flag is set in the various flag storage area 314e of RAM 314. If high-frequency support mode is in operation, the number of times the regular electric power device 63a opens when the electric power opening state is won is set to be greater than in low-frequency support mode, and the opening time for each instance is set to be longer. Also, if high-frequency support mode is in operation and the electric power opening state is won, causing the regular electric power device 63a to open 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 instance.

[0198] In step S308, the game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, provided that a launch permission signal is input from the power supply and the launch control device 191, the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 110 is energized once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 seconds). As a result, the game ball is launched toward the game area PE.

[0199] Here, if a positive result is obtained in step S302 (i.e., it is determined that the game is stopped), the external processing in step S303 and the game ball launching process in step S308 are skipped and not executed. Similarly, in the timer interrupt processing (Figure 12), if it is determined in step S103 that the game is stopped, the various sensor reading processing in step S104 and the prize entry processing for the operating slot in step S106 are skipped and not executed. Since these processes are essentially what advances the game, not executing them results in a state where the game does not progress at all.

[0200] After step S308 is executed or if a positive result is obtained in step S302, the process proceeds to step S309 to determine whether or not a power outage flag is stored in the backup area of ​​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 MPU 312.

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

[0202] In other words, step S310 updates the random number initial value counter CINI. Specifically, 1 is added to the random number initial value counter CINI, 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 the corresponding area of ​​RAM 314. In step S312, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, 1 is added to the variation type counter CS, and when the counter values ​​reach their maximum values, they are cleared to 0. The updated values ​​of the variation type counter CS are then stored in the corresponding area of ​​RAM 314.

[0203] Here, the execution time of each process in steps S303 to S308 changes depending on the state of the game, so the remaining time until the next normal process is executed is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly updating the random number initial value counter CINI using this 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 variation type counter CS can also be randomly updated.

[0204] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S309 that the power outage flag is set, it means that a power outage has occurred, and the power outage processing from step S313 onwards is executed. In other words, in step S313, the occurrence of timer interrupt processing is prohibited, and then in step S314, the RAM judgment value is calculated and saved. In the following step S315, after prohibiting access to RAM 314, an infinite loop is continued until the power is completely cut off and processing can no longer be executed. Even after the power is completely cut off, power for data storage retention in RAM 314 is supplied from the power supply and the launch control device 191, so the information stored in RAM 314 before the power outage is retained in the same state for a predetermined period (for example, one or two days).

[0205] <Game turn control processing> Next, the game round control process in step S305 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 15.

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

[0207] If the device is in opening / closing execution mode, the game round control process ends without executing any of the processes from step S502 onward, namely 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 device is in opening / closing execution mode, a game round will not start regardless of whether or not a prize has been won in the operating slots 62 and 63.

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

[0209] If the special display unit 43 is not currently displaying a variable, the process proceeds to steps S503 to S505 for starting a game round. In the process for starting a game round, step S503 first determines whether the common reserve count CRN, which is the sum of the start reserve memory counts of the first special display unit AS and the second special display unit BS, is "0". If the common reserve count CRN is "0", it means that the start reserve memory counts RaN and RbN of both the first operation port 62 and the second operation port 63 are "0".

[0210] If the common hold count CRN is not "0", step S504 executes a data setting process to set the data stored in the hold area Ra for the first special display unit or the hold area Rb for the second special display unit for variable display, and then step S505 executes a variable start process to start the variable display in the special display unit 43 and the variable display in the symbol display device 75.

[0211] In the variation start process, a win / loss lottery is performed based on the data (holding 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 result of the win / loss lottery. In addition, the variation display time for the game round to be executed is set based on the variation type counter CS, etc.

[0212] Furthermore, in the variation start process, variation commands containing information about the game result and type commands containing information about the variation display time are set as targets to be sent to the performance control device 143 so that the performance corresponding to the game round to be played is performed. The variation commands and type commands are sent to the performance control device 143 in step S303 of the normal process (Figure 13). The performance control device 143 sends the received commands to the display control device 350 while maintaining their information format. Upon receiving the commands, the display control device 350 executes display control such as the symbol display device 75 to start the performance for that game round.

[0213] If the variation start process in step S505 is executed, or if a positive determination is made in step S503 (if the common reserve number CRN is "0"), the game round control process is terminated.

[0214] If a positive result is obtained in step S502 (i.e., the special display unit 43 is currently displaying a variable), the game round progression process from steps S506 to S509 is executed. In the game round progression process, first, in step S506, it is determined whether or not the variable display time for the current game round has elapsed. Specifically, it is determined 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". This variable display time information value is set in the variable start process at the start of a game round. Furthermore, this set variable display time information value is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (Figure 12) is activated.

[0215] If the variable display time has not elapsed, the variable display processing is executed in step S507. In the variable display processing, the result display unit for the current game round is controlled to light up and extinguish each display segment in a predetermined order (light emission control of each display segment), and the game round control processing is terminated.

[0216] If the display time for the variation has elapsed, the variation termination process is executed in step S508. In the variation termination process, the information set based on the result of the success / failure lottery in the variation start process is identified, and the special symbol display unit 43 is controlled so that the symbol corresponding to that information is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display unit 43.

[0217] In the following step S509, a variation end command is set as the target to be transmitted 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 of the normal process (Figure 13). The performance control device 143 transmits the received variation end command to the display control device 350 while maintaining its information format. Upon receiving the variation end command, the display control device 350 confirms and displays the final stop symbol combination for that game round (final stop display).

[0218] <Game state transition process> The game state transition process in step S306 (Figure 14) will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 16.

[0219] First, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the system is in opening / closing execution mode. If it is not in opening / closing execution mode, the system proceeds to step S602, where it is determined whether or not the display of the changing symbols in the first special symbol display unit AS or the second special symbol display unit BS for one game round has finished. If it is not the time when the display of the changing symbols has finished, the game state transition process ends.

[0220] If the variable display has finished, step S603 determines whether the result of this game round corresponds to a transition to the open / close execution mode. If it does not correspond to a transition to the open / close execution mode, the game state transition process ends.

[0221] If the system corresponds to a transition to an open / close execution mode, the start process for the open / close execution mode is executed in step S604. This start process checks that the variable prize device 65 is in a closed state before the start of the open / close execution mode. The start process for the open / close execution mode also executes an opening period setting process to wait without starting to open the variable prize device 65 when the open / close execution mode starts. In the opening period setting process, the timer counter T provided in the various counter areas 314d of RAM 314 is set to the waiting time information for opening that is pre-stored in ROM 313. The value of the timer counter T is decremented by 1 at a predetermined period (for example, a 2 msec period, each time the timer interrupt process is activated).

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

[0223] In step S606, the process to start the round display for notifying the number of rounds in the opening / closing execution mode is executed. In the round display start process, the number of rounds set in step S605 is controlled to be displayed on the round display unit of the special display unit 43. The display of the number of rounds on this round display unit continues until the opening / closing execution mode ends.

[0224] In step S607, an opening command is set to notify the performance control device 143 of the start of the opening and the opening period. This set opening command is sent to the performance control device 143 in step S303 of the normal process (Figure 13).

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

[0226] If a positive result is obtained in step S601 (i.e., the game is in opening / closing execution mode), the process proceeds to step S609 to determine whether the opening period has elapsed. If the opening period has not elapsed, the game state transition process ends. If the opening period has elapsed, the big prize opening / closing process is executed in step S610.

[0227] Here, we will explain the opening and closing process of the grand prize slot, referring to the flowchart in Figure 17.

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

[0229] If the value in Timer Area T is "0", the process proceeds to step S704, where "15000" is set in Timer Area T as the value corresponding to the upper limit opening time (30 sec) of the variable prize device 65 during one round of play. The value set here is decremented by 1 each time the timer interrupt process (Figure 12) is activated. In step S705, "10" is set in the prize counter area PC provided in the various counter areas 344b as the value corresponding to the upper limit number of prizes (10) that can be entered into the variable prize device 65 during 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 open command is set to notify the performance control device 143 that the opening of the large prize opening 65a (variable prize device 65) has begun, and then the large prize opening opening and closing process is terminated. This set open command is sent to the performance control device 143 in step S303 of the normal process (Figure 14).

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

[0232] Furthermore, if a positive result is obtained in step S701 (i.e., the large prize slot 65a is open), the process proceeds to step S708 to determine whether the value of timer area T is "0". This process determines whether the upper limit opening time of the variable prize device 65 set in step S704 has elapsed.

[0233] If the value of Timer Area T is not "0", the process proceeds to step S709, where it is determined whether or not a prize has been won in the main prize opening 65a based on the detection status of the main prize opening sensor 65c. If no prize has been won, the main prize opening opening / closing process is terminated. On the other hand, if a prize has been won, the value of the prize counter area PC is decremented by 1 in step S710, and then it is determined in step S711 whether or not the value of the prize counter area PC is "0". If the value of the prize counter area PC is not "0", the main prize opening opening / closing process is terminated.

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

[0235] If the value in the round counter area RC is not "0", that is, if there are remaining rounds of gameplay, the process proceeds to step S715, and "1000" is set in the timer area T as the value corresponding to the period (2 seconds) during which the variable prize winning device 65 is kept closed while waiting for the start of the next round of gameplay.

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

[0237] If a positive result is obtained in step S714 (i.e., the value of the round counter area RC is 0), that is, if the final round of the opening / closing execution mode has ended, the process proceeds to step S717 to execute the ending start process. In this start process, an ending period is set in which the variable prize winning device 65 is kept in the closed state and the system waits for the start of the next game round (the first game round after the opening / closing 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 the main prize winning opening / closing process is terminated. The set ending command is transmitted to the performance control device 143 in step S303 of the normal process (Figure 14).

[0238] Returning to the explanation of the game state transition process (Figure 16), after the opening and closing of the big prize slot in step S610 is performed, 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", the game state transition process is terminated as is in order to continue the opening and closing execution mode.

[0239] If the value of the round counter area RC is "0", proceed to step S612 to determine whether the ending has ended (whether the ending period has elapsed). If the ending has not ended, terminate the game state transition process to continue the ending.

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

[0241] In step S614, the round display termination process is executed. In this process, the round display unit in the special display unit 43 is controlled so that the round display unit is turned off.

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

[0243] <Disbursement status detection process> Next, the dispensing status detection process performed by the dispensing control device 181 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 18. This process is activated periodically by the dispensing control device 181 at a predetermined interval (for example, a 2 msec interval).

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

[0245] If the completion of the prize payout is detected, the process proceeds to step S802, where the prize payout completion command is set as the target for transmission to the main control unit 162. The prize payout completion command is used to notify the main control unit 162 that the payout of the number of prize balls specified by the prize payout command from the main control unit 162 has been completed.

[0246] If step S802 is executed or a negative determination is made in step S801, step S803 determines whether the tank is empty of balls based on the detection result of the ballless detection sensor 82b. If the tank is empty of balls, the process proceeds to step S804, where the "no balls in tank" command is set as the target to be transmitted to the main control device 162. The "no balls in tank" command is used 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 are insufficient game balls to be sent to the payout device 222.

[0247] When the main control device 162 receives a "no balls in tank" command from the payout control device 181, it sets a "no balls error" command as the target to be transmitted to the performance control device 143. The "no balls error" command is a command to notify the performance control device 143 that the tank 221 is in a "no balls in tank" state and a "no balls error" has occurred. When the performance control device 143 receives the "no balls error" command, it controls the display device 75 to display a "no balls error" image indicating that a "no balls error" has occurred, or to output a "no balls error" sound from the speaker unit 29, which indicates that such notification has occurred audibly.

[0248] If step S804 is executed or a negative determination is made in step S803 (i.e., the tank is not empty), the process proceeds to step S805, where it is determined whether the lower tray is full based on the detection result of the fullness detection sensor 82a. If the lower tray is full, the process proceeds to step S806, where the lower tray full command is set as the target to be transmitted to the main control device 162. The lower tray full command is used 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 therefore no prize balls can be paid out.

[0249] When the main control device 162 receives a full tray command from the payout control device 181, it sets a full tray error command as the target to be transmitted to the performance control device 143. The full tray error command is a command to notify the performance control device 143 that the amount of game balls stored in the lower tray 34 has reached full capacity and that the player should be prompted to remove the balls from the lower tray 34. When the performance control device 143 receives a full tray error command, it controls the display device 75 to show a full tray error image to indicate that a full tray error has occurred and to prompt the player to remove the balls from the lower tray 34, or to output a full tray error sound from the speaker unit 29 to indicate this notification audibly.

[0250] If step S806 is executed or a negative determination is made in step S805 (i.e., the lower tray is not full), the payout status detection process is terminated.

[0251] <Regarding the electrical configuration of the performance control device 143 and the display control device 350> The electrical configurations of the performance control device 143 and the display control device 350 will be described below with reference to the block diagram in Figure 19.

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

[0253] The MPU342 is equipped with both input and output ports. The main control unit 162 is connected to the input side of the MPU342. The main control unit 162 receives various commands, including commands for controlling the hold display, such as shift commands and hold commands; commands for controlling the number of game rounds, such as variation start commands, type commands and variation end commands; and commands for opening and closing execution modes, such as opening commands and ending commands.

[0254] As previously explained, the output side of the MPU342 is connected to the lamp units 26-28, speaker unit 29, and jack unit 37 located on the front door frame 14, as well as the display control device 350.

[0255] Furthermore, a performance control unit 36, which is provided on the front door frame 14, is connected to the input side of the MPU 342. The performance control unit 36 ​​is equipped with a detection sensor that detects operation of the performance control unit 36, and detection information (detection signal) from the detection sensor is input to the MPU 342. Based on this detection information, the MPU 342 determines whether or not the performance control unit 36 ​​has been operated, and also determines the type of operation that was performed.

[0256] The display control device 350 includes an MPU 372 which integrates a program ROM 373 and a work RAM 374 into a single chip, and a display control board 351 which is equipped with a video display processor (VDP) 375, a character ROM 376, and a video RAM 377.

[0257] The MPU372 analyzes the commands received from the performance control device 143 or performs predetermined calculations based on the received commands to control the VDP375 (specifically, to generate internal commands for the VDP375).

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

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

[0260] The VDP375 is a type of drawing circuit that directly operates the image processing device, which acts as a liquid crystal display driver, incorporated into the graphic display device 75. Because the VDP375 is an IC chip, it is also called a "drawing chip," and in reality, it can be described as a microcontroller chip with built-in firmware dedicated to drawing processing. The VDP375 intervenes in 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 graphic display device 75.

[0261] The character ROM 376 serves as an image data library for storing character data such as patterns displayed on the pattern display device 75. This character ROM 376 holds bitmap image data of various display patterns, a color palette table that is referenced when determining the color represented by each dot of the bitmap image, and so on.

[0262] It is also possible to provide multiple character ROMs 376 and store image data and other data in each character ROM 376. Furthermore, it is possible to configure the system so that JPEG format image data for background images, which is stored in the program ROM 373, is stored in the character ROM 376.

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

[0264] Next, the configuration of the sound output control within the performance control device 143 will be explained with reference to Figure 20.

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

[0266] Note that the number of output channels is not limited to four channels, and may be five channels or more, or three channels or less.

[0267] A sound data storage area 84 in which a plurality of sound data are stored is provided in the ROM 343 of the MPU 342. As shown in Fig. 21(a), each sound data includes unique identification information assigned to each sound data, sound source data serving as a sound source, volume information specifying a reference volume when outputting the sound source, channel information specifying an output channel, and the like. As the sound source data, in addition to error sounds such as fraud detection sounds and ball-less error sounds, sound source data of production sounds such as variable sounds and reach occurrence sounds are stored. The variable sound is output契机 with the execution of a game turn (variable display), and is the background sound during the variable display. The reach occurrence sound is output契机 with the execution of the reach display, and is composed of, for example, voices such as "reach".

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

[0269] Note 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, a reproduced sound data storage area 86 is provided in the RAM 344 of the MPU 342 as an area for storing sound data to be reproduced (output target). As shown in FIG. 21(c), a plurality of channel corresponding areas 86a to 86n are provided in the reproduced sound data storage area 86, and at least the number corresponding to the number of output channels of the sound IC 83 (four channels in this embodiment) is set for these channel corresponding areas 86a to 86n.

[0271] When the MPU 342 outputs, for example, a no-ball error sound (FIG. 21(a)) as the output sound, it refers to the sound data table (FIG. 21(b)) stored in the sound data table storage area 85 of the ROM 343 to grasp the address where the sound data of the no-ball error sound is stored. Then, based on the grasped address, the sound data of the no-ball error sound is read from the sound data storage area 84 of the ROM 343 and written into the reproduced sound data storage area 86 of the RAM 344.

[0272] At that time, in the sound data, for example, when it is set to output the no-ball error sound on channels 1 and 2, the sound data of the no-ball error sound read from the sound data storage area 84 of the ROM 343 is written into the channel corresponding area 86a for channel 1 and the channel corresponding area 86a for channel 2 in the reproduced sound data storage area 86. Then, together with an output instruction signal indicating that sound should be output to the sound IC 83, address information indicating the address (the address of the RAM 344) where the sound data of the no-ball error sound is stored is transmitted.

[0273] The processing by the MPU342 regarding the output of the ballless error sound described above is performed when a ballless error command is received from the main control unit 162. When an output instruction is given from the MPU342 in this manner, the sound IC83 operates to output the sound signal that should be output from the speaker unit 29 based on that instruction.

[0274] Here, the sound output processing performed by the sound IC83 will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 22. This processing is initiated periodically at a predetermined interval (for example, 10 msec).

[0275] In step S901, it is determined whether or not an output instruction signal has been received from the MPU342. If an output instruction signal has been received, in step S902, the audio data of the audio to be output is acquired. Specifically, the address where the audio data is stored (the address of the playback audio data storage area 86 of RAM344) is determined based on the address information transmitted from the MPU342, and the audio data is read from the area indicated by that address.

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

[0277] After step S906 is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S901 (i.e., no output instruction signal has been received), step S907 determines whether or not a termination instruction signal has been received from the MPU342. The termination instruction signal is output from the MPU342 to indicate the termination of the output when the output period of the audio to be output has ended. When the audio output period has ended, in addition to the termination instruction signal, the MPU342 also outputs identification information indicating the type of audio whose output should be terminated.

[0278] If a termination signal is received, the playback and output of the audio specified by the identification information is terminated in step S908. After step S908 is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S907 (i.e., no termination signal has been received), the audio output process is terminated.

[0279] Returning to Figure 20, we will once again describe the configuration of the sound output control within the performance control device 143.

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

[0281] The input side of the performance control device 143 is connected to a first volume switch 89 and a second volume switch 90, which serve as operating units for adjusting the volume of sound emitted from the speaker unit 29. The first volume switch 89 is located on the surface (element mounting surface) of the performance control board 341, or in a position where it can be operated when the game board 60 is rotated forward together with the inner frame 13, and is a volume adjustment unit intended for operation by hall employees. On the other hand, the second volume switch 90 is located on the front of the pachinko machine 10, such as on the front part of the front door frame 14 (for example, the upper bulge 31), so as to be exposed to the outside of the pachinko machine 10, and is a volume adjustment unit primarily for operation by the player.

[0282] In the performance control device 143, the volume adjustment signals from the respective volume switches 89 and 90 are configured to be input to the SP output control IC 88. In this configuration, the volume adjustment signals may be input directly to the SP output control IC 88, or they 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 signals from the volume switches 89 and 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 a hall employee operating the first volume switch 89 or by a player operating the second volume switch 90. The volume can be adjusted in, for example, five steps using the volume switches 89 and 90.

[0284] Furthermore, for error sounds (alarm sounds) such as the fraud detection sound and the no-bulb error sound, the volume is not adjusted even if the volume switches 89 and 90 are operated. In other words, when an audio signal corresponding to these sounds is output to the SP output control IC 88, it is emitted from the speaker unit 29 at a predetermined fixed volume, regardless of the volume setting by the volume switches 89 and 90.

[0285] As shown in Figure 20, a second audio signal path 93 is connected to the output side of the sound IC 83 to transmit the audio signal from the sound IC 83 to the jack section 37 (headphones 38). More specifically, a branch line (branch path) 92 branches off from the audio signal output line 91 that connects the output section of the sound IC 83 to the input section of the first audio signal path 87, and the second audio signal path 93 is connected to the output section 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 achieved by arranging the wiring pattern on the circuit board so that an output wire branches off from the middle of the sound signal output line 91 (the output wiring from sound IC 83 to the first sound signal path 87) towards the input side of the second sound signal path 93. In this case, since there is no path switching section such as a switch, the sound signal output from 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 section 29 has four output channels, while the jack section 37 (headphones 38) has two output channels. Therefore, the branch line 92 is configured to combine (mix) the four audio signals transmitted through the audio signal output line 91 into two channels. For example, if the speaker section 29 includes a speaker on the upper right, a speaker on the lower right, a speaker on the upper left, and a speaker on the lower left, and one output channel is assigned to each of these speakers, the wiring pattern is configured such that the audio signal for the upper right speaker and the audio signal for the lower right speaker are combined, and the audio signal for the upper left speaker and the audio signal for the lower left speaker are combined.

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

[0289] In the HP output control IC 94, according to the volume specified by the volume adjustment signal, the output level of the sound signal output from the sound IC 83 is increased or decreased, and then output toward the jack unit 37. Therefore, by the hall employee operating the first volume switch 89 or the player operating the second volume switch 90, the volume of the sound emitted from the headphones 38 can be changed.

[0290] Regarding the fact that error sounds (warning sounds) such as illegal detection sounds and ball-less error sounds are not subject to volume adjustment, it is the same as in the case of the SP output control IC 88. Therefore, when a sound signal corresponding to an error sound is output to the HP output control IC 94, regardless of the volume setting by each volume switch 89, 90, it is emitted from the headphones 38 at a predetermined fixed volume.

[0291] Here, in the second sound signal path 93, the output line 95 of the sound signal from the HP output control IC 94 is not directly connected to the jack unit 37, but is connected to the jack unit 37 via an isolation transformer 96. That is, 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 unit 37.

[0292] When a sound signal is output from the HP output control IC 94 and a current corresponding thereto flows through the primary side of the isolation transformer 96, an induced electromotive force is generated on the secondary side of the isolation transformer 96, and a current of a magnitude corresponding to the output level of the sound signal flows on the secondary side. As a result, a current of a magnitude corresponding to the output level of the sound signal also flows through the wiring 97 to the jack unit 37 connected to the secondary side of the isolation transformer 96, or a potential change 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 and secondary sides are each composed of windings, and these windings are not physically connected. In other words, the primary and secondary sides of the isolation transformer 96 are not connected and are isolated from each other. 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 audio signals from the output section of the HP output control IC 94 to the input section of the jack section 37 while electrically separating the output section of the HP output control IC 94 from the input section of the jack section 37.

[0294] If a jack 37 is provided on the front of the pachinko machine 10 to allow the connection of headphones 38, players can hear the sound effects from their own pachinko machine while being less affected by sounds from surrounding pachinko machines and noise in the gaming hall, improving convenience by making it easier to hear the sound effects. However, on the other hand, there is a risk that fraudulent devices may be used to target the jack 37, and that fraudulent external signals may be input into the pachinko machine 10 through the jack 37. In other words, there is a concern that the jack 37 may be misused to carry out fraudulent activities.

[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 unit 37 while maintaining a wiring separation between them, it is possible to make it more difficult for signals to flow in the reverse direction (from the jack unit 37 side towards the HP output control IC 94 side) compared to when the HP output control IC 94 and the jack unit 37 are directly connected. This makes it possible to suppress the transmission of unauthorized external signals through the jack unit 37 to the control unit (e.g., MPU 342) inside the pachinko machine 10.

[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 an output-only terminal, 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 section 37 is transmitted to the primary side of the isolation transformer 96, the signal cannot reach beyond the output section of the HP output control IC 94. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the input of unauthorized external signals into the pachinko machine 10.

[0297] Furthermore, in this embodiment, no power line is 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 the transmission path is configured to transmit only sound signals. For example, if a power line were provided in the transmission path, power could be obtained from the power line to drive detection circuits, making it possible to electrically detect the connection of the plug section 39 to the jack section 37. However, on the other hand, if an unauthorized device is connected through the jack section 37, the power line could be misused as the operating power for the unauthorized device. In this respect, by configuring the system as in this embodiment, the connection of unauthorized devices can be suppressed, and the deterrent effect against fraudulent activities can be enhanced.

[0298] Although not shown in Figure 20, since the output channel of the second tone signal path 93 is set to channel 2, there are two signal paths from the output side of the HP output control IC 94 to the input side of the jack section 37. One isolation transformer 96 is provided for each of these signal paths (each channel).

[0299] <About the jack section's configuration> The configuration of the jack section 37 will be explained with reference to Figures 23 and 24. Before explaining the jack section 37, the configuration of the plug section 39 that is inserted into the jack section 37 will be explained.

[0300] In this embodiment, the plug portion 39 of the headphones 38 is configured, for example, as a three-pole stereo plug. As shown in Figure 23, the plug portion 39 has a plug body 230 that extends in a rod shape from an insulating handle portion 231, and the plug body 230 has a first electrode 232, a second electrode 233, and a third electrode 234 arranged in order from the tip to the base. These first electrodes 232 to the third electrode 234 are all annular in shape. A first insulating ring 235 is placed between the first electrode 232 and the second electrode 233, and a second insulating ring 236 is placed between the second electrode 233 and the third electrode 234. As a result, the first electrodes 232 to the third electrode 234 are insulated from each other, and the electrodes 232 to 234 are electrically isolated.

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

[0302] Next, the configuration of the jack section 37 will be explained with reference to Figure 24.

[0303] The jack portion 37 comprises, for example, a jack body 37a having a prismatic 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 of the jack body 37a.

[0304] Inside the jack body 37a are conductive first contact terminals 253, second contact terminals 254, and third contact terminals 255. Each of these contact terminals 253 to 255 is positioned to make contact with the first electrode 232, second electrode 233, and third electrode 234 of the plug portion 39 when the plug portion 39 is inserted into the plug insertion hole 251.

[0305] The first contact terminal 253 is provided in correspondence with the third electrode 234 of the plug portion 39, and an annular ring terminal 256 is connected to its tip. The ring terminal 256 is positioned so that when the plug portion 39 is inserted into the plug insertion hole 251, the plug portion 39 passes through its inner circumference. The inner diameter of the ring terminal 256 corresponds to the outer diameter of the third electrode 234 of the plug portion 39, and is specifically slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the third electrode 234.

[0306] The second contact terminal 254 is provided in correspondence with the second electrode 233 of the plug portion 39 and is positioned 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 positioned to contact the second electrode 233 when the plug portion 39 is inserted in the insertion direction of the plug portion 39. The second contact terminal 254 is positioned so that the contact portion 254a faces into the plug insertion hole 251 when the plug portion 39 is not inserted.

[0307] The third contact terminal 255 is provided in correspondence with the first electrode 232 of the plug portion 39 and is positioned 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 positioned to contact the first electrode 232 when the plug portion 39 is inserted in the insertion direction of the plug portion 39. The third contact terminal 255 is positioned so that the contact portion 255a faces into the plug insertion hole 251 when the plug portion 39 is not inserted.

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

[0309] Within 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 is in contact with the protrusion 257a of the first ground terminal 257, and the third contact terminal 255 is in contact with the protrusion 258a of the second ground terminal 258.

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

[0311] Next, we will describe the state of the jack section 37 when the plug section 39 is inserted or removed.

[0312] When the plug portion 39 is not inserted, as shown in Figure 24(a), the second contact terminal 254 is in contact with the protrusion 257a of the first grounding terminal 257, and the third contact terminal 255 is in contact with the protrusion 258a of the second grounding terminal 258. As a result, the potential of the second contact terminal 254 is set to the ground potential through the first grounding terminal 257, and the potential of the third contact terminal 255 is set to the ground potential through the second grounding terminal 258.

[0313] Furthermore, the first contact terminal 253 is connected to one of a pair of output terminals in the secondary winding of the isolation transformer 96. The other output terminal is connected to the third contact terminal 255 of the jack section 37. As a result, the first contact terminal 253 is electrically connected to the third contact terminal 255 through the secondary winding of the isolation transformer 96, and the potential of the first contact terminal 253 is set to the ground potential.

[0314] In this state, when the plug portion 39 is inserted into the jack portion 37, the plug portion 39 (plug body 230) and the contact portion 254a of the second contact terminal 254 come into contact as the plug portion 39 is inserted into the plug insertion hole 251 toward the back of the jack portion 37. Subsequently, as the plug portion 39 is inserted further inward, the plug portion 39 pushes the second contact terminal 254 outward. Then, as shown in Figure 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, creating electrical conductivity, while the second contact terminal 254 is separated from the protruding portion 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 comes into contact with the contact portion 255a, and then as the plug portion 39 is further inserted, the third contact terminal 255 is pushed outward. When the plug portion 39 is inserted to the 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, creating electrical conductivity, while the third contact terminal 255 is separated from the protruding portion 258a of the second ground terminal 258.

[0316] Furthermore, with respect to the first contact terminal 253, the inner circumference of the ring terminal 256 and the third electrode 234 of the plug portion 39 come into contact, resulting in electrical conductivity with 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 isolation transformer in the second sound signal path 93. More specifically, the secondary side of the isolation 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 isolation 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, when an audio signal is output from the HP output control IC 94 toward the primary side of the isolation transformer, the audio 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 withdrawn from the plugged-in state described above, as the plug portion 39 retracts within the plug insertion hole 251, the pressing force applied by the plug portion 39 to the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255 is gradually released, and the positions of these terminals 254 and 255, which had been pushed outward, return inward. At this time, since the return springs 261 and 262 apply a biasing force in the return direction to each contact terminal 254 and 255, the return of each contact terminal 254 and 255 to its original position is smooth.

[0319] When the entire plug section 39 is withdrawn from the plug insertion hole 251, as shown in Figure 24(a), the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255 return completely to their original positions (positions before plug insertion), and each contact terminal 254 and 255 comes into contact with the protrusions 257a and 258a of the respective grounding terminals 257 and 258. As a result, the potential of the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255 is set to the ground potential. Similarly, the potential of the first contact terminal 253 is also set to the ground potential through the secondary side of the isolation transformer and the third contact terminal 255, as described above. In other words, in this embodiment, when the plug section 39 is inserted, the potential of the contact terminals 253 to 255 connected to each electrode 232 to 234 of the plug section 39 is fixed to the ground potential when the plug section 39 is not inserted.

[0320] As mentioned above, while providing a jack unit 37 in the pachinko machine 10 can improve convenience for players, there is a risk that the jack unit 37 may be targeted for fraudulent activity. In that case, if the potential of each contact terminal 253 to 255 within the jack unit 37 is undefined, and these terminals 253 to 255 are electrically floating, there is a concern that these terminals 253 to 255 will be easily used to input fraudulent signals. In this regard, by fixing the potential of each contact terminal 253 to 255 to the ground potential, even if a fraudulent external signal is supplied to these terminals 253 to 255, it is possible to suppress the transmission of that signal into the pachinko machine 10.

[0321] Note that the internal structure of the jack section 37 shown in Figure 24 is merely an example, and other structures are also acceptable as long as they allow the contact terminals 253-255 inside the jack section 37 to be grounded and their potential fixed to ground potential when the plug section 39 is not inserted (in other words, when the headphones 38 are not in use).

[0322] <Configuration for the pachinko machine 10 to recognize the connection of headphones 38> As described above, in this embodiment, in the second audio signal path 93 for transmitting an audio signal to the jack 37, the flow of a signal in the opposite direction to the original output direction (from the jack 37 toward the MPU 342) is restricted. This prevents unauthorized external signals from reaching the MPU 342, for example, even if they are sent through the jack 37.

[0323] However, in this case, the reverse flow is restricted not only for unauthorized external signals but for all signals flowing through the second tone signal path 93. Therefore, even if the system attempts to detect a change in potential when the plug 39 is plugged in or unplugged and output that detection signal to the MPU 342, this cannot be done on the second tone 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, the configuration is designed so that the pachinko machine 10 can recognize the connection and disconnection even in such cases. The configuration will be described below with reference to Figures 20 and 25.

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

[0326] At the lower end of the cover portion 271, the opening 252 of the jack portion 37 is blocked by the cover portion 271, thereby restricting the insertion of the plug portion 39. Conversely, at the upper end of the cover portion 271, the opening 252 is opened to the extent that the plug portion 39 can be inserted, thus allowing the plug portion 39 to be inserted. In other words, the cover portion 271 switches between allowing and not allowing the plug portion 39 to be connected to the jack portion 37 by moving between its upper and lower ends.

[0327] The front of the cover portion 271 is provided with a finger rest portion 277 that protrudes forward. By hooking a finger into this finger rest portion 277 and lifting the cover portion 271, the cover portion 271 can be moved to the upper end position.

[0328] At least a portion of the cover portion 271 is transparent or semi-transparent (has light-transmitting properties), 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 though the jack portion 37 is covered by the cover portion 271, it is possible to make the player more aware of the presence of the jack portion 37, thereby encouraging 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 of the pachinko machine. The protruding piece 272 is positioned such that its tip 272a is located further rear than the back surface of the front side wall portion 14a.

[0330] A detection unit 273 for detecting the opening and closing of the cover unit 271 is provided on the back side of the front side wall 14a. The detection unit 273 is composed of, for example, a photosensor in which a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit are arranged opposite each other, and its position is determined in accordance with a protruding piece 272 that moves together with the cover unit 271. Specifically, the position of the detection unit 273 is set so that when the cover unit 271 moves to its upper end position, the protruding piece 272 fits between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit. In this configuration, at the upper end position of the cover unit 271, the optical path between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit is blocked by the protruding piece 272, while at other positions the optical path is not blocked, thereby enabling detection that the cover unit 271 has opened.

[0331] The detection unit 273 is electrically connected to the MPU 342 by an independent wiring 274 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 allows the MPU 342 to recognize that the cover unit 271 is in the open state.

[0332] Furthermore, while the detection unit 273 requires a power supply to operate, the power supply path (power line) for this purpose is secured by a separate and independent wiring from the second sound signal path 93. This wiring runs inside the pachinko machine 10, making external access impossible or difficult. Therefore, if an unauthorized device is installed targeting the jack section 37, it is possible to prevent the power supply required to operate the detection unit 273 from being misused as power for the unauthorized device.

[0333] Thus, in this embodiment, the MPU 342 can recognize that the cover portion 271 has been switched from a closed state to an open state without using the second sound signal path 93. In order for the player 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, detecting the switching of the cover portion 271 to an open state can replace the detection of the plug portion 39 being connected to the jack portion 37. Thus, even if the second sound signal path 93 restricts signal transmission in the reverse direction, the pachinko machine 10 can still recognize when the plug portion 39 is connected to the jack portion 37.

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

[0335] Therefore, after the use of the jack portion 37, the cover portion 271 is prevented from remaining in the open state (with the jack portion 37 exposed). As a result, the detection unit 273 can terminate the detection of the open state when the plug portion 39 is removed, and consequently, the MPU 342 (pachinko machine 10) can be notified that the plug portion 39 has been removed.

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

[0337] As shown in Figure 20, the output section of the MPU342 outputs a mute signal MT, which is input to the SP output control IC88 of the first sound signal path 87 (a path for transmitting sound signals to the speaker section 29). The mute signal MT is an instruction signal to reduce the volume (output level) of the sound signal.

[0338] <Mute control processing> Next, the mute control process performed by the MPU342 will be explained with reference to Figure 26. The mute control process is intended to reduce the volume of sound emitted from the speaker unit 29 and is activated periodically at a predetermined interval (for example, 2 msec).

[0339] In the mute control process, step S1101 first determines whether a temporary release flag is set in the various flag storage area 344a of RAM 344. Details of the temporary release flag will be described later.

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

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

[0342] If the cover 271 is open, it is inferred that the plug 39 is connected to the jack 37, and in step S1104, the mute signal MT output to the SP output control IC 88 is turned ON. In response, 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, so that no sound is emitted from the speaker 29.

[0343] When the mute process is executed, volume information indicating the current volume setting (based on volume adjustment signals from volume switches 89 and 90) is stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 344. This process is to restore the volume to its original level when the mute process is released.

[0344] Furthermore, 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 of the second sound signal path 93 (a path for transmitting the sound signal to the jack section 37). However, the HP output control IC 94 does not perform the muting process described above. Therefore, while the sound signal to the speaker section 29 is muted, the jack section 37 outputs a sound signal whose volume has been adjusted according to the volume adjustment signals from the volume switches 89 and 90.

[0345] In step S1105, the mute flag is set in the various flag storage area 344a, allowing the MPU 342 to recognize that the mute process is in operation. After step S1105 is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S1103 (i.e., the cover portion 271 is not in the open state), the mute control process is terminated.

[0346] If a positive result is obtained in step S1102 (the mute flag is set and the mute process is in execution state), then in step S1106, it is determined whether the sound to be output is an error sound. Specifically, in this sound output process, it is determined whether the sound signal to be output is one of the following sound signals: a malfunction detection sound, a no-ball error sound, or a full-capacity error sound.

[0347] If the output sound is not an error sound, step S1107 determines whether the cover 271 is closed or not, in other words, whether the open state of the cover 271 has not been detected. If the cover 271 is closed, it is inferred that the plug 39 has been removed from the jack 37, and in step S1108, the mute signal MT output to the SP output control IC 88 is turned off. In response, the SP output control IC 88 releases the mute processing 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 29 emits sound at the volume level before the mute processing was performed.

[0348] In this case, an audio signal is also output from the HP output control IC94, but when the plug section 39 is not plugged in, the potential of each contact terminal 253~255 of the jack section 37 and the secondary side of the isolation transformer 96 are fixed at ground potential, so no audio signal is transmitted to the jack section 37.

[0349] In step S1109, the mute flag set in the various flag storage area 344a is cleared, allowing the MPU 342 to determine that the mute process is not in operation. After step S1109 is executed, or if a negative determination is made in step S1107 (i.e., the cover portion 271 is not in the closed state), the mute control process is terminated.

[0350] If a positive result is obtained in step S1106 (i.e., the output sound 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. In other words, even if the plug section 39 is connected to the jack section 37 (i.e., 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 section 29. In this case, the error sound will be output from both the speaker section 29 and the headphones 38.

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

[0352] If a positive result is obtained in step S1101 (i.e., the temporary release flag is set), the temporary release process is executed in step S1112, and then the mute control process is terminated. The temporary release process in step S1112 will now be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 27.

[0353] During the temporary release process, step S1201 first determines whether the output of the error sound has ended. If the output of the error sound has ended, step S1202 turns on the mute signal MT output to the SP output control IC 88. This restarts the mute process and prevents sound from being emitted from the speaker unit 29 again.

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

[0355] If a negative result is obtained in step S1201 (i.e., the output of the error sound has not finished), then in step S1204, it is determined whether or not the cover part 271 is in the closed state. If the cover part 271 is in the closed state, it means that the plug part 39 has been removed from the jack part 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, the mute process is not restarted even after the output of the error sound ends, and the state in which sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29 continues. After the execution of step S1205 or if a negative determination is made in step S1204 (if the cover unit 271 is not in the closed state), the mute control process is terminated.

[0357] <About the muting process> Next, the process of muting will be explained with reference to Figure 28. Here, we will proceed with the explanation assuming that the initial state is when the plug part 39 is not connected to the jack part 37 and the cover part 271 is closed.

[0358] If the cover portion 271 is closed at timing t1, the MPU 342 assumes that the plug portion 39 is not connected to the jack portion 37 and turns off the mute signal MT to the SP output control IC 88 of the first sound signal path 87 (the path for transmitting sound signals to the speaker portion 29) (Figures 29(a), (b)). In this case, a sound signal with a volume level corresponding to the volume adjustment signals 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 portion 29 (Figure 29(d)).

[0359] In this case, the sound signal from the sound IC 83 is also input to the HP output control IC 94 of the second sound signal path 93 (a path for transmitting the sound signal to the jack section 37). Since the HP output control IC 94 does not perform a mute process, it outputs a sound signal with a volume level corresponding to the volume adjustment signals from each volume switch 89 and 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 portion 271 is switched to the open state (Figure 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 assumes that the plug portion 39 is connected to the jack portion 37 and switches the mute signal MT to the SP output control IC 88 to the ON state (Figure 29(b)).

[0361] In response, the SP output control IC 88 performs a mute process 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 and 90 (Figure 29(d)). As a result, no sound is emitted from the speaker section 29. On the other hand, the HP output control IC 94 outputs a sound signal with a volume level corresponding to the volume adjustment signals from the volume switches 89 and 90, and this sound signal is output to the headphones 38 through the jack section 37, causing sound to be emitted from the headphones 38 (Figure 29(e)).

[0362] In this way, when the switch to the open state of the cover section 271 is detected, the sound signal output to the jack section 37 is output at a volume level that can be heard by the player, while the sound signal output to the speaker section 29 is muted to reduce the volume of sound emitted from the speaker section 29. As a result, the player playing the pachinko machine 10 to which the headphones 38 are connected can hear the sound effects etc. through the headphones 38, while the sound emitted from the pachinko machine 10 is reduced or eliminated to the surrounding area, thereby contributing to a reduction in the noise level in the gaming hall.

[0363] At timing t3, when the above-mentioned mute process is in operation, if the system is in a state where it outputs an audio signal corresponding to an error sound, the MPU342 switches the mute signal MT to the SP output control IC88 to the off state (Figures 29(b), (c)). In response, the SP output control IC88 releases the mute process for the audio signal and outputs the audio signal corresponding to the error sound at a predetermined volume level. As a result, the speaker unit 29 emits an error sound.

[0364] In this case, with the headphones 38 connected to the jack 37, the HP output control IC 94 also outputs an audio signal corresponding to the error sound at the predetermined volume level, so the error sound is emitted from the headphones 38 as well. In other words, if the headphones 38 are connected and an error sound is output, the system is controlled to emit the error sound from both the speaker 29 and the headphones 38.

[0365] For example, if a fraud detection sound is output as an error sound, and the headphones 38 are connected, the fraud detection sound is emitted only from the headphones 38. In this configuration, the fraud detection sound can be prevented from being heard by surrounding players or hall staff, which could lead to the jack unit 37 being misused for fraudulent activities. In this regard, by configuring the system to release the mute state when the output sound is a fraud detection sound, surrounding players and hall staff can be quickly notified that fraud has been detected, effectively preventing delays in detecting fraudulent activity.

[0366] Furthermore, as another example, if a ball-less error sound is output when headphones 38 are connected, and the ball-less error sound is emitted only from headphones 38, then, for example, if the player is not wearing headphones 38, they will not hear the ball-less error sound, and as a result, the player may not notice that a ball-less state has occurred, potentially causing problems during gameplay. In this regard, by emitting the ball-less error sound from the speaker unit 29, the error sound can be heard even if the player is not wearing headphones 38, making it possible to quickly recognize that a ball-less state has occurred.

[0367] Furthermore, even when a full-capacity error sound is emitted, the sound is emitted not only from the headphones 38 but also from the speaker unit 29. This allows the player to be prompted to remove the balls even if they are not wearing the headphones 38, thus preventing the machine from remaining full for extended periods.

[0368] When error sounds are emitted from both the speaker unit 29 and the headphones 38, their volume levels may be the same or different. 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] Furthermore, 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, if the error sound is a fraud detection sound, it becomes possible to issue a warning to the fraudster at the same level regardless of whether the headphones 38 are connected or not, or to effectively draw the attention of surrounding players and hall employees to the pachinko machine 10.

[0370] Subsequently, at timing t4, once the error condition is resolved and the output of the sound signal corresponding to the error sound ends (Figure 29(c)), the MPU 342 switches the mute signal MT for the SP output control IC 88 to the ON state (Figure 29(b)). As a result, the volume level of the sound signal output from the SP output control IC 88 is reduced, 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 and 90 (Figure 29(e)), so the player can hear the sounds emitted from the pachinko machine 10, such as sound effects, through the headphones 38.

[0371] Then, at timing t5, when the cover portion 271 is switched to the closed state (Figure 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 assumes that the plug portion 39 (headphones 38) has been removed from the jack portion 37 and switches the mute signal MT to the SP output control IC 88 to the off state (Figure 29(b)).

[0372] As a result, the mute process for the sound signal is released in the SP output control IC 88, and sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29 (Figure 29(d)). In this case, the SP output control IC 88 adjusts the volume of the transmitted sound signal according to the volume setting before the mute process was performed, 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 performed).

[0373] As described in detail above, this embodiment can achieve the following excellent effects.

[0374] A jack 37 is provided on the pachinko machine 10, allowing headphones 38 to be connected. In this case, the player can hear the sound effects from the pachinko machine they are playing while being less affected by sounds from surrounding pachinko machines and noise in the gaming hall. Therefore, it becomes easier to hear the sound effects during gameplay, improving convenience.

[0375] The system is configured to mute the sound signal to the speaker unit 29 when headphones 38 are connected. In this case, the player playing the pachinko machine 10 can hear the sound effects and other sounds through the headphones 38, while the sound emitted from the pachinko machine 10 is suppressed to the surrounding area in a way that is still audible. This contributes to reducing the noise level in the gaming hall and helps create an environment where each player visiting the hall can play comfortably.

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

[0377] In this case, the sound signal output from the sound IC can always pass through both of the above sound signal paths 87 and 93. Therefore, by simply performing a mute process in the first sound signal path 87 when headphones 38 are connected, the volume level from the speaker unit 29 can be reduced while outputting to the headphones 38 at a normal volume level, thus simplifying the processing configuration. Furthermore, if it is desired to switch from this state to a state where sound is output at a normal volume level from both the speaker unit 29 and headphones 38, it is only necessary to release the mute process performed in the first sound signal path 87, making the above switch easy to perform.

[0378] A branch line 92 is branched off from the sound signal output line 91, which connects the output section of the sound IC 83 to the input section of the first sound signal path 87, and this branch line 92 is connected to the input section 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. This is particularly useful, for example, when many channels have already been allocated to the speaker section 29, making it difficult to secure channels for the jack section 37 (headphones 38).

[0380] When the plug 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 unattended after the mute process has started, the next player who starts playing may be confused because no sound will be emitted from the speaker unit 29. In this regard, the configuration that releases the mute process in response to the unplugging of the plug unit 39 (switching the cover unit 271 to the closed state) allows the speaker unit 29 to automatically return to a state where sound is emitted without the player having to manually switch the output. This prevents the pachinko machine from being left unattended with the mute process running, and effectively prevents situations that could confuse the next player.

[0382] If headphones 38 are connected and the system is in a state where it is muting the sound signal to the speaker unit 29, and an error sound is output, the system is configured to temporarily release the mute process and output the error sound from both the speaker unit 29 and the headphones 38.

[0383] For example, if connecting headphones 38 prevents the speaker unit 29 from emitting an error sound, there is a risk that a cheater could exploit this. Also, in the case of a no-balls error or a full-capacity error in a pachinko machine, if headphones 38 are connected but the player is not wearing them, there is a concern that these error conditions may be left unaddressed because the error sound will not be heard. In this regard, by configuring the system to output the error sound from the speaker unit 29 even when the mute process is in effect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems.

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

[0385] While providing the jack section 37 enhances convenience for players, it also carries the risk of unauthorized devices being used to target the jack section 37, potentially allowing unauthorized external signals to be input into the pachinko machine 10 through it. In this regard, by interposing an isolation transformer 96 between the HP output control IC 94 and the jack section 37, it is possible to construct a transmission path that separates the output section of the HP output control IC 94 and the input section of the jack section 37 through wiring, while still allowing 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. In this case, compared to the case where the HP output control IC 94 and the jack section 37 are directly connected, it becomes more difficult to generate a signal flow in the reverse direction, thereby suppressing the transmission of unauthorized external signals to the control unit (e.g., MPU 342) inside the pachinko machine 10.

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

[0387] There is a risk that the jack section 37 may be targeted for fraudulent activity, and if the contact terminals 253 to 255 within the jack section 37 are electrically isolated, there is a concern that these terminals 253 to 255 could be easily used to input fraudulent signals. In this regard, by fixing the potential of each contact terminal 253 to 255 to the ground potential, even if a fraudulent external signal is supplied to these terminals 253 to 255, it is possible to suppress the transmission of that signal into 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 come into contact with the first ground terminal 257 and the second ground terminal 258, thereby setting the potential of each contact terminal 254 and 255 to the ground potential. The pressing force applied when the plug portion 39 is attached causes each contact terminal 254 and 255 to separate from each ground terminal 257 and 258.

[0389] With 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 and 255 and the ground terminals 257 and 258 come into contact again, fixing the potential of the contact terminals 254 and 255 to the ground potential. In other words, in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the plug portion 39, the state in which the potential of the contact terminals 254 and 255 is fixed to the ground potential and the state in which they are in conductivity with the electrodes 232 and 233 of the plug portion 39 are mechanically switched. This makes it possible to suitably realize a configuration in which the potential of the contact terminals 254 and 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 installation of the plug portion 39 by covering the jack portion 37 (opening 252) from the front. This cover portion 271 is configured to be switchable between a closed state (located in the normal position) that restricts the above installation and an open state (located in the raised position) that allows the above installation.

[0391] In this configuration, covering the jack portion 37 (opening 252) prevents the opening 252 from being exposed when the plug portion 39 is not attached, thereby deterring fraudsters from targeting the jack portion 37. Furthermore, if a fraudster attempts to tamper with the jack portion 37, they will need to switch the cover portion 271 from the normal position to the raised position, increasing the effort required to carry out the fraud. This makes it possible to deter fraud.

[0392] The cover portion 271 is made transparent or opaque, and the jack portion 37 is visible through the cover portion 271 when it is closed. In this case, even when the cover portion 271 is held in the closed position, the player can notice the presence of the jack portion 37. This ensures a deterrent effect against fraud while encouraging players to actively use the jack portion 37. In other words, it prevents the significance of enabling connection with headphones 38 from being undermined by measures against fraud.

[0393] The opening and closing of the cover portion 271 is detected by the detection unit 273, and based on the result, the system is configured to switch whether or not to mute the sound signal to the speaker portion 29.

[0394] In order to connect the headphones 38 to the pachinko machine 10 by attaching the plug part 39 to the jack part 37, it is essential to switch the cover part 271 from the closed state to the open state. Therefore, by performing a mute process in accordance with the opening of the cover part 271, it is possible to configure the system so that sound is not emitted from the speaker part 29 when the headphones 38 are connected.

[0395] In this case, the connection detection of the headphones 38 (plug portion 39) can be replaced by the open detection of the cover portion 271. Therefore, the pachinko machine 10 can determine the connection of the headphones 38 (plug portion 39) without needing to provide a circuit on the second sound signal path 93 to detect (detect) the potential change when the plug portion 39 is plugged in or unplugged. For example, if such a detection circuit were provided, it would be necessary to incorporate a power line to drive the circuit into the second sound signal path 93. However, if an unauthorized device is installed targeting the jack portion 37, there is a risk that this power line could be misused to power the unauthorized device. In this respect, with this configuration, the above detection circuit can be omitted, so a configuration without a power line on the second sound signal path 93 can be implemented, and the unauthorized use of the power line can be suppressed. This makes it possible to enhance the deterrent effect against fraud.

[0396] <Example 1> A modified example 1 of the first embodiment described above will be explained with reference to Figure 29. Here, only the differences from the first embodiment will be explained. Also, in Figure 29, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0397] In the first embodiment described above, 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 a detection unit 273. However, in this modified example, the cover portion 271 is not provided, and the device is configured to detect the insertion and removal of the plug portion 39 from the jack portion 37. The configuration for this purpose will be described in detail below.

[0398] As shown in Figure 29, a detection unit 291 is positioned 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 positioned separately.

[0399] In this modified example, the detection unit 291 is positioned so as to sandwich the front region of the opening 252 in the jack unit 37 between the light-emitting unit 291a and the light-receiving unit 291b. In this configuration, 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 light 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 light path is not blocked. Therefore, the detection unit 291 outputs a detection signal DS whose output level changes depending on whether the plug portion 39 is inserted or removed.

[0401] The MPU342 can determine whether the plug 39 is attached to the jack 37 by referring to the detection signal DS mentioned above. If it determines that the plug 39 is attached, it infers that headphones 38 are connected and turns on the mute signal MT to the SP output control IC88 to perform the mute process. This prevents sound from being emitted from the speaker 29 when headphones 38 are connected.

[0402] Furthermore, the wiring through which the detection signal DS is transmitted is separate and independent from the second sound signal path 93, similar to the first embodiment described above. In addition, the power supply path for the detection unit 291 is secured by separate and independent wiring from the second sound signal path 93, and this wiring runs inside the pachinko machine 10, making external access impossible or difficult. Therefore, even if an unauthorized device is used targeting the jack 37, it is possible to prevent the power supply for operating the detection unit 273 from being misused as power for the unauthorized device.

[0403] For example, in the first embodiment, if the cover portion 271 is held in the upper position even though the plug portion 39 is removed, there is a risk that sound will not be emitted from the speaker portion 29. In this modified example, since the plug portion 39 is plugged in or unplugged, the cover portion 271 can be omitted, or even if the cover portion 271 is provided, it is not necessary to link the presence or absence of mute processing to the opening and closing of the cover portion 271, thereby suppressing the occurrence of the above-mentioned inconvenience.

[0404] <Other variations> Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the first embodiment and each of the modified examples described above, but may be implemented as follows, for example. Incidentally, each of the following configurations may be applied individually to the first embodiment and each of the modified examples, or some or all of them may be combined and applied to the first embodiment and each of the modified examples. In addition, it is possible to arbitrarily combine all or some of the various configurations shown in the first embodiment and each of the modified examples. In this case, it is preferable that the technical significance (effects exhibited) of each configuration to be combined is ensured.

[0405] Furthermore, for ease of understanding, some examples specify certain embodiments as prerequisite configurations, such as "In the first embodiment," but the following configurations are not limited to the specified prerequisite configurations (examples), and can also be applied to other embodiments and modifications.

[0406] (1) In the first embodiment and its various modifications described above, the volume level of the sound signal is set to 0 level during the mute 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 mute process is not performed and higher than 0 level. In other words, sound may be emitted from the speaker unit 29 as long as the volume of the sound emitted from the speaker unit 29 is lower than when the mute process is not performed.

[0407] In a configuration where no sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29, the sounds generated by the pachinko machine, such as the launching sound (the sound of the ball being hit when the game ball launching mechanism 110 launches the game ball) and the ball-bouncing sound (the sound of the game ball colliding with the game nails as it flows down the game area PE), become more prominent. For surrounding players who are not wearing headphones 38, these sounds may be irritating. In such cases, emitting relatively quiet sound effects from the speaker unit 29 can make the launching sound and ball-bouncing sound less noticeable, thereby preventing surrounding players from being disturbed.

[0408] In this case, in order to reduce the noise level in the gaming hall, it is preferable that the volume of sound effects etc. emitted from the speaker unit 29 when the mute function is activated is lower than the normal volume (initial volume (reference volume) when the second volume switch 90, which can be operated by the player, is not operated), and that the content of the sound effects etc. is more difficult for the player to hear (difficult to recognize) than when emitted at the normal volume. For example, if there are five levels of volume adjustment within the range in which sound is emitted, the volume when the mute function is activated can be set to a volume similar to the first level (minimum volume) or the second level (next level). When the mute function is activated, it is preferable to have a configuration that automatically changes to such a predetermined dedicated volume for muting.

[0409] (2) In the first embodiment and its various modifications described above, the mute process is performed only on the sound signal for the speaker unit 29 transmitted through the first sound signal path 87. However, the system may also be configured to perform the mute process on the sound signal for the jack unit 37 (headphones 38) transmitted through the second sound signal path 93. In this case, the mute process for the sound signal for the jack unit 37 should be performed only when the speaker unit 29 is in use (when the open state of the cover unit 271 is not detected). This configuration makes it possible to suppress howling between the speaker unit 29 and the headphones 38.

[0410] Furthermore, in order to suppress howling, the speaker unit 29 may be configured to perform a mute process (level reduction process) on the audio signal for the jack unit 37 when a sound above a predetermined volume level is output.

[0411] (3) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, 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 also be prevented from being emitted from the speaker unit 29 by blocking the sound signal transmission path in 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-conductivity of the transmission path may be provided on the transmission path, and the switch circuit may be configured to operate in a conduction state when the open state of the cover unit 271 is not detected, and to operate in a non-conductivity state when the open state is detected.

[0412] (4) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, the sound signal for the speaker unit 29 is muted when the open state of the cover unit 271 is detected. However, the configuration may be such that the sound signal for the speaker unit 29 is muted when the open state of the cover unit 271 is detected AND a sound signal for the jack unit 37 is output (when sound is emitted from the headphones 38).

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

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

[0415] (6) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, the configuration may be such that no muting process is performed on the sound signal for the speaker unit 29 regardless of the connection status of the plug unit 39 to the jack unit 37. In other words, the configuration may be such that there is no function to perform muting in accordance with the connection of the plug unit 39 to the jack unit 37, and sound can always be emitted from both the speaker unit 29 and the headphones 38.

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

[0417] (8) In the first embodiment and its various modifications described above, the mute process is released when an audio signal corresponding to an error sound is output. However, the mute process may be released when an audio signal corresponding to a sound other than an error sound is output. For example, the mute process may be released when the return sound is output when the return button of the pachinko machine (an operating part used to request the return of a card inserted in the card unit) is operated. In this case, if the return button is operated by someone else, it is possible to prevent the removal of the card from being noticed because the return sound is not heard.

[0418] The aforementioned cards are recording media that record remaining balance information when cash is inserted into a designated slot while the card is inserted into the card unit. Players can receive balls within the limits of the remaining balance recorded on the card by operating the dispensing button on the pachinko machine. The provision of balls (dispensing of game balls) is carried out via the payout device 222, as already explained.

[0419] (9) In the first embodiment and its various modifications described above, the mute process is uniformly released regardless of the type of sound signal when an error sound is output. However, the configuration may be such that the release or non-release differs depending on the type of error sound. For example, for sounds that are preferable to be heard by surrounding players and hall employees (related to fraud), such as fraud detection sounds, the mute process may be released in response to the output of such detection sounds. On the other hand, for sounds that only need to be notified to the player playing the pachinko machine (related to events that occur during legitimate gameplay), such as full-capacity error sounds, the mute process may not be released even when such error sounds are output. When the mute process is released, there is a concern that surrounding players may be startled and find it difficult to concentrate on their game because the sound from the pachinko machine 10 is suddenly emitted from a state where no sound is heard. By reducing such opportunities, it is possible to prevent unnecessarily startling surrounding players.

[0420] Furthermore, the degree of deactivation (degree of reduction in 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 deactivated so that the fraud detection sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29 at the same volume as when the mute process is not performed, while in the case of a full-capacity error sound, for example, the degree of deactivation may be halved so that the full-capacity error sound is emitted at half the volume as when the mute process is not performed. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to notify players of the occurrence of a full-capacity error even if the player playing the pachinko machine 10 is not wearing headphones 38, while suppressing the startling of surrounding players.

[0421] Furthermore, since the return sound is of high importance, it is preferable to completely disable the mute process, similar to the fraud detection sound, and have it emitted from the speaker unit 29 at the same volume as when the mute process is not performed.

[0422] (10) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, when the mute process is released in conjunction with the output of an error sound, that is, when an error sound is output while the mute process is running, the system may be configured to output a different sound as the error sound than when the mute process for the sound effects is not running. For example, when a full-capacity error occurs, the speaker unit 29 may emit the message "Please remove the balls" as the error sound when the mute process is not running, while when the mute process is released, a less conspicuous sound such as "beep beep" may be emitted. Since it is common for the symbol display device 75 to display a message when a full-capacity error occurs, even such an inconspicuous sound can alert the player and encourage them to look at the symbol display device 75, thereby informing them of the occurrence of a full-capacity error. For this reason, the above configuration makes it possible to inform the player playing the pachinko machine 10 of the occurrence of an error while suppressing the startling of surrounding players.

[0423] (11) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, the mute process is released based on switching the cover portion 271 from an open state to a closed state or pulling out the plug portion 39 from the jack portion 37. However, instead of or in addition to this, the mute process may be released based on the player performing 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 can be changed from an external output state (state in which the mute process is performed) to a speaker output state (state in which sound is emitted from the speaker portion 29) by performing a predetermined operation using the performance operation unit 36 ​​or another operation unit that the player can operate.

[0424] (12) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, when the mute process is released based on switching the cover portion 271 from the open state to the closed state or pulling out the plug portion 39 from the jack portion 37, the volume level before the mute process is performed may not be applied as is, but rather the volume level may be reduced before being emitted from the speaker portion 29. For example, the volume level (or volume setting) before the mute process is performed may be referenced, and if it is higher than a predetermined reference level, the volume may be reduced to that reference level before being emitted. With such a configuration, the sudden emission of loud sounds from the speaker portion 29 can be suppressed, and the startling of surrounding players that make it difficult for them to concentrate on the game can be prevented. This configuration can also be applied to the configuration of (11) above.

[0425] Furthermore, if the volume level before muting is lower than the reference level, the output may be left as is, or it may be raised to the reference level before outputting. Incidentally, in the latter case, it effectively becomes "regardless of the volume level before muting, the volume level after unmuting is set to the reference level and sound is emitted from the speaker unit 29."

[0426] (13) In the first embodiment and each of its modified examples, a configuration may be used in which a mute process is performed (the mute process is not released) even when an audio signal corresponding to an error sound is output.

[0427] (14) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, when the second volume switch 90 is operated, the display screen G of the pattern display device 75 may be configured to display a volume adjustment indicator. The volume adjustment indicator should be one that allows the player to recognize the current volume level or whether to raise or lower the volume. In this case, as shown in Figure 30(a), a volume adjustment indicator 295 for the speaker unit 29 and a volume adjustment indicator 296 for the external output (headphones 38) may be provided separately, and the volume adjustment indicators 295 and 296 may be displayed in a manner that allows the player to recognize whether the speaker unit 29 or the external output is being used. For example, if the external output is being used, the volume adjustment indicator 296 may be displayed brightly and the volume adjustment indicator 295 may be displayed dimly.

[0428] As in the first embodiment and its various modifications described above, in a configuration where the sound signal for the speaker unit 29 is muted when the plug unit 39 is connected to the jack unit 37, if the player who was playing stops playing and leaves their seat, the next player will play without sound being emitted from the speaker unit 29. In this case, it is assumed that the player will operate the second volume switch 90 to emit sound, but as described above, an indicator is provided that allows the player to recognize that the external output is in use, so that the reason why sound is not being emitted can be quickly detected, and confusion among the player can be prevented.

[0429] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 30(b), a single volume control indicator 297 is provided for both the speaker unit 29 and the external output, and separately, a device usage indicator 298 is provided to show whether the speaker unit 29 or the external output is currently in use. The same effects as described above can be expected with such a configuration. Note that the device usage indicator 298 may be provided only when the external output is in use, or it may be provided in a manner that indicates which of the speaker unit 29 and the external output is in use.

[0430] (15) In the first embodiment described above and its various modifications, the error sound from the speaker unit 29 and the error sound from the headphones 38 are both set to a fixed volume and cannot be adjusted. However, the error sound from the speaker unit 29 may be set to a fixed volume, while the error sound from the headphones 38 can be adjusted. In the case of headphones 38, the emitted sound enters the ear directly, and it is considered that the impact on the player when a loud sound is emitted is significant. With the above configuration, it is possible to suppress the emission of excessively loud sounds from the headphones 38.

[0431] In that case, the volume for the sound effects and the volume for the error sounds can be adjusted separately, or the system can be configured to automatically adjust the volume for the error sounds in conjunction with the volume adjustment for the sound effects. The latter linked configuration is preferable in order to eliminate the hassle of adjustment operations and to prevent forgetting to adjust the volume for the error sounds.

[0432] In this case, the number of levels for adjusting the volume of the error sound may be the same as or different from the number of levels for adjusting the volume of the sound effects. To prevent the error sound volume from becoming too low, it is preferable to have fewer levels for adjusting the volume of the error sound than the number of levels for adjusting the volume of the sound effects. For example, as shown in Figure 31, if there are 5 levels for adjusting the volume of the sound effects, and the volume level increases sequentially from the 1st to the 5th level, then the number of levels for adjusting the volume of the error sound should be 3. Furthermore, if the volume level of the sound effects is set within the range of the 1st to 3rd levels by the second volume switch 90, the volume level of the error sound should be set to the 1st level.

[0433] In this case, even if the volume level for the sound effects is changed within the range of 1 to 3 levels, the volume level of the error sound can be fixed at the 1st level. By assigning the minimum required reference level for the error sound to this 1st level, even when the volume level for the sound effects is reduced from the 3rd level to the 1st level by the second volume switch 90, a certain level or higher can be ensured for the error sound, preventing the error sound from becoming too quiet.

[0434] The volume level of the error sound (the first volume level) may be the same as any of the first to third volume levels for the sound effects, or it may be a different level set independently. Due to the nature of the error sound, it is necessary to serve as a warning, so in that sense, it is preferable that it be louder, and from this perspective, the latter configuration is preferable. That is, it is preferable that the first volume level of the error sound is louder than the third volume level of the sound effects.

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

[0436] Furthermore, when it is possible to adjust the volume of error sounds, the system may be configured so that the ability to adjust the volume differs depending on the type of error sound. For example, the system may be configured so that the volume of the no-ball error sound and the full-capacity error sound can be adjusted, while the system may be configured so that the volume of the fraud detection sound cannot be adjusted and is output at a fixed volume. In other words, the system may be configured so that the volume of error sounds related to fraud is fixed, preventing the fraudster from lowering the volume of the detection sound, while the system may be configured so that the volume of other error sounds can be changed according to the player's preference.

[0437] In addition to the fraud detection sound, other possible error sounds that would prevent volume adjustment include the door opening sound emitted when the front door frame 14 is opened, and the power-on sound emitted when the pachinko machine 10 is powered on (when the power switch is set to ON). This is because, even if the operation of opening the front door frame 14 or the operation of turning on the power switch are not fraudulent acts in themselves, they may be performed in conjunction with fraudulent acts.

[0438] Furthermore, the system may be configured to allow volume adjustment for the error sound from the speaker unit 29. In this case, the system may also be configured to allow volume adjustment for the error sound from the headphones 38, or the error sound from the headphones 38 may be configured to have a fixed volume.

[0439] (16) In the first embodiment and its various modifications described above, 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 separate paths for outputting the sound signal to the first sound signal path 87 and for outputting the sound signal to the second sound signal path 93. For example, six channels may be set as the output channels of the sound IC 83, with four of these channels used as output paths to the first sound signal path 87 and the remaining two channels used as output paths to the second sound signal path 93.

[0440] In this case, the sound IC 83 can switch whether to output the sound signal to the first sound signal path 87 or the second sound signal path 93, thereby preventing sound from being emitted from the speaker section 29, and thus eliminating the need for a mute function. However, since the number of output channels that need to be secured by the sound IC 83 increases, in that sense, a branched configuration as in the first embodiment and its various modifications is preferable.

[0441] (17) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, the speaker unit 29 and the jack unit 37 are configured to output the same sound signal, but they may be configured to output different sound signals. For example, when headphones 38 are used, it is assumed that the sound of the game balls being launched and the sound of the game balls hitting the nails will be difficult to hear, making it difficult to feel like you are playing the game. Therefore, sounds corresponding to the launching and hitting sounds may be synthesized with the sound signal to the jack unit 37. In this case, the "corresponding sound" may be a recording of the actual launching sound, etc., or it may be a sound created artificially.

[0442] (18) In the first embodiment described above and its various modifications, the sound IC 83 is used to amplify the sound signal to a reference volume, and then the SP output control IC 88 and HP output control IC 94 amplify it again according to the volume adjustment. However, it is also possible to configure the system so that amplification is not performed by the sound IC 83, and amplification is performed only by the respective output control ICs 88 and 94.

[0443] (19) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, the isolation transformer 96 arranged in the second sound signal path 93 may be omitted. That is, the output side of the HP output control IC 94 and the input side of the jack section 37 may be connected.

[0444] (20) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, instead of the isolation transformer 96, a photocoupler in which a pair of light-emitting elements and a light-receiving element face each other may be arranged. In this case, the photocoupler is arranged such that the light-emitting elements are 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 37. The output side of the HP output control IC 94 and the input side of the jack 37 are separated by wiring, while the flow of signals from the output side of the HP output control IC 94 to the input side of the jack 37 is permitted. At the same time, the flow of signals from the output side of the HP output control IC 94 to the input side of the jack 37 is permitted, while the flow of signals in the opposite direction is restricted.

[0445] The photocoupler may be placed not only between the output section of the HP output control IC 94 and the input section of the jack section 37, but also between the output section of the sound IC 83 and the input section of the HP output control IC 94. Furthermore, a photocoupler may be used in conjunction with the isolation transformer 96. In this case, the photocoupler may be placed on either the primary or secondary side of the isolation transformer 96.

[0446] Alternatively, a diode may be used instead of a photocoupler. However, since a photocoupler can more strongly restrict the flow of signals in the reverse direction than a diode, it is preferable to use a photocoupler in that sense. 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 various modifications, when the plug portion 39 is not inserted into the jack portion 37, the potential of all contact terminals 253 to 255 is fixed to the ground potential. However, the configuration may be such that the potential of some of the contact terminals 253 to 255 is fixed to the ground potential. Even in this case, it becomes more difficult to transmit malicious signals than when all of the contact terminals 253 to 255 are in an undefined state, and a certain level of malicious deterrence can be expected.

[0448] Furthermore, the electrons that are fixed do not necessarily have to be at ground potential; they may be at other potentials, such as 5V.

[0449] (22) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, the pressing force applied when the plug portion 39 is inserted is applied to the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255, thereby creating a separation between them and the first ground terminal 257 and the second ground terminal 258. However, the pressing force may be applied directly or indirectly to each ground terminal 257 and 258, causing them to be pushed away from each contact terminal 254 and 255, thereby creating a separation between them. Alternatively, the pressing force may be applied to locations different from each contact terminal 254 and 255 and each ground terminal 257 and 258, thereby creating a separation between them.

[0450] (23) In the first embodiment and its various modifications described above, the contact terminals 253 to 255 are grounded in conjunction with the mechanical pulling out of the plug portion 39. However, the grounding of the contact terminals 253 to 255 may be achieved by control.

[0451] For example, the wiring connected to the ground portion of the pachinko machine 10 is connected to each contact terminal 253-255 via a switch unit (e.g., a contact switch), and a switch control signal is output from the MPU 342 or the like to the switch unit, allowing the operation of the switch unit to be switched. Under this configuration, if the open state of the cover portion 271 or the inserted state of the plug portion 39 is detected by the detection units 273 and 291, the switch control signal from the MPU 342 or the like is turned off, making the switch unit non-conductive. On the other hand, if the open state or inserted state is not detected, the switch control signal is turned on, making the switch unit decoupled, and each contact terminal 253-255 is connected to ground to ground. Even with this configuration, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the potential of each contact terminal 253-255 is fixed to the ground potential when the plug portion 39 is not attached to the jack portion 37.

[0452] Furthermore, in the configuration using the above-described switch unit, the pressing force applied when the plug unit 39 is inserted may be applied by the switch unit, thereby mechanically linking with the withdrawal of the plug unit 39 to grounding each contact terminal 253 to 255. In other words, the pressing force applied when the plug unit 39 is inserted may be applied directly or indirectly to the switch unit, causing the switch unit to switch to a non-conductive state, while the pressing force is released when the plug unit 39 is withdrawn, causing the switch unit to switch to a conductive state and fixing the potential of each contact terminal 253 to 255 to the ground potential.

[0453] (24) In the first embodiment and its various modifications, the pachinko machine 10 is provided with a jack 37 and the pachinko machine 10 and headphones 38 are connected by a wire. However, the pachinko machine 10 may also be provided with a wireless communication device and the pachinko machine 10 and headphones 38 may be connected wirelessly.

[0454] (25) In the first embodiment described above and each of its modified forms, the pachinko machine 10 may be provided with a connection part for connecting a display terminal (external device) such as a smartphone, and the machine may be configured to allow the player to play while displaying images such as game performance displays on the screen of the display terminal. In this case, the machine may be configured so that the display on the symbol display device 75 is not performed or the display on the symbol display device 75 is dimmed when the machine is connected to the display terminal or when images such as game performance displays are displayed on the screen of the display terminal. In the case of a pachinko machine in which images such as game performance displays can also be displayed on a display unit other than the symbol display device 75, the machine may be configured so that the display on that display unit is not performed instead of the symbol display device 75.

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

[0456] Furthermore, the cover portion 271 may be configured to require the player to perform a closing operation to switch from the open state to the closed state. However, in this case, there is a risk that the open state of the cover portion 271 may be maintained even after the end of the game if the player does not perform the closing operation. In particular, in the configuration in which the mute process is performed in accordance with the open state of the cover portion 271, there is a concern that the mute state will continue to be maintained even after the end of the game. Taking this into consideration, it is preferable to have a configuration in which the mute state is released when the cover portion 271 is in the open state and it can be inferred that the player has already stopped playing (for example, when no game balls have been launched or entered into the operating ports 62 and 63 for a predetermined period of time).

[0457] (27) In the first embodiment described above, the cover portion 271 slides, but it may also be configured to rotate. Furthermore, the direction of movement of the cover portion 271 is not limited to up and down, but may be left and right. In short, as long as the 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, the specific configuration is arbitrary.

[0458] (28) In the first embodiment described above, when the cover portion 271 is closed (Figure 25(a)), the entire opening 252 of the jack portion 37 is covered by the cover portion 271. However, a configuration in which a part of the opening 252 is covered by the cover portion 271 is also possible, to the extent that the connection of the plug portion 39 to the jack portion 37 is restricted.

[0459] Furthermore, in the open state of the cover portion 271 (Figure 25(b)), the cover portion 271 does not overlap the opening 252 at all, and the entire opening 252 is exposed. However, the cover portion 271 may overlap a part of the opening 252 to the extent that the connection of the plug portion 39 to the jack portion 37 is permissible.

[0460] (29) In the first embodiment described above, the configuration was set to detect the open state of the cover portion 271, but it is also possible to set it up to detect the closed state of the cover portion 271 (a configuration in which the detection unit 273 is positioned in accordance with the closed position of the cover portion 271). Alternatively, separate detection units may be positioned according to the open position and the closed position of the cover portion 271, respectively, so that both the open and closed states can be detected.

[0461] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, a photosensor was used as the detection unit 273, but the type of sensor is not particularly limited as long as it can detect the position of the cover unit 271, and other sensors may be used. The same applies to the modification 1 of the first embodiment described above, 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 described above, the connection restricting portion that restricts the connection of the plug portion 39 to the jack portion 37 is provided by the cover portion 271 (which covers the opening 252), but other configurations are also acceptable as long as they can restrict the connection. For example, a rod-shaped protrusion may extend from the back of the plug insertion hole 251 toward the front, 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 operating section that can be operated by the player is provided on the front of the pachinko machine 10, and when the predetermined operation is being performed on the operating section, the protruding part can be retracted to the back, and by pushing the protruding part in together with the plug part 39, connection to the jack part 37 is permitted. In this configuration, when the predetermined operation is not being performed, the position of the protruding part is locked (fixed), and by not being able to push the protruding part in, connection to the jack part 37 is restricted.

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

[0465] (32) In the first embodiment described above, the system may be configured to provide a predetermined notification when it is detected that the cover portion 271 is in an open state, or when it is detected that the plug portion 39 is inserted in the modified example 1 of the first embodiment described above. For example, the notification provided in response to the detection of the cover portion 271 being in an open state may indicate that the cover portion 271 is in an open state, or it may indicate that the plug portion 39 (headphones 38) has been connected. It may also indicate that the external output has been activated.

[0466] (33) In the modified example 1 of the first embodiment described above, the cover portion 271 is omitted, but it may also be provided. In this case, the cover portion 271 is positioned in front of the detection portion 291, and by having such a configuration, when the plug portion 39 is not attached, external light can be prevented from entering the detection portion 291 (light receiving portion 291b).

[0467] (34) In the modified example 1 of the first embodiment described above, the connection of the plug portion 39 is optically detected, but it may also be electrically detected. When the plug portion 39 is unplugged, the potential of the second contact terminal 254 and the third contact terminal 255 is set to the ground potential. For example, a detection unit may be provided that outputs a detection signal for detecting a change in the potential of at least one of the contact terminals 254 and 255. The output level of the detection signal from this detection unit changes according to the change in potential, and the MPU 342, etc., 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 its modifications described above, the configuration is such that a maximum of 4 reserved information entries based on winning into the first operating port 62 are stored, but this may be less than 4 (it may be 1) or 5 or more. Similarly, the maximum number of reserved information entries based on winning into the second operating port 63 may also be less than 4 (it may be 1) or 5 or more. Furthermore, the maximum number of reserved information entries based on winning into each operating port 62 and 63 may differ.

[0469] (36) In the first embodiment and its various modifications described above, the reserved information based on winnings in the first operating port 62 and the second operating port 63 is distinguished, but it may also be configured so that the information is not distinguished. Also, in the configuration described above, the reserved information based on winnings in the second operating port 63 is given priority over the reserved information based on winnings in the first operating port 62 for determining whether the ball is a winner or loser, but it may also be configured so that the relationship is reversed, or the winner or loser determination is performed in the order of winnings.

[0470] (37) In the first embodiment and its various modifications described above, the configuration allows only game balls flowing down the right route to pass through the through gate 64 and the second operating opening 63 to win prizes. However, the configuration may allow only game balls flowing down the left route to pass through or win prizes, or it may allow game balls to pass through or win prizes from either the right or left route. However, in order to add variety to the game, it is preferable to configure the system so that only game balls flowing down either the right or left route can win prizes in the first operating opening 62, and only game balls flowing down the other route can pass through the through gate 64 and the second operating opening 63 to win prizes.

[0471] (38) In the first embodiment and each of its modifications described above, the game transitions to a jackpot game (open / close execution mode) when the result of the win / fail judgment is a jackpot result. However, a jackpot game may also be configured, such as in a so-called Type 1 and Type 2 mixed machine, when the result of the win / fail judgment is a minor win result, and the game transitions to a jackpot game when a game ball passes through the V-entry slot (V-entry sensor) in a minor win game (a game state in which a variable prize device having a V-entry slot inside or having a V-entry slot and a miss slot is opened and closed) (when the result of the awarding judgment is a predetermined result and a predetermined game result is obtained).

[0472] Furthermore, the phrases "the ability to grant a reward to the player based on the result of the reward" and "the ability to transition to a special game state advantageous to the player based on the result of the reward" in this invention can be interpreted to include cases where the result of the win / loss determination is a minor win, and the game transitions to a big win via a V-entry, as described above.

[0473] (39) In the first embodiment and each of the modified examples described above, the symbols displayed on the display screen G of the symbol display device 75 are configured to scroll horizontally. However, the symbols may also be displayed in a configuration where they are arranged on the left, center, and right, and these symbols scroll vertically. In other words, the arrangement direction and scrolling direction of the symbols are not particularly limited. Furthermore, the number of symbols (number of rows of symbols) is not limited to three, but may be two, or four or more.

[0474] (40) In the first embodiment and each of its modifications described above, a pachinko machine of the type in which game balls are dispensed was used, but a sealed type of pachinko machine in which game balls are not discharged outside the machine may also be used. In such a sealed type of pachinko machine, when awarding prize balls as a reward for winning, for example, a predetermined game value (virtual game medium such as credits) corresponding to the number of prize balls is given to the player, and information indicating the number of prize balls is also provided.

[0475] (41) In the first embodiment and its various modifications described above, the game round on the special display unit 43 is started based on the win / failure determination made in the main control device 162. However, the game round may be started at a timing earlier than the actual win / failure determination when the conditions for win / failure determination are met in the main control device 162, and the subsequent variation display pattern, variation display time, and stop result for that game round may be determined based on the win / failure determination made thereafter. In this case, the main control device 162 may first send a variation command when it is time to start a game round, and then send a variation start command and a type command when it has made a win / failure determination, determined the variation display time, and determined the type, and the timing of sending these variation start command and type command may also be staggered. In this case, the timing at which the variation start command and type command are sent should be the timing until the variation display of the pattern row Z1 to Z3 in the pattern display device 75 switches from high-speed variation to low-speed variation.

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

[0477] Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to non-spinning gaming machines, such as slot machines equipped with multiple reels each bearing multiple symbols arranged circumferentially, in which the reels begin to rotate upon insertion of a medal and operation of a start lever, and after the reels stop when a stop switch is operated or a predetermined time has elapsed, if a specific symbol or combination of specific symbols is found on an active line visible through the display window, the player is given a bonus such as a medal payout.

[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 body, supported by an outer frame in an openable and closable manner, is equipped with a storage unit and a take-up device, and the reels start to rotate when a start lever is operated after a predetermined number of gaming balls stored in the storage unit have been taken in by the take-up device.

[0479] <Regarding the group of inventions extracted from the above embodiments> The following describes the features of the group of inventions extracted from each of the embodiments described above, showing their effects and other aspects as necessary. For ease of understanding, corresponding configurations in each of the embodiments will be indicated in parentheses as appropriate, but the invention is not limited to these specific configurations indicated in parentheses.

[0480] <Features Group A to Feature Group E> The inventions described in the following feature groups A to E are a group of inventions extracted from the above-described embodiments, modifications thereof, or combinations thereof, and are mainly extracted from the first embodiment and its modifications. The inventions described in these feature sets are based on the background technology, which states that "amateur games such as pachinko machines and slot machines are known. For example, in a pachinko machine, game balls are launched towards the game area in response to the player's launch operation, and when a game ball enters a ball entry section provided in the game area, game value such as prize balls is awarded (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-81853). In a slot machine, a lottery process is executed and the reels start to rotate when the start lever is operated, and the rotation of the reels is stopped when the stop button is operated while the reels are rotating. If the result of stopping the reels after rotation stops corresponds to a winning role in the lottery process, game value corresponding to that winning role is awarded to the player." The inventions are based on this background technology, which states that "there is still room for improvement in order to enable the game to be played appropriately in the amusement machines such as those exemplified above."

[0481] <Characteristics Group A> Feature A1. A gaming machine configured to perform predetermined outputs (output of sound effects such as fluctuation sounds and reach occurrence sounds) in accordance with the progress of the game, A control means (a function that performs sound output processing by MPU342 and sound IC83) controls the execution of the predetermined output based on the occurrence of predetermined triggers (execution of game rounds or reach display) as the game progresses, When the control means controls the predetermined output to be executed, the first output means (speaker unit 29) ensures that the predetermined output is executed in the gaming machine, When connected to a predetermined external means (headphones 38), the control means controls the predetermined output to be executed, and a second output means (jack section 37, second sound signal path 93) ensures that the predetermined output is executed through the predetermined external means. In a situation where the predetermined output can be executed through the predetermined external means in the connection state or usage state of the predetermined external means, a specific means (a function that executes mute control processing by the MPU342) that enables the output not to be executed by the first output means or the output level from the first output means to be lower than in a predetermined case where the connection state or usage state is not met, A gaming machine characterized by having the following features.

[0482] In the above configuration, the system includes a first output means that causes the predetermined output to be executed by the gaming machine, and a second output means that, when connected to a predetermined external means, causes the predetermined output to be executed through the external means. When the second output means causes the predetermined output to be executed by the external means, the system is configured to either not execute the predetermined output from the first output means or to reduce the output level of the predetermined output from the first output means. In this case, for example, if headphones or the like are used as the external means, the predetermined output from the first output means will not be performed when headphones are used, thereby suppressing the emission of sound as the predetermined output from the gaming machine in a manner that can be heard by those around. This contributes to reducing the noise level in the gaming hall and makes it possible to create an environment where each player visiting the gaming hall can play games more easily.

[0483] Feature A2. A signaling means (sound IC 83) that outputs a predetermined signal (sound signal) corresponding to the predetermined output, A first transmission means (first sound signal path 87) transmits the predetermined signal to the first output means, A second transmission means (second sound signal path 93) transmits the predetermined signal to the second output means, Equipped with, The gaming machine according to feature A1, characterized in that when the predetermined signal is output from the signaling means, the predetermined signal is input to the first transmission means and the predetermined signal is input to the second transmission means (a branch line 92 branches off from a point in the middle of the 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, toward the input side of the HP output control IC 94).

[0484] In the above configuration, when a predetermined output is performed, the predetermined signal output from the signaling means is output to both 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. Therefore, the predetermined signal output from the signaling means can always pass through both of the above transmission paths. Thus, when a predetermined external means is connected, by simply reducing the level of the predetermined signal transmitted through the first transmission means, the output level from the first output means can be reduced while the output from the external means is output at the normal output level, thereby simplifying the processing configuration. Furthermore, if it is desired to switch from this state to a state where both the first and second output means output at the normal output level, it is only necessary to release the level reduction in the first transmission means, making the above switch easy to perform.

[0485] Feature A3. It is equipped with state detection means (detection units 273, 291) that detect the connection state of the predetermined external means (the state in which the plug unit 39 is connected to the jack unit 37) or a predetermined state in which the connection state can be inferred (the open state of the cover unit 271), The aforementioned identification means, based on the detection result of the state detection means, ensures that output is not performed by the first output means or that the output level from the first output means is lower than the predetermined case. The gaming machine according to feature A1 or feature A2, characterized in that the detection of the connection state or the predetermined state by the state detection means is performed without using a transmission path for transmitting a predetermined signal (sound signal) corresponding to the predetermined 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), then when an unauthorized device is connected to the transmission path via a second output means, there is a risk that the power used to drive the detection means may be misused as a power source for the unauthorized device. In this regard, this feature is configured such that the detection means for detecting whether or not an external means is connected is not provided on the transmission path, thus suppressing such misuse of power. This makes it difficult to easily secure a power source for unauthorized devices and enhances the deterrent effect against fraud.

[0487] Feature A4. The identifying means performs a specific process (mute process) such that output is not performed by the first output means or the output level from the first output means becomes lower than the predetermined case. The gaming machine according to any one of A1 to A3, further comprising means for releasing the execution of the specific processing on the output from the first output means when the predetermined external means is switched from the connected state or the used state to the unconnected or unused state (a function that releases the mute processing in response to switching the cover portion 271 to the 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 state where the specific process is still running, the next player who starts playing may be confused because no output is produced. In this regard, this feature is configured such that when the connection to the external means is disconnected, the execution of the specific process is canceled accordingly. In other words, even without the player manually switching the output, the system can be automatically restored to a state where output is produced from the first output means when the connection to the external means is disconnected. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the situation in which the gaming machine is left in the state where the specific process is running, and effectively prevent the occurrence of a situation that would confuse the next player.

[0489] Feature A5. The identifying means performs a specific process (mute process) such that output is not performed by the first output means or the output level from the first output means becomes lower than the predetermined case. The system is configured such that the execution of the specific processing on the output from the first output means is canceled based on the fulfillment of predetermined conditions (switching the cover portion 271 to the closed state, pulling out the plug portion 39, and the player performing an output switching operation). The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A4, characterized in that it is equipped with means (a function to adjust the volume level and restore output when the mute process is released) that allows the output level of the first output means to be lower than the output level before the specific process was executed and higher than the output level when the specific process was executed.

[0490] For example, if a player disconnects an external device in order to switch the output during gameplay, the output level from the first output device may suddenly start at a high level when it returns to normal. This could startle other players and reduce their concentration on the game. In this feature, when the execution of a specific process is canceled and the output level from the first output device is restored, it is not restored at the same level as before the execution of the specific process, but is adjusted to a lower level. This configuration suppresses the sudden start of high-level output and prevents situations that could startle other players.

[0491] Furthermore, the phrase "means that enable the output level of the first output means when the execution of the specific process is canceled 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" in this feature can also be expressed as "means that enable the execution of the specific process to be canceled such that the output level of the first output means when the execution of the specific process is canceled is 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. The gaming machine according to any one of Feature A1 to Feature A5, characterized in that the predetermined external means is capable of allowing a person to hear sounds when worn on the head or ears.

[0493] In the above configuration, the designated external means is so-called headphones or earphones. When these listening devices are connected to the gaming machine, the output from the first output means (sound output from the speaker installed in the gaming machine) is prevented, thereby suppressing the emission of sound from the gaming machine in a manner audible to surrounding players. This contributes to reducing the noise level in the gaming hall and helps create an environment where each player visiting the gaming hall can play games more comfortably.

[0494] Feature A7. Output means (speaker unit 29) capable of outputting sound, In a predetermined situation, a modification means (SP output control IC 88) is provided that can change the volume of at least a specific sound (performance sound) among the sounds output from the output means, In a gaming machine equipped with the following features, The aforementioned modification means is, A gaming machine characterized by including means (a function that performs mute control processing by MPU342) that can change the volume of the aforementioned specific sound so that the player cannot recognize or has difficulty recognizing it.

[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, under predetermined conditions, the specific sound is unrecognizable or difficult for the player to recognize. This makes it possible to suppress the emission of a predetermined output sound from the gaming machine in a manner that can be heard by those around, and contributes to reducing the noise level in the gaming hall.

[0496] Furthermore, for each of the above-mentioned features A1 to A7, it is possible to individually apply the technical concepts shown in any one of the features A1 to A7, B1 to B6, C1 to C8, D1 to D6, or E1 to E6, or to apply a combination of some or all of these technical concepts. When applying a combination of technical concepts, it is also possible to combine them across feature groups.

[0497] <Characteristics Group B> Feature B1. A gaming machine configured to perform predetermined outputs (output of sound effects such as fluctuation sounds and reach occurrence sounds) in accordance with the progress of the game, A control means (a function that performs sound output processing by MPU342 and sound IC83) controls the execution of the predetermined output based on the occurrence of predetermined triggers (execution of game rounds or reach display) as the game progresses, When connected to a predetermined external means (headphones 38), the control means controls the predetermined output to be executed, and the external output means (jack section 37, second sound signal path 93) ensures that the predetermined output is executed through the predetermined external means. In the transmission path for a predetermined signal (sound signal) to execute the predetermined output, 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 are separated by wiring, while a specific means (isolation transformer 96, photocoupler) allows the flow of the predetermined signal from the first predetermined section to the second predetermined section. A gaming machine characterized by having the following features.

[0498] In the above configuration, an external output means is provided as a means of executing a predetermined output according to the progress of the game, 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 headphones or the like are used as the external means, the player can hear the sound effects from the game machine they are playing while being less affected by ambient noise, making it easier to hear such sound effects and improving convenience. However, if an external output means usable by the player is provided in the game machine, there is a concern that, for example, an unauthorized device may be connected to the external output means and an unauthorized signal may be sent into the inside of the game machine (for example, the control means) through the signal transmission path for executing the predetermined output.

[0499] In this regard, the present feature provides a special means that, in the signal transmission path for performing a predetermined output, separates a first predetermined section located upstream in the normal signal output direction from a second predetermined section located downstream therein through wiring, while allowing the flow of signals from the first predetermined section to the second predetermined section. In this case, compared to the case where the first predetermined section and the second predetermined section are directly connected, it is possible to make it more difficult for signals to flow from the second predetermined section to the first predetermined section, thereby suppressing the input of fraudulent signals into the gaming machine even if an unauthorized device is connected to the external output means. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that allows for optimal gameplay while deterring fraud.

[0500] Feature B2. The external output means includes a connection means (jack portion 37) to which a predetermined connecting member (plug portion 39) can be attached. The predetermined connecting member is configured such that when it is attached to the connecting means, it becomes possible to connect the gaming machine with the predetermined external means. The gaming machine according to feature B1, characterized in that the connection means and the transmission line are electrically connected in the gaming machine.

[0501] In the above configuration, the gaming machine is provided with a connection means that is electrically connected to the transmission path, and by attaching a predetermined connection member to this connection means, the gaming machine is connected to a predetermined external means. In such a configuration, the connection means is exposed in the gaming machine, so it is anticipated that it may be easier to send fraudulent signals into the gaming machine using the connection means. In this regard, by incorporating the features of feature B1 above, it becomes possible to effectively suppress such acts.

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

[0503] In the above configuration, when a predetermined external means is not connected to the gaming machine, the potential of the second predetermined part in the transmission path of a predetermined signal is fixed to a predetermined potential. This prevents the second predetermined part from becoming electrically floating, and prevents the transmission of a signal to the first predetermined part when a signal is input to the transmission path from outside the gaming machine. In other words, it effectively prevents unauthorized signals from being input into the gaming machine.

[0504] Feature B4. The gaming machine according to Feature B3, characterized in that the predetermined potential is the ground potential.

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

[0506] Feature B5. The gaming machine according to any one of Feature B1 to Feature B4, characterized in that the specified means includes an isolation transformer or a photocoupler.

[0507] In this feature, the specific means is configured to include an isolation transformer or a photocoupler. That is, by using an isolation transformer or a photocoupler, it becomes possible to suitably realize a configuration that separates a first predetermined part and a second predetermined part in a predetermined signal transmission path while allowing the signal to flow from the first predetermined part to the second predetermined part.

[0508] Feature B6. The gaming machine according to any one of Feature B1 to Feature B5, characterized in that the specific means includes an isolation transformer and, when the predetermined external means is not connected, means for fixing the potential of the secondary side of the isolation transformer to a predetermined potential (a configuration in which the plug portion 39 is pulled out, causing the contact terminals 253 to 255 to come into contact with the grounding terminals 257 and 258, thereby grounding the secondary side of the isolation transformer 96).

[0509] In the above configuration, when no predetermined external means are connected to the gaming machine, the potential of the secondary side of the isolation transformer is fixed to a predetermined potential. This prevents the secondary side of the isolation transformer from becoming electrically isolated, and prevents the transmission of a signal input from outside the gaming machine to the transmission path to the primary side of the isolation transformer.

[0510] Furthermore, for each of the above-mentioned features B1 to B6, it is possible to individually apply the technical concepts shown in any one of the features A1 to A7, B1 to B6, C1 to C8, D1 to D6, and E1 to E6, or to apply a combination of some or all of these technical concepts. When applying a combination of technical concepts, it is also possible to combine them across feature groups.

[0511] <Characteristics Group C> Feature C1. A gaming machine configured to perform predetermined outputs (output of sound effects such as fluctuation sounds and reach occurrence sounds) in accordance with the progress of the game, A control means (a function that performs sound output processing by MPU342 and sound IC83) controls the execution of the predetermined output based on the occurrence of predetermined triggers (execution of game rounds or reach display) as the game progresses, When connected to a predetermined external means (headphones 38), the control means controls the predetermined output to be executed, and the external output means (jack section 37, second sound signal path 93) ensures that the predetermined output is executed through the predetermined external means. Equipped with, The external output means includes a connecting means (jack portion 37) to which a predetermined connecting member (plug portion 39) can be attached, The predetermined connecting member is attached to the connecting means, and when electrical conductivity is established between the connecting terminals (contact terminals 253-255) of the connecting means and a predetermined portion (electrodes 232-234) of the predetermined connecting member, connection to the predetermined external means becomes possible. A gaming machine characterized by having means that allows the potential of the connection terminal to be fixed to a predetermined potential when the predetermined connecting member is not attached to the connecting means (a configuration in which the contact terminals 253 to 255 come into contact with the grounding terminals 257 and 258 when the plug portion 39 is pulled out).

[0512] In the above configuration, 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, as a means of executing a predetermined output according to the progress of the game. In this case, for example, if headphones or the like are used as the external means, the player can hear the sound effects of the game machine they are playing while being less affected by ambient noise, thus improving convenience for the player.

[0513] In this configuration, the connection between the gaming machine and external means is achieved by attaching a predetermined connecting member to the connection means provided on the gaming machine. However, in such a configuration, the connection means is exposed on the gaming machine, and access to the connection terminals on the connection means is relatively easy. Therefore, there is a concern that fraudulent signals may be sent into the inside of the gaming machine (for example, the control means) using the connection terminals. In this regard, in this feature, when the connecting member is not attached to the connection means, that is, when external access to the connection terminals is possible, the potential of the connection terminals is fixed to a predetermined potential, thereby suppressing the input of fraudulent signals into the inside of the gaming machine. This makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that can be played appropriately while deterring fraud.

[0514] Feature C2. The gaming machine according to Feature C1, characterized in that the predetermined potential is the ground potential.

[0515] In the above configuration, the potential of the connection terminal is fixed to the ground potential when the predetermined connecting member is not attached to the connecting means. This prevents the connection terminal from becoming electrically floating, and also prevents the unauthorized signal from flowing back into the signal transmission path for the predetermined output and being sent into 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 connecting member is not attached to the connecting means, the connecting terminal is configured to come into contact with a specific part (grounding terminals 257, 258) so that the potential of the connecting terminal is set to a predetermined potential. The gaming machine according to feature C1 or feature C2, characterized in that the connection terminal and the specific part are separated by the pressing force applied when the predetermined connecting member is attached to the connecting means.

[0517] In the above configuration, when the connecting member is not attached, the connecting terminal of the connecting means comes into contact with a specific part, fixing the potential of the connecting terminal to a predetermined potential. Subsequently, when the connecting member is attached to the connecting means, the pressing force at that time causes the connecting terminal to separate from the specific part. When the connecting member is removed from the connecting means, the pressing force is released, and the connecting terminal and the specific part come into contact again, fixing the potential of the connecting terminal to a predetermined potential. In other words, in conjunction with the attachment and detachment of the connecting member, the state in which the potential of the connecting terminal is fixed to a predetermined potential and the state in which it is electrically connected to the predetermined part of the connecting member are mechanically switched, making it possible to suitably 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. In the transmission path of a predetermined signal (sound signal) for executing the predetermined output, the first predetermined part on the control means side (output part of HP output control IC 94) and the second predetermined part on the connection means side (input part of jack part 37) are separated by wiring, while the flow of the predetermined signal from the first predetermined part to the second predetermined part is permitted, provided therefor. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C3, characterized in that the second predetermined part and the connection terminal are electrically connected.

[0519] In the above configuration, in a transmission path for a predetermined signal to execute a predetermined output, a first predetermined section upstream in the normal signal output direction and a second predetermined section downstream thereof are separated by wiring. When no connecting member is attached, the potential of the second predetermined section is fixed to a predetermined potential through the connecting terminal. Therefore, if an unauthorized signal is input to the connecting terminal from the outside, it is possible to suppress the transmission of that signal to the first predetermined section. In other words, it is possible to effectively suppress the input of an unauthorized signal into the gaming machine.

[0520] Feature C5. It is equipped with an overlapping portion (cover portion 271) that is configured to overlap with the connection means from the front of the gaming machine, The overlapping portion can be switched between a first state (closed state) in which it overlaps the connecting means from the front of the gaming machine, and a second state (open state) in which it does not overlap the connecting means or the area overlapping the connecting means is smaller than in the first state. The gaming machine according to any one of features C1 to C4, characterized in that by setting the overlapping portion to the second state, the predetermined connecting member can be attached to the connecting means.

[0521] In the above configuration, since the connection terminals provided on the connection means cannot be accessed until the overlapping portion is switched to the second state, the act of fraudulent activity becomes more difficult to carry out, at least because this switching must be performed, thus increasing the deterrent effect against fraud.

[0522] Feature C6. A switching means (contact switch) that can switch whether or not the potential of the connection terminal is set to the predetermined potential, When the overlapping portion is in the first state, the switching means is operated to set the potential of the connection terminal to the predetermined potential (a function to switch the contact switch on / off based on the detection result regarding the opening and closing of the cover portion 271), A gaming machine characterized by having the features described in C5.

[0523] When the connecting member is attached to the connecting means, the overlapping portion is inevitably in the second state. A switching means is provided that can switch whether or not to set the potential of the connecting terminal to a predetermined potential. When the overlapping portion switches from the second state to the first state, the switching means is configured to operate to set the potential of the connecting terminal to the predetermined potential. In this way, the potential of the connecting terminal can be fixed to a predetermined potential in response to the removal of the connecting member. This prevents unauthorized signals from being input into the gaming machine.

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

[0525] In the above configuration, a connection is made between the gaming machine and an external means by inserting a predetermined insertion member into an insertion section provided in the gaming machine. In such a configuration, the opening (insertion port) of the insertion section is exposed in the gaming machine, making it relatively easy to access the connection terminal from the outside. In such a case, applying the configuration of feature C1 above can suppress the act of sending unauthorized signals into the gaming machine through the connection terminal.

[0526] Feature C8. Equipped with a connection means (jack part 37) to which a predetermined connecting member (plug part 39) can be attached, The predetermined connecting member is attached to the connecting means, and when the connecting terminals (contact terminals 253-255) of the connecting means and a predetermined portion (electrodes 232-234) of the predetermined connecting member are electrically connected, it is configured to enable connection to a predetermined external means. A gaming machine characterized by having means that allows the potential of the connection terminal to be fixed to a predetermined potential when the predetermined connecting member is not attached to the connecting means (a configuration in which the contact terminals 253 to 255 come into contact with the grounding terminals 257 and 258 when the plug portion 39 is pulled out).

[0527] In the above configuration, the connection between the gaming machine and external means is achieved by attaching a predetermined connecting member to the connection means provided on the gaming machine. However, in such a configuration, the connection means is exposed on the gaming machine, and access to the connection terminals on the connection means is relatively easy. Therefore, there is a concern that malicious signals may be sent into the inside of the gaming machine (for example, the control means) using the connection terminals. In this regard, with this feature, when the connecting member is not attached to the connection means, that is, when external access to the connection terminals is possible, the potential of the connection terminals is fixed to a predetermined potential, thereby suppressing the input of malicious signals into the inside of the gaming machine.

[0528] Furthermore, it is possible to apply the configurations of features C2 to C7 described above to this feature. In this case, further effects can be achieved by applying these configurations.

[0529] Furthermore, for each of the above-mentioned features C1 to C8, it is possible to individually apply the technical concepts shown in any one of the features A1 to A7, B1 to B6, C1 to C8, D1 to D6, or E1 to E6, or to apply a combination of some or all of these technical concepts. When applying a combination of technical concepts, it is also possible to combine them across feature groups.

[0530] <Features Group D> Feature D1. A first means (a function that controls the output of sound effects using the MPU 342 and sound IC 83) that controls the output of a first predetermined sound (a sound effect such as a variation sound or a reach occurrence sound) from a predetermined output means (speaker unit 29) in accordance with the progress of the game, Means for performing specific control (mute processing) such 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 performing mute control processing by the MPU342), Detection means (radio wave detection sensor 48, full capacity detection sensor 82a, etc.) for detecting the occurrence of predetermined events (radio wave reception, full capacity error, operation of return button, etc.), A second means (a function that controls the output of performance sounds using MPU342 and sound IC83) controls the output of a second predetermined sound (error sound or return sound) different from the first predetermined sound based on the detection result of the detection means, In a situation where the specific control can be performed on the first predetermined sound (the mute flag is set), the second means controls the output of the second predetermined sound, and a specific means (a function that releases the mute process for the sound signal transmitted through the first sound signal path 87 when the sound signal corresponding to an error sound is the target of output) makes it possible to restrict the execution of the specific control on the second predetermined sound. A gaming machine characterized by having the following features.

[0531] In the above configuration, a gaming machine capable of outputting a first predetermined sound from a predetermined output means in accordance with the progress of the game, it is possible to perform specific control so that the first predetermined sound is not output from the predetermined output means or the output level of the first predetermined sound is reduced. By performing such specific control, it is possible to suppress the emission of the first predetermined sound from the gaming machine in a manner that can be heard by those in the surrounding area. This contributes to reducing the noise level in the gaming hall and contributes to creating an environment where each player visiting the gaming hall can play games more easily.

[0532] On the other hand, the system is configured to restrict the execution of the specific control with respect to the second predetermined sound output from the predetermined output means based on the detection result of the occurrence of a predetermined event. For example, if a player continues to play without noticing the occurrence of a predetermined event because they cannot hear the second predetermined sound, it may interfere with the game. In this regard, with the configuration described above, even when the specific control for the first predetermined sound is being executed, the second predetermined sound is output at a volume audible to the player when it is output, making it possible to suitably notify the player of the occurrence of a predetermined event.

[0533] Furthermore, in this feature, the "specific means that enables the execution of the specific control for the second predetermined sound to be restricted when the second means controls the output of the second predetermined sound in a situation in which the specific control can be executed for the first predetermined sound" can also be expressed as "specific means that enables the execution of the specific control for the second predetermined sound to be restricted when the second means controls the output of the second predetermined sound in a predetermined situation in which the first predetermined sound...

Claims

[Claim 1] A first means controls the output of a first predetermined sound from a predetermined output means in accordance with the progress of the game, Means for performing specific control such 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 detection means for detecting the occurrence of a predetermined event, A second means controls the output of a predetermined output means to produce a second predetermined sound different from the first predetermined sound based on the detection result of the detection means, A specific means that allows the execution of the specific control for the second predetermined sound to be restricted when the second means controls the output of the second predetermined sound in a situation in which the specific control can be executed for the first predetermined sound, A gaming machine characterized by having the following features.

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