JP2009165569A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique capable of surely reporting the fact of a fraudulent action to an assistant or the like by error sound and effectively preventing the fraudulent action. <P>SOLUTION: A first speaker capable of outputting performance sound and a second speaker capable of outputting error sound are provided. Then, while the first speaker is provided on the back side of a sound discharge port provided on a front surface member so as to output the performance sound toward the sound discharge port, the second speaker is provided on a position behind the front surface member evading the back side of the sound discharge port. In such a manner, compared to the case that the second speaker is provided on the back side of the sound discharge port, it is made difficult for a person conducting the fraudulent action to disable the output of the error sound by destroying the second speaker or the like. Thus, when some kind of the fraudulent action is detected in the game machine, the fact is surely reported to the assistant or the like by the error sound from the second speaker, and the fraudulent action is effectively prevented as a result. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, or a slot machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that outputs a predetermined sound in accordance with the progress of the game.

  In game machines such as a ball ball game machine and a revolving game machine, a speaker is generally mounted. Then, various effects sounds are output from the speakers in accordance with the progress of the game, thereby performing an effect that effectively excites the game.

  In addition, such a gaming machine is provided with means for detecting that some sort of fraud has been performed, and when fraud is detected, the fraud is performed by outputting an error sound from the speaker indicating that an abnormality has occurred. There has also been proposed a technique for notifying a clerk of a game hall of a broken fact (Patent Document 1).

JP 2006-280510 A

  However, there is a problem that it is not possible to sufficiently prevent fraud only by providing a means for detecting fraud. In other words, the speaker is generally installed facing the player in front of the gaming machine with an emphasis on the sound quality of the sound effect, and after making this speaker impossible to output an error sound by, for example, destroying the speaker from the outside Cheating may occur. In this case, even if a fraudulent act can be detected, the fact cannot be notified to the store clerk by an error sound, so that there is a problem that the fraudulent act cannot be effectively prevented.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and it is possible to reliably notify a store clerk or the like of the fact of fraud by using an error sound, thereby effectively preventing fraud. Aims to provide new technology.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a gaming machine that outputs a production sound used to produce a game or a notification sound for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality,
A front member that constitutes a front side of the gaming machine and in which a sound emission port for emitting the effect sound to the front of the gaming machine is formed;
A first sound output device capable of outputting at least the effect sound;
A second sound output device capable of outputting only the notification sound,
The first sound output device is provided on the back side of the sound emission port, and outputs the effect sound toward the front of the gaming machine,
The second sound output device is provided behind the front member and at a position avoiding the back side of the sound emission port.

  In the gaming machine according to the present invention, a first sound output device capable of outputting at least a production sound and a second sound output device capable of outputting only a notification sound are provided. And the 1st sound output device is provided in the back side of the sound emission opening provided in the front member so that a production sound may be outputted toward the front of a game machine. On the other hand, the second sound output device is provided at a position behind the front member and avoiding the back side of the sound emission port.

  Here, “front” and “front” in the present specification indicate “a direction approaching the player”, and “rear” and “back side” indicate “a direction away from the player”. In addition, for example, in the case of a pachinko machine, the “front member” refers to a “front door (glass door)” or “plate member (upper plate / lower plate)” that constitutes the front side, and slot machine Then, the “front door” or the like constituting the front side is indicated. Furthermore, a typical example of the “first sound output device” includes a speaker capable of outputting various types of sounds to enhance the production. On the other hand, as a typical example of the “second sound output device”, not only a speaker, but also any device that can output a notification sound may be used, and a bell or a buzzer may be used.

  Thus, if the second sound output device is provided behind the front member and at a position avoiding the back side of the sound emission port, compared to the case where it is provided on the back side of the sound emission port, It becomes difficult for the fraudster to disable the output of the notification sound, for example, by destroying the second sound output device. For this reason, when any illegal act is detected by the gaming machine, the fact of the illegal act can be surely notified to the store clerk by the notification sound, and as a result, the illegal act can be effectively prevented. Become.

  Of course, it is possible to output not only the production sound but also the notification sound from the first sound output device, but the first sound output device is provided on the front member in consideration of the sound quality of the produced production sound. It is installed on the back side of the sound outlet so as to output the production sound toward the front of the gaming machine. For this reason, an improper act may be performed after inserting a foreign object such as a wire from the sound discharge port and destroying the first sound output device. In this regard, in addition to the first sound output device, if the second sound output device provided at a position avoiding the back side of the sound emission port is provided, the first sound output device may be provided by an unauthorized person. Even if it is destroyed, the fact of fraud can be notified to the clerk or the like by the notification sound output from the second sound output device. As a result, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts that are performed by disabling notification sound output.

  In such a gaming machine, the second sound output device may be housed in the board case together with the control board by providing a board case for housing the control board behind the front member. In order to prevent the notification sound output from the second sound output device from entering the substrate case, it is desirable to provide a large number of small holes, for example, in the substrate case.

  According to such a configuration, it becomes more difficult to destroy the second sound output device and disable the output of the notification sound. That is, for the purpose of destroying the second sound output device, for example, even if a foreign object such as a wire is inserted behind the front member by any method, the second sound output device is further accommodated in the substrate case. For this reason, it is not easy to allow the foreign matter to reach the second sound output device. As described above, since the configuration is such that it is more difficult to disable the notification sound before the fraud is detected, execution of the fraud can be suppressed.

  In the gaming machine described above, the second sound output device may be provided on a control board that controls the effects of the game.

  Since the second sound output device outputs a notification sound based on a control signal from a control board (effect control board) that controls a game effect or the like, the second sound output device is separated from the effect control board. When provided at the position, it is necessary to connect the effect control board and the second sound output device with a connection line or the like in order to transmit the control signal. On the other hand, if the second sound output device is provided directly on the effect control board, such a connection line becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a risk that the notification sound cannot be output from the second sound output device due to disconnection of the connection line (or disconnection by an unauthorized person).

  In such a gaming machine, the front member is provided with an opening / closing portion that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. When the notification sound is not output, the opening / closing portion is closed and the notification sound is output. May open the opening / closing part.

  In this way, when the notification sound is output, if the opening / closing portion provided in the front member is opened, the notification sound output from the second sound output device behind the front member is opened. It is discharged to the front of the gaming machine from the opening / closing part. As a result, the store clerk or the like can easily hear the notification sound, and the notification sound can more reliably notify the occurrence of abnormality (the fact of fraud). In addition, since the opening / closing part provided in the front member is in a closed state except when the notification sound is output, a second foreign substance such as a wire is inserted from the opening / closing part to be behind the front member. It is difficult to destroy the sound output device. For this reason, even if an opening / closing part is provided to release the notification sound to the front of the gaming machine, it is possible to prevent an illegal act performed by making the notification sound impossible to output.

  Further, in such a gaming machine, the following may be performed. First, as the production sound and the notification sound are output from the first sound output device, it is detected whether or not the first sound output device can output at a volume higher than a predetermined volume when outputting the notification sound. The notification sound may be output from the second sound output device when the notification sound cannot be output from the first sound output device at a predetermined volume or higher.

  According to such a configuration, if any abnormality occurs in the gaming machine, basically, a notification sound can be output from the first sound output device to notify a store clerk or the like. Even if the first sound output device cannot output a volume higher than the predetermined volume, in this case, a notification sound is output from the second sound output device. Can be notified.

  Further, if the notification sound can be output from either the first sound output device or the second sound output device, it is not always necessary to output both simultaneously. Therefore, in principle, the notification sound is output from the first sound output device, and when the first sound output device cannot output a volume higher than a predetermined volume, the notification sound is switched to the second sound output device. If output is made, it is possible to suppress power consumption compared to the case where the notification sound is output from both the first sound output device and the second sound output device. In addition, when the notification sound is output from the second sound output device, the power that has been turned to the first sound output device can be concentrated toward the second sound output device, so that it is more reliable. The notification sound can be output.

  Further, the notification sound is output from the second sound output device only when the sound volume higher than the predetermined sound volume cannot be output from the first sound output device, and is output from the first sound output device. It is possible to give a sense of discomfort to the store clerk by switching the supposed notification sound to the output from the second sound output device, and as a result, it is possible that the first sound output device is disabled and an illegal act is performed. There is also an effect that it is possible to notify a store clerk that there is a characteristic.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Equipment configuration of the spinning machine:
A-1. overall structure:
A-2. Electrical configuration:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Control details of the spinning machine:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Sound output control processing:
D. Variations:
D-1. First modification:
D-2. Second modification:

A. Device configuration of a spinning machine:
A-1. overall structure :
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external appearance of a swivel type gaming machine 1 (hereinafter abbreviated as “gaming machine 1”). As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 is provided with a housing 3 formed in a box shape and a front door 2 provided so as to cover the front side of the housing 3. The front door 2 has three main areas: a middle area where the game is actually played, an upper area 2u where various effects are performed according to the progress of the game, and a lower area 2d where game medals are paid out. The middle region is configured by a game state display unit 2ma for displaying a game state and an operation unit 2mb for playing a game. In addition, since the front door 2 comprises the front side of the gaming machine 1, the front door 2 of the present embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “front member” of the present invention.

  In the upper region 2u, an effect display device 10 is provided in the center. The effect display device 10 is configured by a so-called liquid crystal display device, and can produce effects by displaying various symbols according to the progress of the game. Mesh members 14 a are provided on the left and right of the effect display device 10, and the front speakers 14 are arranged on the back sides of the left and right mesh members 14 a so as to output sound toward the front of the gaming machine 1. Has been. A lamp 12 is provided above the mesh member 14a. Since the production sound is emitted from the mesh member 14a covering the front surface of the front speaker 14 toward the front of the gaming machine 1, the mesh member 14a covering the front speaker 14 of the present embodiment is the “sound release” of the present invention. It corresponds to “Exit”.

  In addition, an opening 16 to which a mesh member 16 a is attached is provided above the effect display device 10, and an opening / closing plate that switches the opening 16 between an open state and a closed state on the back side of the opening 16. 17 is provided. Although the detailed configuration of the opening 16 and the opening / closing plate 17 will be described later, the opening 16 is normally in a closed state, but when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the opening / closing plate 17 is activated to be opened.

  A large display window 20 is provided in the center of the game state display section 2ma provided in the middle of the front door 2, and it is possible to visually recognize the rotation of the three cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c provided therein. It has become. Various display panels 22 for displaying the game state are provided on the left and right and below the display window 20.

  The operation part 2mb provided in the lower middle part of the front door 2 is formed in a shape protruding toward the front, and a game medal insertion slot 30 for inserting game medals is stored on the upper surface as credits. There are provided a single insertion button 32 for inserting only one game medal, a three insertion button 34 for inserting three stored game medals, and the like. The storage of game medals means that when the number of game medals inserted into the game medal slot 30 exceeds a prescribed number (the upper limit of the number of game medals required for one game), the excess is stored as data. Or, instead of actually paying out game medals, the medal payout number is stored as data. Further, on the front surface of the operation unit 2mb, the start lever 36 for starting the rotation of the spinning cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c after the game medal is inserted and the rotation of the three spinning cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c are stopped. The rotating cylinder stop buttons 38a, 38b, 38c are provided.

  In addition, a settlement button 40 and a return button 42 are provided on the upper surface of the operation unit 2mb. Here, the settlement button 40 is a button operated when paying out game medals stored inside the gaming machine 1 to the outside. Even after the game medals are inserted, the game medals that have been inserted are paid out by operating the settlement button 40 until the start lever 36 is operated and the rotation of the spinning cylinders 20a, 20b, 20c is started. Is possible. The return button 42 is a button that is operated in order to clear a jammed medal when the inserted game medal is jammed inside the gaming machine 1.

  In the lower region 2d of the front door 2, there are provided a game medal payout outlet 50 through which game medals are paid out, a tray 52 for receiving the game medals paid out, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an internal configuration of the gaming machine 1 with the front door 2 opened. A sub-control board unit 102 covered with a protective case is provided at the upper part on the back side of the front door 2, and a pair of front speakers 14 are attached to the left and right sides thereof. A sub-control board 220, which will be described later, is stored inside the sub-control board unit 102, and controls various effects performed using the effect display device 10, the lamp 12, the front speaker 14 and the like shown in FIG. I am in charge. An internal speaker 100 is provided on the case surface of the sub control board unit 102, and the internal speaker 100 is also controlled by the sub control board 220. Further, an opening / closing plate 17 for opening or closing the opening 16 shown in FIG. 1 is attached above the sub-control board unit 102, and for opening / closing the opening / closing plate 17 at the left and right ends of the opening / closing plate 17. An opening / closing plate motor 17m is provided.

  A display window 20 is provided substantially at the center of the front door 2, and a door substrate unit 104 in which a door substrate 240 described later is stored is provided below the display window 20. Also, below the door board unit 104, a medal selector 106 serving as a path for inserted game medals is provided, and below that, a coin shooter 108 for guiding the game medals to the game medal payout port 50 and the like are provided. It has been. The medal selector 106 has a function of selecting game medals inserted from the game medal slot 30 mainly based on dimensions and receiving only game medals that conform to the standard dimensions. When a player inserts a game medal before operating the start lever 36, the game medal is selected by the medal selector 106, and only those satisfying the standard are inserted into the hopper 116, and medals that do not satisfy the standard are selected. Through the coin shooter 108, the game medal payout exit 50 is returned.

  On the other hand, when a game medal is inserted after the start lever 36 is operated, the passage in the medal selector 106 is switched, and the inserted game medal passes through the coin shooter 108 and the game medal payout opening 50. Returned to. In addition, a medal sensor (not shown) is provided inside the medal selector 106, and when a game medal that satisfies the dimensional standard passes, it is detected by the medal sensor, and a signal thereof will be described later. To be supplied.

  On the other hand, three spinning cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c are provided substantially at the center of the casing 3, and a plurality of types of symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surface of each spinning cylinder as described later. A main control board unit 110 storing a later-described main control board 200 for controlling the entire game is provided above the spinning cylinders. Behind the spinning cylinders are described later for driving the respective spinning cylinders. A rotating substrate unit 112 in which the rotating substrate 260 to be stored is stored is provided. A door sensor 122 for detecting opening / closing of the front door 2 is attached to the right side of the main control board unit 110.

  Below the three cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c, a hopper 116 that collects the inserted game medals, a medal payout device 118 that pays out game medals, and a power source to be described later for supplying power to the entire gaming machine 1 A power supply unit 120 in which a substrate 280 is stored is mounted. The game medals paid out from the medal payout device 118 pass through the coin shooter 108 and are paid out from the game medal payout outlet 50. A power switch 120 s for turning on the gaming machine 1 is also provided on the front surface of the power supply unit 120.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the three drums 20a, 20b, and 20c. In each spinning cylinder, 21 symbols are drawn on the outer peripheral surface. In addition, the types of the drawn symbols are the same for any of the spinning cylinders, but the arrangement of the symbols is set to be different for each spinning cylinder.

A-2. Electrical configuration:
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-control board 220, door board 240, rotor board 260, power supply board 280, relay board 300, etc. are connected to the gaming machine 1 so that data can be exchanged, with the main control board 200 as the center. Has been configured.

  The main control board 200 is a board that manages the progress and production of the entire game performed in the gaming machine 1. On the main control board 200, a CPU 201, a ROM 202, a RAM 203 and the like are mounted so as to be able to exchange data with each other via a bus, and the start lever 36 is operated from the door board 240 mounted on the front door 2. By receiving a signal indicating that and outputting a control command (or control signal) toward the sub-control board 220, the door board 240, the rotating board 260, etc. while executing a game control process described later, The operation of these various substrates is controlled.

  Similarly to the main control board 200 described above, the sub-control board 220 is configured by connecting a CPU 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, and the like so as to exchange data with each other via a bus. The sub-control board 220 is connected to the lamp 12, the effect display device 10, the rotary backlight 20L, the front speaker 14, the internal speaker 100, the opening / closing plate motor 17m for opening and closing the opening / closing plate 17, and the like. . Here, the spinning cylinder backlight 20L is a light that is provided inside each spinning cylinder 20a, 20b, 20c and illuminates a pattern (see FIG. 3) drawn on the surface of the spinning cylinder from the back side. The sub control board 220 analyzes the control command received from the main control board 200 and supplies drive signals to the lamp 12, the effect display device 10, the rotating backlight 20L, the front speaker 14, the internal speaker 100, and the open / close plate motor 17m. Is used to produce various effects and notifications.

  On the door substrate 240, the medal selector 106, various insertion buttons 32 and 34 for inserting the stored game medals, the start lever 36 for starting the rotation of the rotating drum, and the rotating rotating drum are stopped. Crotch stop buttons 38a, 38b, 38c for causing the game to be completed, a settlement button 40 for paying out the stored game medals or the inserted game medals and ending the game, various display panels 22 for displaying the game status, etc. Is connected. The door board 240 is connected to the main control board 200 described above so as to exchange data. Therefore, when the start lever 36 provided on the front door 2, the rotation stop buttons 38 a, 38 b, 38 c, the various input buttons 32, 34, the settlement button 40, etc. are operated, A signal can be supplied to the main control board 200. Further, a signal that the medal selector 106 detects the passage of the game medal by the built-in medal sensor is also supplied to the main control board 200 through the door board 240.

  On the rotating board 260, the rotating motors 24a, 24b, 24c for rotating the three rotating cylinders 20a, 20b, 20c, respectively, and the rotating sensors 26a, 26b for detecting the rotational positions of the respective rotating cylinders. , 26c, etc. are connected. The rotating substrate 260 detects the rotational positions of the rotating cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c by the rotating sensors 26a, 26b, and 26c, and drives the rotating motors 24a, 24b, and 24c, thereby rotating the rotating cylinders 20a. , 20b, 20c can be stopped at desired positions. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, so-called stepping motors are used for the spinning motors 24a, 24b, and 24c.

  To the relay board 300, a medal payout device 118, a door sensor 122, and the like are connected. The medal payout device 118 performs an operation of paying out a predetermined number of game medals based on a control signal received from the main control board 200 via the relay board 300. Further, when the front door 2 is opened, it is detected by the door sensor 122, and a detection signal is supplied to the main control board 200 via the relay board 300.

  These various control boards and power consumed by the boards are supplied from a power supply board 280. In FIG. 4, a state in which power is supplied from the power supply board 280 is represented by a dashed arrow. As shown in the figure, power is directly supplied from the power supply board 280 to the main control board 200 and the sub control board 220, and various boards (door board 240, rotor board 260, relay board 300) are Electric power is supplied via the main control board 200. An AC voltage of 100 V is supplied to the power supply board 280, and this electric power is converted into a DC voltage of a specified voltage and then supplied to each control board and board.

B. Overview of the game:
In the following, the contents of the control performed in order to advance the game in the rotary type gaming machine 1 having the above-described configuration will be described, but as an preparation, an outline of the game performed in the rotary type gaming machine will be described. Keep it.

  In starting the game, a game medal is inserted from the game medal slot 30 and a medal bet is placed. The number of game medals to bet is usually fixed to one or three. If game medals are stored in advance as credits, it is possible to bet 1 or 3 game medals by pressing the 1-sheet insertion button 32 or the 3-sheet insertion button 34, respectively. is there.

  When a game medal is bet and the start lever 36 is operated, the three spinning cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c start to rotate. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, a plurality of symbols are drawn on each of the spinning cylinders. Therefore, when the rotating cylinder rotates, these symbols are variably displayed on the display window 20. Further, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, on the front side of the front door 2, three turning stop buttons 38 a, 38 b, 38 c are provided corresponding to the respective turning cylinders. When the rotating cylinder stop buttons 38a, 38b, 38c are pressed while the rotating cylinders 20a, 20b, 20c are rotating, the rotating cylinders corresponding to the pressed buttons stop rotating, and accordingly, the symbols that are displayed in a variable manner are displayed. Stopped display with any of the symbols. In this way, when the rotation of the three spinning cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c is stopped, one of the symbols is stopped and displayed on each of the spinning cylinders. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the size of the display window 20 is set such that three symbols are displayed for each cylinder. Eventually, when the three drums 20a, 20b, and 20c are stopped and displayed, a total of nine symbols in three rows and three columns are displayed on the display window 20. In addition, a plurality of pay lines are set in advance at positions where these nine symbols are displayed.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a winning line set in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the upper prize line L1, the middle prize line L2, the lower prize line L3, the diagonally upward winning line L4, and the diagonally downward rightward. A total of five pay lines of the pay line L5 are set. When only one game medal is bet, only the middle pay line L2 is valid, and when three game medals are bet, all five pay lines are valid. When the three spinning cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c are stopped, some symbol combinations are obtained on the effective winning line. Here, it is assumed that only five types of pay lines are set in the straight line shape shown in FIG. 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the upper position of the left cylinder 20a and the middle cylinder 20b A prize line connecting the middle position and the upper position of the right cylinder 20c, or a prize line connecting the lower position of the left cylinder 20a, the middle position of the middle cylinder 20b, and the lower position of the right cylinder 20c. It is also possible to set more types of pay lines by adding a non-straight pay line or the like.

  And, if the symbol combinations on the effective winning line are the symbol combinations corresponding to the so-called “pocket” game combination, the winning combination of the small role is established, and depending on the type of the small role A certain number of game medals are paid out.

  In addition to the “small role”, a game role called “re-game role” is also provided. If the symbol combination that is valid on the winning line when the spinning cylinder is stopped is a symbol combination that corresponds to the “re-gamer”, no game medals will be paid out, but a new game medal The right to play a game again without betting is granted. That is, it is possible to play a game once again, assuming that the same number of game medals as the game medals bet when the winning of the re-gamer is established.

  Further, the game combination is provided with a so-called “bonus combination” such as “regular bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as RB combination)” and “big bonus combination (hereinafter referred to as BB combination)”. . If the symbol combination that is valid on the winning line when the three cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c are stopped is a symbol combination corresponding to the RB combination, a regular bonus game (RB that is advantageous to the player) A gaming state called “gaming” is started. The RB game is a game state in which the type of game combination (the type of symbol combination from which game medals are paid out) is increased and the winning of the increased game combination (increased combination) is established with a high probability compared to the normal game. It is. This RB game ends when a predetermined number of games (for example, 12 games) are performed or when a winning combination of a game player is established a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times). When the symbol combinations corresponding to the BB combination are prepared, a big bonus game (BB game), which is a game state that is more advantageous for the player than the RB game, is started. The BB game is composed of an introductory game until the winning of the RB role is established, and an RB game executed when the winning of the RB role is established. During the BB game, a predetermined number of games (for example, 465) Until the medal is paid out, the above-mentioned “RB game” can be performed a plurality of times. Therefore, when the BB game is started, the player can acquire a large amount of game medals.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the types of gaming combinations set in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment and the symbol combinations that establish the winnings of the gaming combinations in association with each other. As shown in the figure, the symbol combination for establishing the winning combination of the BB role includes a symbol combination in which three symbols called “Red Seven” are arranged, and a symbol combination in which three symbols called “Blue Seven” are arranged. Is set. The symbol combination that establishes the winning combination of the RB role is set to a symbol combination including three symbols called “bars”. The symbol combination that establishes the winning of the small role is a symbol combination in which three symbols of “Bell” are arranged, a symbol combination in which three symbols of “Watermelon” are arranged, or the symbol of the left-handed cylinder 20a is “Cherry”. If this is the case, the middle cylinder 20b and the right cylinder 20c are set to a symbol combination that may be any symbol. In addition, the symbol combination that establishes a re-game is set to a symbol combination in which three symbols of “re-game” are arranged. Further, FIG. 6 also shows a privilege that is given to the player when winning of these game actors is established. The small role that won a prize with the design of "Bell" is called "Bell's small role", and the small role that won the prize with the design of "Watermelon" is "Watermelon's small role" and "Cherry" A small role that has won a prize with the above pattern may be called a “cherry small role”.

  Of course, when the spinning cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c are stopped, a winning combination of any game player is not necessarily established. In this case, after betting one or three game medals again, the next game is played by operating the start lever 36 and rotating the spinning cylinder. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the game progresses by repeatedly performing such operations.

  The progress of such a game is controlled by the main control board 200. Below, the processing content which the main control board 200 is performing in order to control progress of a game is demonstrated.

C. Control details of the spinning machine:
C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the first half of a game control process performed by the main control board 200 for controlling the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the second half of the game control process performed by the main control board 200 in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. This game control process is a process executed after power is turned on to the gaming machine 1 and an initialization process such as a checksum of the ROM mounted on the main control board 200 and the sub control board 220 is further performed. .

  As shown in FIG. 7, when the game control process is started, a game state setting process (step 100. Steps are abbreviated as “S” hereinafter) is first performed. In such processing, processing for switching to an appropriate gaming state is performed in accordance with the progress of the game. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, special game states such as a big bonus game (BB game) and a regular bonus game (RB game) are provided, and a winning combination of a game player is determined according to the game state. The ease of establishment and the types of game actors that can win a prize are different. Therefore, in the gaming state setting process, the current gaming state is detected and it is determined whether or not the gaming state end condition is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, the gaming state is determined. The process of switching the gaming state by ending is performed. By switching the gaming state in this way, the game progresses while greatly changing the impression of the game.

  Following the game state setting process, the main control board 200 performs a medal insertion confirmation process (S102). In the medal insertion confirmation process, whether or not a game medal is inserted from the game medal slot 30, or whether or not the one-sheet insertion button 32 or the three-sheet insertion button 34 is operated when the game medal is stored as a credit. To check. As described above, the inserted game medal is detected by the medal sensor built in the medal selector 106, and the detection signal is supplied to the main control board 200. Further, when the various input buttons 32 and 34 are operated, the operation signals are supplied to the main control board 200. The main control board 200 can determine whether or not a game medal is inserted based on these signals. When a game medal is inserted, the game can be started. In addition, when the various insertion buttons 32 and 34 are operated, the process which subtracts the insertion number from the storage number of game medals is also performed simultaneously.

  If the insertion of the game medal can be confirmed as described above, it is possible to start the game at any time by operating the start lever 36, but before that, it is confirmed whether or not the settlement button 40 has been operated. (S104). That is, even after betting game medals, it is possible to settle the medals including the bet game medals before the start lever 36 is operated and the rotating cylinders 20a, 20b, 20c are rotated. It has become. If the settlement button 40 has been operated (S104: yes), a settlement process is performed to perform a process of paying out game medals stored as credits and inserted game medals (S106). The payout of game medals is performed by outputting a control signal indicating the number of game medals to be paid out from the main control board 200 to the medal payout device 118. When the game medals are paid out in this way, the state returns to the state before the game starts (S100), and the subsequent processing is performed.

  On the other hand, if the settlement button 40 has not been operated (S104: no), it is determined whether or not the start lever 36 has been operated (S108). As described above, when the player operates the start lever 36, the operation signal is supplied to the main control board 200. Therefore, the main control board 200 operates the start lever 36 based on the operation signal of the start lever 36. It can be determined whether or not. If the start lever 36 is not operated (S108: no), it is determined that the player has not started the game yet, so confirming whether or not the settlement button 40 is operated (S104), Wait until the start lever 36 is operated. On the other hand, when the start lever 36 is operated (S108: yes), the internal lottery process is started (S110).

  In the internal lottery process, a process of determining whether or not the winning of any of the game combinations described above with reference to FIG. Note that even if one of the game actors is won in this lottery (one of the game actors is allowed), the winning of the game actor is not immediately established, and the rotation stop buttons 38a, 38b, and 38c are specified. By operating at this timing, it is not possible to establish a winning combination for a gaming role unless the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning gaming role are aligned on an effective winning line. On the other hand, unless it is a game player who has been won by lottery, the combination of symbols corresponding to the effective winning line cannot be arranged no matter what timing the rotation stop buttons 38a, 38b, 38c are operated. It has become. In that sense, such a lottery is called an internal lottery because it is a lottery performed internally as a precondition for establishing a combination of symbols and establishing a winning combination for a gamer. In addition, the state of winning the internal lottery is called an internal winning state (or simply, internal winning).

  This internal lottery is performed using a dedicated table called a lottery table, and in this table, a correspondence relationship between a game combination and an internal lottery random number is set. Here, the internal lottery random number is a random number acquired when the main control board 200 receives a start lever operation signal. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the internal lottery random number is 2-byte data and can take a random value in the range of 0 to 65535. The random numbers for lottery can be generated by hardware using a dedicated random number generation circuit mounted on the main control board 200, or generated by software using a random number generation program. Is also possible.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a lottery table used during a normal game which is the most common gaming state. In the lottery table for normal games shown in FIG. 9, a random number value of 0 to 7000 is set for “bell small part”. This means that if the acquired random number value is within this range, the small part of the bell is won internally. Similarly, random numbers 7001 to 7200 are set for “watermelon small part”, and random numbers 7201 to 7300 are set for “cherry small part”. In addition, random numbers 7301 to 7400 are set for “red 7 BB combination”, random numbers 7401 to 7500 are set to “blue 7 BB combination”, and 7501 to 7600 are set to “RB combination”. A random value is set. Further, random values of 7601 to 20100 are set for “re-game player”. Note that no game combination is set in the random numbers 20101 to 65535, and therefore, if the acquired random number is within this range, it is “lost”. Further, as described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, not only a normal game but also a special game state such as a BB game (big bonus game) or an RB game (regular bonus game) is provided. Since the probability of internally winning a game combination varies depending on whether the game is in a state, a dedicated lottery table is easily prepared for each game state.

  In the internal lottery process, as described above, it is detected that the start lever 36 has been operated to obtain an internal lottery random number, and by referring to the lottery table, which game player has won the internal winning combination, Alternatively, it is determined whether any game player has not won the game internally. When any game combination is won internally, the winning game combination is set in the internal winning flag. Here, the internal winning flag is a flag used for storing the result of the internal lottery, and is set to a predetermined address of the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the configuration of the internal winning flag in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the lower 7 bits of 1 byte (8 bits) data provided at a predetermined address on the RAM 203 are used as the internal winning flag. The first bit in these 7 bits is a bit for storing the internal winning combination for the red BB role, and the next bit is for storing the internal winning combination for the blue seven BB role. The next bit is a bit for storing the internal winning of the RB combination. Similarly, the following four bits are bits for storing the internal winning of the bell small part, the watermelon small part, the cherry small part, and the re-playing part, respectively. As described above, in the internal lottery process (S110) shown in FIG. 7, the internal lottery random number is acquired, and referring to the lottery table, it is determined whether or not any game combination is won internally, If any game combination is won internally, a process of setting “1” to the corresponding bit of the internal win flag shown in FIG. 10 is performed.

  When the internal lottery process is completed, the main control board 200 subsequently starts the rotating rotation start process (S112). In the rotation rotation starting process, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, a process of rotating the three rotation cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c is performed. In the rotating cylinder rotation starting process of the present embodiment, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the start lever 36 was operated and the rotation of the rotating cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c was started last time. In order to start the rotation of the rotating cylinder, the driving signals are output to the rotating motors 24a, 24b, and 24c provided in the respective rotating cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c. Rotate 20c.

  When the three spinning cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c are thus rotated, the main control board 200 performs a process of stopping the rotation of the spinning cylinder (rotating cylinder rotation stopping process) (S114). When such processing is started, first, after confirming that the rotational speeds of all the rotating cylinders are stabilized at a predetermined speed, the operation of the rotating cylinder stop buttons 38a, 38b, 38c corresponding to the respective rotating cylinders 20a, 20b, 20c is made effective. Turn into. Thereafter, when the rotation stop button 38a, 38b, 38c is operated, the operation signal is supplied to the main control board 200 as described above, so that the main control board 200 is connected to any of the rotation stop buttons. When the operation signal is received, it is detected in which rotational position the corresponding drum is located when the button is operated. Based on the detection result, the stop position of the rotating cylinder is determined within a delay range within 190 ms from the rotating position of the rotating cylinder when the rotating cylinder stop button is operated (during the rotation of 4 frames in the pattern) Then, control is performed to stop the rotating drum at the determined position. When determining the stop position of each of the spinning cylinders, the result of the internal lottery performed previously is referred to. Even if is operated, the stop position of each cylinder is determined so that the symbol combination that establishes the winning of the game combination is not stopped and displayed on the effective winning line. On the other hand, when a certain game player is internally won, each time the symbol combination that establishes a winning of the internally won game player is displayed on an effective winning line, unless the timing is too late. The stop position of the trunk is determined.

  When the three cylinders 20a, 20b, and 20c are stopped, the main control board 200 determines whether or not a winning combination of any game player is established (S116). Here, “a winning combination of a gaming combination” means that the symbol combinations corresponding to the gaming combination are displayed together on an effective winning line. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, even if one of the game players is won internally in the internal lottery process (S110), depending on the timing of pressing the rotation stop buttons 38a, 38b, 38c, The symbol combinations corresponding to the game actors are not necessarily aligned on an effective winning line. Therefore, after stopping the rotation of all the spinning cylinders, the main control board 200 determines whether or not the winning combination of the game combination won in the internal lottery has been established.

  If it is determined that no winning combination has been established (S116: no), the game ends, and the process returns to the top of the game control process of FIG. 7 to perform the game state setting process. (S100). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the bonus combination (“BB combination” or “RB combination”) is won in the internal lottery process (S110) described above, the corresponding symbol combination is on the effective winning line. Only when the bonus combination is not won and the game is not stopped, the internal winning of the bonus combination is carried over, and the game is played with the internal winning flag corresponding to the bonus combination set after the next game. . On the other hand, if another winning combination (“small role” or “re-playing role”) is won internally, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination cannot be stopped and displayed on the effective winning line. The internal winning will be reset without being carried over after the next game.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that a winning combination of any game combination is established (S116: yes), first, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is a re-playing combination (FIG. 8). S118). If the winning of the re-gamer is established (S118: yes), the re-game flag is set to ON (S120). Here, the re-game flag is a flag for storing that the re-game player has won a prize. If the re-game flag is set to ON, even if it is not inserted by the player in the next game medal insertion confirmation process (S102 in FIG. 7), the game medal is automatically re-inserted. When the re-game flag is turned on in this way, the main control board 200 returns to the top of the game control process of FIG. 7 and starts a new game.

  On the other hand, if the winning of the re-gamer has not been established (S118: no), it is next determined whether or not the gamer who has won the prize is a BB player (S122). As described above with reference to FIG. 6, the BB combination is a game combination in which a winning combination is established when the “red seven” symbol is aligned on the valid winning line or the “blue seven” symbol is aligned. If it is determined that a winning combination of BB is established (S122: yes), the BB game flag is set to ON. Here, the BB game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the game state is to be a game state advantageous to the player called the BB game (big bonus game) described above. Further, as described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is provided with a plurality of gaming states such as a BB game and an RB game, and the game progresses while switching these gaming states. The current gaming state is represented by the state of a plurality of flags called gaming state flags, and a gaming state flag is set at a predetermined address in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200. An area for 1 byte is reserved.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory view exemplifying the data structure of an area for 1 byte in which the game state flag is set. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the lower 2 bits of 1-byte data at a predetermined address on the RAM 203 are used as the gaming state flag. The first bit of these 2 bits is set in the BB game flag, and when the BB game flag is turned ON (S124), "1" is set in this bit. The re-game flag described above is also set to a predetermined address in the RAM 203 mounted on the main control board 200, similarly to the game state flag. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the one bit higher than the two bits used as the gaming state flag is used as the re-gaming flag, and in S120, a process of setting “1” to this bit is performed.

  When the game state setting process (S100) is started by returning to the beginning of the game control process with the BB game flag set to ON, it is detected that the BB game flag is ON and the game state is BB game. Then, the above-described series of processing is performed. In the internal lottery process (S110) described above, a lottery is performed using a lottery table for BB games. In this lottery table for the BB game, a wide range of random values are set for a special game combination called “JACIN combination”. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the JACIN combination is won internally and “re-game” is selected. When three of the symbols are aligned on the valid winning line, the RB game is started in the BB game. Further, as described above, the BB game is set to continue until a predetermined number (for example, 465) of game medals are paid out, and the BB game is ended when the payout number reaches the predetermined number. Therefore, the BB game flag is set to OFF in the game state setting process (S100).

  In the above, the process performed when the winning winning game combination is the BB combination (S122: yes) has been described, but when the winning winning game combination is not the BB combination (S122: no). Then, it is determined whether or not the game combination in which the winning is achieved is an RB combination (S126). As shown in FIG. 6, the RB combination is a game combination in which a winning combination is established when three “bar” symbols are arranged on an effective winning line. If it is determined that an RB winning combination has been established (S126: yes), the RB game flag is set to ON (S128). Here, the RB game flag is a flag indicating whether or not the game state is the regular bonus game (RB game) described above. The lower bits of the two bits of the gaming status flag shown in FIG. 11 are set in the RB gaming flag, and when the RB gaming flag is turned ON, “1” is set in this bit. In addition, as described above, when a JACIN role winning is established during a BB game, an RB game is started in the BB game. Therefore, during a BB game, when it is determined that a JACIN role winning is achieved. Also, the RB game flag is set to ON.

  When returning to the beginning of the game control process with the RB game flag set to ON, in the game state setting process (S100), the game state is switched to the RB game, and the following series of processes is performed. That is, in the internal lottery process (S110), a lottery is performed using a lottery table for RB games. In this lottery table for RB games, a very wide range of random numbers are set for the game combination called “JAC combination”. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the JAC combination is won internally and “replay” When three of these symbols are arranged on an effective winning line, a predetermined number (for example, 15) of game medals are paid out. In this way, during the RB game, it is easy to establish a JAC winning combination, and 15 game medals are paid out each time the JAC winning combination is established, so that the player can efficiently acquire the gaming medals. As described above, the RB game is set so as to end when a predetermined number of games (for example, 12 games) are performed or when a winning combination of the game actor is established for a predetermined number of times (for example, eight times). If any of the end conditions is satisfied, the RB game flag is set to OFF in the game state setting process (S100) in order to end the RB game.

  The processing when the winning game player is the RB role has been described above (S126: yes). However, when it is determined that the winning game player is not the RB role (S126: no), the processing is repeated. Since none of the game combination, BB combination, and RB combination, it is determined that a winning combination of any small combination has been established. Therefore, a process of paying out the number of game medals corresponding to the winning game player is performed (S130). In other words, if the winning game is a bell small role, 15 game medals will be paid out. If a watermelon small role, 10 game medals will be paid out. A game medal is paid out, and if it is a JAC role, 15 game medals are paid out. Such processing is performed by determining the number of game medals to be paid out inside the main control board 200 and then outputting a control signal from the main control board 200 to the medal payout device 118. When the game medals are paid out in this way, the game control process shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is returned to the beginning, and a new game is started.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when a game medal is inserted and the start lever 36 is operated, the rotation of the spinning cylinders 20a, 20b, 20c is started, and the spinning cylinder stop buttons 38a, 38b, A game in which a game medal is paid out is repeatedly performed depending on whether or not a winning combination of a game player is established when the crotch is stopped by pressing 38c. In addition, when a bonus combination (BB combination, RB combination), which is a particularly advantageous game for a player, is established, the gaming state is switched to a bonus game (BB game, RB game), and a game in which a prize can be established. The types of roles and the ease with which winnings of gamers are established are switched.

  Here, as described above, the main control board 200 and the sub control board 220 are connected so as to exchange data, and the main control board 200 is executing the game control process shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. Thus, various control commands (effect commands) relating to the game effects are output toward the sub-control board 220. The sub control board 220 determines specific effects based on the received effect command, and performs various effects using the lamp 12, the effect display device 10, the rotary backlight 20L, the front speaker 14, and the like. Yes. When any abnormality (error) occurs in the gaming machine 1, a control command (error command) indicating that fact is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220, and the sub-control board 220 is connected to the lamp 12. The production of the error is notified using the effect display device 10, the front speaker 14, the internal speaker 100, and the like. In the following, the contents of the process (sound output control process) performed to output the production sound for producing the game by the sub-control board 220 that has received the sound-related control command and the error sound for notifying the occurrence of an error. Will be described in detail.

C-2. Sound output control processing:
In explaining the contents of the sound output control processing, first, in order to facilitate understanding, first, a circuit configuration for outputting sound, and control commands and control signals input / output centered on the sub-control board 220 will be briefly described. Let me explain. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit configuration related to sound output, and control commands and control signals that are input / output mainly with respect to the sub-control board 220. As shown in the figure, the main control board 200 is directed to the sub-control board 220 for a control command (effect command) related to a game effect, or a control command (error command) for transmitting that some kind of error has occurred in the gaming machine 1. These commands are supplied to the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220.

  The CPU 221 analyzes the contents of the received command, and if it is a sound-related command, the contents of the effect sound (sound for producing a game) and error sound (sound for notifying the occurrence of an error) Determine specifically. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the production sound is output from only the front speaker 14 and the error sound is output from both the front speaker 14 and the internal speaker 100. When the CPU 221 determines the contents of the effect sound or the error sound, the CPU 221 outputs a signal (sound specifying signal) for specifying the contents to the sound source IC 224 similarly mounted on the sub control board 220. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, a volume setting switch 103 is connected to the CPU 221, and in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, by switching the setting of the volume setting switch 103, the front speaker 14 The output volume can be adjusted. Therefore, when outputting the sound designation signal to the sound source IC 224, the CPU 221 determines the output volume from the front speaker 14 based on the state of the volume setting switch 103, and the output volume along with the contents of the effect sound and error sound. It is designed to be specified in the sound specification signal. Note that the volume output from the internal speaker 100 is constant and cannot be changed.

  Here, a so-called slide switch is adopted as the volume setting switch 103 of the present embodiment, and is installed on the upper surface of the case of the sub-control board unit 102 covered with a protective case. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing how the volume setting switch 103 provided in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is switched. As shown in the figure, it can be set in four stages by sliding the knob 103a to the left and right. First, when the knob 103a is slid to the left end, the switch 0 is set. When the knob 300a is slid to the right by one step (the state shown in FIG. 13), the state of the switch 1 is obtained. When the knob 300a is further slid to the right by one step, the state of the switch 2 is obtained. It becomes a state. Corresponding to these four setting states of the volume setting switch 103, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the output volume of the front speaker 14 can be switched in four stages. That is, when the switch 3 is in the state, it is set to output “large” volume from the front speaker 14, and when it is in the switch 2 state, it outputs at “medium” volume, and when it is in the switch 1 state. It is set to output at “small” volume. Further, “mute” is set for the state of the switch 0, and when the volume setting switch 103 is in the state of the switch 0, it is set not to output sound from the front speaker 14. The volume setting switch 103 is not limited to a slide switch, and any type of switch may be used as long as it can be switched in a plurality of stages, and a plurality of switches may be provided.

  When the sound designation signal output from the CPU 221 is received in this way, the sound source IC 224 reads out sound data from the sound source ROM 225 mounted on the sub-control board 220 according to the contents of the sound designation signal. Various sound data are stored in advance in the sound source ROM 225, and the sound source IC 224 reads out the data of the specified sound or error sound from the sound data and outputs the sound of the specified sound to the front speaker 14 at the specified volume. Alternatively, an error sound data signal is output, and an error sound data signal is output to the internal speaker 100 at a constant volume. The sound data signal output in this way is input to the front speaker 14 or the internal speaker 100 via an amplifier (not shown) for amplifying the signal. As a result, a production sound or an error sound is output from the front speaker 14 at a designated volume, and is emitted from the mesh member 14 a provided on the front surface of the front speaker 14 to the front of the gaming machine 1. In addition, an error sound is output from the internal speaker 100 at a constant volume. Since the production sound is output from the front speaker 14, the front speaker 14 of the present embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “first sound output device” of the present embodiment. The error sound of this embodiment corresponds to the “notification sound” of the present invention, and the internal speaker 100 provided in the gaming machine can output the error sound. The speaker 100 constitutes one aspect of the “second sound output device” of the present invention.

  In addition, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when an error sound is output from the internal speaker 100, the opening 16 (see FIG. 1) provided in the upper part of the front door 2 is opened. . As described above, the opening / closing plate 17 for switching the opening 16 between the open state and the closed state is attached to the back surface of the front door 2 (see FIG. 2). An opening / closing plate motor 17m for driving the plate 17 is provided. As shown in FIG. 12, the opening / closing plate motor 17m is connected to the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. When the CPU 221 outputs a sound designation signal of an error sound toward the sound source IC 224, An opening signal is output toward the opening / closing plate motor 17m. Since the opening 16 can be switched between an open state and a closed state by the opening / closing plate 17, the opening 16 and the opening / closing plate 17 of this embodiment constitute one aspect of the “opening / closing portion” of the present invention. ing. Further, since the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 outputs an open signal, the opening 16 is opened, so that the CPU 221 mounted on the sub control board 220 of this embodiment is the “opening / closing means” of the present invention. It constitutes one aspect.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the opening 16 and the opening / closing plate 17 and how the opening / closing plate 17 opens and closes. In the figure, a cross-sectional shape when the upper part of the front door 2 is cut by a vertical surface from the front side of the gaming machine 1 to the back side is shown. As shown in the drawing, a mesh member 16a is attached to the opening 16 provided in the upper part of the front door 2 so as to prevent foreign matter from being inserted into the gaming machine 1 through the opening 16. It has become. An opening / closing plate 17 is provided on the back side of the opening 16 (the back side of the front door 2). The opening / closing plate 17 covers the opening 16 so that the opening 16 is closed. As described above, when the opening 16 is in the closed state, it becomes more difficult to insert foreign matter into the gaming machine 1.

  When the open / close plate motors 17m provided at both ends of the open / close plate 17 are operated based on the open signal output from the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220, the open / close plate 17 rotates backward with the upper end as an axis, The opening 16 is in an open state. As shown in FIG. 14, a sub control board unit 102 covered with a protective case is provided below the opening / closing plate 17, and the sub control board 220 and effects are provided inside the sub control board unit 102. The display device 10 and the like are stored. The volume control switch 103 and the internal speaker 100 described above are installed on the case surface of the sub control board unit 102. Since the internal speaker 100 is installed toward the inside of the gaming machine 1, the error sound output from the internal speaker 100 tends to be trapped inside the gaming machine 1, and the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. Then, the error sound from the internal speaker 100 is emitted to the outside of the gaming machine 1 by opening the opening 16 when the error sound is output.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 designates the specific contents of the effect sound or error sound to be output in accordance with the effect command and error command from the main control board 200. The sound source IC 224 outputs the sound data signal of the designated effect sound or error sound, so that the effect sound is output from the front speaker 14 and the error sound is output from the front speaker 14 and the internal speaker 100. It has become. Further, when the error sound is output, the opening 16 of the front door 2 is opened. Below, the content of the sound output control process which CPU221 of the sub control board 220 performs in order to output a production sound and an error sound is demonstrated in detail.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of sound output control processing executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. When the sound output control process is started, it is first determined whether or not a control command related to sound has been received from the main control board 200 (S200). There are two types of sound control commands: a production command related to the output of a production sound, and an error command related to the output of an error sound. If neither command is received (S200: no), it remains as it is until it is received. stand by.

  On the other hand, if a control command related to sound is received (S200: yes), it is then determined whether or not the received command is an error command (S202). If it is not an error command, that is, if an effect command is received (S202: yes), the effect command is analyzed and the content of the effect sound to be output is determined (S204). Further, as described above, the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment is provided with the volume setting switch 103 for adjusting the output volume of the front speaker 14, and the output volume based on the setting state of the volume setting switch 103. The process of determining is also performed at the same time.

  When the content of the production sound is determined in this manner, in order to output the production sound from the front speaker 14, a sound designation signal designating the content of the production sound and the output volume is output to the sound source IC 224 (S206), and then sound output control is performed. Returning to the top of the process, it is determined whether a control command related to sound has been received (S200).

  On the other hand, when an error command is received (S202: yes), the error command is analyzed and the content of the error sound to be output is determined (S208). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, for example, when the opening of the front door 2 is detected by the door sensor 122 that detects opening / closing of the front door 2 (door opening error), or the gaming medals in the hopper 116 are exhausted. In this case (medal runout error), when an abnormality is detected in the medal payout device 118 (payout error), an error command is output from the main control board 200, and different error sounds are output according to the type of error. It is like that. Of course, the error sound does not necessarily have to be changed according to the type of error, and the same error sound may be output.

  When the content of the error sound is determined, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 outputs an error sound from the front speaker 14 at a volume corresponding to the setting state of the volume setting switch 103 and from the internal speaker 100 at a predetermined volume. As described above, the sound designation signal instructing the content of the error sound is output to the sound source IC 224 (S210), and an opening signal for driving the opening / closing plate 17 to open the opening 16 is provided as an opening / closing plate motor 17m. (S212). When the sound designation signal and the release signal are respectively output in this way, it is determined whether or not an error release signal has been received (S214), and the process waits until it is received (S214: no). Here, the error release signal is a control signal output from the main control board 200 when an error (abnormality) generated in the gaming machine 1 is released by a store clerk or the like.

  If an error release signal is received (S214: yes), an error sound stop signal for stopping the output of the error sound is output to the sound source IC 224 (S216), and the opening 16 is returned to the closed state. The closing signal is output toward the opening / closing plate motor 17m (S218). Thereafter, returning to the head of the sound output control process, it is determined again whether or not a control command related to sound has been received (S200), and the series of processes described above are performed.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the internal speaker 100 is provided in addition to the front speaker 14 installed on the front door 2 toward the player. It is installed on the case surface of the sub-control board unit 102 mounted on the back side of the front door 2. When any abnormality (error) occurs in the gaming machine 1, an error sound is output not only from the front speaker 14 but also from the internal speaker 100. For this reason, when any illegal act is detected in the gaming machine 1, it is possible to reliably notify the store clerk or the like with an error sound and effectively prevent the illegal act. Hereinafter, this point will be supplementarily described.

  Generally, in a gaming machine equipped with a speaker for outputting a production sound that enhances the game and an error sound for notifying the occurrence of an error, the speaker is directed to the player in front of the gaming machine with an emphasis on the sound quality of the production sound. Installed. In addition, although the sound emission port of such a speaker is protected by a slit member, a mesh member, or the like, it is not a sealed structure, and therefore foreign objects such as a wire can be inserted through the gap. For this reason, an illegal action (for example, an illegal opening of the front door 2) may be performed after an error sound cannot be output by inserting a foreign object and breaking the speaker diaphragm (cone). In this case, even if cheating is detected, the fact of the cheating cannot be notified to the clerk or the like by an error sound.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, even if an illegal act is performed after the front speaker 14 installed on the front door 2 is destroyed, an error sound is detected from the internal speaker 100 when an illegal act is detected. Is output, the fact of fraudulent behavior can be notified to the store clerk by an error sound. And since this internal speaker 100 is installed in the inside of the gaming machine 1, it is not easy to destroy it before performing an illegal act. As a result, fraud can be effectively prevented.

  Further, as described above, the opening 16 is provided in the upper part of the front door 2 of this embodiment. The opening 16 is normally closed (when no error sound is output) by an opening / closing plate 17 provided on the back side, and foreign matter is inserted into the gaming machine 1 from the opening 16. Is to prevent. When an error sound is output due to detection of fraud, etc., the opening 16 is opened, so that the error sound output from the internal speaker 100 is output from the opening 16 to the gaming machine 1. Can be released to the outside. As a result, even in a situation where no error sound is output from the front speaker 14, the error sound from the internal speaker 100 can be more reliably notified to the store clerk of the occurrence of the error (the fact of fraud).

  Furthermore, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the volume of the effect sound and error sound output from the front speaker 14 can be adjusted by switching the setting of the volume setting switch 103, while the internal speaker 100 The volume of the error sound that is output is constant and cannot be adjusted. For this reason, even if the output volume of the front speaker 14 is set to “mute” or “small volume”, an error sound with a constant volume output from the internal speaker 100 ensures the occurrence of an error to a store clerk or the like. The effect that it can alert | report is also acquired.

D. Modified example:
D-1. First modification:
In the embodiment described above, the internal speaker 100 is installed on the case surface of the sub-control board unit 102. However, the installation position of the internal speaker 100 is not necessarily the case surface of the sub control board unit 102 as long as it is difficult to touch the inside of the gaming machine 1. It is good also as installing on the sub-control board | substrate 220 stored in this. In addition, since sound quality is not important considering that it is dedicated to outputting error sounds, a device that outputs sound does not necessarily need to be a speaker, and may be a buzzer, for example. Below, the 1st modification which employ | adopted these structures is demonstrated.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit configuration related to sound output in the gaming machine 1 of the first modified example, and control commands and control signals inputted / outputted with the sub control board 220 as the center. Similar to the above-described embodiment, also in the gaming machine 1 of the first modification, the effect command and error command output from the main control board 200 are supplied to the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220.

  The CPU 221 analyzes these commands, determines the contents of the effect sound or error sound output from the front speaker 14, and determines the output volume of the front speaker 14 based on the setting state of the volume setting switch 103. The sound designation signal is output toward the sound source IC 224. Then, the sound source IC 224 reads out sound data from the sound source ROM 225 according to the sound designation signal and outputs the sound data signal toward the front speaker 14, so that a production sound or an error sound is output from the front speaker 14.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 16, a buzzer 101 is mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the first modified example, and this buzzer 101 is connected to the CPU 221. When the CPU 221 receives an error command from the sub control board 220, an error sound (alarm sound) is generated from the buzzer 101 by outputting a drive signal toward the buzzer 101. The sub-control board 220 performs control related to the effect of the game, and thus corresponds to the “control board” of the present invention. The sub-control board 220 of the sub-control board unit 102 in which the sub-control board 220 is accommodated. The protective case corresponds to the “substrate case” of the present invention. In addition, since the buzzer 101 can output an error sound, the buzzer 101 of the first modified example constitutes one aspect of the “second sound output device” of the present invention.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the first modified example, the protective case constituting the sub control board unit 102 in which the sub control board 220 is stored is provided with a porous portion 102h in which a large number of small holes are formed. Similarly to the above-described embodiment, in the gaming machine 1 of the first modified example, when an error sound is output, the CPU 221 outputs an opening / closing plate 17 opening signal to the opening / closing plate motor 17m. The mouth 16 is opened. Therefore, the error sound (alarm sound) emitted from the buzzer 101 is released to the outside of the gaming machine 1 through the porous portion 102 h and the opening 16.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the first modified example, an error sound (warning sound) is generated using the buzzer 101 when an error occurs (when an illegal act is detected). . The buzzer 101 is installed on a sub control board 220 stored in a protective case constituting the sub control board unit 102. For this reason, for example, even if a foreign object such as a wire is inserted into the gaming machine 1 by some method for the purpose of breaking the buzzer 101, it is difficult to reach the buzzer 101 in the protective case. As a result, it becomes possible to prevent fraud more effectively.

  Further, since the buzzer is generally smaller than the speaker, it can be easily installed on the sub-control board 220. If the buzzer 101 is directly installed on the sub-control board 220, a harness or the like for connecting the sub-control board 220 and the buzzer 101 becomes unnecessary. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a risk that the connection between the sub-control board 220 and the buzzer 101 is cut off due to the cutting of the harness, etc. From this point, it is possible to more effectively prevent fraud.

D-2. Second modification:
In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that an error sound is output from both the front speaker 14 and the internal speaker 100 when an error occurs. However, it is not always necessary to output error sound from both speakers, and it is also possible to determine whether or not output is possible from the front speaker 14 and output from the internal speaker 100 only when output is impossible. . Below, the 2nd modification which employ | adopted such a structure is demonstrated.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of sound output control processing executed in the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example. Similarly to the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 15, also in the sound output control process of the second modified example, first, it is determined whether or not a control command related to sound is received from the main control board 200 (S300). It waits as it is until it receives it (S300: no). When a control command related to sound is received (S300: yes), it is then determined whether the received command is an error command (S302). If the command is an effect command (S302: no), the effect command To determine the content of the production sound (S304). At this time, if the output volume is also determined according to the setting state of the volume setting switch 103 and a sound designation signal is output from the front speaker 14 toward the sound source IC 224 to output the effect sound (S306), the sound output control process The process returns to the top and waits until a control command relating to sound is received again (S300).

  On the other hand, if the received command is an error command (S302: yes), after analyzing the error command and determining the content of the error sound (S308), whether or not it can be output from the front speaker 14 at a predetermined volume Is determined (S310). In this determination, first, it is confirmed whether or not the sub control board 220 and the front speaker 14 are correctly connected. In the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example, the sub control board 220 and the front speaker are used. 14 is provided. The connection state detection circuit 400 for detecting the connection state with the terminal 14 is provided. Since it is determined by the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 whether the front speaker 14 can output at a predetermined volume, the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of the second modified example. Constitutes one aspect of the “output availability detection means” of the present invention.

  FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a circuit configuration related to sound output in the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example, and control commands and control signals that are input / output mainly with respect to the sub-control board 220. In FIG. 18, the ROM 222 and the sound source ROM 225 mounted on the sub-control board 220 are not shown. As shown in the drawing, the basic circuit configuration is the same as that of the above-described embodiment (FIG. 12). However, in the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example, it is connected to a connection circuit that connects the sound source IC 224 and the front speaker 14. A state detection circuit 400 is incorporated. The connection state detection circuit 400 serves to measure a current flowing through the circuit while passing a weak current through the connection circuit of the front speaker 14. When the current value falls below a predetermined value, a disconnection detection signal indicating that a disconnection has occurred in the connection circuit is supplied to the main control board 200. In the main control board 200 of the second modified example, based on the disconnection detection signal, it is determined that an abnormality (speaker disconnection error) in which a production sound or an error sound cannot be output from the front speaker 14 has occurred, and an error command indicating that fact Are output to the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. Therefore, when the received error command indicates a speaker disconnection error, the CPU 221 determines that the front speaker 14 cannot output at a predetermined volume (S310: no).

  Similarly to the above-described embodiment (FIG. 12), in the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example, the volume setting switch 103 is connected to the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, and the setting state of the volume setting switch 103 ( According to the switches 0 to 3), the output volume of the front speaker 14 is switched to “mute”, “small volume”, “medium volume”, and “large volume”. In the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example, since the “predetermined volume” in the determination of S310 is set to “medium volume” or higher, the output volume of the front speaker 14 is set to “mute” or “small volume”. If it is set, the CPU 221 determines that it cannot output from the front speaker 14 at a predetermined volume (S310: no).

  As described above, in the determination in S310, the connection state between the sub control board 220 and the front speaker 14 and the output volume of the front speaker 14 are confirmed. If the sub-control board 220 and the front speaker 14 are correctly connected and the output volume of the front speaker 14 is set to “medium volume” or higher, it is determined as “yes” in S310, In order to output an error sound from the front speaker 14, a sound designation signal is output toward the sound source IC 224 (S312).

  On the other hand, when a disconnection is detected in the connection circuit connecting the sub control board 220 and the front speaker 14, or when the output volume of the front speaker 14 is set to "mute" or "small volume" Is determined to be “no” in S310, a sound designating signal is output from the internal speaker 100 to the sound source IC 224 to output an error sound (S314), and the opening / closing plate 17 is opened toward the opening / closing plate motor 17m. A signal is output (S316).

  When a sound designation signal for outputting an error sound is output from either the front speaker 14 or the internal speaker 100 in this way, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 determines whether or not an error release signal has been received from the main control board 200. (S318), and waits until it is received (S318: no). Here, as described above, the error cancellation signal is a control signal output from the main control board 200 when an error (abnormality) generated in the gaming machine 1 is canceled by a store clerk or the like. In the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example, the error canceling method differs depending on the type of error that has occurred. For example, in the case of an error due to exhaustion of game medals in the hopper 116 (medal outage error) If the clerk replenishes the game medals, the error is cleared. On the other hand, in the case of an error due to detection of disconnection of the connection of the front speaker 14 (speaker disconnection error), the connection of the front speaker 14 is disconnected in order to prevent the fact of fraud from being reported by an error sound. Since there is a suspicion that the connector has been removed or the harness has been disconnected, the error will not be cleared if the connection is restored, and the power must be turned on again to clear this error. .

  When the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives the error cancellation signal (S318: yes), the CPU 221 outputs an error sound stop signal to the sound source IC 224 (S320), and whether the open / close plate 17 is open or not. (S322), and if it is open (S322: yes), after outputting the closing signal of the opening / closing plate 17 toward the opening / closing plate motor 17m (S324), the process returns to the head of the sound output control process, and again It is determined whether a control command related to sound has been received (S300).

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the second modified example, when outputting the error sound, it is determined whether or not the sound can be output from the front speaker 14 at a predetermined volume. On the other hand, if the output is impossible, an error sound is output from the internal speaker 100. When the disconnection of the front speaker 14 is detected, the fact is notified as an error, and the fraudster disconnects the front speaker 14 for the purpose of disabling the output of the error sound. Since an error sound is output from the internal speaker 100, it is possible to effectively prevent fraud.

  The error sound is output from the front speaker 14 as much as possible, and is output from the internal speaker 100 that is not normally used only when the error cannot be output from the front speaker 14. The store clerk who heard the error sound from the internal speaker 100 different from the usual by performing different error sounds (for example, changing the sound range, etc.) performs an illegal act to disable the front speaker 14 from being output. As a result, it is possible to prevent illegal acts more effectively.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim unless it departs from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment and modification, it has been described that the error sound from the internal speaker 100 is released to the outside of the gaming machine 1 by opening the opening 16 when the error sound is output. However, if the error sound from the internal speaker 100 or the like is sufficiently transmitted to the outside of the gaming machine 1, the opening 16 is not necessarily provided. That is, if the housing 3 and the front door 2 are not configured to completely block the transmission of sound to the outside (for example, formed of a soundproof material), the front door 2 is closed as a sound characteristic. Even in such a state, the sound generated inside the gaming machine 1 is transmitted to the outside. Therefore, even if the opening 16 is not provided, it is possible to notify the occurrence of an abnormality by an error sound from the internal speaker 100 or the like.

  Further, in the above-described embodiments and modifications, description has been given of the application of the present invention to a revolving game machine, but of course it is not limited to a revolving game machine, for example, a pachinko machine or an arrangement ball The present invention can be suitably applied to other gaming machines such as machines.

  FIG. 19 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the pachinko machine. As shown in the figure, one end of the middle frame 504 is pivotally supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body frame 502 forming the outer frame of the pachinko machine 500. By opening the middle frame 504, the pachinko machine Various substrates mounted on the back side of the machine 500 can be detached. A front door 506 and an upper plate door 508 are attached to the middle frame 504 so as to be openable and closable. By opening the front door 506, game nails on a game board (not shown) attached to the middle frame 504 are adjusted. By opening the upper plate door 508, it is possible to replace the parts of the launcher mounted on the back side of the launch handle 514. An upper plate speaker 518 is installed on the front surface of the upper plate 510 provided on the upper plate door 508, and a lower plate speaker 520 is installed on the front surface of the lower plate 512 provided below the upper plate 510. The mesh member is provided in front of each speaker. The pachinko machine 500 uses the upper plate speaker 518 and the lower plate speaker 520 to output an effect sound for producing a game and an error sound for notifying the occurrence of an error. The front door 506, the upper plate 510, and the lower plate 512 all correspond to the “front member” of the present invention. Each of the upper plate speaker 518 and the lower plate speaker 520 corresponds to the “first sound output device” of the present invention, and the mesh member provided on the front surface of each speaker is the “sound discharge port” of the present invention. Is equivalent to.

  FIG. 20 is an explanatory view illustrating the back surface structure of the pachinko machine 500. In general, the pachinko machine 500 is not provided with a member that covers the back surface, and the pachinko machine 500 is hermetically sealed by being installed in a game hall facility called an island. As shown in the drawing, in the vicinity of the center portion of the back mechanism board 600 attached to the middle frame 504, an effect control board case 602 in which an effect control board for driving the effect display device is accommodated, various decorative elements. A decorative drive board case 604 in which a decorative drive board for driving LEDs and lamps is accommodated, an amplifier board case 606 in which an amplifier board for driving various speakers is accommodated, and the effect control board, the decorative drive board, and the amplifier board are controlled. A sub control board case 608 in which the sub control board is accommodated is provided. Further, near the lower part of the back mechanism board 600, a main control board case 610 in which a main control board for managing the progress of the game is accommodated is provided. These various board cases cannot be touched unless the middle frame 504 is opened while the pachinko machine 500 is attached to the island. An internal speaker 612 is installed on the surface of the amplifier board case 606. When an error occurs in the pachinko machine 500, an error sound is output from the internal speaker 612. The internal speaker 612 corresponds to the “second sound output device” of the present invention.

  As described above, even in the pachinko machine 500, if the internal speaker 612 is installed on the back side that is difficult to touch and an error sound is output from the internal speaker 612, the pachinko machine 500 faces the front. Even if the upper plate speaker 518 and the lower plate speaker 520 that emit the production sound and the error sound are destroyed by the fraudster, the fraudulent act can be notified to the clerk by the error sound from the internal speaker 612. Can be effectively prevented.

It is a front view which shows the external appearance of the game machine of a present Example. It is the perspective view which opened the front door and showed the internal structure of the gaming machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows the arrangement | sequence of the symbol displayed on the outer peripheral surface of three spinning cylinders. It is explanatory drawing which shows the electrical structure of the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the winning line set to the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the game combination set to the gaming machine of a present Example in association with the symbol combination which establishes a game combination, and the privilege provided by the game combination. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of the game control process which a main control board performs in order to control progress of a game in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of the game control process which a main control board performs in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the lottery table used during a normal game. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the structure of the internal winning flag in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the data structure of the area | region for 1 byte in which a game state flag is set. It is explanatory drawing which showed the circuit command relevant to the output of the sound in the game machine of a present Example, and the control command and control signal which are input / output focusing on a sub control board. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the volume setting switch provided in the game machine of a present Example was switched. It is explanatory drawing which showed the structure of an opening and an opening-and-closing plate, and a mode that an opening-and-closing plate opened and closed. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the sound output control process which CPU of a sub control board performs in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the circuit command relevant to the output of the sound in the game machine of a 1st modification, and the control command and control signal which are input / output focusing on a sub control board. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the sound output control process performed in the game machine of a 2nd modification. It is explanatory drawing which showed the circuit command relevant to the output of the sound in the game machine of a 2nd modification, and the control command and control signal input / output centering on a sub control board. It is the perspective view which illustrated the composition of the pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the back surface structure of the pachinko machine.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Cylinder-type gaming machine (game machine), 2 ... Front door (front member),
14 ... Front speaker (first sound output device), 14a ... Mesh member (sound discharge port),
16 ... Opening port (opening / closing part), 17 ... Opening / closing plate (opening / closing part),
100 ... Internal speaker (second sound output device), 101 ... Buzzer (second sound output device),
200 ... main control board (control board), 220 ... sub-control board (control board),
221 ... CPU (opening / closing means, output availability detecting means)

Claims (5)

In a gaming machine that outputs a production sound used to produce a game or a notification sound for notifying the occurrence of an abnormality,
A front member that constitutes a front side of the gaming machine and in which a sound emission port for emitting the effect sound to the front of the gaming machine is formed;
A first sound output device capable of outputting at least the effect sound;
A second sound output device capable of outputting only the notification sound,
The first sound output device is provided on the back side of the sound emission port, and outputs the effect sound toward the front of the gaming machine,
The gaming machine, wherein the second sound output device is provided at a position behind the front member and away from the back side of the sound emission port. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
Behind the front member is provided with a control board for controlling at least one of the progress of the game or the effect of the game, and a board case for housing the control board,
The gaming machine, wherein the second sound output device is housed in the board case together with the control board. The gaming machine according to claim 2,
The gaming machine, wherein the second sound output device is provided on the control board for controlling a game effect. In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The front member is provided with an opening / closing part that can be switched between an open state and a closed state,
A gaming machine comprising: an opening / closing means that closes the opening / closing portion when the notification sound is not output, and opens the opening / closing portion when the notification sound is output. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The first sound output device can output the effect sound and the notification sound,
An output propriety detecting means for detecting whether or not the first sound output device is capable of outputting at a volume higher than a predetermined volume;
The gaming machine, wherein the second sound output device outputs the notification sound when the first sound output device cannot output the notification sound at a volume higher than the predetermined volume.

Images