JP2012205823A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily recognize an internal error in a game machine even if an outside sound output means such as an earphone device is adopted.SOLUTION: In the game machine, game sound data in which game sounds are stored and error sound data in which error sounds are stored are held in a sound ROM 208, and at least either data of the game sound data and error sound data are set in a sound source IC 206 based on a prescribed trigger. Whether a detachable outside sound output means 150 is connected or not is detected. The outside sound output means is made to output game sounds based on the game sound data while connection of the outside sound output means is detected; and a speaker device 140 is made to output game sounds based on the game sound data while the connection is not detected. However, if the error sound data are set, the speaker device outputs error sounds based on the error sound data even when the connection of the outside sound output means is detected.

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of listening to a game-related sound through an earphone.

  In a slot machine as a gaming machine, a winning combination is drawn in accordance with the insertion of a medal (game medium) by a player and the operation of a start switch, and a plurality of rotating reels with various symbols are rotated. Then, in accordance with the lottery result and the stop switch operation by the player, the rotating reels are sequentially stopped, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line that is the line to be paid out, A game profit corresponding to the winning combination is given to the player, such as a predetermined number of medals being paid out.

  In such a slot machine, for the purpose of improving game play, various effects by video through a liquid crystal display unit or the like are mainly performed. Moreover, according to the production | presentation by an image | video, various effect sounds are output from a speaker and the production effect is raised more. However, if another slot machine is located near the slot machine that the player is playing, not only the gaming sound of the slot machine that the player is playing, but also the gaming sounds of other slot machines can be heard. There was a risk that it would be difficult to hear the sound of the slot machine in which he was playing, or that he couldn't concentrate on the game due to the sounds of other slot machines, and the fun of the game could be lost.

  Therefore, a technique is disclosed in which headphones can be connected to the slot machine so that only the sound of the slot machine that the player is playing can be listened to in a concentrated manner (for example, Patent Document 1). In the technique of Patent Document 1, it is possible to select whether the sound output is only from headphones or from both headphones and speakers. In addition, there is also known a technique that can individually listen to an explanation about a gaming method of a gaming machine only from the earphone in a situation where sound can be heard from both the earphone and the speaker (for example, Patent Document 2). .

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-97288 JP 2006-230545 A

  In the above slot machine, in order not to bother the surroundings while the player listens to the game sound through the earphone, and to avoid the unnecessary output of the sound that the user is listening through the earphone from the speaker. Therefore, it is preferable to cut the sound from the speaker or reduce the volume.

  However, if all sound is output only to the earphone while the earphone is connected, even if an internal error occurs in the slot machine, the occurrence of the internal error is not notified to the surroundings, and the administrator side There may be a problem that it is difficult to grasp the occurrence of an internal error in each slot machine. At this time, depending on the occurrence of an internal error of the slot machine, a means of displaying the content on the liquid crystal display unit may be considered, but in this case, the administrator must move to a position facing each slot machine. The internal error cannot be grasped, and when the liquid crystal display unit is not mounted, the detection of the internal error may be delayed.

  In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of easily grasping an internal error of a gaming machine even when an external audio output means such as an earphone is employed.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention holds game sound data storing game sounds used for effects related to games and error sound data storing error sounds used for error notification. Whether the audio data holding unit, audio data setting means for setting at least one of game sound data and error sound data in the audio output means based on a predetermined trigger, and a removable external audio output means are connected Connection detecting means for detecting whether or not, the sound output means, the game sound set by the sound data setting means while the connection detection means detects the connection of the external sound output means While the game sound based on the data is output to the external sound output means and is not detected, the game sound based on the game sound data set by the sound data setting means is detected. A gaming machine that outputs a sound to a speaker device, wherein the sound output means is configured to output error sound data to the sound output means even when the connection detection means detects the connection of the external sound output means. Is set, an error sound based on the error sound data is output to the speaker device.

  The sound output means may output an error sound based on the error sound data only to the speaker when error sound data is set in the sound output means.

  According to the present invention, even when an external sound output means such as an earphone is employed, it is possible to easily grasp an internal error of the gaming machine.

It is an external view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is an external view in the state which opened the front door for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is the block diagram which showed the output system of the audio | voice signal in a sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed the main process of the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the interruption process of the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the reset interruption process of the sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed command reception processing. It is an external appearance perspective view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a pachinko machine. It is an external appearance perspective view of the state which opened the glass door of the pachinko machine. It is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a pachinko machine.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated. To do.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, first, a mechanical configuration and an electrical configuration of a slot machine (game machine) that can be played by a player will be briefly described. A typical process will be described.

(Mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100)
FIG. 1 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100, and FIG. 2 shows a state in which a front door for explaining the schematic mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100 is opened. FIG. In the present embodiment, front-rear, left-right, upper-lower expressions are based on the player's line of sight when the player faces the slot machine 100 (positioned in front of the slot machine 100) and looks at the slot machine 100. The slot machine 100 includes a housing 102 that is a substantially rectangular box, a front upper door 104 that is attached to be openable and closable by a connecting member that is rotatable with respect to a front opening of the housing 102, and a front upper door. Similar to the front upper door 104 below the front door 104, the front lower door 106 that can be opened and closed with respect to the front opening of the housing 102, and the medal paid out from the medal discharge port 108 a below the front lower door 106. And a tray portion 108 for storing the water.

  An operation unit installation base 122 protruding forward is formed on the upper part of the front lower door 106. The operation unit installation table 122 includes a medal insertion unit 124, a bet button 126, a start switch 128, a stop switch 130, an earphone terminal 132a, and the like. Is arranged.

  The medal insertion unit 124 located on the right side of the operation unit installation base 122 accepts insertion of medals as game media from the medal insertion slot (insertion slot) 124a. The medal insertion unit 124 includes an insertion medal detection unit 124b. The insertion medal detection unit 124b passes through the medal insertion port 124a, and is within a standard by a medal selector (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front lower door 106. Medals determined to be detected. At this time, the non-standard medal that has passed through the medal insertion slot 124a is discharged from the medal discharge slot 108a to the tray 108 by the medal selector. When a player inserts more medals than the prescribed number, which is the number of inserted medals necessary to start one game, the prescribed number of medals exceeds the prescribed number (for example, 50). The upper limit is electronically stored in the slot machine 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as “credit”). Here, one game refers to a series of games that can be paid out once when a medal is inserted. In the present embodiment, the specified number is set to “3”.

  The bet button 126 is a push-type button switch that inputs (bets) a prescribed number of medals out of credited medals. The start switch 128 located on the left side of the operation unit installation base 122 is formed by a start lever capable of detecting a tilting operation or a button switch capable of detecting a pressing operation, and detects a start operation of one game by a player.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the reel unit 134 located at the approximate center of the lower portion of the front upper door 104 has rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each of the regions equally divided into 21. (Hereinafter, the rotating reel 134a may be referred to as a left reel, the rotating reel 134b may be referred to as a middle reel, and the rotating reel 134c may be referred to as a right reel). The rotary reels 134a, 134b, and 134c can be visually recognized through a colorless and transparent symbol display window 136 made of a glass plate or a transparent resin plate. The reel unit 134 starts to rotate the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c when the start switch 128 is operated.

  A stop switch 130 located in the center of the operation unit installation base 122 is a button switch (corresponding to the stop switch 130) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of rotary reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c and capable of detecting a player's pressing operation. The button switches are particularly referred to as stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c), and detect the player's stop operation to stop the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c.

  A liquid crystal display unit 138 that displays various images associated with effects is provided at a substantially upper central position of the front upper door 104. In addition, speaker outputs for performing auditory effects such as sound effects and musical sounds are provided on the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 138 on the back surface of the front upper door 104 and on the inner surface left and right positions of the tray portion 108 on the back surface of the front lower door 106 A portion 140a is provided. Further, by connecting an external sound output means 150 such as an earphone or a headphone to the right side of the operation unit installation base 122, an earphone terminal (earphone jack: for example, which can receive an auditory effect by sound such as sound effects and musical sounds) , 3.5 mm diameter mini jack) 132a. The sound output from the external sound output means 150 through the earphone terminal 132a is equal to the sound output from the speaker output unit 140a, for example, with respect to production, but both sounds can be set independently. The sound in the present embodiment is not limited to sound generated by a human through a sound organ, but represents any sound output from a sound source, and is a concept that includes BGM such as pseudo sound of music emitted by a person and music. An effect lamp 142 made up of, for example, a high-intensity light emitting diode (LED) is provided on the upper and left and right sides of the front upper door 104.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 264 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 108 a is provided below the reel unit 134 in the housing 102. The medal payout device 264 includes a medal storage unit 264a for storing medals, a payout control unit 264b for discharging medals stored in the medal storage unit 264a from the medal discharge port 108a, and medals discharged from the medal discharge port 108a. And a medal detection unit 264c. Specifically, the payout control unit 264b is rotatably supported by the payout control unit 264b, and includes a plurality of medal insertion holes in the circumferential direction in which medals dropped from the medal storage unit 264a are inserted one by one from above. A disk (not shown) and a disk motor (not shown) for rotating the disk are provided. The disk is rotated, and the medals inserted in the medal insertion holes are discharged to the outside one by one through the pushing mechanism. At the same time, by sequentially inserting the next medals into the medal insertion holes vacated by the discharge, the medals are continuously discharged one by one.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the back side of the reel unit 134, among the symbols applied to the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c, the symbol corresponding to the symbol display window 136 (the target of the effective line) A reel backlight 144 (see FIG. 4) is provided to irradiate the upper, middle and lower symbols of each rotary reel independently from the back side. In addition, a reel upper light 146 that directly irradiates the front of all of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c is also provided on the upper back of the symbol display window 136.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, in the operation unit installation base 122, the main credit display unit 152 and the step unit 122 a that is formed between the rotary reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c and the stop switch 130, which are substantially horizontal, A main payout display unit 154 is provided. Further, a sub credit display unit 156 and a sub payout display unit 158 are provided between the symbol display window 136 and the operation unit installation base 122. The main credit display unit 152 and the sub credit display unit 156 display the number of credits, and the main payout display unit 154 and the sub payout display unit 158 display the number of paid out medals. In addition, the sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 can display various numerical values associated with effects.

(Electrical configuration of the slot machine 100)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 is mainly controlled by a main control board 200 and a sub control board 202. Here, among the programs and data relating to the progress of the game, a particularly important process is executed by the main control board 200, and other processes such as effects are executed by the sub control board 202. Further, by restricting the command signal in one direction from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202, unauthorized processing on the main control board 200 is prevented.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b that stores programs, a main RAM 200c that functions as a work area, and the like, and comprehensively controls the entire slot machine 100. To do.

  In the main control board 200, various detection signals are received from the inserted medal detection unit 124b, the bet button 126, the start switch 128, and the stop switch 130, and the main CPU 200a executes various processes based on the received detection signals. To do. Further, a main credit display unit 152 and a main payout display unit 154 are connected to the main control board 200, and the main CPU 200a controls the display of the number of credits and the number of payouts of medals on both the display units 152 and 154. .

  In addition, a reel drive control unit 258 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive controller 258 drives the stepping motor 262 based on the rotation start signals of the rotating reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c transmitted from the main control board 200 based on the operation signal of the start switch 128, and the stop switch 130. The driving of the stepping motor 262 is stopped based on the stop signal of each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c and the detection signal of the rotational position detection circuit 260 transmitted from the main control board 200 based on the operation signal.

  The medal payout device 264 is connected to the main control board 200. A detection signal of the payout medal detection unit 264c is input to the main control board 200, and the main CPU 200a counts the number of medals to be paid out according to the detection signal, and receives the medal from the payout control unit 264b. Control emissions.

  Further, various sensors functioning as error detection sensors for detecting errors are connected to the main control board 200, and the main CPU 200a receives various error detection signals from these sensors and executes various error processes. Such sensors are provided at a plurality of locations where an error should be detected, and the error contents of each error detection signal can be identified.

  For example, the medal payout device 264 is provided with a sub tank for storing medals overflowing from the medal storage unit 264a adjacent to the sub tank, and a full detection sensor (not shown) that functions as an error detection sensor is provided in the sub tank. Is provided. The full detection sensor outputs an error detection signal to the main control board 200 when medals are accumulated in the sub tank and the sub tank is full with medals. Further, the inserted medal detection unit (inserted medal sensor) 124 b functions as an error detection sensor, detects the stay of medals and the reverse flow of medals, and outputs an error detection signal to the main control board 200. Further, the front lower door 106 is provided with a door open detection sensor 148, which detects that the front lower door 106 has been opened with respect to the housing 102 and causes an error in the main control board 200. A detection signal is output. The slot machine 100 is provided with various other sensors that function as error detection sensors, but the description thereof is omitted here.

  Here, the error content includes an error that may occur as the game progresses, and an error that may cause an illegal act. For example, sub tank full detection by the full detection sensor corresponds to an error that may occur as the game progresses. In addition, the detection of medal stagnation and backflow by the inserted medal detection unit 124b, the detection of door opening by the door opening detection sensor 148, and the like correspond to errors in which an illegal act may be performed.

(Sub-control board 202)
Similar to the main control board 200, the sub control board 202 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub CPU 202a that is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 202b that stores programs, a sub RAM 202c that functions as a work area, and the like. Based on the command signal from the control board 200, the effect is controlled. A liquid crystal control board 204 is connected to the sub control board 202. The liquid crystal control board 204 includes a liquid crystal CPU 204a that is a central processing unit, a liquid crystal ROM 204b that stores programs, image data, and the like, a liquid crystal RAM 204c that functions as a work area, a VRAM 204d that functions as a work area when performing image control, and the like. The liquid crystal display unit 138 is controlled by two-way communication with the sub-control board 202 having a semiconductor integrated circuit.

  Here, as the game progresses, the liquid crystal display unit 138, the speaker device 140, the earphone device 132, the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub credit display unit 156, and the sub payout display are displayed. It is a visual and auditory expression means provided through the unit 158 and the like, and can give a story to the game or suggest a lottery result of the winning combination with a more dynamic image. In addition, even if none of the winning roles has been won, it is possible to make the player have a high dividend expectation through the production as if the player has been won, so that the player will not get bored. It becomes.

  Further, when an internal error occurs in the slot machine 100, the fact is notified to the outside through the liquid crystal display unit 138 and the speaker device 140.

  As described above, in the slot machine 100, presentation or error notification is executed visually or audibly. Here, in particular, the production and error notification will be described focusing on auditory audio data.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an output system of audio signals in the sub-control board 202. Based on the command signal from the main control board 200, the sub CPU 202a of the sub control board 202 sets a voice command for performing effects and the like in the sound source IC 206 (206a, 206b). The sound source IC 206 refers to the sound data from the sound ROM 208 in response to the sound command and outputs a sound signal to the amplifier. Here, the sound ROM 208 holds game sound data storing game sounds used for effects related to games and error sound data storing error sounds used for error notification. In this embodiment, two sound source ICs 206 are provided, one sound source IC 206a is connected to the speaker amplifier 140b, and the other sound source IC 206b is connected to the earphone amplifier 132b. For example, the speaker amplifier 140b amplifies the sound signal output from the sound source IC 206a and causes the speaker output unit 140a to output sound.

  The earphone amplifier 132b amplifies the sound signal output from the sound source IC 206b and outputs sound from the external sound output means (earphone, headphone, etc.) 150 connected to the earphone terminal 132a. However, the earphone terminal 132 a is provided with an earphone connection detection unit 132 c that detects the connection of the external audio output unit 150 such as an earphone or a headphone. The sub CPU 202 a includes the earphone connection detection unit 132 c of the external audio output unit 150. A voice command is set in the sound source IC 206b only while the connection is detected.

  The earphone connection detector 132c can detect the connection of the external audio output means 150 through various existing means. For example, the insertion of the external audio output means 150 into the earphone terminal 132a is detected by a push switch, the change is detected by a resistance change between a plurality of metal terminals of the earphone terminal 132a, or the insertion path of the external audio output means 150 is inserted. A light emitting element and a light receiving element are provided, and the insertion of the light from the light emitting element is detected by the external sound output means 150 being blocked.

  Note that a random number generator 256 is provided on both the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202. The random number generated by the random number generator 256 is used in the main control board 200 to determine the gaming profit to be given to the player (first internal lottery random number), and in the sub-control board 202, the main control board 200 Is used to determine the mode of production (second internal lottery random number).

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, an outline of one game will be described along the main process of the main control board 200.

(Step S100)
First, the main CPU 200a clears the main RAM 200c (RAM clear) and sets set values (e.g., six levels of 1 to 6) indicating expected values of the ratio of the payout number with respect to the input number as necessary in preparation for the start of the game. Execute initialization processing such as setting processing. This initialization process is performed only when the power is turned on, when the set value is changed, when the RAM is cleared, and the connection status and operating status of various devices including the reel unit 134 are confirmed. Also, the main CPU 200a generates backup data while the power is turned on and holds it in the main RAM 200c. If an unexpected power failure occurs, the main CPU 200a uses the retained backup data in this initialization process before the power is turned off. Execute processing to return to the state.

(Step S200)
Next, the main CPU 200a places a bet on the medal by operating the bet button 126 in a situation where a specified number of medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 124 or a credit exceeding the specified number is stored. Then, the operation of the start switch 128 is awaited. When the operation of the start switch 128 is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S300.

(Step S300)
Next, the main CPU 200a determines whether one of a plurality of winning combinations and loses is provided based on the first internal lottery random number generated by the random number generator 256 according to the operation of the start switch 128. I do. Further, in response to the operation of the start switch 128, the main CPU 200a transmits a start command indicating that the operation has been performed to the sub-control board 202.

  In the slot machine 100, a plurality of game states are provided when the game progresses, and a plurality of lottery tables corresponding to these game states and set values are stored in the main ROM 200b. The main CPU 200a selects a corresponding lottery table according to the current gaming state and setting value stored in the main RAM 200c, and the random number corresponds to any winning combination in the lottery table based on the selected lottery table. Judge whether to do.

  Here, the winning combination extracted from each lottery table includes a replay combination, a small combination, and a bonus combination. The state in which the symbol combinations corresponding to such winning combinations are aligned on the active line is called display (winning), and the state until winning the winning combination and displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed internally. It is called winning. Of the winning combinations, the replay combination is a combination in which a medal bet is not required for the next game when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line. The symbol combination corresponding to is displayed on the valid in, so that a predetermined number of medals can be paid out. The bonus combination is a winning combination that can shift the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the BB (big bonus) gaming state by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the active line. . Here, the normal game state is a game state using a lottery table (normal game state lottery table) in which the winning probability of the small role is set so that the medal decreases as the game progresses in determining the winning combination. is there. On the other hand, the BB gaming state is a gaming state that uses a lottery table (BB gaming state lottery table) in which the winning probabilities of small combinations are set so that medals increase in determining the winning combination.

(Step S400)
When the lottery process is completed as described above, the main CPU 200a then drives the stepping motor 262 to rotate the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c. In this reel rotation process, if a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has passed since the rotation start time of the rotary reels 134a, 134b, 134c in the previous one game, the predetermined time has passed. Otherwise, after a predetermined time elapses, the rotation reels 134a, 134b, 134c in the game are started to rotate, and when all of the rotation reels 134a, 134b, 134c are rotated at a constant speed, a stop button switch The operation of 130a, 130b, 130c is validated.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, when the main CPU 200a receives an operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c by the player while the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c are activated, the main CPU 200a rotates the reels 134a, Each of 134b and 134c is stopped according to a predetermined stop control. Further, the main CPU 200a transmits a stop command indicating that the operation has been performed to the sub-control board 202 in response to the operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c.

(Step S600)
Next, the main CPU 200a determines the symbol combination displayed on the active line, and executes various processes required for turning on / off each flag, changing the gaming state, and replaying based on the determination result. And we will prepare for the next game. When the main CPU 200a determines that the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination is displayed on the active line, the main CPU 200a executes a payout process for paying out medals corresponding to the small combination.

(Interrupt processing of main control board 200)
Further, even when one game described with reference to FIG. 6 is being performed, when an interrupt signal is generated, the main control board 200 performs an interrupt process according to the interrupt signal. .

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the interrupt process of the main control board 200. Here, processing (error processing) related to the feature of the present embodiment will be described, and description of the configuration unrelated to the feature of the present embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S800)
When it is determined that an error has occurred due to the input of error detection signals from various sensors, the main CPU 200a combines the error content indicated by the determination result and various information associated with the error into the administrator's computer (hall computer). Send.

(Step S802)
Subsequently, the main CPU 200a prohibits input from an input device connected to the main control board 200 so that the game does not proceed.

(Step S804)
Next, the main CPU 200a transmits an error command including the error contents and various information associated with the error to the sub control board 202, and ends the interrupt process.

(Processing of sub-control board 202)
Hereinafter, processing of the sub-control board 202 will be described, but here, processing related to the features of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and description of configurations irrelevant to the features of the present embodiment will be omitted.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing reset interrupt processing of the sub control board 202.

(Step S1000)
First, when the power is turned on, the sub CPU 202a initializes the sub RAM 202c and the like, and executes an initialization process for permitting an interrupt.

(Step S1001)
Next, the sub CPU 202a monitors the input of commands from the main control board 200.

(Step S1002)
Next, the sub CPU 202a analyzes a command received from the main control board 200 and executes various processes based on the received command. Hereinafter, the command reception process S1002 will be described in detail.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the command reception process S1002. In the command receiving process S1002, for example, an error notification based on an effect based on the winning combination determined in the lottery process S300 and an error detected in the main interrupt process is executed. Although a plurality of commands such as gaming state commands are provided here, for convenience of explanation, description will be given focusing on a start command, a stop command, and an error command.

(Step S1101)
First, the sub CPU 202a determines whether a command has been received. As a result, if a command has not been received, the command reception process is terminated. If a command has been received, the process proceeds to step S1102.

(Step S1102)
If a command has been received, the sub CPU 202a determines whether the received command is a start command. As a result, if the command is a start command, the process proceeds to step S1103. If the command is not a start command, the process proceeds to step S1110.

(Step S1103)
If the command is a start command, the sub CPU 202a sets an effect lottery table for determining an effect to be executed in the one game. In such an effect lottery table, the total number of second internal lottery random numbers is divided into a plurality of winning areas, and various types of effects are associated with the winning areas. Here, the effect type is an effect type that is started in response to a start command, and some of the effect types change in response effect in response to a stop command following the start command.

(Step S1104)
Next, the sub CPU 202a extracts the second internal lottery random number updated by the random number generator 256, stores it in the processing area of the sub RAM 202c, and moves the process to step S1105.

(Step S1105)
Of the effect lottery table set in step S1103, the effect type of the winning area corresponding to the second internal lottery random number extracted in step S1104 is determined as the lottery result.

(Step S1106)
Next, the sub CPU 202a transmits a video command to the liquid crystal control board 204 in accordance with the effect type determined in step S1105. In response to the video command, the liquid crystal CPU 204a of the liquid crystal display substrate 204 extracts video data from the liquid crystal ROM 204b and displays it on the liquid crystal display unit 138.

(Step S1107)
Subsequently, the sub CPU 202a determines whether the earphone connection detection unit 132c detects the connection of the external audio output unit 150. As a result, if it is determined that the connection of the external audio output unit 150 is detected, the process proceeds to step S1108. If the connection of the external audio output unit 150 is not detected, the process proceeds to step S1109.

(Step S1108)
If it is determined that the connection of the external audio output means 150 is detected, the sub CPU 202a outputs an audio command according to the effect type determined in step S1105 to output a game sound from the external audio output means 150. And the command reception process ends. The sound source IC 206b refers to game sound data such as sound effects, notification sounds, and BGM from the sound ROM 208 according to the set sound command, and outputs sound signals to the earphone amplifier 132b.

(Step S1109)
On the other hand, when determining that the connection of the external audio output means 150 is not detected, the sub CPU 202a outputs an audio command according to the effect type determined in step S1105 to output the game sound from the speaker device 140. And the command reception process ends. The sound source IC 206a outputs sound signals to the speaker amplifier 140b with reference to game sound data such as sound effects, notification sounds, and BGM from the sound ROM 208 in accordance with the set sound command.

(Step S1110)
If it is determined in step 1102 that the command is not a start command, the sub CPU 202a determines whether the received command is a stop command. As a result, if the command is a stop command, the process proceeds to step S1111. If the command is not a stop command, the process proceeds to step S1113.

(Step S1111)
If the command is a stop command, that is, if any of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is accepted while the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c are enabled, the sub CPU 202a It is determined whether the effect type determined in step S1105 is an effect type whose effect mode changes according to the stop command. As a result, if the effect type is an effect type whose effect mode changes according to the stop command, the process proceeds to step S1112. If the effect type is not an effect type whose effect mode changes according to the stop command, the command The reception process ends.

(Step S1112)
If it is determined in step S1111 that the effect type is an effect type whose effect mode changes according to the stop command, the sub CPU 202a changes the effect mode, moves the process to step S1106, and thereafter performs the video command and the voice command. Set.

(Step S1113)
If it is determined in step 1110 that the command is not a stop command, the sub CPU 202a determines whether the received command is an error command. As a result, if the command is an error command, the process proceeds to step S1114. If the command is not an error command, the command reception process ends.

(Step S1114)
When determining that the command received in step S1113 is an error command, the sub CPU 202a transmits a video command to the liquid crystal control board 204 based on the content of the error command. In response to the video command, the liquid crystal CPU 204a of the liquid crystal display substrate 204 extracts video data for notifying an error from the liquid crystal ROM 204b and displays it on the liquid crystal display unit 138.

(Step S1115)
Next, the sub CPU 202a sets a voice command in accordance with the content of the error command in the sound source IC 206a in order to output an error sound from the speaker device 140, and ends the command reception process. The sound source IC 206a refers to the error sound data related to the error sound from the sound ROM 208 according to the set sound command, for example, “the door is open” when the front upper door 104 or the front lower door 106 is open. Then, the audio signal is output to the speaker amplifier 140b. Thus, in this embodiment, in response to an error command, an error sound based on error sound data is forcibly output only from the speaker device 140.

  As described above, according to the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, the audio output relating to the game from the speaker device 140 can be cut off by the connection of the external audio output means 150. Without outputting the game sound based on the game sound data to the surroundings, each player can easily hear only the sound of his / her own slot machine 100 and can concentrate on the game. Also, since the game sound based on the game sound data of the own slot machine 100 is not output to the surroundings, other players may feel uncomfortable feelings by looking at the effects of the liquid crystal of the slot machine 100 in which they are playing. Less to do.

  In addition, when an error that may have caused an illegal act has occurred, the speaker device 140 notifies the outside regardless of whether or not the external audio output means 150 is connected. It becomes easy to grasp the occurrence of an internal error in the slot machine 100. On the other hand, an unauthorized person who is listening to the sound from the external sound output means 150 considers that an error sound is output from the external sound output means 150 as well as a game sound, and a game is played through the external sound output means 150. Since the game sound based on the sound data is heard, it is difficult to detect that an error sound is output in the surroundings, and the response such as escape tends to be delayed, so that the administrator can easily identify an unauthorized person. Here, if the error notification is not performed by other effect devices such as the liquid crystal display unit 138 and the effect lamp 142, and even if an error occurs, the progress of the game is not stopped as in step S802. An unauthorized person becomes more difficult to detect that an error sound is output in the surrounding area, and the effect is further enhanced.

  Further, even if an error occurs with the progress of the game, the speaker device 140 notifies the fact to the outside, so that, for example, a predetermined medal storage unit 264a of the medal payout device 264 is difficult to pay out medals. Even if the number is less than the number and medals need to be replenished, the administrator can quickly grasp the situation through the error sound from the speaker device 140, and the service can be improved.

  In the above embodiment, when the error command is received, the sub CPU 202a generates an error sound based on the error sound data regardless of whether the earphone connection detection unit 132c detects the connection of the external audio output means 150 or not. Although it is output only to the speaker device 140 and not output to the external audio output unit 150, it is not limited to this case, and may be output to the external audio output unit 150 in parallel. Even in such a configuration, since the error sound based on the error sound data can be output from the speaker device 140, the purpose of grasping the internal error of the present embodiment can be achieved.

  In the above embodiment, the switching of the audio output between the speaker device 140 and the earphone device 132 is realized by software by the sub CPU 202a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and is realized by hardware in the subsequent stage of the common sound source IC 206. You can also. In this case, the sub CPU 202a switches the audio output between the speaker device 140 and the earphone device 132 according to the detection result of the earphone connection detection unit 132c, and forcibly outputs the audio output to the speaker device 140 when receiving an error command. Switch over. Such a configuration can be easily realized by using an analog switch IC or the like, so that the processing load and cost can be reduced.

  Further, in the above embodiment, an error that may occur with the progress of the game and an error that may be fraudulent are not particularly distinguished, and both are reported only from the speaker device 140. Both may be clearly distinguished, and in such a case, at least an error sound is reported from the speaker device 140 with respect to an error that may be an illegal act. In this way, the administrator can easily grasp whether the error may occur as the game progresses or an error that may be fraudulent, and respond appropriately. I will be able to. In addition, if an error sound is not output from the speaker device 140 due to an error that may occur as the game progresses, the fraudster may assume that all error sounds are not output to the outside, and a fraudulent act may be performed. The detection that an error sound is output in the surroundings due to a certain error is delayed, and it becomes easier for an administrator to identify an unauthorized person.

  In addition, while either one of the speaker amplifier 140b and the earphone amplifier 132b is not used, the power supply that is not used may be cut off to reduce power consumption.

  In the above embodiment, the earphone terminal 132a is configured to be connected to an earphone or a headphone having a 3.5 mm diameter mini jack. However, the target external audio output means 150 is not limited to this, for example, A standard plug with a diameter of 6.3 mm, a micro plug with a diameter of 2.5 mm, or the like can also be employed. Further, the external audio output means 150 may be connected through a connection terminal of another standard such as a USB terminal. Further, the volume of the external audio output means 150 may be adjusted through some operation means provided in the slot machine 100.

  In the above embodiment, the slot machine 100 has been described. However, this embodiment can also be applied to the pachinko machine 1500.

(Mechanical configuration of pachinko machine 1500)
FIG. 10 is an external perspective view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of the pachinko machine 1500, FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of the pachinko machine 1500 with a glass door opened, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a pachinko machine 1500. FIG. A pachinko machine 1500 according to this embodiment is attached to a vertically long rectangular machine frame 1502 installed in an island facility of a game arcade and a front opening of the machine frame 1502 so as to be openable and closable in the form of a door. A front frame 1506 that houses a launcher 1505 that launches a game ball toward the game area 1504 in the game board 1503 and a door frame that can be opened and closed in the form of a door, and the game area 1504 is played in the central opening. A glass door 1508 fitted with a transparent glass plate 1507 for allowing a person to observe, a tray 1509 that can be opened and closed in the form of a door on the front frame 1506 below the glass door 1508 and accommodates a game ball, and a launching device And a saucer unit 1511 provided with a handle 1510 for adjusting the launch intensity of the game ball in 1505. In addition, on the upper and side portions of the glass door 1508, there are provided a speaker device 1512 that performs auditory effects such as sound effects and musical sounds, and an effect lamp 1513 that performs visual effects involving various light emission. Further, an earphone terminal (earphone jack: 3.5 mm, for example) that can receive an auditory effect such as sound effects or musical sounds by connecting an external audio output means 150 such as an earphone or a headphone to the right front side of the saucer 1509. Diameter minijack) 1514a is provided.

  A game area 1504 that can be observed through the glass plate 1507 is partitioned and formed into a substantially circular shape by a guide rail 1520 for sliding the game ball and a game ball regulating rail 1521, and the launcher 1505 is operated by operating the handle 1510 by the player. The game balls fired from the flow down in the game area 1504. Further, in the game area 1504, a game nail (not shown) for changing the flow direction, a windmill (not shown), a start winning port (start port) 1523 (1523a in the drawing, 1523b)), a general winning opening 1524, a through chucker 1525, an electric tulip 1526, an attacker device 1527, a special symbol display device 1528 for notifying a game result, a liquid crystal display unit 1529, and a game ball that has not won a prize. A recovery port 1530 and the like are provided. The start winning port 1523, the general winning port 1524, the through chucker 1525, and the attacker device 1527 include a magnetic sensor type start winning port detecting sensor 1523a, a general winning port detecting sensor 1524a, and a through chucker detecting sensor for detecting the passing of a game ball, respectively. 1525a and a special winning opening detection sensor 1527a are provided (see FIG. 12).

  The special symbol display device 1528 is composed of, for example, a 7-segment display and the like, displays the special symbols (numbers and patterns) in a variable manner, and the result of the electronic lottery performed when the game ball wins the start winning opening 1523 The special symbol based on is stopped and displayed. The liquid crystal display unit 1529 located substantially at the center of the game board 1503 displays, for example, various performance modes having different jackpot expectations determined by lottery in conjunction with the special symbol change by the special symbol display device 1528. To do. The player mainly enjoys the game while feeling glad about the effect display on the liquid crystal display unit 1529. Further, a chance button 1532 configured by a push button switch is provided on the shelf portion of the tray 1509.

  The through chucker 1525 has a gate structure through which a game ball can pass. When the game ball passes through the through chucker 1525, an electronic lottery related to the normal symbol is executed, and the lottery result is notified to the player through the normal symbol display device 1534. In this embodiment, the normal symbol display device 1534 is composed of two LED lamps provided adjacent to the special symbol display device 1528, and one LED lamp is turned on when the lottery result of the normal symbol is successful. In the event of a loss, the other LED lamp is lit.

  The electric tulip 1526 is provided at the start winning opening 1523b and includes a pair of blade members that rotate about an axis orthogonal to the surface of the game board 1503. When winning the electronic lottery related to the normal symbol performed when the game ball has passed through the through chucker 1525, the solenoid of the electric tulip 1526 is energized, and the pair of blade members rotate away from each other, It becomes easy to win the start winning opening 1523b for a predetermined period. Thus, the player can obtain a lot of lottery opportunities.

  As for the attacker device 1527, the result of the electronic lottery concerning the special symbol performed when the game ball wins the start winning opening 1523 becomes a big hit, and the game shifts to the big hit game advantageous to the player as compared with the normal game. In this case, the device opens the winning path to the special winning opening 1535. In the jackpot game, it becomes easy to win the winning prize opening 1535 through the attacker device 1527, so that many prize balls are paid out to the player. When a game ball wins the general winning opening 1524, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out to the player from the prize ball payout device 1531 (see FIG. 12) as prize balls. The award ball (game ball) paid out in this way is once accommodated in the tray 1509, and the player can discharge it to the outside as needed. The game balls thrown in or out by the player and accommodated in the tray 1509 flow into the launching device 1505 one by one, and the game area 1504 has a launch strength corresponding to the amount of rotation of the handle 1510 by the player. Fired.

  Also in such a pachinko machine 1500, as shown in FIG. 12, like the slot machine 100, a main control board 1600 and a sub-control board 1602 are provided, and the main control board 1600 has a game ball at the start winning opening 1523. In response to winning a prize, an internal lottery related to a special symbol is performed based on a random number generated by a random number generator (not shown), or a game ball passes through the through chucker 1525 by the random number generator. Based on the generated random number, the internal lottery related to the normal symbol is performed to control the game. Further, the sub control board 1602 receives a command from the main control board 1600 and determines an effect to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 1529 through the liquid crystal control board 1604 by lottery.

  Further, in the pachinko machine 1500, the game sound based on the game sound data is output to the external sound output means 150 while the connection of the external sound output means 150 is detected, and the game based on the game sound data is detected while the connection is not detected. Sound is output to the speaker device 1512. Further, when an error is detected by various sensors functioning as an error detection sensor, an error sound based on the error sound data is output to the speaker device 1512. Thus, even when the external sound output means 150 such as an earphone is employed, it is possible to easily grasp the internal error of the pachinko machine 1500.

  For example, a fullness detection sensor (not shown) that functions as an error detection sensor is provided in the payout passage that communicates with the lower plate. The fullness detection sensor sends an error detection signal to the main control board 1600 when the lower plate is full. Output. The front frame 1506 is provided with a door opening detection sensor (not shown). The door opening detection sensor detects that the front frame 1506 has been opened and outputs an error detection signal to the main control board 1600. . At this time, the door opening detection sensor may detect the opening of the glass door 1508. Further, a magnetic detection sensor 1533 is provided on the back side of the game board 1503. When the magnetic detection sensor 1533 detects magnetism, it outputs an error detection signal to the main control board 1600. The pachinko machine 1500 is provided with various other sensors that function as error detection sensors, but the description thereof is omitted here.

  Here, detection of the fullness of the lower pan by the full detection sensor corresponds to an error that may occur with the progress of the game, detection of door opening by the door open detection sensor, detection of magnetism by the magnetic detection sensor 1533 Etc. corresponds to an error that may be fraudulent.

  Even in such various modifications, the same operation and effect as the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 can be obtained.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Is done.

  Further, the processes performed by the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above do not necessarily have to be processed in time series in the order described in the flowchart, and may include processes in parallel or by a subroutine.

  In the above embodiment, the audio ROM 208 corresponds to the audio data holding unit of the present invention, the sub CPU 202a that executes the command reception process shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to the audio data setting unit of the present invention, and the earphone connection detection unit 132c. Corresponds to the connection detection means of the present invention, and the sound source ICs 206a and 206b, the speaker amplifier 140b, and the earphone amplifier 132b correspond to the sound output means of the present invention.

100 ... slot machine (game machine)
128 ... Start switch 130 ... Stop switch 130a, 130b, 130c ... Stop button switch 132 ... Earphone device 132a ... Earphone terminal 132b ... Earphone amplifier 132c ... Earphone connection detector 134 ... Reel units 134a, 134b, 134c ... Rotating reel 140 ... Speaker Apparatus 140a ... Speaker output unit 140b ... Speaker amplifier 200 ... Main control board 200a ... Main CPU
200b ... main ROM
200c ... main RAM
202 ... Sub control board 202a ... Sub CPU
202b Sub ROM
202c ... sub-RAM

Claims (2)

A sound data holding unit for storing game sound data storing game sounds used for effects related to games, and error sound data storing error sounds used for error notification;
Voice data setting means for setting at least one of game sound data and error sound data in the voice output means based on a predetermined opportunity;
Connection detection means for detecting whether or not a removable external audio output means is connected;
With
The sound output means outputs a game sound based on the game sound data set by the sound data setting means to the external sound output means while the connection detection means detects the connection of the external sound output means. A game machine that outputs a game sound based on the game sound data set by the sound data setting means to the speaker device while not being detected,
The audio output means is configured to generate an error based on the error sound data when error sound data is set in the sound output means even when the connection detection means detects the connection of the external sound output means. A game machine characterized in that sound is output to the speaker device.   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein, when error sound data is set in the sound output means, the sound output means outputs an error sound based on the error sound data only to the speaker.

Images