JP5554434B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  In general, a gaming machine is provided with sound effect generating means for generating various sound effects in order to make the player enthusiastic about the game, to lift his feelings, or to appeal to the surroundings. The volume of this sound effect is set to a certain level so that it can be heard in the game store. In general, a large number of gaming machines are installed in game stores. Therefore, it is difficult for players to hear the sounds of individual gaming machines. On the other hand, when the number of players is small, there may be a case where the sound effect is too loud and annoying.

  In order to solve such a problem, an environmental microphone that collects ambient sounds is provided, and the magnitude of the sound effect generated by the sound effect generating means is set according to the volume of the sound collected by the environmental microphone. A gaming machine to be adjusted is known (for example, see Patent Document 1). According to this gaming machine, the volume of the sound effect can be increased when the environmental microphone collects a loud sound, and the volume of the sound effect can be reduced when the environmental microphone collects a small sound.

JP-A-2005-13306

  However, in the gaming machine as described above, the environmental microphone can collect not only the sound around the gaming machine but also the sound generated by the sound effect generating means of the gaming machine itself in which the environmental microphone is arranged. Thereby, although it is a necessary sound effect for the player, the sound effect may be captured equivalent to the ambient noise. In this case, although the volume of the sound effect is appropriate, the volume of the subsequent sound effect is adjusted to be large, and the subsequent sound effect may be too loud for the player. Furthermore, the sound collecting microphone collects both the sound effect and the surrounding noise, and then the process of increasing the volume of the sound effect is repeated, and as a result, the sound volume is increased without limit. There is also the possibility of noise.

  In the present invention, in a gaming machine that includes ambient sound detection means for detecting ambient sound and adjusts the magnitude of the sound effect according to the loudness detected by the ambient sound detection means, the gaming machine itself is generated. Providing a gaming machine that prevents the volume of the sound effect from being adjusted to a large level even though the sound volume is appropriate, by not adjusting the sound volume depending on the sound effect It is to be.

  The present invention provides the following gaming machines.

  (1) Sound effect generating means for generating sound effects (for example, the sub CPU 81 for instructing the generation and stop of the sound effects, and the speakers 9L and 9R for outputting the sound effects by physical vibration based on the commands of the sub CPU 81, etc. ), Ambient sound detecting means for detecting ambient sounds (for example, an environmental microphone 28 described later), and sound effects output from the sound effect generating means according to the ambient sound level detected by the ambient sound detecting means Sound volume adjusting means for adjusting the output sound volume (for example, the ambient sound level amplifier 92 that amplifies the ambient sound signal obtained from the environmental microphone 28, the amplifier 91 according to the ambient sound level signal output from the ambient sound level amplifier 92). A gain adjuster 93 or the like for adjusting the amplification factor, and the ambient sound detecting means, when the sound effect generating means generates a sound effect, A predetermined adjustment time (for example, after the sub CPU 81 commands the generation of the sound effect) until the end of the event that occurs due to the sound effect generation and affects the detection of the surrounding sound. The delay time until the speakers 9L and 9R actually produce the sound effect, the reverberation time from when the speakers 9L and 9R finish the generation of the sound effect to the end of the reverberation inside the housing, etc. When this is done, detection of the surrounding sound is started.

  According to the gaming machine described in (1), when the sound effect generating unit generates a sound effect, the ambient sound detecting unit starts detecting the surrounding sound after the generation of the sound effect. As a result, the volume of the sound effect is not adjusted depending on the sound effect generated by the gaming machine itself provided with the ambient sound detection means. Is greatly adjusted, and it is possible to provide a gaming machine that avoids a situation in which the subsequent sound effect is too loud for the player to be harsh.

  In particular, the ambient sound detection means not only ends the sound effect but also waits for a predetermined adjustment time to elapse and starts detecting ambient sounds. Here, when the sound effect generating means is generating a sound effect, it is necessary to go through a plurality of processes from when the sound effect stop command is issued until the sound effect sound is actually stopped. is there. Further, even after the sound effect is stopped, the sound output device that outputs the sound effect continues to vibrate for a while. Therefore, even if the stop of the sound effect is instructed, a predetermined delay time is required until the sound effect is not completely output. According to the gaming machine described in (1), since the adjustment time is provided, the sound effect generating means actually issues the sound effect output by the sound output device even though the sound effect generating means commands the stop of the sound effect. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that avoids a situation in which the volume of a subsequent sound effect is greatly adjusted even though the sound effect has a proper sound volume.

  Further, even if the sound effect generating means ends the generation of the sound effect, the sound effect reverberates inside the gaming machine until a predetermined reverberation time elapses. According to the gaming machine described in (1), due to the provision of the adjustment time, the sound effect reverberant actually reverberates inside the gaming machine even though the sound effect generating means has finished generating the sound effect. Thus, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that avoids a situation in which the volume of subsequent sound effects is greatly adjusted.

  (2) The gaming machine according to (1), further including a housing that accommodates a device used for gaming, wherein the predetermined adjustment time is determined after the sound effect generating unit finishes generating the sound effect. A game machine characterized by including a reverberation time until the reverberation in the inside is finished.

  Even if the sound effect generating means ends the generation of the sound effect, the sound effect reverberates inside the casing until a predetermined reverberation time elapses. According to the gaming machine described in (2), since the reverberation time is included in the adjustment time, the sound effect is actually generated inside the gaming machine even though the sound effect generating means has finished generating the sound effect. By reverberating, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that avoids a situation in which the volume of subsequent sound effects is greatly adjusted.

  (3) In the gaming machine described in (1), the sound effect generating means includes a command device (for example, a sub CPU 81 described later) that commands the generation and stop of the sound effect, and a physical command based on a command from the command device. And a sound output device (for example, speakers 9L, 9R, etc., which will be described later) that generate sound effects by dynamic vibration, and the predetermined adjustment time is determined after the command device instructs the stop of the sound effects. A game machine including a delay time until physical vibration in a sound device stops.

  The ambient sound detection means not only ends the sound effect but also waits for a predetermined adjustment time to elapse and starts detecting ambient sounds. Here, when the sound output device is producing a sound effect, there are a plurality of times from when the command device instructs the stop of the sound effect until the sound output device actually stops the sound output of the sound effect. It is necessary to go through the processing of times. Further, even after the sound output device stops outputting the sound effect, the physical vibration in the sound output device continues for a while. Therefore, even if the stop of the sound effect is instructed, the above-described delay time is required until the physical vibration in the sound output device is completely stopped. According to the gaming machine described in (3), since the delay time is included in the adjustment time, the physical vibration in the sound output device continues even though the command device instructs to stop the sound effect. As a result, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that avoids a situation in which the volume of the subsequent sound effects is greatly adjusted even though the sound effects are appropriate in magnitude.

  (4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3), when the ambient sound level detected by the ambient sound detection means reaches a predetermined value, the volume adjusting means A gaming machine configured so that the volume does not exceed a certain value.

  According to the gaming machine described in (4), since the sound effect is controlled to be equal to or lower than the predetermined sound volume regardless of the volume level of the ambient sound, the sound effect does not increase without limit.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, although the sound effect volume is appropriate, the volume of the subsequent sound effect is adjusted to a large level, so that the subsequent sound effect is too loud and annoying. Can be avoided.

It is a figure which shows the external structure of the pachislot by this Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structure behind the upper lamp cover in the said pachislot. It is a figure which shows the structure of the main control circuit in the said pachislot. It is a figure which shows the structure of the sub control circuit in the said pachislot. It is a figure which shows the structure of the volume adjustment means provided in the said sub control circuit. It is a figure which shows the sound output time table in the said pachislot. It is a figure which shows the reverberation time table in the said pachislot. It is a main flowchart by control of main CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the main board | substrate communication task performed by sub CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the production registration task performed by sub CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the production content determination process performed by sub CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the sound control task performed by sub CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the sound collection task performed by sub CPU.

[Pachislot structure]
Embodiments according to the gaming machine of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the structure of a gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a pachislot machine) 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
<External structure of pachislot>
FIG. 1 shows an external structure of a pachislot machine 1 in the present embodiment.

(Main reel and main display window)
The exterior of the pachi-slot 1 is constituted by a housing formed in a rectangular box shape, and this housing is a cabinet (not shown) that houses main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, a circuit board, etc., and the cabinet. And a front door 2 attached to be openable and closable. Inside the cabinet, three main reels 3L, 3C, 3R are provided side by side. Each of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is configured by attaching a belt-like sheet in which a plurality of symbols (for example, 21 pieces) are continuously arranged along the rotation direction to the peripheral surface of a cylindrical frame. .

  In the center of the front door 2, display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided. These three display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided so as to be positioned on the front side overlapping with the three main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R when viewed from the front. The display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R are provided corresponding to the three main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R, respectively, and can transmit the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R provided behind them. It has.

  The display windows 21L, 21C, 21R are, among a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the surface of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, when the rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R provided behind them is stopped. One symbol (three in total) is displayed in each of the upper, middle and lower areas in the frame. In addition, a target for determining whether or not to win a pseudo line formed by combining any one of predetermined areas among the upper, middle, and lower areas of the display windows 21L, 21C, and 21R. Is defined as a line (winning determination line).

  In the present embodiment, a top line 8b formed by combining the upper stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R, a center line 8c formed by combining the middle stages of the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R, and the display windows 21L, 21C, 21R. The bottom line 8d formed by combining the lower stage, the upper stage of the left display window 21L, the middle stage of the middle display window 21C, and the lower stage of the right display window 21R, the cross-down line 8e, the lower stage of the left display window 21L, and the middle display window 21C Five cross-up lines 8a formed by combining the middle stage and the upper stage of the right display window 21R are provided as winning determination lines.

(Liquid crystal display device)
A large liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the upper side T (T side in FIG. 1) of the main display window 21. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a display screen 5a. The display screen 5a performs various effects by displaying images and displays three sub-reels. Each of these three sub reels represents three symbols.

(Operating device)
The front door 2 is provided with various devices to be operated by the player. The medal slot 10 is provided for receiving a medal dropped from the outside by the player. The medals received in the medal slot 10 are inserted into one game with a predetermined number (for example, three) as an upper limit, and the amount exceeding the predetermined number can be deposited in the pachislot 1 ( So-called credit function).

  The bet button 11 is provided to determine the number of coins to be inserted into one game from medals deposited inside the pachislot 1. The checkout button 12 is provided to pull out medals deposited inside the pachislot 1 to the outside.

  The start lever 6 is provided to start rotation of all the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R are associated with the three main reels 3L, 3C, 3R, respectively, and are provided to stop the rotation of the corresponding main reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

  The selection button 15a is provided for selecting a display item on the liquid crystal display device 5, and the decision button 15b is used for actually performing display based on the display item selected by the selection button 15a.

(Other equipment)
The 7-segment display 13 is made up of 7-segment LEDs. The number of medals inserted in the current game (hereinafter referred to as the number of inserted coins), the number of medals paid out to the player as a privilege (hereinafter referred to as the number of payouts), pachislot 1 Information such as the number of medals deposited in the inside (hereinafter referred to as the number of credits) is digitally displayed to the player.

  The medal payout port 15 guides medals discharged by driving a medal payout device 40 (see FIG. 3) provided inside the cabinet to the outside. The medals discharged from the medal payout opening 15 are stored in the medal tray 16.

  An upper lamp cover 22 that covers an upper lamp (not shown) is attached to the upper side T of the liquid crystal display device 5. A sound collection hole 22 a is formed in the center in the width direction of the lower edge of the upper lamp cover 22. A lower lamp cover 23 that covers a lower lamp (not shown) is provided on the lower side B (B side in FIG. 1) of the upper lamp cover 22. An emblem 24 is provided at the center in the width direction of the front door 2 sandwiched between the upper lamp cover 22 and the lower lamp cover 23. The emblem 24 has translucency. Speaker covers 25L and 25R are provided on the left side L (L side in FIG. 1) and right side R1 (R1 side in FIG. 1) of the upper lamp cover 22, and behind these speaker covers 25L and 25R Speakers 9L and 9R are provided for outputting sound such as sound effects and music according to the contents by physical vibration. On the front side F of the front door 2 sandwiched between the upper lamp cover 22, the lower lamp cover 23, and the speaker covers 25L, 25R, a light transmission portion 26 composed of a half mirror is formed in an X shape centered on the emblem 24. Is provided.

  Side lens covers 23L and 23R that cover side lamps (not shown) are attached to the left side L and the right side R1 when viewed from the front side F of the front door 2.

<Structure behind the upper lamp cover>
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the front door 2 with the upper lamp cover 22 removed as viewed from the upper left.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a microphone substrate 27 is disposed at the center in the left-right direction (L-R1 direction in FIG. 2) on the upper side T (T side in FIG. 2) of the front door 2 covered with the upper lamp cover 22. It is attached. The microphone substrate 27 is attached to the front door 2 so as to be located behind the emblem 24 at the top of the front door 2. A circular microphone mounting hole (not shown) is provided on the front side F (F side in FIG. 2) of the microphone substrate 27, and an environmental microphone 28 is fitted in the microphone mounting hole. An LED substrate 29 constituting an upper lamp is provided on the upper surface of the front door 2 on the rear surface side R (R side in FIG. 2) of the microphone substrate 27. The LED board 29 is provided with a plurality of LEDs 29a as an internal light source, and lighting control is performed according to the gaming state. An LED 29a provided on the LED substrate 29 and an upper lamp cover 22 provided on the front surface of the LED 29a and transmitting light emitted from the LED 29a are an illumination device provided on the front side F of the upper side T of the front door 2. Is configured. The environmental microphone 28 is provided in the illuminating device on the rear surface side R of the upper lamp cover 22 and collects sound around the housing through a sound collecting hole 22a (see FIG. 1) formed in the upper lamp cover 22. Sound. Moreover, since the light transmission part 26 is formed of a half mirror and the emblem 24 has translucency, the light emitted from the LED 29a passes through the light transmission part 26 and is visually recognized as an X shape from the outside. It is possible to make lighting with impact.

  The position of the environmental microphone 28 is not limited to the position of the present embodiment. For example, the environmental microphone 28 may be installed on the front side F of the side lens covers 23L and 23R. It is preferable that As in the present embodiment, the environmental microphone 28 is provided behind the upper lamp cover 22 of the lighting device provided at the upper portion of the front door 2, and the sound collecting hole 21 a is formed in the upper lamp cover 22, thereby forming the side lens. Compared to when the environmental microphone 28 is provided on the front side F of the covers 23L and 23R, it becomes easier to identify the sound emitted above the housing of the pachislot 1 with the environmental microphone 28. Therefore, the environmental sound above the housing, such as the sound emitted from a player standing near the housing of the pachislot machine 1 including the front door 2, is sufficiently collected to improve the sound collecting effect, and the outside of the housing The sound can be fully identified. Further, by providing the environmental microphone 28 inside the lighting device, the environmental microphone 28 can be protected by the upper lamp cover 22.

[Circuit configuration of pachislot]
This completes the description of the structure of the pachislot 1. Next, a configuration of a circuit included in the pachislot machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment includes a main control circuit 71, a sub-control circuit 72, and peripheral devices (actuators) that are electrically connected thereto.

<Main control circuit>
FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the main control circuit 71 of the pachi-slot 1 in the present embodiment.

(Microcomputer)
The main control circuit 71 includes a microcomputer 30 installed on a circuit board as a main component. The microcomputer 30 includes a CPU (hereinafter, main CPU) 31, a ROM (hereinafter, main ROM) 32, and a RAM (hereinafter, main RAM) 33.

  The main ROM 32 stores a control program executed by the main CPU 31, a data table such as an internal lottery table, data for transmitting various control commands (commands) to the sub control circuit 72, and the like. The main RAM 33 is provided with a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination determined by execution of the control program.

(Random number generator etc.)
The main CPU 31 is connected to a clock pulse generation circuit 34, a frequency divider 35, a random number generator 36, and a sampling circuit 37. The clock pulse generation circuit 34 and the frequency divider 35 generate clock pulses. The main CPU 31 executes a control program based on the generated clock pulse. The random number generator 36 generates a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535). The sampling circuit 37 extracts one value from the generated random numbers.

(Switch etc.)
A switch or the like is connected to the input port of the microcomputer 30. The main CPU 31 receives input from a switch or the like and controls the operation of peripheral devices such as stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R. The stop switch 7S detects that each of the three stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R has been pressed (stop operation) by the player. The start switch 6S detects that the start lever 6 has been operated by the player (start operation).

  The medal sensor 42S detects that the material, shape, etc. of the medal received at the medal insertion slot 10 is appropriate and has passed through the selector (not shown). The selector 42 is provided in the approximate center of the back side of the front door 2 and mechanically selects whether or not the material, shape, etc. are appropriate medals. The medal selected as appropriate passes through the medal sensor 42S and is guided to the hopper 40.

(Peripheral devices and circuits)
Peripheral devices whose operations are controlled by the microcomputer 30 include stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, a 7-segment display 13 and a hopper 40. A circuit for controlling the operation of each peripheral device is connected to the output port of the microcomputer 30.

  The motor drive circuit 39 controls driving of stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R provided corresponding to the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R. The reel position detection circuit 50 detects a reel index indicating that the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R have made one rotation by an optical sensor having a light emitting part and a light receiving part according to the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

  The stepping motors 49L, 49C, and 49R have a configuration in which the momentum is proportional to the number of output pulses and the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle. The driving force of the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R is transmitted to the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R via gears having a predetermined reduction ratio. Each time one pulse is output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R, the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R rotate at a constant angle.

  The main CPU 31 counts the number of times the pulses are output to the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R after detecting the reel index, thereby rotating the rotation angles of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R (mainly the main reels 3L, 3L, The number of symbols 3C and 3R has rotated) is managed, and the positions of the symbols arranged on the surface of the main reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are managed.

  The display unit drive circuit 48 controls the operation of the 7-segment display 13. The hopper drive circuit 41 controls the operation of the hopper 40. The payout completion signal circuit 51 manages the detection of medals performed by the medal detection unit 40S provided in the hopper 40, and checks whether or not the medals discharged from the hopper 40 have reached the payout number.

<Sub control circuit>
FIG. 4 shows a configuration of the sub-control circuit 72 of the pachislot 1 in the present embodiment.

  The sub control circuit 72 is electrically connected to the main control circuit 71 and performs processing such as determination and execution of effect contents based on a command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub control circuit 72 basically includes a CPU (hereinafter referred to as sub CPU) 81, a ROM (hereinafter referred to as sub ROM) 82, a RAM (hereinafter referred to as sub RAM) 83, a rendering processor 84, a drawing RAM 85, a driver 87, a DSP (DSP). A digital signal processor) 88, an audio RAM 89, a D / A converter 90, and an amplifier 91.

  The sub CPU 81 controls the output of video, sound, and light according to the control program stored in the sub ROM 82 in accordance with the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub-RAM 83 is provided with a storage area for registering the determined contents and effects data, and a storage area for storing various data such as an internal winning combination transmitted from the main control circuit 71. The sub ROM 82 basically includes a program storage area and a data storage area.

  A control program executed by the sub CPU 81 is stored in the program storage area. For example, in the control program, a main board communication task for controlling communication with the main control circuit 71 and an effect registration task for extracting effect random numbers and determining and registering effect contents (effect data) A drawing control task for controlling the display of the video by the liquid crystal display device 5 based on the determined contents of the production, a lamp control task for controlling the light output by the lamp 14 (the above-mentioned upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp), a speaker An audio control task for controlling sound output by 9L and 9R is included.

  The data storage area stores a storage area for storing various data tables, a storage area for storing effect data constituting each effect content, a storage area for storing animation data related to creation of video, and a sound data related to BGM and sound effects. A storage area, a storage area for storing lamp data related to the light on / off pattern, and the like are included.

  The sub-control circuit 72 is connected to the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 9L and 9R, and the lamp 14 as peripheral devices whose operation is controlled.

  The sub CPU 81, the rendering processor 84, the drawing RAM 85 (including the frame buffer 86), and the driver 87 create a video according to the animation data designated by the contents of the presentation, and display the created video on the liquid crystal display device 5.

  The sub CPU 81, DSP 88, audio RAM 89, D / A converter 90, and amplifier 91 output sounds such as BGM from the speakers 9L and 9R according to the sound data specified by the contents of the effects. Further, the sub CPU 81 turns on and off the lamp 14 according to the lamp data designated by the contents of the effect.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the environment microphone 28 that collects the sound around the pachislot 1 and the subsequent effects are output from the speakers 9L and 9R according to the volume of the ambient sound collected by the environment microphone 28. Volume adjusting means for adjusting the volume of the sound. The volume adjusting means is an ambient sound level amplifier 92 that amplifies the ambient sound signal obtained from the environmental microphone 28, and the amplification factor (gain) of the amplifier 91 according to the ambient sound level signal output from the ambient sound level amplifier 92. And a gain adjuster 93 for adjusting.

<Specific configuration of volume adjusting means>
FIG. 5 shows a specific configuration example of the volume adjusting means.

  In the ambient sound level amplifier 92 described above, a weak ambient sound signal (analog signal) picked up by the environmental microphone 28 is input to a filter circuit including a capacitor C1 and a resistor R1. Here, the capacitor C1 and the resistor R1 have a time constant corresponding to the maximum sensitivity frequency band (around the 1 kHz band) in which the sound is most detected in the human audible frequency band (20 to 20,000 Hz band). It is preferable to select each value. Thereby, effective volume adjustment becomes possible. Moreover, it is preferable to use the environmental microphone 28 having a frequency characteristic of good sensitivity characteristics in the 1 kHz band.

  The voltage of the weak audio signal that passes through the capacitor C1 and is generated at both ends of the resistor R1 is rectified by the diode D1 and converted into a DC voltage by the capacitor C2. Next, the DC voltage stored in the capacitor C2 is input to the level amplifier 92a set to a predetermined amplification factor and amplified. Then, the amplified analog signal (ambient sound analog signal) is input to a gain adjuster 93 that controls the volume of the sound effect actually output from the speakers 9L and 9R.

  The gain adjuster 93 attenuates the front-stage amplifier (preamplifier) 93a that amplifies a weak audio signal input from the D / A converter 90 in advance, and the ambient sound analog signal input from the level amplifier 92a. An attenuator 93b that outputs the audio signal amplified in the previous stage by the amplifier 93a to the amplifier 91 according to the attenuation rate of the ambient sound analog signal is provided. In this case, the attenuator 93b is configured such that the attenuation rate decreases as the sound pressure level of the ambient sound analog signal output from the ambient sound level amplifier 92 increases, and the amplifier increases as the sound pressure level increases. The sound source signal to be output to 91 is increased.

  The amplifier 91 is a configuration example of a widely used general audio amplifier (audio amplifier). The amplifier 91 amplifies the audio signal attenuated by the attenuator 93b of the gain adjuster 93, and the speaker 9L. , 9R are driven.

  In the volume adjusting means, it is preferable to control so that the volume of the sound effect does not exceed a certain value when the volume of the ambient sound collected by the environmental microphone 28 reaches a predetermined value. For example, even if the volume of the ambient sound becomes larger than a certain value, it can be considered that the sound effect is controlled so as to become a maximum value that does not increase any more. Specifically, when the ambient sound level becomes larger than a certain value, the attenuation rate at the attenuator 93b at that level becomes zero, or the audio signal output from the attenuator 93b is a predetermined value. In this case, it is conceivable to configure the amplifier 92 so that the amplification factor is constant. By configuring in this way, it is possible to prevent the effective sound volume from increasing infinitely, to prevent damage to the speakers 9L and 9R, and to prevent discomfort to the player and the like due to the increase in sound volume. Is done.

[Configuration of data table stored in sub-ROM]
This completes the description of the circuit configuration of the pachislot machine 1. Next, the configuration of various data tables stored in the sub ROM 82 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In the present embodiment, when the speakers 9L and 9R output sound effects, the environmental microphone 28 waits for a predetermined adjustment time to elapse after the sound effects have been output, Start collecting sound. The adjustment time includes a delay time until the physical vibration of the speakers 9L and 9R stops and a reverberation time until the reverberation inside the pachislot 1 ends. FIG. 6 is a table used to determine the remaining sound output time until the sub CPU 81 instructs the sound output of the sound effect to be stopped when the speakers 9L and 9R output the sound effect. FIG. 7 is a table group used to determine the delay time and the reverberation time described above.

<Sound output time table>
FIG. 6 is a sound output time table.

  In response to the operation of the start lever 6, the sub CPU 81 determines the contents of the effect to be performed using the liquid crystal display device 5, the speakers 9 </ b> L and 9 </ b> R, and the lamp 14 based on the gaming state, the internal winning combination, and the like. In the present embodiment, an effect number is provided to identify the contents of the effect. The sound output time table includes sound output time information corresponding to the production number. The “sound output time” refers to a time during which sound is output from the speakers 9L and 9R in the effect corresponding to the effect number determined by the sub CPU 81.

  For example, if the production number is “1”, then a sound is emitted from the speakers 9L and 9R for 3 seconds. Further, when the production number is “4”, after that, sound is emitted from the speakers 9L and 9R for 5 seconds.

  In the present embodiment, a sound output timer is provided that measures the elapsed time since the sub CPU 81 commanded the start of sound effect output (see, for example, FIG. 11). Therefore, the remaining sound output time can be determined by subtracting the time measured by the sound output timer from the time determined by the sound output time table shown in FIG.

<Reverberation time table>
FIG. 7 is a reverberation time table.

  When the sub CPU 81 determines the effect number, sound is emitted from the speakers 9L and 9R based on the effect number. And even if the sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R ends, reverberant sound remains in the housing. The time during which the reverberant sound remains (reverberation time) varies depending on the size of the casing, the sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R, the time output from the speakers 9L and 9R, and the like. In the present embodiment, since the size of the housing is constant, the reverberation time is mainly determined by the volume of sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R and the time output from the speakers 9L and 9R. The reverberation time table is a table in which an approximate reverberation time is estimated from the volume and sound output time corresponding to the effect number determined by the sub CPU 81, and the reverberation time is used as data.

  For example, when the production number is “1”, it is estimated that the sound reverberates for about 50 milliseconds even if the sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R is finished inside the housing. When the production number is “4”, it is estimated that the sound reverberates for about 60 milliseconds even when the sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R ends.

  Even if the sub CPU 81 instructs the speakers 9L and 9R to output sound, a plurality of processes are performed during the period from when the instruction is issued until the sound is actually output. There is a delay. In the present embodiment, a delay of 50 milliseconds occurs regardless of the type of production number.

[Program flow executed in pachislot]
The description of the configuration of the various data tables provided in the sub ROM 82 has been described above. Next, the contents of the program executed by the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71 will be described with reference to FIG.

  When power is turned on to the pachi-slot 1, first, the main CPU 31 performs an initialization process (S1). Next, the main CPU 31 clears the designated storage area in the main RAM 33 (S2). In this process, for example, an internal winning combination storage area where internal winning combination information is stored or a display combination storing area where display winning information is stored is stored in a storage area that needs to be erased for each game. Stored data is cleared.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs medal acceptance / start check processing (S3). In this processing, input checks of the medal sensor 42S and the start switch 6S are performed.

  Next, the main CPU 31 extracts a random value and stores it in a random value storage area provided in the main RAM 33 (S4). Next, the main CPU 31 performs an internal lottery process (S5). In this process, the internal winning combination is determined by lottery based on a random value.

  Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a start command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S6). The start command includes a parameter for specifying an internal winning combination. Next, the main CPU 31 requests rotation start of all the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R (S7). When the start of rotation of all the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is requested, the stepping motors 49L, 49C, 49R are driven by an interrupt process (not shown) executed at a constant cycle (1.1173 msec). Controlled, rotation of the main reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs a reel stop control process (S8). In this process, the input of the stop switch 7S is checked, and the rotation of the corresponding reel is stopped based on the timing when the stop button is pressed and the internal winning combination.

  Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a reel stop command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S6). The reel stop command includes parameters that specify the type of the stopped reel, the determined number of sliding pieces, and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not there are stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R whose operations are valid (S10). When it is determined that there is no stop button 7L, 7C, 7R that is effective in operation, the process proceeds to step S11. On the other hand, when it is determined that there are stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R whose operations are valid, the process returns to step S8.

  Next, the main CPU 31 searches for a combination of symbols displayed along the winning determination line, and determines a payout number or the like based on the result (S11). As a result of the search, when the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line matches the symbol combination defined by the symbol combination table (not shown), the corresponding display combination and the number of payouts are determined. Next, the main CPU 31 transmits a display command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S12). The display command includes parameters that specify the display combination, the number of payouts, and the like.

  Next, the main CPU 31 performs medal payout processing (S13). In this process, the hopper 40 is driven and the number of credits is updated based on the determined payout number.

  Next, the main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus is started (S14). This determination is made based on whether or not the symbol combination displayed along the winning determination line is a certain symbol combination (for example, a symbol combination of “7-7-7”). When the main CPU 31 determines that it is a bonus start, it transmits a bonus start command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S15). On the other hand, when determining that the bonus is not started, the main CPU 31 proceeds to the process of step S16.

  The main CPU 31 determines whether or not the bonus is ended after S15 or when it is determined that the bonus is not started in S14 (S16). This determination is made by referring to various counters for managing the bonus end timing and checking whether or not the bonus operation is to be ended. When determining that the bonus is ended, the main CPU 31 transmits a bonus end command to the sub-control circuit 72 (S17), and proceeds to the process of step S2. On the other hand, when the main CPU 31 determines that the bonus has not ended, the process proceeds to step S2.

[Program flow executed by sub CPU of sub control circuit]
This completes the description of the contents of the program executed by the main CPU 31 of the main control circuit 71. Next, the contents of the program executed by the sub CPU 81 of the sub control circuit 72 will be described with reference to FIGS.

<Main board communication task>
The main board communication task performed by the sub CPU 81 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the sub CPU 81 performs reception check of the command transmitted from the main control circuit 71 (S21). Next, when receiving a command, the sub CPU 81 extracts the type of the command (S22).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not a command different from the previous one has been received (S23). When the sub CPU 81 determines that a command different from the previous command has not been received, the process proceeds to S21. On the other hand, when the sub CPU 81 determines that a command different from the previous command has been received, the sub CPU 81 stores the command in the message queue (S24).

<Direction registration task>
Next, an effect registration task performed by the sub CPU 81 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the sub CPU 81 extracts a message from the message queue (S31). Next, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not there is a message (S32). When the sub CPU 81 determines that there is a message, it copies the game information from the message (S33). For example, various data such as an internal winning combination, a type of reel that has stopped rotating, a display combination, an operating flag, and the like specified by parameters are copied to a storage area provided in the sub-RAM 83.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 performs an effect content determination process which will be described later with reference to FIG. 11 (S34). In this process, depending on the type of the received command, the contents of the effect are determined and the effect data is registered.

  The sub CPU 81 registers animation data after S34 or when it is determined that there is no message in S32 (S35). Next, the sub CPU 81 registers sound data (S36). Next, the sub CPU 81 registers lamp data (S37). The registration of animation data, the registration of sound data, and the registration of lamp data are performed based on the effect data registered in the effect content determination process (see FIG. 11 described later). When this process ends, the process proceeds to S31.

<Production content determination process>
Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the flowchart of the effect content determination process performed by sub CPU81 is demonstrated. First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not a start command is received (S41). When the sub CPU 81 determines that the start command is not received, the process proceeds to step S49.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the start command is received, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the continuous production is being performed (S42). “Continuous production” means that one production is continuously performed over a plurality of unit games. When the sub CPU 81 determines that the continuous production is being performed, the production content determination process ends.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the continuous production is not in progress, the sub CPU 81 determines and sets the production number by random lottery based on the gaming state, the internal winning combination, etc. (S43). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets effect data at the start operation based on the set effect number (S44).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 refers to the sound output time table (FIG. 6) and sets the sound output time based on the set production number (S45). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets the sound output timer to “0” (S46). The sound output timer may be provided in a predetermined area of the register of the sub CPU 81 or may be provided independently of the sub CPU 81. Next, the sub CPU 81 starts measuring the sound output time using the sound output timer (S47). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets the sound output flag to ON (S48) and ends the effect content determination process.

  If it is determined in step S41 that the start command is not received, the sub CPU 81 executes a process corresponding to the received command (S49), and ends the effect content determination process.

<Sound control task>
Next, a sound control task performed by the sub CPU 81 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the sub CPU 81 extracts sound data from the sound storage area (S51). Through this process, the sound data registered in the process of step S36 in FIG. 10 is extracted based on the effect data determined in the effect content determination process (FIG. 11).

  Next, the sub CPU 81 performs an analysis process on the sound data extracted in the process of step S51 (S52). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs a sound output control process (S53). Through this sound output control process, the sub CPU 81 instructs the speakers 9L and 9R to output sound corresponding to the sound data. When the sound output control process ends, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to the process of step S51 again.

<Sound collection task>
Next, the sound collection task performed by the sub CPU 81 will be described with reference to FIG. First, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the sound output flag is on (S61). If it is determined that the sound output flag is on, the process proceeds to step S62. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sound output flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S68.

  In the process of step S62, the sub CPU 81 determines whether or not the time measured by the sound output timer exceeds the sound output time set in advance in the process of step S45 of FIG. If it is determined that the time measured by the sound output timer exceeds the preset sound output time, the sub CPU 81 sets 50 milliseconds as the delay time (S63). On the other hand, if it is determined that the time measured by the sound output timer does not exceed the preset sound output time, the sub CPU 81 proceeds to the process of step S61.

  Next, the sub CPU 81 refers to the reverberation time table (FIG. 7) and sets the reverberation time based on the set effect number (S64). Next, the sub CPU 81 adds the delay time set in step S63 and the reverberation time set in step S64, and sets the added value as the adjustment time (S65). Next, the sub CPU 81 waits for the adjustment time set in step S65 to elapse (S66). Next, the sub CPU 81 sets the sound output time to OFF (S67). Next, the sub CPU 81 performs sound collection control processing (S68), and proceeds to processing in step S61. In the sound collection control process, the sub CPU 81 instructs the environmental microphone 28 to start collecting sounds around the pachislot 1. The environmental microphone 28 collects the ambient sound of the pachislot 1 in response to this command. The volume adjusting means described above adjusts the volume of sound output from the speakers 9L and 9R in the subsequent effects according to the volume of the ambient sound collected by the environmental microphone 28.

  According to the pachislot machine 1 described in the present embodiment, the volume from the speakers 9L and 9R can be adjusted according to the volume of the ambient sound detected by the environmental microphone 28. Specifically, when the ambient sound is loud, the above-described volume adjusting means is set so that the sound effect from the speakers 9L and 9R increases accordingly, thereby making it easy for the player to hear the sound effect. Can do. On the other hand, when ambient sounds are small, such as when there are few players, setting the sound effects from the speakers 9L and 9R accordingly can prevent the players from becoming uncomfortable.

  That is, the volume of the slot machine can be changed according to the volume of the sound in the game hall, and the game can be enjoyed with an effective volume for the player. Also, there is no need for the game hall side to adjust the volume of the sound effect by opening the opening / closing door of the slot machine.

  Further, according to the pachi-slot 1 described in the present embodiment, when the speakers 9L and 9R are producing sound effects, the environmental microphone 28 starts detecting surrounding sounds after the generation of the sound effects is completed. To do. Thereby, since the volume is not adjusted depending on the sound effect generated by the pachislot machine 1 provided with the environmental microphone 28 itself, the volume of the sound effect thereafter is set even though the sound effect size is appropriate. As a result of the large adjustment, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the subsequent sound effect is too loud and irritating.

  In particular, the environmental microphone 28 not only ends the sound effect but also waits for a predetermined adjustment time to elapse, and starts collecting ambient sounds. Here, when sound effects are output from the speakers 9L and 9R, a plurality of processes are performed after the sub CPU 81 issues a command to stop the sound effects until this command is transmitted to the speakers 9L and 9R. Need to pass. Further, even after the command is transmitted to the speakers 9L and 9R, the speakers 9L and 9R continue to vibrate for a while. For this reason, even if the sub CPU 81 instructs the stop of the sound effect, a predetermined delay time is required until no sound effect is actually produced. In the pachislot machine 1 described in the present embodiment, this delay time is included in the adjustment time, so that the effect on the speakers 9L and 9R is actually obtained even though the sub CPU 81 instructs the stop of the sound effect. As a result, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the volume of the subsequent sound effect is greatly adjusted even though the sound effect volume is appropriate, as a result.

  In addition, even if the speakers 9L and 9R end the sound effects, the sound effects reverberate inside the pachislot 1 until a predetermined reverberation time elapses. In the pachislot machine 1 described in the present embodiment, the reverberation time is included in the adjustment time, so that although the speakers 9L and 9R have finished producing the sound effect, the effect is actually generated inside the pachislot machine 1. Since the sound reverberates, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the volume of the subsequent sound effect is greatly adjusted.

  Furthermore, even if the volume of the ambient sound is greater than a certain value, the sound effect is controlled to be the maximum value that does not increase any more, so that the sound volume can be prevented from being infinite, and the speakers 9L and 9R. Can be prevented from being damaged, and discomfort to the player or the like due to an increase in sound volume can be prevented.

  Note that the sound volume adjusting means may be any device that can adjust the sound volume of the sound effect output from the pachi-slot 1 in accordance with the volume level detected by the environmental microphone 28 provided in the pachi-slot 1. The configuration is not limited to that shown in FIG. Further, in the present embodiment, the sound volume adjusting means is disposed on the sub control circuit 72 side, but may be disposed on the main control circuit 71 side.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the gaming machine according to the present invention is applied to the pachislot has been described. However, the present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines including an environmental microphone that collects sound around the housing. is there. Even when the present invention is applied to such a gaming machine, the same effects as the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

1 Pachislot 9L, 9R Speaker 25 Environmental microphone 81 Sub CPU
91 Amplifier 92 Ambient sound level amplifier 93 Gain adjuster

Claims (2)

Sound effect generating means for generating sound effects;
Ambient sound detection means for detecting ambient sounds;
Volume adjusting means for adjusting the output volume of the sound effect output from the sound effect generating means according to the ambient sound level detected by the ambient sound detecting means;
With
The ambient sound detection means is generated due to the generation of the sound effect after the sound effect generation means ends the generation of the sound effect when the sound effect generation means is generating the sound effect, and A gaming machine, wherein detection of the surrounding sound is started when a predetermined adjustment time elapses until an event affecting detection ends. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
It has a housing that houses equipment used for gaming,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined adjustment time includes a reverberation time from the end of generation of the sound effect by the sound effect generating means to the end of reverberation in the housing.

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