JP2010057609A - Apparatus and program for generating image and sound - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform reproduction from an optional position even when using a sound circuit in which the reproduction from the optional position is impossible. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus for generating an image and sound includes an image generating device (405) for generating images based on performance contents and a sound generating device (406) including a plurality of channels capable of generating sound signals respectively. The sound generating device (406) includes a channel control section (410) for starting the reproduction of the sound in the respective channels so as to generate a prescribed time difference in the reproduction position of the sound based on the performance contents from one of the plurality of channels, and a sound volume setting section (412) for setting the sound volume of one of the plurality of channels to be equal to or larger than a perceivable limit sound volume and setting the sound volume of the other channels to be smaller than the limit sound volume. Then, when a prescribed jump scheduled position is specified, the sound volume setting section (412) specifies the corresponding channel of a progress state corresponding to the jump scheduled position, and sets the sound of the corresponding channel to be equal to or larger than the limit sound volume. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image sound generation apparatus suitable for a gaming machine, and more particularly to image sound generation including a sound chip that cannot reproduce sound from any midway position.

  Conventional gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines are equipped with an image display device and a sound generation device. In addition to games using the game balls of the pachinko machine, which is the main game, games using the reels of the slot machine, effects by images and sounds Many are configured to be able to present. These gaming machines are configured to send sound (for example, music) in synchronization with image effects.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-270554 is one of such gaming machines, and this gaming machine displays an image corresponding to the effect selected based on the lottery result, and plays the music corresponding to the image. It is comprised so that it may perform (patent document 1, paragraph 0012). Specifically, the ROM 42 stores effect screen / effect sound data. The CPU 41 selects the effect contents, and controls the graphic display circuit 45 to display an effect image based on the effect contents on the display device 47. The sound circuit 44 is controlled so that the sound amplifier / speaker 46 outputs effect sound corresponding to the effect image (paragraph 0020).

  A sound circuit (sound source circuit) incorporated in such a gaming machine includes a plurality of channels each capable of generating an acoustic signal, and the same sound can be simultaneously reproduced based on the same sound source data in a plurality of channels. It is also possible to simultaneously reproduce different sounds based on different sound source data.

  Here, the effect by image and sound is a story along the theme set for each gaming machine, and is configured to return to the effect at the start of the effect again after a certain time has elapsed since the start of the effect. In particular, the game mode when the lottery result is not a big win is referred to as “normal game”. In this normal game, there are cases where a story branches or jumps depending on a lottery result or an operation situation. For example, in a “reach effect” that is a music corresponding to a normal game or a jackpot notice mode, an effect for a normal game is interrupted, and an image effect and a sound effect for “reach effect” are transmitted. When the “reach effect” ends, the image effect and the sound effect for the normal game are resumed.

In addition, game machines are often provided with operation means. In a game machine having operation means, the normal game is switched to another story or a subversion of the same story in accordance with the operation state of the operation means. It was often configured. For example, the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to control the progress of the game in accordance with the operation of the operation unit 49 (paragraph 0020).
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-270554 (paragraphs 0012 and 0020)

  However, the sound generation device installed in a conventional gaming machine may cause inconvenience when performing discontinuous effects such as story branching or jumping (hereinafter referred to as “discontinuous reproduction”). It was. This is because the image generation device can start playback from an arbitrary position in the story, whereas the sound circuit of the sound generation device cannot start playback from an arbitrary position in the story. is doing. In addition to the ability to play sound from the beginning, the sound circuit has a technical limitation that only a simple pause is possible. For this reason, it is not possible to perform production control such as jumping to an arbitrary position in the story or branching in the middle of another story according to the lottery result or the operation state due to this restriction of the sound circuit.

  Further, when the normal game is paused in order to insert the “reach effect”, it is necessary to return to the normal game again after the “reach effect”. At this time, since the contents of the image and sound production are continuous, it is not preferable that the image is missed or the lyrics or lines are missed. Preferably, the playback start position of the effect is slightly returned when the temporary stop associated with the “reach effect” or the like is canceled. However, due to the limitations of the sound circuit, the conventional gaming machine cannot reproduce the sound a little before releasing the pause.

  In addition, the acoustic rewinding process and fast-forwarding process, which are a kind of discontinuous reproduction, cannot be performed due to the above technical limitations.

  Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an image sound generation apparatus and an image sound generation program that can be reproduced from an arbitrary position even when a sound circuit that cannot be reproduced from an arbitrary position is used. That is.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image sound generation apparatus of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, an image sound generation device including an image generation device that generates an image based on the contents of the effect and a sound generation device including a plurality of channels each capable of generating a sound signal, the sound generation device A channel control unit for starting reproduction of the sound in each channel so that a predetermined time difference occurs in a sound reproduction position based on the effect content with any one of the plurality of channels, and the plurality of channels A volume setting unit that sets the volume of any one of the channels to a perceivable limit volume or more and sets the volume of the other channels to be lower than the limit volume. Then, when a predetermined scheduled jump position is specified, the volume setting unit of the sound generation device identifies a corresponding channel in a progress state corresponding to the planned jump position, and the sound of the corresponding channel is equal to or higher than the limit volume. Set to.

In order to solve the above problems, the image sound generation program of the present invention has the following functions. That is, there is an image sound generation program for an image sound generation apparatus including an image generation apparatus that generates an image based on the contents of effects and an acoustic generation apparatus that includes a plurality of channels each capable of generating an acoustic signal. To the computer
1) a function of starting reproduction of the sound in each channel so that a predetermined time difference occurs in the sound reproduction position based on the effect content with any one of the plurality of channels;
2) a function of specifying a corresponding channel in a progress state corresponding to the scheduled jump position when a predetermined jump planned position is designated as the reproduction position of the effect;
3) A function for setting the sound of the corresponding channel to be equal to or higher than the limit volume, and 4) A function for setting the volume of the other channel to be lower than the limit volume.

  According to such a configuration, in the image generation device, the production image is generated based on the production content, while in the sound generation device, the production sound corresponding to the production content is provided in each of a plurality of channels with a predetermined time difference. Since production is started, production sound that is synchronized with the production image is generated in any one channel, and production sound is reproduced at the playback position shifted by time difference in any other channel, and any one channel Only the volume above the limit volume, that is, the volume that can be heard by the player, and the other channels are reproduced at a volume that is lower than the limit volume, that is, the volume that cannot be heard by the player. Here, when a planned jump position is designated, a corresponding channel in the progress state corresponding to the planned jump position is identified from the channels that play the same sound with a shift by a predetermined time difference, and the corresponding channel is specified. Is reproduced at a volume higher than the limit volume, that is, a volume that can be heard by the player, and other channels are smaller than the limit volume, that is, in a state where the player cannot hear. Therefore, there is always a channel in a progress state corresponding to an arbitrary jump planned position, and even if a sound chip that cannot reproduce sound from an arbitrary position is used, reproduction from an arbitrary position is possible. .

  Here, at the start of the production, the volume setting unit of the sound generation device starts reproduction of the sound so that the sound reproduction position is synchronized with the image based on the production content in any one channel. It is preferable that the volume of this channel is set to be equal to or higher than the limit volume, and the volume of other channels is set to be smaller than the limit volume. Since the sound synchronized with the image is reproduced at a volume higher than the limit volume at any channel even at the beginning of the production, the reproduction of the sound is not delayed from the beginning. For example, when the generation of an image is started without delay after the production starts, the volume of the channel where sound reproduction is first started is set to be greater than or equal to the limit volume.

  As a first mode for specifying the corresponding channel, it is conceivable that the volume setting unit of the sound generation device specifies the channel in the progress state closest to the planned jump position as the corresponding channel. According to this aspect, since the channel whose estimated jump position is closest to the progress state is identified as the corresponding channel, even if the scheduled jump position is specified based on the player's operation, the player feels uncomfortable. Can be suppressed.

  As a second mode for specifying the corresponding channel, the volume setting unit of the sound generation device specifies, as the corresponding channel, one channel that reproduces the sound within a predetermined matching range including the planned jump position. Can be considered. According to this aspect, a matching range is set at the scheduled jump position, and one channel in which reproduction is progressing in the matching range is selected. As long as it is within this matching range, it may be considered that it is equal to the expected jump position, so that the corresponding channel can be easily identified without determining the exact match of the playback position.

  Here, when the sound generation device sets the volume of the corresponding channel in the progress state that does not directly correspond to the planned jump position to be equal to or higher than the limit volume, the progress state of the corresponding channel It is preferable to move the reproduction position of the image to a position that matches the position. According to such a configuration, even when there is no channel in which playback is progressing without any time difference with the scheduled jump position, the playback position of the image is adjusted to match the progress state of the channel specified as the corresponding channel. Therefore, when the volume of the corresponding channel is set to be equal to or higher than the limit volume, the image and the sound can be provided in alignment.

  For example, it is preferable that designation of the planned jump position is performed when the acoustic pause is canceled. For example, in a gaming machine, when a reach state is reached, a normal game that is repeatedly played is paused, a “reach effect” is sent out, and a normal game is resumed after the completion of the “reach effect”. It is possible to make up for the shortage of information associated with the interruption of the normal game by jumping to an arbitrary jump planned position (specifically, a playback position that goes back a little) at the time of release of the pause due to “effect” or the like.

  In the present invention, the image generation device generates the image from the beginning when the image is generated to the end, and the channel control unit of the sound generation device generates the sound from the beginning when the sound is generated to the end in each channel. It is preferable to configure so as to. According to such a configuration, since the image and the sound are repeatedly played endlessly, at least after the second playback, whatever jump planned position is designated for the image corresponds to the planned jump position. There will always be a channel that is playing.

  The image sound generation program of the present invention can be stored in a predetermined storage medium readable by a computer. That is, the program of the present invention can be transmitted through various media such as a CD-related disk, a DVD-related disk, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and a communication network in addition to ROM and RAM, for example, a video game machine for business use or home use, It can be loaded into a memory in an information processing apparatus such as a computer and executed.

  According to the present invention, each of the plurality of channels reproduces the sound at a predetermined time difference, so that when the planned jump position is designated, the sound is reproduced in the progress state corresponding to the planned jump position. There is a specific channel, and by increasing the volume of the specific channel and decreasing the volume of the other channels, it is possible to switch the sound progress state in correspondence with an arbitrary scheduled jump position. Therefore, even when a sound circuit that cannot reproduce sound from an arbitrary position is used, the sound can be reproduced from an arbitrary position.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, as an example of a gaming machine, a so-called first-class pachinko machine (hereinafter, abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) will be described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to other pachinko machines (second type, third type, etc.), slot machines, simulation devices, game devices, and other amusement devices as long as they have a sound generation function. .

(Definition 1)
The terms according to the present invention are defined as follows.
“Limit sound volume” means a sound volume at the lowest level that can be heard by an average healthy person when sound is output from sound generation means of a sound generation device, for example, a speaker. This is a threshold value for distinguishing between “silence” (volume zero) and “sound” (appropriate volume).
“Volume smaller than the limit volume”: In addition to including volume zero, the volume setting is not zero but includes a volume that is substantially inaudible to the player, and is a volume that is considered to be “silent” in effect.
“Playback position”: The elapsed time from the beginning (the beginning) when a certain sound is played, or the relative value of the elapsed time. In addition to time, it is specified by the counter value, the number of measures such as music, and the number of reference notes. This is different from the reading position of the sound source data. The playback position for one sound is “front” near the beginning and “back” near the end.
“Delay” means that a playback position in a certain channel for reproducing a predetermined sound is ahead of a playback position in another channel.
“Advance”: For a given sound, the playback position in a certain channel is after the playback position in another channel.

  “Predetermined time difference”: a difference in playback start time between two channels, that is, a time difference in playback position during playback, which can be arbitrarily determined. The number divided by is preferable. This is because the changeable reproduction position can be set evenly over the entire sound.

  “Progression state”: a state where a predetermined reproduction position is being reproduced for one sound or image, and “progression state corresponding to the planned jump position” is that the “predetermined jump position” is constant with this “reproduction position” (Match, approximation, within a certain range before and after the planned jump position).

  “Alignment range”: A predetermined range before and after the planned jump position, which is relatively close to the planned jump position, and is determined according to the total number of channels, the length of sound, and the like.

(Definition 2)
Terms for gaming machines used in this embodiment are defined as follows.
“Amusement machines”: Pachinko machines and slot machine machines that are installed in halls and are subject to customary laws (abbreviations for “regulations on customs business operations and business optimization”).
“Game Ball”: A ball (pachinko ball) (rental ball) used in a gaming machine, by having a card reader read a predetermined card, or by directly inserting coins into a ball rental machine , Provided.
“Prize ball”: A game ball paid out by winning.

“Winning”: A game ball enters the winning gate.
“Winning slot”: means a game ball set to be paid out when a game ball enters.
“Start-up winning opening”: means a lottery set to start when a game ball enters, and is also called “chucker”. In the present embodiment, it corresponds to the start winning opening 112.

“Big prize opening”: An electric accessory that is released as a result of a jackpot, also called an “attacker”. In the present embodiment, the big prize opening 113 corresponds.
“Lottery”: “Lottery” or “losing” lottery results are output with a predetermined probability when a game ball wins a winning prize opening.
“Big Bonus”: Refers to shifting to a special game as a result of lottery.

“Reach”: When one more condition is met, it will be a “big hit”. For example, if one more number is arranged in the “decorative symbol”, the symbol “big hit” is displayed.
“Normal game”: A game that is played before a “big hit”.
“Special game”: A game state advantageous to the player.

“Special symbol”: A symbol for displaying the result of the lottery, and “Big jackpot” or “Lose” is displayed.
“Decoration design”: A design for presenting a lottery result with an image having an impact on the player, and corresponds to a lottery result of “big hit” or “losing” displayed by “special design”. Usually, a decorative design is represented by a design such as a number or a symbol. A design such as individual numbers or symbols is simply referred to as a “decorative design”. In the gaming machine, a group of a series of decorative symbols (for example, 10 numbers “0” to “9”) is moved and displayed as a unit. This group of “decorative symbols” is called “a series of ornamental symbols”. In the gaming machine, one of the “series of decorative symbols” is selected. By displaying a combination of a plurality of the selected decorative symbols, “winning” or “losing” is displayed. The combination of the decorative symbols expressed by the combination of the plurality of selected decorative symbols is referred to as “decorative symbol combination”.

“Normal symbol”: a symbol indicating whether or not a game ball is likely to win a normal electric accessory (so-called electric tulip) having a start winning opening.
“Variable display”: Displaying a decorative symbol while moving a lottery.
“Holding number”: The cumulative number of game balls that have entered the winning slot, and is the number of waiting for a lottery due to winning. Usually an upper limit is set.

“Probability variation mode”: a probability variation mode, which is a mode in which a state in which the probability of becoming a “big hit” is higher than in a normal game is formed.
“Time-saving mode”: A mode in which the fluctuation time of “special symbol” and “ordinary symbol” is shortened for a predetermined period or a period in which a unit game is executed a predetermined number of times.

(Pachinko machine structure)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of an external configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a pachinko machine (game machine) 100 includes a game board (gauge board) that constitutes a game board surface and a game machine frame that supports and fixes the game board.
The game board includes a plurality of nails 101, windmills 102a and 102b, a normal symbol operating gate 103, a normal electric accessory 104, a center decorative part 105, a special symbol display device 106, an effect display device 107, a normal symbol display device 108, an outside A rail 110, an inner rail 109, and the like are provided as game parts. Further, the game board is provided with a general winning port 111, a starting winning port 112, a big winning port 113, and an out port 114.

The inner rail 109 and the outer rail 110 are for guiding the launched game balls to the game area 115.
The nail 101 and the windmills 102 a and 102 b are provided at predetermined positions in the game area 115. For example, the game balls that enter the game area 115 and move from the top to the bottom of FIG. 1 are irregularly moved, or the game balls to the general prize opening 111, the start prize opening 112, and the big prize opening 113 are The winning frequency and the passing frequency of the game ball to the normal symbol operating gate 103 are adjusted.

The special symbol display device 106 is provided on the side of the inner rail 109, and includes, for example, a 7-segment LED 116 that displays the special symbol and four LEDs 117 that display the number of winnings to the starting winning port 112 of the game ball. It is prepared for.
In this embodiment, the 7-segment LED 116 is caused to emit light based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 112, and “3” and “7”, which are special symbols corresponding to “big hit”, and “losing”. After the corresponding special symbol “-” is displayed in a variable manner, one of these three types of special symbols is stopped and displayed based on the result of the lottery.

  The four LEDs 117 are for displaying the number of lottery results held based on the winning of the game balls at the start winning opening 112. Each time the game balls win the start winning opening 112, the light is sequentially emitted. When the fluctuation display starts, the lights are turned off sequentially. That is, the number of light emission of the four LEDs 117 corresponding to the upper limit value of the number of holdings is notified to the player of the current number of holdings of the lottery result based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112. In the present embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of holds of the lottery result based on winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112 is set to four. Then, when the number of reserves is four and a game ball is won at the start winning opening 112, the number corresponding to winning at the start winning opening 112 without performing a lottery based on the winning of the game ball. Only to play the prize ball.

  The effect display device 107 is a display device for displaying an image including a decorative design, and is provided at a substantially central position of the game area 115 so that the player can easily recognize it, and displays related to various effects. A liquid crystal display device for performing the above is provided.

The display screen 118 is an area in which an image is provided to the player so as to be visually recognized on the liquid crystal display device provided in the effect display device 107. A set of decorative symbols is displayed on the display screen 118. As a set of decorative designs, for example, “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, “8”, There are “9”, “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”. During the variation period of the decorative symbols, the decorative symbols are switched and displayed in the order determined by the gaming machine. At the end of the decorative symbol variation period, any one of “0” to “9” and “A” to “F” is stopped and displayed as decorative symbols. The combination of these three decorative symbols indicates “big hit” or “lost”. On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is “losing”, decorative symbols other than the combination of specific decorative symbols corresponding to “big hit” are stopped and displayed.
The effect display device 107 is an object (character) for giving the player a sense of expectation of “big hit” in the “reach” effect after the transition to the reach state, as well as the image parts and decorative symbols. An image or the like is also displayed as a background image of a decorative design. In addition, sound corresponding to the result of the lottery is transmitted from the speaker 133.

Further, the effect display device 107 may display the number of winnings of the game ball at the start winning opening 112 and notify the player of the current number of winnings at the starting winning opening 112.
Below the effect display device 107, an ordinary electric accessory 104 is provided. The ordinary electric accessory 104 opens and closes to guide the game ball to the start winning opening 112.
A big prize opening 113 is formed below the ordinary electric accessory 104. The big prize opening 113 becomes a “hit” and when the game shifts to a special game, the big prize opening door 120 falls down and is opened. In the present embodiment, a maximum of 15 unit games are executed in a special game. More specifically, during a unit game, when a game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) 121 formed in the big prize opening 113, it may shift to the next unit game. As much as possible, a maximum of 15 unit games are executed. In the present embodiment, the specific area 121 is formed in the special winning opening 113, but the specific area 121 is not necessarily formed. In this case, when shifting to the special game, it is guaranteed that 15 unit games will be executed.

  The center decorative component 105 is a molded product including a translucent part, and is provided around the effect display device 107. The center decoration part 105 plays a role of protecting the effect display device 107 or decorating the pachinko machine 100. Further, in the pachinko machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, the game ball that has entered the through portion 105 a formed at the upper part of the center decorative part 105 passes through the center decorative part 105 and is placed below the center decorative part 105. A flow path is formed so as to move to the formed stage 105b.

The normal symbol operation gate 103 is provided between the normal electric accessory 104 and the inner rail 109. For example, a game ball can pass through the normal symbol operation gate 103 from top to bottom. It is configured.
The normal symbol display device 108 is provided at a position facing the normal symbol operation gate 103 through the normal electric accessory 104. For example, the 7-segment LED 122 for displaying the normal symbol and the normal symbol operation gate 103 for the game ball are provided. And four LEDs 123 for displaying the number of passages to. The normal symbol is a symbol for indicating whether or not the normal electric accessory 104 is opened according to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103.

  The normal symbol display device 108 causes the 7-segment LED 122 to emit light based on the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol operation gate 103 and, for example, “7” and “−” as the normal symbols are alternately displayed in a variable manner. Either “7” or “−” is stopped and displayed. Then, when “7” is stopped and displayed, it is determined as “winning” and the ordinary electric accessory 104 is opened. On the other hand, when “−” is stopped and displayed, it is “lost”, and the ordinary electric accessory 104 is not opened.

  The four LEDs 123 indicate the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operating gate 103. The regular LEDs are sequentially lit each time the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 103, and the normal symbol variation display is displayed. Turns off sequentially when starting. That is, the number of passages of the normal symbol operation gate 103 is notified to the player by the number of light emission of the four LEDs 123.

  The general winning opening 111 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 103 and the inner rail 109. When a gaming ball wins the general winning opening 111, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out.

  The out port 114 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 115 and collects game balls that have not won any of the start winning port 112, the general winning port 111, and the big winning port 113. The collected game balls are released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100.

The gaming machine frame includes an outer frame 124, a front frame 125, a transparent plate 126, a door 127, and a ball tray unit 128.
The outer frame 124 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the pachinko machine 100 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 125 is a frame body that aligns with the opening of the outer frame 124, and is attached to the outer frame 124 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like.

  The front frame 125 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like. Furthermore, electrical decoration parts 130a to 130d such as game effect lamps that are turned on according to the state of the game are provided on the peripheral edge of the front frame 125.

  The transparent plate 126 is for protecting the game board, and is, for example, a transparent glass plate. A player plays a game through the transparent plate 126 while seeing through the game area 115 of the game board.

  The door 127 is for supporting the transparent plate 126, and is attached to the front frame 125 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like.

  The ball tray unit 128 is provided below the front frame 125. The ball tray 128a stores a certain amount of game balls (rental balls and prize balls), a mechanism for storing game balls, and fires the game balls. A mechanism for sending out the game ball to the mechanism for the above, a ball removal mechanism for extracting the stored game ball into a ball exit storage box (so-called dollar box), a firing handle 131, an operation switch 132, and the like.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a push button type is adopted as the ball removing mechanism. More specifically, when the player presses the bullet release button 128b, a part of the bottom surface of the ball tray 128a is opened, and the game ball stored in the ball tray 128a is released to the outside.

  The launch handle 131 is operated by the player when launching the game ball toward the game area 115. When the player rotates the launch handle 131, the game ball is guided toward the game area 115 by being guided by the inner rail 109 and the hustler 110 at a speed corresponding to the rotation angle.

The operation switch 132 is operated by the player, and the game effect can be changed by reflecting the operation content. In this embodiment, the operation switch 132 includes a push button and a cross key (not shown).
Further, speakers 133 that reproduce and output sound effects (actually, stereo sound left and right speakers 133L and 133R) are provided on both sides of the ball removal mechanism 128b.

(Outline of the game)
Next, an outline of the game in the pachinko machine 100 will be described.
(Normal game)
First, the normal game will be described. In the normal game, an image effect prepared for the normal game is displayed, and a corresponding sound effect is sent out.

  When the rented game ball is placed on the ball tray 128a, when the player turns the launch handle 131 in the clockwise direction toward FIG. 1, the game ball is launched toward the game area 115. The The game ball that has entered the game area 115 collides with the nail 101 or the windmill 102 formed in the game area 115, and moves in the game area 115 from top to bottom while moving irregularly.

  At the start of the game, the decorative screen is not displayed on the display screen 118 of the effect display device 107, and the background image and an image in which a predetermined character (object) moves around the background image, and the theme of this gaming machine Is displayed.

  When the game ball wins the start winning opening 112, a predetermined number of winning balls (four winning balls in the present embodiment) are paid out to the ball tray 128a, and the special symbol display device 106 displays a variation display of the symbols. Be started. The lottery is started based on the winning. Corresponding to the start of the lottery, the decorative symbol is displayed on the display screen 118 and the variable display is started. Corresponding to the variable display of the decorative symbols, the effect display device 107 displays an image corresponding to the effect content for a predetermined normal game, and the speaker 133 transmits sound corresponding to the effect content.

  When the result of the lottery executed based on the winning is “losing”, a special symbol corresponding to “losing” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. Then, a “reach” effect is executed on the display screen 118 as necessary, and a predetermined combination of decorative images corresponding to “losing” is displayed in the final stop, and then the mode shifts to a standby mode.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery executed based on the winning is “big hit”, after executing the reach effect, a special symbol corresponding to “big win” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 in this stop. The The display screen 118 displays a predetermined combination of decorative symbols corresponding to “big hit”, and then shifts to a special game. The timing of the special symbol stop and the decorative symbol main stop coincide with each other.

(Special game)
When the special game is executed, the image effect for the normal game is interrupted, the sound effect for the normal game is temporarily stopped, and the effect display device 107 displays an image corresponding to the effect content for the special game. Then, the sound corresponding to the contents of the effect is sent from the speaker.

In the special game, the special prize opening door 120 falls and the special prize opening 113 is opened. Each time a game ball wins a prize in the opened big winning opening 113, a predetermined number of prize balls (15 prize balls in this embodiment) are paid out. In this embodiment, when the grand prize winning opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or when a specific number of game balls are won in the special winning prize opening 113, the big winning prize opening door 120 is opened. Standing up, the special prize opening 113 is closed.
In the following description, when the specific number is 10, that is, either the big prize opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or ten game balls are awarded to the big prize opening 113. In this state, the case where the special winning opening door 120 is raised will be described as an example.

When the game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) 121 formed in the big winning opening 113 while the winning opening 113 is opened, the big winning opening 113 is opened again. In the present embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the grand prize winning opening 113 is performed up to 15 times. In other words, as described above, in the special game, a unit game in which the opening / closing of the big prize opening 113 is set as a set is performed a maximum of 15 times.
In this way, when a special game is executed, a large amount of prize balls are paid out in a short period of time, and a great merit can be given to the player.

  When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the normal symbol display device 108 (7-segment LED 122) starts to display the normal symbol in a variable manner. Thereafter, when a predetermined normal symbol (“7” in the present embodiment) is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108, the normal electric accessory 104 performs an opening / closing operation. When the ordinary electric combination 104 is opened, the game ball can win the start winning opening 112 without passing between nails (so-called life nails) above the start winning opening 112.

  Further, according to the result of the lottery executed based on the winning at the start winning opening 112, the mode is shifted to either the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” after the special game is executed. When shifting to the “probability change mode”, the special symbol display device 106 displays “7” as the special symbol, and the effect display device 107 executes an effect indicating the shift to the “probability change mode” to play the game. Inform the person. Further, when shifting to the “short time mode”, the special symbol display device 106 displays “3” as the special symbol, and the effect display device 107 executes an effect indicating that the transition to the “short time mode” is performed. , Inform the player.

  As described above, when the transition to the “probability change mode” is performed after the execution of the special game, it is possible to prevent the holding ball from being reduced as much as possible until the next special game is started. Further, even when the mode is shifted to the “short time mode”, it is possible to prevent the holding ball from being reduced as much as possible for a while after the execution of the special game.

  When a game ball wins the general winning opening 111, a predetermined number of prize balls (four prize balls in this embodiment) are paid out to the ball tray 128a. If the game ball has not won any winning opening, the game ball flows into the out opening 114.

(Description of system configuration)
Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in FIG.
Inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100, there are a main control board 201, a sub control board 202 connected to the main control board 201, a winning hole board 203, an LED drive board 204, a launch control board 205, a payout control board 206, A power receiving board 207, an electric decoration board 208, and the like are provided.

(Main control board 201)
The main control board 201 is provided with a main CPU 201a, ROM 201b, RAM 201c, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 201d, which are connected to each other via a bus 201e.

  The main CPU 201a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. And main CPU201a reads the program, data, etc. which are memorize | stored in ROM201b, and controls the whole pachinko machine 100 based on these.

  The ROM 201b stores programs, data, and the like necessary for the main CPU 201a to perform main control processing related to lottery and other game controls. The RAM 201c is used as a work area when the main CPU 201a performs various controls and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The I / F circuit 201d transmits and receives signals performed between the main control board 201, the sub control board 202, the winning hole board 203, the LED drive board 204, the launch control board 205, and the payout control board 206. Control the timing. However, between the main control board 201 and the sub control board 202, transmission of signals from the main control board 201 to the sub control board 202 is performed, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 202 to the main control board 201 is not performed. Not done. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

  In addition, the I / F circuit 201 d is supplied with predetermined power from the power supply device 209 disposed inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100 via the power receiving board 207. With this power, the main control board 201 can perform various processes described later.

(Sub control board 202)
The sub control board 202 implements the functions according to the present invention, and includes the sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, RAM 202c, image sound processor 202d, image data ROM 202e, video RAM 202f, sound source circuit 202g, amplifier 202h, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 202i is provided. The sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, RAM 202c, image sound processor 202d, and I / F circuit 202i are connected to each other via a bus 202j. The sound source circuit 202g, the image data ROM 202e, and the video RAM 202f are connected to the image sound processor 202d, and the sound source data ROM 202k and the amplifier 202h are connected to the sound source circuit 202g. Furthermore, an electrical decoration board 208 is connected to the I / F circuit 202i.

  The sub CPU 202a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 202a reads a program, data, and the like stored in the ROM 202b, and controls the entire sub control board 202, in particular, controls the effects for the player.

  The ROM 202b stores programs and data necessary for the sub CPU 202a to execute image sound control processing and other effects during the game. The RAM 202c is used as a work area when the sub CPU 202a performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  Note that the ROM 202b and the RAM 202c may be the same as the ROM 201b and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201, respectively, but those having a larger capacity may be used.

  The effect display device 107 includes a liquid crystal display device, and is connected to the image sound processor 202d. The decoration display and the background image are displayed on the display screen 118 by the effect display device 107.

  The image data ROM 202e stores image data such as objects (characters) and characters constituting these decorative symbols and background images.

The video RAM 202f is a memory used when the image sound processor 202d creates an image to be displayed on the effect display device 107. The video RAM 202f can store a plurality of frame image data. An area for storing individual frame image data is a storage layer.
Needless to say, the display screen 118 may be configured to form the effect display device 107 by using, for example, a plasma display instead of the liquid crystal display device.

  The sound source circuit 202g is a sound source IC (so-called sound chip) for generating an acoustic signal corresponding to the game effect, and is connected to the amplifier 202h so that the acoustic signal can be output. The acoustic signal generated by the sound source circuit 202g is amplified by the amplifier 202h and output from the speaker 133. The sound source circuit 202g is configured by a FIFO, a sequencer, a sound source unit, an ADC, etc. when sound reproduction based on the sound source technology is possible, and when sound reproduction is possible by the speech synthesis technology, It is composed of a FIFO, a compressed data decoder, a DAC, and the like.

  The sound source circuit 202g has at least a plurality of channels (for example, 8 channels and 16 channels), and can generate the same or different sounds at the same time and independently to generate a synthesized sound signal. . There is no limitation on the sound source that can be used in the sound source circuit 202g, and the sound source can be appropriately selected according to the capacity of the waveform memory. For example, a PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) sound source using pulse code modulation technology, a PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) sound source that synthesizes a plurality of basic waveforms to create a timbre and processes the envelope, and a timbre synthesis method that applies frequency modulation An FM (Frequency Modulation) sound source, an LA (Linear Arithmetic) sound source, a waveform memory sound source with low memory consumption, and the like are applicable. The sound signal may be reproduced based on a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) sound source method.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the sound source circuit 202g may read one sound (sound source data) and start sound reproduction with a time difference in a plurality of channels, or may appropriately change and control the sound volume in each channel. It is configured to be possible. However, it is assumed that the sound source circuit 202g may not be able to give a reproduction instruction by designating an arbitrary position of sound (sound source data) (e.g., elapsed time from the beginning of sound).

  Furthermore, an electrical decoration component 130 that is turned on or off according to the state of the game is provided as a production peripheral device. For example, as the illumination component 130, an illumination component (LED) that is lit when a reach state is formed, an illumination component (LED) that is lit during execution of a special game, and an illumination component that is lit during a prize ball ( LED). These effect peripheral devices are peripheral devices that are not directly related to the game, and output the effects during the game, and are controlled only by the sub-control board 202 and not by the main control board 201. .

  The I / F circuit 202 i performs timing control when receiving a signal from the main control board 201. Further, the I / F circuit 202i detects the operation of the operation switch 132 and transmits the detection signal to the sub CPU 202a. Thereby, the sub CPU 202a recognizes the operation content of the operation switch 132. The I / F circuit 202 i is supplied with predetermined power via the power receiving board 207 from the power supply device 209 arranged inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100. With this electric power, the sub-control board 202 can perform various processes described later.

(Electric board 208)
The above-mentioned electric decoration part 130 is connected to the electric decoration board 208, and the electric power supplied from the power supply device 209 arranged inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100 is output to the electric decoration part. Thereby, the electrical decoration component 130 performs lighting or light extinction. A control signal corresponding to the gaming state is supplied to the electrode substrate 208 via the I / F circuit 202i.

(Prize opening board 203)
On the winning opening board 203, a start winning opening switch 210 for detecting the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening 112, a normal symbol operating gate switch 211 for detecting the passing of the gaming ball to the normal symbol operating gate 103, A general winning opening switch 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the winning opening 111, a large winning opening switch 213 that detects a winning of a gaming ball to the big winning opening 113, and a specification formed in the large winning opening 113 A specific area detection switch 214 that detects passage of a game ball to the area 121 is connected.

  Based on the signals transmitted from the start winning port switch 210, the normal symbol operating gate switch 211, the general winning port switch 212, the large winning port switch 213, and the specific area detecting switch 214, the winning port board 203 It identifies which region has passed and transmits a game ball passing signal indicating the identified result to the main control board 201. Further, the prize winning board 203 has an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 215 for opening the ordinary electric accessory 104, a prize winning solenoid 216 for opening the prize winning opening 113, and the prize winning opening 113. A specific area solenoid 217 for controlling the movement of the game ball is connected. Specifically, the specific area solenoid 217 makes it easy to pass the game ball to the specific area until the specific area detection switch 214 detects the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121, and enters the specific area 121. When the passage of the game ball is detected, the state where the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121 becomes easy is released. The prize opening board 203 outputs a current for driving the ordinary electric combination 104 to the ordinary electric combination solenoid 215 when an ordinary electric combination release instruction signal is input from the main control board 201 as will be described later. As a result, the ordinary electric accessory 104 performs an opening / closing operation.

  In addition, when the prize winning hole opening instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the prize winning hole board 203 outputs a current for driving the big prize winning hole door 120 to the big prize winning hole solenoid 216. As a result, the special prize opening door 120 falls and the special prize opening 113 is opened. On the other hand, when a special winning opening closing instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the output of the current for driving the special winning opening door 120 is stopped. As a result, the grand prize opening door 120 stands and the special prize opening 113 is closed. Furthermore, when the game ball passes through the specific area 121, it is determined that the special game will be transferred to the next unit game, and when the specific area control instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the winning opening board 203 is specified. A current for releasing the state where the passing of the game ball to the area 121 becomes easy is output to the specific area solenoid 217. As described above, in this embodiment, a maximum of 15 unit games are continued in one special game.

(LED drive board 204)
A special symbol display device 106 and a normal symbol display device 108 are connected to the LED drive board 204. When a special symbol display instruction signal is input from the main control board 201 as described later, the LED drive board 204 receives the 7-segment LED 116 disposed in the special symbol display device 106 based on the special symbol display instruction signal, The four LEDs 117 that display the winning numbers are caused to emit light. In addition, when the normal symbol display instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the LED drive board 204 receives the 7-segment LED 122 disposed in the normal symbol display device 108 based on the normal symbol display instruction signal and the gate passing signal. The four LEDs 123 for displaying the numbers are caused to emit light.

(Launch control board 205)
The launch control board 205 is connected to a launch handle 131 for launching a game ball into the game area 115.
The launch control board 205 detects that the launch handle 131 has been operated by the player, and transmits a launch operation detection signal indicating the detected result to the main control board 201. As a result, the main control board 201 recognizes that the firing handle 131 has been operated. Then, the main control board 201 transmits a launch permission signal to the launch control board 205 when the game balls are not stored in the ball tray 128a in a certain amount or more. Then, the launch control board 205 controls the launch handle 131 so that the game ball is launched toward the game area 115.

  On the other hand, when a certain amount or more of the game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch non-permission signal to the launch control board 205. Thereby, the launch control board 205 controls the launch handle 131 so that the game ball is not launched toward the game area 115.

(Discharge control board 206)
When the payout control board 206 receives a prize ball number signal transmitted from the main control board 201 as will be described later, the number of prize balls (game balls) corresponding to the prize ball number signal is paid out to the ball tray 128a. In this manner, the dispensing device 218 disposed inside the pachinko machine 100 is controlled. Thereby, the payout device 218 pays out a winning ball (game ball) corresponding to the winning.

  The winning a prize board 203, the LED drive board 204, the launch control board 205, and the payout control board 206 operate based on the power supplied from the power supply device 209 via the power receiving board 207.

(Power receiving board 207)
When the power switch 219 disposed inside the pachinko machine 100 is turned on, the power receiving board 207 is supplied with power from the power supply device 209, and the power is supplied to the main control board 201 and the sub-control as described above. This is distributed to the board 202, the winning hole board 203, the LED driving board 204, the launch control board 205, the payout control board 206, and the decoration board 208.

(Functional configuration of main control board 201)
Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 201 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the main control board 201. In the main control board 201, the sub control board 202 changes the contents of the effect based on the lottery result.

(Winning determination unit 301)
The winning determination unit 301 determines which region the game ball has passed based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning hole board 203. Specifically, based on the game ball passing signal, the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball is a start winning port 112, a normal symbol operating gate 103, a general winning port 111, a large winning port 113, and a specific area 121. Which of the above has been passed is determined.
The winning determination unit 301 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Payout instruction unit 303)
The payout instructing unit 303 transmits the award ball number signal indicating the number of winning balls to the payout control board 206 based on the result determined by the winning determination unit 301. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the start winning port 112 (that the game ball has won the start winning port 112), the payout instructing unit 303 receives the award. The prize ball number signal indicating that the number of balls is “4” is transmitted to the payout control board 206. When the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the general winning opening 111, the payout instructing unit 303 sends the winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “4” to the payout control board 206. Send. Further, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113, the payout instructing unit 303 sends the winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “15” to the payout control board 206. Send. Thereby, the payout control board 206 controls the payout device 218 so that payout according to the number of prize balls indicated in the prize ball number signal is made.
The payout instruction unit 303 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Special symbol lottery section 304)
The special symbol lottery unit 304 generates and acquires a random number ranging from, for example, “0” to “65535” when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has won the start winning opening 112. For example, when no random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area in the RAM 202 c, the acquired random number is output to the winning determination unit 305. On the other hand, when a random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area, the acquired random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area. In the present embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the special symbol lottery unit 304 can be stored in the special symbol random number storage area, and the random number storage order can be identified. Then, the special symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the random number stored earliest in the special symbol random number storage area to the winning determination unit 305 and deletes the output random number from the special symbol random number storage region.
The special symbol lottery unit 304 is realized by using a main CPU 201a, a ROM 201b, and a RAM 202c provided on the main control board 201.

(Winning determination unit 305)
The winning determination unit 305 determines whether the random number output from the special symbol lottery unit 304 corresponds to “big hit” or “losing” based on the random number value output from the special symbol lottery unit 304. Furthermore, when “big hit” is true, it is determined whether to shift to “probability change mode” or “time reduction mode” after the “big win”. These determinations are made using, for example, a lottery table. Then, if it corresponds to “big hit”, the bonus flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. Further, when the “accuracy change mode” is applicable, the probability change flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. On the other hand, in the case of “time reduction mode”, the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. In the present embodiment, a lottery table that is different between the case of shifting to the “probability change mode” and the other cases (in the case of shifting to the “short-time mode” and when playing a normal game), It is determined whether it corresponds to the above-mentioned “big hit” or “losing”.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the probability variation lottery table used when the mode is changed to the “probability change mode”, the case where the mode is changed to the “time reduction mode”, and the case where the normal game is performed. There are two lottery tables, the normal lottery table to be used. And, in the case of shifting to “probability mode”, the probability of becoming “big hit” is higher than the case of shifting to “short-time mode” and the case of performing normal game, The contents of the two lottery tables are set.
The winning determination unit 305 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Special symbol display instruction unit 306)
The special symbol display instruction unit 306 determines the special symbol variation display time in the special symbol display device 106 based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and determines the result determined by the winning determination unit 305. Based on this, the special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 is determined. In the present embodiment, the case where the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is turned on (in the case of shifting to the “probability variation mode” or the “time reduction mode”) is different from the case where the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is turned on. The special symbol fluctuation display time is made much shorter than when playing “games”.

Further, in the present embodiment, when it corresponds to “big hit” and shifts to “probability change mode”, “7” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. On the other hand, when it corresponds to “big hit” and shifts to “time reduction mode”, “3” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. Further, in the case of “losing”, “−” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. The special symbol display instruction unit 306 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the special symbol variation display time, etc. 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.
The special symbol display instruction unit 306 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Big prize opening opening instruction section 307)
When the winning determination unit 305 determines that the lottery result by the special symbol lottery unit 304 corresponds to “big hit” by the winning determination unit 307 and the bonus flag in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on, The special winning opening release instruction signal is transmitted to the substrate 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened. After that, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the specific area 121 formed in the big prize opening 113 based on the result of the determination in the winning determination section 301, the special prize opening release instruction section 307 performs the specific area control. An instruction signal is transmitted to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the state in which the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121 is released.

  Thereafter, for example, when it is determined that ten game balls have passed through the prize winning opening 113, or when it has been determined that 29.5 seconds have elapsed since the prize winning opening 113 was opened, the prize winning opening releasing instruction unit 307 Then, a large winning opening closing signal is transmitted to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is closed.

  When the big prize opening 113 is closed as described above, the big prize opening opening instructing unit 307 facilitates the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121 while the big prize opening 113 is being opened. It is determined whether or not the state has been released. As a result of this determination, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is released, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the special winning opening 113 is opened 15 times. . That is, it is determined whether or not 15 unit games have been consumed. As a result of these determinations, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is facilitated and all the unit games in the special game have not been digested, the special winning opening release instructing unit 307 The prize winning opening instruction signal is transmitted to the prize winning board 203 to shift to the next unit game, and the operation for opening and closing the prize winning opening 113 as described above is repeated until all the unit games are consumed. Do.

On the other hand, when all the rounds of the special game have been consumed, the special game has ended, and the special winning opening 113 is not opened. Further, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area 121 while the special winning opening 113 is opened, it is a so-called “punk” state, and whether or not all unit games in the special game have been consumed. Regardless, the special game is forcibly terminated. Accordingly, in this case as well, the special winning opening 113 is not opened.
The special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal symbol lottery section 309)
When the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 103, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 generates and acquires random numbers within a predetermined range. Then, when the normal symbol is not being displayed in the normal symbol display device 108 (that is, when it is not necessary to hold the normal symbol lottery result), the acquired random number is output to the winning determination unit 310. . On the other hand, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less and the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the normal symbol display device 108, the obtained random number Are stored in the normal symbol random number storage area. As described above, in the present embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the normal symbol lottery unit 309 can be stored in the normal symbol random number storage area, and the random number storage order can be identified. . Then, the normal symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the random number stored earliest in the normal symbol random number storage area to the winning determination unit 310 and deletes the output random number from the normal symbol random number storage region.
The normal symbol lottery unit 309 is realized by using the main CPU 201a, the ROM 201b, and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201.

(Winning determination unit 310)
The winning determination unit 310 determines whether the random number output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309 corresponds to “win” or “losing” based on the random number value output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309. This determination is performed using, for example, a lottery table. In the present embodiment, a lottery table that is different between the case of shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode” and the case of performing a normal game is used, and either “winning” or “losing” described above is used. Judgment is made as to whether it is applicable. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a special mode lottery table used when shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” and a normal lottery table used when a normal game is being performed. There are two lottery tables. Then, the two lottery tables are set so that the probability of “winning” is significantly higher in the case of shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “short-time mode” than in the case of playing a normal game. Is set. This increases the probability of winning the normal symbol when the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”. Therefore, when the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”, the normal electric accessory 104 is released more frequently than when the normal game is played, and the ball is held as much as possible. The game can be progressed without being reduced.
The winning determination unit 310 is realized by using the main CPU 201a, the ROM 201b, and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal symbol display instruction unit 311)
The normal symbol display instruction unit 311 determines the normal symbol variation display time based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and based on the lottery result determined by the winning determination unit 310, the normal symbol display time A normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the display device 108 is determined. Then, a display pattern based on the determined stop symbol and the normal symbol variation display time is formed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the probability change flag or the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”). The normal symbol variation display time is made much shorter than when they are not turned on (than when the normal game is played). If the result of the determination by the winning determination unit 310 is “winning”, for example, “7” is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108. On the other hand, in the case of “losing”, for example, “−” is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108. Then, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the normal symbol variation display time, and the like, and sends the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern to the LED drive board. 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.
The normal symbol display instruction unit 311 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal electric accessory driving instruction unit 312)
Based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, the lottery result determined by the winning determination unit 310, etc., the normal electric combination driving instruction unit 312 determines the operation mode of the normal electric combination 104, A normal electric accessory release instruction signal indicating the determined operation mode is transmitted. For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the probability change flag or the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or “time reduction mode”). The operation mode of the ordinary electric accessory 104, for example, the opening time is determined so that the game ball can be easily won at the start winning opening 112, compared with the case where they are not turned on (than when the normal game is performed). Like to do.

  Note that the normal electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 is realized by using the main CPU 201 a and the ROM 201 b provided on the main control board 201.

(Direction command generator 313)
The effect command generation unit 313 is a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 301, a result of determination by the winning determination unit 305 (a special symbol lottery result), a flag state stored in the flag storage unit 302, and a special symbol display. Based on the special symbol variation display time determined by the instruction unit 306, an effect command corresponding to the current game state is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. The effect command output from the effect command generating unit 313 to the sub control board 202 is information including the lottery result of the gaming machine.
The production command generation unit 313 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Functional configuration of sub-control board 202)
Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 202 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the sub control board 202.
As shown in FIG. 4, the sub control board 202 includes an effect command analysis unit 401, an effect control unit 402, an effect pattern storage unit 403, a flag storage unit 404, an image generation unit 405, and a sound generation unit 406.

(Direction command analysis unit 401)
The effect command analysis unit 401 analyzes the effect command transmitted from the main control board 201 (effect command generation unit 313). For example, when an effect command indicating a flag state is input from the main control board 201, the effect command analysis unit 401 stores this in the flag storage unit 404. When an effect command indicating a special symbol lottery result or special symbol variation display time is input from the main control board 201, the effect command analysis unit 401 determines whether the current game mode (normal game or not) based on the lottery result. , "Probability change mode" based on the probability change flag, "time reduction mode" based on the time-short flag, or "big hit" (special game) state based on the bonus flag), and update the flag content of the flag storage unit 404 These pieces of information are output to the effect control unit 402.

  In addition, the effect command analysis unit 401 acquires an operation signal of the operation switch 132 and outputs operation information indicating an operation state to the effect control unit 402, the image generation unit 405, the sound generation unit 406, and the illumination board 208. In the gaming machine, it is possible to display a plurality of effect contents, and the effect contents to be executed are specified corresponding to the operation information, and the effect image is displayed and the effect image corresponding to the specified effect contents. The corresponding sound can be played back.

  The effect command analysis unit 401 determines the default effect content selected when the power is turned on. When the operation signal is input in the state where the operation of the operation switch 132 is permitted, the effect content is changed to the next order. It is going to change. The operation switch 132 enables a so-called toggle operation. In the normal game mode, when the game is “big hit” and the effect for “big win” is returned to the normal game mode again, the content of the previous effect is maintained until the next operation signal is input. .

  In addition, the process which the production | presentation command analysis part 401 performs is not limited to these, The process according to the content of the production | presentation command is performed suitably. The effect command analysis unit 401 is realized by using a sub CPU 202a, a ROM 202b, and a RAM 202c provided on the sub control board 202.

(Production pattern storage unit 403)
The effect pattern storage unit 403 has information indicating the combination information of the decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in the main stop, the decorative symbol variation pattern that is variably displayed before the main stop, “reach” effect time, and information indicating the effect contents in the “reach” effect. Stored. These pieces of information are determined by the effect control unit 402 according to the lottery result.

As the decorative symbol variation pattern, a plurality of decorative symbol variation patterns 4031 to 403m (m is a natural number) related to a series of symbol transition order from the start of variation display to the actual stop are set in a table. The reach production time is an extra time required to produce the effect of “reach” when “reach” is applied.
The effect pattern storage unit 403 corresponds to the ROM 202b.

(Production control unit 402)
The effect control unit 402 performs control related to the background image, the decorative design, and the sound effect corresponding to them. Specifically, the effect control unit 402, based on the current game mode and operation information output from the effect command analysis unit 401, from the effect pattern storage unit 403, a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in this stop. The information, the decorative symbol variation pattern variably displayed before the actual stop, the “reach” effect time, and the information indicating the effect contents in the “reach” effect are selectively read out. Then, the image production content to be generated by the image generation unit 405 and the sound production content to be generated by the sound generation unit 406 are determined, and background image production information for designating the production content at a predetermined timing (for example, every frame period) and Sound production information is generated and output.

  At the time of determining the combination of the decorative symbols, the production control unit 402 determines that the special symbol lottery result is “big hit” and the transition to the “probability change mode” is “111”, “333”, “ One of the combinations “555”, “777”, “999”, “AAA”, “CCC”, and “EEE” is determined as a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed. In addition, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” and the mode shifts to the “short time mode”, “000”, “222”, “444”, “666”, “888”, “ A combination of any one of “BBB”, “DDD”, and “FFF” is determined as a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed. The combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed on the effect display device 107 may be determined by lottery, for example. Furthermore, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “losing”, the combination of the decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed is determined so that the combination of different decorative symbols is displayed on the display screen 118. In addition, the production control unit 402 performs the “reach” production based on the current game mode, operation information, a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in the final stop, a decorative symbol variation pattern that is variably displayed before the final stop, and the like. Determine presence or absence. And the decoration design effect information which specifies the decoration design displayed at the next image display timing is output.

  In particular, the effect control unit 402 cooperates with the image generation unit 405 and the sound generation unit 406 for image sound control according to the present invention. Specifically, the effect control unit 402 outputs various image effect commands that determine the content of the image effect to the image generation unit 405, and outputs various sound effect commands that determine the content of the sound effect to the sound generation unit 406. It is configured as follows. Here, the format of the image effect command is arbitrary, but includes, for example, information specifying the object to be displayed, the position of the world coordinate at each image update timing, the posture of the object, the light source, and the like. The format of the sound production command is arbitrary. For example, sound identification information for specifying sound source data corresponding to the sound (music piece) to be controlled, reproduction start instruction information for instructing start of sound reproduction, and pause of sound reproduction , Pause stop information indicating release of pause of sound reproduction, playback end instruction information for instructing termination of sound playback, and volume setting information indicating a volume set for each channel.

(Image generation unit 405)
The image generation unit 405 generates image data for displaying a stereoscopic image including a decorative design based on the image effect command output from the effect control unit 402. These image data are output to the effect display device 107 as output frame image data.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the sound generation unit 406. In FIG. 5, illustration of the effect command analysis unit 401, the effect pattern storage unit 403, and the flag storage unit 404 illustrated in FIG. 4 is omitted. As shown in FIG. 5, specifically, the image generation unit 405 includes a modeling unit 430, a coordinate conversion unit 431, a rendering unit 432, and a display control unit 433.

  Based on the image effect command output from the effect control unit 402, the modeling unit 430 reads original image data for displaying an object such as a decorative pattern or a character related to the effect image at each image update timing, and outputs the original image data. Accordingly, a modeling conversion operation for determining an appropriate arrangement in the virtual three-dimensional space is executed. That is, the modeling unit 430 performs a coordinate conversion operation for placing an original image data of an object defined in the body coordinate system in a virtual space defined in the world coordinate system. Specifically, coordinate conversion is performed for each vertex coordinate of each polygon constituting the object. The calculation result is temporarily written in the memory space.

  The coordinate conversion unit 431 reads out image data of an object defined in the world coordinate system, and performs perspective projection conversion for converting into a viewpoint coordinate system based on the viewpoint in order to project a virtual three-dimensional space onto a two-dimensional projection plane. And perform normalization conversion if necessary. The calculation result is written again into the memory space.

  The rendering unit 432 performs a mapping operation for mapping a texture on an object whose coordinates on a two-dimensional projection plane are determined while referring to light source information. At that time, hidden surface processing, shading processing, and the like are performed. The calculation result is stored in the memory space as an output frame image.

  The display control unit 433 outputs the stored output frame image data to the effect display device 107 in synchronization with the image update timing (for example, every 1/30 seconds as the frame period). Thereby, the character image and the decorative design corresponding to the effect content are displayed on the effect display device 107.

  The image generation unit 405 controls the image acoustic processor 202d by sequentially executing the image generation program stored in the ROM 202b by the sub CPU 202a provided on the sub control board 202, that is, the sub CPU 202a, the ROM 202b, the image The sound processor 202d, the image data ROM 202e, and the video RAM 202f are implemented.

(Sound generation unit 406)
The sound generation unit 406 has a configuration as a sound generation device according to the present invention. As an operation common to the following embodiments, the sound generation unit 406 starts reproduction of a plurality of channels so that a predetermined time difference is delayed for a predetermined sound, and the volume of any one of the plurality of channels is increased. Is set to be equal to or higher than the limit volume, and the volume of the other channels is set to be lower than the limit volume. When jumping to an arbitrary position, the channel is set to be switched to be higher than the limit volume.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the sound generation unit 406 includes a channel control unit 410, a sound volume setting unit 412, a sound source data storage unit 414, a sound source reproduction unit 416, a sound amplification unit 418, and sound synthesis units 420L and 420R. .

  Such a functional block is realized by the sub CPU 202a sequentially executing the sound generation program stored in the ROM 202b to control the image sound processor 202d, and further the image sound processor 202d controlling the sound source circuit 202g. The That is, in the above configuration, the sound source data storage unit 414 corresponds to the sound source data ROM 202k, and the channel control unit 410, the volume setting unit 412, the sound source reproduction unit 416, the sound amplification unit 418, and the sound synthesis unit 420L / R The sound source circuit 202g controlled by the acoustic processor 202d corresponds to this.

(Channel control unit 410)
The channel control unit 410 is a functional block that causes the sound source reproduction unit 416 to sequentially start reproduction of a plurality of channels so that a delay of a predetermined time difference occurs with respect to the sound for the normal game. Therefore, the channel control unit 410 first specifies sound source data for the normal game corresponding to the acoustic identification information transmitted from the effect control unit 402 and a channel for reproducing the sound source data. Next, the channel control unit 410 starts sound generation by reading sound source data for each of the plurality of channels specified at the supply timing of the reproduction start instruction information transmitted from the effect control unit 402. The channel control unit 410 pauses the generation of sound when the pause instruction information is transmitted from the effect control unit 402, and restarts the generation of paused sound when the suspension release information is transmitted. Furthermore, when the reproduction end instruction information is supplied from the effect control unit 402, the sound reproduction is ended.

  Here, the acoustic identification information, the reproduction start instruction information, the pause instruction information, the pause release information, and the reproduction end instruction information are accompanied by information for identifying a channel to be operated, and the channel control unit 410 is identified. For each channel, the playback start, pause, release of pause, and playback end are instructed individually. Specific operation contents between a plurality of channels will be described in detail in each embodiment.

(Volume setting unit 412)
Based on the volume setting information transmitted from the effect control unit 402, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of any one of a plurality of channels to be reproduced to be higher than the limit volume, and sets the volume of other channels. Is set smaller than the limit sound volume. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, the volume above the limit volume is referred to as “on volume V _ON ”, and the volume smaller than the limit volume is referred to as “off volume V _OFF ”. For example, when the set volume is designated by an M digit digital value, if the on volume V _ON is set to 50% of the maximum output volume (= 2M), the on volume V _ON can be set to 2M-1. can, if you set the off volume V _oFF to the lowest output volume, the off volume V _oFF can be set to 0 (zero).

Here, when playing the sound for normal game, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of only one of the plurality of channels to the on volume V _ON and turns off the volume of the remaining channels. The volume is set to V _OFF . Sound is output recognizable from only one of the plurality of channels.

(Sound source data storage unit 414)
The sound source data storage unit 414 stores various types of sound source data that are original sound data. The number of sound source data is the upper limit of the number of sound source data that can be read by the sound source circuit 202g, and in reality, many kinds of sound source data can be stored as long as the capacity of the sound source data ROM 202k allows. The volume of each sound source data depends on the content and length of the sound, and corresponds to sound (music) having a length of 1 second to several tens of seconds, for example. Examples of relatively short sounds include those corresponding to sound effects and character voices, and examples of relatively long sounds include those corresponding to everything from several measures of music. The sound source data that is the subject of the present invention is original data for playing back music that is sent in correspondence with effect images for normal games. The sound source data format is a sound source format that can be supported by the sound generation unit 406, for example, uncompressed PCM sound source data, PSG sound source data, FM sound source data, LA sound source data, and waveform memory sound source data obtained by quantizing an analog sound signal. MIDI sound source data may be used.

(Sound source playback unit 416)
The sound source reproduction unit 416 is a functional block that reads sound source data specified by the acoustic identification information into a designated channel based on the control of the channel control unit 410 and reproduces an acoustic signal in that channel. When the channel control unit 410 designates sound source data, the sound source reproduction unit 416 reads the designated sound source data and prepares to reproduce an acoustic signal according to the format of the sound source data. When the channel control unit 410 gives an instruction to start or end playback, the sound source playback unit 416 starts and ends generation of an acoustic signal based on the sound source data. When the channel control unit 410 instructs to pause or cancels the suspension, the sound source playback unit 416 interrupts the generation of the sound signal based on the sound source data being played back, and starts from the position where it was interrupted. Resume generation of acoustic signals.

(Sound amplification unit 418)
The acoustic amplification unit 418 amplifies the acoustic signal of each channel so as to correspond to the volume setting output from the volume setting unit 412. Since the acoustic signal of each channel is an analog signal, the acoustic amplification unit 418 functions like a variable resistor (volume) that changes the amplitude of the analog signal. For example, when the on volume V _ON is set, the acoustic signal is amplified with an amplification degree corresponding to the on volume V _ON . When the off sound volume V _OFF is set, the output of the acoustic signal is practically prohibited if the degree of amplification corresponding to the off sound volume V _OFF is specifically zero. The acoustic signal can be set individually for the right acoustic and the left acoustic. The sound amplification unit 418 determines the volume and localization of each sound signal for each channel, separates the sound signal into a right sound signal and a left sound signal, and outputs them.

(Sound synthesis unit 420)
The acoustic synthesis units 420L and R synthesize the right acoustic signal and the left acoustic signal provided from each channel, respectively, amplify the power of the synthesized right acoustic signal and left acoustic signal, and output them to the speakers 133L and R, respectively. Note that the function of the sound source circuit 202g is performed until the synthesis of the right acoustic signal and the left acoustic signal, and the power amplification of the synthesized acoustic signal is the function of the amplifier 202h.

(Basic operation explanation)
Next, the basic operation of the gaming machine in this embodiment will be described.
First, the operation of the main control board 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, and the operation of the sub control board 202 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Processing of main control board 201)
FIG. 6 is a main flowchart showing an example of processing operations in the main control board 201.
In step S1 in FIG. 6, when the power switch 219 is turned on, the main control board 201 performs a game ball launch process. A specific example of this game ball launch process will be described. After the launch operation detection signal indicating that the launch handle 131 has been operated by the player is transmitted from the launch control board 205, first, the main control board 201 stores a certain amount or more of game balls in the ball tray 128a. It is determined whether or not.

  If the result of this determination is that a certain amount or more of game balls are not stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch permission signal to the launch control board 205 and the game balls are directed to the game area 115. A command indicating that it has been fired is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. Thereby, a game ball is launched into the game area 115 and an effect during the game is started.

  On the other hand, when a certain amount or more of game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch non-permission signal to the launch control board 205, and the game balls cannot be launched into the game area 115. A command indicating this is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. In this case, even if the player operates the launch handle 131, the game ball is not fired toward the game area 115. In addition, the player is notified by turning on the illumination part 130 that a certain amount or more of the game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a.

  Next, in step S2, the main control board 201 performs a general winning process. This general winning process is a process performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 wins the general winning opening 111. Details of the general winning process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the main control board 201 performs normal symbol operation gate passage processing. This normal symbol operation gate passing process is a process performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 passes through the normal symbol operation gate. The normal symbol operation gate passing process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  Next, in step S4, the main control board 201 performs a start winning process. This start winning process is a process that is performed based on a winning of a game ball launched into the game area 115 to the start winning port 112. Details of the start winning process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

  Next, in step S5, the main control board 201 performs a special game execution process. In this special game execution process, as a result of determining “big hit” by the winning determination unit 305, a predetermined symbol or effect image is displayed on the special symbol display device 106 and the effect display device 107, resulting in a “hit”. This is a process that is performed when a transition is made. Details of the special game execution process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As described above, in the main control board 201, the game ball launching process, the general winning process, the normal symbol operation gate passing process, the starting winning process, and the special game executing process are repeatedly performed, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 below. Thus, in the present embodiment, each process is repeatedly executed while omitting unnecessary processes according to the state of the game.

(General winning process)
Next, the details of the general winning process in step S2 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, each process (including the partial process to which the code | symbol is not provided) can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not produce inconsistency in a processing content, or can be performed in parallel (this point is other The same applies to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S <b> 11 of FIG. 7, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has won the general winning opening 111 based on the gaming ball passage signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has won the general winning opening 111, the process proceeds to step S12, where the payout instructing unit 303 pays out the prize ball number signal indicating that the number of prize balls is “4”. Transmit to the substrate 206. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a. In addition, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the general winning opening 111 has been won and transmits it to the sub-control board 202. Thereby, the sub-control board 202 notifies the player that the general winning opening 111 has been won, for example, by lighting the electric decoration part 130. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when the game ball has not won the general winning opening 111, it is not necessary to perform the process of step S12, and the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Normal symbol operation gate processing)
Next, details of the normal symbol operation gate passing process in step S3 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8A and 8B.
In step S21 of FIG. 8A, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103 based on the gaming ball passage signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the routine proceeds to step S22, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 generates a random number and performs lottery (that is, obtains a random number).

  Next, in step S23, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether or not the normal symbol is being variably displayed. If the result of this determination is that the normal symbol is variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S24, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 counts the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not there are three or less. As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S25, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines the normal symbol lottery result (step S22). Is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area, and the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S22 may be suspended. Since normal symbols cannot be displayed based on, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the normal symbol is not being variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S26, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether or not a random number is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area. Determine. As a result of this determination, if random numbers are stored, the process proceeds to step S27, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less. Determine whether.

  As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S28, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines the normal symbol lottery result (step S22). Is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area.

Next, in step S29, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 reads the random number stored earliest in the normal symbol random number storage area, and proceeds to step S30.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that no random number is stored, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 skips steps S27 to S29 and proceeds to step S30.

If it is determined in step S27 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S22 may be suspended. Therefore, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.
When the normal symbol lottery result (random number) is obtained as described above, the process proceeds to step S30, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 outputs the obtained random number to the winning determination unit 310.

  Next, in step S31, the winning determination unit 310 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on, it is determined that the mode is shifting to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, and the process proceeds to step S32, where the winning determination unit 310 The special mode lottery table used in the case of the “short time mode” or “probability change mode” is read.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the time-saving flag nor the probability variation flag is turned on, it is determined that the game is in the normal game, and the process proceeds to step S33. The winning determination unit 310 is used when the game is in the normal game. The normal lottery table to be extracted is extracted.

  As described above, when the lottery table is selected in step S33, the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG. 8B, and the winning determination unit 310 selects the lottery result (random number) output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309 in step S30. It is determined whether or not the lottery table corresponds to “winning”. That is, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won.

  As a result of this determination, if the normal symbol lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S35, and the normal symbol display instructing unit 311 and the ordinary electric accessory driving instructing unit 312 refer to the flag storage unit 302, and It is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is turned on. That is, it is determined whether or not a transition is made to either “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on and the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S 36, when the transition to the “short time mode” is in progress, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner during the default normal symbol fluctuation display time in the “short time mode”. A display pattern for stopping and displaying “7” indicating “win” is formed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  On the other hand, when transitioning to the “probability change mode”, the normal symbol display instructing unit 311 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner during the default normal symbol change display time in the “probability change mode”, and then “wins”. A display pattern for stopping and displaying “7” indicating that the normal symbol is displayed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  Next, in step S <b> 37, the ordinary electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the default operation mode in the “time reduction mode” or the “probability change mode” to the winning opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG. The normal electric accessory release signal is transmitted after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that neither the time reduction flag nor the probability variation flag is on, the normal game is in progress, so the process proceeds to step S38, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the default during normal game. During the normal symbol variation display time, after the normal symbol is variably displayed, a display pattern is formed such that “7” indicating “winning” is stopped and displayed, and the normal symbol indicating the formed display pattern is formed. A display instruction signal is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  Next, in step S <b> 39, the ordinary electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the default operation mode during the normal game to the prize opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG. The normal electric accessory release signal is transmitted after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108.

  If it is determined in step S34 that the normal symbol lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S40, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to set the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag. Determine whether it is turned on. As a result of these determinations, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on and the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S41, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 During the default normal symbol fluctuation display time in “mode” or “probability change mode”, after the normal symbol is variably displayed, a display pattern is formed so that “−” indicating “losing” is stopped and displayed. The normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S40 that neither the time reduction flag nor the probability variation flag is on, the normal game is in progress, so the process proceeds to step S42, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the default normal in normal game. After the normal symbol is variably displayed during the symbol variation display time, a display pattern is formed so that “-” indicating “losing” is stopped, and the normal symbol display instruction indicating the formed display pattern is formed. A signal is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S21 of FIG. 8A that the game ball has not passed the normal symbol operation gate 103, the process proceeds to step S43, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 is provided with the normal symbol provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not random numbers are stored in the random number storage area. If a random number is stored as a result of this determination, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 proceeds to step S29 described above. On the other hand, when the random number is not stored, it is not necessary to perform the processing after step S22, so the normal symbol lottery unit 309 returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Start-up winning process)
Next, details of the start winning process in step S4 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9A and 9B.
In step S61 of FIG. 9A, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the start winning port 112 based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning port substrate 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the start winning opening 112, the process proceeds to step S62, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 generates a random number and performs lottery (that is, obtains a random number).

  Next, in step S63, the special symbol lottery unit 304 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag has been turned off, the process proceeds to step S64, and the special symbol lottery section 304 determines whether or not the special symbol is being variably displayed. If the result of this determination is that the special symbol is variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S65, where the special symbol lottery section 304 counts the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not there are three or less.

As a result of the determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S66, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines the special symbol lottery result (step S62). Is stored in the special symbol random number storage area, and then the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S63 that the bonus flag is not turned off (turned on), the special symbol lottery unit 304 proceeds to step S65 because the special game is being executed.

  If it is determined in step S65 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S62 may be suspended. Therefore, the special symbol lottery unit 304 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S64 that the special symbol is not being variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S67, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether or not a random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area. Determine. If the result of this determination is that random numbers are stored, the process proceeds to step S68, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less. Determine whether.

  As a result of the determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S69, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines the special symbol lottery result (step S62). Is stored in the special symbol random number storage area.

Next, in step S70, the special symbol lottery unit 304 reads the random number stored earliest in the special symbol random number storage area, and proceeds to step S71.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S67 that no random number is stored, the special symbol lottery unit 304 skips steps S68 to S70 and proceeds to step S71.

  If it is determined in step S68 that the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S62 may be suspended. Since the special symbol based on the symbol cannot be displayed, the special symbol lottery unit 304 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, when the lottery result (random number) for the special symbol is obtained, the process proceeds to step S71, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the obtained random number to the winning determination unit 305.

  Next, in step S72, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the probability variation flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the probability variation flag is on, it is determined that the mode has been shifted to the “probability variation mode”, and the process proceeds to step S73. The winning determination unit 305 is used when the probability variation mode is in effect. The lottery table for probability variation to be extracted is extracted.

  On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S74, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the time reduction flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag is turned on, it is determined that the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode”, the process proceeds to step S75, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302. Add 1 to the number of time reductions. That is, the number of games in which the current game corresponds to the “short time mode” is counted.

Next, in step S76, the winning determination unit 305 extracts a normal lottery table to be used in the “time reduction mode”.
Next, in step S77, the winning determination unit 305 determines whether or not the “time saving mode” has ended by digesting the prescribed number of games. If the result of this determination is that the prescribed number of games has been exhausted and the “time reduction mode” has ended, the process proceeds to step S78, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and turns off the time reduction flag.

If it is determined in step S77 that the prescribed number of games has not been exhausted, the “time reduction mode” is ongoing, so the process in step S78 is omitted.
If it is determined in step S74 that the time reduction flag is not turned on, the game is in a normal game, so the process proceeds to step S79. Extract.

  As described above, when the lottery table is extracted in steps S73, S76, and S79, the process proceeds to step S80 in FIG. 9B, and the winning determination unit 305 outputs the lottery result (random number) output from the special symbol lottery unit 304 in step S71. Determines whether or not it corresponds to “big hit” in the extracted lottery table. That is, it is determined whether or not a special symbol lottery is won.

  As a result of this determination, if the special symbol lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S81, and the winning determination unit 305 further determines whether to shift to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” after the special game. Referring to the flag storage unit 302, the bonus flag is turned on and the process proceeds to step S82. On the other hand, if the special symbol lottery is not won, the process of step S81 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S82.

  In step S82, the special symbol display instruction unit 306 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on, since either the “time reduction mode” or the “probability variation mode” is being executed, the process proceeds to step S83. The special symbol display instructing unit 306 forms a display pattern for the time reduction / probability change mode based on the determination result in steps S80 and S82, and sends the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern to the LED drive board 204. Send. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.

  On the other hand, if the time flag or the probability variation flag is not turned on in step S82, it means that the game is in a normal game, so that the process proceeds to step S84, and the special symbol display instruction unit 306 is based on the determination result in steps S80 and S82. Then, a display pattern for a normal game is formed, and the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.

  In step S <b> 85, the payout instructing unit 303 transmits the prize ball number signal indicating that the number of prize balls is “4” to the payout control board 206. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a.

Next, in step S86, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag is on, the process proceeds to step S87, and if the winning determination unit 305 determines in S81 to shift to the “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S88, where the flag storage unit Referring to 302, the probability variation flag is turned on.
On the other hand, when it is determined in S81 that the winning determination unit 305 shifts to the “time reduction mode”, the process proceeds to step S89, and the flag storage unit 302 is referred to and the time reduction flag is turned on.

  In step S90, the effect command generating unit 313 generates an effect command based on the determination results in steps S80 and S82 and the stored contents of the flag storage unit 302, and transmits the effect command to the sub control board 02. Return to.

  If it is determined in step S61 in FIG. 9A that the game ball has not passed through the start winning opening 112, the process proceeds to step S91, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 is provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not random numbers are stored in the design random number storage area. If a random number is stored as a result of this determination, the process proceeds to step S70 described above. On the other hand, when the random number is not stored, it is not necessary to perform the processing after step S62, and the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Special game execution process)
Next, the details of the special game execution process in step S5 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step S101 of FIG. 10, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag is not turned on, there is no need to perform the processing after step S102 (since it does not shift to a special game), the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the bonus flag is on, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S <b> 102, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 transmits the special winning opening opening instruction signal to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened, and one round of the specific game consisting of 15 rounds starts.

Next, in step S <b> 103, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the big winning opening 113 based on the gaming ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203.
If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113, the process proceeds to step S104, where the winning determination section 301 determines that the game ball is based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. It is determined whether or not the specific area 121 has been passed. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed the specific area 121, the process proceeds to step S105, where the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203, and proceeds to step S106. move on. As a result, the state in which the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121 is released. On the other hand, if the game ball has not passed the specific area 121, the process skips step S105 and proceeds to step S106.

Next, in step S <b> 106, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the game ball has passed through the big prize opening 113 or the specific area 121, and transmits it to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating that the game ball has passed the special winning opening 113 or the specific area 121 is displayed on the effect display device 107. Also, the payout instruction unit 303 transmits the prize ball number signal indicating that the prize ball number is “15” to the payout control board 206. Thereby, 15 prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a.
If it is determined in step S103 that the game ball has not won the big winning opening 113, the winning determination unit 301 skips steps S104 to S106 and proceeds to step S107.

  Next, in step S107, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not a predetermined time (29.5 seconds) has elapsed since the special winning opening 113 is opened. As a result of the determination, if the predetermined time has elapsed, it is the end of the unit game, so the process proceeds to step S108, and the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 transmits a special winning opening closing signal to the winning opening board 203. To do. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is closed.

Next, in step S <b> 109, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the state where it is easy to pass the game ball to the specific area 121 is released. As a result of this determination, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is released, the process proceeds to step S110, where the special winning opening release instructing unit 307 determines that all unit games in the special game (that is, It is determined whether or not (special game) has ended. If the result of this determination is that the special game has ended, the process proceeds to step S111, where the effect command generating unit 313 generates an effect command indicating the end of the special game and transmits it to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating the end of the special game is displayed on the effect display device 107.
Further, the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121.
In step S112, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302, turns off the bonus flag, and returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

If it is determined in step S107 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the big winning opening 113 is opened, the process proceeds to step S113, and the big winning opening releasing instruction section 307 is transmitted from the winning determination section 301. Based on the game ball passage signal, it is determined whether or not 10 or more game balls have passed through the big prize opening 113. If the result of this determination is that there are 10 or more game balls that have passed through the special winning opening 113, it means that the unit game has been completed, so that the process proceeds to step S108, and the special winning opening 113 is closed.
On the other hand, when the number of game balls that have passed through the special winning opening 113 is not ten or more, the unit game is ongoing, and the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S110 that all unit games in the special game have not ended, the process proceeds to the next unit game, and thus the process proceeds to step S114, where the effect command generation unit 313 An effect command indicating progress to a game is generated and transmitted to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating that the game has progressed to the next unit game is displayed on the effect display device 107. In addition, the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203 and returns to the main flowchart of FIG. As a result, the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121.

  Needless to say, processes other than those shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 may be performed. For example, the timing at which the production command is generated and transmitted is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, and other production commands may be generated and transmitted.

(Processing operation of sub-control board 202)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation in the normal game on the sub-control board 202.
In step S131 of FIG. 11, the effect command analysis unit 401 in the sub control board 202 determines whether or not an effect command has been received from the main control board 201. As a result of the determination, if an effect command is received, the process proceeds to step S132, and the effect command analysis unit 401 analyzes the received effect command. Next, the effect command analysis unit 401 identifies the game mode based on the analyzed effect command, and generates operation information corresponding to the operation signal from the operation switch 132.

  The effect control unit 402, based on the current game mode and operation information, from the effect pattern storage unit 403, combination information of decorative symbols that should be stopped and displayed in the main stop, decorative symbol variation patterns that are variably displayed before the main stop, Information indicating the effect of the “reach” effect and the contents of the effect in the “reach” effect is selectively read out and the presence / absence of the “reach” effect is determined. Then, the effect control unit 402 outputs an image effect command to the image generation unit 405 including the decorative symbol specifying information for specifying the decorative symbol, the background specifying information for displaying the effect image corresponding to the effect content, and the like.

  In addition, the effect control unit 402 outputs an audio effect command for executing an audio effect corresponding to the image effect to the sound generation unit 406. Specifically, the production control unit 402 specifies sound identification information that specifies sound (sound source data) to be played in accordance with the game mode, playback start instruction information that instructs the start of playback of the sound, and instructs the end of playback. The reproduction end instruction information, the pause instruction information for instructing the pause, or the pause release information for instructing the release of the pause are output to the channel control unit 410 together with the target channel designation information. Further, the effect control device 402 outputs volume setting information for specifying the volume in each channel to the volume setting unit 412.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S131 that an effect command has not been received, the effect control unit 402 proceeds to step S133 and performs the standby effect such as the image generation unit 405 and the sound generation unit. An instruction is given to 406 and the like. Thereby, the image generation unit 405 generates image data for executing the standby effect, and causes the effect display device 107 to display the image data, and the sound generation unit 406 generates the sound effect corresponding to the standby image effect. An acoustic signal for generating the sound is generated.

(Description of operation)
Next, specific operations of the effect control unit 402, the image generation unit 405, and the sound generation unit 406 will be described separately for some embodiments. In the first embodiment, an embodiment will be described in which when a scheduled jump position is specified, a channel in the progress state closest to the planned jump position is specified as a corresponding channel for sounding. In the second embodiment, an embodiment will be described in which a channel being reproduced in a predetermined matching range set before and after the planned jump position when the planned jump position is specified is identified as a corresponding channel for sounding.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 of the present invention relates to processing for specifying a channel in a progress state closest to a planned jump position as a corresponding channel for sounding when the planned jump position is designated.

  FIG. 12 shows a timing chart of sound reproduction of each channel in the first embodiment. In the timing chart, in order to make it easy to understand the explanation of the timing relationship between a plurality of channels, the alphabet is “a”, “b”, “c”, “d”, “e”. The content is a sound that is pronounced at equal intervals in order from “a”, but it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this. Also, the time difference Δd between the plurality of channels is merely an example, and can be set to an arbitrary time difference.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the first embodiment, as sound effects for a normal game, sound source data for sounds that generate the alphabet is read into each channel, and at a timing delayed for each predetermined time difference Δd, This sound reproduction is started. Specifically, at the start of reproduction at time ts, for example, after a predetermined time has passed since the power source of the gaming machine was input, sound source data for sounding the alphabet in the first channel CH1 is read, and the first sound signal is reproduced. Starts. Next, the same sound source data is read into the next channel CH2, and reproduction of the acoustic signal is started from the channel CH2 at time t1 after a predetermined time difference Δd has elapsed. Similarly, the same alphabet is pronounced in order from each channel CH at time difference Δd, such as from channel CH3 at time t2 after the elapse of time difference Δd, and from channel CH4 at time t3 after elapse of time difference Δd. Sound playback starts. The sound that pronounces the alphabet in sequence ends when the end of the alphabet is “z”. In this embodiment, when the sound reaches the end in each channel, the sound is reproduced again from the beginning, that is, from “a”. That is, the sound that is sounded in alphabetical order in each channel is repeatedly played endlessly.

In FIG. 12, it is assumed that an image synchronized with the sound is transmitted from the timing (time ts) synchronized with the sound of the channel CH1, which is the earliest timing. Therefore, only the channel CH1 is set to the _ON volume V _ON and the other channels remain set to the _OFF volume V _OFF . In the case of an effect that does not jump to an arbitrary position of the effect according to the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12, only one channel _needs to be set to the ON volume V _ON , and the ON volume V _ON is set. It is not necessary to start sound reproduction on a channel that is not likely to be played (channel CH2 and thereafter in FIG. 12).

Here, the length of the time difference Δd is set arbitrarily, but in order to be able to jump regardless of the position of the sound, the sound performance time T, the time difference Δd, and It is preferable to have the following relationship with the total number N of channels that can be used for sound reproduction delayed for each time difference Δd.
Δd = T / N (1)
That is, it is preferable to set a time interval such that the acoustic performance time T is equally divided by the total number N of usable channels as the time difference Δd. For example, when the music of a normal game makes a round in 3 minutes (= 180 seconds), and the total number of available channels is 18, the time difference Δd is 10 seconds (= 180 seconds / 18 channels). It becomes.

  The principle of the present invention will be further described in detail based on FIG. FIG. 13 is a timing chart of each channel when sound reproduction is started as shown in FIG. 12 and sound is repeatedly reproduced in any channel.

In the present invention, when a predetermined scheduled jump position of the effect is designated, the volume setting unit 412 of the sound generation unit 406 identifies the corresponding channel in the progress state corresponding to the planned jump position, and the sound volume of the corresponding channel Is set to _ON volume V _ON, and the sound volume of other channels is set to _OFF volume V _OFF . At the same time, the image generation unit 405 moves the reproduction position of the image to the planned jump position and starts generating the effect image.

  However, as can be seen from FIG. 12, since the deviation of the sound reproduction position in each channel is the time difference Δd, the movement position can only be changed discretely even when the sound is delayed or preceded. Can not. For this reason, unless the scheduled jump position is controlled in advance so as to be every time difference Δd, it should be considered that there is no channel that reproduces a position directly corresponding to the designated scheduled jump position. In such a case, in the first embodiment, the first mode for specifying the corresponding channel corresponding as the jump destination is implemented. That is, the volume setting unit 412 identifies the channel in the progress state closest to the planned jump position as the corresponding channel. Whether or not it is the closest progress state is determined by determining which playback position is close to the planned jump position between two channels in which the playback progress state is before and after the planned jump position.

By performing such processing, it is possible to arbitrarily change the sound reproduction position as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, it is assumed that the volume of the channel CH1 is initially set to the on volume V _ON and the sound of the channel CH1 is being reproduced. If “z” is designated as the scheduled jump position when “b” is reproduced on the channel CH1, the channel CH4 whose reproduction position has just proceeded to “z” is specified as the corresponding channel. Therefore, this time, the volume of channel CH4 is set to _ON volume V _ON and the volume of other channels is set to _OFF volume V _OFF . Thereby, the sound of the channel CH4 is reproduced from “z”. Similarly, assuming that “f” is designated as the scheduled jump position when “c” is reproduced on channel CH4, channel CH2 whose reproduction position has progressed to “f” is identified as the corresponding channel, and channel CH2 The volume is set to _ON volume V _ON and the volume of other channels is set to _OFF volume V _OFF . As a result, the sound of the channel CH2 is reproduced from “f”. If “g” is designated as the expected jump position when “i” is reproduced on channel CH2, channel CH5 whose reproduction position has progressed to “g” is identified as the corresponding channel, and the volume of channel CH5 is turned on. The volume V _ON is set, and the volume of the other channels is set to the off volume V _OFF . As a result, the sound of channel CH5 is reproduced from “g”.

  Next, a more specific operation of the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 14 relates to processing common to the first embodiment and the second embodiment described below, and is a process for sequentially reproducing a plurality of channels with a time difference Δd. The flowchart is a process called at an arbitrary frequency. The processing order in the flowchart is an example, and other orders may be used as long as they are within the spirit of the present invention.

In step S201 in FIG. 14, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not an audio effect is necessary. When the sound effect is unnecessary (NO), the process returns from the process. When the sound effect is necessary (YES), the process proceeds to step S202, and the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the sound reproduction of the normal game should be started. If it does not correspond to the start of sound reproduction of the normal game (NO), the process proceeds to step S210. When it corresponds to the time of starting the sound reproduction of the normal game (YES), the process proceeds to step S203, and the effect control unit 402 sets the channel counter n for managing the number of channels to 1. Next, the process proceeds to step S204, where the effect control unit 402 sets the volume of the channel CHn (that is, the channel CH1 at first) to the ON volume V _ON and sets the volume of the other channels to the OFF volume V _OFF. Is output to the sound volume setting unit 412 of the sound generation unit 406. Next, the process proceeds to step S205, where the effect control unit 402 gives an instruction to reproduce the normal game sound for the channel CHn (that is, the channel CH1 at first). Specifically, the sound identification information designating sound source data related to the normal game and the reproduction start instruction information instructing the start of sound reproduction related to the normal game are output to the channel control unit 410 of the sound generation unit 406. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 reads sound source data related to the normal game for the channel CHn, and starts generating sound. Since the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel CHn to the ON volume V _ON , the sound related to the normal game is sounded. At the same time, the effect control unit 402 outputs an image effect command to the image generation unit 405, and the image generation unit 405 starts generating image data related to the effect image for the normal game in correspondence with the image effect command. . Therefore, the effect image and the effect sound are provided in synchronization.

  In step S206, the effect control unit 402 counts the reproduction time difference Δt between the reproduction positions of the channel CHn and the previous channel CHn−1. At the beginning of reproduction of only channel CH1, the elapsed time from the start of reproduction is counted. In step S207, it is determined whether or not the counted reproduction time difference Δt is equal to or greater than a preset time difference Δd. This time difference Δd is a time calculated by the above equation (1). If the reproduction time difference Δt is smaller than the set time difference Δd (NO), the counting in step S206 is continued again. When the reproduction time difference Δt becomes equal to or larger than the set time difference Δd (YES), the process proceeds to step S208, and the effect control unit 402 increases the channel counter by one. In step S209, it is determined whether or not the increased channel counter n exceeds the total number N of usable channels. The total number N of channels is the total number of channels for reproducing sounds related to the normal game at the same time in order to enable jumping to an arbitrary position. When the channel counter n is equal to or less than the total number N of channels, it is considered that there is a channel that has not started reproduction, so the process returns to step S205, and for the channel CHn (or channel CH2 when returning to the beginning) Instruct to play normal game sound. Thereafter, by repeating steps S205 to S209, the sound related to the normal game is played back with the channel sequentially at the time difference Δd. When the channel counter n exceeds the total number N of channels in step S209 (YES), the reproduction of the sound related to the normal game is started on all channels (total number N) that can be mobilized. This state is, for example, a state as shown in FIG.

  However, since the sound volume for each channel is set only once in step S204 at the beginning, only the channel CH1 is sounded at the beginning of the reproduction of the sound related to the normal game, and the other channels are sound channels based on the sound source data. The channel is played but not sounded.

  In step S210, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction for a planned jump position. The instruction of the planned jump position is determined based on a program, for example. For example, it is a case where the effect image and effect sound of the normal game are jumped to different positions from the request for the effect. In addition, the instruction of the planned jump position can be determined based on the player's operation instruction. For example, this is a case where the player is allowed to jump the effect position of the normal game by operating the operation switch 132 shown in FIG.

If there is an instruction for the planned jump position (YES), the process proceeds to the image acoustic matching process in step S211. When there is no instruction of the planned jump position, the process proceeds to step S212, and the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the end of the sound is instructed. If the end of the sound is not instructed (NO), the process once returns from this flowchart. When the end of sound is instructed (YES), the production control unit 402 outputs volume setting information for setting the volume to off volume V _OFF for all channels, and simultaneously outputs playback end instruction information. To do. In response to this sound production command, the volume setting unit 412 of the sound generation unit 406 sets the volume of all channels to the off volume V _OFF , and the channel control unit 410 ends the reproduction of all channels.

  FIG. 15 shows a flowchart of the image acoustic matching process. The processing order in the flowchart is an example, and other orders may be used as long as they are within the spirit of the present invention.

  In step S301 in FIG. 15, the effect control unit 402 acquires jump schedule information. The jump schedule information may be information on a scheduled jump position on the effect determined by the program, or information on a planned jump position on the effect corresponding to the player's operation. The jump schedule information is the absolute position from the beginning of the sound even if it is a relative distance from the current playback position (music units such as playback time, counter value, and number of bars in the front-rear direction from the current playback position). (Elapsed time from beginning, counter value, number of measures, etc., music unit) may be used. In step S302, the effect control unit 402 calculates a scheduled jump position J. The expected jump position J may be any relative value, and may be specified by time, specified by a counter value, or specified in music units such as the number of bars.

In step S303, it is determined whether or not there is a channel that directly corresponds to the calculated estimated jump position J. If there is a channel that directly corresponds to the scheduled jump position J (YES), the process proceeds to step S304, and the effect control unit 402 identifies this channel as the corresponding channel CHj, and sets the volume of the corresponding channel CHj to the on volume. V _ON is set, and a volume setting command is sent to set the volume of the other channel to OFF volume V _OFF . The presence of a channel that directly corresponds to the scheduled jump position J means that the planned jump position is specified as a discrete value that does not deviate from the playback position of any channel that is playing back sound with a time difference of Δd. It means that. In this case, the reproduction position of the image is also moved to the planned jump position J. As a result, the effect by image and sound starts from the scheduled jump position J in synchronization with each other, that is, the effect jumps to the planned jump position.

  In step S303, if there is no channel directly corresponding to the planned jump position J (NO), the effect control unit 402 proceeds to step S305 and reproduces the sound after the planned jump position J. Such a progressing channel CHa is specified, and the process proceeds to step S306 to specify a progressing channel CHb in which sound is reproduced prior to the scheduled jump position J. That is, a pair of channels that are adjacent to each other with the scheduled jump position J in between are specified. Of course, the reproduction time difference between the channel CHa and the channel CHb is Δd. Next, in step S307, the effect control unit 402 calculates the absolute value of the difference between the advance position Pa of the channel CHa and the expected jump position J, that is, the time distance between the advance position Pa of the channel Cha and the expected jump position J. Similarly, in step S308, the effect control unit 402 calculates the absolute value of the difference between the advance position Pa of the channel CHb and the scheduled jump position J, that is, the temporal distance between the advance position Pb of the channel Chb and the scheduled jump position J. . In step S309, the temporal distances are compared.

As a result of comparison, if the temporal distance | Pb-J | between the channel CHb and the planned jump position J is greater than the temporal distance | Pa-J | between the channel CHa and the planned jump position J (YES), the channel CHa This indicates that the advance position Pa is closer to the scheduled jump position J than the advance position Pb of the channel CHb, that is, the channel at the nearest reproduction position. In step S310, the effect control unit 402 sets the volume of the corresponding channel CHa to the ON volume V _ON and outputs volume setting information for setting the volume of the other channel to the OFF volume V _OFF . In response to this, the sound volume setting unit 412 generates sound of the corresponding channel CHa, prohibits sound generation of the other channels, and jumps the sound to the advancing position Pa of the corresponding channel CHa.

  Here, since the advance position Pa is slightly deviated from the planned jump position J, when the image is reproduced from the planned jump position J, the image and the sound are not matched (synchronized). In step S311, the effect control unit 402 outputs to the image generation unit 405 an image effect command that makes the reproduction position of the image the same as the acoustic progress position Pa. In response to this, the image generation unit 405 continues to generate an image from the advancing position Pa. Therefore, the image and the sound are provided in alignment (synchronized) from the traveling position Pa.

If the comparison result in step S309 shows that the temporal distance | Pa-J | between the channel CHa and the planned jump position J is larger than the temporal distance | Pb-J | between the channel CHb and the planned jump position J (NO). Shows that the traveling position Pb of the channel CHb is closer to the planned jump position J than the traveling position Pa of the channel CHa. In step S312, the effect control unit 402 sets the volume of the corresponding channel CHb to the ON volume V _ON and outputs volume setting information for setting the volume of the other channel to the OFF volume V _OFF . In response to this, the volume setting unit 412 sounds the sound of the corresponding channel CHb, prohibits the sound of other channels from sounding, and jumps the sound to the advance position Pb of the corresponding channel CHb. In step S313, the effect control unit 402 outputs an image effect command to the image generation unit 405 so that the reproduction position of the image is the same as the acoustic progress position Pb. In response to this, the image generation unit 405 continues the reproduction of the image from the advance position Pb. Therefore, the image and the sound are provided in alignment (synchronized) from the traveling position Pb.

As described above, the first embodiment has the following advantages.
(1) In the first embodiment, when the scheduled jump position J is designated, the same sound is reproduced with a shift of every predetermined time difference Δd, so that the channel in the progress state corresponding to the arbitrary scheduled jump position is It always exists, and it is possible to jump to an arbitrary position of the sound.

(2) In the first embodiment, the corresponding channel in the progress state corresponding to the scheduled jump position J is identified, the volume of the corresponding channel is reproduced with the on volume V _ON , and the other channels are set to the off volume V _OFF. Therefore, even if a sound chip that cannot reproduce sound midway is used, it is possible to reproduce sound from an arbitrary position.

(3) In the first embodiment, the sound reproduction is started so that the sound reproduction position is synchronized with the image based on the production content in any one channel (for example, channel CH1), and the volume of the channel is turned on. Since the volume V _ON is set and the volume of the other channels is set to the off volume V _OFF , the sound reproduction can be started without delay from the beginning.

  (4) In the first embodiment, the channel in progress that is closest to the planned jump position J is identified as the corresponding channel, and therefore, the planned jump position is specified based on the player's operation that cannot be predicted where to jump. However, it is possible to reproduce the effect from the position closest to the desired jump position without giving the player a sense of incongruity.

  (5) In the first embodiment, when the image and the sound are generated to the end in each channel, the image and the sound are generated from the beginning, and the image and the sound are repeatedly reproduced endlessly. After the second playback, no matter what jump planned position is specified, it is always possible to jump to the corresponding position for playback.

  (6) In the first embodiment, since the jump process is not accepted until the start of reproduction is permitted in all channels, it is possible to avoid a situation in which there is no channel in progress corresponding to the planned jump position. .

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the channel in the progress state closest to the planned jump position is set as the sound generation target. However, in the second embodiment, the sound generation target channel can be easily set by setting a certain matching range before and after the planned jump position. It relates to the processing to be specified.

Since the configuration of the gaming machine in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
Based on FIG. 16, the principle in the second embodiment will be described. FIG. 16 corresponds to FIG. 13 of the first embodiment, and is a timing chart of each channel when sound is repeatedly reproduced in all channels.

In the second embodiment, when a predetermined scheduled jump position of the effect is designated, the volume setting unit 412 of the sound generation unit 406 reproduces the sound within a predetermined matching range R including the planned jump position J. One channel is identified as a corresponding channel. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, it is assumed that the volume of the channel CH1 is initially set to the _ON volume V _ON and the sound of the channel CH1 is being reproduced. It is assumed that “b” is designated as the scheduled jump position at time t10 when playback is performed up to “d” on the channel CH1. Therefore, the matching range R is set before and after time t10. This matching range R is a region between time t10a preceding time t10 and time t10b delayed from time t10. In this matching range R, the channel CH4 in progress that reproduces the designated “b” is specified as the corresponding channel. Therefore, this time, the volume of channel CH4 is set to _ON volume V _ON and the volume of other channels is set to _OFF volume V _OFF . Thereby, the sound of the channel CH4 is reproduced from “b”. Next, it is assumed that “j” is designated as the scheduled jump position at time t20 when playback is performed up to “g” on the channel CH4. Therefore, a matching range R between times t20a and t20b is set before and after time t20. In this matching range R, the channel CH2 in progress for reproducing the designated “j” is identified as the corresponding channel, the volume of the channel CH2 is set to the _ON volume V _ON, and the volume of the other channels is set to the _OFF volume V _OFF. Set to As a result, the sound of the channel CH2 is reproduced from “j”. If two or more channels happen to play the same character in the matching range R, one of the channels may be selected according to some rules. This is because, as long as it is within the matching range R, it can be estimated that it is within an allowable range that does not deviate significantly from the planned jump position.

  Next, a more specific operation of the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The flowchart in FIG. 17 relates to the image acoustic matching process in the flowchart in FIG. 14 described in the first embodiment. The processing order in the flowchart is an example, and other orders may be used as long as they are within the spirit of the present invention. The flowchart in FIG. 14 is the same as that in the first embodiment, and a description thereof is omitted.

  In step S401 of FIG. 17, the effect control unit 402 acquires jump schedule information. The jump schedule information may be information on a scheduled jump position on the effect determined by the program, or information on a planned jump position on the effect corresponding to the player's operation. The jump schedule information is the absolute position from the beginning of the sound even if it is a relative distance from the current playback position (music units such as playback time, counter value, and number of bars in the front-rear direction from the current playback position). (Elapsed time from beginning, counter value, number of measures, etc., music unit) may be used. In step S402, the effect control unit 402 calculates a scheduled jump position J. The expected jump position J may be any relative value, and may be specified by time, specified by a counter value, or specified in music units such as the number of bars.

In step S403, it is determined whether or not a channel directly corresponding to the calculated estimated jump position J exists. If there is a channel that directly corresponds to the scheduled jump position J (YES), the process proceeds to step S404, and the effect control unit 402 identifies this channel as the corresponding channel CHj, and sets the volume of the corresponding channel CHj to the on volume. V _ON is set, and a volume setting command is sent to set the volume of the other channel to OFF volume V _OFF . The presence of a channel that directly corresponds to the scheduled jump position J means that the planned jump position is specified as a discrete value that does not deviate from the playback position of any channel that is playing back sound with a time difference of Δd. It means that. In this case, the reproduction position of the image is also moved to the planned jump position J. As a result, the effect by image and sound starts from the scheduled jump position J in synchronization with each other, that is, the effect jumps to the planned jump position.

  In step S403, if there is no channel directly corresponding to the planned jump position J (NO), the effect control unit 402 proceeds to step S405 and sets the matching range R before and after the planned jump position J. . The matching range R is set based on the acoustic performance time, the time difference Δd, the total number N of channels, and the like. Although it is preferable to set the matching range R so that only one corresponding channel exists, a range in which a plurality of channels exist may be used. Next, in step S406, the effect control unit 402 identifies the corresponding channel CHc whose progress range Pc is included in the matching range R. When a corresponding channel is found first, the channel may be specified as the corresponding channel CHc. This is because if it is within the matching range R, it does not deviate significantly from the planned jump position.

Next, in step S407, the effect control unit 402 sets the volume of the corresponding channel CHc to the on volume V _ON and outputs volume setting information for setting the volume of the other channel to the off volume V _OFF . In response to this, the sound volume setting unit 412 sounds the sound of the corresponding channel CHc, prohibits sound generation of the other channels, and jumps the sound to the advance position Pc of the corresponding channel CHc.

  Here, since the advance position Pa is slightly deviated from the planned jump position J, when the image is reproduced from the planned jump position J, the image and the sound are not matched (synchronized). Then, the process proceeds to step S408, and the effect control unit 402 outputs an image effect command for making the image reproduction position the same as the acoustic progress position Pc to the image generation unit 405. In response to this, the image generation unit 405 continues to generate an image from the advance position Pc. Therefore, the image and the sound are provided in alignment (synchronized) from the traveling position Pa.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the first embodiment, the matching range R is set at the planned jump position J, and one channel within the matching range R is specified. Therefore, as long as it is within this matching range, it can be considered that the jump is supposed to be the same position, so the corresponding channel can be easily specified without determining the exact match of the reproduction position.

(Embodiment 3)
The third embodiment relates to another gaming machine to which the sound generation device of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 18 is a front view showing an appearance of the slot machine according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, in the third embodiment, the sound generation device of the present invention is applied to a slot machine. As shown in FIG. 18, the front panel 2 is attached to the front surface of the housing of the slot machine 1 so as to be freely opened and closed. A display area is provided with a liquid crystal display device 80 having a display function at the upper part of the front panel 2, and an operation unit is provided at the center. A liquid crystal display device 80 having a display function is provided on the top of the housing. The image effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 80.

  Three reels (rotating drums) are arranged in a position inside the housing and visible through the display window 21. From the left side when viewed from the front, the left reel 22L, the middle reel 22C, and the right reel 22R are arranged in this order. The reels 22L, 22C and 22R are formed in a ring-shaped hollow structure. From the display window 21, reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are observed. Stepping motors (not shown) are coupled to the respective rotation shafts of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. A back lamp (not shown) is provided inside the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. Three back lamps are arranged for each reel, and light is emitted through the openings on the outer peripheral surface of the reel for a total of nine symbols visible from the display window 21 when the reels are stopped. The broken lines on the display window 21 shown in FIG. 22 indicate the effective line group 26 including the effective lines 26a, 26b, and 26c. The symbols attached to the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are spaced so that all nine symbols visible from the display window 21 are positioned on these effective line groups 26 when the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are stopped. Is arranged in.

  A medal slot 43 (selector) is provided at a position corresponding to the lower right side of the liquid crystal display device 80 in the central portion of the housing of the slot machine 1. When medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 43, the effective lines 26a, 26b, and 26c, 1 line to 5 lines, are activated according to the number of inserted medals. Further, various operation switches operated by the player, for example, a start switch 46, a stop switch group 47, and bet switch groups 44 and 45 are provided at the center of the housing. The start switch 46 is a switch, for example, a button or a lever operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. The stop switch group 47 is operated when the left reel 22L is stopped, the left reel stop switch 47L operated when the left reel 22L is stopped, the middle reel stop switch 47C operated when the middle reel 22C is stopped, and the right reel 22R is stopped. And a right reel stop switch 47R. The bet switch group is a switch group that designates the number of bets (the number of bets) when a player inserts a medal in a credit, and includes a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44 and a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 45. Has been. These bet switches 44 and 45 are also arranged as buttons, for example. When the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44 is operated, one or two medals are bet (collected as a game amount), and when the MAX bet switch 45 is operated, the maximum bet number is 3 Medals are bet. That is, the number of bets designated by the operation of the bet switch group is collected from the number of medals that are credited, and the credit is subtracted by the number of bets.

  A medal payout opening (hopper device) 31 is provided at the center of the lower part of the housing, and speakers 90 (left speaker 90L and right speaker 90R) are provided on both sides of the medal payout opening 31. During the game (game), various effects such as lighting of the back lamp, image display using the liquid crystal display device 80, and output of sound from the speaker 90 are performed. The speaker 90 is a sound generation means for generating sound generated by the sound generation device of the present invention.

An outline of the normal game executed in the slot machine having these configurations will be briefly described.
In the slot machine 1, when the player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 43 or operates the bet switch groups 44 and 45, the effective lines 26a to 26c are activated according to the number of bets. When the player who has designated the bet number operates the start switch 46, a lottery according to the bet number is performed, and the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R start to rotate. When the player operates one of the stop switches 47L, 47C, and 47R, the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R stop rotating according to the operated button. At this time, if the lottery result of the winning combination performed simultaneously with the operation of the start switch 46 is winning, the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line group 26 is a certain predetermined role. The reels are controlled so as to match the combination of symbols, and medals are paid out according to the winning combination.

  A main control board and a sub control board are provided inside the housing of the slot machine 1 (not shown). The main control board corresponds to the main control board 201 in the first to fifth embodiments. The sub control board corresponds to the sub control board 202 in the first to fifth embodiments. The sub control board includes an effect control unit, an image generation unit, and a sound generation unit as in the above embodiment. The image sound generation apparatus of the present invention is mounted on the sub-control board. An image from the image generation device is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 80, and an acoustic signal from the sound generation device is output to the speaker 90.

  In the above configuration, even when the gaming machine is a slot machine, the effect content is determined based on the lottery result of the main control board. When the jump of the production position is designated by the program or by the player's operation, the channel in the progress state corresponding to the planned jump position is specified as the corresponding channel according to the first and second embodiments, and the corresponding The volume of the channel is set so that the player can hear it.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and applied.
For example, although the designated jump position is set continuously in the above embodiment, it may be designated as the jump destination after the acoustic pause. For example, in a gaming machine, when a reach state is reached, a normal game that is repeatedly played is paused, a “reach effect” is sent, and the normal game is resumed after the “reach effect” ends. If a jump is made to an arbitrary jump planned position (for example, a playback position that goes back a little) at the time of releasing the pause due to such “reach production”, the normal game is interrupted and the player's recognition becomes ambiguous. In this state, it is possible to provide important information by synchronizing the image and the sound again.

  In the first and second embodiments, when a scheduled jump position is specified, fade-in processing in which the volume gradually increases when sound is reproduced from the jump position may be combined.

  In the above embodiment, the pachinko machine and the slot machine are exemplified as the gaming machine. However, the sound control process according to the present invention may be applied to the image display of the game device or the simulation device beyond the frame of the gaming machine. . That is, even for a device having a sound source circuit that cannot reproduce sound source data in the middle, such as the gaming machine of the above embodiment, the present invention can be applied to perform rewinding processing or fast-forwarding when a pause is released. Processing, continuous rewinding processing, and continuous fast-forwarding processing can be performed.

Front view showing an example of the external configuration of the pachinko machine of the present embodiment Block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the pachinko machine 100 Functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the main control board 201 Functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the sub-control board 202 Functional block diagram showing details of the functional configuration of the sound generation unit 406 Main flowchart showing an example of processing operation in the main control board The flowchart explaining the detail of the general winning process in step S2 of FIG. The flowchart explaining the detail of the normal symbol action | operation gate passage process in step S3 of FIG. The flowchart explaining the detail of the normal symbol action | operation gate passage process in step S3 of FIG. Flowchart explaining details of start winning process in step S4 of FIG. Flowchart explaining details of start winning process in step S4 of FIG. The flowchart explaining the detail of the special game execution process in step S5 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing operation in the normal game in the sub control board 202 Timing chart example illustrating channel reproduction start processing according to the first embodiment Timing chart example for explaining image acoustic matching processing of Embodiment 1 Flowchart for explaining channel reproduction start processing according to the first embodiment The flowchart explaining the image acoustic matching process of Embodiment 1. Timing chart example explaining image sound matching processing of embodiment 2 The flowchart explaining the image acoustic matching process of Embodiment 1. The front view which shows an example of the external appearance structure of the slot machine of this Embodiment 3.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko machine 103 Normal symbol operation gate 106 Special symbol display device 107 Production display device 108 Normal symbol display device 112 Start winning opening 113 Grand winning opening 131 Launch handle 132 Operation switch 201 Main control board 203 Winning opening board 210 Start winning opening switch 215 Ordinary electric accessory solenoid 301 Prize determination unit 302 Flag storage unit 304 Special symbol lottery unit 305 Winning determination unit 306 Special symbol display instruction unit 309 Normal symbol lottery unit 310 Winning determination unit 311 Normal symbol display instruction unit 312 Normal electric accessory driving instruction Unit 313 effect command generation unit 401 effect command analysis unit 402 effect control unit 403 effect pattern storage unit 404 flag storage unit 405 image generation unit 406 sound generation unit 410 channel control unit 412 volume setting unit 416 sound source reproduction unit 418 sound amplification unit 20 sound synthesis unit

Claims (8)

In an image sound generation device including an image generation device that generates an image based on the contents of the effect and a sound generation device that includes a plurality of channels each capable of generating a sound signal.
The sound generator is
A channel control unit for starting the reproduction of the sound in each channel so that a predetermined time difference occurs in the sound reproduction position based on the effect content with any one of the plurality of channels;
A volume setting unit that sets the volume of any one of the plurality of channels to a perceivable limit volume or more and sets the volume of the other channel to be lower than the limit volume; and
When a predetermined jump planned position of the production is designated,
The volume setting unit of the sound generation device identifies a corresponding channel in a progress state corresponding to the planned jump position, and sets the sound of the corresponding channel to be equal to or higher than the limit volume;
An image sound generation device characterized by the above. At the start of the production,
The sound volume setting unit of the sound generation device,
The sound reproduction is started so that the sound reproduction position is synchronized with the image based on the production content in any one channel, and the volume of the channel is set to be equal to or higher than the limit sound volume, Set the volume lower than the limit volume,
The image sound generation apparatus according to claim 1. The sound volume setting unit of the sound generation device,
Specifying the channel in progress closest to the planned jump position as the corresponding channel;
The image sound generation device according to claim 1. The sound volume setting unit of the sound generation device,
Identifying one channel playing the sound within a predetermined matching range including the planned jump position as the corresponding channel;
The image sound generation device according to claim 1. The image generation device includes:
When the sound generation device sets the volume of the corresponding channel in the progress state that does not directly correspond to the scheduled jump position to be equal to or higher than the limit sound volume, the image is reproduced at a position that matches the progress state of the corresponding channel. Move the position,
The image sound generation apparatus according to claim 3 or 4. The designation of the planned jump position is performed at the time of releasing the suspension of the sound,
The image sound generation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The image generation device generates the image from the beginning after generating the image to the end,
The channel controller of the sound generation device generates the sound from the beginning when the sound is generated to the end in each channel.
The image sound generation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6. An image sound generation program for an image sound generation apparatus including an image generation apparatus that generates an image based on production contents and a sound generation apparatus including a plurality of channels each capable of generating an acoustic signal,
On the computer,
A function of starting reproduction of the sound in each channel so that a predetermined time difference occurs in the sound reproduction position based on the effect content with any one of the plurality of channels;
When a predetermined jump scheduled position is designated as the playback position of the effect,
A function for identifying a corresponding channel in a progress state corresponding to the planned jump position;
A function for setting the sound of the corresponding channel to be equal to or higher than the limit volume;
A function for setting the volume of other channels to be lower than the limit volume;
An image sound generation program for executing

Images