JP2003144695A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which delicately controls an effect sound output by sufficiently considering volume change in circumferential sound. SOLUTION: The CPU 1500 of an effect sound generating device 116 selects one of a plurality of effective sound output patterns in different volume levels which correspond to a change pattern designated by a first command based on the volume level of sound in the circumference of the game machine and controls the effective sound output by the selected effective sound output pattern. Thus, the effective sound is outputted in one of the volume levels corresponding to a display rendition pattern which is designated by the command based on the circumferential sound volume level so that the effective sound output is delicately controlled by sufficiently considering the volume change of the circumferential sound.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention displays a game effect screen in a display effect pattern specified by a command from a main control means for controlling a game operation control, and a sound effect output device is used for the main effect. The present invention relates to a sound effect output control in a gaming machine configured to output a sound effect corresponding to a display effect pattern designated by the command from the control means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional game machine, for example, like the game device described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-33228, the ambient sound is analyzed to generate and output an appropriate game sound. Things were suggested. In this game device, for example, when the ambient sound is large, the volume of the sound effect is increased so that the player can easily play the game.

However, according to such a conventional sound effect volume control method, when the volume of the ambient sound increases, the volume of the sound effect simply increases, and the volume change of the ambient sound changes. Therefore, it was not intended to control the sound effect output in detail. Therefore, it has been desired to realize a gaming machine that further considers making it easier for the player to play the game.

The present invention has been made in order to solve such a conventional problem, and provides a gaming machine which performs detailed effect sound output control in consideration of the volume change of ambient sound. To aim.

[0004]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a game effect screen display in a display effect pattern designated by a command from a main control means for controlling a game operation control by a display device. At the same time, the sound effect output device detects the volume level of the ambient sound of the game machine in the game machine configured to output the sound effect according to the display effect pattern designated by the command from the main control means. And a sound effect output pattern of a plurality of sound volume levels associated with the display effect pattern specified by the command, based on the detected sound volume level of the ambient sound. A selection means for selecting an output pattern, and a sound effect output control means for performing a sound effect output control in the selected sound effect output pattern are provided. It was.

According to the present invention, the selecting means is associated with the display effect pattern designated by the command based on the volume level of the ambient sound detected by the detecting means for detecting the volume level of the ambient sound of the gaming machine. A sound effect output pattern is selected from a plurality of sound effect output patterns having a plurality of sound volume levels, and the sound effect output control means performs sound effect output control in the selected sound effect output pattern. Therefore, the sound effect output is performed at any of the multiple volume levels associated with the display effect pattern specified by the command based on the volume level of the ambient sound, and the volume change of the ambient sound is fully considered. By doing so, fine effect sound output control can be performed.

The selecting means may select a sound effect output pattern for outputting a sound effect at a higher volume level as the detected sound volume level of the ambient sound becomes higher. Further, the sound effect output control means uses an auxiliary speaker in addition to the speaker normally used when the sound effect output pattern for outputting the sound effect at the highest volume level is selected by the selecting means. The sound effect output control can be performed.

Further, the detecting means may be configured to detect the volume level of the ambient sound by using a threshold value having hysteresis. The sound effect output patterns are associated with a plurality of volume levels for each display effect pattern designated by each of a plurality of types of commands.

Further, when the selecting means selects the sound effect output pattern of the highest volume level among the sound effect output patterns associated with the display effect pattern designated by a certain command, the sound effect output patterns are arranged on both sides. Each of the effects of both adjacent gaming machines is provided with a transmitting means for transmitting information indicating that to the gaming machine side that is being provided, and with a sound effect output control means for performing sound effect output control in the selected sound effect output pattern. The sound output control means performs the sound effect output control based on the volume level of the ambient sound, regardless of the detection result of the detection means provided in those gaming machines and detecting the volume level of the ambient sound of the gaming machine. You can avoid it.

For such an operation, the program is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium, and the CP
This can be realized by U reading and executing the program recorded in this recording medium. As such a recording medium, a ROM, a semiconductor recording medium such as a semiconductor IC, a DV
Examples thereof include various recording media capable of writing and reading digital contents such as optical recording media such as DROM and CDROM, magnetic recording media such as flexible disks, and magneto-optical recording media. Further, this program may be downloaded from a predetermined information processing device to a game machine via a communication network and installed.

[0010]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the general configuration and operation of the gaming machine will be described, and then the operation of the characteristic portion of the present invention will be described to facilitate understanding of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of the game board 10. In the approximate center of the game board 10, there are three (left, middle, right) display areas, and in each display area, identification information independently composed of numbers and symbols is variably displayed. The possible special symbol display device 100 is arranged, the special symbol starting port 104 is arranged directly below it, and the normal symbol operating gates 102, 102 are arranged on both sides of this special symbol starting port 104. It is set up. Also,
A pair of opening / closing members 120, 120 are special symbol starting ports 104
Are provided so as to be separated from each other so as to be opened and closed.

Further, below the special symbol starting opening 104, a special winning opening 106, a normal symbol display device 108, an out opening 114 are arranged in this order, and further, both diagonally above the special symbol starting opening 104. The lamp display device 110,
110 is provided, and a lamp display device (more specifically, an LED device) near both side ends of the game board 10.
112, 112 are provided.

Then, a game ball is won in the special symbol starting port 104 and a random number is selected, and when the random number is a big hit value, at least one identification information variable display is started in each display area. After that, a predetermined display pattern (eg "7, 7, 7") is displayed on the winning effective line.
Is displayed by the special symbol display device 100, and the special winning opening 106 is controlled to open and close in a predetermined pattern to be in a big hit game state (special game state) advantageous to the player.

Further, when the normal symbol operation gate 102 detects the passage of the game ball, a random number lottery is carried out, and when this random number is a small hit value, the ordinary symbol display device 108.
The display part of is displayed in a predetermined pattern (for example, "7" or "3"), and after that, when the opening / closing member 120 is in the open state and the game ball wins the special symbol starting opening 104, the random number is similarly generated. When the lottery is performed and the random number selected is a big hit value, the variable display in each display area is started, and then a predetermined display pattern (for example, "7, 7, 7") is displayed on the winning effective line as a special symbol. This is performed by the display device 100, and the special winning opening 106 is controlled to be opened and closed in a predetermined pattern to be in a big hit state (special game state) advantageous to the player. On the other hand, the batting that is not won is out 114
Is discharged through. In addition, in response to operating a handle (not shown), a launching device (not shown) plays a game ball on the game board 1
It is configured to reach 0, and the game ball is flown downward while being rolled in various directions on the game board 10.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing only the main part of the gaming machine for controlling the game operation according to the progress of the game. The main control unit 200 that supervises game operation control has a microprocessor with a built-in CPU. This main control unit 200, various commands and the like for controlling the special symbol display device 100 (described later)
A command data table area 202 for storing a variety of control commands including, a ROM 201 for storing a game operation control program such as a control program describing a series of game operation control procedures and control data, and a RAM 203 for forming a work area. Is provided and is an integrated one-chip microcomputer. The game operation control is performed by the main control unit 200 repeatedly executing this game operation control program at a predetermined cycle (for example, 4 (msec)), and the main control unit 200 controls the game operation control. .

The main controller 200 is configured to be able to receive detection signals from each of a plurality of switch groups via the input port 210. That is, the main control unit 200 is provided inside the special symbol starting port 104, and the special symbol starting switch 3 for detecting the winning of the game ball into the special symbol starting port 104 is provided.
04, the normal symbol operation switch 30 which is provided inside the normal symbol operation gate 102 and detects the passage of the game ball through the gate
6 and a special winning opening switch 3 which is provided inside the special winning opening 106 and detects the winning of a game ball into the big winning opening 106
A switch group such as 08 is connected, and the main control unit 200 is configured to be able to receive a detection signal corresponding to the game ball detection from each switch.

Further, the main controller 200 has an output port 2
A plurality of peripheral devices are controllably connected via 15. More specifically, the main control unit 200 has three display units for displaying special symbols and characters, each of which can be variably displayed independently, and a special symbol display device 100 realized by an LCD or the like, a lamp. Lamp display device 11 for controlling lighting
0, 112, a sound effect generator 116 for generating a sound effect,
For example, a normal symbol display device 108 realized by a 7-segment display device, a starting opening actuating solenoid 300 for controlling opening / closing of the opening / closing member 120 of the starting opening, and opening / closing control of a wide opening / closing member of the special winning opening 106. A peripheral device group such as a special winning opening operating solenoid 302 is connected, and the main control unit 200 can transmit a control signal for controlling each device.

Then, the main control unit 200 can transmit a predetermined number of display control commands to the special symbol display device 100 at a predetermined timing, and the special symbol display device 100 receives the command. Based on the command, the CPU in itself performs fine display control without depending on the main control unit 200. Furthermore, a communication mode is adopted by one-way communication in which only a command is transmitted from the main control unit 200 to the special symbol display device 100.

Further, a power supply circuit 212 for supplying power and a reset circuit 213 for outputting a reset signal at predetermined time intervals are connected to the main control section 200, and the reset circuit 213 is further provided with a main circuit. The pulse signal generated by the periodic timer counter is input from the control unit 200, and the monitor signal for monitoring the current supply state from the power supply circuit 212 is input.

Now, as shown in FIG. 12, the main controller 20
The command for display control sent from 0 to the special symbol display device 100 is an identifier for identifying the classification of the command and is a 1-byte length digital information mode (MODE)
And an event (EVENT), which is 1-byte length digital information indicating the content (function) of the command to be executed, and FIGS. 6 to 9 show the ROM on the main control unit 200 side.
A part of the display control command data stored in the command data table area 202 of 201 or the program ROM 1040 of the special symbol display device 100 is shown.

As shown in FIGS. 6 to 9, the commands for display control include "a command (first command) for changing the special symbol and designating a variation pattern", "a special symbol on the left. Command to specify the stop symbol (second command) "," Command to specify the stop symbol in the special symbol (second command) "," Command to specify the stop symbol on the right of the special symbol (second command) " , "Command for stopping special symbols (third command)". The first command is a command including information for designating a variation pattern that determines, for example, in which pattern a pattern is variably displayed, in which pattern a character image is displayed, and the like. The main control unit 200 transmits these five commands to the special symbol display device 100 at a predetermined timing in one variable display control when the game situation is such that the variable display of symbols is started.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the special symbol display device 100. The special symbol display device 100 has a main controller 2
Data reception circuit 1140 (including a voltage conversion circuit for converting the data level) for receiving a strobe signal or command from 00, a power supply circuit 1160 for supplying power to this voltage conversion circuit and the like, and a received command based on the received command. CPU 10 that generates control data necessary for display control by using the image processing LSI (VDP) 1060 and outputs the control data.
20 (display control means) and a program ROM 104 containing a program describing the operation procedure of the CPU 1020.
0 and R that functions as a work area or buffer memory
AM1090 and image processing LSI for performing image expansion processing
(VDP) 1060 and image processing LSI (VDP) 1
A video RAM 1080 for temporarily storing the image data expanded by 060, and an image processing LSI (VDP) 106.
A character ROM 1180 storing data necessary for 0 to develop an image, an LCD panel interface circuit 1100 for receiving and transmitting the image data temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080, and a transmission from this LCD panel interface circuit 1100. LCD panel 11 for outputting a display image using the generated image data
And 20.

As shown in FIG. 4A, the character RO
M1180 is a ROM title area, a ROM management information area, a character image data area in which actual character data is stored, a palette data area in which character color data is stored, and a scenario data area in which information defining character movement is stored. have. Further, the character data is stored in the character image data area in a state of being compressed by a specific compression method, and as shown in FIG. 4B, the palette data area has a pair of a color number and a color code. Multiple types are stored.

The CPU of the special symbol display device 100
Reference numeral 1020 denotes control data generated in response to a command received by the data receiving circuit 1140, which is an image processing LSI (V
DP) 1060, the image processing LSI (VD
P) 1060 is a video RAM 108 designated by the information acquired from the scenario data area by decompressing the character data acquired from the character image data area and coloring it with the color data acquired from the palette data area.
By temporarily storing the image-developed data at the position 0, and sending the temporarily stored data to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100, the LCD panel 11
Various image displays including a variable display speed change and the like are finely performed by 20.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing command transmission / reception timing. As mentioned above, the command is 1 byte long mode (MODE) and 1
It consists of a byte length event (EVENT). In this example, the main control unit 200 transmits the mode (MODE) information triggered by the first rise of the strobe signal (DUSTB) generated by itself when the command changes,
Next, the event (EVENT) information is transmitted triggered by the second rise of the strobe signal (DUSTB). Then, corresponding to this, the CPU of the special symbol display device
The 1020 generates an interrupt when the strobe signal (DUSTB) is transmitted, receives a command by this interrupt processing, and stores it in the RAM 1090.

Next, first, the normal control operation performed by the CPU 1020 of the main control unit 200 and the special symbol display device 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 10 (general flowchart of game operation control) and FIG. The characteristic operation of the present invention will be described in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention. The main control unit 200 executes the ROM in the series of processes shown in FIG.
This is performed by executing a game control program (not shown) stored in 201. More specifically, the reset signal supplied from the reset circuit 213 every predetermined time (for example, 4 msec) is used as a trigger to execute from the first step, and this series of processes is repeatedly executed.

First, when the power supply circuit 212 is activated by a power switch (not shown), the main control unit 200 is activated. It is determined whether or not the first process has been executed since the power was turned on ( Step S11
0). In case of the first processing after turning on the power (Yes)
On the other hand, the process proceeds to step S200, while in other cases (No), the process proceeds to step S120.

In step S200, a storage area clearing process is executed as an initialization process of the RAM 203, and then, in step S210, data for performing the initial control process is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 203. On the other hand, in step S120, the count values of various random number generation loop counters (not shown) for the big hit determination, the small hit determination, etc. formed in the RAM 203 are incremented, and in step S130, various kinds of game machine control used. Update the timer value of the timer.

Next, in step S140, a special symbol starting switch 304, a normal symbol operating switch 306,
Input port processing of reading and storing the detection signal output from the special winning opening switch 308 into a register in the unit (not shown) via the input port 210, and then the process proceeds to step S150 to read and store data in the port input processing. Switch check processing for grasping

Next, in step S160, each switch 3
04, 306, 308, etc. are checked for disconnection or short circuit, and if these faults occur (Yes
s) While proceeding to step S220, otherwise (No) proceeding to step S180 (step S
170).

Then, in step S180, the data necessary for the display control of the normal symbol display device 108 is stored in the RAM.
A command necessary for display control of the special symbol display device 100 is stored in a predetermined area 203 (see FIGS. 6 to 9).
Are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 203, and the timer values of the various timers are decremented (step S190). In step S180, the main control unit 200 refers to the command data table area 202 to determine the mode and event command required in accordance with the game operation control, and determines the determined mode and event digital information in the RAM 203. Store in area.

Next, in step S195, in order to control the opening / closing of the special winning opening 106 and the opening / closing member 120 of the special symbol starting opening 104 in a predetermined pattern, the starting opening operating solenoid 300 and the special winning opening operating solenoid 302 are driven. Then, in step S220, a prize ball setting process for outputting control information for causing a prize ball payout device (not shown) to perform a payout operation is executed. Further, in steps S230, 240 and 250, external information processing for outputting various game data to a gaming machine management device (not shown) and a command for controlling lighting of the lamp display devices 110 and 112 corresponding to the gaming state are predetermined in the RAM 203. Indicator light control processing to be stored in the area, sound effect generation device 11
6 executes a sound effect process of storing a command for performing sound effect generation control corresponding to the game operation state in a predetermined area of the RAM 203.

Next, in step S260, R
The data stored in the AM 203 is output to the corresponding device via the output port 215 (port output processing), and the device side receiving this outputs the control operation based on this. Then, a strobe signal is first output to the special symbol display device 100, and the mode and event data stored in the RAM 203 in step S180 is transmitted as shown in FIG. As a result, the commands shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 are transmitted to and received from the main control unit 200 in the special symbol display device 100.

In step S270, the reset circuit 21
The reset standby process is executed until the reset signal is input from 3, and when the reset signal is input, the process proceeds to step S110 to continue the game operation control.
It should be noted that, as the reset standby processing, updating of a counter for generating various random numbers described above and the like can be mentioned.

Next, the operation of the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100 which receives the command will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1100, the CPU 1020 sets its own stack pointer,
Initialization of the RAM 1090, initialization of itself such as register clear, etc. are performed, and it is determined in step S1102 whether a new command has been input. When it is determined that a new display control command has been input (Y
es) While proceeding to step S1104, otherwise (No) proceeding to step S1110.

In step S1104, the data receiving circuit 1140 is used in the interrupt processing described with reference to FIG.
The command received by is copied to the RAM 1090, and whether the command is normal or not is checked. Next, CPU1
020 determines the start address of a processing table (not shown) so as to obtain a necessary command for performing fine display control independently of the main control unit 200, and then in step S1108, the image processing LSI 1060. The data in the necessary area of the RAM 1090 is updated in order to output to.

Next, in step S1110, RA
Based on the symbol control data set in M1090, scroll data to be output to the image processing LSI 1060 is obtained and set in the RAM 1090, the symbol display position is set, and then in step S1112, the symbol speed control is performed. Program ROM for necessary data
It is acquired from the speed table (not shown) built into the 1040 and set in the RAM 1090, and then step S
At 1114, the symbol offset value is updated based on the velocity data, and preparations are made to perform the symbol variation at the set velocity.

Next, in step S1116, RA
The animation data is acquired from the animation processing table (not shown) in which the animation processing data set in M1090 is stored, and the background image is prepared for display.
It is set in the output buffer, and it is determined whether the output permission flag is "1" (step S1118).

If the output permission flag is not "1" (No), the process returns to step S1102 to repeat the series of processes, while the output permission flag is "1" (Yes).
In step S1120, the data set in the VDP output buffer is sent to the image processing LSI 106.
Output to 0. In response to this, the image processing LSI 1060 acquires and expands the data in the character ROM 1180, and the expanded image data is temporarily stored in the video RAM 1080 and then sent to the LCD panel interface circuit 1100 to be displayed by the LCD panel 1120. The image is displayed. In this way, the special symbol display device 1
The variable display of symbols at the set display position of 00 at the set speed is displayed.

13 and 14 show the main controller 200, respectively.
It is an example of the transmission timing of the command transmitted from to the special symbol display device 100, and an explanatory diagram of the transmission command. As can be seen by referring to these figures, the main controller 2
00, when a predetermined condition such as a game ball winning in the special symbol starting port 104 is satisfied, first, "a command for starting symbol variation and designating a variation pattern are transmitted (), and from this time T1 time After the lapse of time, the command for designating the left stop design is transmitted (), and after that, the command for designating the middle stop design is transmitted after the lapse of T2 time (), and the right stop design is designated after the lapse of T3 time. A command is transmitted (), and a command () for stopping all the symbols is transmitted after a lapse of T time from the start of fluctuation.

On the other hand, the CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100, which has received the first command (), carries out a series of variable display control by performing detailed display control such as fluctuation speed change, and the third command () After the variable display control is terminated by receiving the reception, the second command (,,
,) To display the special symbol lottery result by performing a stop display with the stop symbol specified by.

(Characteristic Features of the Present Invention) FIG. 15 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. The main control unit 200 is configured to realize the following operations by executing a program (not shown) recorded in the ROM 201 (recording medium) while using the RAM 203 as a work area. The main control unit 200 uses the first command for designating the variation pattern as described above, and the special symbol display device 1
At the same time, the same command is sent to the sound effect generator 116. Further, since the microphone 1570 provided at an appropriate position on the front of the gaming machine outputs the sound around the gaming machine to the main control unit 200 as an electric signal, the main control unit 200 grasps this electric signal to detect the ambient sound. The volume level can be grasped.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the main control unit 200 for detecting the volume level of the ambient sound.
The vertical axis shows the volume of ambient sound. Two sets of threshold "T
“H1L, TH1U” and “TH2L, TH2U” are set, and each set of threshold values is set to have hysteresis. As shown in the figure, the ambient sound volume level is T
When it exceeds H1U (point A), it is determined that the ambient sound volume level is “medium level”, but before it exceeds TH1U, it is determined that the ambient sound volume level is “low level”. A signal that exceeds point A in the time axis direction is determined to be "medium level" unless it falls below TH1L.
If it is below HL1, it is determined again that the level is "low level". Then, when the threshold value TH1U is exceeded again, it is determined to be at the "medium level" again. That is, it is determined that the points B to C are at the "low level" and the points C and thereafter are at the "intermediate level".

Next, when the threshold value TH2U is exceeded (point D), it is determined that the ambient sound volume level is "high level", and even if the ambient sound volume level is slightly lowered, it is not below TH2L (point E). Up to) is determined to be “high level”. Then, when the ambient sound volume level falls below TH2L, it is again determined to be at the "medium level". In this way, the main control unit 200 is configured to determine whether the ambient sound volume level is one of the three levels of low, medium, and high.
The threshold value having hysteresis is set and the determination process is performed so that the determination result does not fluctuate due to an extremely small change. Then, the main control unit 200 transmits the determined ambient sound level to the CPU 1500 at an appropriate timing, and C
The PU 1500 receives this and can grasp the ambient sound level at that time.

Now, the sound effect generator 116 has the CPU 1
500, RAM 1520, ROM 1510, voice synthesis L
SI1530 and CPU 1500 RAM
ROM 151 while using 1520 as a work area
The following operations are realized by executing a program (not shown) recorded in 0 (recording medium). The CPU 1500 drives and controls the voice synthesis LSI 1530 to output a sound effect from the speaker 1550. Further, as described later, in a specific case, the switch 1540 is turned from the off state to the on state, and the effect sound is also output from the auxiliary speaker 1560. Note that, for example, the speaker 1550 is arranged on the right side of the front of the gaming machine, and the auxiliary speaker 1560 is provided.
May be placed on the left side of the front of the gaming machine, but the placement positions of both speakers are not limited to this.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of the table 1600 stored in the ROM 1510. This table 1600 has 3 patterns for each of variation patterns 1 to 16 as display effect patterns designated by the first command.
The effect sound output patterns are registered in association with the ambient sound levels “low level”, “middle level”, and “high level” in stages. In the example of FIG. 16, for the variation pattern 1, when the ambient sound level is “low level”, the “sound effect output pattern 1a” is displayed. 1b "and the ambient sound level is" high level ", the" sound effect output pattern 1c "is associated. Then, the CPU 1500 drives and controls the voice synthesis LSI 1530 with any one of the sound effect patterns registered in association with the variation pattern specified by the received command, and thereby the sound effect with the melody and volume specified by the sound effect pattern. Is output.

The sound effect output pattern is set so that the sound effect increases as the ambient sound level increases. For example, the sound synthesis LSI 1530 is drive-controlled so that the sound volume gradually increases in the order of the sound effect output patterns 1a, 1b, and 1c, but the sound effect pattern 1
While the volume level of the sound effect is highest in c, the volume level of the sound effect is lowest in the sound effect pattern 1a. Thus, it is possible to output the sound effect with the volume of three levels (three levels) for each of the plurality of fluctuation patterns designated by the first command. The sound effect output patterns for the same variation pattern are set so that sound effects with the same melody are output.

(Operation Example 1) An operation example will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step S1800, it is determined whether the CPU 1500 of the sound effect generator 116 has received the first command designating the variation pattern. When it determines with having received (Yes), it transfers to step S1810, and when it is other than this (No), it becomes a wait state in step S1800. Then, step S1810.
At, the variation pattern specified by the received command is grasped. For example, when the command designating the variation pattern 1 is received, the CPU 1500 recognizes that the variation pattern 1 is designated.

Then, in step S1820, as shown in FIG.
7, the electric signal from the microphone 1570 is detected, and the volume level of the ambient sound is “low level”,
The main control unit 200 receives the determination result of which of the “medium level” and the “high level” the level is. Then, in step S1830, table 1
With reference to the registered contents of 600, a sound effect output pattern corresponding to the previously-specified specified fluctuation pattern and the received ambient sound volume level is searched for. For example, when the designated variation pattern is variation pattern 1 and the volume level of the ambient sound is “medium level”, the sound effect output pattern 1b is searched for.

Further, it is determined whether or not the sound effect output pattern retrieved in step S1840 is for the "high level" ambient sound volume level, and if it is for the "high level" (Yes). Is step S1860
On the other hand, in the other case (No), step S
1850 transition. For example, sound effect output patterns 1c, 2
If c, 3c, ..., 16c have been retrieved, step S
If the sound effect output pattern other than this is searched for, the process proceeds to step S1850. Thus, if the ambient sound volume level is "low level" or "medium level", the process proceeds to step S1850, and if the ambient sound volume level is "high level", the process proceeds to step 1860.

In step S1850, the CPU 15
00 is a sound effect output pattern searched for, and the voice synthesis LSI 1
The speaker 550 is driven and controlled to output a sound effect only from the speaker 1550. On the other hand, in step S1860, the CPU 1500 first turns the switch 1540 from the off state to the on state, and then drives and controls the voice synthesis LSI 1530 with the searched effect sound output pattern to cause the speaker 155 to operate.
In addition to 0, a sound effect is output from the auxiliary speaker 1560. Thus, only when it is necessary to increase the sound effect volume level, the auxiliary speaker is used to output a large amount of the sound level sound effect.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the CPU
1500 is one of a plurality of sound effect output patterns of a plurality of sound volume levels associated with a variation pattern (display effect pattern) designated by the first command, based on the sound volume level of the ambient sound of the gaming machine. The sound effect output pattern of is selected, and the sound effect output control is performed in the selected sound effect output pattern. Therefore, the sound effect output is performed at any of the multiple volume levels associated with the display effect pattern specified by the command based on the volume level of the ambient sound, and the volume change of the ambient sound is fully considered. By doing so, fine effect sound output control can be performed.

As the detected sound volume of the ambient sound becomes higher, the sound effect output pattern for outputting the sound effect at a higher sound volume level is selected, so that the ambient sound level becomes higher. The higher the volume level of the sound effect becomes, the more the volume level of the sound effect can be increased by fine control. Further, the CPU 1500 is
When the sound effect output pattern that outputs the sound effect at the highest volume level is selected, the sound effect output control is performed using the auxiliary speaker 1560 in addition to the speaker 1550 that is normally used. It is possible to output a large amount of the sound effect of, and even if the ambient sound level is extremely high, it is possible to effectively output the sound effect that counters this.

Further, the sound effect output pattern has a plurality of volume levels for each variation pattern (display effect pattern) designated by each of a plurality of types of commands (commands for designating each of variation pattern 1 to variation pattern 16). Are associated with each other, it is possible to set the type of the sound effect so as to match the display effect mode.

(Other Embodiments) FIG. 19 is a front view of a gaming machine group 3000a, 3000b, 3000c in another embodiment, and FIG. 20 is a gaming machine 3000a, 3000.
3B is a connection configuration example of the main control unit 200 of FIG.
Note that only three gaming machines 3000a, 3000b, and 3000c are shown for easier understanding of the other embodiments, but other embodiments are also implemented for a group of three or more gaming machines. obtain.

Although not shown in FIG. 20, each gaming machine 300
0a, 3000b, 3000c main control units 200a, 2
00b and 200c have the same functions as those described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18 (each sound effect generator 11).
6 is not shown). The main control units 200a and 200b are control lines 1
900a is configured to be able to communicate required information with each other, and the main control units 200b and 200c are configured to be capable of communicating required information with each other via a control line 1900b. Further, the main control unit 200a is not shown via the control line 1900c. The main control unit 200 of the adjacent gaming machine is connected to be able to communicate necessary information mutually, and the main control unit 200c is connected to the control line 19 again.
The main controller 20 of the game machine on the right side not shown by 00d
0 is connected so that required information can be communicated with each other.

Thus, the main control unit 200 of a certain game machine and the main control unit 200 of the left and right game machines, respectively, control line 19
00 is connected so that required information can be communicated with each other.

(Operation Example 2) Now, description will be given assuming that the main control unit 200b operates. First, step S210
At 0, the ambient sound is "high level" and whether or not to perform the effect sound output control in the corresponding effect sound output pattern, in other words, whether or not to perform the effect sound output control in the effect sound output patterns 1c to 16c. Whether or not it is determined. When it is determined to perform the sound effect output control with these sound effect output patterns (Yes
In step s), the process proceeds to step S2110. In other cases (No), effect sound output control is performed as in operation example 1 and the wait state is set in step S2100.

Then, in step S2110, control lines 1900 are supplied to the main control units 200a and 200c, respectively.
“To set a control prohibition flag” for indicating that the main control unit 200b performs the sound effect output control in the sound effect output pattern corresponding to the ambient sound “high level” via a 1900b. Send information about. In response to this, the main control units 200a and 200c have their own RAM 2
Set a 1-bit control prohibition flag in a predetermined area of 03,
When the prohibition flag is set, the CPU 1500 always performs a sound effect output control operation with a sound effect output pattern for the low level of the received command regardless of the ambient sound level (step S2115).

Next, in step S2220, the main controller 200b controls the sound effect output in the sound effect output pattern corresponding to the ambient sound of "high level". Then, in step S2230, main controller 200a, 20
0c, information for lowering the control prohibition flag is transmitted via control lines 1900a and 1900b, respectively. In response to this, the main control units 200a and 200c lower the 1-bit control prohibition flag standing in a predetermined area of the RAM 203 corresponding to itself, and the CPU 1500 has lowered this prohibition flag. The sound effect output control operation as described above is performed (step S223).
5).

Therefore, according to this other embodiment, of the sound effect output patterns associated with the variation pattern (display effect pattern) designated by a certain command, the sound effect output pattern with the highest volume level is selected. When selected, information indicating that (control prohibition flag) is transmitted to the gaming machines 3000a, 3000c arranged on both sides, and the CPUs 1 of the gaming machines 3000a, 3000b on both sides are respectively transmitted.
The 500 does not perform the sound effect output control in consideration of the detection result of the volume level of the ambient sound of the gaming machines, which is provided in the gaming machines 3000a and 3000b. Therefore, when the sound effect sound volume level is raised in the gaming machine 3000b to output the sound effect, the sound effect sound volume from the gaming machines 3000a and 3000c is suppressed to a low level on both sides of the sound effect sound level of the gaming machine 3000b. The volume level can be suppressed.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and changes can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the contents of the table 1600 may be appropriately changed, for example, four or more types of sound effect output patterns may be registered for one variation pattern.

In the above description, a pachinko machine is used as an example of a game machine, but the present invention is applied not only to a pachi-slot machine but also to other game machines that perform a game using a game medium. It goes without saying that it is possible.

As described above, according to the present invention, at any of a plurality of volume levels associated with the display effect pattern designated by the command based on the volume level of the ambient sound. The effect sound is output, and it is possible to obtain the effect that the effect sound output control can be finely performed in consideration of the volume change of the ambient sound.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic explanatory view of a game board 10.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the gaming machine.

FIG. 3 is a block configuration diagram of a special symbol display device 100.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a character ROM memory map and palette data.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the timing of command transmission / reception.

6 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202. FIG.

7 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202. FIG.

8 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202. FIG.

9 is an explanatory diagram of commands stored in a command data table area 202. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a general flowchart for explaining a game control operation of the gaming machine.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a control operation of a CPU 1020 of the special symbol display device 100.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a data structure of a command.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart showing command transmission timing for displaying symbols.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of command transmission.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of a characteristic part of the present invention.

16 is an explanatory diagram of a table 1600. FIG.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of an operation of detecting a volume level of ambient sound.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example.

FIG. 19 is a gaming machine 3000a, 3 according to another embodiment.
It is a front view of 000b and 3000c.

FIG. 20 is a configuration diagram of a characteristic portion in another embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example in another embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 game board 100 special symbol display device 102 Normal design operation gate 104 Special symbol starting port 106 Grand Prize Winner 110 lamp display device 112 lamp display 114 Out Mouth 116 Sound effect generator 120 Opening / closing member 200 Main control unit 201 ROM 202 Command data table area 203 RAM 210 input ports 215 output ports 308 Winning prize switch 1020 CPU 1040 program ROM 1060 Image processing LSI 1080 video RAM 1090 RAM 1100 LCD panel interface circuit 1120 LCD panel 1180 character ROM

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A display device performs a game effect screen display in a display effect pattern designated by a command from a main control means that controls game operation control, and a sound effect output device causes the command from the main control means. In a gaming machine configured to output a sound effect corresponding to the display effect pattern specified by, the detection means for detecting the volume level of the ambient sound of the gaming machine, and based on the detected volume level of the ambient sound Selection means for selecting any one of a plurality of sound effect output patterns having a plurality of sound volume levels associated with the display effect pattern designated by the command, and the selected sound effect output A game machine, comprising: a sound effect output control means for performing a sound effect output control in a pattern. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit outputs a sound effect at a higher volume level as the detected sound volume of the ambient sound becomes higher. A gaming machine characterized by selecting a pattern. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the sound effect output control means selects a sound effect output pattern for outputting a sound effect at the highest volume level by the selecting means, A gaming machine characterized by controlling the sound effect output using an auxiliary speaker in addition to the speaker normally used. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1, 2 and 3, wherein the detecting means detects the volume level of ambient sound by using a threshold value having hysteresis. Characteristic gaming machine. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the sound effect output pattern is plural for each display effect pattern designated by each of a plurality of types of commands. A gaming machine characterized by being associated with those of the volume level. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the selection means is associated with a display effect pattern designated by a certain command. Of the sound effect output patterns, when the sound effect output pattern of the highest volume level is selected, the means for transmitting information indicating that to the gaming machine side arranged on both sides is provided, and the selected sound effect is provided. The respective sound effect output control means of the game machines on both sides, which are provided with the sound effect output control means for controlling the sound effect output in the output pattern, detect the volume level of the ambient sound of the game machine provided in the game machines. The game machine is characterized in that the sound effect output control based on the volume level of the ambient sound is not performed regardless of the detection result of the detecting means.