JP2006198088A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine dispensing with a change of a hardware constitution, greatly increasing types of reproducible sounds more than the conventional one, and improving a performance function. <P>SOLUTION: L-channel sound in phrase data stored in an external ROM 481 for the phrase data is constituted of a first monophonic voice, and R-channel sound is constituted of a second monophonic voice of a type different from the first monophonic voice. This game machine is so formed that Pan 480B distributes the first monophonic voice constituting the L-channel sound into two speakers and distributes the second monophonic sound constituting the R-channel sound into two speakers; and a volume 480A outputs either one of the first monophonic voice or the second monophonic voice from the two speakers. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a slot machine.

  Conventionally, the reel rotates by inserting a medal and operating the start lever, the reel is stopped by operating the stop button, the internal winning is determined by the internal lottery, and the internal winning on the display window is determined in advance. A game machine is widely known in which a prize is awarded when a predetermined symbol combination is displayed, and a prescribed number of medals are paid out.

  As one of such game machines, there has been proposed a game machine having a rendering function that increases the player's expectation by outputting various sound effects according to the progress of the game. The game console shown in FIG. 1 includes a voice control device that stores a plurality of voice data, and can generate a plurality of types of sound effects and change the strength of the sound effects output to the left and right speakers. By doing so, it is possible to produce a variety of changes.

JP-A-8-131613

  In recent years, along with the sophistication and complexity of the presentation function, the required types of voices tend to increase, but in conventional game machines, the types of voices can be stored in the voice control device. The number of audio data is limited, and there is a limit to the improvement of the production function. For this reason, in order to increase the number of types of audio, it is necessary to change to an expensive audio control device with a large number of audio data that can be stored, resulting in increased costs and a longer development period. .

  The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and it is possible to greatly increase the types of audio that can be played, compared to the prior art, without changing the hardware configuration. It aims at providing the game stand which can raise a production function.

  The present invention provides phrase data storage means capable of storing stereo sound of first channel sound and second channel sound as phrase data, and the first channel sound and second sound generated based on the phrase data. A volume adjusting means capable of adjusting the volume of each channel sound, and a sound distribution means capable of distributing the first channel sound and the second channel sound after volume adjustment to two speakers, respectively. In the stage, the first channel sound in the phrase data stored in the phrase data storage means is constituted by a first sound, and the second channel sound is of a type different from the first sound. The first sound that is constituted by the second sound and that constitutes the first channel sound by the sound distribution means. In addition to distributing to the two speakers, the second sound constituting the second channel sound is distributed to the two speakers, and any one of the first sound and the second sound is controlled by the volume adjusting means. The above-described problem is solved by configuring either one of the two speakers so that output is possible.

  According to the present invention, two different types of sound can be stored in a storage area where stereo sound is conventionally stored, and these two sounds can be output independently. Therefore, it is possible to greatly increase the types of audio that can be played back without changing the hardware configuration, and to enhance the rendering function.

  If the sound distribution means is configured to distribute both the first sound and the second sound equally to the two speakers, the sweet spot of the sound generated from the speakers (mostly The place where you can hear good sounds can be brought closer to the player.

  In addition, the game table includes main control means for mainly controlling the progress of the game and sub-control means for mainly controlling the effect of the game, and the control of the volume adjusting means and the sound distribution means is controlled by the sub-control. If configured to be performed by means, the control burden on the main control means can be reduced, and the progress of the game by the main control means can be controlled more smoothly.

  In addition, if at least one of the first sound and the second sound is an information notification sound for notifying the player of information related to the game, the player can play information about the game by sound (through hearing). It is possible to know information about the game even during the game.

  Furthermore, if the information notification sound is an operation procedure notification sound for notifying an operation procedure corresponding to a game operation, the operation procedure of the game table can be known by voice, for example, in the case of a slot machine. If there is, it is possible to know the operation information such as the pushing order of the reels and the pressing of the reels by voice.

  In addition, it further includes a gaming state control means for controlling the gaming state, and if the information notification sound is a gaming state notification sound for notifying the gaming state, information related to the gaming state can be known by voice, For example, it is possible to easily grasp a change in gaming state through hearing.

  The game machine according to the present invention has an excellent effect that it is possible to greatly increase the types of reproducible audio and to enhance the presentation function, while no hardware configuration change is required. .

  The gaming machine according to the present invention includes phrase data storage means capable of storing stereo sound of first channel sound and second channel sound as phrase data, and the first channel sound generated based on the phrase data. And volume adjusting means capable of adjusting each volume of the second channel sound, and sound distributing means capable of distributing the first channel sound and the second channel sound after volume adjustment to two speakers, respectively. The first channel sound in the phrase data stored in the phrase data storage means is constituted by a first sound, and the second channel sound is the first sound. Are composed of different types of second sound, and before the first channel sound is composed by the sound distribution means. The first sound is distributed to the two speakers, and the second sound constituting the second channel sound is distributed to the two speakers, and the first sound and the first sound are adjusted by the volume adjusting means. The above-described problem is solved by configuring one of the two voices to be output from the two speakers.

  In the embodiments described below, the first channel sound according to the present invention may be referred to as “L channel sound”, and the second channel sound according to the present invention may be referred to as “R channel sound”. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Furthermore, the first sound according to the present invention may be referred to as “first monaural sound”, and the second sound according to the present invention may be referred to as “second monaural sound”. It is not limited.

  Hereinafter, a slot machine (game table) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100. FIG.

  Inside the center of the main body 101 of the slot machine 100, three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) having a plurality of types of patterns arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. In the first embodiment, an appropriate number of each pattern is printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by sticking the belt-like member to a predetermined circular frame member. When viewed from the player, approximately three patterns on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in the vertical direction from the pattern display window 113 so that a total of nine patterns can be seen. Then, by rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of the patterns that can be seen by the player varies. In the first embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  A backlight (not shown) for illuminating each picture displayed on the picture display window 113 is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112. It is desirable that this backlight is shielded for each pattern so that each pattern can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor are provided. A light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between them. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the pattern on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target pattern is displayed on the winning line 114.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates an effective winning line. An effective winning line is determined in advance by the number of medals inserted into the slot machine 100. Of the five winning lines 114, for example, when one medal is inserted, the middle horizontal winning line is valid, and when two medals are inserted, the upper horizontal winning line and the lower horizontal winning line are added. When three medals are inserted and three medals are inserted, the five added with the right-down winning line and the upper-right winning line become effective as the winning line. Note that the number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five.

  The start lamp 121 is a lamp that informs the player that the reels 110 to 112 are in a state of being able to rotate. The re-game lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be re-played (the medal need not be inserted) when winning a re-game player, which is one of the winning games in the previous game. It is a lamp to inform. The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (for example, a bonus such as BB (Big Bonus) or RB (Regular Bonus)) is won internally. The medal insertion lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies that a medal can be inserted. The payout number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The game number display 126 is an indicator for displaying an error display at the time of inserting a medal, the number of games during the big bonus game (in the BB game), the number of winnings of a predetermined winning combination, and the like. The stored number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The medal insertion buttons 130 and 131 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In the first embodiment, every time the medal insertion button 131 is pressed, a maximum of three are inserted one by one, and when the medal insertion button 130 is pressed, three are inserted. The medal slot 134 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the medal insertion button 130 or 131, or an actual medal can be inserted from the medal insertion slot 134. The payment button 132 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them to the medal tray 156 from the medal payout opening 155. The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed.

  The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for performing a game start operation. That is, when a desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 134 and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 are rotated as a trigger, and the game is started. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are buttons for performing a stop operation on the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are provided corresponding to the reels 110 to 112. When any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is operated, any one of the corresponding reels 110 to 112 is stopped.

  The door key 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted. The medal payout exit 155 is a payout exit for paying out medals. The medal tray 156 is a container for collecting medals paid out from the medal payout opening 155. The medal tray 156 employs a tray that can emit light in the first embodiment, and may be hereinafter referred to as a tray lamp.

  The upper lamp 150, the side lamp 151, the center lamp 152, the waist lamp 153, the lower lamp 154, and the saucer lamp 156 are decorative lamps for exciting the game. The effect device 157 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display device having a door (shutter) that can be freely opened and closed attached to the front surface. The effect device 157 displays various types of information such as a small role notification. The sound hole 160 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside.

<Control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the central part of the game, and a sub control unit 400 that controls various devices in accordance with commands transmitted from the main control unit 300. Has been.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 shows a circuit block diagram of the main control unit 300.

  The main control unit 300 includes a CPU 310 that is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire main control unit 300, a data bus and an address bus for the CPU 310 to transmit and receive signals to and from each IC and each circuit, It has the structure described below. The clock correction circuit 314 is a circuit that divides the clock oscillated from the crystal oscillator 311 and supplies it to the CPU 310. For example, when the frequency of the crystal oscillator 311 is 12 MHz, the divided clock is 6 MHz. The CPU 310 operates by receiving the clock divided by the clock correction circuit 314 as a system clock.

  The CPU 310 is connected to a timer circuit 315 for setting a timer interrupt processing cycle for constantly monitoring the state of sensors and switches and a motor drive pulse transmission cycle via a bus. When the power is turned on, the CPU 310 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 312 to the timer circuit 315 via the data bus. The timer circuit 315 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 310 at each interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 310 executes monitoring of each sensor and transmission of drive pulses. For example, when the system clock of the CPU 310 is set to 6 MHz, the frequency division value of the timer circuit 315 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 312 is set to 44, the reference time for this interrupt is 256 × 44 ÷ 6 MHz = 1. 877 ms.

  Further, the CPU 310 stores a ROM 312 for storing various data such as a program for controlling each IC, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and a reel stop position, and for storing temporary data. A RAM 313 is connected. Other storage means may be used for these ROM 312 and RAM 313, and this is the same in the sub-control unit 400 described later. The CPU 310 is connected to an input interface 360 for receiving an external signal, and a start lever sensor 321, a stop button sensor 322, a medal insertion button sensor 323, a checkout button via the input interface 360 every interrupt time. The state of the sensor 324 and the medal payout sensor 326 is detected, and each sensor is monitored.

  The start lever sensor 321 is a sensor for detecting the operation of the start lever 135. The stop button sensor 322 is a sensor for detecting which stop button is pressed when any one of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is pressed. The medal insertion button sensor 323 is a sensor for detecting which medal insertion button is pressed when one of the medal insertion buttons 130 and 131 is pressed. The settlement button sensor 324 is provided on the settlement button 132, and when the settlement button 132 is pressed once, the stored medals and the bet medals are settled and paid out. The medal payout sensor 326 is a sensor for detecting a payout medal.

  Further, an input interface 361 and output interfaces 370 and 371 are connected to the CPU 310 via the address decoding circuit 350 to the address bus. The CPU 310 exchanges signals with external devices via these interfaces. An index sensor 325 is connected to the input interface 361. The index sensor 325 is installed at a predetermined position on the mounting base of each of the reels 110 to 112, and becomes a high level every time the light shielding piece provided on the reels 110 to 112 passes through the index sensor 325. When detecting this signal, the CPU 310 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. The output interface 370 includes a motor for a reel motor driving unit 330 that controls a motor for driving the reel, and a motor for a hopper (a device for paying out medals accumulated in the bucket from the medal payout outlet 155). A hopper motor driving unit 331 for driving, a game lamp 340 (specifically, a winning line display lamp 120, a start lamp 121, a re-playing lamp 122, an announcement lamp 123, a medal insertion lamp 124, etc.) and 7 segments ( A SEG) display 341 (a payout number display 125, a game number display 126, a stored number display 127, etc.) is connected.

  A random number generation circuit 317 is connected to the CPU 310 via a data bus. The random number generation circuit 317 is an increment counter capable of incrementing a value within a certain range based on a clock oscillated from the crystal oscillator 311 and the crystal oscillator 316 and outputting the count value to the CPU 310, which will be described later. Used for various lottery processes, including internal lottery for winning positions. An output interface 371 for transmitting a command to the sub control unit 400 is connected to the data bus of the CPU 310. Information communication between the main control unit 300 and the sub control unit 400 is a one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 transmits a command to the sub control unit 400. Cannot be sent.

<Sub control unit>
Next, the sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a circuit block diagram of the sub-control unit 400.

  The sub-control unit 400 is an arithmetic processing unit that controls the entire sub-control unit 400 based on a main control command or the like transmitted from the main control unit 300, and the CPU 410 transmits and receives signals to and from each IC and each circuit. It has a data bus and an address bus for performing, and has a configuration described below. The clock correction circuit 414 is a circuit that corrects the clock oscillated from the crystal oscillator 411 and supplies the corrected clock to the CPU 410 as a system clock.

  A timer circuit 415 is connected to the CPU 410 via a bus. The CPU 410 transmits the frequency dividing data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 412 to the timer circuit 415 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The timer circuit 415 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 410 at each interrupt time. The CPU 410 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  Also, the CPU 410 temporarily stores a ROM 412 in which commands and data for controlling the entire sub-control unit 400, backlight lighting patterns and data for controlling various displays, and the like are stored. The RAM 413 is connected via each bus.

  Further, an input / output interface 460 for transmitting and receiving external signals is connected to the CPU 410. The input / output interface 460 has a backlight 420 for illuminating the symbols of the reels 110 to 112 from the back, a front surface. A door sensor 421 for detecting opening / closing of the door 102 and a reset switch 422 for clearing data in the RAM 413 are connected.

  An input interface 461 for receiving a main control command from the main control unit 300 is connected to the CPU 410 via a data bus, and an effect process that excites the entire game based on the command received via the input interface 461. Etc. are executed. A sound source IC 480 is connected to the data bus and address bus of the CPU 410, and the sound source IC 480 controls sound in accordance with a command from the CPU 410. The tone generator IC 480 is connected to an external ROM 481 for phrase data in which phrase data (audio data) is stored. The tone generator IC 480 decodes the phrase data acquired from the external ROM 481 for phrase data, Amplified and output from the speaker 483 (details will be described later). The CPU 410 is connected to an address decoding circuit 450 for selecting an external IC, similar to the main control unit 300, and the input interface for receiving a command from the main control unit 300 is connected to the address decoding circuit 450. 461, an input interface 471 for inputting a signal from the door / liquid crystal screen control unit 490, a clock IC 423, an output interface 472 for outputting a signal to the 7-segment display 440, and the like are connected.

  The CPU 410 can acquire the current time by connecting the clock IC 423. The 7-segment display 440 is provided inside the slot machine 100 so that, for example, predetermined information set in the sub-control unit 400 can be confirmed by an attendant of a game store or the like. Further, a demultiplexer 419 is connected to the output interface 470. The demultiplexer 419 distributes the signal transmitted from the output interface 470 to each display unit and the like. That is, the demultiplexer 419 receives the upper lamp 150, the side lamp 151, the center lamp 152, the waist lamp 153, the lower lamp 154, the reel panel lamp 128, the title panel lamp 170, the saucer lamp 156, according to the data received from the CPU 410. The outlet strobe 171 is controlled. The title panel lamp 170 is a lamp that illuminates the title panel 162, and the payout outlet strobe 171 is a strobe type lamp installed inside the payout opening. The CPU 410 performs signal transmission to the door / liquid crystal screen control unit 490 via the demultiplexer 419. The door / liquid crystal screen control unit 490 is a control unit that controls the liquid crystal display device 157 and the door (not shown) 163.

<Sound source IC>
Next, the sound source IC 480 of the sub control unit 400 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. 4 is a block diagram of the sound source IC 480 and its surroundings, and FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of the sound source IC.

  A phrase data external ROM (phrase data storage means) 481 is connected to the external ROM interface of the tone generator IC 480. The phrase data external ROM 481 stores phrase data (audio data) for up to 256 songs compressed in an AMM (AMuse Music Compression) data format, and monaural audio as mono phrase data, as well as L channel audio and R Stereo audio comprising channel audio is stored as stereo phrase data. Note that “AMM” is one of audio compression methods, which can encode audio data with high sound quality and high compression, and is an audio compression method particularly suitable for amusement devices such as game machines.

  The CPU 410 is connected to the CPU interface of the sound source IC 480. The sound source IC 480 is controlled by the CPU 410 via the control register, and reads phrase data in AMM format from the phrase data external ROM 481 in accordance with a command from the CPU 410. After the AMM format phrase data is decoded into PCM data by the decoder, the audio is output to the amplifier 482 through panning, total volume, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the sound source IC 480 is configured to include eight phrase data decoders ch0 to ch7, and can reproduce phrase data of up to eight phrases simultaneously and independently. The even playback channels ch0, ch2, ch4, and ch6 of the sound source IC 480 can play monaural phrases and stereo phrases, and the odd playback channels ch1, ch3, ch5, and ch7 can play only monaural phrases. Note that the monaural phrase and the stereo phrase are automatically identified based on the contents of the phrase data.

  In addition, after the phrase data decoders ch0 to ch7, a volume (volume adjusting means) 480A capable of adjusting the volume of the sound generated based on the phrase data and the volume-adjusted sound can be distributed to two speakers. A pan (sound distribution means) 480B is provided. Further, a total volume 480C capable of adjusting the overall volume via a pan boost is arranged at the subsequent stage of each pan 480B.

<Control register of sound source IC>
Next, the control register of the tone generator IC 480 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a list of control registers, and FIGS. 7 to 10 are views showing the contents of each control register.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the control register of the tone generator IC includes a control register ($ 00h to $ 02h) common to all channels for setting the total volume 480C and digital output, and each phrase data decoder ch0 to ch0. Each channel control register ($ 40h to $ 5Fh) for setting the ch7 volume 480A, pan 480B, and the like.

  A control register ($ 00h to $ 02h) common to all channels is configured to include a MUTE register, a DOEN register, a VLMA register, a BSL register, and a CLP register.

  The MUTE register shown in FIG. 7A is a register for performing mute control of audio output. When MUTE = 1, the audio output is muted and the output of analog audio and digital audio is stopped. On the other hand, when MUTE = 0, the mute of the audio output is released and analog audio and digital audio can be output.

  The DOEN register shown in FIG. 5B is a register for controlling whether to permit / deny digital audio output. When DOEN = 1, a digital audio signal is output from the digital output terminal, and DOEN = 0. Sometimes a low level signal is output from the digital output terminal.

  The VLMA register shown in FIG. 6C is a register for controlling the total volume 480C to adjust the volume of the entire sound, and the volume is 7Fh to 80h as shown in FIG. Is set by 2's complement (2's complement), and adjustment in 256 stages is possible.

  The other BSL registers are registers for setting the bass boost filter type and boost level, and the CPL register is a register for adjusting the level of the bass boost clip prevention limiter.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the control registers ($ 40h to $ 5Fh) of each channel 0 to 7 are configured to have an MNSx (x = 0 to 7) register, a VLMx register, a PANx register, a LOOPx register, and a KONx register. ing.

  The MNSx register shown in FIG. 8A is a register for selecting a phrase number to be reproduced by each phrase data decoder ch0 to ch7, and the phrase data numbers 0 to 255 stored in the phrase data external ROM 481 are stored in the MNSx register. specify.

  The VLMx register shown in FIG. 5B is a register for controlling the volume 480A and adjusting the volume of each sound output from each phrase data decoder ch0 to ch7, and the volume is the above VLMA register. In the same manner as above, adjustment in 256 steps is possible.

  The PANx register shown in FIG. 9A is a register for controlling the pan 480B and distributing each sound output from each phrase data decoder ch0 to ch7 to the two speakers 483 at a predetermined ratio. As shown in the figure (b), 23 types of settings from 00h to 16h are possible. For example, when the PANx register is set to 00h, the output of the R channel becomes 0, but only the output of the L channel is valid, and sound is output from the speaker 483 connected to the L channel. When the PANx register is set to 10h, the output of the L channel becomes 0, but only the output of the R channel is valid, and sound is output from the speaker 483 connected to the R channel. Further, when the PANx register is set to 08h, the output is effective for both the R channel and the L channel, and the sound is output equally (at the same output level) from the two speakers 483 connected to the R channel and the L channel. .

  The LOOPx register shown in FIG. 5C is a register for controlling whether or not the same phrase is repeatedly reproduced. When LOOPx = 1, the same phrase is repeatedly reproduced, and LOOPx = 0. Sometimes the phrase is played only once.

  The KONx register shown in FIG. 10A is a register for performing phrase reproduction control. When KONx = 01, phrase reproduction is started, and when KONx = 00, phrase reproduction is stopped. When KONx = 11, the previous state is maintained (used when only the LOOPx register is to be rewritten), and KONx = 10 is prohibited to set.

  Note that the sound source IC 480 can select one sampling frequency from six types of sampling frequencies (16 kHz, 22.05 kHz, 24 kHz, 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz), but whether the sampling frequency to be selected or the phrase data is monaural. Depending on whether it is stereo or not, usable playback channels are limited as shown in FIG.

  The CPU 410 can individually set such a plurality of control registers and control the sound source IC 480. However, the sound source IC 480 includes eight sequencers 0 to 7 as shown in FIG. ing. Each sequencer 0 to 7 is composed of a plurality of sequence code data 0 to N and step end code data, and each sequence code data 0 to N is composed of a control register address and data set in the control register. Is done. That is, when a plurality of control registers are set together by the CPU 410, the address of the control register to be set and its setting data are registered in advance as sequence code data, and the corresponding sequencer is started, Multiple control registers can be set at once. Therefore, if this sequencer is used, the control load on the CPU 410 can be reduced as compared with the case where the control registers are individually set. Note that a sequencer register is associated with each of the sequencers 0 to 7, and it is possible to detect the reproduction or stop of a phrase by using this sequencer register.

  Furthermore, the sound source IC 480 has a control mode called a simple access mode that can be controlled by only 8 data buses. In this simple access, phrase data is played back or a sequencer is started by a 1-byte command. It is possible. If the control register is set using this simple access, a control line such as a read / write signal becomes unnecessary, and the connection between the CPU 410 and the sound source IC 480 can be simplified.

<Phrase playback procedure>
Next, the phrase playback procedure will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 shows a conventional monaural phrase playback procedure, FIG. 13 shows a conventional stereo phrase playback procedure, and FIG. 14 shows a phrase playback procedure of the slot machine 100 according to the present invention.

  First, a conventional monaural phrase playback procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, when sound A is stored as a monaural phrase in phrase number 1 of the phrase data external ROM 481, and this monaural phrase is output from the left and right speakers 483 via the phrase data decoding channel n (n = 0 to 7). think of. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5A, pan designation by the PANn register is set to the left and right equal output, and volume designation by the VLMn register is set to 1.0 times the volume.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, the MNSn register is set to 01h, and the phrase number 1 to be reproduced is selected. Next, the VOLn register is set to 40h, the sound volume of channel n is set to 1.0 times, the PANn register is set to 08h, and the sound of channel n can be output from the left and right speakers evenly. And Finally, the KONn register is set to 02h, and the monaural phrase (sound A) is evenly output from the two left and right speakers 483 as shown in FIG.

  Next, a conventional stereo phrase playback procedure will be described with reference to FIG.

  For example, a sound A composed of L channel sound (channel 0) and R channel sound (channel 1) is stored in the phrase number 1 of the phrase data external ROM 481 as a stereo phrase. The sound A L channel sound is reproduced by the phrase data decoding channel n (n = 0, 2, 4, 6) and output from the L channel speaker 483, while the sound A R channel sound is converted to the phrase data. Let us consider a case where reproduction is performed by the decoding channel n + 1 and output from the speaker 483 of the R channel. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5A, pan designation by the PANn register is set to 0 for the output of the R channel and 1 is set to output of the L channel, and pan designation by the PANn + 1 register is set to output of the R channel. 1. The L channel output is set to 0. Also, the volume designation by the VLMn and VLMn + 1 registers is set to 1.0 times the volume.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, the MNSn register is set to 01h, and the phrase number 1 to be reproduced is selected. Next, the VOLn register is set to 40h, the volume of channel n is set to 1.0 times, and the PANn register is set to 11h, so that the sound of channel n can be output only to the L channel speaker. . Furthermore, the VOLn + 1 register is set to 40h, the volume of the sound of the channel n + 1 is set to 1.0 times, the PANn + 1 register is set to 12h, and the sound of the channel n + 1 can be output only to the R channel speaker. To do. Finally, the KONn register is set to 02h, and the stereo phrase (sound A) L channel sound (channel 0) is sent from the L channel speaker 483 and the R channel sound (as shown in FIG. Channel 1) is output from the R channel speaker 483, respectively.

  Next, the phrase playback procedure of the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the first embodiment, the first sound A is used as the L channel sound (channel 0) in the stereo phrase, and the second sound is different from the first sound A as the R channel sound (channel 2). The phrase data to which B is assigned is stored in phrase number 1 of the phrase data external ROM 481. The sound A is reproduced by the phrase data decoding channel n (n = 0, 2, 4, 6), while the sound B is reproduced by the phrase data decoding channel n + 1, and either the sound A or the sound B is reproduced. Are output from two speakers of L channel and R channel. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6A, pan designations by the PANn and PANn + 1 registers are set to left and right equal outputs, respectively. In the volume designation by the VLMn and VLMn + 1 registers, the sound volume of channel n is set to 1.0 times and the sound volume of channel n + 1 is set to 0 when sound A is output. On the other hand, when outputting the sound B, the volume of the sound of the channel n is set to 0, and the volume of the sound of the channel n + 1 is set to 1.0 times.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 5B, the MNSn register is set to 01h, and the phrase number 1 to be reproduced is selected. Next, the VOLn register is set to 40h, the volume of the sound of the channel n is set to 1.0 times, and the PANn register is set to 08h, so that the sound A which is the sound of the channel n can be output left and right evenly. State. Further, the VOLn + 1 register is set to 00h, the volume of the sound B, which is the sound of the channel n + 1, is set to 0, and the PANn + 1 register is set to 08h, so that the sound B can be output to the left and right evenly. Finally, only the sound A is output from the left and right speakers 483 by setting the KONn register to 02h.

  That is, in the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15A, after the sound A and the sound B can be output by the PANx register, the sound A is output by the VOLx register. The volume is set to 1.0 and the volume of the sound B is set to 0, and control is performed so that only the sound A is output from the left and right speakers 483. When the sound B is output from the left and right speakers 483, as shown in FIG. 5B, the VOLx register is set in a state in which both the sound A and the sound B can be output by the PANx register. Thus, the volume of the sound A is set to 0 and the volume of the sound B is set to 1.0 times, and control is performed so that only the sound B is output from the left and right speakers 483.

  FIG. 16A shows the VOLx register setting, PANx register setting during phrase playback (A, B), monaural phrase playback (C), and stereo phrase playback (D) of the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment. Indicates the playback content of the speaker. The phrase playback procedure of the slot machine according to the present invention is not limited to the phrase playback procedure described above. For example, the VOLx register and the PANx register are set as shown in FIG. May be output from one of the speakers (E, F), or only the sound B may be output from one of the speakers (G, H).

  According to the slot machine 100 according to the first embodiment, the first channel sound (L channel sound) in the phrase data stored in the phrase data storage means (phrase data external ROM 481) is the first sound (first channel sound). The second channel sound (R channel sound) is composed of a second sound (second monaural sound) different from the first sound, and the sound distribution means (pan 480B). ) Distributes the first sound constituting the first channel sound to the two speakers 483, and distributes the second sound constituting the second channel sound to the two speakers 483, thereby adjusting the volume adjusting means ( Since either one of the first sound and the second sound can be output from the two speakers 483 by the volume 480A), Years, in a region where the stereo sound is stored, can store two voice of different types can be output independently the two speech. Therefore, it is possible to greatly increase the types of audio that can be played back without changing the hardware configuration, and to enhance the rendering function. Note that the volume adjusting means (volume 480A) silences the second sound when only the first sound is output from the two speakers, and outputs only the second sound from the two speakers. Also functions as a silencer for muting the first sound.

  In particular, since the sound distribution means is configured to distribute both the first monaural sound and the second monaural sound equally to the two speakers 483, the sweet spot of the sound (where the best sound can be heard). ) Can be brought closer to the player.

  The slot machine 100 includes a main control unit (main control unit 300) that mainly controls the progress of the game, and a sub control unit (sub control unit 400) that mainly controls the effect of the game. Since the control of the voice distribution unit is configured to be performed by the sub-control unit, the control burden on the main control unit can be reduced, and the progress of the game by the main control unit can be controlled more smoothly. .

  In addition, if at least one of the first monaural sound and the second monaural sound is an information notification sound for notifying the player of information related to the game, the player can use the sound (through hearing) to acquire information related to the game. It is possible to know information about the game even during the game.

  In addition, if the information notification sound is an operation procedure notification sound for notifying an operation procedure corresponding to a game operation, the operation procedure of the gaming table can be known by voice, for example, the order of pushing the reels or Operation information such as can be known by voice.

  Furthermore, if the information notification sound is a gaming state notification sound for notifying the gaming state of a game, information regarding the gaming state can be known by voice, for example, a change in gaming state can be easily grasped through hearing. be able to.

  The slot machine according to the present invention is not limited to the structure of the slot machine according to the first embodiment. Therefore, for example, in the first embodiment, an example of a slot machine using medals (coins) as a game medium is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a game ball (for example, a pachinko ball) It can also be applied to slot machines (so-called pachilots) using game media as a game medium.

  The present invention can be applied to game machines represented by slot machines and the like.

1 is an external perspective view of a slot machine according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Circuit block diagram of main controller in the slot machine Circuit block diagram of sub-control unit in the slot machine Sound source IC in the slot machine and its surrounding block diagram Detailed block diagram of sound source IC in the slot machine List of control registers for sound source ICs in the slot machine The figure which showed the contents of each control register (MUTE, DOEN, VLMA) of sound source IC in the same slot machine The figure which showed the contents of each control register (MNSx, VLMx) of sound source IC in the slot machine The figure which showed the contents of each control register (PANx, LOOPx) of tone generator IC in the same slot machine The figure which showed the contents of each control register (KONx) of tone generator IC in the same slot machine The figure which showed the structure of the sequencer of the sound source IC in the same slot machine The conventional monaural phrase playback procedure is shown. Table (a) showing phrase content, pan specification, volume specification content, code (b) showing control register setting procedure, and typical phrase playback Diagram (c) The conventional stereo phrase playback procedure is shown. Table (a) showing the contents of phrase content, pan specification, volume specification, code (b) showing the setting procedure of the control register, and the state of phrase playback Diagram (c) FIG. 7 shows a phrase playback procedure of the slot machine according to the first embodiment, a table (a) showing the contents of phrase contents, pan designation, and volume designation, a code (b) showing a procedure for setting a control register, a phrase Figure (c) schematically showing the state of playback The figure which showed typically the audio | voice output and sound volume of the slot machine which concerns on this Example 1. Table showing VOLx register settings, PANx register settings, and speaker playback contents during phrase playback, monaural phrase playback, and stereo phrase playback of the slot machine according to the first embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Slot machine 101 ... Main body 102 ... Front door 110, 111, 112 ... Reel 113 ... Symbol display window 114 ... Winning line 120 ... Winning line display lamp 121 ... Start lamp 122 ... Replay lamp 123 ... Notification lamp 124 ... Medal insertion Lamp 125 ... Number of payouts display 126 ... Number of games display 127 ... Number of stored number display 128 ... Reel panel lamps 130, 131 ... Medal insertion button 132 ... Settlement button 133 ... Medal return button 134 ... Medal insertion port 135 ... Start lever 137 138, 139 ... Stop button 140 ... Door key 150 ... Upper lamp 151 ... Side lamp 152 ... Center lamp 153 ... Lumbar lamp 154 ... Lower lamp 155 ... Medal payout port 156 ... Medal tray 157 ... Liquid crystal display device 160 ... Holes 162 ... title panel 300 ... main control unit 400 ... sub-control unit 410 ... CPU
480 ... Sound source IC
481 ... External ROM for phrase data

Claims (6)

Phrase data storage means capable of storing stereo sound of the first channel sound and second channel sound as phrase data, and the first channel sound and the second channel sound generated based on the phrase data In a game machine comprising: volume adjusting means capable of adjusting each volume; and sound distributing means capable of distributing the first channel sound and the second channel sound after volume adjustment to two speakers, respectively.
Of the phrase data stored in the phrase data storage means, the first channel sound is composed of a first sound, and the second channel sound is a second type of sound different from the first sound. Composed of voice,
The sound distribution means distributes the first sound constituting the first channel sound to the two speakers, and also distributes the second sound constituting the second channel sound to the two speakers. Distribute,
A game table, wherein the volume adjusting means is configured to be able to output either the first sound or the second sound from the two speakers. In claim 1,
The game table, wherein the sound distribution means is configured to distribute both the first sound and the second sound equally to the two speakers. In claim 1 or 2,
The game table is
Main control means for mainly controlling the progress of the game;
Sub-control means for mainly controlling the production of the game,
The game table characterized in that the volume control means and the sound distribution means are controlled by the sub-control means. In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
At least one of said 1st audio | voice and said 2nd audio | voice is an information alerting | reporting sound for alerting | reporting the information regarding a game with respect to a player, The game stand characterized by the above-mentioned. In claim 4,
The game table, wherein the information notification sound is an operation procedure notification sound for notifying an operation procedure corresponding to a game operation. In claim 4,
A gaming table further comprising gaming state control means for controlling a gaming state, wherein the information notification sound is a gaming state notification sound for notifying the gaming state.

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