JP2008036090A - Sound control program, sound control device, and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sound control program, a sound control device, and a game machine that can achieve effective acoustic display without a display control program developer being troubled by specifying the type of sound. <P>SOLUTION: The program is employed for having a computer achieve the function of generating random numbers, the function of generating a sound specifying information for specifying sound to be generated in accordance with the generated random number, and the function of outputting the sound specifying information generated to a sound generating section of the computer. Once a sound controlling program is simply called in a display sequence which sound is required either of the pronounceable sounds is automatically specified on the sound controlling program side, thus reducing the needs of the developer of display controlling program to develop the program being bothered each time about the type of sound. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sound library suitable for acoustic control of a gaming machine such as a slot machine.

  A gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine incorporates a liquid crystal display device, and is configured to be capable of various rendering processes. Normally, the contents of the effect process are an image and sound controlled corresponding to the image.

  Conventionally, as a prior art characteristic of acoustic control, for example, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-154075, a moving image corresponding to a missed state is displayed on a display screen in addition to displaying a variation symbol indicating a jackpot / missed / reach state. A game in which an item image showing movement as a sign of reach state is displayed during display of the three-dimensional sound that can be heard from the surroundings of the left, right, up, down, front and rear according to the movement of the item image. A machine is disclosed (Patent Document 1).

  Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-186705 discloses that when a player operates a stop button on one of the left and right reels, an acoustic signal for the stop button operated from the acoustic signal output unit is output, and the position of the operation button An acoustic control method is disclosed in which the volume control unit adjusts the volume distributed to each of a plurality of speakers so that a sound image having a localization near the reel corresponding to 1 is obtained (Patent Document 2).

Furthermore, Japanese Patent No. 3660139 discloses a voice control board equipped with a voice control means as a game control means in order to save the trouble of redesigning the sound control processing every time the machine type is changed. A gaming machine provided separately and configured to send a control command from the game control means to the voice control means in accordance with the progress of the game is disclosed (Patent Document 3). In other words, the voice control means can cope with different models by changing the interpretation of the control command. For example, it is possible to send a, b,..., X commands from the game control means, and the A model voice control means generates a certain sound effect among the A model specific sound effects upon receiving the command a. The sound control means for the B model may be configured to generate a certain sound effect among the sound effects peculiar to the B model when the command a is received.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-154075 JP 2002-186705 A Japanese Patent No. 3660139

  Certainly, as in Patent Document 3, if the sound control board and the game control board are separated, the program development for the production of the gaming machine and the sound development for producing the sound for each production can be made independent. Can do.

  However, even if the sound development and the program development are separated, the effort for the program development person who develops the production control program for the gaming machine has not been reduced. This is because the program developer must determine a sound control command corresponding to any one of the sound effects and perform a program to output the determined command. For example, in the above example, the program developer in charge at the timing of the production of sound generation, the sound control command to be output among the commands a, b,. It was necessary to write a module for determining and sending the command in the program.

  On the other hand, unless at least one of the commands is described, the sound itself is not output. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a program so that any command is sent out even if it is troublesome. Even if it is troublesome, if the same command is described repeatedly, the same sound effect will be output continuously regardless of the type of acoustic control board, resulting in a monotonous effect.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a sound control program, a sound control device, and a game machine that can perform an effective sound effect without bothering the effect control program developer to specify the type of sound. .

  In order to achieve the above object, the sound control program of the present invention has a function for generating a random number and a function for generating sound specifying information for specifying the sound to be generated in correspondence with the generated random number. And a function of outputting the generated sound identification information to a sound generation unit of a computer.

  The sound control program is, for example, a software module (library) that is mounted on a sound control board so as to be executable on a computer. The acoustic control program first generates a random number. The generated random number is converted into sound specifying information for specifying the type of sound according to a certain rule. For example, the generated random number is associated with any of a finite number of sounds that can be generated, and information for specifying the associated sound is generated as the sound specifying information. The sound specifying information is output (returned as a variable of the program module or output as a command), and sound according to the sound specifying information is sounded. According to the present invention, as long as the sound control program is simply called in an effect sequence that requires sound, the sound control program automatically specifies any sound that can be generated. This eliminates the need for the person in charge of developing the production control program to develop the program while paying attention to the type of sound. In addition, since the type of sound depends on a random number, any one of sounds that can be transmitted is arbitrarily selected, and various types of sounds are provided. In addition, since the type of sound depends on random numbers and the type of sound is determined after the sound control program is started, there is a possibility that unexpected sound may be provided, which can enhance interest .

  Here, it is preferable to provide the acoustic control program of the present invention with a function of including information for identifying a sound source included in the acoustic generator as the acoustic identification information. By configuring the program in this way, the sound source that greatly characterizes the sound can be changed for each pronunciation depending on the random number, so that a variety of sound effects are possible.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the acoustic control program of the present invention is provided with a function of including, as the acoustic identification information, information for identifying the pitch of the acoustic generated by the acoustic generation unit. By configuring the program in this way, even when the sound source or the like is not changed, the pitch of the sound can be changed depending on the random number, so that various sound effects can be produced.

  Furthermore, it is preferable to provide the acoustic control program of the present invention with a function of including information for identifying the localization of the sound generated by the sound generation unit as the sound specifying information. If the program is changed in this manner, the localization of the sound image can be changed depending on the random number even when the sound source or the like is not changed, so that various sound effects can be achieved.

  Here, it is preferable that the “acoustic control program” of the present invention is provided as a sound library that allows a computer to execute a certain set of functions. A “sound library” is a unit of a software program in which one or more software programs having a specific function for controlling sound are converted into parts (modules) so that they can be used by other software programs. It is also a concept of subroutines and software modules.

  This sound control program can be functioned as a separate program that operates independently from the production control program. In this case, the sound control program is activated by outputting information such as a command from the effect control program.

  The acoustic control program can also function as a part of one production control program as a subroutine called from the main routine. In this case, the activation of the sound control program is called as a subroutine from the effect control program which is the main routine. It may be called by passing an argument.

  On the other hand, the output of the sound identification information from the sound control program can be output in the form of a command or the like when the sound control program operates independently from the program that generates sound. Further, when the program for generating sound is operating under the control of the production control program that is the main routine, it is also possible to pass it to the main routine as a value returned from the sound control program as a subroutine.

  The acoustic control program of the present invention is stored in a machine-readable storage medium. This "storage medium" includes various types of ROM, USB memory with flash memory, USB memory, SD memory, memory stick, memory card, physical storage media such as FD, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, A transmission medium such as the Internet capable of transmitting the program is also included.

  The said acoustic control program functions as the following acoustic control apparatuses by being performed by a computer. That is, the acoustic control device of the present invention includes a random number generation unit that generates a random number corresponding to an effect control command, and an acoustic that generates acoustic identification information that specifies the sound to be generated corresponding to the generated random number. A specific information generation unit, an acoustic identification information output unit that outputs the generated acoustic identification information to an acoustic generation unit of a computer, and an acoustic that generates an acoustic signal for the acoustic specified by the output acoustic identification information A generator.

  In the sound control program of the present invention, a function for determining whether sound specifying information is specified, a function for prohibiting the generation of the random number when the sound specifying information is specified, and the specified It is preferable to further include a function of outputting sound specifying information. If the sound control program is configured in this way, if the program is written so that the production control program developer passes or outputs the sound specifying information specifying the type of specific sound as an argument, The sound as described is pronounced. For this reason, when there is a special circumstance where a specific sound is desired to be generated, the sound control using a random number is prohibited, and the sound control that specifies the sound as usual is possible. Can be increased.

  The said acoustic control program functions as the following acoustic control apparatuses by being performed by a computer. That is, the acoustic control device of the present invention determines whether the acoustic identification information is designated, and when the acoustic identification information is designated, the random number generation unit prohibits the generation of random numbers and is designated. An argument determination unit that outputs the acoustic identification information from the acoustic identification information output unit is provided.

  In the acoustic control device of the present invention, when the sound specifying information includes information for specifying a sound source, the sound generating unit selects a sound source specified by the information; When the information specifying the pitch is included in the information, the pitch control unit that controls the sound in the pitch specified by the information, and the information specifying the localization is included in the sound specifying information Includes a localization control unit that controls the localization of the sound so that the localization is specified by the information.

And this invention is also a game machine provided with the said acoustic control apparatus.
Here, the “gaming machine” is not limited, but includes, for example, a swivel type gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “slot machine”), a pachinko machine (including a first kind pachinko machine and a second kind pachinko machine), and the like.

  According to the present invention, as long as the sound control program is simply called in an effect sequence that requires sound, the sound control program automatically specifies any sound that can be generated. This eliminates the need for the person in charge of developing the production control program to develop the program while paying attention to the type of sound. In addition, since the type of sound depends on a random number, any one of sounds that can be transmitted is arbitrarily selected, and various types of sounds are provided. In addition, since the type of sound depends on random numbers and the type of sound is determined by chance, an unexpected sound may be provided, which can enhance the interest.

Hereinafter, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an embodiment in which the sound control program of the present invention is installed in a slot machine installed in a game hall or the like will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are merely examples of application of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and can be applied with various modifications.
(Definition)
The terms used in this specification are defined as follows.
“Game” refers to a series of operations from the insertion of a medal to the operation of a stop switch before the next medal is inserted.
“Normal game” refers to a “game” executed with an expected value set for a default state.
The “special game” is a “game” that is different from the “normal game” and is advantageous to the player.

“Lottery” refers to a process in which a computer draws a lottery with a predetermined expected value using a random number or the like when a gaming machine reaches a predetermined condition (switch operation state or the like).
“Winning” refers to a case where the result of the “lottery” is a win, in particular, a case where a win is obtained by a computer lottery. In the present embodiment, it is distinguished from “winning” determined mechanically.
“Winning” means that a combination of symbols on the active line indicated by the stopped reels is in a state indicating a specific combination.

The “combination” is to specify the type of winning when the result of the lottery is winning. It is also called “winning role” when the “winning role” or the design is complete.
The “special role” is a role for shifting to “special game”.
The “small role” is a role for paying out to the player the number of medals corresponding to the type of the small role.

“Replay” is a role for giving the right to replay while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the previous game.
The “effective line” indicates the arrangement of the stopped symbols for the sake of convenience, and indicates whether the symbol is a specific “combination” or “losing” depending on the combination of symbols arranged on the effective line. When a plurality of “effective lines” are set, they are collectively referred to as “effective line group”.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 of the present invention is an example in the case where an effect control program that controls the effect of the gaming machine is operating independently of the sound control program that controls the effect of the sound.

(Case structure)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of the slot machine according to the embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, a front panel 20 is attached to a front surface portion of a housing of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment so as to be freely opened and closed. It is a display area in which an effect display device 40 having a display function is provided in the upper part of the front panel 20, and an operation unit is provided in the center.

  An effect display device 40 having a display function is provided in the upper part of the housing. The effect display device 40 is configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and is configured to be able to display images for various effects and information necessary for the game. The effect display device 40 is provided with one transparent display window 21. The area of the display window 21 is not provided with a liquid crystal for displaying an image, a member constituting the liquid crystal (such as a polarizing plate), or a circuit for controlling the liquid crystal, and transmits light. It is an area that cannot physically display an image.

  Three reels (rotating drums) are arranged in a position inside the housing and visible through the display window 21. From the left side when viewed from the front, the left reel 31L, the middle reel 31C, and the right reel 31R are arranged in this order.

  The reels 31L, 31C and 31R are formed in a ring-shaped hollow structure. The outer periphery of the reel is formed in the width of the reel tape that is affixed to the outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of openings are provided on the outer peripheral surface in accordance with the shape of the pattern printed on the reel tape. The inside of the reel is hollow, and the rotating shaft is supported by a frame extending from the outer peripheral surface.

  Each reel tape on which a winning symbol (a symbol constituting a winning combination) is printed is affixed to the outer peripheral surface of the reel. On each reel tape, for example, 21 symbols are printed at regular intervals. The arrangement of the symbols is different for each reel tape. The design of the reel tape corresponds to the opening provided on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. From the display window 21, the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are observed through the display window. The size of the display window 21 is such that three consecutive symbols in the vertical direction of the outer peripheral surface of each reel can be seen. Is set. In FIG. 1, a circle shown on the reel group 31 (meaning a group of reels 31L, 31C, and 31R) represents one symbol.

  Stepping motors (not shown) are connected to the respective rotation shafts of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. This stepping motor is capable of rotating the reels 31L, 31C and 31R at an arbitrary speed or stopping at an arbitrary angle (position). When each reel rotates, the symbols of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are visually recognized as moving up and down in the display window 21.

  A back lamp (not shown) is provided inside the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. Three back lamps are arranged for each reel, and light is emitted through the openings on the outer peripheral surface of the reel for a total of nine symbols visible from the display window 21 when the reels are stopped.

  A broken line on the display window 21 shown in FIG. 1 indicates an effective line group 22 including effective lines 22a, 22b, and 22c. The effective line group 22 includes a horizontal effective line 22a in the horizontal direction, two effective lines 22b in the upper and lower horizontal directions, and two effective lines 22c in the diagonally downward and leftward directions. ing. The symbols attached to the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are spaced so that all nine symbols visible from the display window 21 are positioned on these effective line groups 22 when the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are stopped. Is arranged in.

  A medal slot 23 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower right side of the effect display device 40 in the center of the casing of the slot machine 10. When medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 23, one to five lines of the effective lines 22a, 22b and 22c are activated according to the number of inserted medals. That is, the inserted number of medals is collected as a premium. When one medal is inserted, one effective line 22a is effective. When two medals are inserted, three horizontal effective lines 22a and 22b are effective. In total, including two effective lines 22c in the direction, five effective lines 22a to 22c become effective. These controls are performed by a later-described main CPU (central processing unit) 51 (see FIG. 2). For example, when three medals are inserted, if a combination of specific symbols is stopped on at least one of the effective lines 22a to 22c when the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped, the combination is selected. It will be a prize for the corresponding role.

  Various operation switches operated by the player are provided at the center of the housing. For example, in this embodiment, a start switch 41, a stop switch group 42, and a bet switch group 43 are provided.

  The start switch 41 is a switch, for example, a button operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. The stop switch group 42 includes a left stop switch 42L that is operated when stopping the left reel 31L, a middle stop switch 42C that is operated when stopping the middle reel 31C, and a right stop that is operated when stopping the right reel 31R. Switch 42R. These stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R are juxtaposed as buttons, for example.

  The bet switch group 43 is a switch group for designating the number of bets (the number of bets) when the player inserts a medal in the credit. The bet switch group 43 includes a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a and a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b. It is configured. These bet switches 43a and 43b are also arranged as buttons, for example. When the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a is operated, one or two medals are bet (collected as a game amount), and when the MAX bet switch 43b is operated, the maximum 3 bets Medals are bet. That is, the number of bets designated by operating the bet switch group 43 is collected from the number of medals that are credited, and the credit is subtracted by the number of bets.

  Further, a medal payout opening 90 is provided at the center of the lower portion of the housing, and left and right speakers 71 (71L and 71R) are provided on both sides of the medal payout opening 90. The speaker 71 provides sound corresponding to the image effect provided by the liquid crystal display device 40.

An outline of the normal game executed in the slot machine having these configurations will be briefly described.
In the slot machine 10, when a player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 23 or operates the bet switch group 43, the effective lines 22a to 22c are activated according to the number of bets.

  When the player who has designated the bet number operates the start switch 41, a winning combination according to the bet number is performed and the reels 31L, 31C and 31R start to rotate. When the player operates the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R, the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R stop rotating according to the operated button. At this time, if the lottery result of the combination being performed simultaneously with the operation of the start switch 41 is a winning combination, the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line group 22 is a predetermined combination of combinations. The reels are controlled so as to match the combination of symbols, and medals are paid out according to the winning combination.

(System configuration)
Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Inside the casing of the slot machine 10, a main control board 50, a sub control board 60, a reel board 11, a central display board 12, and a power supply board 13 connected to the main control board 50 are arranged.

(Main control board 50)
The main control board 50 is provided with a main CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 54, which are connected to each other via a bus 55.

  The main CPU 51 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. That is, the main CPU 51 reads out the game control program and related data stored in the ROM 52, and controls the entire slot machine 10 based on these.

  The ROM 52 stores a game control program and related data as shown in a flowchart of FIG. The RAM 53 is used when the main CPU 51 performs various controls, and is configured to be able to temporarily store data and the like.

  The I / F circuit 54 performs timing control and the like when signals are transmitted and received between the main control board 50, the sub control board 60, the reel board 11, the central display board 12, and the power supply board 13. It is like that. Information such as a lottery result executed on the main control board 50 is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60 in the form of a game control command. However, transmission of signals from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60 is performed between the main control board 50 and the sub control board 60, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50 is not performed. It is configured not to be performed.

(Sub control board 60)
The sub control board 60 is provided with a sub CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, image sound processor 64, ROM 65, video RAM 66, image data ROM 67, sound source circuit 68, sound ROM 69, amplifier 70, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 69. ing. The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, image sound processor 64, and I / F circuit 69 are connected to each other via a bus 72. The image data ROM 67 and the video RAM 66 are connected to the image sound processor 64, and the amplifier 70 is connected to the sound source circuit 68. The sound source circuit 68 is directly controlled by the image sound processor 64.

  The sub-control board 60 is largely separated into an effect management board 60a and an image sound reproduction board 60b. In particular, in the first embodiment, it is assumed that the effect management board 60a and the image sound reproduction board 60b operate independently by separate programs. The effect management board 60a operates with the effect control program, and the image sound reproduction board 60b operates with the image control program and the sound control program. From the effect management board 60a to the image sound reproduction board 60b is controlled in the form of an effect control command.

  The effect management board 60a is a board that controls the effect contents determined by determining the effect contents based on a game control command including information such as a lottery result from the main control board 50. Of the above configuration, the sub CPU 61, the ROM 62, the RAM 63, and the I / F circuit 69 belong to the effect management board 60a. The effect management board 60a instructs the contents of the effect in the form of an effect control command to the image sound reproduction board 60b.

  The image sound reproduction board 60b generates image data according to the contents of the effect of the effect control command transmitted from the effect management board 60a and outputs the image data to the effect display device 40. The sound signal according to the contents of the effect is also output from the speaker 71. It works to output. Of the above configuration, the image sound processor 64, ROM 65, video RAM 66, image data ROM 67, sound source circuit 68, sound ROM 69, and amplifier 70 belong to the image sound reproduction board 60b.

The configuration of each block of the effect management board 60a will be specifically described.
The sub CPU 61 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes) and executes instructions constituting the program. That is, the sub CPU 61 reads out the production control program and related data stored in the ROM 62, determines the overall control of the sub control board 60, particularly the production timing and contents of the image and sound, and the image sound control board 60b. The contents of the production are also controlled. Note that there are no restrictions on the processing capability or development language of the sub CPU 61.

  The ROM 62 stores an effect control program and related data for causing a computer (sub CPU 61) to execute processing according to a flowchart shown in FIG. The RAM 63 is used when the sub CPU 61 performs various controls, and is configured to be able to temporarily store data and the like.

  The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, and RAM 63 have the same functions as the main CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 provided on the main control board 50, respectively. Note that the ROM 62 and the RAM 63 may be the same as the ROM 52 and the RAM 53, respectively, but those having a larger capacity may be used.

  The I / F circuit 69 performs timing control when receiving a game control command or the like from the main control board 50. As described above, commands and the like are transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60, but signals are not transmitted from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

The configuration of each block of the image sound reproduction substrate 60b will be specifically described.
The image sound processor 64 can execute image control and sound control based on the control of the sub CPU 61. Specifically, the image sound processor 64 executes an image control program stored in the ROM 65 to generate image data, and stores the image data in the video RAM 66 which is a temporary storage area of the image data. For example, original image data such as characters, characters, and backgrounds are stored in the image data ROM 67 referred to when generating image data.

Further, the image sound processor 64 executes a sound control program for causing the computer to execute processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 and outputs sound specifying information for causing the sound source circuit 68 to generate a sound signal. . The sound ROM 69 can store a maximum of 256 pieces of phrase data (sound source data). The sound source circuit 68 includes an 8-channel sound generation circuit, and can simultaneously reproduce a maximum of 8 phrases. Then, based on the sound identification information from the image sound processor 64, the sound source data of 1 to 8 channels is read from the sound ROM 69, a continuous sound signal is generated, supplied to the speaker 71 via the amplifier 70, and sound is generated. It is possible to make it.
(Reel board 11)
A stepping motor (not shown) for driving the left reel 31L, the middle reel 31C, and the right reel 31R is connected to the reel substrate 11. Each stepping motor is further connected to the rotation shafts of these reels 31L, 31C and 31R. Control signals for controlling the operations of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are supplied from the main CPU 51 to the reel substrate 11.

(Central display board 12)
The central display substrate 12 is attached to, for example, a central portion on the back side of the front panel 20.
The central display board 12 includes a selector 81, a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a, a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b, a start switch (lever) 41, a left stop switch (button) 42L, and a middle stop switch (button) 42C. A right stop switch (button) 42R, a setting display section 82, and a setting change switch 83 are connected.

  The selector 81 is configured to identify whether or not the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 is a genuine one, and to eliminate an illegal medal. The setting display unit 82 is arranged so as to be visible from the back side of the front panel 20, and displays settings relating to probability and payout (for example, settings 1 to 6). The setting change switch 83 is a switch operated when changing the setting related to the probability and the payout.

(Power supply board 13)
A setting change enabling switch 91, a power switch 92, a hopper device 93, and a power device 94 are connected to the power device board 13.
The setting change enable switch 91 is a switch that is operated when a setting change using the setting change switch 83 is enabled. That is, the setting change using the setting change switch 83 can be performed only when the setting change enable switch 91 is in the ON state. The power switch 92 is a switch for switching on / off the power supply device 94. The hopper device 93 is a device for storing and paying out medals. Based on an instruction from the main CPU 51 via the power supply device board 13, a predetermined number of medals are stored in the medal payout opening 90 from medals stored in advance. It comes to pay out.

(Function block on main control board)
Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 50 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the main control board 50.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, for example, the main CPU 51 executes a program recorded in the ROM 52, whereby the following control unit 101, role lottery unit 103, reel control unit 106, winning determination unit 107. The gaming state control unit 108 and the payout control unit 109 are functionally realized. For example, the RAM 53 functions as the following flag information storage unit 105, and the following lottery table 102 data is stored in the ROM 52, for example.

(Role lottery section 103)
The role lottery unit 103 is a functional block for performing lottery of a role (special role, small role, replay, etc.). The combination lottery unit 103 obtains one random number after generating a random number internally for each game, refers to the lottery table 102 stored in the ROM 52, and determines the combination of the combination based on the area to which the acquired random number belongs. The presence / absence of winning and the winning combination are determined.

  For example, the role lottery unit 103 performs a lottery when the start switch 41 is operated, and determines whether the “game” is “winning” or “losing” and “winning” when it is “winning”. decide. That is, the role lottery unit 103 generates a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) when the start switch 41 is pressed, and the predetermined lot is selected when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Get a random value. In the lottery table 102, a special role winning area, a small role winning area, a replay winning area, a non-winning (losing) area, and the like are set at a predetermined ratio with respect to random numbers that can be acquired by the role lottery unit 103. ing.

  Furthermore, if the winning lottery unit 103 “wins” the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R after having pressed each of the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R, an arrangement of symbols representing the winning combination. The stop is controlled so that the winning combination is won. Further, when the lottery result is “losing” (non-winning), stop control is performed so that the symbol arrangement does not represent any combination. In any case, the stop symbol does not change even if the pressing timing of the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R is changed.

The lottery performed by the combination lottery unit 103 may be performed only once per game and may be determined up to the combination, but may be configured to perform a plurality of lotteries.
In addition to the configuration led by the role lottery unit 103 in which a lottery is performed at the timing of pressing the start switch 41 or the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R and the lottery result is determined, the reels can be operated without any special pull-in operation. The group 31 may be stopped, and as a result, the winning determination unit 107 may detect the positions where the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped, and determine whether there is a winning or a winning combination. In this case, there is no concept of lottery or winning combination, and the combination lottery unit 103 may not exist. Further, depending on the type of game, whether or not the role lottery unit 103 is led, that is, whether to make a lottery or make a winning determination by reel may be switched.

(Control unit 101)
The control unit 101 is a central functional block that controls the operation timing of the combination lottery unit 103, the reel control unit 106 and the winning determination unit 107, which will be described later.
For example, on the condition that the start switch 41 is operated, the control unit 101 causes the combination lottery unit 103 to perform combination lottery, causes the reel control unit 106 to start the rotation of the reel group 31, and the stop switch. The reel control unit 106 is controlled to stop the reel group 31 on the condition that the group 42 has been operated, and further, the winning determination unit 107 performs the winning determination on the condition that the reel group 31 has stopped. It is.
Note that the operation of the control unit 101 is not limited to these, and governs general control required for the main control board 50.

(Flag information storage unit 105)
The flag information storage unit 105 is configured to be able to store the type of the winning combination and the fact that the flag is turned on when a flag for a certain combination is turned on by the lottery result of the combination lottery unit 103.

(Reel control unit 106)
The reel control unit 106 is a functional block that controls the rotation and stop of the reel group 31 (reels 31L, 31C, and 31R) based on an instruction from the control unit 101.
More specifically, the reel control unit 106 has a gaming state (for example, a normal gaming state, a special gaming state, etc.), a lottery result by the combination lottery unit 103, and a stop switch group 42 (stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R). Based on the operated timing, etc., the stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are determined, and the driving of the stepping motor is controlled to stop the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R at the determined positions. It has become.

  For example, if the winning lottery unit 103 results in “losing” and no winning combination is won, each reel is set so that the combination of symbols of any winning combination is not stopped on the activated effective line. The stop positions of 31L, 31C and 31R are determined, and each reel is stopped at the determined position. On the other hand, if a winning combination is selected for a certain role, the symbol combination is determined so that the winning symbol combination is stopped on the active line that is active, and the symbol combination is valid at that time. The stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are determined so as to appear in the effective lines, and each reel is stopped at the determined position.

In particular, when the special combination is “winned”, the stop combinations of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are controlled so that the combination of the special combination symbols is stopped on the active line that is enabled (for example, (Within 4 symbols), pull-in control is performed so that the symbols related to the special role are aligned as much as possible. However, even if the special role is “winned”, the combination of symbols of the special role will not stop on the activated active line when “winning” for a small role or replay. Then, stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are determined, and stop control is performed.
Such control when stopping the reels 31L, 31C and 31R may be performed using a reel control table.

(Winning determination unit 107)
The winning determination unit 107 is a functional block for determining the final winning state.
The winning determination unit 107 determines whether or not a combination of symbols in the active line group 22 is arranged in any of the active lines that are active, and if there is an in-line combination, it is determined in the game. It is determined that the winning combination has been won. The lottery of the combination is determined in advance by the combination lottery unit 103. However, when a mechanical reel is used, the reel may not be stopped as scheduled, so the position of the finally stopped reel is detected. Because you have to do it.

  The winning determination unit 107 determines a symbol positioned on the active line by detecting, for example, an angle at the time when the stepping motor is stopped, the number of steps, and the like, and based on this, determines the presence / absence of a winning combination.

  Instead of pre-determining a combination by the combination lottery unit 103 and stopping the reels 31L, 31C and 31R together, the reels are stopped one after another at a retractable position, and finally the actual reels 31L, The positions of 31C and 31R may be detected, and the winning determination unit 107 may determine the combination of symbols and determine the combination.

(Game state control unit 108)
The gaming state control unit 108 is a functional block for controlling the special game from the next game until the predetermined end condition is satisfied when the winning determination unit 107 has won a special role as a result of the determination. It is.

  For example, the game state control unit 108 causes the reel control unit 106 to perform reel control for special games according to the lottery result of the role lottery unit 103 during the special game, or causes the sub control board 60 to perform special game effects. Or let it be done.

(Payout control unit 109)
The payout control unit 109 is a functional block for causing the hopper device 93 to pay out medals according to the winning combination as a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 107.

(Functional block on sub control board)
Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 60 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sub control board 60.
As shown in FIG. 4, the sub-control board 60 is a functional block of the effect pattern selection unit 201 on the effect management board 60 a side, the image control unit 202 on the image sound reproduction board 60 b side, the sound control unit 203, and the sound generation unit 204. As prepared.

(Production pattern selection unit 201)
The effect pattern selection unit 201 is a functional block that selects an effect pattern according to the game state indicated by the game control command transmitted from the main control board 50.
Specifically, the effect pattern selection unit 201 receives a game control command from the role lottery unit 103 of the main control board 50, selects an effect pattern according to the winning combination, etc., or wins the main control board 50 In response to a game control command from the determination unit 107 and the special role game control unit 108, an effect pattern corresponding to a winning combination or a game state is selected.

  Here, the effect pattern is determined based on the progress of the game such as whether the start switch 41 is pressed, which stop switch 42 is pressed, and which reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped, as a result of lottery. Is selected in accordance with the type of game, such as a normal game or a special game.

The effect pattern selection unit 201 outputs an effect control command to the image control unit 202 and the sound control unit 203 of the image sound reproduction board 60b.
The effect pattern selection unit 201 is functionally realized when the sub CPU 61 executes an effect control program stored in the ROM 62.

(Image control unit 202)
The image control unit 202 is a functional block that receives an effect control command and performs image control based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201.
That is, the image control unit 202 creates three-dimensional image data for displaying an image associated with the selected effect pattern, develops it into a two-dimensional image, supplies it to the effect display device 40, and displays the image. Operates to display an image on the area.
The image control unit 202 is functionally realized by the image sound processor 64 executing an image control program stored in the ROM 65.

(Sound control unit 203)
The sound control unit 203 is a functional block that receives an effect control command and performs sound control based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201. That is, the sound control unit 203 outputs sound specifying information for specifying sound for sound generation in synchronization with the image based on the effect pattern specified by the effect control command. The sound control unit 203 is functionally realized by the image sound processor 64 executing the sound control program (sound library) stored in the ROM 65. The acoustic control unit 203 operates as an acoustic control device according to the present invention by this acoustic control program.

(Sound generation unit 204)
The sound generation unit 204 is a functional block for generating a sound source, a pitch, and a localized sound signal specified by the sound specifying information transmitted from the sound control unit 203. The sound generation unit 205 is functionally realized by the sound source circuit 68 operating based on the control of the image sound processor 64.

  The sound generation unit 204 can be configured to operate by an independent program in addition to being directly controlled by the image sound processor 64. In this case, the acoustic identification information is transmitted from the acoustic control unit 203 in a command format.

(Detailed functional block of the acoustic control device)
Next, the configuration of the acoustic control unit 203 and the acoustic generation unit 204 according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 5 shows detailed functional blocks of the sound control unit 203 and the sound generation unit 204.
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the acoustic control unit 203 includes an argument determination unit 301, a random number generation unit 302, an acoustic identification information generation unit 303, and an acoustic identification information output unit 304.

  As described above, these functional blocks are realized by the image sound processor 64 executing the sound control program stored in the ROM 65. This acoustic control program is produced by incorporating (compiling) a sound library provided as a software module during program development. Such a library is created in a relocatable manner, and an absolute address in the entire acoustic control program is determined at the time of compilation. For example, it is incorporated as a part of an image sound control program integrated with the image control program. When it is desired to pass special information to this sound control program (argument), specific information (for example, sound identification information) may be included in the effect control command and transmitted.

  In the sound control program of the present embodiment, when sound specifying information is included in the production control command, the sound specifying information is output to the sound generation unit 204, and when sound specifying information is not included. The sound identification information is generated and output based on the random number. This will be described in detail below.

(Argument determining unit 301)
The argument determination unit 301 determines whether or not specific sound specifying information is specified when an effect by sound is specified from the effect pattern selection unit 201. When the acoustic identification information is designated, the argument determination unit 301 prohibits the generation of random numbers in the random number generation unit 302 described later, and causes the acoustic identification information output unit 304 to output the designated acoustic identification information.

(Random number generator 302)
The random number generation unit 302 generates a random number corresponding to the effect control command when the argument determination unit 301 does not prohibit random number generation. The random number to be generated is determined according to what is set as the acoustic identification information. In general, the greater the number of digits (the number of bits), the more information can be specified. In this embodiment, in order to specify a sound source, a pitch, and a localization, it is assumed that it is composed of 13 bits. At least the information to be specified must be the same or higher than the information with the most numeric values.

(Sound identification information generation unit 303)
The sound specification information generation unit 303 generates sound specification information for specifying the sound to be generated in correspondence with the generated random number. As shown in FIG. 5, in this embodiment, based on a random number, a sound source specifying unit 3031 that generates information for specifying a sound source, a pitch specifying unit 3032 that generates information for specifying a pitch, and information for specifying a localization are included. A localization specifying unit 3033 is provided.

  The sound source identification unit 3031 identifies the sound source data with a predetermined correspondence relationship so that the generated random number corresponds to any one of the sound source data that can be generated by the sound generation unit 204. The sound source data is specified by, for example, the ID number of the sound source data. In the present embodiment, since there are 256 types of sound source data, the sound source is specified by making the random number correspond to any numerical value of 0 to 255.

The pitch specifying unit 3032 specifies the pitch with a predetermined correspondence so that the generated random number corresponds to any of the pitches that can be changed in stages by the sound generating unit 204. For example, it is assumed that the sound generation unit 204 is configured to be able to synthesize sound source data by changing the pitch in four stages (100 Hz, 200 Hz, 400 Hz, and 800 Hz) for each octave. If the random number is made to correspond to any numerical value of 0 to 3, the pitch is specified by the following relationship.

The localization specifying unit 3033 specifies the localization with a predetermined correspondence so that the generated random number corresponds to any of the localizations that can be changed in stages by the acoustic generation unit 204. For example, it is assumed that the sound generation unit 204 is configured to be able to set the localization of the sound image in five stages (left, slightly left, center, slightly right, and right). In this case, if the random number is made to correspond to any numerical value of 0 to 4 and the volume of the left channel and the right channel is changed at the following ratio, the localization can be specified.

例１の乱数が出力された場合には、音源が「０」、音程が「０」、定位が「０」となり、番号０の音源データが特定され、音程が１オクターブ（１００Ｈｚ）、定位が「左」となる。例２の乱数が出力された場合には、音源が「１６７」、音程が「２」、定位が「２」となり、番号１６７の音源データが特定され、音程が３オクターブ（４００Ｈｚ）、定位が「中央」と特定される。例３の乱数が出力された場合には、音源が「２５５」、音程が「３」、定位が「４」となり、番号２５５の音源データが特定され、音程が４オクターブ（８００Ｈｚ）、定位が「右」と特定される。 The correspondence relationship between the random number and the acoustic identification information can be arbitrarily set.
For example, for the sake of simplicity, the random number has a 12-bit configuration, the LSB 4 bits (bits 0 to 7) are the sound source, the 4 bits (bits 8 to 9) above it are the pitch, and the MSB 3 bits ( It is assumed that the bits are allocated so that the bits 10 to 12) correspond to the localization. In that case, according to the random number, for example, the sound source, the pitch, and the localization are specified as follows.

When the random number of Example 1 is output, the sound source is “0”, the pitch is “0”, the localization is “0”, the sound source data of number 0 is specified, the pitch is 1 octave (100 Hz), and the localization is “Left”. When the random number of Example 2 is output, the sound source is “167”, the pitch is “2”, the localization is “2”, the sound source data of number 167 is specified, the pitch is 3 octaves (400 Hz), and the localization is Identified as “center”. When the random number of Example 3 is output, the sound source is “255”, the pitch is “3”, and the localization is “4”, the sound source data of number 255 is specified, the pitch is 4 octaves (800 Hz), and the localization is Identified as "Right".

  In addition, it is possible to arbitrarily associate random numbers by multiplication / division, bit operation, and the like. For example, when the random number is composed of 8 bits or more, the remainder obtained by dividing the random number by 256 is the sound source number, the remainder obtained by dividing the random number by 4 is the pitch number, and the remainder obtained by dividing the random number by 5 is the localization number. You can also

(Sound identification information output unit 304)
The acoustic identification information output unit 304 outputs the acoustic identification information Si generated as described above to the acoustic generation unit 204. The total of the identified sound source, pitch, or localization information is the acoustic identification information Si. The sound identification information output unit 304 may configure and output the sound identification information in an arbitrary format that can be recognized by the sound generation unit 204. For example, it is possible to output a command for specifying a sound source, a command for specifying a pitch, or a command for specifying a localization.

(Sound generation unit 204)
As illustrated in FIG. 5, the sound generation unit 204 includes a sound source data storage unit 401, a sound source selection unit 402, a pitch control unit 403, a localization control unit 404, a right channel synthesis unit 405, and a left channel synthesis unit 406. .

  The sound source data storage unit 401 stores a plurality of types of sound source data. The sound source data storage unit 401 corresponds to the sound ROM 69 in FIG.

  When information specifying a sound source is included in the sound specifying information, the sound source selection unit 402 selects a sound source specified by the information. For example, when the sound specifying information is output in a command format, the sound source selection unit 402 reads the specified sound source data from the sound source data storage unit 401 and synthesizes the sound when a command for specifying the sound source is provided. Generate a signal.

  When the information for specifying the pitch is included in the sound specifying information, the pitch control unit 403 controls the sound to the pitch specified by the information. For example, when the sound specifying information is output in a command format, the pitch control unit 403 generates a sound signal having the frequency of the specified pitch as a main frequency component when a command for specifying the pitch is provided.

  The localization control unit 404 controls the localization of the sound so that the localization specified by the information is included when the information specifying the localization is included in the acoustic specification information. For example, when the acoustic identification information is output in a command format, the localization control unit 404 provides the volume level of the right channel and the left channel so that a sound image is formed with the identified localization when a command for specifying localization is provided. Adjust. The sound signals of the right channel and the left channel whose volume are adjusted are synthesized by the right channel synthesis unit 405 and the left channel synthesis unit 406 for each channel. Then, sound is generated as sound from the right channel speaker 71R and the left channel speaker 71L. The user recognizes the sound image with the localization as specified.

(Relationship between board and program)
FIG. 6 is a relationship diagram between the effect control program and the sound control program (sound library) in the first embodiment. It also shows the relationship with the inspection equipment connected in the development stage.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the present embodiment, the effect control program 500 for operating the effect management board 60a is developed by a person in charge of the effect control program. On the other hand, the sound library 501 and the sound data 502 for operating the image sound reproduction board 60b as the sound control device of the present invention are developed by a person in charge of sound. An instruction from the effect control program side to the sound library 501 side is made only by the effect control command CMD.

  According to this embodiment, the specification and generation of sound are performed separately from the production control. Therefore, the person in charge of developing the production control program simply sends out the production control command CMD for operating the sound library 501 when it is desired to send out the sound. On the sound library side, random numbers are generated to generate information for identifying an arbitrary sound.

In addition, when it is desired to specifically specify the sound, the effect control program can include predetermined sound specifying information in the effect control command. Therefore, the person in charge of developing the production control program can freely develop the production control program without paying attention to the sound specification.
In the development / inspection stage, as shown in FIG. 6, the sub control board 60 is separated from the main control board 50, and instead, the inspection apparatus 510 can be connected to the sub control board 60. . At the time of development / inspection, the inspection apparatus 510 supplies the generated inspection command to the image sound reproduction board 60b of the sub-control board 60, captures the execution result of the command by the image sound reproduction board 60b, and sets the image sound reproduction board 60b. Diagnosis is possible. Further, the inspection device 510 can cause the sub-control board 60 to execute a specific effect for the inspection by, for example, sending an inspection command designating a winning mode.

  Specifically, in the production management board 60a, when a command that is not used in a normal game is received, the inspection command transfer mode is set, and when a command different from the command set in the inspection command transfer mode is received, A transition is made from the command transfer mode to the normal mode. For example, data interpreted as a valid command in the normal mode is 80H to EFH, data interpreted as a command for entering the inspection command transfer mode is F0H, data assigned as the inspection command is F1H to FFH, and a forced termination command Can be assigned as FF-7F.

  In addition, the effect management board 60a supplies the inspection device 510 with the same effect control command CMD that is supplied to the image sound reproduction board 60b. The inspection apparatus 510 executes the same sound library 501 as that mounted on the image sound reproduction board 60b, and performs sound control based on the same sound data 502 stored on the image sound reproduction board 60b. Furthermore, by using sound source data developed by an outside contractor, the same sound as that generated by the image sound reproduction board 60b can be generated and checked by listening to the sound.

  When receiving the inspection command, the effect management board 60a determines the content of the effect and outputs the effect control command CMD in the same manner as when mounted on the actual machine. The image sound reproduction board 60b performs sound control by executing the sound library 501 independently. Thus, the fact that the main control board 50 and the sub-control board 60 are independent, and that the effect control board 60a and the image sound reproduction board 60b are independent as in the first embodiment are the program. Development is dramatically more efficient.

  In other words, in the development of new models of gaming machines, the manufacturer usually develops the program for the production management on the upstream side, and the development of the program and data creation for the detailed image and sound control on the downstream side have a cooperative relationship. Entrusting development to an external production organization is routine. In this regard, in the present embodiment, control of game content, control of effect content, and image / sound control are made independent of each other. For this reason, game control program development for game control, production control program development for production management, and image control / acoustic control program development for image / sound control can be performed independently. The configuration can be shortened.

  Here, in the development stage of the slot machine 100, it is necessary to inspect images and sound. By providing the inspection device with the same data as the sound library stored in the ROM 65 and the sound source data stored in the sound ROM 69, The actual machine can be inspected effectively.

(Operation on the main control board)
Next, the game control operation by the main control board 50 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control by the main control board 50.
In FIG. 7, when a player inserts a medal and the start switch 41 is operated, the control unit 101 detects that the start switch 41 is turned on, and the combination lottery unit 103 performs a combination lottery process. (Step S101 / YES, Step S102). On the other hand, when the start switch 41 is not operated by the player and the control unit 101 cannot detect that the start switch 41 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S101 until it detects that the start switch 41 is turned on. Repeat the process.

  In the combination lottery process in step S102, the combination lottery unit 103 acquires a random number and performs a combination lottery process by comparing the acquired random number with the lottery table. As a result of the lottery, when any winning combination is won, the winning combination flag is turned on in the flag information storage unit 105. The lottery result by the combination lottery unit 103 is transmitted as winning combination information to the sub-control board 60 via the I / F circuit 54 (step S103).

  The reel control unit 106 determines whether any one of the stop switch groups 42 has been operated (step S104). When any one of the stop switches is operated (step S104 / YES), reel control is performed so that the winning combination can be won, and the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped (step S104). S105).

  If no winning combination has been won in the winning lottery process in step S102 (when “losing” has been won), the reel control unit 106 has not won any winning combination in step S105. The reel control corresponding to is performed.

  Subsequently, the reel control unit 106 determines whether all the stop switches are operated and all the reels are stopped (step S106). When all the reels have not stopped yet (step S106 / NO), the processing from the detection processing of presence / absence of the stop switch operation in step S104 is repeated.

  When all the reels are stopped (step S106 / YES), the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S107). As a result, if there is any winning (step S107 / YES), a winning process corresponding to the winning combination is executed (step S108).

When the winning combination is a “special combination”, the game state control unit 108 performs a transition process for executing the “special game” from the next game until a predetermined end condition is satisfied.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that there is no winning (step S107 / NO), the process returns to step S101.

  Subsequently, during the “special game”, the gaming state control unit 108 provides the reel control unit 106 with a “special game” so as to provide the player with a gaming state corresponding to the big bonus game or regular bonus game that is the “special role”. The reel control during “game” is performed, or the sub-control board 60 is performed for “special game”. When the specified number of games of the big bonus game or the regular bonus game is finished, a process of shifting to the “normal game” is performed.

  If the winning combination is not “special combination”, if the flag of the special combination is stored in the flag information storage unit 105 in the on state, the storage state of the flag in the flag information storage unit 105 is carried over to the next game. .

When the winning combination is “replay”, the winning determination unit 107 causes the control unit 101 to carry over the bet (the number of bets) in the game to the next game. On the other hand, when the winning combination is neither “special combination” nor “replay”, the payout control unit 109 causes the hopper device 93 to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination.
The result of the above game control is output to the sub-control board 60 as a game control command.

(Operation on sub-control board)
Next, production control and image / sound reproduction operation in the sub-control board 60 will be described.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control in the effect management board 60a of the sub-control board 60.
In step S201, the effect pattern selection unit 201 of the effect management board 60a waits until a game control command is received from the main control board 50 (NO). When the game control command is received (S201: YES), the effect pattern selection unit 201 proceeds to step S202 and selects an effect pattern. Then, after waiting for the production timing (S203: NO), the production pattern selection unit 201 proceeds to step S204. When the selected effect pattern needs to generate a predetermined sound (S204: YES), the effect pattern selection unit 201 proceeds to step S205 and generates an effect with sound specifying information for generating the predetermined sound. Prepare control commands. And it transfers to step S206 and the production | presentation pattern selection part 201 outputs the production | presentation control command with the predetermined acoustic specific information to the image sound reproduction | regeneration board | substrate 60b. On the other hand, when it is not necessary to generate a predetermined sound (S204: NO), the effect pattern selection unit 201 outputs an effect control command including a message indicating that the sound control is performed without accompanying the sound specifying information. (S206).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control of the sub-control board 60 in the image sound reproduction board 60b.
When the sound control unit 203 of the image sound reproduction board 60b receives the effect control command from the effect pattern selection unit 201 of the effect management board 60a, the sound control unit 203 accumulates it in the buffer by interruption processing or the like. In step S301, the argument determination unit 301 of the sound control unit 203 waits (NO) until an effect control command is received. Then, when the effect command is received (S301: YES), the argument determination unit 301 proceeds to step S302 and determines whether the sound identification information is designated. If the acoustic identification information is designated (S302: YES), the process proceeds to step S305, and the acoustic identification information output unit 304 sets the designated acoustic identification information as acoustic identification information Si in a format that the acoustic generation unit 204 can recognize. Output.

  On the other hand, if the sound specifying information is not specified in the effect control command in step S302 (NO), the process proceeds to step S303, and the random number generation unit 302 generates a random number with a predetermined number of digits (number of bits). . Next, the process proceeds to step S304, where the acoustic identification information generation unit 303 generates acoustic identification information based on a random number. The sound source specifying unit 3031 associates a random number with any sound source data stored in the sound source data storage unit 401 of the sound generation unit 204. The pitch specifying unit 3032 associates a random number with one of the pitches that can be controlled by the pitch control unit 403 of the sound generation unit 204. The localization specifying unit 3033 associates a random number with any of the localizations that can be controlled by the localization control unit 404 of the sound generation unit 204. Next, the process proceeds to step S305, where the acoustic identification information output unit 304 outputs the determined sound source, pitch, and / or localization as acoustic identification information Si in a format that can be recognized by the acoustic generation unit 204.

In the sound generation unit 204 that has received the sound specifying information Si, the sound source data specified by the sound source selection unit 402 is read from the sound source data storage unit 401 and synthesized as a sound signal. When a plurality of sound source data are designated, the sound source data is read out and synthesized. The maximum number of channels, that is, up to 8 channels in this embodiment, can be combined. The pitch controller 403 changes and controls the pitch of the acoustic signal synthesized in each channel so that the specified pitch is obtained. The localization control unit 404 changes and controls the localization of the acoustic signal of each channel so that the specified localization is obtained. The right channel synthesizing unit 405 synthesizes the right-side acoustic signals of the respective channels and outputs them to the right channel speaker 71R. The left channel synthesizing unit 406 synthesizes the left side acoustic signals of the respective channels and outputs them to the left channel speaker 71L.
For the image, the image control unit 202 generates image data based on the effect control command. Specifically, a modeling conversion process is performed in which objects (data) involved in the presentation are arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space in synchronization with the drawing timing. A viewing transformation is then performed and texture data relating to the texture associated with each of the regular transformed objects is rendered on the surface of the object. Then, a perspective projection conversion process is executed for each object defined in the virtual three-dimensional space in the viewpoint coordinate system with reference to the viewpoint coordinates. The generated image data is stored in the video RAM 66 and sent to the effect display device 40.

(Effect of Embodiment 1)
The first embodiment has the following advantages.
1) In the first embodiment, the sound control program mounted on the image sound reproduction board 60b automatically specifies any sound that can be generated. Therefore, it is not necessary for the person in charge of developing the production control program mounted on the production management board 60a to develop the program while paying attention to the type of sound, and the program development is facilitated.

  2) In the first embodiment, since the type of sound depends on a random number, any one of sound that can be transmitted is arbitrarily selected, and various types of sound are provided. In addition, since the type of sound depends on random numbers and the type of sound is determined by chance, an unexpected sound may be provided, which can enhance the interest.

  3) In the first embodiment, the sound source identification unit 3031 identifies sound source data that can be generated by the sound generation unit 204. Therefore, since the sound source that greatly characterizes the sound can be changed for each pronunciation depending on the random number, various sound effects can be achieved.

  4) In the first embodiment, the pitch of the sound that can be changed by the sound generation unit 204 is specified in the pitch specifying unit 3032. Therefore, since the pitch of the sound can be changed depending on the random number, various sound effects are possible.

  5) In the first embodiment, the localization of the sound generated by the sound generation unit 204 is specified in the localization specifying unit 3033. Therefore, since the sound image localization of the sound can be changed depending on the random number, various sound effects can be achieved.

  6) In the first embodiment, since the sound control program is provided as a software module called a sound library, the person in charge of sound development can conveniently perform the sound control of the present invention simply by incorporating the sound library.

  7) In the first embodiment, since the control from the effect management board 60a to the image sound reproduction board 60b is performed in the form of the effect control command, a command from the detection device is used instead of the effect management board 60a at the time of development / inspection. Sound control operations and sound inspections can be carried out to facilitate sound development.

  8) In the first embodiment, the sound control program prohibits the generation of random numbers and outputs the specified sound specifying information when the sound specifying information is specified. In this case, the person in charge of development of the production control program can specify individual sound as usual only by specifying sound specifying information. Therefore, the degree of freedom in program development is great.

(Embodiment 2)
Embodiment 2 of the present invention is an example in which the effect control program for controlling the effect of the gaming machine reads out the sound control program for controlling the effect of the sound as a subroutine.

  The hardware configuration in this embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment. The functional block (FIG. 7) in the main control board 50 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

The operation of the sub control board 60 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As described above, in the second embodiment, the sound control program (sound library) for sound control is read as a subroutine in the effect control program that is the main routine. The programs executed on the sub-control board 60 are grouped together as a whole.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the effect control program on the effect management board 60a of the sub-control board 60. From step S201 to S205, the same processing as the effect control program in the first embodiment is executed.

  That is, in step S201, the effect pattern selection unit 201 of the effect management board 60a waits until a game control command is received from the main control board 50 (NO). When the game control command is received (S201: YES), the effect pattern selection unit 201 proceeds to step S202 and selects an effect pattern. Then, after waiting for the production timing (S203: NO), the production pattern selection unit 201 proceeds to step S204. When the selected effect pattern needs to generate a predetermined sound (S204: YES), the effect pattern selection unit 201 proceeds to step S205 and generates an effect with sound specifying information for generating the predetermined sound. A control command is prepared and the process proceeds to step S210. On the other hand, when it is not necessary to generate a predetermined sound (S204: NO), the effect pattern selection unit 201 proceeds to step S210 without accompanying the sound specifying information.

  In step S210, the effect pattern selection unit 201 realized by the effect control program calls a sound library that is a subroutine. At this time, if the acoustic identification information is designated in step S205, the acoustic identification information is passed to the sound library as an argument. In the development language, for example, if a plurality of acoustic identification information fn (n is 0 or a natural number) is specified and the sound library is described as SL (), SL (f0, f1, f2,...) Specify as follows. Each argument fn is specified for each element to be acoustically controlled, for example, f0 is sound source specifying information, f1 is pitch specifying information, and f2 is localization specifying information.

  In step S211, control is transferred to the image control unit 202, and image data is generated by calling a subroutine for image control as necessary. And it transfers to step S212 and the display control with respect to the production | presentation display apparatus 40 is performed.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the sound control program (sound library) called as a subroutine.
Description will be made with reference to functional blocks realized by executing the sound library. When called from the effect control program which is the main routine, in step S401, the argument determination unit 301 of the sound control unit 203 determines whether or not an argument is passed. If no argument is passed (NO; that is, only SL () is described in the above description example), the process proceeds to step S402, and the random number generation unit 302 determines a predetermined number of digits (number of bits). Generate a random number of Next, the process proceeds to step S403, where the acoustic identification information generation unit 303 generates acoustic identification information based on a random number. The sound source specifying unit 3031 associates a random number with any sound source data stored in the sound source data storage unit 401 of the sound generation unit 204. The pitch specifying unit 3032 associates a random number with one of the pitches that can be controlled by the pitch control unit 403 of the sound generation unit 204. The localization specifying unit 3033 associates a random number with any of the localizations that can be controlled by the localization control unit 404 of the sound generation unit 204. Then, the process proceeds to step S <b> 404, and the acoustic identification information output unit 304 outputs the specified acoustic identification information as acoustic identification information Si in a format that the acoustic generation unit 204 can recognize.

  On the other hand, if an argument is specified in step S401 (YES), the process proceeds to step S410, and the acoustic identification information output unit 304 first resets the counter n. Next, the acoustic identification information output unit 304 outputs the arguments as acoustic identification information Si that can be recognized by the acoustic generation unit 204 in the order of passing. In step S411, the argument fn is output when the counter is n. Next, at step S412, the counter n is incremented by one. In step S413, as long as there is an argument that has not been output (NO), the output of the argument is continued (S411 to S412). Instead of outputting the arguments one by one, as in the first embodiment, they may be output together in one acoustic specific information format. That is, if the sound source specifying information f0, the pitch specifying information f1, the localization specifying information f2 and the like are simultaneously delivered, they are bit-computed to be combined into one numerical value.

  When the output of the acoustic identification information is completed in step S404, or when all the arguments are output in step S413 (NO), the process returns to the main routine.

  The sound generation unit 204 that has received the sound specifying information Si generates a sound signal in the same manner as in the first embodiment. That is, the sound source data specified by the sound source selection unit 402 is read out from the sound source data storage unit 401 and synthesized as a sound signal. When a plurality of sound source data are designated, the sound source data is read out and synthesized. The maximum number of channels, that is, up to 8 channels in this embodiment, can be combined. The pitch controller 403 changes and controls the pitch of the acoustic signal synthesized in each channel so that the specified pitch is obtained. The localization control unit 404 changes and controls the localization of the acoustic signal of each channel so that the specified localization is obtained. The right channel synthesizing unit 405 synthesizes the right-side acoustic signals of the respective channels and outputs them to the right channel speaker 71R. The left channel synthesizing unit 406 synthesizes the left side acoustic signals of the respective channels and outputs them to the left channel speaker 71L.

The second embodiment has the same advantages as the first embodiment.
In particular, in the second embodiment, the effect control program and the sound control program operate as one program, so that it is suitable for hardware in which only one computer device is mounted on a board that controls the effect, such as the sub-control board 60. .

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment and can be implemented with various modifications.
For example, in the above embodiment, the game control and the effect control are separated such as the main control board and the sub control board, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, unified control may be performed without distinguishing between game control and effect control.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the production control and the image / sound reproduction are separated as in the production management board and the image sound reproduction board, but the present invention is not limited to such a form. In addition to the integrated control as in the second embodiment, only image control may be separated from other processes, or only voice control may be separated from other processes.

  In the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the slot machine is exemplified as the gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if it is a gaming machine, it can be applied to a pachinko machine or the like. Further, the present invention is not limited to a gaming machine, and can be applied to acoustic control in, for example, a simulation device or a game device.

The front view of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention The block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Functional block diagram of the main control board Functional block diagram of sub control board Functional block diagram of image sound reproduction board Production control program (production management board) and sound control program (image sound reproduction board) Flow chart showing control by main control board The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the presentation control program in Embodiment 1. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the acoustic control program in Embodiment 1. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the presentation control program in Embodiment 2. The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the acoustic control program in Embodiment 2.

Explanation of symbols

  10 slot machine, 21 display window, 31 reel, 31L left reel, 31C middle reel, 31R right reel, 40 effect display device, 50 main control board, 51 main CPU, 52, 62, 65 ROM, 53, 63 RAM, 54 , 69 I / F circuit, 60 sub control board, 60a production management board, 60b image sound reproduction board, 71, 71R, 71L speaker, 101 control unit, 102 lottery table, 103 role lottery unit, 105 flag information storage unit, 106 Reel control unit, 107 winning determination unit, 108 gaming state control unit, 201 effect pattern selection unit, 202 image control unit, 203 acoustic control unit, 204 acoustic generation unit, 301 argument determination unit, 302 random number generation unit, 303 acoustic identification information Generation unit, 304 sound identification information output unit, 401 sound source data recording Memory unit, 402 Sound source selection unit, 403 Pitch control unit, 404 Localization control unit, 405, 406 Synthesis unit, 500 Production control program, 501 Sound library (acoustic control program), 502 Sound data, 510 Inspection device (PC)

Claims (9)

On the computer,
A function to generate random numbers,
A function of generating sound specifying information for specifying the sound to be generated in correspondence with the generated random number;
A function of outputting the generated sound identification information to a sound generation unit of a computer;
Sound control program for realizing. The acoustic control program according to claim 1, having a function of including information for identifying a sound source included in the acoustic generation unit as the acoustic identification information. The acoustic control program according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic control program has a function of including, as the acoustic identification information, information for identifying a pitch of the acoustic generated by the acoustic generation unit. The acoustic control program according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic control program has a function of including, as the acoustic identification information, information identifying a localization of the acoustic generated by the acoustic generation unit. A function of determining whether the acoustic identification information is designated;
A function for prohibiting the generation of the random number when the acoustic identification information is designated;
A function of outputting the specified acoustic identification information;
The sound control program according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: An acoustic control device for controlling sound,
A random number generator for generating random numbers corresponding to the production control commands;
An acoustic identification information generating unit for generating acoustic identification information for identifying the acoustic to be generated in correspondence with the generated random number;
An acoustic identification information output unit that outputs the generated acoustic identification information to an acoustic generation unit of a computer;
A sound generation unit for generating a sound signal for sound specified by the output sound specifying information;
An acoustic control device comprising:   It is determined whether or not the acoustic identification information is designated, and when the acoustic identification information is designated, generation of random numbers in the random number generation unit is prohibited, and the designated acoustic identification information is output as the acoustic identification information The acoustic control device according to claim 6, further comprising an argument determination unit that outputs the signal from the unit. The sound generator is
When the sound specifying information includes information for specifying a sound source, a sound source selecting unit that selects a sound source specified by the information;
When the sound specifying information includes information for specifying a pitch, a pitch control unit that controls the sound to a pitch specified by the information;
When the sound specifying information includes information for specifying the localization, a localization control unit that controls the localization of the sound so as to be specified by the information;
The acoustic control device according to claim 6, comprising:   A gaming machine comprising the acoustic control device according to claim 6.

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