JP2009005735A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an art, when something is wrong with a game machine, capable of surely notifying it by a sound effect. <P>SOLUTION: A plurality of channels for outputting sound effects are divided into those for a performance and those for abnormality notification, and the output volume of the sound effect is determined based on an individual volume set for every channel responding to the progress of the game, and a whole volume for uniformly setting the whole channels to a certain volume based on the state of a volume setting switch. When something is wrong with the game machine, the individual volume of a performance channel is set to a quiet mode, the individual volume of an abnormality notification channel is set to a predetermined volume, and the whole volume is set to a predetermined volume for the abnormality occurrence despite of the state of the volume setting switch. Even if something wrong occurs during the progress of the performance, only the abnormality notification sound is output at the predetermined volume to surely notify the occurrence of the abnormality. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that outputs a predetermined sound effect as the game progresses.

  A gaming machine such as a ball-type game machine or a revolving game machine is generally equipped with a speaker. Then, by producing various sound effects from the speaker in accordance with the progress of the game, an effect for exciting the game and a notification that some abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine are performed.

  Among these gaming machines, there is also a gaming machine that has a volume setting switch for switching the volume of the sound effect and can select one volume from a plurality of levels from mute to high volume. It has been proposed (Patent Document 1). According to the proposed gaming machine, the manager of the gaming hall can adjust the volume of the sound effect according to the atmosphere and environment of the gaming hall.

JP 2004-129897 A

  However, in the proposed gaming machine, even if an error occurs in the gaming machine, there may be a case where the effect cannot be notified by the sound effect. That is, if the volume of the sound effect is set to “mute” or “low volume” by the volume setting switch, the sound effect for notifying the occurrence of the error is not output or is not noticed even if it is output. There is a case. Even if the volume setting of the sound effect is “high volume”, various sound effects for producing the game are output during the game. There was a problem that it was difficult to be noticed by managers and players of the game hall because of the sound.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems in the prior art, and no matter how the volume setting switch is set, if any error occurs in the gaming machine, that fact It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique capable of reliably informing the user with sound effects.

In order to solve at least a part of the problems described above, the gaming machine of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a gaming machine that outputs a predetermined sound effect and gives notification that a game has occurred or an abnormality has occurred,
A sound effect output means for outputting a production sound that is a sound effect for producing a game and an abnormality notification sound that is a sound effect for informing the occurrence of an abnormality,
In order to output the sound effect, a plurality of channels for reading corresponding sound source data from a plurality of sound source data stored in advance and supplying the sound source data to the sound effect output means,
Individual volume setting means for setting the volume for each channel according to the progress of the game,
In order to adjust the volume of the sound effect, setting value selection means for selecting one setting value from a plurality of setting values associated with different volume levels;
Based on the setting value selected by the setting value selection means, an overall volume setting means for uniformly setting the volume for all of the plurality of channels;
Based on the volume set for each channel by the individual volume setting means and the volume set uniformly for all of the plurality of channels by the overall volume setting means, the sound effect output means has the effect An output volume determining means for determining a volume for outputting sound, and
The plurality of channels are divided into a production channel used to output the production sound and an abnormality notification channel used to output the abnormality notification sound,
When the abnormality occurs in the gaming machine, the individual volume setting means sets mute for the effect channel and sets a predetermined volume for the abnormality notification channel,
When the abnormality occurs in the gaming machine, the overall volume setting means uniformly sets a predetermined volume set for the occurrence of the abnormality for all of the plurality of channels.

  In the gaming machine of the present invention, a plurality of channels are provided, and by reading sound source data corresponding to each channel from a plurality of sound source data stored in advance and supplying the sound source data to the sound effect output means, A sound effect is output as a sound wave from the sound effect output means. The volume of the sound effect output in this way is one setting selected from a plurality of setting values associated with individual volumes set for each channel in accordance with the progress of the game and different volume levels. This is determined by the overall volume set uniformly for all channels based on the value. The plurality of channels are divided into an effect channel for outputting effect sound and an abnormality notification channel for outputting abnormality notification sound. When an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine, the individual volume of the production channel is set to mute, the individual volume of the abnormality notification channel is set to a predetermined volume, and the overall volume is set to a predetermined level for occurrence of an abnormality. The volume is set.

  Here, the “sound source data” supplied from each channel to the sound effect output means includes, for example, sounds of different heights, different types of instrument sounds, various melody and song phrases, or game states. Pre-made sound effects are available. It is possible to output various sound effects with different impressions by supplying these sound source data independently from one channel, or by simultaneously supplying and combining them from a plurality of channels.

  In this way, for the following reasons, it is possible to reliably notify the effect that an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine with a sound effect. First, during normal times (when there is no abnormality in the gaming machine), the overall volume can be adjusted depending on which setting value is selected. It is also possible to increase the volume. On the other hand, if an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine, regardless of which setting value is selected, the overall volume is set to a predetermined volume for the occurrence of the abnormality. Even if the setting value to be selected is selected, the sound effect is output at a predetermined volume for occurrence of an abnormality. In addition, a plurality of channels are clearly divided into a production channel and an abnormality notification channel. When an abnormality occurs in a gaming machine, the individual volume of the production channel is set to mute, and the abnormality notification channel The individual volume is set to a predetermined volume. For this reason, even if an abnormality occurs during the progress of the production, all the production sounds are muted and only the abnormality notification sound is output at a predetermined volume. As a result, the abnormality notification sound is not mixed with the effect sound, and the occurrence of the abnormality can be reliably notified with the sound effect.

  The “predetermined volume” may be any volume as long as it can be heard by a player or a game hall manager (store clerk). For example, a game machine is installed. The volume can be higher than that in relation to the volume of the BGM flowing in the game hall. In this way, the abnormality notification sound is output at a volume higher than the BGM of the game hall, so that the player and the manager of the game hall can easily notice the abnormality notification sound, and as a result, the abnormality occurrence is more reliably notified. It becomes possible to do.

  Such a gaming machine may be configured as follows. First, it is configured such that the individual volume of the effect channel can be changed at any time as the game progresses. And when there is no abnormality in the gaming machine, every time the individual volume of the production channel is changed, the changed individual volume is reflected in the production channel. Stores the changed individual volume without reflecting the changed individual volume in the effect channel. Thereafter, when the abnormality of the gaming machine is canceled, the setting of the individual volume of the effect channel may be restored to the latest individual volume stored.

  In this way, while the anomaly occurs in the gaming machine and the individual volume of the effect channel is set to mute (that is, during the output of the anomaly notification sound), the effect channel is adjusted according to the progress of the game. The individual volume is changed and stored as needed. For this reason, when the abnormality in the gaming machine is released, the output of the production sound is resumed at an appropriate volume according to the progress of the game by reflecting the latest individual volume stored in the production channel. It becomes possible to do.

  Of course, even if the progress of the game is confirmed after the abnormality in the gaming machine is released, and the individual volume based on the confirmed result is reflected in the effect channel, the appropriate volume according to the progress of the game is used. Although it is possible to resume the output of the production sound, it may take time until the output of the production sound is resumed after the output of the abnormality notification sound is completed. In addition, the control may be complicated because the output of the production sound is resumed in a short time. On the other hand, if the latest individual volume corresponding to the progress of the game is stored in advance during the output of the abnormality notification sound, the output of the abnormality notification sound is finished and the individual volume of the effect channel is set at the same time. It is only necessary to restore the latest individual volume stored, and the output of the production sound can be resumed immediately at an appropriate volume. As a result, it is possible to smoothly and quickly return the gaming machine from the state at the time of abnormality to the state at the normal time.

  Regardless of whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the gaming machine (that is, whether or not an abnormality notification sound is being output), although the individual volume of the production channel is changed at any time according to the progress of the game, While the notification sound is being output, the individual volume after the change is simply stored without being reflected in the effect channel. For this reason, it is possible to maintain the individual volume of the effect channel set to mute when an abnormality occurs and to output only the abnormality notification sound.

  In such a gaming machine, the individual volume of the abnormality notification channel may be set to a predetermined volume when the power is turned on, and the setting of the individual volume may be maintained.

  Even in this case, since the abnormality notification channel is a channel used only for outputting the abnormality notification sound, a sound effect (effect sound) is not output using the abnormality notification channel in normal times. On the other hand, it is possible to omit the process of changing the individual volume setting of the abnormality notification channel when an abnormality occurs, so it is easier and faster to respond to abnormalities in gaming machines that do not know when and when It becomes possible to do.

Hereinafter, in order to clarify the contents of the present invention described above, examples will be described in the following order.
A. Game machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
A-2. Game board configuration:
A-3. Configuration on the back side of the device:
A-4. Configuration of control circuit:
B. Overview of the game:
C. Game machine control details:
C-1. Game control processing:
C-2. Volume setting process:
D. Changing the volume setting in the gaming machine of this embodiment:

A. Game machine configuration:
A-1. Configuration on the front side of the device:
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the front portion of the gaming machine 1 is mainly composed of a front frame 4, an upper plate 5, a lower plate 6, a game board 10, and the like. In FIG. 1, detailed illustration of the game board 10 is omitted. The front frame 4 is attached to the middle frame 3 (not shown), and the middle frame 3 is attached to the main body frame 2 (not shown). The middle frame 3 is formed of a plastic material and is attached to the inside of the main body frame 2. The main body frame 2 is a substantially rectangular frame formed by assembling wooden plate-like members, and forms an outer frame of the gaming machine 1. One end of the front frame 4 is pivotally supported with respect to the middle frame 3, and one end of the middle frame 3 is pivotally supported with respect to the main body frame 2. The game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3, and the front side is covered with the front frame 4.

  The front frame 4 is formed of a plastic material, and a circular opening 4a is formed in a substantially central portion. A transparent plate such as a glass plate is fitted in the opening 4a so that the board surface of the game board 10 arranged on the back side can be visually recognized. In addition, the front frame 4 is provided with various lamps 4b to 4f, exhibiting effects in accordance with the progress of the game, and notifying the abnormality when an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1. It also has a function.

  An upper plate 5 is provided below the front frame 4, and a lower plate 6 is provided below the upper plate 5. A locking device 9 is provided on the right side of the front frame 4, and a prepaid card type ball lending device 13 (CR unit) is provided on the left side of the front frame 4.

  The upper plate 5 is provided with a dish-shaped recess and a dish outer edge 5a formed so as to surround the recess. The game ball is thrown into a recess formed in the upper plate 5 and supplied to the launcher unit 12 (see FIG. 6). The dish outer edge portion 5a is provided with various buttons such as a game ball lending switch 5b, a return switch 5c, and a discharge button for discharging the inserted game ball. Furthermore, a first speaker 5y having a plurality of long holes and a number of small holes formed thereon is provided at a substantially central portion of the upper plate 5. Further, two operation switches SW1 and SW2 are provided on the front side of the upper plate 5. The player can intervene in the progress of the game by pressing these operation switches SW1 and SW2, such as selecting a character symbol and game conditions during the game.

  The lower plate 6 is provided with a discharge port 6 a for discharging game balls from the inside of the gaming machine 1, and the discharged game balls are stored in the lower plate 6. The lower plate 6 is provided with a lower plate full switch 6s (see FIG. 6). When the lower plate 6 is filled with game balls, this is detected and the payout of the game balls is interrupted. It has become. In order to discharge the game balls stored in the lower plate 6, a ball punching hole (not shown) for discharging the game balls from the lower plate 6 is provided on the bottom surface of the lower plate 6. On the front side of the center, a discharge knob 6b for opening and closing the ball hole is provided. The discharge knob 6b is normally in an upright state, but when the lower end is pressed to the back side, the upper end rotates as a rotation shaft, the ball hole is opened, and the game balls stored in the lower plate 6 are discharged. Is possible. Furthermore, the 2nd speaker 6c is provided in the right and left of the discharge knob 6b.

  An ashtray 7 is provided at the left end of the lower plate 6, and a firing handle 8 is provided at the right end of the lower plate 6. The firing handle 8 is provided with a touch switch 8a for detecting that the player is touching the handle. The rotation axis of the firing handle 8 is connected to a launching device unit 12 (not shown) mounted on the back side of the lower plate 6, and when the player rotates the firing handle 8, the movement is transmitted to the launching device unit 12. Then, a launch motor 8m (not shown) incorporated in the unit rotates, and a game ball is launched with a strength according to the rotation angle. On the left side surface of the launch handle 8, a launch stop switch 8b that is operated by the player to temporarily stop the launch of the game ball is disposed.

A-2. Game board configuration:
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a board surface configuration of the game board 10. As described above, the game board 10 is detachably attached to the front side of the middle frame 3. As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 11 surrounded by an outer rail 14 and an inner rail 15 is formed at the center of the game board 10.

  A central device 26 is provided in the approximate center of the game area 11, and a variable prize device 18 is provided in a lower portion of the game area 11. A starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is provided between the central device 26 and the variable winning device 18. The starting port (ordinary electric accessory) 17 is a so-called tulip type starting port configured such that a pair of blade pieces can be opened and closed on the left and right. Inside the start port 17, there are a start port (ordinary electric accessory) switch 17s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passage of the game ball, and an ordinary electric accessory (start port) solenoid 17m for operating the wing piece. (See FIG. 6). When the pair of wing pieces are opened to the left and right, the game ball is likely to enter the open state. When the pair of wing pieces are upright, the game ball is likely to enter the normal state.

  The central device 26 is provided with an effect display device 27. The effect display device 27 is equipped with a liquid crystal screen, and can change and display various effect symbols such as character symbols and background symbols. In addition, a symbol display device 28 is provided at the lower left of the central device 26. The symbol display device 28 can display normal symbols and special symbols in a variable stop display.

  A normal symbol operation gate 36 is provided at the left end of the game area 11, and a gate switch 36s (see FIG. 6) for detecting the passage of the game ball is provided inside the gate. Further, a lamp windmill 24 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 36 and the central device 26. A number of obstacle nails 23 are provided between and around each of these gaming devices.

  A large winning device 31 is provided substantially at the center of the variable winning device 18. The big prize winning device 31 includes a big prize opening 31d that opens largely in a substantially rectangular shape, an opening / closing plate (not shown) for opening or closing the big prize winning opening 31d, and a big prize opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the opening / closing plate. (See FIG. 6). The big winning opening 31d is in a closed state in which a game ball cannot enter in a normal state, but when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the game ball enters an open state and the game ball enters with a high probability. A special game, which is a game state advantageous to the player, is started. Note that a big prize opening switch 31s (see FIG. 6) is provided inside the big prize opening 31d, and it is possible to detect a game ball won in the big prize opening 31d.

  An out port 48 is provided below the game board 10, and a back ball preventing member 58 is provided below the out port 48. The back ball prevention member 58 has a function of preventing the game ball that has returned without reaching the game area 11 from returning to the launch position. On the other hand, a foul ball prevention member (not shown) is attached to the tip of the inner rail 15, and a return rubber (not shown) is attached to the outer rail 14 on the substantially opposite side (the right half side of the game board 10). Attached along the fitting.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the symbol display device 28 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The symbol display device 28 of the present embodiment is mainly composed of a normal symbol display unit 29 and a special symbol display unit 30. The normal symbol display unit 29 includes a left normal symbol display unit 29a and a right normal symbol display unit 29b, and the special symbol display unit 30 includes a left special symbol display unit 30a and a right special symbol display unit 30b. Has been. The two normal symbol display portions 29a and 29b are configured using so-called LEDs (light emitting diodes), the left normal symbol display portion 29a lights red light, and the right normal symbol display portion 29b emits green light. It can be lit. The special symbol display unit 30 uses a so-called 7-segment LED. Of these, the 7-segment portion constitutes the left special symbol display portion 30a, and the comma portion constitutes the right special symbol display portion 30b. Yes. The 7-segment portion and the comma portion can be lit with red, orange, or green light. The symbol display device 28 is also provided with a normal symbol hold display unit 29c and a special symbol hold display unit 30c. Each of these consists of four LEDs. The display contents of the symbol display device 28 having such a configuration will be described later.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the effect display device 27 mounted on the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. As described above, the effect display device 27 is mainly configured by using a liquid crystal display screen, and on the liquid crystal screen, three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c and a background symbol 27d displayed on the background thereof. And are displayed. Among these, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed in various manners in accordance with the display of the special symbol display unit 30 shown in FIG. 3 so that a game can be produced. Detailed contents of various effects performed by the effect display device 27 will be described later.

A-3. Configuration on the back side of the device:
Next, the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is an explanatory view showing the back surface structure of the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. The back mechanism board 102 is provided with a game ball tank 105, a tank rail 106, and a game ball payout device 109 from the vicinity of the upper portion of the gaming machine 1 to the vicinity of the center of the right end. The game ball tank 105 is for storing game balls. The tank rail 106 is for supplying game balls from the game ball tank 105 to the game ball payout device 109. The game ball payout device 109 is for paying out game balls to the player. The payout operation by the game ball payout device 109 is controlled by a payout control board 240 described later. Further, the ball breaker motor 107 is provided on the tank rail 106, and the ball breaker motor 107 is driven by the signal from the payout control board 240 to give vibration to the tank rail 106, thereby causing the tank rail 106 to move inside the tank rail 106. It is possible to eliminate ball clogging. The payout control board 240 is accommodated in the payout control board case 118. The payout control board case 118 is provided near the lower right portion of the back mechanism board 102.

  In the vicinity of the lower part of the back mechanism panel 102, a launch control board case 130, a power board case 132, a main control board case 112, and the like are provided. Here, the launch control board 260 accommodates the launch control board case 130. The launch control board 260 is a control board that controls the launch of the game ball, and is configured to control the launch operation according to the operation of the launch handle 8. Next, the power supply board case 132 accommodates a power supply board. This power supply board is a board that manages power supply to each device in the gaming machine 1. The main control board 200 is accommodated in the main control board case 112. The main control board 200 is a control board that controls the progress of the game.

  In the vicinity of the center of the back mechanism board 102, an effect control board case 114, an amplifier board case 115, a decorative drive board case 116, a sub control board case 117, and the like are provided. The effect control board case 114 houses an effect control board 230 that drives the effect display device 27. The amplifier board case 115 houses an amplifier board 226 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c. The decoration drive board case 116 accommodates a decoration drive board 228 for driving various LEDs and lamps for decoration. The sub control board case 117 accommodates the sub control board 220 for controlling the effect control board 230, the amplifier board 226, the decoration driving board 228, and the like. A volume setting switch 300 for adjusting the volume output from the various speakers 5y, 6c is provided on the front surface of the sub control board case 117.

  A lower plate ball path member 126 for guiding the game balls paid out from the game ball payout device 109 to the lower plate 6 is provided at the lower end of the center of the back mechanism board 102. On the upstream side of the member 126, a lower pan full switch 6s is attached. As described above with reference to FIG. 1, the paid-out game balls are stored in the lower plate 6, but when the lower plate 6 is full, the game balls are also stored in the lower plate ball passage member 126. Become. In such a state, the lower plate full switch 6s is turned on, and it is possible to detect a state in which the lower plate is full.

A-4. Control circuit configuration:
Next, the configuration of the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control circuit in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, the control circuit of the gaming machine 1 is composed of a number of control boards and various boards. However, focusing on the function, it is possible to determine whether the game is related to the basic progress or the winning ball. The effect display device 27 is actually driven under the control of the main control board 200 that controls the control, the sub control board 220 that controls the effects of the game using symbols, lamps, and sound effects. An effect control board 230 that performs control, a payout control board 240 that controls the operation of paying out a rented or winning ball, a launch control board 260 that controls the game ball, and the like. These control boards include a CPU that executes various logic operations and calculation operations, a ROM that stores various programs and data executed by the CPU, a RAM that stores temporary data when the program is executed, and peripheral devices. Peripheral device interface (PIO) for exchanging data with the CPU, an oscillator that outputs a clock for the CPU to perform operations, a watchdog timer for monitoring the CPU runaway, and a CTC (counter that periodically generates an interrupt signal) A variety of peripheral LSIs such as a timer circuit are connected to each other via a bus. The direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 6 represents the direction in which data or signals are input / output. In FIG. 6, only the CPU 201 and the ROM 203 mounted on the main control board 200 are illustrated, and other control boards such as the RAM and PIO mounted on the main control board 200 and the sub control board 220 are illustrated. Illustrations of the mounted CPU, RAM, ROM and the like are omitted.

  As shown in the drawing, the main control board 200 receives a game ball detection signal from the start port switch 17s, the big prize port switch 31s, the gate switch 36s, etc. Are determined, various commands are output toward the sub-control board 220, the payout control board 240, the launch control board 260, and the like. The main control board 200 is also connected with a count switch 8 s that detects a game ball launched from the launcher unit 12. Further, the main control board 200 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 17m for opening and closing a pair of blade pieces provided at the start opening 17, a large winning opening solenoid 31m for opening and closing the large winning opening 31d, and a normal symbol. These operations are directly controlled by outputting a signal to the symbol display device 28 that performs variable stop display of the special symbol.

  When the sub-control board 220 receives various commands from the main control board 200, it analyzes the contents of the command and produces a game according to the result. That is, based on various commands received from the main control board 200, specific display contents on the effect display device 27 described above, sound effects output from the various speakers 5y and 6c, and various LEDs and lamps 4b. After determining the specific mode of lighting or flashing of 4f, the effect control board 230 that drives the effect display device 27, the amplifier board 226 that drives the various speakers 5y and 6c, and various decorative LEDs and lamps are driven. The game is rendered by outputting drive signals to the decorative drive board 228, respectively. In addition, the operation signals from the operation switches SW 1 and SW 2 described above are input to the sub-control board 220 via the effect button board 229.

  The payout control board 240 is responsible for various controls relating to so-called ball rental and prize ball payout. For example, when the player operates the ball lending switch 5b or the return switch 5c provided on the above-described upper plate 5, this signal is transmitted from the ball lending display board 245 to the ball lending apparatus 13 via the payout control board 240. The The ball lending device 13 pays out a predetermined number of balls while exchanging data with the payout control board 240.

  Further, when the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball payout command, the payout control board 240 receives this command and outputs a drive signal to the payout motor 109m built in the game ball payout device 109. A payout is made. The paid-out prize ball is detected by the payout switch 109j and input to the payout control board 240. Further, the number of prize balls paid out is also detected by the count switch 8s and counted by the main control board 200.

  Further, the above-described signal from the tank switch 104 provided in the game ball tank 105 and the signal from the external tank switch 124 provided in an external tank (not shown) in which the game balls supplied to the game ball tank 105 are stored are paid out. Input to the control board 240. For this reason, the payout control board 240 can notify the abnormality before it becomes impossible to pay out the prize ball due to the ball running out. Further, a signal from a lower plate full switch 6 s provided on the lower plate 6 is also input to the dispensing control board 240. For this reason, even when the lower plate 6 is full of game balls, the payout control board 240 temporarily stops paying out the prize balls upon receiving a signal detected by the lower plate full switch 6s, and abnormal Can be notified.

  In addition, under the control of the main control board 200, the payout control board 240 outputs a signal for allowing the game ball to be launched (launch permission signal) toward the launch control board 260. In response to the launch permission signal, performs various controls for launching the game ball.

B. Overview of the game:
Next, the contents of the control performed in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described. First, as a preparation, an outline of the game will be briefly described.

  In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, a game is performed as follows. First, when a player throws a game ball into the recess of the upper plate 5 and rotates the firing handle 8, the game balls thrown into the upper plate 5 are supplied to the launcher unit 12 one by one, and FIG. Is fired toward the gaming area 11 described above. The strength at which the game ball is launched can be adjusted by the rotation angle of the launch handle 8, and the player can aim the game ball by changing the rotation angle of the launch handle 8. .

  When the launched game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 provided on the left side of the game area 11, the normal symbol variation display is started on the symbol display device 28. As described above with reference to FIG. 3, the symbol display device 28 is provided with the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display unit 29b. The left normal symbol display unit 29a is configured to be able to light red light, and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is configured to be able to light green light. When the normal symbol variation display is started, the left and right normal symbol display portions 29a and 29b perform blinking display.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which normal symbols are variably displayed. The normal symbol in the variable display can take the four states shown in the figure. First, the state shown in FIG. 7A represents a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned on and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned off. FIG. 7B shows a state where both the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display unit 29b are lit. FIG. 7C shows a state in which the left normal symbol display unit 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display unit 29b is turned on. FIG. 7D shows the left normal symbol display unit 29a and the right normal symbol display. Each of the parts 29b represents a state where the lights are turned off. During the normal symbol variation display, these four display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after the other at a high speed. At this time, when the display is stopped in a predetermined display state, a so-called normal symbol is hit and the start port 17 is opened for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds). In this embodiment, the display state shown in FIG. 7C, that is, the state in which the left normal symbol display portion 29a is turned off and the right normal symbol display portion 29b is lit is set for the normal symbol. Yes.

  If the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 36 during the normal symbol variation display, the passage of this game ball is stored as a hold, and after the current normal symbol variation display is completed, the variation display is displayed. Done. Up to four normal symbol holds can be stored, and the stored number of normal symbols is displayed on the normal symbol hold display section 29c shown in FIG.

  Next, when a game ball enters the start port 17 that is in the open state, a special symbol variation display is started. The special symbol is displayed by the special symbol display unit 30 as described with reference to FIG. As described above, the special symbol display unit 30 of this embodiment is composed of the left special symbol display unit 30a composed of 7-segment LEDs and the right special symbol display unit 30b of the comma portion. The symbol display portions 30a and 30b can be lit in red, orange, or green.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing a state in which special symbols are variably displayed. During the special symbol variation display, the left special symbol display unit 30a displays any one of “A”, “Y”, and “−”, and the right special symbol display unit 30b displays a comma “.”. ing. Further, “A” and “Y” in the left special symbol display unit 30a and the comma “.” In the right special symbol display unit 30b can take three states of red, orange, and green, and the left special symbol display unit The “-” in 30a can take either a red or green state. In the special symbol display unit 30 of the present embodiment, these display states can be combined to display 12 types of states shown in FIG. In the figure, the 7-segment LED or the comma portion that is finely hatched indicates that it is lit in a red state. In addition, a little rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in an orange state, and a rough hatching indicates that it is lit and displayed in a green state. . When the special symbol variation display is started, these 12 types of display states are displayed in such a manner that they are switched one after another at a high speed, and when a predetermined time elapses, the display is stopped and displayed in any state.

  If the symbol displayed in the stop state is “-”, the special symbol will be lost, but if any other combination of symbols is stopped, the special symbol will be a big hit and the gaming state will be advantageous to the player. A special game is started. In other words, there are 10 types of combinations in which the special symbol is a big hit, excluding “−” from the 12 types of symbols shown in FIG. Further, the special game of this embodiment is configured such that the open state (round) of the special winning opening 31d is repeated a predetermined number of times. Since the big winning opening 31d is greatly opened, the game ball enters with high probability. As a result, the player can acquire many prize balls while a predetermined number of rounds are repeated.

  If a game ball enters the start port 17 during the special symbol variation display, the game ball entry is stored as a special symbol hold, and after the current special symbol variation display ends, Fluctuation display is performed. It is possible to store up to four special symbol holds, and the number of reserved special symbols stored is displayed in the special symbol hold display section 30c shown in FIG.

  In addition, among the 10 types of combinations in which the special symbol shown in FIG. 8 is a big hit, the five types of combinations surrounded by a solid line are so-called “probability variation symbols”, and the special symbols that are variably displayed are these combinations. When the game is stopped at any of the combination of probability variation symbols, the probability that the jackpot symbol is stopped and displayed becomes higher than usual from the end of the special game to the start of the next special game. Such a gaming state is called a probability variation state (or probability variation state).

  Furthermore, among the 10 types of combinations in which the special symbol shown in FIG. 8 is a big hit, the five types of combinations surrounded by a broken line are so-called “normal symbols”. If you stop with one of the normal symbol combinations, after the special game is over, the special symbol will be displayed in a variable number of times (in this example, 100 times) or until the next special game starts. The variation time of the symbol is shortened, and the opening time of the start port 17 is set to be slightly longer. Such a gaming state is referred to as a variable time shortening state (or a short time state). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, such a function that shortens the variation time of the special symbol (hereinafter referred to as a time shortening function) and a function that increases the opening time of the start port 17 (hereinafter referred to as an opening extension function). In addition, not only when the stop display is performed with the normal symbol, but also when the stop display is performed with the probability variable design. Eventually, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed in any of the ten types of jackpot symbols shown in FIG. 8, the time reduction function and the open extension function are always operated after the special game is finished.

  In accordance with the above-described change stop display of the special symbol, the effect display device 27 performs various effects using the effect symbols. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view illustrating an aspect of the effect performed by the effect display device 27. As described above with reference to FIG. 4, the three character symbols 27 a, 27 b and 27 c are displayed on the liquid crystal display screen constituting the effect display device 27. When the variation display of the special symbol is started by the symbol display device 28 described above, these three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c start the variation display all at once. In the present embodiment, as a character design, a design in which 10 numbers from “0” to “9” are designed is prepared.

  FIG. 9A conceptually shows how the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are variably displayed at the same time. When a predetermined time elapses after the variable display is started, the left character symbol 27a is first stopped and displayed in any one of “0” to “9”, and then the right character symbol 27c is stopped and displayed. The middle character symbol 27b is stopped and displayed.

  The combination of the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c that are stopped and displayed on the effect display device 27 is configured to be interlocked with the combination of the special symbols that are stopped and displayed on the symbol display device 28 described above. For example, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the jackpot symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol. In particular, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the above-described probability variation symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an odd number. When the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 stops at the above-described normal symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c of the effect display device 27 are stopped and displayed with the same symbol representing an even number. On the other hand, when the special symbol of the symbol display device 28 is out of position and stops at the symbol, the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c are stopped and displayed in any combination that does not align with the same symbol.

  As described above, the special symbols displayed on the symbol display device 28 and the three character symbols 27a, 27b, and 27c displayed on the effect display device 27 correspond to each other in the display contents. Since the timing for determining is set to be the same, it is possible to play a game while viewing either display. However, as shown in FIG. 2, the effect display device 27 is provided at a position that is more easily noticed by the player than the symbol display device 28, the display screen is larger, and the display content is easier to understand. It is normal for a player to play a game while looking at the screen of the effect display device 27. Therefore, when the left character symbol 27a initially stopped and displayed on the display screen of the effect display device 27 and the right character symbol 27c subsequently stopped and displayed are the same symbol, it is stopped and displayed last. The player pays attention to the variation of the symbol so that the middle character symbol 27b may stop at the same symbol and become a so-called big hit state. By performing such reach production, it is possible to enhance the interest of the player. In this embodiment, the state in which the two character symbols are stopped and displayed with the same symbol and the last character symbol is variably displayed is referred to as a “reach state”.

C. Game machine control contents:
The game described above is realized by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performing the following control. Below, the game control process which CPU201 mounted in the main control board 200 performs is demonstrated.

C-1. Game control processing:
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a rough flow of a game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 to control the progress of the game. As shown in the figure, in the game control process, each process such as a prize ball-related process, a normal symbol game process, a normal electric accessory stop process, a special symbol game process, and a special electric accessory game process is repeatedly executed. . The time required for one round of processing is about 4 msec. Therefore, these various types of processing are repeatedly executed about every 4 msec. During these processes, various commands are transmitted to various control boards such as the sub control board 220 and the payout control board 240. As a result, the game of the entire gaming machine 1 progresses, and the sub-control board 220 controls the production in accordance with the progress of the game, and the payout control board 240 pays out the winning balls or the rental balls. Will be done. The game control process performed by the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 will be described below according to the flowchart.

  When starting the game control process, the CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 performs a process (pay ball related process) for paying out a game ball as a prize ball (S100). In such processing, among the various switches connected to the main control board 200, whether a game ball has entered the game ball switch (such as the start port switch 17s or the big prize port switch 31s) provided in each winning port. Detect whether or not. The number of game balls to be paid out as a prize ball is determined according to the prize opening, and the number of game balls to be paid out as a prize ball depends on how many game balls have entered into which prize opening. Come different. Therefore, when the entry of a game ball is detected, after determining the number of game balls to be paid out as a prize ball, a command (prize ball command) indicating the number of game balls is output to the payout control board 240. Process. When a prize ball command output from the main control board 200 is received, the payout control board 240 interprets the content of the command. Then, according to the result, a drive signal is output to a payout motor 109m mounted on the game ball payout device 109, thereby performing a process of actually paying out a prize ball.

  When the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 outputs a prize ball command (S100), this time, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol game process is performed, that is, whether or not the normal symbol variation stop display is performed (S102). Such a determination is made by detecting whether or not the ordinary electric accessory is in operation, in other words, whether or not the starting port 17 is open. If the normal electric accessory is not in operation, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is performed (S102: yes), and the normal symbol game process described below is performed (S104). On the other hand, if the normal electric accessory is in operation, it is determined that the normal symbol game process is not performed (S102: no), and the normal symbol game process (S104) is skipped.

  In the normal symbol game process (S104), the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not the number of held ordinary symbols is present (whether it is “0”). If the number of retained symbols is present, whether or not the ordinary symbol is present is determined. Here, the reserved number of normal symbols is set by the game ball passing through the normal symbol operating gate 36, and in this embodiment, the upper limit value of the reserved number is set to “4”. Then, based on the result of the normal / bad determination of the normal symbol, it is determined whether the normal symbol is to be stopped and displayed with the winning symbol (see FIG. 7C), or any other outlier symbol. Next, after setting the normal symbol fluctuation display time, the normal symbol fluctuation display is started. When the variable display time elapses, the normal symbol is stopped and displayed with the determined symbol, and when the normal symbol hit symbol is stopped and displayed, the operation of the normal electric accessory is started. . When the ordinary electric accessory is operated in this way, the pair of blade pieces provided at the start port 17 rotate outward, and the start port 17 is in an open state.

  When the normal symbol game process is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not the normal electric accessory is in operation (S106). If it is in operation (S106: yes), a process for stopping the ordinary electric accessory (ordinary electric accessory stopping process) is performed (S108). On the other hand, if the ordinary electric accessory is not operating (S106: no), the ordinary electric accessory stop process (S108) does not need to be performed and is skipped.

  In the ordinary electric accessory stopping process, first, it is determined whether or not a condition for stopping the operation of the ordinary electric accessory (in other words, a condition for closing the start port 17) is established. Here, as the operation stop condition of the ordinary electric accessory, the ordinary electric accessory operating time (that is, the opening time of the start port 17) elapses or a specified number of game balls enter the start port 17 in the opening. Two conditions are set. If any of the conditions is satisfied, it is determined that the operation stop condition of the ordinary electric accessory is satisfied, and the operation of the ordinary electric accessory is stopped (that is, the start port 17 is returned from the open state to the normal state). To do. On the other hand, when the operation time of the ordinary electric accessory has not elapsed and the specified number of game balls have not entered the start opening 17 in the opening, the operation stop condition of the ordinary electric accessory is satisfied. It is determined that the normal electric accessory has not been operated, and the normal electric accessory stopping process is terminated while the normal electric accessory is being operated. In the ordinary electric accessory stop process (S108) in FIG. 10, the above process is performed. Note that the normal electric accessory operating time (that is, the opening time of the start port 17) is set to about 0.5 seconds in the normal gaming state, but is extended to about 5 seconds when the above-described opening extension function is operated. Is done.

  In the game control process, it is determined whether or not to start the special symbol game process following the ordinary electric accessory stop process (S110). Such a determination is made by detecting whether the condition device is operating. Here, the condition device is a device that becomes a condition for operating the accessory continuous operation device to be described later, and the special symbol is stopped and displayed in either the normal hit symbol or the probability variation hit symbol shown in FIG. It is a device that starts operation. The condition device operates the accessory continuous operation device, thereby starting the big hit gaming state in which the big winning opening 31d is continuously opened. Here, “whether or not the condition device is operating” means “whether or not a big hit game is being played”. The condition device and the accessory continuous action device are configured by a control program executed by the CPU 201 of the main control board 200. Then, if the condition device is not in operation (not in the big hit game), it is determined that the special symbol game process is performed (S110: yes), and the special symbol game process described below is performed (S112). On the other hand, when the condition device is in operation (when the jackpot game is being played), it is determined that the special symbol game process is not performed (S110: no), and the special symbol game process (S112) is skip.

  In the special symbol game process, the following processes are mainly performed. First, it is determined whether or not a special symbol is appropriate, and a time for variably displaying the special symbol is determined. Next, a command related to the determined content (that is, the result of determining whether or not the special symbol is appropriate, the variable display time, etc.) is output to the sub-control board 220, and the special symbol display unit 30 of the symbol display device 28 changes the special symbol. Start displaying. Note that when the number of reserved special symbols is “0”, the above-described processing, that is, the processing for determining whether or not the special symbol is successful or determining the variation time is not performed. Here, the number of reserved special symbols is set when a game ball enters the start port 17 and, as shown in the special symbol holding display section 30c of FIG. 3, until the upper limit value “4” is reached. It can be set. This reserved number is digested one by one every time a special symbol change display is performed. Further, as described above, the main control board 200 outputs various commands related to the determination result of the special symbol and the variable display time to the sub-control board 220, and the sub-control board is based on this command. Various effects are performed by the CPU 221 of 220 determining more detailed effects.

  After starting the variable symbol display in this way, when the predetermined variable display time has elapsed, the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The symbol that is stopped and displayed at this time is a symbol that corresponds to the previously determined success / failure determination result. If the success / failure determination result is “winning”, the “normal winning symbol” or “probability variation winning” shown in FIG. If any symbol of “symbol” is stopped and displayed, and the determination result is “missing”, the “missing symbol” shown in FIG. 8 is stopped and displayed. Then, when any of the “normal hit symbol” or “probable hit symbol” (win symbol) is stopped and displayed, the operation of the condition device is started. As described above, the condition device is a device that operates the accessory continuous operation device, and when the accessory continuous operation device is operating, even if the special winning opening 31d is once closed, the condition winning device is again opened. Therefore, when the special symbol is stopped and displayed as a “hit symbol”, the condition device is activated, whereby the accessory continuous activation device is activated and the special winning opening 31d is continuously opened. Can be entered. A gaming state advantageous to such a player is a so-called “big hit game”.

  In the special symbol game process (S112 in FIG. 10), as described above, the special symbol is changed and stopped based on the determination result of the special symbol, and when the winning symbol is stopped and displayed. Then, a process for operating the condition device is performed to start the big hit game. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the game state advantageous to the player is not only a big hit game, but also a state in which the probability that the winning symbol is stopped and displayed is high (so-called probability variation state), or a special symbol. There are also provided a state in which the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened (so-called time-short state), and a state in which the opening time of the start port 17 is extended (so-called open extended state). During the big hit game, the game state that is advantageous to the player including the probability variation state is temporarily interrupted. Therefore, in the special symbol game process of the present embodiment, when the condition device is operated, a process of temporarily interrupting the probability changing state, the time shortening state, and the open extension state is also performed.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the game control process, following the special symbol game process (S112) described above, it is determined whether or not the condition device is in operation (S114). Then, if the condition device is in operation (S114: yes), the jackpot game is executed by performing the special electric accessory game process described below (S116). On the other hand, if the condition device is not in operation (S114: no), the process returns to the top of the game control process without performing the special electric accessory game process, and the above-described prize ball related process (S100) and thereafter. The series of processes is repeated.

  In the special electric accessory game process, the following process is roughly performed. First, in the special symbol game process (S112) described above, since the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is started, the special winning opening 31d is in an open state. The opened special winning opening 31d is closed when a predetermined opening time elapses or when a specified number of game balls enter the large winning opening 31d in the opening. In general, a period from when the special winning opening 31d is opened to when it is closed is called "round". Even if the first round is completed (that is, even if the big prize opening 31d is once closed), since the condition device and the accessory continuous action device are operating, the big prize opening 31d is opened again, and the predetermined prize opening 31d When the opening time elapses or a specified number of game balls enter the large winning opening 31d in the opening, the game is closed and the second round is completed. During the big hit game, a predetermined number of rounds (15 times in the present embodiment) are set in advance, and the big hit game is continued until all the predetermined number of rounds are consumed. When all the rounds are digested, the operation of the condition device and the accessory continuous operation device is stopped. For this reason, even if the special winning opening 31d is closed, it is not opened again, and the big hit game is ended.

  Next, a process of setting the gaming state after the end of the big hit game according to the winning symbol that triggered the big hit game is performed. That is, if the special symbol that triggered the jackpot game is the “probable hit symbol” shown in FIG. 8, the gaming state is in the probable state, in the short-time state, and in the open extended state. Set to. On the other hand, if the special symbol that triggered the big hit game is the “normal hit symbol”, the game state is set to the time-short state and the open extended state, although it is not a probable change state.

  As described above, in the special electric utility game process (S116 in FIG. 10), the so-called jackpot game is started and the jackpot game is continued until a predetermined number of rounds are consumed, and after the jackpot game ends, A process for setting a gaming state after the end of the big hit game is performed according to the special symbol that triggered the big hit game. And after completion | finish of a special electrically-powered object game process, it returns to the head again and repeats a series of processes after a prize ball related process (S100).

  The CPU 201 mounted on the main control board 200 determines the number of game balls to be paid out as prize balls while repeating the game control process as described above, outputs a prize ball command to the payout control board 240, The control for advancing the game is performed while changing the game state into various game states such as a big hit game state, a probability change state, a short-time state, etc. As a result, the gaming machine 1 can perform the game as described above.

  Here, as described above, the main control board 200 outputs various control commands (effect commands) relating to the game effects to the sub-control board 220 while executing the game control process shown in FIG. The sub control board 220 determines a specific effect mode based on the received effect command, and performs various effects using the effect display device 27, various speakers 5y and 6c, various LEDs and lamps 4b to 4f. ing. Further, if any abnormality occurs in the gaming machine 1, that fact is transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 220, and the sub-control board 220 includes the effect display device 27, various speakers 5y, 6c, and various LEDs. In addition, the occurrence of an error is notified using the lamps 4b to 4f. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a special process for changing the volume setting of the sound effect is performed by the sub-control board 220 in order to reliably notify the occurrence of the error by the sound effect. Hereinafter, the contents of the process (volume setting process) performed by the sub control board 220 for changing the volume setting of the sound effect will be described in detail.

C-2. Volume setting process:
In explaining the contents of the volume setting process, first, in order to facilitate understanding, first, a circuit configuration for generating sound effects, and control commands and control signals that are input / output centered on the sub-control board 220 will be briefly described. Let me explain. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration related to the output of sound effects, and control commands and control signals inputted to and outputted from the sub-control board 220. As shown in the figure, the main control board 200 is directed to the sub-control board 220 regarding a control command (effect command) related to a game effect, or a control command (error notification command) that indicates that an error has occurred in the gaming machine 1. ) Is output, these commands are supplied to the CPU 221 mounted on the sub-control board 220. The CPU 221 analyzes the contents of the received command and determines a specific effect mode and error notification mode. When the CPU 221 determines to perform an effect using sound effects or to notify an error, a signal (sound effect designation) is used to specify the content of the sound effects toward the sound source IC 224 mounted on the sub control board 220. Signal) and a signal (volume setting signal) for instructing the change of the sound effect volume setting as necessary.

  Here, the sound source IC 224 includes a plurality of channels called sound effect output channels, and different sound effect data is assigned to each channel in advance. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram conceptually showing the structure of the sound effect output channel in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the sound source IC 224 of the present embodiment has eight sound effect output channels in total of channels 0 to 7. Among these, the 7 channels of channels 0 to 6 are channels (effect channels) to which various sound effect data (effect sound data) relating to effects are respectively assigned. In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, seven types of sound effect data (effect sound data) are prepared in advance according to the aspect of the effect (design variation effect, notice effect, reach effect, jackpot effect, etc.). Assigned to any of the channels for use (channels 0 to 6). On the other hand, channel 7 is a channel (error notification channel) to which sound effect data (error sound data) for error notification that is not used for production is assigned. Here, the explanation is made on the assumption that there is only one error notification channel. However, when it is desired to increase the number of error notifications, a plurality of error notification channels are provided, and different sound effect data (error sound data) are used. ) Can also be assigned. Further, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the sound effect data (effect sound data) assigned to each channel of the effect channel is divided for each effect mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. It may also be classified according to the type of musical instrument or the difference in music.

  The sound effect designation signal output from the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 toward the sound source IC 224 designates one of the sound effect output channels (channels 0 to 7). For example, in the case of performing an effect using a sound effect, a sound effect designation signal designating one of the effect channels (channels 0 to 6) is output according to the effect mode. On the other hand, when performing error notification using sound effects, a sound effect specifying signal specifying the error notification channel (channel 7) is output.

  When the sound effect designation signal is received, the sound source IC 224 reads out the sound effect data from the sound source ROM 225 mounted on the sub-control board 220 based on which sound effect output channel is designated in the sound effect designation signal. . The sound source ROM 225 stores in advance various sound effect data corresponding to the number of channels. The sound effect data assigned to the designated channel is read from the sound source ROM 225 and the sound effect data signal is sent to the amplifier board 226. Output. The sound effect data signal output in this way is amplified by the amplifier board 226, and sound effects are output from the speakers 5y and 6c. It is possible to designate a plurality of channels at the same time for the sound effect designation signal. The sound source IC that has received such a sound effect designation signal reads the sound effect data assigned to each of the designated plurality of channels from the sound source ROM 225 and outputs the composite sound effect data signal to the amplifier board 226. . As a result, a plurality of different types of sound effects can be combined and output. However, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the effect channel (channels 0 to 6) and the error notification channel (channel 7) are clearly distinguished, and the effect channel and the error notification channel are included in the sound effect designation signal. Are not specified at the same time. Since the sound effect data signal output from the sound source IC 224 is amplified by the amplifier board 226 and output as sound waves from the speakers 5y and 6c, the first speaker 5y and the second speaker 6c of this embodiment are It constitutes one aspect of the “sound effect output means” of the invention.

  Here, the output level (sound effect volume) of the sound effect data signal output from the sound source IC 224 toward the amplifier board 226 is set based on the volume setting signal from the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. The sound effect volume is composed of a volume (channel volume) set individually for each channel of the sound effect output channels and a volume (total volume) set uniformly for all channels. ing. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the channel volume and the total volume can be set in four stages (any one of “silence”, “small” volume, “medium” volume, and “large” volume). Is switched in four steps according to the setting within the setting range of the total volume. Therefore, if the total volume setting is “mute”, all sound effects are muted regardless of the channel volume setting. If the channel volume setting is “silence”, the sound effect is muted even if the total volume setting is “large”.

  The CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 instructs to change the setting of either the channel volume or the total volume by a volume setting signal output toward the sound source IC 224. Of these, the channel volume setting change is appropriately instructed by the CPU 221 that has received an effect command from the main control board 200 in accordance with the progress of the effect. For example, the sound effect (effect sound) is faded out or faded in. The volume of the sound effect can be changed according to the game situation. As shown in FIG. 11, a volume setting switch 300 is connected to the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, and the CPU 221 determines the total volume setting based on the state of the volume setting switch 300. Then, change is instructed. Since the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 performs processing for instructing the setting of the total volume and the setting of each channel volume, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment performs the “total volume setting” of the present invention. "Means" and "individual volume setting means".

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state of switching the state of the volume setting switch 300 provided in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As described above, the volume setting switch 300 of this embodiment is installed on the front surface of the sub control board case 117 (see FIG. 5). As shown in FIG. 13, a so-called slide switch is employed for the volume setting switch 300 of the present embodiment, and can be set in four stages by sliding the knob 300a to the left and right. First, when the knob 300a is slid to the left end, the switch 0 is set. When the knob 300a is slid to the right by one step (the state shown in FIG. 13), the state of the switch 1 is obtained. It becomes a state. Of course, the volume setting switch 300 is not limited to a slide switch, and may be any type of switch as long as it can be switched in a plurality of stages, and a plurality of switches may be provided. In the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, any one of the four states (switches 0 to 3) of the volume setting switch 300 can be selected to set the total volume. The volume setting switch 300 constitutes one aspect of the “setting value selection means” of the present invention.

  In this way, the tone generator IC 224 that has received the volume setting signal from the CPU 221 changes the setting of the channel volume or the total volume in accordance with the contents of the volume setting signal. When the sound source IC 224 receives the sound effect designation signal, the sound source IC 224 outputs a sound effect data signal at a volume (output level) corresponding to the channel volume setting and the total volume setting. This signal is amplified by the amplifier substrate 226, and sound effects having a volume corresponding to the output level are output from the speakers 5y and 6c. Since the sound source IC 224 determines the output volume according to the channel volume setting and the total volume setting, the sound source IC 224 of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “output volume determination means” of the present invention. is doing.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 specifies the specific contents of the sound effect according to the effect command or the error notification command from the main control board 200, and the volume setting is performed. The change is instructed accordingly. The sound source IC 224 outputs the designated sound effect data signal at a set volume (output level), so that sound effects are output from the speakers 5y and 6c. Hereinafter, the details of the volume setting process executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 to change the sound effect volume setting will be described in detail.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the first half of the volume setting process executed by the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the latter half of the volume setting process executed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. This process is a process executed after the gaming machine 1 is turned on and a predetermined initialization process is performed. Hereinafter, it demonstrates according to a flowchart.

  When the volume setting process is started, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 first determines whether or not the power is turned on (S200). If it is determined that the power is turned on (S200: yes), a volume setting signal for setting all channel volumes to “large” volume is output to the sound source IC 224 (S202). As described above, the sound source IC 224 of this embodiment has a total of 8 sound effect output channels (channels 0 to 7), and the channel volume setting of each channel can be individually changed. Then, all channel volume settings are reset when the power is turned on. In this embodiment, all channels are initially set to the “high” volume level. A volume setting signal for setting the volume to the “large” volume is output.

  Next, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines the total volume based on the state of the volume setting switch 300 while referring to the normal volume table, and sends a volume setting signal to the sound source IC 224 to the determined setting. (S204). Here, the volume table is a dedicated table used for determining the total volume. In this table, the total volume setting is set for each state of the volume setting switch 300 (see FIG. 13). Correspondingly written. In addition, these volume tables include a normal volume table that is used during normal times and an error time volume table that is used when an error occurs. When the power is turned on, the normal volume table is selected. It is like that. These volume tables are stored in advance in a ROM 223 (see FIG. 11) mounted on the sub-control board 220, and a total table referred to by the CPU 221 is read from the ROM 223.

  FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a normal volume table used in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, “mute” is associated with the switch 0 in the normal volume table. This indicates that when the volume setting switch 300 is in the switch 0 state, the total volume is set to “mute”. Further, if the switch 1 is in the state, the total volume is set to “low” volume, if the switch 2 is in the state, it is set to “medium” volume, and if it is in the switch 3 state, “high” is set. "It is set to volume. Therefore, depending on whether the game hall manager (store clerk) sets the volume setting switch 300 to any of the switches 0 to 3, the total volume is changed from “mute” to “high” according to the environment and atmosphere of the game hall. It is possible to select from the four stages.

  When the volume setting signal for instructing the setting of the total volume based on the state of the volume setting switch 300 is output to the sound source IC 224, the process returns to the head of the volume setting process to determine again whether or not the power is turned on (S200). . Of course, since it is always determined as “no” in the second and subsequent processing of S200, it is subsequently determined whether or not to change the volume setting as the performance progresses (S206). As described above, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 that has received the effect command from the main control board 200 appropriately changes the setting of each channel volume of the effect channels (channels 0 to 6) according to the progress of the effect. It has become. When the volume setting is changed as the production progresses (S206: yes), first, the setting after changing the channel volume (volume setting information) is stored in the RAM 222 ( (See FIG. 11) in a predetermined area (S208). Here, the changed setting (volume setting information) of each channel volume, that is, the changed volume, is set in advance according to various effect patterns performed under the control of the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220. The volume change time is also set in advance according to the production pattern. For this reason, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 analyzes the effect command received from the main control board 200, and specifies the volume change time and the volume after the change when the effect corresponding to the effect command is executed. Can do. Since the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 performs the process of changing each channel volume individually in accordance with the progress of the production, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment performs the “individual volume change” of the present invention. Constitutes one aspect of the means. Further, since the changed channel volume setting is stored in the RAM 222, the RAM 222 mounted on the sub-control board 220 of this embodiment constitutes one aspect of the “individual volume storage means” of the present invention. Yes.

  After storing the new settings for each channel volume in this way, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines whether or not a sound effect for notifying the occurrence of an error (hereinafter referred to as an error notification sound) is being output ( S210). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, in synchronization with the sound source IC 224 outputting the sound effect data signal toward the amplifier board 226, a signal (output notification signal) indicating that the sound effect is being output is output as the sound source IC 224. To the CPU 221. The CPU 221 can determine whether or not sound effects are being output based on the output notification signal. If the error notification sound is not being output (S210: no), a volume setting signal indicating that the channel volume of the production channel is set to the new setting stored in S208 is output to the sound source IC 224. (S212) Returning to the head of the volume setting process, a series of processes after S200 is executed. The CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 outputs a volume setting signal to instruct the sound source IC 224 to set a new channel volume (changed volume) of the production channel. The CPU 221 of the control board 220 constitutes one aspect of the “individual volume reflecting means” of the present invention.

  On the other hand, when the error notification sound is being output (S210: yes), without outputting the volume setting signal for changing the setting of each channel volume of the effect channel, that is, the effect channel While maintaining the setting of each channel volume, the process returns to the beginning of the volume setting process, and a series of processes after S200 is executed.

  The case where the volume setting is changed with the progress of the production has been described (S206: yes). However, when the volume setting is not changed with the progress of the production (S206: no), an error is then generated. It is determined whether or not to change the volume setting accompanying the occurrence (S214 in FIG. 15). As described above, when any error occurs in the gaming machine 1, an error notification command is output from the main control board 200. In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, for example, an abnormality has occurred in the special winning opening 31d due to the fact that a gaming ball is detected by the special winning opening switch 31s even though the aforementioned special winning opening 31d is closed. When it is determined that the bottom plate 6 is in an abnormal state due to the detection signal from the bottom plate full switch 6s described above (the bottom plate error) ) Etc., an error notification command is output from the main control board 200. Upon receiving this command, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines that the volume setting is to be changed due to the occurrence of an error (S214: yes), and sets all channel volumes of the production channels (channels 0 to 6). A volume setting signal for setting to “mute” is output to the sound source IC 224 (S216).

  Next, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 determines the total volume based on the state of the volume setting switch 300 while referring to the error time volume table, and sends a volume setting signal indicating the determined setting to the sound source IC 224. (S218). FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an error volume table used in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the drawing, in the volume table for error, “high” volume is associated with all the states (switches 0 to 3) of the volume setting switch 300. Therefore, regardless of the state of the volume setting switch 300, the total volume is set to “large” volume. When a volume setting signal for setting the total volume to the “large” volume is output to the sound source IC 224 in this way, the process returns to the beginning of the volume setting process, and a series of processes after S200 is executed.

  The case where the volume setting is changed due to the occurrence of an error has been described (S214: yes). However, when the volume setting is not changed due to the occurrence of an error (S214: no), the error notification is then terminated. It is determined whether or not to change the volume setting accompanying this (S220). In the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when an error is canceled by a game hall manager (store clerk) or the like, a control command (error cancel command) indicating that is output from the main control board 200. Therefore, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can determine the end time of the error notification based on this command. Note that a timer may be set at the same time when the CPU 221 outputs a sound effect designation signal for error notification to the sound source IC 224, and the error notification may be terminated after a predetermined time has elapsed.

  When the volume setting is changed upon completion of error notification (S220: yes), the total volume is determined based on the state of the volume setting switch 300 while referring to the normal volume table (FIG. 16). Then, a volume setting signal indicating the determined setting is output to the sound source IC 224 (S222). Then, a volume setting signal indicating that the setting of each channel volume of the production channels (channels 0 to 6), which has been set to “mute” due to the occurrence of an error, is set to “large” volume (power-on state) is sent to the sound source IC 224. (S223), and further, a volume setting signal indicating that the setting of each channel volume of the effect channels (channels 0 to 6) is the setting stored in S208 is sent to the sound source IC 224. It outputs (S224). As described above, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 stores the settings (volume setting information) after the change of each channel volume of the effect channel when the volume is changed in accordance with the progress of the effect. (S208 in FIG. 14). Since the production proceeds during the output of the error notification sound, the CPU 221 stores the update of the channel volume of the production channel accordingly, but does not output the volume setting signal during the output of the error notification sound. (S210: no). For this reason, the sound source IC 224 does not change the channel volume setting during the output of the error notification sound, and maintains the previous setting (all “silence” during the output of the error notification sound). Therefore, when the output of the error notification sound ends, the CPU 221 updates the setting of each channel volume of the effect channel while the error notification sound is output (the latest setting stored in the RAM 222). In order to achieve this, a volume setting signal is output toward the sound source IC 224. When the volume setting signal for returning the total volume and the channel volume to the normal setting is output in this way, the process returns to the beginning of the volume setting process, and a series of processes after S200 is executed again. Since the process of changing each channel volume to the setting stored in the RAM 222 with the end of the error notification is performed by the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220, the sub-control board 220 of the present embodiment. The CPU 221 constitutes one aspect of the “individual volume recovery means” of the present invention.

  In the above, the case where the volume setting is changed when the error notification ends (S220: yes) has been described. However, when the volume setting is not changed when the error notification ends (S220: no), this time Then, it is determined whether or not to change the volume setting in accordance with the operation of the volume setting switch 300 (S226). As described above, the volume setting switch 300 of this embodiment is installed on the front surface of the sub-control board case 117 on the back surface of the gaming machine 1 (see FIG. 5), and the game hall manager (clerk) The total volume setting can be selected (see FIG. 16) depending on which of the switches 0 to 3 (see FIG. 13) is operated by operating the volume setting switch 300. The operation of the volume setting switch 300 can be performed even after the gaming machine 1 is turned on. If the volume setting switch 300 has not been operated after the power is turned on, it is determined not to change the volume setting in accordance with the operation of the volume setting switch 300 (S226: no), and the head of the volume setting process is continued as it is. Returning to step S200, a series of processes after S200 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the volume setting switch 300 is operated after the power is turned on, it is determined that the volume setting is changed in accordance with the operation of the volume setting switch 300 (S226: yes), and then an error notification sound is being output. It is determined whether or not there is (S228). If the error notification sound is not being output (S228: no), the total volume is determined based on the state of the volume setting switch 300 after the operation with reference to the normal volume table (FIG. 16). Then, a volume setting signal indicating the determined setting is output to the sound source IC 224 (S230). Thereafter, the process returns to the beginning of the volume setting process, and a series of processes after S200 is executed again.

  On the other hand, when the error notification sound is being output (S228: yes), the total volume setting determined in S218 when the error occurs (in this embodiment, regardless of the state of the volume setting switch 300). In order to maintain the “large” volume (see FIG. 17), the process returns to the beginning of the volume setting process without outputting the volume setting signal, and the above-described series of processes after S200 is repeated. In the volume table for errors in this embodiment (FIG. 17), “high” volume is associated with all the states (switches 0 to 3) of the volume setting switch 300. If a volume other than “mute” is associated with the volume table for error, the volume table for error is not limited to this. When the sound volume other than “mute” is associated with each state of the switches 0 to 3, when “no” is determined in S 228, referring to the volume table for error, The total volume may be determined based on the state of the volume setting switch 300 after the operation, and a volume setting signal indicating the determined setting may be output to the sound source IC 224.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the normal time volume table and the error time volume table are provided, and the table to be referred to is switched according to the situation. The sound effect output channels are divided into effect channels (channels 0 to 6) and error notification channels (channel 7), and the settings of the channel volumes can be individually changed. When an error occurs, all the channel volumes of the production channels are changed all at once, so that the fact that the error has occurred can be notified with sound effects. This point will be described in detail below.

D. Changing the volume setting in the gaming machine of this embodiment:
FIG. 18 is a time chart showing how the settings of the total volume and the channel volume are changed by executing the volume setting process described above. FIG. 18A shows how the setting of the total volume is changed. As described above, the total volume setting is determined based on the state of the volume setting switch 300 (FIG. 13). In the example shown in FIG. Is switch 1. First, when the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the total volume is determined with reference to the normal volume table (FIG. 16) (S204 in FIG. 14). In the normal volume table of this embodiment, the “small” volume is associated with the state of the switch 1, and the total volume is set to the “small” volume.

  If an error occurs in the gaming machine 1 while the game is progressing, the total volume is determined with reference to the error volume table (FIG. 17) (S218 in FIG. 15). In the error-use volume table of the present embodiment, since “high” volume is associated with all the states (switches 0 to 3) of the volume setting switch 300, regardless of the state of the volume setting switch 300. The total volume is set to “large” volume. Thereafter, when the error is released and the error notification is finished, the normal volume table is referred again, and the total volume is set to the “small” volume (S224 in FIG. 15). When the volume setting switch 300 is operated after the power is turned on, the total volume is changed according to the state of the volume setting switch 300 after the operation (S230 in FIG. 15). However, even if the volume setting switch 300 is operated while the error notification sound is being output (for example, when the volume setting switch 300 is changed to the state of the switch 0), the total volume remains set to the “high” volume until the error notification ends. (S228 in FIG. 15: yes).

  FIG. 18B shows a state in which the channel volume setting of the effect channel is stored and updated on the RAM 222 of the sub-control board 220. FIG. 18C shows a state in which the channel volume setting of the effect channel is changed by the sound source IC 224. As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, there are a total of 7 channels (channels 0 to 6) for production, and the channel volume of each channel is set individually in accordance with the progress of the production. The new setting is stored on the RAM 222 and transmitted to the sound source IC 224 to change the channel volume setting. FIGS. 18B and 18C illustrate one of the seven effect channels.

  As shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, immediately after the power is turned on, all channel volumes of the production channels are set to the initial “large” volume (S202 in FIG. 14). When the production volume is changed as the production progresses after the game is started, the stored content on the RAM 222 is updated to store the new setting (volume setting information after the change) of each channel volume. At the same time (S208 in FIG. 14), the sound source IC 224 changes the channel volume to a new setting (S212 in FIG. 14). When any error occurs in the gaming machine 1, the sound source IC 224 sets all the channel volumes of the production channels to “mute” all at once (S216 in FIG. 15).

  Since the production continues even during the output of the error notification sound, when the setting of each channel volume of the production channel is changed accordingly, the storage on the RAM 222 is updated, but the sound source IC 224 has a new one. The setting is not transmitted (S210 of FIG. 14: yes), and as a result, the setting in the sound source IC 224 is maintained as “mute”. Thereafter, when the error notification is ended by canceling the error, the latest setting stored in the RAM 222 is transmitted to the sound source IC 224 (S224 in FIG. 15), and each channel volume of the production channel is set at the end of the error notification. The setting returns to the setting that was in progress.

  FIG. 18D shows the setting state of the channel volume of the error notification channel. As described above with reference to FIG. 12, the error notification channel (channel 7) is completely independent of the production channels (channels 0 to 6) and is used only for error notification. As shown in FIG. 18D, the channel volume of the error notification channel is set to the initial “large” volume immediately after power-on (S202 in FIG. 14), and the setting is changed thereafter. There is nothing, and it is maintained at a “large” volume. However, as described above, the error notification channel is not used for production, and is not specified at all in normal times (when no error occurs), so the channel volume is set to “high” volume. However, no error notification sound is output.

  When an error occurs in the gaming machine 1, an error notification channel is designated. As described above, when the sound source IC 224 receives the designation of the error notification channel (channel 7), the sound effect data (error notification sound data) assigned to the error notification channel is read from the sound source ROM 225 and the amplifier substrate 226 is read out. The sound effect data signal is output at a “large” volume toward the. This signal is amplified by the amplifier board 226, and an error notification sound is output from the speakers 5y and 6c. Thereafter, when the error is canceled, the error notification channel is unspecified, and the sound source IC 224 stops outputting the sound effect data signal, so that the error notification sound is not output.

  As described above, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when any error occurs, the total volume is set to “high” volume regardless of the state of the volume setting switch 300, and the production channels (channels 0 to 6) are set. ) Are set to “mute”, and an error notification channel (channel 7) in which the channel volume is set to “large” volume is designated. For this reason, even if an error occurs during the performance, all the sound effects (effect sounds) for the performance are muted, and only the sound effects for error notification (error notification sounds) are “maximum” volume ( The total volume is “Large” and the channel volume is “Large”). As a result, the fact that an error has occurred in the gaming machine 1 can be notified with sound effects. This point will be further supplemented.

  If the channel is used for both the output of the effect sound and the output of the error notification sound without dividing the sound effect output channel for the effect and the error notification, unlike the embodiment described above, Even if an error occurs during the production and an error notification sound is output, there may be a case where it is not noticed. In other words, in order to make it easy to hear the error notification sound, if the channel volume setting of the shared channel is increased, the volume of the production sound also increases, and the setting of the channel volume is lowered to reduce the volume of the production sound. Then, the volume of the error notification sound is also reduced. Eventually, the production sound and the error notification sound are output at the same volume, so if an error occurs while the production is in progress, the error notification sound is mixed with the production sound effect and the error cannot be reported. Can occur.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the sound effect output channels are clearly divided into effects and error notifications, and the error notification channels are used only for outputting error notification sounds. If an error occurs, set all channel volumes of the production channel to “mute” to prevent the production sound from being output (mute), and set the error notification channel set to “large” volume. It is designed to specify. As a result, even if an error occurs while the production is in progress, only the error notification sound is output at “high” volume, so the error notification sound is not mixed with the production sound, resulting in an error. It is possible to reliably notify the fact that it has been done.

  Further, as described above, the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 sets the channel of the effect channel in accordance with the progress of the effect even after an error occurs and the channel volume of the effect channel is all set to “mute”. Each time the setting of each channel volume is changed, a new setting (volume setting information) after the change is stored in the RAM 222. When the error is canceled, each channel volume is restored to the latest setting stored in the RAM 222. For this reason, the output of the sound effect for the production can be resumed at an appropriate volume suitable for the production in progress at the end of the error notification.

  Of course, when the progress of the production is confirmed at the same time as the error notification is finished, and the change of each channel volume of the production channel is immediately reflected in the production channel according to the result, the volume suitable for the production in progress It is possible to resume the output of the production sound. However, each channel volume of the production channel is not always (continuously) changed, and is changed only when the volume of the production sound is changed (for example, faded out) as the production progresses. For this reason, when there is no change in the volume of the production sound accompanying the progress of the production for a while after the error notification is finished, the setting of each channel volume of the production channel is changed (changed to a new setting). There is no such thing as “silence”. As a result, it may happen that the output of the production sound cannot be resumed even though the error notification is finished. Therefore, even after the error notification sound is being output (while all channel volumes of the production channel are set to “mute”), the settings after the change of each channel volume that is changed according to the progress of the production are stored. When the error notification sound is output and the stored settings are reflected in each channel volume, immediately after the error notification is finished, the sound is produced at an appropriate volume suitable for the ongoing effect. Sound output can be resumed. As a result, the gaming machine 1 in which the abnormality has been eliminated can be returned smoothly and quickly to the normal state.

  While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is not limited to the wording of each claim unless it departs from the scope described in each claim. Improvements based on the knowledge that a person skilled in the art normally has can also be added as appropriate to the extent that those skilled in the art can easily replace them.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, there is one type of volume table for error, but a plurality of types may be provided. As an example, a minor error volume table (for example, switch 0) that is referred to when a minor error occurs that is sufficient to notify the player when the lower pan 6 is full (lower pan error). : “Small”, Switch 1: “Medium”, Switch 2: “Medium”, Switch 3: “Large”), and when there is an abnormality in the large winning opening 31d (large winning opening error) A volume table for a severe error that is referred to when a severe error to be dealt with by the store clerk (for example, the same as in FIG. 17) may be provided. In this way, it is possible to change the volume of the error notification sound according to the target (player or store clerk) to be notified.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, when any abnormality (error) occurs in the gaming machine 1, each channel volume of the production channel is set to “mute”, and the error volume table is referred to for the total. It was explained that the volume was set to “large” volume. However, not only when an error occurs, but also when it is necessary to notify the player or store clerk with sound effects, the settings of each channel volume and total volume of the effect channel may be changed. For example, if the RAM 202 mounted on the main control board 200 is cleared (initialized) for some reason, each channel volume of the effect channel is set to “mute” and the total volume is determined by switching the reference volume table. It is good as well. In this case, as the volume table to be referred to when the RAM clear occurs, the above-mentioned error volume table may be used, or the RAM clear volume table (for example, switch 0: “medium”, switch 1). : “Medium”, switch 2: “medium”, switch 3: “large”) may be provided separately. The process of changing the setting of each channel volume and total volume of the effect channel when the RAM clear occurs can be performed as follows. That is, when the CPU 201 of the main control board 200 detects clearing of the RAM 202, an initialization command indicating clearing of the RAM 202 is output to the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. Upon receiving this initialization command, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 receives a sound effect designation signal for designating an error notification channel (or a dedicated channel for RAM clear notification if it is provided separately) as a sound source. Output to the IC 224. At the same time, it is determined that the volume is changed due to the occurrence of the RAM clear, and each channel volume of the production channel is set to “mute”, and the table for setting the total volume to be referenced is used for error (or RAM A volume setting signal for changing the total volume to a setting determined based on this table is output to the sound source IC 224. Thus, even when the RAM 202 of the main control board 200 is cleared, it can be notified with sound effects.

  In addition, in the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the setting of each channel volume of the effect channel determined according to the progress of the effect is stored on the ROM 222 regardless of whether the error notification sound is being output. did. However, the setting of each channel volume may be stored in the RAM 222 only when an error notification sound is being output. In this way, in normal times (when no error notification sound is output), the process of storing the channel volume setting can be omitted, so the load on the CPU 221 of the sub-control board 220 can be reduced. It becomes possible.

  In the above-described embodiment, the “high” volume is maintained without changing the channel volume of the error notification channel. However, the channel volume of the error notification channel may be set in a normal manner as long as it has a predetermined volume (for example, “high” volume) when an error occurs. For example, if the initial setting of the channel volume of the error notification channel is set to “mute” and it is determined that the volume is changed due to the occurrence of an error, the volume is changed to “large”, and the error notification ends with “ You may make it return to "mute".

  In the above-described embodiment, the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 outputs an error notification signal indicating that the error notification sound is being output, which is output from the sound source IC 224 to the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220. It was determined whether the notification sound was being output. This determination is made when the CPU 221 outputs a sound effect designation signal that is an error notification sound output instruction to the sound source IC 224 and at the same time sets the error notification sound reproduction timer and sets the reproduction timer to the timed state (whether time is up or not). It can also be done on the basis. The setting of the error notification sound reproduction timer may be performed together with the output notification signal output from the sound source IC 224, or may be performed instead of the output notification signal output from the sound source IC 224. By doing in this way, the accuracy of the determination process during the output of the error notification sound in the CPU 221 of the sub control board 220 can be further increased.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, the present invention has been described with respect to a ball game machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, other types such as a revolving game machine and an arrange ball game machine are used. The present invention can be suitably applied to a gaming machine.

It is a front view of the gaming machine of the present embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the board surface structure of a game board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the symbol display apparatus mounted in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which shows the structure of the effect display apparatus mounted in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the back surface structure of the game machine of a present Example. It is the block diagram which showed the structure of the control circuit in the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the normal symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the mode that the special symbol was variably displayed. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the one aspect | mode of the effect performed with an effect display apparatus. It is the flowchart which showed the rough flow of the game control process which CPU mounted in the main control board performs in order to control progress of a game. It is the block diagram which showed the circuit structure relevant to generation | occurrence | production of a sound effect, and the control command and control signal which are input / output with respect to a sub control board. It is explanatory drawing which showed notionally the structure of the sound effect output channel in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed a mode that the volume setting switch provided in the game machine of a present Example was switched. It is a flowchart which shows the first half part of the volume setting process which CPU of a sub control board performs in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is a flowchart which shows the second half part of the volume setting process which CPU of a sub control board performs in the gaming machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the volume table for normal times used with the game machine of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which illustrated the volume table for the time of an error used with the gaming machine of a present Example. It is a time chart which shows a mode that the setting of a total volume and a channel volume is changed by execution of a volume setting process.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... A game machine,
5y ... 1st speaker (sound effect output means),
6c ... second speaker (sound effect output means),
200 ... main control board,
220 ... Sub-control board,
221... CPU (individual volume setting means, overall volume setting means, individual volume change means, individual volume reflection means, individual volume recovery means),
222 ... RAM (individual volume storage means),
224 ... Sound source IC (output volume determination means),
300 ... Volume setting switch (setting value selection means)

Claims (3)

In a gaming machine that outputs a predetermined sound effect and gives notification that a game has occurred or an abnormality has occurred,
A sound effect output means for outputting a production sound that is a sound effect for producing a game and an abnormality notification sound that is a sound effect for informing the occurrence of an abnormality,
In order to output the sound effect, a plurality of channels for reading corresponding sound source data from a plurality of sound source data stored in advance and supplying the sound source data to the sound effect output means,
Individual volume setting means for setting the volume for each channel according to the progress of the game,
In order to adjust the volume of the sound effect, setting value selection means for selecting one setting value from a plurality of setting values associated with different volume levels;
Based on the setting value selected by the setting value selection means, an overall volume setting means for uniformly setting the volume for all of the plurality of channels;
Based on the volume set for each channel by the individual volume setting means and the volume set uniformly for all of the plurality of channels by the overall volume setting means, the sound effect output means has the effect An output volume determining means for determining a volume for outputting sound, and
The plurality of channels are divided into a production channel used to output the production sound and an abnormality notification channel used to output the abnormality notification sound,
When the abnormality occurs in the gaming machine, the individual volume setting means sets mute for the effect channel and sets a predetermined volume for the abnormality notification channel,
When the abnormality occurs in the gaming machine, the overall volume setting means uniformly sets a predetermined volume set for the occurrence of the abnormality for all of the plurality of channels. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
The individual volume setting means includes
Individual volume changing means for changing the volume of the effect channel as needed according to the progress of the game,
When there is no abnormality in the gaming machine, each time the individual volume changing means changes the volume of the effect channel, individual volume reflecting means for reflecting the changed volume to the channel;
Individual volume storage means for storing the changed volume without reflecting the changed volume changed by the individual volume change means on the effect channel while an abnormality occurs in the gaming machine. When,
And an individual volume recovery means for recovering the volume setting of the effect channel to the latest volume stored in the individual volume storage means when the abnormality in the gaming machine is released. Machine. In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
The gaming machine, wherein the individual volume setting means sets the predetermined volume for the abnormality notification channel when power is turned on, and maintains the volume setting of the abnormality notification channel as it is.

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