JP2009022381A - Game machine, game system and control method of game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of executing a new performance utilizing the game machine in which a game is not played, a game system, and a control method of the game machine. <P>SOLUTION: The game machine includes a microphone, a data making means for making input sound from the microphone into data, a waveform determination means for judging whether or not a specified waveform pattern is included in the waveform of the input sound on the basis of the data generated by the data making means, and a performance execution means for controlling the execution of a performance based on performance pattern data for executing the performance. The performance execution means includes a storage means for storing special performance pattern data for executing a predetermined special performance, and controls the execution of the performance based on the special performance pattern data when it is determined that the specified waveform pattern is included in the waveform of the input sound by the waveform determination means and a continuous period during which the game is not played is a prescribed period or longer. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot gaming machine or a slot machine, a gaming system, and a method for controlling the gaming machine.

Generally, in gaming machines such as pachislot gaming machines and slot machines in Japan and overseas, depending on internal lottery processing (hereinafter also referred to as “internal lottery”) and gaming state, Various effects are expressed by the display mode of the illumination lamps provided around, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device, and the like.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is a gaming machine that includes a microphone and generates and outputs an additional secondary sound based on ambient sounds and gaming state recorded by the microphone (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, in order to output a sound that amplifies the ambient sound or outputs a suppression sound that cancels the ambient sound according to the gaming state, the player amplifies the ambient sound. When the sound to be played is output, the vigor in the game store can be felt, and when the suppression sound that cancels the ambient sound is output, the expectation can be enhanced by the effect sound emitted from the gaming machine.

JP 2005-131263 A

However, the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 is such that various changing effects are performed only when the game machine is operating (games are being performed). For this reason, if the number of gaming machines that are not in operation (not playing games) increases, it will be difficult to energize the entire hall of the gaming store even if only the operating gaming machines perform special effects. It was. As a result, there is a problem that the whole hall becomes a quiet atmosphere and the player's mood cannot be raised.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is a gaming machine, a gaming system, and a gaming machine capable of executing a new effect using a gaming machine in which no gaming is performed. It is to provide a control method.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following.
(1) a microphone that converts input sound into an electrical signal;
Data converting means for converting the input sound into data based on the electrical signal output from the microphone;
Waveform determining means for determining whether or not the waveform of the input sound includes a specific waveform pattern based on the data generated by the data converting means;
Effect execution means for controlling the execution of the effect based on the effect pattern data for performing the effect,
The production execution means
A storage means for storing special effect pattern data for performing a predetermined special effect;
When it is determined by the waveform determination means that the waveform of the input sound includes a specific waveform pattern, and the continuous period in which no game is performed is a predetermined period or more, the special effect pattern data A game machine that controls execution of an effect based on the game.

According to the invention of (1), when a gaming machine that has not been operated for a predetermined period (no game) receives a specific sound having a specific waveform pattern, a special effect is executed in the gaming machine. .
Therefore, even if there are many game machines that are not in operation in the hall of the game store, it is possible to energize the entire hall by performing effects on the game machines that are not in operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent a quiet atmosphere and to enhance the mood of the player and other customers in the game store.
Moreover, since it is the structure which performs an effect via a sound, the above effects can be implement | achieved, for example, without performing wiring work of connecting game machines or a game machine and a management apparatus. As a result, the cost and time required for capital investment can be reduced.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(2) The gaming machine according to (1) above,
The gaming machine further includes a light emitter,
The production execution means
When it is determined by the waveform determination means that the waveform of the input sound includes a specific waveform pattern, and the continuous period in which no game is performed is a predetermined period or more, the special effect pattern data Based on the above, the execution of the effect of causing the luminous body to emit light is controlled.

According to the invention of (2), when the gaming machine includes a light emitter (for example, a light emitting diode) and has not been operated for a predetermined period or longer, the gaming machine receives the specific sound having a specific waveform pattern. Then, an effect of causing the light emitter to emit light is executed based on the special effect pattern data.
The effect by causing the illuminant to emit light is easy to visually recognize, so that the player or other customers in the game store can easily grasp that the effect is being performed. Therefore, it is easy for players and other customers to feel as if the whole hall is lively.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(3) A gaming system comprising the gaming machine according to (1) or (2) above and an external device,
The above device
Specific data storage means for storing specific data for reproducing a specific sound having a waveform belonging to a specific waveform pattern;
A speaker capable of outputting sound;
A sound output control means for performing control to output a specific sound based on the specific data from the speaker, when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The gaming machine determines by the waveform determining means that the waveform of the input sound from the device includes a specific waveform pattern, and has a predetermined continuous period in which no game is played in the gaming machine. A game system characterized by controlling execution of an effect based on the special effect pattern data by the effect executing means when the period is equal to or longer than the above period.

According to the invention of (3), a predetermined condition has been satisfied (for example, a special gaming state has occurred, the number of game media paid out or the number of differences has reached a predetermined number, and a predetermined time has come. The external device (for example, a gaming machine) outputs a specific sound and operates for a predetermined period of time or more when a predetermined period has elapsed since the game was started or the game was last played) When a gaming machine that has not received the specific sound, a special performance is performed.
Therefore, even when there are many game machines that are not in operation in the hall of the game store, the entire hall can be energized by performing the effects on the game machines that are not in operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent a quiet atmosphere and to enhance the mood of the player and other customers in the game store.
Moreover, since it is the structure which performs an effect via a sound, the above effects can be implement | achieved, for example, without performing wiring operation | work which connects game machines or a game machine and a management apparatus. As a result, the cost and time required for capital investment can be reduced.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(4) The gaming system according to (3) above,
The device is a gaming machine,
The sound output control means controls to output a specific sound based on the specific data from the speaker when a special game state advantageous to the player compared to the normal game state has occurred. And

According to the invention of (4), when a special gaming state (for example, a bonus game) occurs in one gaming machine, the gaming machine outputs a specific sound, and a gaming machine that has not been operated for a predetermined period or longer has the specific sound. When receiving, special effects are performed.
When a gaming state that is advantageous to the player is achieved, an effect using a gaming machine that has not been operated for a predetermined period or longer is performed, so that the mood of the player who is rising due to the special gaming state can be further enhanced.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(5) A gaming machine control method used in the gaming system according to (3) above,
(A) a step in which the external device performs control to output a specific sound from the speaker by the sound output control means when a predetermined condition is satisfied;
(B) the game machine determines whether or not the waveform of the input sound from the device includes a specific waveform pattern by the waveform determination means; and
(C) The gaming machine determines that the waveform of the input sound includes a specific waveform pattern in the step (B) by the waveform determining means, and the gaming machine does not play a game continuously. A control method for a gaming machine, comprising a step of controlling execution of an effect based on the special effect pattern data by the effect execution means when a specific period is equal to or longer than a predetermined period.

According to the invention of (5), a predetermined condition has been satisfied (for example, a special gaming state has occurred, the number of game media paid out or the number of differences reached a predetermined number, or a predetermined time has come) The external device (for example, a gaming machine) outputs a specific sound and operates for a predetermined period of time or more, triggered by the fact that a predetermined period has elapsed since the game was started or last played. When a gaming machine that has not received the specific sound, a special performance is performed.
Therefore, even if there are many game machines that are not in operation in the hall of the game store, it is possible to energize the entire hall by performing effects on the game machines that are not in operation. As a result, it is possible to prevent a quiet atmosphere and to enhance the mood of the player and other customers in the game store.
Moreover, since it is the structure which performs an effect via a sound, the above effects can be implement | achieved, for example, without performing wiring work of connecting game machines or a game machine and a management apparatus. As a result, the cost and time required for capital investment can be reduced.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine, a gaming system, and a gaming machine control method capable of executing a new effect using a gaming machine in which no game is played.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a pachislot gaming device will be described as a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming system according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming system 100 includes a plurality of pachislot gaming devices 1 (pachislot gaming device 1a, pachislot gaming device 1b, and pachislot gaming device 1c).

In this embodiment, when BB (big bonus) which is a special gaming state is won in one pachislot gaming device 1, a specific sound is output from the speakers 21R and 21L (see FIG. 2) included in the pachislot gaming device 1, In the other pachislot gaming apparatus 1 that has received the specific sound from the microphone 44 (see FIG. 2), a special effect is performed when the game has not been performed for a predetermined period or longer.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the pachislot gaming device 1a wins BB (Big Bonus) and outputs a specific sound, and the specific sound is received by the other pachislot gaming device 1b and the pachislot gaming device 1c. . The pachislot gaming apparatus 1b is a pachislot gaming apparatus 1 that has not been played for a predetermined period of time, and as shown in FIG. 1, a special effect image 93 is displayed and an LED (light emitting diode) 30 is lit. . That is, a special effect is performed in the pachislot gaming apparatus 1b. On the other hand, the pachislot gaming apparatus 1c is a pachislot gaming apparatus 1 in which a game is performed or a period in which no game is performed is less than a predetermined period, and no special effect is performed.

In the present embodiment, a case where BB (big bonus) and RB (regular bonus) are provided as bonuses will be described. In BB and RB, the probability that a game medium is paid out is set higher than in a normal game (a game executed by processing in steps S125 to S137 in FIG. 10 described later). Specifically, in BB and RB, when the rotation of the three reels 3L, 3C, and 3R (see FIG. 2) stops, the probability that three identical symbols are arranged in a horizontal row is the same for all symbols. It is set to be higher than the normal game. For example, the probability that three “cherries” are arranged is 1/50 in a normal game, 1/10 in BB, and 1/20 in RB. The probability that three “bells” are arranged is 1/10 in a normal game, whereas it is 1/2 in BB and 1/5 in RB.
BB and RB correspond to the special game state in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a pachislot gaming device.
In addition to coins, medals, tokens, and the like, the pachislot gaming device 1 can play a game using a game medium such as a card that is given to a player or stores information on the game value that is given. Although it is a gaming machine, in the following, it is assumed that a medal is used.

A liquid crystal display device 5 is installed on the front surface of the housing 2 forming the entire pachislot gaming device 1. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown). The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 can be partially or entirely switched to a transparent / non-transparent state, An effect image can be displayed.

In addition, three rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5. Each of the three rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R has a plurality of symbols and the like displayed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatably provided in a horizontal row.

A pedestal portion 10 having a horizontal plane is formed below the liquid crystal display device 5. A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the pedestal portion 10. A 1-BET switch 11 is provided on the left side of the pedestal portion 10. And a maximum BET switch 13 is provided.

A stored medal settlement switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player by a push operation.
When “payout” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid out medals are stored in the medal receiving unit 16. On the other hand, when “credit” is selected, the number of medals is stored as a credit in a memory (for example, a RAM 43 described later) provided in the pachislot gaming apparatus 1.

On the right side of the stored medal settlement switch 14, a start lever 6 for rotating the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R by a player's operation is rotatably attached within a predetermined angular range. Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three rotary reels 3L, 3R, and 3C are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal unit 10, respectively.

An enter button 26 and a cancel button 27 are provided on the right side of the front portion of the base 10. By operating the decision button 26 and the cancel button 27, it is possible to input an instruction regarding switching of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 or the like.
A door opening / closing / clamping release device 29 is further provided on the right side of the front surface of the pedestal 10, and a predetermined key is inserted into the key hole of the door opening / closing / clamping release device 29 and turned to the right to rotate the front door. Open / close and turn counterclockwise to release the stop.

An LED 30 is provided above the housing 2. LED30 lights according to the lighting pattern which the production | presentation pattern data for performing production shows. The LED 30 corresponds to a light emitter in the present invention.
The light emitter in the present invention is not limited to an LED as long as it can emit light according to a predetermined pattern. For example, a lamp such as a discharge tube or a halogen bulb may be used.

Speakers 21L and 21R are provided on the left and right sides of the LED 30, and a payout table panel 23 is provided between the two speakers 21L and 21R. Yes. In addition, microphones 44 are provided on the front left and right of the housing 2.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing an upper portion of the housing when an LED included in the pachislot gaming device is lit.
When the pachislot gaming device 1 has not played a game for a predetermined period or longer and receives a specific sound by the microphone 44, the pachislot gaming device 1 turns on the LED 30 based on special effect pattern data described later. In the example shown in FIG. 3, three LEDs 30 among the five LEDs 30 are lit.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of the liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming apparatus shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5, three rotating reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) each having a plurality of symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface thereof are rotatably provided in a horizontal row. It has been.

The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 31 and a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 includes a transparent display window 31 a and a pattern formation region 31 b on which a pattern is drawn. A screen image displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided on the back surface of the front panel 31 is displayed on the front panel 31. Visible through the display window 31a.

On the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 shown in FIG. 4, a special effect image 93 including a fireworks image 93 a and a notification image 93 b that notifies that a BB game has occurred in another pachislot gaming device 1 is displayed. This image is an image that is displayed on the pachislot gaming device 1 that has not played a game for a predetermined period or longer when it is determined that a specific sound has been input from the microphone 44. In a game store in which a plurality of pachislot gaming devices 1 are installed, when a specific sound is output from one pachislot gaming device 1, another pachislot gaming device installed within a predetermined range from the one pachislot gaming device 1 In the pachislot gaming apparatus 1 in which a game is not performed for a predetermined period of time, a special effect image is displayed all at once.

On the left side of the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5 are a game start display lamp 25, a WIN lamp 17, a medal insertion lamp 24, various BET lamps 9c, 2-BET lamp 9b and 1-BET lamp 9a, and the number of payouts. A display unit 18, a medal stored number display unit 19, and various display units such as an accessory operation number display unit 20 are provided. In addition, in the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, the front portions of the various lamps and the various display units described above are transparent, and the various lamps and the various display units can be visually recognized.

The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (hereinafter also referred to as BET number). One game ends when all the rotating reels are stopped, or when medals are paid out, when medals are paid out.

The WIN lamp 17 is turned on with a predetermined probability when BB (Big Bonus) or RB (Regular Bonus) is won internally, and also when a BB or RB winning is achieved. The game medal insertion lamp 24 blinks when the medal insertion is acceptable. The game start display lamp 25 is lit when at least one line is activated.

The number-of-payout display unit 18 displays the number of medals to be paid out when a winning is established, and the medal stored number display unit 19 displays the number of stored medals, and an accessory operation number display unit. 20 displays the number of possible RB games, the number of possible RB games, and the like. These display units consist of a 7-segment display.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. 6 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG.
The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 31 composed of a protective glass 32 and a display plate 33, a transparent liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide plate 35, a reflective film 36, fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b, which are so-called white light sources, and a lamp holder. 39a to 39h, and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving a transparent liquid crystal panel is mounted. The TCP is constituted by a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34, or the like. .

The liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the near side by rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are provided with a predetermined interval.

The protective glass 32 and the display board 33 are comprised with the transparent member. On the display board 33, patterns and the like are formed at positions corresponding to the BET lamps 9a to 9c. That is, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is formed is the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, and the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is not formed is the display window 31a of the front panel 31. (See FIG. 4). The entire surface of the front panel 31 may be used as the display window 31a without forming the pattern forming area 31b on the front panel 31. In this case, a pattern is not formed on the display board 33 or the display board 33 may be omitted.
Note that various lamps arranged on the back side of the display plate 33, electric circuits for operating the various display units, and the like are not shown.

The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate.
The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven. By adopting the normally white transparent liquid crystal panel 34, even if there is a situation where the liquid crystal cannot be driven, variable display of symbols and the like displayed on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R The stop display can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when such a situation occurs, it is possible to play a game centered on a variable display mode and a stop display mode of symbols and the like displayed on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

The light guide plate 35 is for guiding light from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (illuminating the transparent liquid crystal panel 34), and is provided on the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. It is composed of a transparent member (having a light guiding function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness.

The reflective film 36 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and reflects light introduced into the light guide plate 35 toward the front side of the light guide plate 35. The reflective film 36 includes a reflective area 36A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 36B.

The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are disposed along the upper and lower ends of the light guide plate 35, and both ends are supported by a lamp holder 39 (see FIG. 5). The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b is reflected by the reflection area 36A of the reflection film 36 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

The fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are arranged toward the rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at the upper position and the lower position on the back side of the reflective film 36, respectively. The light coming out of the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b, reflected by the surfaces of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

Thus, in the liquid crystal display device 5, the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b and reflected from the reflection region 36A of the reflective film 36 and the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are irradiated, and the rotation reels 3L, 3C and 3R The light reflected from the surface and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
Accordingly, the region of the liquid crystal display device 5 corresponding to the non-reflective region 36B of the reflective film 36 is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state depending on whether or not the liquid crystal is driven. The region of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to is in a non-transparent state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is driven.

In the pachislot gaming device 1, only a part of the liquid crystal display device is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is entirely transparent. / A region that switches to a non-transparent state may be used. In this case, in the pachislot gaming device 1, when the entire area of the liquid crystal display device 5 is an area to be switched to the transmission state or the non-transmission state, the reflection film 36 is all set to the non-reflection area 36 </ b> B or the reflection film 36 is omitted. Good.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the pachislot gaming apparatus shown in FIG.
The main control circuit 81 has a microcomputer 40 disposed on a circuit board as a main component. The microcomputer 40 includes a CPU 41 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM 42, and a RAM 43. Connected to the CPU 41 are a clock pulse generation circuit 144 and a frequency divider 145 for setting a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 146 and a sampling circuit 147 for generating a random number to be sampled. In addition, as a means for random number sampling, you may comprise so that the sampling of a random number may be performed on the operation | movement program of CPU41.

The ROM 42 stores various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 82. As the command, for example, a command related to display control for the liquid crystal display device 5 and a command related to audio output control for the speaker 21 are stored.

Examples of commands related to control on the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 21 include an effect start command, an end effect command, and the like.
The effect start command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image at the start of rotation of the three rotary reels 3 and causing the speaker 21 to output a sound related to the effect. The end effect command is a command for causing the liquid crystal display device 5 to display an effect image when all the three rotary reels 3 are stopped, and causing the speaker 21 to output a sound related to the end effect.
Further, a command relating to setting or releasing of RB and BB is also stored in the ROM 42, and the setting or releasing of RB or BB is notified to the sub-control circuit 82 by the command. It should be noted that data indicating that RB or BB is being executed may be included in various commands relating to display control for liquid crystal display device 5 instead of commands relating to setting or canceling RB or BB.

The various commands as described above are called from the ROM 42 by the CPU 41 and set in the RAM 43 when a specific condition is met. The command set in the RAM 43 is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing. The sub control circuit 82 executes various processes based on the supplied command. The sub control circuit 82 does not input a command or the like to the main control circuit 81, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 81 to the sub control circuit 82.

The ROM 42 stores a symbol table for associating the rotational positions of the rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the rotary reel, and a combination of symbols for winning. In addition, a winning symbol combination table in which the number of winning medal dividends and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated, a lottery probability table necessary for performing a lottery for determining an internal winning combination, and the like are stored.

In addition to the above-described commands, the RAM 43 stores variables, flags, and the like related to game progress such as the number of credits corresponding to the number of medals, a set value, and the like.

Major peripheral devices (actuators) whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 40 include various lamps (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c, WIN lamp 17, and game medal insertion. A lamp 24, a game start display lamp 25, a decoration lamp 93), various display units (payout number display unit 18, medal storage number display unit 19, and accessory operation number display unit 20), a medal, and a hopper drive circuit. There are a hopper 50 (including a payout driving unit) 50 that pays out a predetermined number of medals according to a command of 51 and stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R that rotationally drive the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

Further, a motor drive circuit 49 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 59L, 59C and 59R, a hopper drive circuit 51 for driving and controlling the hopper 50, a lamp driving circuit 55 for driving and controlling various lamps, and a display for driving and controlling various display units. The unit drive circuit 58 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 41 via the I / O port 48. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 41, and controls the operation of each actuator.

The main input signal generators for generating input signals necessary for the microcomputer 40 to generate control commands include a start switch 6S, a 1-BET switch 11, a maximum BET switch 13, a stored medal settlement switch 14, There are an inserted medal sensor 22S, a reset switch 62, a setting key type switch 63, a reel stop signal circuit 56, a reel position detection circuit 60, and a payout completion signal circuit 61. These are also connected to the CPU 41 via the I / O port 48. The setting key type switch 63 allows a setting value to be changed by inserting a predetermined key into the keyhole and turning it to the left or right.

The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The inserted medal sensor 22 </ b> S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 56 generates a stop signal in response to the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. With these operations, the decision button 26 and the cancel button 27 can switch the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 and input an instruction.

The reel position detection circuit 60 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and transmits a signal for detecting the position of each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 41.
The payout completion signal circuit 61 generates a medal payout completion signal when the count value of the medal detection unit 50S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 50) reaches a designated number. When the CPU 41 receives this medal payout completion signal, the driving of the hopper 50 is stopped via the hopper drive circuit 51 to complete the payout of medals. The medal detection unit 50S includes a medal sensor including a physical sensor for detecting medals paid out from the hopper 50, and can count the number of medals paid out by the medal sensor.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 7, the random number generator 146 generates random numbers belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 147 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. . Based on the random number sampled in this way and the probability lottery table stored in the ROM 42, the internal winning combination is determined. After the internal winning combination is determined, random number sampling is performed again to select the “stop control table”.

After the rotation of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 43. From the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 41 via the reel position detection circuit 60. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 43 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the count value corresponding to the rotation position within one rotation range is stored in the RAM 43 for each of the rotation reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

A symbol table is stored in the ROM 42 in order to associate the rotational positions of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R as described above with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel. In this symbol table, with reference to the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated as described above, the code numbers sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each rotary reel 3L, 3C, 3R, and the corresponding code number A symbol code indicating the symbol provided is associated with the symbol.

Furthermore, a winning symbol combination table is stored in the ROM 42. In this winning symbol combination table, a winning symbol combination, a winning medal dividend number, and a winning determination code representing the winning are associated with each other. The winning symbol combination table is referred to when the left rotating reel 3L, the central rotating reel 3C, and the right rotating reel 3R are controlled to stop and when winning confirmation after all reels are stopped.

When an internal winning is made by a lottery process (probability lottery process) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 41 sends an operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 56 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, and Then, based on the selected “stop control table”, a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 49.

In the stop mode indicating the winning of the winning combination in the internal winning state, when “payout” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, the CPU 41 supplies the hopper drive circuit 51 with a payout command signal. A predetermined number of medals are paid out from 50. At that time, the medal detection unit 50S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 50, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 41. As a result, the CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 50 via the hopper drive circuit 51 and ends the “medal payout process”.
On the other hand, when “credit” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, the number of medals to be paid out is stored in the RAM 43 as credits.

A sub control circuit 82 is connected to the main control circuit 81 including the CPU 41.
The sub control circuit 82 performs display control of the liquid crystal display device 5 and sound output control from the speakers 21L and 21R based on a control command (command) from the main control circuit 81.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit shown in FIG.
In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 81 to the sub-control circuit 82 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub-control circuit 82 to the main control circuit 81. Not limited to this, the sub control circuit 82 may be configured to transmit a signal to the main control circuit 81.

The sub control circuit 82 includes a sub CPU 206, a program ROM 208, and a work RAM 210. In addition, the determination button 26 and the cancel button 27 are connected to the sub control circuit 82 via the interface circuit 240.

The sub-control circuit 82 includes an LED drive circuit 90 that controls the lighting of the LED 30, a display control circuit 250 that performs display control in the liquid crystal display device 5, and an audio control circuit 230 that performs control related to sound generated from the speaker 21. It has.

The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes such as a process related to effects according to a program stored in the program ROM 208, and controls the sub control circuit 82 according to various commands supplied from the CPU 41.

The program ROM 208 stores a program for controlling a game effect in the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 21 by the sub CPU 206, and also stores various tables such as a table for making a decision regarding the effect. Has been.

The program ROM 208 also includes a screen image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 and a plurality of types of effect pattern data corresponding to sounds output from the speakers 21 and a screen image displayed when all the reels 3 are stopped. And a plurality of types of end effect pattern data corresponding to the output voice. Furthermore, the program ROM 208 stores special effect pattern data for executing a special effect when the pachislot gaming apparatus 1 that has not played a game for a predetermined period or longer receives a specific sound. The program ROM 208 corresponds to storage means in the present invention.

The program ROM 208 stores comparison waveform data to be compared with the waveform indicated by the sound signal output from the microphone 44. The sub CPU 206 compares the output waveform data generated based on the sound signal output from the microphone 44 with the comparison waveform data, and determines whether the waveforms indicated by the respective waveform data are the same or similar. to decide.

The sub control circuit 82 is connected to a microphone 44 that converts an input sound from the outside into a sound signal and outputs it through a signal processing circuit 44a. The signal processing circuit 44a includes various circuits such as an AGC circuit and an A / D conversion circuit, and performs various processes for converting the sound signal output from the microphone 44 into output waveform data. The AGC circuit automatically controls the amplification factor of an amplifier provided therein so that a constant output can be obtained even when the magnitude of the input sound signal varies.
The signal processing circuit 44a corresponds to data conversion means in the present invention.

A timer 200 is connected to the sub control circuit 82. The timer 200 measures time by counting up based on an instruction from the sub CPU 206. The timer 200 is particularly used for measuring a period during which no game is played in the pachislot gaming device 1.
The LED 30 is connected to the LED drive circuit 90.

In this embodiment, the program ROM 208 is used as a storage medium for storing programs, tables, and the like. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other storage medium can be used as long as it is a computer-readable storage medium. For example, it may be recorded on a storage medium such as a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or a ROM cartridge. Of course, what is stored in the program ROM 208 may be stored in the ROM 42. Further, these programs may not be recorded in advance, but may be downloaded after the power is turned on and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like. Furthermore, each program may be recorded on a separate storage medium.

In the present embodiment, the main control circuit 81 including the CPU 41 and the ROM 42 and the sub control circuit 82 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 are separately configured. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the main control including the CPU 41 and the ROM 42 is performed. Only the circuit 81 may be configured, and in this case, the program stored in the program ROM 208 described above may be stored in the ROM 42 and executed by the CPU 41. Of course, it may be configured only by the sub control circuit 82 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208. In this case, the program stored in the ROM 42 is stored in the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206. You may comprise as follows.

The work RAM 210 has a function of storing various flags and variable values as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206. In the present embodiment, the work RAM 210 is used as a temporary storage area of the sub CPU 206, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any readable / writable storage medium may be used.

The audio control circuit 230 includes a sound source IC 232 that performs control related to audio, an audio data ROM 234 that stores various sound data, and an amplifier 236 (hereinafter referred to as AMP) for amplifying the sound signal.

The sound source IC 232 is connected to the sub CPU 206, the audio data ROM 234, and the AMP 236. The sound data ROM 234 stores a plurality of types of sound data. The sound data includes, for example, effect sound data extracted based on the effect pattern, and specific data indicating a specific non-audible sound waveform that is output when the BB is generated. The audio data ROM 234 functions as specific data storage means in the present invention.

9A to 9C are diagrams for explaining sound data.
The sound in the present invention is a sound that is inside or outside of human hearing. The sound that is not audible generally means a sound having a frequency other than 20 Hz to 20000 Hz that can be recognized as a sound by human beings. However, depending on the output mode, it is not necessarily required to have a frequency other than 20 Hz to 20000 Hz. In other words, for a non-audible sound, for example, when a low-volume sound is output after a high-volume sound, the human-recognizable aspect is not possible. The sound output by is also included.
In the figure, f0 indicates a frequency that becomes a boundary between audible and non-audible, and f1 indicates a center frequency of the audible external sound indicated by the specific data.

FIG. 9A is a diagram illustrating a waveform indicated by the specific data. As shown in FIG. 9A, the waveform indicated by the specific data is a waveform having the non-audible frequency f1 as the center frequency and the entire waveform in the non-audible frequency band.
FIG. 9B is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform indicated by the effect sound data. As shown in FIG. 9B, the waveform represented by the effect sound data has no waveform on the right side (high frequency side) from f0. When a non-audible sound having a waveform as shown in FIG. 9A is output while an effect sound having a waveform as shown in FIG. 9B is output, FIG. A sound having a waveform as shown in FIG.

When the sound source IC 232 is supplied with the effect pattern data, the sound source IC 232 reads the effect sound data corresponding to the effect pattern data from the audio data ROM 234.
Furthermore, the sound source IC 232 reads specific data from the audio data ROM 234 when receiving the supply of the BB effect pattern data. For example, the sound source IC 232 reads specific data indicating the waveform shown in FIG.
The sound source IC 232 converts the read effect sound data or specific data into a predetermined sound signal and supplies the sound signal to the AMP 236. The AMP 236 amplifies the sound signal and outputs sound from the speaker 21 (21L and 21R).

The display control circuit 250 generates a screen image according to a game result determined by the CPU 41 or an instruction input by the various buttons 26 and 27 and performs control for displaying the screen image on the liquid crystal display device 5. An image data processor (hereinafter referred to as VDP) 212, an image data ROM 216 for storing various image data, and a D / A converter 218 for converting the image data as an image signal. The VDP 212 is connected to a sub CPU 206, an image data ROM 216 in which image data is stored, and a D / A converter 218 that converts the image data into an image signal.

The VDP 212 includes various circuits such as a so-called sprite circuit, a screen circuit, and a pallet circuit, and can perform various processes for displaying a screen image on the liquid crystal display device 5. That is, the VDP 212 performs display control for the liquid crystal display device 5. Further, the VDP 212 includes a storage medium (for example, a video RAM) as a buffer for displaying a screen image on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display device 5. By storing the image data in a predetermined storage area of the storage medium, a screen image is displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display device 5 at a predetermined timing.

The image data ROM 216 stores a plurality of types of effect image data. The effect image data includes, for example, background image data constituting a background image, character image data indicating a character, special effect image data, and the like.
The special effect image data is image data relating to an image (for example, the firework image 93a or the notification image 93b shown in FIG. 4) displayed only when a specific sound is input from the microphone 44.

The VDP 212 extracts an effect image from the image data ROM 216 in accordance with an image display command (command) supplied from the sub CPU 206.

The VDP 212 stores various images extracted from the image data ROM 216 in a buffer (for example, a video RAM or the like) by superimposing them in order from the image located at the rear, for example, in the order of the background image and the character image. Combined and supplied to the D / A converter 218 at a predetermined timing. The D / A converter 218 converts the screen image as an image signal and supplies the image signal to the liquid crystal display device 5.

The pachislot gaming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a program ROM 208 that stores special effect pattern data, a speaker 21, an LED drive circuit 90, a sound source IC 232, and a VDP 212. The input sound is controlled by the sub CPU 206. When it is determined that a specific waveform pattern is included in the waveform and the game has not been played for a predetermined period or longer, an effect based on the special effect pattern data is executed. The speaker 21, the program ROM 208, the LED drive circuit 90, the sound source IC 232, the VDP 212, and the sub CPU 206 correspond to the effect execution means in the present invention.

Next, processing executed in the pachislot gaming device 1 will be described.
In the following, the pachislot gaming device 1 is activated, the variables used in the CPU 41 are initialized to predetermined values, and the set values, various timers, etc. are steadily operated with the predetermined values set. It shall be.
In the present embodiment, the “period in which no game is played” refers to the time when the number of game media that can be used for a game becomes zero, that is, the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 becomes zero. This is a period from the time when the game media (medal) is inserted to the next time.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of processing performed in the main control circuit.
This subroutine is called and executed at a predetermined timing from a previously executed main routine.

First, the CPU 41 determines whether or not there is a request for automatic insertion of medals (step S120). The case where there is a request for automatic insertion is a case where a winning of replay (replay) is established in the previous game. When there is a request for automatic insertion of medals, medals for the insertion request are automatically inserted (step S122), and a medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 82 (step S123).

On the other hand, when determining in step S120 that there is no request for automatic medal insertion, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a medal has been inserted (step S121). That is, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a detection signal issued by the insertion medal sensor 22S that has detected that a medal has been inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 has been received, or whether the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13). ) To determine whether or not a medal has been inserted. When it is determined that a detection signal issued by the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13) is received, the CPU 41 corresponds to the number of medals bet from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. A process of subtracting the number of credits is performed.

If it is determined in step S121 that a medal has been inserted, the CPU 41 transmits a medal insertion signal indicating that a medal has been inserted to the sub-control circuit 82 (step S160).
On the other hand, when determining in step S121 that no medal has been inserted, the CPU 41 returns the process to step S120.

When the process of step S160 or step S123 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the start lever 6 has been operated (step S124). That is, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an input signal from the start switch 6S has been received.

When determining in step S124 that the start lever 6 has not been operated, the CPU 41 returns the process to step S120. On the other hand, when determining in step S124 that the start lever 6 has been operated, the CPU 41 performs processing related to various settings (step S125). In these various setting processes, random numbers are sampled from the random number generator 146 at the timing when the start lever 6 is operated, and the internal winning is based on the sampled random number values and the lottery probability table set in the RAM 43. A lottery process for generating a combination (winning flag) is performed. In the various setting processes, for example, a win lamp lighting lottery process, a process related to selection of a stop control table for stopping the rotating reel, a process for initializing for reel rotation, and the like are performed, and the rotating reel 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) rotation is started.

After the rotation of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses transmitted to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R is counted, and the counted value is stored in the RAM 43. A reset pulse is obtained for each rotation from the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R, and these pulses are input to the CPU 41 via the reel position detection circuit 60. The count value is cleared to “0” in the drive pulse counted in the RAM 43 by the reset pulse thus obtained. By doing so, the RAM 43 stores the count value corresponding to the rotational position within one rotation range for each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

Further, in the symbol table stored in the ROM 42 in order to associate the rotational positions of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel, the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated is used as a reference. A code number that is sequentially given for each of the rotation reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and a symbol code indicating a symbol that is provided for each code number are associated with each other. Further, the winning symbol combination table stored in the ROM 42 is referred to when controlling the rotation of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and when confirming winning after stopping all the rotating reels.
After executing the process of step S125, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S126.

In step S <b> 126, the CPU 41 sets an effect start command in the RAM 43. This effect start command is a command for starting display of a predetermined effect image on the liquid crystal display device 5 and causing the speaker 21 to start outputting predetermined sound, and relates to the internal winning combination determined by the lottery process. Contains data. The effect start command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.
After executing the process of step S126, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S128.

In step S128, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the stop button 7 (7L, 7C, 7R) is “ON” based on the presence / absence of an input signal from the reel stop signal circuit 56 (step S128). When it is determined that the stop button 7 is not “ON”, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the value of the automatic stop timer is “0” (step S129), and when it is determined that the value is not “0”. The process returns to step S128.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S128 that the stop button 7 is “ON”, or if it is determined in step S129 that the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”, the CPU 41 corresponds to the stop button 7. The rotation of the rotating reel 3 is stopped. At this time, the winning request (internal winning combination), the symbol position (the rotating position of the rotating reel 3 at the time of operation), the selected stop control table, etc. The number of frames is determined (step S130).

Next, the CPU 41 performs a process of rotating and stopping the rotating reel 3 by the number of sliding frames determined in step S130 (step S131), and sets a stop request for one rotating reel 3 (step S132). .

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not all of the three rotary reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) have been stopped (step S135). If it is determined that all the rotating reels 3 are not stopped, the process returns to step S128. On the other hand, if it is determined that all the rotating reels 3 have stopped, the CPU 41 performs a winning search (step S136). At this time, a winning symbol combination table or the like stored in the ROM 42 is referred to. Further, it is determined whether or not the winning flag is normal. If not, the illegal error may be displayed and the process may be interrupted.

Next, the CPU 41 sets an end effect command in the RAM 43 (step S137). This end effect command is a command for displaying an effect image at the end of the game and outputting a sound according to the game result, and includes data related to the result of the winning search in step S136. The end effect command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a medal has been paid out, that is, whether or not there is a winning number (step S138).
When determining that there is a medal payout, the CPU 41 stores or pays out the number of medals according to the gaming state and the winning combination (step S139). When storing medals, the CPU 41 performs a process of adding the number of credits stored in the RAM 43. On the other hand, when paying out medals, the CPU 41 sends out a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 51 and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the hopper 50. At that time, the medal detection unit 50S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 50, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 41. As a result, the CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 50 via the hopper drive circuit 51 and ends the medal payout process.

Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an RB has been won (step S140). If it is determined that RB has been won, the CPU 41 performs processing related to RB setting (step S141). In step S <b> 141, the CPU 41 performs processing related to the setting of the RB lottery probability table and the RB winning symbol combination table. In step S141, the CPU 41 starts counting the number of RB game winnings and the like, and starts a process of displaying the count value on the accessory operation count display unit 20. After executing the process of step S141, the CPU 41 shifts the process to step S142.

In step S <b> 142, the CPU 41 sets an RB setting command in the RAM 43. The RB setting command is a command for displaying an effect image for RB as a screen image on the liquid crystal display device 5 and outputting sound related to RB from the speaker 21, and is supplied to the sub-control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing. The

When it is determined in step S140 that the RB has not been won or when the process of step S142 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the BB has been won (step S143). If it is determined that BB has been won, the CPU 41 performs processing related to BB setting (step S144). In step S144, the CPU 41 performs processing related to setting of a BB lottery probability table, a BB winning symbol combination table, and the like. In step S144, the CPU 41 starts counting the number of times the BB game is consumed, displaying the count value on the accessory action number display unit 20, counting the number of medals paid out, and the like. Thereafter, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S145.

In step S145, the CPU 41 sets a BB setting command in the RAM 43. The BB setting command is a command for displaying an effect image for BB as a screen image on the liquid crystal display device 5 and outputting the sound related to BB from the speaker 21, and is supplied to the sub-control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing. The

When it is determined in step S143 that the BB has not been won or when the process of step S145 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the RB has ended (step S146). If it is determined that the RB has ended, the CPU 41 next performs a process related to the RB setting cancellation (step S147). In step S148, the CPU 41 changes from the RB lottery probability table set in the process of step S141, the RB winning symbol combination table, or the like to the lottery probability table used for the normal gaming state (other than RB or BB). Performs processing related to setting change. Thereafter, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S148.

In step S <b> 148, the CPU 41 sets an RB release command in the RAM 43. The RB release command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

If it is not determined in step S146 that the RB has ended, or if the process of step S148 is executed, the CPU 41 determines whether the BB has ended (step S149). If it is determined that the BB has ended, the CPU 41 then performs a process related to the BB setting cancellation (step S150). In step S150, the CPU 41 sets the lottery probability table used in the normal gaming state (other than RB or BB) from the lottery table for BB set in the processing of step S144, the winning symbol combination table for BB, or the like. Process related to change. Thereafter, the CPU 41 moves the process to step S151.

In step S <b> 151, the CPU 41 sets a BB release command in the RAM 43. The BB release command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing.

If it is determined in step S149 that BB has not ended, or if the process of step S151 is executed, in step S152, the CPU 41 determines whether or not the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is zero. To do.
When determining that the number of credits is 0, the CPU 41 transmits a notification signal indicating that the number of credits has become 0 to the sub-control circuit 82 (step S153).
If it is determined in step S152 that the number of credits is not 0, or if the process of step S153 is executed, this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound recognition processing performed in the sub control circuit.
First, in step S180, the sub CPU 206 receives output waveform data generated based on the input sound input from the microphone 44 from the signal processing circuit 44a.

Next, the sub CPU 206 refers to the comparison waveform data stored in the program ROM 208 (step S181), and a waveform that is the same as or similar to the specific waveform indicated by the comparison waveform data is included in a part of the waveform indicated by the output waveform data. It is determined whether it is included (step S182). In this processing, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the compared waveforms are the same or similar based on the similarity obtained by a predetermined calculation formula. When executing the processing of step S181 and step S182, the sub CPU 206 functions as a waveform determination means in the present invention.

When it is determined that a part of the waveform indicated by the output waveform data (in this embodiment, a predetermined non-audible frequency band part) does not include the same or similar waveform as the specific waveform indicated by the comparison waveform data (step (S182: NO), this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, when it is determined that a part of the waveform indicated by the output waveform data includes the same or similar waveform as the specific waveform indicated by the comparison waveform data (step S182: YES), the sub CPU 206 specifies the specific waveform in step S183. Set the sound detection flag. After executing the processing of step S183, this subroutine is terminated. The specific sound detection flag is a flag indicating that a specific sound has been detected, and is a flag that is cleared when a specific period elapses after being set.

In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the input sound is converted into waveform data having a waveform as shown in FIG. 9 in order to determine whether or not the input sound includes a specific sound. However, it is not always necessary to convert the input sound into waveform data. For example, it may be converted into data by quantifying the waveform of the input sound by a predetermined method such as quantification.

In this embodiment, sound data is sampled (sampled) based on a predetermined sampling rate (for example, three times per second), and a waveform indicated by output waveform data obtained by one sampling is obtained. However, the case where it is determined that the input sound includes the specific sound when it is determined that the waveform includes the same or similar waveform as the specific waveform indicated by the comparison waveform data will be described.
However, in the present invention, when it is determined that the waveforms indicated by all the output waveform data obtained by sampling over a certain period include the same or similar waveforms as the specific waveform indicated by the comparative waveform data, respectively. It may be determined that a specific sound is included in the sound.
In addition, when one or a plurality of predetermined peaks are present in the waveform indicated by all output waveform data obtained by sampling over a certain period, it may be determined that a specific sound is included in the input sound. Good.
Furthermore, when it is determined that the waveform indicated by the output waveform data obtained by sampling for a certain period changes according to a predetermined rule, or obtained from the waveform indicated by the output waveform data obtained by sampling for a certain period. When it is determined that the peak to be detected is detected according to a predetermined rule, it may be determined that the input sound includes the specific sound. In this case, for example, a configuration in which the specific sound is a predetermined melody can be employed.

In the present embodiment, the input sound includes the specific sound by determining whether a part of the waveform indicated by the output waveform data includes the same or similar waveform as the specific waveform indicated by the comparison waveform data. In the present invention, it is determined whether or not the input sound includes the specific sound by determining whether or not the waveform in the specific frequency band has a predetermined peak. It is good also as judging.
Alternatively, when it is determined that a waveform in a specific frequency band has peaks at a predetermined time interval in a predetermined period, it may be determined that the input sound includes the specific sound.

The specific waveform pattern in the present invention includes the specific waveform itself and the positions of one or a plurality of peaks obtained from the waveform. Furthermore, the specific waveform pattern includes a waveform change pattern in a certain period and a pattern of how a peak appears in the certain period.
Also, belonging to a specific waveform pattern means having the same or similar waveform as the specific waveform and having a peak at a specific position (specific frequency band).

In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the sub CPU 206 executes a process of determining whether or not a specific waveform pattern is included in the waveform indicated by the waveform data (hereinafter also referred to as a waveform determination process). However, in the present invention, a device having the waveform determination processing function may be provided separately, and the waveform determination processing may be performed by the device under the control of the sub CPU 206.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of non-operation time measurement processing performed in the sub control circuit.
The non-working time measurement process is a process of measuring a period during which no game is played in the pachislot gaming device 1.

First, in step S <b> 301, the sub CPU 206 determines whether a notification signal indicating that the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 is 0 is received from the main control circuit 81. If it is determined that the notification signal has not been received, this subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the notification signal has been received, the sub CPU 206 starts measuring time by the timer 200 in step S302. By the process in step S302, the timer 200 starts measuring time by counting up.

Next, in step S <b> 303, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a predetermined period (15 minutes) has elapsed from the start of time measurement by the timer 200.
If it is determined that the predetermined period has elapsed, in step S304, the sub CPU 206 sets a non-operation flag. The non-operating flag is a flag that is set when the pachislot gaming device 1 has not played a game for a predetermined period or longer.

If it is determined in step S303 that the predetermined period has not elapsed, in step S305, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a medal insertion signal indicating that a medal has been inserted has been received from the main control circuit 81. Judging. If it is determined that no medal insertion signal has been received, the process returns to step S303.

If it is determined in step S305 that a medal insertion signal has been received, or if the process of step S304 has been executed, the sub CPU 206 ends the time measurement by the timer 200 in step S306.

Next, in step S307, the sub CPU 206 executes a process of resetting the timer 200. Specifically, the time measured by the timer 200 is returned to zero.
After executing the processing of step S307, this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of command reception processing performed in the sub control circuit.
First, in step S190, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a specific sound detection flag is set. If it is determined that the specific sound detection flag is set, in step S191, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a non-operation flag is set. If it is determined that the non-operation flag is set, in step S192, the sub CPU 206 selects a special effect pattern from the effect patterns.

Next, in step S193, the sub CPU 206 supplies special effect pattern data, which is data indicating the special effect pattern, to the LED drive circuit 90, the display control circuit 250, and the sound control circuit 230.

If it is determined in step S190 that the specific sound detection flag is not set, if it is determined in step S191 that the non-operation flag is not set, or if the process of step S193 is executed, in step S200, the sub CPU 206 Determines whether an effect start command has been received. If it is determined that an effect start command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S210.
On the other hand, if it is determined that an effect start command has been received, in step S201, the sub CPU 206 selects an effect pattern corresponding to the command from a plurality of types of effect patterns stored in the program ROM 208.
If the RB flag is set, the sub CPU 206 selects an effect pattern for RB. If the BB flag is set, an effect pattern for BB is selected. Next, in step S202, effect pattern data, which is data indicating the effect pattern, is supplied to the display control circuit 250 and the audio control circuit 230.
After executing the process of step S202, the process proceeds to step S210.

In step S210, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an end effect command has been received. If it is determined that the end effect command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S220.
On the other hand, when determining that the end effect command has been received, in step S211, the sub CPU 206 selects an end effect pattern corresponding to the command from a plurality of types of end effect patterns stored in the program ROM 208.
Next, in step S212, the end effect pattern data is supplied to the display control circuit 250 and the audio control circuit 230. After performing the process of step S212, the process proceeds to step S220.

In step S220, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB setting command has been received. If it is determined that the RB setting command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S230. On the other hand, when determining that the RB setting command has been received, the sub CPU 206 sets the RB flag in step S221. After performing the process of step S221, the process proceeds to step S230. The RB flag is a flag that is set when the RB starts and cleared when the RB ends.

In step S230, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a BB setting command has been received. If it is determined that the BB setting command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S240. On the other hand, when determining that the BB setting command is received, the sub CPU 206 sets the BB flag in step S231. The BB flag is a flag that is set when the BB starts and cleared when the BB ends.

If it is determined in step S230 that the BB setting command has not been received, or if the process of step S231 has been executed, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB release command has been received (step S240). If it is determined that the RB release command has been received, the RB flag is cleared (step S241).

If it is determined in step S240 that an RB release command has not been received, or if the process of step S241 has been executed, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a BB release command has been received (step S250).
If it is determined that the BB release command has not been received, this subroutine is terminated.
On the other hand, when determining that the BB release command has been received, the sub CPU 206 clears the BB flag (step S251).
After executing the processing of step S251, this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound output control processing performed in the sound control circuit.
The sound source IC 232 generates sounds corresponding to various data supplied from the sub CPU 206.

When the tone generator IC 232 has not received the production pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S400: NO), the process returns to step S400.
The sound source IC 232 receives the effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S400: YES). When the special sound pattern data is received (step S410: YES), the sound source IC 232 receives the special effect sound data from the audio data ROM 234. Extracted and stored in the buffer (step S411).
Further, the tone generator IC 232 receives the effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S400: YES), does not receive the special effect pattern data (step S410: NO), and supplies the end effect pattern data. If received (step S401: YES), the effect sound data at the end is extracted from the audio data ROM 234 and stored in the buffer (step S403).
Further, the tone generator IC 232 receives the effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S400: YES), does not receive the special effect pattern data (step S410: NO), and supplies the end effect pattern data. If not received (step S401: NO), the effect sound data is extracted from the audio data ROM 234 and stored in the buffer (step S402).

After executing the processing of step S402, step S403, or step S411, the sound source IC 232 determines whether or not the effect pattern data is effect pattern data for BB (step S404). If it is determined that the effect pattern data is not for BB, the process proceeds to step S406. On the other hand, when determining that the effect pattern data is for BB, the sound source IC 232 extracts specific data from the audio data ROM 234 (step S405).

In step S406, the sound source IC 232 outputs the sound based on the sound data extracted in step S402, step S403, or step S411 at predetermined timing (for example, every 1/30 seconds) to the speaker 21 (step S406). ). At this time, if specific data is extracted in step S405, a sound based on this specific data is output together. When executing the process of step S406, the sound source IC 232 functions as a sound output control unit that performs control to output a sound based on the specific data from the speaker.

Thereafter, when the effect has not ended (step S407: NO), the process returns to step S400. On the other hand, when the effect is finished (step S407: YES), the pattern data is cleared (step S408), and the process returns to step S400.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of display control processing performed in the display control circuit.
The VDP 212 generates a screen image corresponding to various data supplied from the sub CPU 206.
The display control process is a process executed by the VDP 212 based on an instruction from the sub CPU 206.

When the VDP 212 does not receive the production pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S500: NO), the VDP 212 extracts the demo image from the image data ROM 216 and stores it in the buffer (step S501).

The VDP 212 receives the effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S500: YES). When the VDP 212 receives the special effect pattern data (step S502: YES), the VDP 212 extracts the special effect image from the image data ROM 216. And stored in the buffer (step S503).

The VDP 212 is supplied with the effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S500: YES), is not supplied with the special effect pattern data (step S502: NO), and is not supplied with the end effect pattern data. In the case (step S504: NO), the effect image is extracted from the image data ROM 216 and stored in the buffer (step S505).

The VDP 212 receives the effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S500: YES), does not receive the special effect pattern data (step S502: NO), and receives the end effect pattern data. In the case (step S504: YES), the effect image at the end is extracted from the image data ROM 216 and stored in the buffer (step S506).
After executing the processing of step S501, step S503, step S505, or step S506, the VDP 212 outputs a screen image to the liquid crystal display device 5 (step S508).

Thereafter, when the effect has not ended (step S510: NO), the process returns to step S500. On the other hand, when the effect is finished (step S510: YES), the pattern data is cleared (step S511), and the process returns to step S500.

As described above, according to the control method of the pachislot gaming device 1, the gaming system 100, and the pachislot gaming device 1 according to the present embodiment, the pachislot gaming device 1 is based on the specific data indicating the specific sound when the BB occurs. The sound is output from the speaker 21.
When the sound output from the speaker 21 is input to another pachislot gaming device 1 including the microphone 44, the pachislot gaming device 1 determines that the specific sound is included in the sound, and the pachislot gaming device 1 A special effect is executed when a game has not been played for a predetermined period of time. Since the sound output from the speaker 21 spreads around it, in other pachislot gaming devices 1 installed around the pachislot gaming device 1 where the BB is generated, when a game is not performed for a predetermined period or longer, A special performance is performed.

Therefore, even when there are a large number of pachislot gaming devices 1 that are not operating in the hall of the game store, the entire hall can be energized by performing an effect in the pachislot gaming device 1 that is not operating. As a result, it is possible to prevent a quiet atmosphere and to enhance the mood of the player and other customers in the game store.
Moreover, since it is the structure which performs an effect via a sound, the effect as mentioned above is implement | achieved, for example, without performing the wiring operation | work which connects the pachislot gaming machines 1 mutually or the pachislot gaming machine 1 and a management apparatus. be able to. As a result, the cost and time required for capital investment can be reduced.

In addition, the pachislot gaming device 1 includes the LED 30. When the pachislot gaming device 1 receives a specific sound having a specific waveform pattern when it has not been operated for a predetermined period or longer, the pachislot gaming device 1 uses the LED 30 based on the special effect pattern data. An effect of emitting light is executed.
Since the effect by causing the LED 30 to emit light is easy to visually recognize, the player or other customers in the game store can easily grasp that the effect is being performed. Therefore, it is easy for players and other customers to feel as if the whole hall is lively.

In the present embodiment, it is determined that a game has not been played for a predetermined period or more by determining whether or not there is a non-operation flag that is set when a predetermined period has elapsed since the number of credits used for the game becomes zero. Although the case of detection has been described, in the present invention, it may be directly detected that a game has not been performed for a predetermined period or more from a time measurement period by a timer without setting a flag.

In the present embodiment, the “period in which no game is played” is a period from the time when the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 becomes 0 to the time when the next game medium (medal) is inserted. Although a certain case has been described, in the present invention, the “period in which no game is played” is not limited to this example. For example, the start lever is operated next after all reels stop rotating. It may be a period until the time. Further, for example, the “period in which no game is played” may be a period in which there is no player before the gaming machine. In this case, the person in front of the gaming machine is detected by the sensor, and the period during which no person is detected may be referred to as the “period during which no game is being performed”.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the pachislot gaming device 1 that has not played a game for a predetermined period or longer receives a specific sound from the outside, a special effect is performed by the LED 30 and the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5. Although described, the special effects in the present invention are not limited to this example. For example, a specific performance sound may be output, or a part or the whole of the gaming machine may be operated such as a decorative object installed in the housing rotating or the housing vibrating. Good.

Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the case where the external device in this invention was the pachislot gaming device 1, in this invention, an external device is not limited to a game machine. For example, it may be an equipment device in a game store equipped with a speaker. In this case, when the equipment device outputs a specific sound at an arbitrary timing, it is possible to cause a gaming machine that has not been played for a predetermined period or longer to execute a special effect at an arbitrary timing.

In this embodiment, the case where both the production sound and the sound based on the specific data are output from the speaker 21 has been described. However, in the present invention, the sound based on the production sound data is different from the sound based on the specific data. It is good also as outputting from a speaker. In such a configuration, there are two audio control circuits, and a speaker may be connected to each.

In the present embodiment, the case where the specific data is data indicating a waveform of a non-audible sound has been described. However, the specific data may be data indicating a waveform including an audible sound, or data indicating a waveform of only the audible sound. May be. This is because even such specific sound data can be executed.

In the present embodiment, the case where the specific data is data indicating a waveform of a sound that is not audible has been described. However, in the present invention, the specific data may be data indicating a specific sound. In the case of such a configuration, it is possible to perform an effect using a voice having a complicated waveform.

In the present embodiment, the case where a sound including a specific sound is output in response to the occurrence of BB has been described. However, in the present invention, the predetermined condition is not limited to this example. For example, the number of payouts of game media It may be that the difference number has reached a predetermined number, that a predetermined time has been reached, or that a predetermined period has elapsed since the game was started or since the last game was played.

In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a process (sampling process) for converting the sound signal output from the microphone into waveform data based on the control of the CPU, and whether the waveform indicated by the waveform data includes a specific waveform pattern. It is good also as providing the input sound processing apparatus which performs the process (waveform determination process) which determines whether or not.
When the input sound processing device is configured to execute the sampling processing and the waveform determination processing, the sampling processing and the waveform determination processing may be executed by separate devices, respectively, as described in the above-described embodiment. .

In the present embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a pachislot gaming apparatus has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines (for example, a pachinko gaming apparatus, a slot machine, etc.).

The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but only specific examples are illustrated, and the present invention is not particularly limited. The specific configuration of each unit and the like can be appropriately changed. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the game system which concerns on this embodiment. It is a perspective view showing typically an example of a pachislot gaming device according to the present embodiment. It is an enlarged front view which shows the housing | casing upper part when LED with which the pachislot gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of a liquid crystal display device included in the pachi-slot gaming device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming device illustrated in FIG. 2. FIG. 6 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a sub control circuit shown in FIG. 7. (A)-(c) is a figure for demonstrating sound data. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the game execution process performed in a main control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the sound recognition process performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the non-operation time measurement process performed in a sub-control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the command reception process performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the sound output control process performed in an audio | voice control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the display control process performed in a display control circuit.

Explanation of symbols

1 (1a, 1b, 1c) Pachislot gaming device 2 Housing 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) Rotating reel 5 Liquid crystal display device 21 (21L, 21R) Speaker 30 LED
34 Transparent liquid crystal panel 36 Reflective film 41 CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
44 Microphone 44a Signal processing circuit 63 Setting key type switch 82 Sub control circuit 100 Game system 200 Timer 206 Sub CPU
208 Program ROM
210 Work RAM
230 Voice control circuit 234 Voice data ROM

Claims (5)

A microphone that converts the input sound into an electrical signal;
Data converting means for converting input sound into data based on an electrical signal output from the microphone;
Waveform determining means for determining whether or not the waveform of the input sound includes a specific waveform pattern based on the data generated by the data converting means;
Effect execution means for controlling the execution of the effect based on the effect pattern data for performing the effect,
The production execution means
A storage means for storing special effect pattern data for performing a predetermined special effect;
When it is determined by the waveform determination means that the waveform of the input sound includes a specific waveform pattern, and the continuous period in which no game is performed is a predetermined period or more, the special effect pattern data A game machine that controls execution of an effect based on the game. The gaming machine further includes a light emitter,
The production execution means
When it is determined by the waveform determination means that the waveform of the input sound includes a specific waveform pattern, and the continuous period in which no game is performed is a predetermined period or more, the special effect pattern data The game machine according to claim 1, wherein execution of an effect of causing the light emitter to emit light is controlled based on the game machine. A gaming system comprising the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2 and an external device,
The device is
Specific data storage means for storing specific data for reproducing a specific sound having a waveform belonging to a specific waveform pattern;
A speaker capable of outputting sound;
A sound output control means for performing control to output a specific sound based on the specific data from the speaker, when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The gaming machine determines by the waveform determining means that the waveform of the input sound from the device includes a specific waveform pattern, and has a predetermined continuous period during which no game is played in the gaming machine. A game system characterized by controlling execution of an effect based on the special effect pattern data by the effect executing means when the period is equal to or longer than the above period. The device is a gaming machine,
The sound output control means controls to output a specific sound based on the specific data from the speaker when a special game state advantageous to the player compared to the normal game state has occurred. The gaming system according to claim 3. A control method for a gaming machine used in the gaming system according to claim 3,
(A) The external device performs a control to output a specific sound from the speaker by the sound output control means when a predetermined condition is satisfied,
(B) the game machine determines whether or not the waveform of the input sound from the device includes a specific waveform pattern by the waveform determination means; and
(C) The game machine determines that the waveform of the input sound includes a specific waveform pattern in the step (B) by the waveform determination means, and the game machine does not play a game continuously. A control method for a gaming machine, comprising a step of controlling execution of an effect based on the special effect pattern data by the effect execution means when a specific period is equal to or longer than a predetermined period.

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