JP2009160443A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which prevents its sound volume from suddenly jumping up from a low level (including zero) to a high level and thus achieves such operation of sound volume level as never shocks players. <P>SOLUTION: In the game machine, the adjustment in sound volume level is made with a rotary switch. When the switch is kept turned clockwise, the switch value changes in such an order as 0, 1, ..., 14, 15, 0, 1, ..., while the sound level changes in such an order as 0, 1, ..., 7, 8, 7, 6, ..., 1, 0, 1, 2, ... On the contrary, when the switch is kept turned counterclockwise, the switch value changes in such an order as 0, 15, ..., 2, 1, 0, 15, 14, ... while the sound level changes in the same order as the clockwise order, or 0, 1, ..., 7, 8, 7, 6, ..., 2, 1, 0, 1, ... Thus, no matter which direction the switch is turned in, the sound level does not change by two or larger steps, thereby preventing a sudden rise in sound volume. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to gaming machines represented by pachinko machines and slot machines.

  A gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine has a built-in speaker. An effect sound for raising the gaming atmosphere from the speaker or an error sound for reporting the occurrence of an error (hereinafter referred to as “sound effect”). Will be output. The volume adjustment of the speaker is mainly performed by a slide switch that can be switched in three stages of large, medium, and small.

JP 2001-178941 A

  However, since the number of contact points of the slide switch is at most 3 to 5, when the slide switch is used, the volume cannot be changed in multiple stages.

  Since the volume is changed by an operation, the volume change switch is provided at a position where a normal player cannot operate, for example, inside a gaming machine. However, the internal space of the gaming machine is narrow, and complicated operation of the switch is difficult. Therefore, it is conceivable to replace a switch that can change many settings by the same operation, such as a rotary switch, with a slide switch.

The slide switch has a starting point and an ending point, and the volume is set for each contact so that the volume increases when operating from the starting point to the end point, and conversely the volume decreases when operating from the ending point to the starting point. Yes. On the other hand, in a switch that does not have a start point and an end point, such as a rotary switch, if the volume is set like a slide switch for each contact point of the switch, the volume may suddenly change from the minimum volume to There is a problem that surprises the person. That is, in the rotary switch, when the volume of adjacent contacts is set to increase in order, the contact having the maximum volume and the contact having the minimum volume are eventually arranged adjacent to each other. Therefore, when the switch is operated in the forward direction, the minimum volume is gradually changed to the maximum volume, and when the switch is further operated in the forward direction, the maximum volume is changed to the minimum volume. However, when the switch is operated in the reverse direction, the volume gradually decreases. However, when the switch is further operated in the reverse direction from the minimum volume, the maximum volume is suddenly surprised.
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and prevents volume from suddenly switching from a low volume (including no volume) to a large volume without surprise the operator. The purpose is to provide a gaming machine capable of realizing the above.

  In order to achieve this object, the gaming machine according to claim 1 is a switching means for switching a volume of a sound effect output in accordance with a gaming state, and a sound output for outputting a sound effect at a volume switched by the switching means. And the switching means is configured to be able to repeat the same operation, and by gradually repeating the same operation, the volume is gradually increased and then the volume is gradually decreased. It is characterized by.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, the sound effect output in accordance with the gaming state is output by the sound output means at the volume switched by the switching means. This switching means can repeat the same operation. By repeating the same operation, the sound volume is gradually increased and then the sound volume is gradually decreased. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the volume from suddenly switching from a low volume (including no volume) to a high volume and to realize a volume operation that does not surprise the operator.

It is the perspective view which showed the state which the front door of the slot machine which is one Example of this invention closed. It is the perspective view which showed the state which the front door of the slot machine opened. It is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is the figure which showed the relationship between the value of a rotary switch, and a volume level. It is the figure which expanded and showed the part of the rotating back lamp and side lamp provided in the frame member visual recognition part of a front frame. It is a flowchart of the rotary switch reading process performed with a sub control board.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door 3 of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is closed, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which the front door 3 of the slot machine 1 is opened. FIG.

  The overall configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 is composed of a main body 2 and a front door 3 in a box-like body having a substantially rectangular shape in front view. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 is a member that forms the skeleton of the slot machine 1, and is a hollow box-like body whose front side is open to accommodate the rotating cylinders L, M, R, the hopper 47, and the like. Is formed.

  Inside the main body 2, as shown in FIG. 2, various symbols and the like are displayed and configured so as to be rotatable, and a control device 40 for controlling the game of the slot machine 1, a power switch 41, a reset switch 42, and a setting key insertion hole 43, an auxiliary tank 45 for storing medals, and an opening 62 for communicating medals in the auxiliary tank 45 to the payout passage 61. A hopper 47 provided with a payout device 46 for payout is accommodated. In addition, on the inner periphery of each of the spinning cylinders L, M, R, a pattern that emits light from the back side of each of the spinning cylinders L, M, R toward the front door 3 is displayed on each of the spinning cylinders L, M, R. Nine round cylinder back lamps 70 (71 to 79) are provided, each lit up.

  The front door 3 is a member that covers the front-side open portion of the main body 2 described above. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 2 is attached by a hinge member 10 that is attached to the back side of the front door 3. It is connected to openable and closable. Therefore, the front side open portion of the main body 2 can be closed by closing the front door 3, and as shown in FIG. 1, the rotating drums L, M, R, the hopper 47 and the like housed in the main body 2 are The body 2 can be encapsulated. On the other hand, the front side of the main body 2 can be opened by opening the front door 3, and medals stored in the hopper 47 can be collected. The front door 3 is provided with a locking device 9 as shown in FIG. 1, and the main body 2 and the front door 3 can be locked in the state shown in FIG.

  The front door 3 has an outer shape formed by a front frame 4, and the front frame 4 is divided into a frame member visualizing part 4 a, a frame member operation part 4 b, and a frame member storage part 4 c. As shown in FIG. 1, an upper lamp 11 and side lamps 80 (81 to 89) that are turned on and blinking as the game progresses are provided on the upper stage of the front door 3 (the frame member visual recognition part 4 a of the front frame 4). Speakers 12 and 12 that generate various sound effects as the game progresses, a liquid crystal display (hereinafter abbreviated as “LCD”) 13 that displays various contents, a left cylinder L, a middle cylinder M, and a right cylinder Exposure windows 14L, 14M, and 14R through which R can be seen through, five bet lamps 15, 16, 16, 17, and 17, which are turned on according to the number of medals bet (the number of bets), the credit number display section 18, and the number of games A display unit 19, a payout number display unit 20, and the like are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a credit button 21 for switching whether or not to store medals, and each of the left, right and right cylinders L and M are provided in the middle part of the front door 3 (the frame member operation part 4b of the front frame 4). , R stop button 22-24 for instructing to stop R, medal clogging clear button 25 for clearing medal jamming, and one for betting one medal from the stored medal A bet button 26, a two-bet button 27 for betting two medals, a max bet button 28 for betting three medals, and a start lever 29 for starting rotation of each cylinder L, M, R; A medal slot 30 and a display plate 31 on which a model name, a character related to a game, and the like are displayed are provided. Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a medal tray 33 for receiving and storing medals paid out from the medal payout opening 32, a cigarette tray, and a lower portion of the front door 3 (frame member storage portion 4 c of the front frame 4). An ashtray 34 or the like for storing butts is provided.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. The main control board C of the slot machine 1 is disposed in the control device 40. The main control board C is equipped with an MPU 51 as a one-chip microcomputer as an arithmetic unit, and an input / output port 54 connected to the MPU 51 and connected to various I / O devices. The MPU 51 is a ROM 52 for storing various control programs executed by the MPU 51 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data in executing the control program stored in the ROM 52. The RAM 53 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated.

  As described above, the input / output port 54 is connected to the MPU 51 including the ROM 52 and the RAM 53 and to various I / O devices. Specifically, the input / output port 54 includes a reset switch 42 for resetting the gaming state, and a setting key switch 61 provided in the setting key insertion hole 43 for switching the winning probability of the game to six stages by operating the setting key. In order to detect paid out medals, one, two, max bet buttons 26-28, a credit button 21, a start lever 29, left / middle / right turn cylinder stop buttons 22-24. Payout sensor 62, left, middle, and right rotator index photosensors 63L, 63M, and 63R that detect the origin positions of the rotators L, M, and R, and left, middle, and right rotators L, M, and R, respectively. Stepping motors 64L, 64M, 64R for rotating the left, middle and right turn cylinders, 1 to 3 bet lamps 15 to 17, a credit number display unit 18, Receiving (inputting) commands transmitted (output) from the main number display unit 19, the payout number display unit 20, the hopper drive motor 65, the medal path switching solenoid 66, and the main control board C, and the speaker 12 To the sub-control board S for controlling the display control board D to perform the effect display on the LCD 13 and the power failure monitoring circuit 57 provided on the power supply board 55. Each is connected.

  The sub-control board S has an MPU 91 as a one-chip microcomputer as an arithmetic unit, an input / output port 94 connected to the MPU 91 and various I / O devices, and a rotary switch RSW having 16 contacts. And are installed. The input / output port 94 of the sub control board S includes a main control board C, an MPU 91, a rotary switch RSW, an upper lamp 11, a speaker 12, and a rotating back lamp 70 (71 to 79). The side lamps 80 (81 to 89) are connected to a display control board D that receives (inputs) a command transmitted (output) from the sub-control board S and performs an effect display or the like on the LCD 13.

  The MPU 91 is a ROM 92 that stores various control programs executed by the MPU 91 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control program stored in the ROM 92 is executed. The RAM 93 and various circuits such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission / reception circuit are incorporated. The program of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6 is stored in the ROM 92 as a part of the control program. The RAM 93 includes a rotary switch memory 93a, a volume memory 93b, and a change output timer 93c.

  Here, before describing each of the memories 93a to 93c of the RAM 93, the rotary switch RSW will be described. The rotary switch RSW of this embodiment has 16 contacts and is configured to continue to rotate infinitely in the forward (right) direction and the reverse (left) direction, and is connected to the input / output port 94 by four signal lines. It is connected. The rotary switch RSW outputs a value corresponding to the stop position of 16 contacts, that is, a value of “0 to 15” onto these four signal lines. For example, when the black circle 95 of the rotary switch RSW is positioned at the notation “0”, the value “0” is output from the four signal lines. Similarly, when the black circle 95 is located in the notation part “4”, the value “4” is indicated. When the black circle 95 is located in the notation part “8”, the value “8” is indicated. When the black circle 95 is positioned at the notation “12”, the value “12” is output from each of the four signal lines to the input / output port 94. Therefore, the MPU 91 can recognize the value of the rotary switch RSW (contact position in the stopped state) by reading the values output to the four signal lines via the input / output port 94. When the black circle 95 of the rotary switch RSW is in a position not having a numeral notation, a value corresponding to the position is output from the four signal lines to the input / output port 94.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the value of the rotary switch RSW and the volume level. The volume level is a level representing the volume of a sound effect (including an error sound) output from the speaker 12, and in this embodiment, the maximum volume is represented by a volume level “8”, and the minimum volume is represented by a volume level “0”. ". The volume level “0” is silent (silenced). The volume level “1, 2” is a small volume unsuitable for business use, and is preferably used when testing the slot machine 1 or the like. Furthermore, the volume level “3 to 8” is a large volume suitable for business use, and the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has six types of business use volume.

  The relationship between the volume level and the value of the rotary switch RSW is expressed as shown in the table of FIG. 4A and the graph of FIG. Specifically, the volume level is set to the minimum “0” when the value of the rotary switch RSW is “0”, and the volume level is set to the maximum “8” when the value is “8”. Then, when the rotary switch RSW is rotated in the positive (right) direction from the state where the value is “0”, the value is sequentially 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 together with the volume level. growing. Even if the value of the rotary switch RSW exceeds “8”, if the rotation in the positive direction is further continued, the value of the rotary switch RSW increases in order from 8 to 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15. On the contrary, the volume level is set so as to decrease in order from 8 to 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. That is, when the rotary switch RSW continues to rotate in the positive direction, the values of the rotary switch RSW are 0, 1, 2,..., 13, 14, 15, 0, 1, 2,. On the other hand, the volume level changes as 0, 1, 2,..., 7, 8, 7, 6,. Conversely, when the rotary switch RSW continues to rotate in the reverse (left) direction, the value of the rotary switch RSW is 0, 15, 14,..., 2, 1, 0, 15, 14,. On the other hand, the sound volume level is 0, 1, 2,..., 7, 8, 7, 6,. 1, 2, ... changes. In this way, the volume level is set so as not to change by two or more steps no matter how the rotary switch RSW is operated, so that a rapid change in volume does not occur.

  Returning to FIG. The rotary switch memory 93a of the RAM 93 is a memory that stores the contact position of the rotary switch RSW. As described above, the rotary switch RSW has 16 contacts, and outputs a value of “0 to 15” according to the contact position. Therefore, the rotary switch RSW is output from the rotary switch RSW. Any value of “0 to 15” is stored. When the value of the rotary switch RSW and the value of the rotary switch memory 93a do not match, the MPU 91 determines that the rotary switch RSW has been operated and executes a volume level switching process (S2 in FIG. 6). : No to S8).

  The volume memory 93b is a memory for storing a volume level corresponding to the value of the rotary switch RSW, and a sound effect is output from the speaker 12 at a volume based on the volume level stored in the volume memory 93b. The value of the volume memory 93b is set based on the value of the rotary switch RSW in the initialization process when the power is turned on, and when the rotary switch RSW is operated while the power is on, the value of the rotary switch RSW after the operation is set. Updated based on value.

  The change output timer 93c is a timer that manages the notification time of the changed volume output after the operation of the rotary switch RSW. In this embodiment, when the rotary switch RSW is operated and the volume is changed, the changed volume is output by the sample sound and the lamps 70 and 80. The sample sound is output from the speaker 12 for 0.2 seconds at a volume level based on the value of the changed rotary switch RSW, and the lamps 70 and 80 are lit for 5 seconds in a pattern corresponding to the value of the changed rotary switch RSW. Is done. The change output timer 93c manages the output time of the sample sound and the lighting time of the lamps 70 and 80 with one timer. As a matter of course, the notification time is not necessarily limited to 0.2 seconds or 5 seconds, and can be changed as appropriate.

  Here, the operation when the volume is changed by operating the rotary switch RSW will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the rotating back lamps 70 (71 to 79) and the side lamps 80 (81 to 89) provided in the frame member visual recognition part 4a of the front frame 4. As shown in FIG. As described above, the sample sound is output from the speaker 12 for 0.2 seconds at a volume level based on the value of the changed rotary switch RSW. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the lamps are turned on by turning on the rotating back lamps 70 (71 to 79) and the side lamps 80 (81 to 89) in their respective patterns.

  First, the lighting pattern of the rotating back lamp 70 (71 to 79) will be described. The notification of the volume level after the change by the rotating back lamp 70 (71 to 79) is performed by lighting the lamps 71 to 79 in the order indicated by the arrow A. Specifically, when the volume level after the change is “0”, only the rotating cylinder back lamp 71 disposed in the middle stage of the intermediate rotating cylinder M is lit for 5 seconds. When the volume level after the change is “1”, the case back lamps 71 and 72 arranged in the middle and upper stages of the middle cylinder M are lit for 5 seconds, and the volume level after the change is “2”. , The spinning cylinder back lamps 71 and 72 arranged in the middle and upper stages of the middle spinning cylinder M and the spinning cylinder back lamp 73 arranged in the upper stage of the left spinning cylinder L are respectively lit for 5 seconds. Similarly, each time the volume level after the change is increased by one, the number of rotating back lamps 71 to 79 that are lit increases by one in the order indicated by the arrow A, and the volume level is changed to the maximum “8”. In this case, all nine spinning back lamps 71 to 79 are lit for 5 seconds. The lighting pattern of the rotating back lamps 71 to 79 is not necessarily limited to this pattern, and may be changed to another pattern.

  Next, the lighting pattern of the side lamps 80 (81 to 89) will be described. The notification of the volume level after the change by the side lamps 80 (81 to 89) is performed by lighting the lamps 81 to 89 in the order indicated by the arrow B. Since a pair of side lamps 80 are provided on both sides of the slot machine 1, such lighting is performed by the side lamps 80 on both sides. Specifically, when the volume level after the change is “0”, the side lamp 81 disposed at the bottom is lit for 5 seconds. When the volume level after the change is “1”, the two side lamps 81 and 82 from the bottom, and when the volume level is “2”, the three side lamps 81 to 83 from the bottom and the volume level is “3”. ", The four side lamps 81 to 84 from the bottom are..., And when the volume level is“ 8 ”, all nine side lamps 81 to 89 are lit for 5 seconds. Note that the lighting patterns of the side lamps 81 to 89 are not necessarily limited to this pattern, as in the case of the lighting patterns of the rotating back lamps 71 to 79, so that they can be changed to other patterns. Also good.

  Thus, since the notification by the lamps 70 and 80 when the rotary switch RSW is operated and the volume is changed is performed by the rotating back lamp 70 (71 to 79) and the side lamp 80 (81 to 89), Even from the front of the slot machine 1 or from the state in which the front door 3 of the slot machine 1 is opened as shown in FIG. 2, the operator can recognize the changed volume level visually. As described above, since the rotary switch RSW is mounted on the sub-control board S, it cannot be operated unless the front door 3 is opened. Therefore, the volume change is inevitably performed with the front door 3 opened, but even in such a state, the operator can recognize the changed volume level by the rotating back lamp 70. .

  In this embodiment, the volume level “0” is silent (silenced). When the volume is changed to silence, the sample sound does not sound, but also in this case, the volume level “0” is notified by the lighting of the rotating back lamp 70 (71 to 79) and the side lamp 80 (81 to 89). Therefore, even if the silent sound volume level is “0”, the sound volume level can be accurately reported to the operator. The lamps 70 and 80 are lit for 5 seconds. However, the lighting time is not necessarily limited to 5 seconds, and may be any other time. The lamps 70 and 80 are not limited to the lighting time. The lighting state may be continued until the lighting state is changed. Furthermore, instead of the lamps 70 and 80, or together with the lamps 70 and 80, notification may be made by displaying the volume level on the LCD 13 or other display device. In the case of using the LCD 13, examples of the display such as displaying the volume level numerically, displaying a bar graph with a length corresponding to the volume level, and displaying a pie chart with the maximum volume level “8” being 100%. Can do.

  Further, the changed volume level may be displayed according to the lighting area of a lamp or the like. That is, the lighting area of the lamp or the like is increased as the volume level after the change is increased, and conversely, the lighting area of the lamp or the like is reduced as the volume level after the change is decreased. When the changed volume level is notified by the lighting area of the lamp, etc., the volume level can be reported objectively without being influenced by the surrounding environment, compared to the case of notification by the brightness and volume of the display. . The brightness and volume of the display are relative ones affected by the surrounding environment. Therefore, it is difficult to objectively judge the brightness of the display based on the surrounding light / dark state when making a notification based on the brightness of the display, and it is difficult to objectively judge the volume based on the surrounding noise state when making a notification based on the volume. Because.

  Returning to FIG. The power supply board 55 is provided in the above-described power supply box 44, and includes a power supply unit 56 that supplies drive power to the main control board C and each electronic device of the slot machine 1, and a power failure that monitors the occurrence of power interruption. And a monitoring circuit 57. After the power of the slot machine 1 is turned off, a backup voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 56 of the power supply board 55 to the RAM 53.

  The power failure monitoring circuit 57 is a circuit for outputting a power failure signal 58 to the NMI terminal and the input / output port 54 of the main control board C when the power is shut down due to the occurrence of a power failure or the like (including power failure due to the power switch 41 being turned off). It is. The power failure monitoring circuit 57 monitors the voltage of 24 VDC, which is the largest voltage output from the power supply board 55, and determines that a power failure (power failure) has occurred when this voltage falls below 22 volts. Thus, the power failure signal 58 is output. Based on the output of the power failure signal 58, the main control board C recognizes the occurrence of the power failure and executes the power failure process. Note that the power supply board 55 outputs the output of 5 volts, which is the drive voltage of the control system, to a normal value for a time sufficient for the execution of the power failure process even after the DC stable voltage of 24 volts becomes less than 22 volts. Configured to maintain. Therefore, the main control board C can normally execute the power failure process. The power failure monitoring circuit 57 is not necessarily provided on the power supply board 55, and may be provided on the main control board C, for example.

  Next, the rotary switch reading process performed by the sub control board S will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The rotary switch reading process of FIG. 6 is a process periodically executed every 2 ms (2 milliseconds) by the MPU 91 of the sub-control board S, and confirms whether the rotary switch RSW has been operated, When there is an operation, updating of the volume level and the like and notification of the changed volume are performed.

  In the rotary switch reading process, first, the value of the rotary switch RSW is read (S1), and it is checked whether or not the read value matches the value of the rotary switch memory 93a (S2). If they match (S2: Yes), the rotary switch RSW has not been operated, so the subsequent processes from S3 to S8 are skipped, and the process proceeds to S9.

  On the other hand, if the read value of the rotary switch RSW does not match the value of the rotary switch memory 93a (S2: No), the rotary switch RSW has been operated. In such a case, the value of the rotary switch RSW read in the process of S1, that is, the value of the rotary switch RSW after operation (after change) is written to the rotary switch memory 93a (S3). Further, the written value of the rotary switch memory 93a is converted into a volume level based on the relationship shown in FIG. 4, the converted volume level is written into the volume memory 93b (S4), and the value of the rotary switch RSW after the operation is converted. Change (update) the volume level based on it.

  After the values of the rotary switch memory 93a and the volume memory 93b are updated, the changed volume is notified according to the value of the volume memory 93b. Specifically, first, the rotating back lamps 70 (71 to 79) and the side lamps 80 (81 to 89) are turned on according to the value of the volume memory 93b (S5, S6). This lighting pattern is as already described with reference to FIG. Next, a sample sound is output from the speaker 12 at a volume corresponding to the value in the volume memory 93b (S7), and "2501" is written in the change output timer 93c (S8).

  In the process of S9, it is confirmed whether or not the value of the change output timer 93c is “0” (S9). If it is “0” (S9: Yes), the notification after the change of the rotary switch RSW has already ended. Therefore, the subsequent processes of S10 to S15 are skipped, and this rotary switch reading process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if the value of the change output timer 93c is not “0” (S9: No), the notification after the change of the rotary switch RSW is in progress. In such a case, “1” is subtracted from the value of the change output timer 93c (S10), and if the value after subtraction is “2400” (S11: Yes), 0.2 seconds (200 ms) have passed after the notification. Therefore, the output of the sample sound from the speaker 12 is stopped (S12), and the rotary switch reading process is terminated. If the value of the change output timer 93c after subtracting “1” is not “2400” (S11: No), it is further confirmed whether it is “0” (S13). If the value of the change output timer 93c after subtracting “1” is “0” (S13: Yes), since 5 seconds have passed since the notification, all the spinning back lamps 70 (71 to 79) and the side The lamp 80 (81 to 89) is turned off (S14, S15), and the rotary switch reading process is terminated. If the value of the change output timer 93c obtained by subtracting “1” in the process of S10 is neither “2400” nor “0” (S11: No, S13: No), the processes of S14 and S15 are skipped, This rotary switch reading process is terminated.

  As described above, according to the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the rotary switch RSW is provided as the operation means for changing the volume, and the volume level for each stop position of the rotary switch RSW is shown in FIG. Therefore, even if the rotary switch RSW is operated in either the forward or reverse direction, the volume level does not change in two steps or more. Therefore, it is possible to realize a volume operation that prevents a sudden change in volume and does not surprise the operator.

  In the above embodiment, the switching means described in claim 1 corresponds to the rotary switch RSW and the rotary switch reading process shown in FIG. The sound output means corresponds to the speaker 12 and the control means (sub control board S) of the speaker 12.

  The present invention has been described based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various improvements and modifications can be easily made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It can be guessed.

  The present invention may be applied to the output of sound effects of gaming machines other than the slot machine 1, for example, first to three types of pachinko machines.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the volume level is exactly the same when the rotary switch RSW is operated in either the forward or reverse direction with reference to the minimum volume level “0” or the maximum volume level “8”. Configured to change. However, the volume does not necessarily have to be switched in the same way regardless of whether it is operated in the forward or reverse direction. If the volume can be gradually increased or decreased gradually, the value of the rotary switch RSW is “0”. , 1,..., 7, 8 ”and the volume levels for“ 0, 15,. That is, if the volume level arranged from the minimum volume level “0” to the maximum volume level “8” gradually increases, the volume level “0, 1,..., 7, 8”. It may be configured such that the degree of increase in the sound volume differs between the case where the sound volume level changes and the case where the sound volume level changes to “0, 15,...

  As an operation means for changing the sound volume, a variable resistor that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions or in one direction may be used instead of the rotary switch RSW. In such a case, the voltage output through the variable resistor is converted into a digital value by an AD converter, and this is input to the input / output port 94 through eight signal lines. As a result, the MPU 91 can read the resistance value of the variable resistor converted to the value of “0 to 255” via the input / output port 94, so that the read value “0” is the value of the rotary switch RSW. The value of “127” is associated with the value “8” of the rotary switch RSW, and the value “255” is associated with the value “15” of the rotary switch RSW. Accordingly, the volume can be changed as in the present embodiment. When the MPU 91 includes an AD converter, the voltage output from the variable resistor is input to the input end of the AD converter of the MPU 91 via the input / output port 94 or not via the input / output port 94.

  Further, a button switch may be used instead of the rotary switch RSW as the operation means for changing the volume. In such a case, if the button switch is operated with the volume level being minimum, the volume level is increased by 1 for each operation, while if the button switch is operated with the volume level being maximum, The volume level is reduced by 1 for each operation. According to this configuration, even if a button switch is used instead of the rotary switch RSW, the volume can be switched without abruptly changing the volume.

  The sample sound output when the volume is changed may be changed not only in the volume but also in the timbre (or pitch) according to the volume level. For example, the sample sound with the minimum volume may be output as “do”, and the sample sound with the next lowest volume may be output as “re”,. According to such a configuration, since the sample sound is output with a tone color (or pitch) corresponding to the switched volume, the operator can recognize the switched volume with the tone color (or pitch) of the sample sound. In this case, it is not always necessary to output the sample sound at the switched volume.

  The corresponding sound volume may be written at the stop position of the black circle 95 of the rotary switch RSW. Such volume notation is exemplified by an absolute expression such as 10 decibels and 20 decibels, and a relative expression expressing large, medium, and small notations and a maximum volume of 10 and a minimum volume of 0, for example. However, it is preferable to use relative expressions that allow an operator with no knowledge of volume to easily recognize the volume level. Further, such notation may be performed by silk printing or the like on the sub control board S on which the rotary switch RSW is mounted, or may be printed on a box that accommodates the sub control board S.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, the rotary switch RSW for changing the volume is mounted on the sub-control board S, but it may be mounted on the main control board C, for example. In such a case, when the rotary switch RSW is operated, the fact of the operation and the changed state can be reported by outputting a command or the like from the main control board C to the sub control board S.

  You may implement this invention in the pachinko machine etc. of a different type from the said Example. For example, once a big hit, a pachinko machine that raises the expected value of the big hit until a big hit state occurs (for example, two times or three times) including that (for example, a two-time right item, a three-time right item) May also be implemented. Moreover, after the jackpot symbol is displayed, it may be implemented as a pachinko machine that enters a special game state under the condition that a ball is awarded in a predetermined area. Further, in addition to the pachinko machine, the game machine may be implemented as various game machines such as an alepatchi, a sparrow ball, a slot machine, a game machine in which a so-called pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated.

  In the slot machine, for example, a symbol is changed by operating a control lever in a state where a symbol effective line is determined by inserting coins, and a symbol is stopped and confirmed by operating a stop button. Is. Therefore, the basic concept of the slot machine is that it is provided with variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying the identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever) Then, the change of the identification information is started, and the change of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or after the lapse of a predetermined time, and the fixed identification information at the time of the stop Is a slot machine provided with special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the specific identification information is a necessary condition. In this case, coins, medals, etc. are representative examples of game media As mentioned.

  In addition, as a specific example of a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, a variable display means for displaying a symbol after a symbol string composed of a plurality of symbols is displayed, and a handle for launching a ball is provided. What is not provided. In this case, after insertion of a predetermined amount of spheres based on a predetermined operation (button operation), for example, the variation of the symbol is started due to the operation of the operation lever, for example, due to the operation of the stop button, or With the passage of time, the fluctuation of the symbol is stopped, and a jackpot state advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the confirmed symbol at the time of stoppage is a so-called jackpot symbol. A lot of balls are paid out.

  A modification is shown below. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit is configured to be operable in both a forward direction and a reverse direction. According to the gaming machine 1, since the switching unit is configured to be operable in both forward and reverse directions, the operability can be improved as compared with a case where the switching unit can be operated only in one direction. For example, when switching the volume from the medium volume state to the large volume (or small volume), if the operation can only be performed in one direction, the medium volume is temporarily changed to the small volume and then once (or from the medium volume). In some cases, it may be necessary to reduce the volume through a high volume, and the operation becomes complicated. On the other hand, if forward / reverse bidirectional operation is possible, it is possible to operate from medium volume to high volume without going through low volume (or from medium volume to low volume without going through high volume). The operability can be improved.

  In the gaming machine 1, the switching means has a phase difference (a phase difference of 0) between the change waveform of the volume that occurs when it is repeatedly operated in the forward direction and the change waveform of the volume that occurs when it is repeatedly operated in the reverse direction. The game machine 2 is characterized in that the volume is switched so as to have the same waveform. According to the gaming machine 2, the volume is similarly switched when the switching means is operated in either the forward or reverse direction, so that the operator can operate without worrying about the operation direction, and the operability is improved. can do. The phase difference includes a case of “0”. That is, depending on the state of the switching means at the start of operation (for example, the position of the operator of the switching means), there is a phase difference between the volume waveform when operated in the forward direction and the volume waveform when operated in the reverse direction. In some cases, the same waveform may be zero.

  2. The gaming machine or the gaming machine 1 or 2 according to claim 1, wherein the switching means includes an operation means for performing a volume switching operation configured to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions or in one direction. The gaming machine 3 is characterized in that the means is arranged such that in order from the minimum sound volume to the maximum sound volume, the sound volume increases in order on both sides of a straight line connecting the positions of the maximum sound volume and the minimum sound volume. According to the gaming machine 3, the volume can be gradually switched without abruptly changing the volume. Note that the volumes arranged on both sides of the straight line connecting the positions of the maximum volume and the minimum volume are not necessarily arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight line.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 3, wherein the switching means includes an operation means for performing a volume switching operation configured to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions or in one direction. The gaming machine 4 is characterized in that a volume close to the minimum volume and larger than the minimum volume is arranged at two positions adjacent to the minimum volume in the forward direction and the reverse direction. According to the gaming machine 4, a sudden change in volume from the minimum volume to the maximum volume can be prevented. Note that the two volumes arranged at two positions adjacent to the minimum volume do not necessarily have the same volume.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 4, wherein the switching means includes an operation means for performing a volume switching operation configured to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions or in one direction. The gaming machine 5 is characterized in that a volume close to the maximum volume and smaller than the maximum volume is arranged at two positions adjacent to the maximum volume in the forward direction and the reverse direction. According to the gaming machine 5, a sudden change in volume from the maximum volume to the minimum volume can be prevented. Note that the two volumes arranged at two positions adjacent to the maximum volume are not necessarily the same volume.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 5, wherein the switching means includes an operation means for performing a volume switching operation configured to be rotatable in both forward and reverse directions or in one direction. The maximum volume and the minimum volume are respectively arranged at positions farthest from each other, and two other volumes are provided for one volume, and the two provided volumes are the minimum volume and the minimum volume. A gaming machine 6 characterized in that the gaming machine 6 is arranged symmetrically with respect to a straight line connecting both positions with the volume. According to the gaming machine 6, when the volume is increased, the volume is reduced in a reverse pattern when the volume is reduced, and when the volume is decreased, the volume is increased in an opposite pattern when the volume is increased. Since switching can be performed gradually, it is possible to realize volume switching without a sense of incongruity. Further, when the operating means can be rotated in both forward and reverse directions, the volume can be gradually switched in the same pattern regardless of which direction the operating means is operated.

  In any one of the gaming machines 3 to 6, the operation means is configured by a rotary switch configured to output different values depending on the stop position and to rotate in both forward and reverse directions or in one direction. A gaming machine 7. According to the gaming machine 7, it is possible to realize an operating means having a large number of change positions (for example, contact points) with a simple configuration using a rotary switch.

  In any one of the gaming machines 3 to 6, the operation means is configured by a variable resistor configured to output a different resistance value depending on the stop position and to rotate in both forward and reverse directions or in one direction. A gaming machine 8 characterized by: According to the gaming machine 8, it is possible to realize an operating means having a large number of change positions with a simple configuration using a variable resistor.

  In the gaming machine 7 or 8, the gaming machine 9 is characterized in that a volume that is switched according to a stop position of a rotary switch or a variable resistor as the operation means is described. According to the gaming machine 9, since the volume is indicated, the operability of the volume switching can be improved. It should be noted that notation of the sound volume does not necessarily indicate all sound volumes, and it is only necessary to indicate one or several reference sound volumes.

  In the gaming machine 9, the sound volume is represented by a relative expression. Relative volume notation refers to, for example, high, medium, and low expressions, an expression that expresses 10 as the maximum volume, and 0 as the minimum volume, and is different from an absolute expression such as 10 decibels and 20 decibels. is there. According to the gaming machine 10, the sound volume is expressed relatively, so that the volume level can be easily recognized even by an operator who does not have sound volume knowledge.

  2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit includes a button switch as an operation unit for switching operation, and the button switch is further operated after the button switch is operated to minimize the volume. In such a case, the gaming machine 11 switches the volume to a volume close to the minimum volume and larger than the minimum volume. According to the gaming machine 11, when further operation is performed from the minimum volume, the volume is switched to a volume close to the minimum volume and larger than the minimum volume, so that a sudden change in volume from the minimum volume to the maximum volume can be prevented. it can.

  2. The gaming machine or the gaming machine 11 according to claim 1, wherein the switching means has a button switch as an operation means for switching operation, and further operates after the button switch is operated to set the volume to the maximum volume. A gaming machine 12 characterized in that, when a button switch is operated, the volume is switched to a volume close to the maximum volume and smaller than the maximum volume. According to the gaming machine 12, when further operation is performed from the maximum volume, the volume is switched to a volume close to the maximum volume and smaller than the maximum volume, thereby preventing a sudden change in volume from the maximum volume to the minimum volume. it can.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the minimum volume switched by the switching means is silence. According to the gaming machine 13, since the volume can be silenced (silenced) by the switching means, for example, the gaming machine can be tested quietly in the office by muting the sound effect.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 13, further comprising display means configured to be able to display a plurality of states, wherein the switching means displays a display corresponding to the switched volume. A gaming machine comprising a volume display instruction means for instructing means. According to the gaming machine 14, the switched volume can be visually recognized by the display state of the display means.

  In the gaming machine 14, the volume display instruction means changes the display area of the display means in accordance with the switched volume. Since the brightness and volume of the display are relative to the surrounding environment, when notifying the volume switched according to the brightness of the display, the brightness of the display is objectively determined by the surrounding light and dark state. It is difficult to judge, and when notifying by volume, it is difficult to objectively judge the volume according to the surrounding noise state. On the other hand, the display area can be determined objectively without being influenced by the surrounding environment, so by changing the display area according to the switched volume, the operator can objectively determine the switched volume. Can be recognized.

  In the gaming machine 14 or 15, the display means is constituted by a display device that can be individually turned on and off, and the volume display instruction means changes the number of lights of the display device according to the switched volume. A gaming machine 16 characterized by that. Examples of the display device in the gaming machine 16 include a light emitting diode (LED) and a lamp. Since the brightness and volume of the display are relative to the surrounding environment, when notifying the volume switched according to the brightness of the display, the brightness of the display is objectively determined by the surrounding light and dark state. It is difficult to judge, and when notifying by volume, it is difficult to objectively judge the volume according to the surrounding noise state. On the other hand, the number of lights can be determined objectively without being influenced by the surrounding environment, so by changing the number of lights on the display device according to the switched volume, the operator can adjust the switched volume. It can be recognized objectively.

  The gaming machine 17 according to any one of the gaming machines 14 to 16, wherein the display means changes a display state in accordance with a gaming state. According to the gaming machine 17, since the display means is used in the game, it is not necessary to separately provide a display means for displaying the volume switching, and the apparatus cost can be reduced correspondingly.

  In any one of the gaming machines 14 to 17, the game machine has a main body provided with an operation portion of the switching means and a front door that covers the main body so as to be openable and closable, and the operation portion is operated when the front door is opened. The gaming machine 18, wherein the volume display instruction means is configured to give a display instruction corresponding to the switched volume to a display means provided in the main body. According to the gaming machine 18, the volume is switched with the front door opened, but the switched volume is displayed on the display means of the main body, so that the switched volume is displayed with the front door opened. Can be visually recognized.

  In any one of the gaming machines 14 to 18, the game machine has a main body and a front door that covers the main body so as to be openable and closable, and the volume display instruction means gives a display instruction according to the switched volume to the front door. A gaming machine 19 characterized in that the gaming machine 19 is provided for a display means provided. According to the gaming machine 19, since the switched volume is displayed on the display means of the front door, the switched volume can be visually recognized from the front of the gaming machine.

  In any of the gaming machines 14 to 19, the switching unit cancels the display after the first predetermined time has elapsed from the display instruction to the display unit instructed to display by the volume display instruction unit. A gaming machine 20 comprising display cancellation instruction means for instructing. According to the gaming machine 20, the volume display made by the instruction of the volume display instruction means is released after a predetermined time has elapsed by the display release instruction means, so that the volume display can be displayed only when necessary. Note that the first predetermined time may be set to infinity. In this case, the display is continuously displayed until another display is made thereafter.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 20, wherein when the volume switching operation is performed, the switching unit outputs the sample sound at the volume switched to the sound output unit. A gaming machine 21 comprising sample sound output instruction means for instructing. According to the gaming machine 21, when the volume is switched, the sample sound is output at the switched volume, so that the operator can actually hear and recognize the switched volume.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 21, wherein, when a volume switching operation is performed, the switching unit performs a timbre corresponding to the volume switched to the sound output unit (or A game machine 22 comprising sample sound output instructing means for instructing output of a sample sound at a pitch). According to the gaming machine 22, when the volume is switched, the sample sound is output with a tone (or pitch) corresponding to the switched volume, so that the operator can change the switched volume to the tone (or pitch) of the sample sound. ). For example, the sample sound can be exemplified by the minimum volume set to “do”, the next lowest volume set to “re”,. In addition, you may comprise so that a sample sound may be output with the switched sound volume and the timbre (or pitch) according to the switched sound volume.

  In the gaming machine 21 or 22, the switching means instructs the sample sound output instruction means to stop the sample sound after a second predetermined time has elapsed since the sample sound output instruction is given to the sound output means. A gaming machine 23 comprising sample sound stop instruction means. According to the gaming machine 23, the sample sound output by the instruction of the sample sound output instruction means is stopped after the second predetermined time has elapsed by the sample sound stop instruction means, so that the output of the sample sound becomes annoying. The sample sound can be output only when necessary.

  In the gaming machine 23, the second predetermined time for outputting the sample sound corresponding to the switched volume is set shorter than the first predetermined time for displaying according to the switched volume. A gaming machine 24. Since the sound can be recognized in a shorter time than the recognition of the display, the gaming machine 24 can perform the notification by the sample sound and the notification by the display in a balanced manner.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1 or any one of the gaming machines 1 to 24, comprising: main control means for controlling a game; and sub-control means for controlling according to a command output from the main control means, The gaming machine 25, wherein the switching means and the sound output means are provided in the sub-control means. According to the gaming machine 25, since the switching means and the sound output means are provided in the sub-control means, the volume can be switched by the sub-control means without imposing a burden on the main control means. Therefore, the efficiency of the control of the main control means for controlling the game can be improved.

  In any one of the gaming machines 14 to 20, 23, a main control means for controlling a game and a sub-control means for controlling according to a command output from the main control means, the switching means and the sound The gaming machine according to claim 26, characterized in that an output means and a display means for giving a display instruction in accordance with the sound volume switched by the sound volume display instruction means are provided in the sub-control means. According to the gaming machine 26, the sub-control unit can switch the volume and display according to the switched volume without imposing a burden on the main control unit. Therefore, the efficiency of the control of the main control means for controlling the game can be improved.

  The gaming machine 27 according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Above all, the basic configuration of a pachinko machine is equipped with an operation handle, and in response to the operation of the operation handle, a ball is launched into a predetermined game area, and the ball is awarded to an operating port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition (or passing through the working port), the identification information variably displayed on the display device is confirmed and stopped after a predetermined time. In addition, when a special gaming state occurs, a variable winning device (specific winning port) disposed at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner so that a ball can be won, and a value corresponding to the number of winnings is obtained. Examples include those to which values (including data written on magnetic cards as well as premium balls) are given.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a slot machine. Above all, the basic configuration of the slot machine is “variable display means for confirming and displaying the identification information after variably displaying the identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and resulting from the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever). Alternatively, when a predetermined time elapses, the variation of the identification information is stopped, and a special gaming state advantageous to the player is generated on the condition that the fixed identification information at the time of the stop is the specific identification information. A gaming machine provided with a special gaming state generating means. In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals.

  The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a fusion of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. Among them, the basic configuration of the fused gaming machine includes “a variable display means for confirming and displaying identification information after variably displaying an identification information string composed of a plurality of identification information, and a starting operation means (for example, an operation lever). The fluctuation of the identification information is started due to the operation, and the fluctuation of the identification information is stopped due to the operation of the operation means for stop (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses. Special game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the confirmed identification information is the specific identification information, and using a ball as a game medium and starting to change the identification information In this case, the game machine is configured to require a predetermined number of balls and to be paid out when a special gaming state occurs.

1 slot machine (game machine)
12 Speaker (part of sound output means)
91 Sub control board MPU
92 Sub-control board ROM
93 Sub control board RAM
93a Rotary switch memory (part of switching means)
93b Volume memory 93c Change output timer 70 (71 to 79) Revolving back lamp 80 (81 to 89) Side lamp C Main control board RSW Rotary switch S Sub control board

Claims (1)

In a gaming machine comprising switching means for switching the volume of a sound effect output according to the gaming state, and sound output means for outputting a sound effect at a volume switched by the switching means,
The switching means is configured such that the same operation can be repeated, and by repeating the same operation, the volume is gradually increased and then the volume is gradually decreased. Machine.

Images