JP2009261583A - Game machine and portable voice output device for game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To permit a player to sufficiently enjoy a game by transferring voices of each game machine to the player without being absorbed by performance sound of surrounding game machines with inhibiting fraudulent acts. <P>SOLUTION: An audio signal of a voice related to performance of the game is converted into a visible ray by a modulation section and the converted visible ray is cast to the portable voice output device 120 put on a mounting stand 121 via an irradiation unit. Accordingly, the voices of each game machine can be output from the portable voice output device 120 corresponding to the game machine for each game machine without preparing an input terminal in the game machine. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine and a portable audio output device for the gaming machine used in the gaming machine, and in particular, to a player, a sound output from each gaming machine according to an effect for each gaming machine. The present invention relates to a game machine to be transmitted and a portable audio output device for the game machine used in the game machine.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and slot gaming machines perform effects with sound output including various sound effects during gaming for each gaming machine. The production accompanied by the sound output plays an auxiliary role in improving the player's gambling and entertainment. The sound (production sound) output at the time of production is output for each gaming machine from a speaker or the like provided for each gaming machine according to the progress state of the production in each gaming machine. From the gaming machine, a falling sound of a game ball is generated in addition to the production sound.

  In pachinko halls and the like where pachinko machines and the like are installed, in addition to production voices, voices such as in-store broadcasts and BGM are flowing. In-store broadcasts and BGM are often played at a high volume so that they can be heard even in the situation where a falling sound of a game ball is generated. For this reason, in pachinko halls, etc., a falling sound of a game ball is generated, and the production sound is output at a high volume so that it can be heard even in a situation where in-store broadcasting, BGM, etc. are flowing. There are many cases.

  Under such circumstances, the production sound produced by the gaming machine that the other player is playing, the falling sound of the gaming ball emitted from a plurality of gaming machines, and all sounds such as in-store broadcasting and BGM are combined with the noise. As a result, it may be difficult for the player himself to hear the production sound of the gaming machine being played, and the production may not be fully enjoyed.

  In particular, in recent years, a lot of gaming machines that are based on popular characters are seen, and there are not a few players who use character voices and related BGM as one of the enjoyment of games. Some of the effects of the gaming machine output a character voice or a predetermined BGM in accordance with a predetermined jackpot, and it is also important to secure a player by such an audio effect.

  As a countermeasure to this, a conventional gaming machine has been provided with a slot for a hollow headphone, an electrical connection terminal for sound output is connected to the hollow headphone via the slot, and a presentation sound is output via the headphone. There has been a technique that allows a corresponding player to hear a sound for each gaming machine (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). In addition, conventionally, there has been a technique for obtaining a surround effect by outputting sound from a speaker provided in a chair by performing visible light communication between the chair provided with the speaker and a gaming machine (for example, (See Patent Document 2 below.)

JP 2007-275347 A JP 2006-158703 A

  However, in the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1, since the gaming machine is provided with a headphone insertion port, it is possible to perform an illegal act such as inputting a signal through the insertion port to illegally operate the gaming machine. There is sex. Further, in the technique of the above-mentioned Patent Document 2, since the sound is output in the same manner from the chair around the player in addition to the chair where the player is sitting, the production sound of the gaming machine being played by the player himself There is a problem that it may be difficult to hear the production, and the production may not be fully enjoyed.

  The present invention solves the problems caused by the prior art described above, and transmits the sound of each gaming machine to each player without being erased by the sound produced by the surrounding gaming machines while preventing fraud. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can be fully entertained and a portable audio output device for the gaming machine.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a gaming machine according to the present invention is provided with a conversion unit that converts an audio signal related to sound related to a game effect into visible light, and a portable audio output device. It is characterized by comprising: a mounting table; and irradiation means for irradiating the portable sound output device mounted on the mounting table with visible light converted by the conversion means.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention is the portable audio output device for a gaming machine according to the above invention, wherein the portable audio output device outputs a sound related to a game effect by the gaming machine. A light receiving unit that receives visible light emitted from the gaming machine, a conversion unit that converts the visible light received by the light receiving unit into the audio signal, and a conversion unit that converts the visible light. Voice output means for outputting voice based on the voice signal.

  In addition, the gaming machine according to the present invention is characterized in that, in the above-mentioned invention, a change instruction means for instructing a change of the contents of the sound is provided.

  In addition, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, in the above-described invention, the irradiation unit is attached to the mounting table by the visible light so that the player knows the mounting position of the portable audio output device on the mounting table. A predetermined character or image is displayed.

  Further, in the gaming machine according to the present invention, in the above invention, the irradiation means is provided on a frame member that holds the game board, and is opposite to an operation handle that launches a game ball in the left-right direction of the frame member. It is arranged at a position.

  A portable audio output device for a gaming machine according to the present invention is a portable audio output device for a gaming machine that outputs a sound related to the effect of a game played by the gaming machine, and is placed at a predetermined position of the gaming machine. Light receiving means for receiving visible light converted from a sound signal applied to the sound, which is irradiated from the gaming machine to the portable sound output device by mounting the portable sound output device; And a converting means for converting the visible light received by the means into the sound signal, and an audio output means for outputting sound based on the sound signal converted by the converting means.

  According to the above configuration, the voice of each gaming machine can be output from the portable voice output device corresponding to the gaming machine for each gaming machine without providing the gaming machine with an input terminal.

  According to the gaming machine and the portable audio output device for the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to surely prevent the player who targets the voice of each gaming machine while preventing an illegal signal input from the outside of the gaming machine. There is an effect that it can be transmitted. As a result, while preventing fraud, the sound of each gaming machine can be transmitted to each player without being erased by the production sound of the surrounding gaming machines, and the game can be fully enjoyed.

  Exemplary embodiments of a gaming machine and a portable audio output device for the gaming machine will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Basic configuration of gaming machine)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of the gaming machine of the present invention. The gaming machine of the present invention includes a game board 101. A glass frame lamp (see reference numeral 262 in FIG. 2) is provided on the surface of the game board 101. The gaming machine drives and controls the glass frame lamp by a lamp control unit (see reference numeral 230 in FIG. 2) to turn on or blink the glass frame lamp. Thereby, the effect of the game can be enhanced.

  A launcher (not shown) is disposed at a lower position of the game board 101. The launcher launches a game ball into the game area 103. The game ball launched by the launching unit rises between the rails 102 a and 102 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 101, and then falls within the game area 103.

  The game area 103 is provided with a plurality of nails (not shown). In the game area 103, a windmill (not shown) is disposed. A plurality of nails, windmills, and the like change the falling direction of the game ball falling in the game area 103. A symbol display unit 104 is arranged at the center of the game area 103.

  The symbol display unit 104 can be realized by a liquid crystal display (LCD), for example. A start winning opening 105 is disposed below the symbol display unit 104. When a game ball wins the start winning opening 105, the gaming machine acquires a jackpot determination random number as a numerical value for jackpot determination. For example, in a gaming machine in which the jackpot probability is set to 1/307, any one numerical value selected from integers from 0 to 306 is acquired as a jackpot determination random number.

  A winning gate 106 is disposed on the side of the symbol display unit 104. When the gaming machine detects that the game ball has passed the winning gate 106, the gaming machine opens the start winning opening 105 for a predetermined time. Further, when the game ball wins the start winning opening 105 (start winning), the gaming machine displays a plurality of symbols in the symbol display unit 104 variably, stops the variation display after a predetermined time, and displays an arbitrary symbol.

  At this time, the gaming machine changes the content of the symbol to be displayed depending on whether or not the acquired jackpot determination random number matches a predetermined numerical value (jackpot value). The jackpot value is predetermined for each gaming machine, for example, when the gaming machine is manufactured, and is stored in a predetermined storage area (see reference numeral 212 in FIG. 2).

  The gaming machine sets the jackpot state when the acquired jackpot determination random number matches the jackpot value, and displays a jackpot effect image on the symbol display unit 104. The gaming machine displays an image in which specific symbols (for example, “777”) are aligned when the variable display is stopped, for example, in the big hit state.

  A plurality of normal winning holes 107 are arranged on the side and below the symbol display unit 104. When a gaming ball wins any one of the plurality of normal winning holes 107, the gaming machine pays out the number of game balls (for example, 10) at the time of the normal winning. Below the game area 103, a special winning opening 109 is provided. When the gaming machine is in a big hit state, it opens the big prize opening 109 for a certain period. Then, the gaming machine repeats opening of the special winning opening 109 for a predetermined round (for example, 15 rounds), and pays out the number of prize balls corresponding to the winning game balls.

  The big prize opening 109 is closed by a big prize door 109a in a state other than the big hit state. The big prize opening 109 and the big prize door 109a are a big prize opening / closing switch for detecting opening / closing of the big prize opening 109, a left count switch and a right count switch for detecting a game ball won in the big prize opening 109 (both shown) And the attacker is configured. A recovery port 108 is provided at the bottom of the game area 103. The collection port 108 collects game balls that have not won any of the above-described winning ports.

  A frame member 110 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the game area 103 of the game board 101. The frame member 110 has a shape that surrounds the periphery of the game area 103 on the four sides of the game board 101 in the vertical and horizontal directions. Further, the frame member 110 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 toward the player side. Thereby, the gaming machine of this embodiment can be made more conspicuous than other types of gaming machines that do not include the frame member 110. By making the gaming machine conspicuous, it is possible to improve the operating rate of the gaming machine and to strengthen the deterrent against fraudulent acts on the gaming machine.

  In the frame member 110, the effect light portions 111 are provided on the two sides on the upper side and the lower side of the game area 103. Each effect light unit 111 includes a plurality of lights 112. Each light 112 includes a decoration LED (see reference numeral 261 in FIG. 2), and the light irradiation direction can be changed in the vertical direction. In addition, the effect light unit 111 can rotate the light irradiation direction. The gaming machine includes a motor (not shown) that changes the irradiation direction of the light emitted by each light 112.

  For example, when the gaming machine is in a big hit state, the direction of light irradiation by the effect light unit 111 is changed to inform the surroundings that the gaming machine is in the big hit state. This can increase the degree of attention of the player who has been in a big hit state, and can give an uplifting feeling to the player due to attention.

  Further, the light irradiation direction may be changed when, for example, an abnormal situation different from that in a normal game occurs. The abnormal situation here is, for example, a case where some kind of fraudulent act is performed on the gaming machine. As a result, it is possible to quickly find fraud and to enhance the deterrence of the next and subsequent fraud on the gaming machine.

  An operation handle 113 is disposed at a lower position of the frame member 110. The operation handle 113 is operated by the player when the game ball is fired by driving the launching unit. Similar to the frame member 110 described above, the operation handle 113 has a shape protruding from the board surface of the game board 101 to the player side.

  The operation handle 113 includes a firing instruction member 114 that drives the above-described launching unit to launch a game ball. The firing instruction member 114 is provided on the outer peripheral portion of the operation handle 113 so as to rotate clockwise as viewed from the player. The launcher causes the game ball to be launched when the firing instruction member 114 is directly operated by the player. The operation handle 113 includes a sensor that detects that the player is directly operating the firing instruction member 114.

  The game board 101 may be provided with an effect for the effect (hereinafter referred to as an “effect effect”) at a position other than the display area of the symbol display unit 104. The director is provided with the above-described decoration LED, for example. In this case, the gaming machine can enhance the effect by controlling the light emission timing of the LED included in the effect agent.

  Further, the directing agent may be a movable directing agent that operates by receiving a driving force such as a motor or a solenoid (both not shown). The movable director may operate in conjunction with the image display operation in the symbol display unit 104. The gaming machine can enhance the effect of the effect by linking the operation of the effect actor and the image display operation in the symbol display unit 104 in this way.

  In the frame member 110, a chance button 117 that accepts an operation by the player is provided on the lower side of the game area 103. In this embodiment, the chance button 117 has a convex button shape. The chance button 117 may be an input pad that employs a touch panel system in addition to the convex button. The operation of the chance button 117 is effective while guidance for prompting the operation of the chance button 117 is displayed, for example, in the case of a specific reach effect during the game.

  On the frame member 110, a cross key 118 is provided next to the chance button 117. The cross key 118 includes a cursor key for changing a position indicating a character or a graphic displayed on the symbol display unit 104, and an “ENTER” key (not shown) for confirming the character or the graphic selected by operating the cursor key. And).

  The chance button 117 and the cross key 118 are operated when sub-audio in a language other than Japanese is used in the game. In this embodiment, a function as change instruction means for instructing change of audio contents is realized by the chance button 117 and the cross key 118.

  Further, the frame member 110 incorporates a lower bus SP (see reference numeral 271 in FIG. 2) for outputting sound and an upper stereo speaker (see reference numeral 272 in FIG. 2). The gaming machine outputs sound corresponding to the display content of the symbol display unit 104, for example, from the upper stereo speaker or the lower bus SP. This can enhance the production effect.

  Reference numeral 120 in FIG. 1 indicates a portable audio output device. The portable audio output device 120 is used by being mounted on a mounting table 121 on which a gaming machine is mounted. On the mounting table 121, for example, when the game balls paid out to the upper plate are full, a ball receiving plate 122 used for discharging the upper game balls from the upper plate is mounted.

  The portable audio output device 120 includes a headphone 123 and converts an audio signal output from the gaming machine into a sound wave (audible sound) via the headphone 123. The portable audio output device 120 includes an earphone-type headphone 123 that is inserted into the ear. Instead of the earphone-type headphone 123, a stereophone-type headphone 123 applied to both ears may be provided.

  As a driving method of the headphones 123, various known methods such as a dynamic type, a piezoelectric type, a balanced armature type, and a magnetic type can be used. Since each driving method of the headphones 123 is a known technique, the description thereof is omitted. As the type of the headphones 123, for example, various known types such as an inner ear type, a canal type, a headband type, a neckband type, an ear hook type, and a clip type can be used, and the type is not particularly limited.

  The structure of the headphones 123 may be an open air type (open type) or a sealed type (closed type). When an open air type (open type) is used, it is possible to make it easy to hear external sounds such as in-store broadcasting and BGM. When the sealed type (closed type) is used, the sound insulation in the headphones 123 for each player can be increased. For this reason, in the pachinko hall, for example, basically an open air type (open type) is used, and an operation of renting out a closed type (closed type) headphone 123 as appropriate, particularly for a player who wants to be individually enthusiastic. You may do.

(Internal configuration of control unit of gaming machine)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the control unit of the gaming machine. The control unit of the gaming machine is composed of a plurality of control units. In FIG. 2, the control unit includes a main control unit 210, a symbol control unit 220, a lamp control unit 230, and a sound control unit 240. The main control unit 210, the symbol control unit 220, the lamp control unit 230, and the sound control unit 240 are provided on separate substrates.

  The main control unit 210 controls basic operations related to gaming of the gaming machine. The main control unit 210 can realize its function by, for example, a main board. The main controller 210 includes a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, I / Os 214 to 216, and a ram clear switch 217. Based on the program stored in the ROM 212, the CPU 211 executes basic processing as the game content progresses.

  The RAM 213 functions as a data work area when the CPU 211 performs arithmetic processing. The CPU 211 counts up by +1 with a numerical value from 0 to 306 in one loop. The CPU 211 starts counting up from the time of supplying power to the main control unit 210. Further, after counting for one loop, the CPU 211 performs a loop count such that the next one loop is counted. And CPU211 acquires the count value at the time of starting winning a prize as a jackpot determination random number. The RAM 213 functions as a counter for obtaining such jackpot determination random numbers, for example.

  In this embodiment, any one numerical value in a numerical value group including integers from 0 to 306 is acquired as a jackpot determination random number. Therefore, the CPU 211 counts the numerical values from 0 to 306 by 1 in the counter, and acquires the numerical values in the numerical group including the integers from 0 to 306 as the jackpot determination random numbers.

  The jackpot determination random number varies depending on the timing of winning the start. In this embodiment, as described above, since any one numerical value in the numerical value group including integers from 0 to 306 is a big hit value, a big hit occurs in a gaming machine in which such a count setting is made. The probability of doing is 1/307.

  Each time the CPU 211 acquires the jackpot determination random number, the CPU 211 compares the acquired jackpot determination random number with the jackpot value stored in the ROM 212 to perform a jackpot determination. Specifically, the CPU 211 determines, for example, whether or not the jackpot determination random number matches the jackpot value, and determines that the match is a jackpot.

  The I / O 214 inputs the signal output from the start switch (start SW) 251 and the signal output from the gate switch (gate SW) 252 to the CPU 211. The start SW 251 and the gate SW 252 can be realized by a proximity sensor, for example. In this case, the start SW 251 and the gate SW 252 output a signal indicating an ON state at a timing when the game ball approaches the switches 251 and 252.

  The CPU 211 monitors the outputs of the start SW 251 and the gate SW 252 every certain time (for example, 4 msec). In the gaming machine, for example, when a game ball passes through the start winning opening 105, the output from the start SW 251 is continuously turned on twice or more. The CPU 211 determines that the game ball has passed through the start winning opening 105 when the output from the start SW 251 is continuously turned on twice or more.

  Further, the I / O 214 inputs an output signal from the big prize opening switch (large prize opening SW) 253 to the CPU 211. The special prize opening SW253 can be realized by, for example, a proximity sensor. The CPU 211 detects that the game ball has won the big prize opening 109 based on the output signal from the big prize opening SW253. Further, when the CPU 211 receives that the game ball has won the grand prize opening 109, it outputs a prize ball control signal to the prize ball control unit (not shown).

  The prize ball control unit is a CPU that executes a prize ball control process, a RAM that functions as a data work area during arithmetic processing by the CPU, and data output to the main control unit 210 and a payout unit (not shown). It is configured with I / O etc. When the prize ball control unit receives the prize ball control signal from the main control unit 210, each prize port (starting prize port 105, ordinary prize port 107, big prize) is given to the payout unit connected to the prize ball control unit. Control is performed to pay out the number of prize balls corresponding to the game balls won in the mouth 109). The payout unit includes a motor or the like for paying out a predetermined number from a storage unit (not shown) of game balls.

  The CPU 211 outputs an open / close signal of the big prize opening solenoid 254 to the big prize opening solenoid 254 via the I / O 214 when a big hit occurs. Further, the CPU 211 controls the opening / closing of the big prize opening solenoid 254 so that the big prize opening 109 is opened for a certain period when a big hit occurs. Further, the CPU 211 controls the opening / closing of the big winning opening solenoid 254 so that the opening of the big winning opening 109 is repeated a predetermined round (for example, 15 rounds) when a big hit occurs.

  Further, the I / O 214 inputs output signals from the normal winning opening switch (normal winning opening SW) 255 and 256 to the CPU 211. The normal winning openings SW255, 256 can be realized by a proximity sensor, for example. The CPU 211 detects that the game ball has won the normal winning port 107 based on the output signals from the normal winning ports SW 255 and 256. Further, when the CPU 211 receives that the game ball has won the normal winning slot 107, it outputs a prize ball control signal to the above-described prize ball control unit.

  The I / O 215 inputs an output signal from the ram clear switch 217 to the CPU 211. The ram clear switch 217 outputs a signal indicating an ON state when being pressed. The ram clear switch 217 outputs a signal indicating an off state (or stops outputting the signal) when the pressing operation is released. The ram clear switch 217 is provided, for example, on the main board, and the operation signal by operating the ram clear switch 217 is directly input to the main control unit 210 so that the ram clear signal cannot be input from the outside of the gaming machine. be able to.

  For example, when power is supplied by operating a power switch (not shown) or the like, the CPU 211 initializes game information of the game when a signal indicating an on state is output from the ram clear switch 217. (Lamb clear). At the time of ram clear, the CPU 211 sets, for example, an initial value random number or initial value data stored in the RWM area to 0 (zero).

  The CPU 211 generates control signals according to various output signals received from the start SW 251, the gate SW 252, the big prize opening SW 253, and the normal prize opening SW 255, 256, and the generated control signal is transmitted to the symbol control unit via the I / O 216. To 220. Further, the CPU 211 generates a control signal according to the power supply state and the output signal from the ram clear switch 217, and outputs the generated control signal to the symbol control unit 220 via the I / O 216.

  The symbol control unit 220 performs effect control of the gaming machine based on the control signal output from the main control unit 210. In this embodiment, the symbol display unit 220 functions as an effect control board. The symbol control unit 220 includes a CPU 221, a ROM 222, a RAM 223, and I / Os 224 to 226.

  The CPU 221 executes an effect process that produces game content based on a control signal from the main control unit 210 and a program stored in the ROM 212 via the I / O 224. The ROM 222 stores various programs related to the execution of the rendering process and various image data displayed on the symbol display unit 104. Various image data includes a background image, a design image, a character image, and the like. The RAM 223 functions as a data work area when the CPU 221 performs arithmetic processing.

  CPU221 reads the program memorize | stored in ROM222, for example, and performs various image processes, such as a background image display process, a design image display / variation process, and a character image display process. Further, the CPU 221 reads out necessary image data from the ROM 222 when executing various image processes, and outputs the read image data to the symbol display unit 104 via the I / O 225. Here, the CPU 221 specifically, for example, a design that produces a game content until winning a prize, a reach (a state in which two of the three symbols are arranged), a design that produces a game content at the time of a big hit, etc. The image data representing is output.

  The symbol display unit 104 writes the image data received from the symbol control unit 220 in a VRAM or the like. The symbol display unit 104 displays the symbol image and the character image so that they can be seen in front of the background image. Specifically, for example, when the display position of the background image and the design image displayed by the design display unit 104 overlaps the same position in the display screen, the Z buffer Z of each image data is obtained by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. By referring to the value, the symbol image is preferentially stored in a VRAM (not shown) or the like.

  The I / O 225 inputs the chance button operation signal from the above-described chance button 117 to the CPU 221. Further, the I / O 225 may input an operation signal from another button other than the chance button 117 to the CPU 221. As another button, for example, an “ENTER” button for specifying the character or graphic selected by the above-described cross key 118 and confirming the specified character or graphic may be provided.

  The CPU 221 is a control signal related to the control of the light emission operation of various light sources provided in the gaming machine such as the decoration LED 261, the glass frame lamp 262, and the side lamp 263 among various signals for performing the rendering process via the I / O 226. Is output to the lamp controller 230. In addition, the CPU 221 outputs a control signal related to audio output control from the lower bus SP 271 and the upper stereo speaker 272 to the audio control unit 240 among various signals for performing the rendering process.

  The lamp control unit 230 performs light emission control of light emitters such as the decoration LED 261, the glass frame lamp 262, and the side lamp 263 in the effect processing performed by the symbol control unit 220. The lamp control unit 230 includes a CPU 231, a ROM 232, a RAM 233, and I / Os 234 and 235.

  The CPU 231 reads a program stored in the ROM 232 based on a control signal from the symbol control unit 220 input by the I / O 234. The CPU 231 executes the read program to control light emission / extinction of light emitters such as the decoration LED 261, the glass frame lamp 262, and the side lamp 263 by the control signal output from the I / O 235. The RAM 233 functions as a data work area when the CPU 231 performs arithmetic processing, and necessary data is written when the CPU 231 turns on / off the light emitter.

  The voice control unit 240 performs voice output processing related to voice output among the effect processing performed by the symbol control unit 220. The audio control unit 240 includes a CPU 241, a ROM 242, a RAM 243, I / Os 244 and 245, a modulation unit 246, and an I / O 247.

  The CPU 241 reads a program stored in the ROM 242 based on a control signal from the symbol control unit 220 input by the I / O 244 and performs a sound output process to generate a sound signal. The RAM 243 functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the CPU 241 during the voice output process, and necessary data is written in the voice output process by the CPU 241 as appropriate.

  The audio signal generated by the CPU 241 includes auxiliary audio such as commentary for guiding the gaming state. The auxiliary sound may include guidance for guiding the operation method of the gaming machine, facility information in the pachinko hall, and the like. Specifically, the audio signal generated by the CPU 241 is, for example, “push the chance button”, “turn the handle to the right”, “probably changing. It is a chance to win a big hit”, “remaining N (N Includes sub-voices to convey information such as "...".

  The sub-audio may be in a language other than Japanese, such as Korean, Chinese, English, Portuguese, in addition to Japanese. A language other than Japanese can be selected when a game in a specific mode such as a bilingual mode is designated. A method for using the sub-voice, a method for specifying a specific mode such as a bilingual mode, and a method for selecting a language will be described later. When a specific mode such as a bilingual mode is designated and a language is selected, the CPU 241 generates an audio signal representing sub audio in the selected language.

  Also, the audio signal generated by the CPU 241 may include BGM used for production, character dialogue, and sound effects. The character dialogue may be in a language other than Japanese, such as Korean, Chinese, English, Portuguese, etc. in addition to Japanese. When a game in a specific mode such as a bilingual mode is designated, the CPU 241 generates an audio signal that represents the character's line in the language selected in the designation of the specific mode.

  The CPU 241 outputs the generated audio signal to the lower bus SP 271 and the upper stereo speaker 272 via the I / O 245. The lower bus SP 271 and the upper stereo speaker 272 include a voice coil (not shown), and outputs a sound by applying an electric signal according to the sound signal output from the sound control unit 240 to the voice coil. .

  In addition, the CPU 241 outputs the generated audio signal to the modulation unit 246. The modulation unit 246 performs modulation to convert an audio signal in the form of an electrical signal into a visible light communication signal in order to output to the portable audio output device 120 by wireless communication using the optical signal. In this embodiment, the modulation unit 246 realizes a function as a conversion unit that converts an audio signal related to the sound related to the game effect into visible light. The modulation processing performed by the modulation unit 246 can be easily realized by using various known techniques, and thus description thereof is omitted. The modulation unit 246 outputs the visible light communication signal generated by the modulation to the audio LED 273 via the I / O 247.

  The sound LED 273 is turned on / off (flashes) in accordance with the visible light communication signal output from the modulation unit 246 via the I / O 247. The sound LED 273 is a light emitter that emits visible light (light having a wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm), and is provided in an irradiation unit (see FIG. 3) attached to the frame member 110. The irradiation unit will be described later. The sound LED 273 may modulate the frequency of the emitted light instead of blinking.

  By modulating the frequency of the light emitted by the audio LED 273, it is not necessary to consider the problem of frequency allocation required when using wireless communication, and it is easy to introduce. Further, by using the LED, the communication speed can be improved as compared with the case of using another light emitter such as a fluorescent lamp. By securing a high communication speed, it is possible to transmit a large capacity audio signal (visible light communication signal) from the gaming machine to the portable audio output device 120.

  The portable audio output device 120 includes a light receiving unit 281, a demodulating unit 282, and a speaker driver 283. The light receiving unit 281 receives light emitted from the sound LED 273, converts information such as intensity, frequency, and phase of the received light into an electrical signal and outputs the electrical signal. Since the light emitted from the audio LED 273 is a visible light communication signal representing an audio signal, the light receiving unit 281 outputs a visible light communication signal. The light receiving unit 281 can be realized by a radiant energy responsive device such as a phototube, a photocell, a photoconductive cell, a photodiode, a photoresistor, a photoswitch, or a phototransistor.

  The demodulator 282 demodulates the visible light communication signal output from the light receiver 281 to restore the original audio signal. The demodulation processing performed by the demodulation unit 282 can be easily realized by using various known techniques, and thus description thereof is omitted. The demodulator 282 outputs the demodulated audio signal to the speaker driver 283.

  The speaker driver 283 outputs an electrical signal according to the audio signal to each of the two headphones (R) 123a and the headphones (L) 123b included in the headphones 123. The speaker driver 283 may alternately output an electrical signal to either the headphone (R) 123a or the headphone (L) 123b in accordance with the audio signal, thereby outputting the audio from the lower bus SP271 or the upper stereo speaker 272. The player can experience the surround effect more effectively than the player can.

  In this embodiment, the function as a light receiving unit is realized by the light receiving unit 281, the function as a converting unit is realized by the demodulating unit 282, and the function as an audio output unit is realized by the speaker driver 283 and the headphones 123. Yes.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, the main control unit 210, the symbol control unit 220, the lamp control unit 230, and the voice control unit 240 having the above-described configuration are different from each other in the printed circuit board (main board, sub board). , Lamp control board and sound control board). The main control unit 210, the symbol control unit 220, the lamp control unit 230, and the voice control unit 240 are not limited to being provided on different substrates. For example, a part or all of the control units can be provided on the same printed circuit board, such as providing the symbol control unit 220, the lamp control unit 230, and the sound control unit 240 on the same printed circuit board.

  Next, the irradiation unit will be described. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing an irradiation unit. FIG. 3 shows a state where the irradiation unit is cut along a plane along the irradiation direction of visible light by the irradiation unit. The irradiation unit is disposed at a position opposite to the operation handle 113 in the left-right direction of the frame member 110.

  In FIG. 3, the irradiation unit includes an audio LED 273. The sound LED 273 is attached to the substrate 301. The substrate 301 is supported by a frame 302 that forms an outline of the irradiation unit. The substrate 301 is supported by the frame 302 in a state in which the sound LED 273 is substantially downward in the vertical direction so that the light irradiation direction of the sound LED 273 is a direction from the frame member 110 toward the mounting table 121. . The frame 302 supports a film holding member 303 provided with a light transmissive film 304 and a projection lens 305.

  The film holding member 303 and the projection lens 305 are the substrate 301, the sound LED 273, and the light transmissive film 304 and the projection lens 305 are arranged along the irradiation direction of the visible light by the irradiation unit, the substrate 301, the sound LED 273, and the light transmittance. The film 304 and the projection lens 305 are arranged in this order.

  In the light transmissive film 304, the sound LED 273 emits light, and the irradiation pattern of visible light (visible light irradiation pattern) irradiated toward the mounting table 121 is the mounting position of the portable audio output device 120 on the mounting table 121. Is masked so that it becomes an information image 310 that informs the player. The information image 310 includes character information such as “Please place your mobile device here”.

  The mask of the light transmissive film 304 can be formed of a material that completely blocks visible light applied to the mask portion. As a result, in the information image 310 irradiated on the mounting table 121, the characters “Please place your mobile device here” or the edge portion of the characters are shaded (black).

  The mask of the light transmissive film 304 may be formed of a material that completely blocks visible light so that the visible light applied to the mask portion is colored and applied to the mounting table 121. In this case, in the information image 310 irradiated on the mounting table 121, the characters “Please place your mobile device here” or the edge portion of the characters become some colored visible light.

  The information image 310 is not limited to a character and may be an image. Moreover, you may be comprised including both the character and the image. The information image 310 may include an index 311 that guides the placement position of the portable audio output device 120 in more detail. In this case, the light transmissive film 304 is provided with a mask for displaying the index 311 in the information image 310.

  The projection lens 305 expands the irradiation angle of visible light incident from the light transmissive film 304 and emits it. Thereby, the area of the visible light irradiation range 320 irradiated to the mounting table 121 becomes larger than the visible light irradiation area at the time of entering the projection lens 305. The shape of the mask formed on the light transmissive film 304 is adjusted so that the information image 310 and the index 311 irradiated to the mounting table 121 through the projection lens 305 are not distorted on the mounting table 121. By providing the projection lens 305, the number of voice LEDs 273 can be reduced, and the irradiation unit can be downsized.

  Next, the portable audio output device 120 will be described. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the portable audio output device 120. In FIG. 4, the portable audio output device 120 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped casing. A light receiving portion 281 is provided on one surface of the casing. The light receiving unit 281 is provided at a position facing the upper side in the vertical direction when the portable audio output device 120 is mounted on the mounting table 121 in a stable state. As a result, visible light irradiated from above in the vertical direction can be stably received.

  The portable audio output device 120 includes an input terminal 410 into which the jack of the headphone 123 is inserted, and a volume adjustment mechanism 420 that adjusts the volume of the audio output from the headphone 123. In this embodiment, only volume adjustment is possible as an input operation to the portable audio output device 120. The portable audio output device 120 may not be able to perform any input operation on the portable audio output device 120 and only output audio.

  In this embodiment, the irradiation unit displays predetermined characters or images on the mounting table 121 by visible light so that the irradiation unit informs the player of the mounting position of the portable audio output device 120 on the mounting table 121. It becomes possible to realize the function as.

  Since the mounting table 121 is generally not so deep, it is difficult for a player to place a large baggage on the mounting table 121. The mounting space of the portable audio output device 120 on the mounting table 121 is as follows. Easy to secure. For the same reason, it is difficult to think of placing a baggage or the like directly under the irradiation unit, and it can be said that there is almost nothing blocking the visible light irradiated by the irradiation unit.

  Thereby, since the irradiation unit is irradiating visible light toward the mounting table 121, the portable sound output device 120 can receive the visible light irradiated by the irradiation unit without interrupting the light. For example, when visible light is radiated toward the player, such as a seat on which a player sits, or when the player moves during the game, or the visible light is blocked by differences in the player's clothes, hairstyle, body shape, etc. It is possible to end up.

  On the other hand, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, since the irradiation unit irradiates visible light toward the mounting table 121, compared with the case of irradiating visible light toward the player side. The portable audio output device 120 can reliably receive the visible light irradiated by the irradiation unit. As a result, the effect sound output from the portable audio output device 120 is not interrupted.

  In addition, the portable audio output device 120 includes a guide mark 430 that guides the display position of the index 311. The guide mark 430 is provided at a position where the visible light communication signal can be satisfactorily received by the light receiving unit 281 when the portable audio output device 120 is placed so that the indicator 311 enters the guide mark 430. As a result, the portable audio output device 120 can be placed in an optimum position, and the visible light communication signal can be received well by the portable audio output device 120.

  In the casing of the portable audio output device 120, information information 431 is provided in the vicinity of the guide mark 430 for guiding the portable audio output device 120 to be placed at a position where the index 311 is within the guide mark 430. Yes. The information information 431 can be, for example, “Place the portable device so that a ☆ mark is displayed in two frames”.

  In this embodiment, by providing guide marks 430 at two locations, it is possible to guide an appropriate placement position of the portable audio output device 120 on the placement table 121. Note that one or three or more guide marks 430 may be provided, or the guide mark 430 may not be provided. Alternatively, a mark for guiding the mounting position of the portable audio output device 120 may be provided on the mounting table 121.

  Next, a gaming method in the gaming machine will be described. When playing a game in a gaming machine, first, the portable audio output device 120 is placed in a place corresponding to the gaming machine used in the placing table 121. In this case, the portable audio output device 120 is placed so that the indicator 311 enters the guide mark 430. The portable audio output device 120 may be placed after selecting whether to use the secondary audio.

  After the portable audio output device 120 is placed, whether to use sub audio is selected. If the use of sub-audio is selected, a specific mode such as a bilingual mode is designated and a language is selected. Sub sound selection including selection of a specific mode such as a bilingual mode can be performed via an operation unit provided directly on the gaming machine, such as a chance button 117 or a cross key 118, for example. In addition, the selection of the secondary sound including the selection of a specific mode such as the bilingual mode can be performed when the gaming machine is in a standby state.

  Specifically, for example, when the gaming machine is in a standby state, guidance is displayed on the symbol display unit 104 for guidance that sub audio can be selected. For example, the guidance that informs that the sub-speech can be selected can be text information such as “You can add a description of the play. Press the chance button before starting the play”. .

  When the chance button 117 is operated when the gaming machine is in a standby state, the gaming machine is designed with guidance such as “with explanation”, “return to standby screen”, and “choose one and press the chance button”. Displayed on the display unit 104. A frame indicating the currently selected mode is superimposed and displayed on one of the character information such as “with explanation” and “return to standby screen”. The player operates the cross key 118 to select “with explanation” or “return to the standby screen”, and operates the chance button 117 to specify a game with explanation or a normal game without explanation. .

  When commentary is specified, the game machine can select a language such as “Japanese”, “Korean”,..., “Portuguese”,. Guidance such as “Press the button” or “Return to previous screen” is displayed on the symbol display unit 104. A frame indicating the currently selected language is superimposed on either the displayed language or “return to the previous screen”. The player can select an arbitrary language by operating the cross key 118, and can select the language of the secondary sound by operating the chance button 117.

  Thus, after placing the portable audio output device 120 and setting whether or not to use the secondary audio, the player wears the headphones 123 in his / her ear and starts the game. The game progresses in the same way regardless of whether or not secondary audio is used, but for a game machine that is designated to use secondary audio, “push the chance button” and “turn the handle to the right” ”,“ Probably changing. It ’s a chance to win a big hit ”,“ N times the remaining number of times (N is an arbitrary number) ”, etc. Outputs a visible light communication signal representing an audio signal The light emission state of the audio LED 273 is controlled.

  As a result, the player who designates the use of the sub-audio is output from the headphone 123 in addition to the BGM, character dialogue, sound effect, etc. used for normal performance output from the lower bus SP 271 and the upper stereo speaker 272. You can hear the sub-audio.

  Even if the gaming machine that receives the visible light communication signal changes, the portable audio output device 120 is not affected by the gaming machine as long as it is the gaming machine having the above-described configuration including the sound LED 273. I can hear the sub-audio. Specifically, for example, when changing a gaming machine in the same pachinko hall, the player moves to a seat in front of another waiting gaming machine with the portable audio output device 120 and carries it in the same manner as described above. The audio output device 120 is placed on the mounting table 121. Then, the sub voice is selected by performing the same operation as described above in another waiting game machine.

  As an operation method of the portable audio output device 120 of this embodiment, an operation in which the portable audio output device 120 is managed and lent out for each pachinko hall is preferable. Specifically, for example, the fact that the portable audio output device 120 can be used and that it can be used by lending is displayed on a display in a pachinko hall or a waiting game machine. Then, the portable audio output device 120 is rented out to the player who has made an application, and the player is returned when leaving the store.

  As a result, the voice of a character appearing on a gaming machine based on a popular character or the related BGM can be heard more reliably to a player who requests it. As a result, it can be expected that a player's enclosure effect is achieved by using the voice of a character appearing in a gaming machine with a popular character as the theme and the related BGM as one of the pleasures of the game.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the audio signal relating to the sound related to the game effect is converted into visible light, and the portable audio output device 120 mounted on the mounting table 121 is Since the irradiation unit emits visible light converted into an audio signal, a portable type corresponding to the gaming machine for each gaming machine without providing an input terminal on the gaming machine. The sound can be output from the audio output device 120.

  Further, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the portable audio output device 120 for gaming machines receives the visible light emitted from the gaming machine by the light receiving unit 281 by placing it on the mounting table, Since the received visible light is converted into an audio signal by the demodulator 282 and audio is output from the headphones 123 based on the converted audio signal, the game machine and the portable audio output device 120 are physically connected. Therefore, the voice of the corresponding gaming machine can be output from the portable audio output device 120 without connection.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the gaming machine is in a standby state, it is possible to instruct change of voice content by operating the chance button 117. Without providing an input terminal, it is possible to output a voice of any content of the player from the portable audio output device 120.

  In addition, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the irradiation unit notifies the player of the mounting position of the portable audio output device 120 on the mounting table 121 by using predetermined light or visible light on the mounting table 121. Since the information image 310 indicating an image is displayed, the information image 310 can be displayed using the sound LED 273 without providing a mechanism including a light source for displaying the information image 310. As a result, the portable audio output device 120 that is separate from the gaming machine and not physically connected to the gaming machine is placed in an appropriate place, and the appropriate matching with the gaming state in the target gaming machine is achieved. Sound can be output stably.

  Further, according to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the irradiation unit is provided on the frame member 110 that holds the gaming machine, and is opposite to the operation handle 113 that launches the game ball in the left-right direction of the frame member 110. The portable audio output device 120 can be easily operated while operating the operation handle 113 because it is arranged at the position. As a result, it is possible to stably output an appropriate sound that matches the gaming state in the target gaming machine without causing any trouble in the game, such as interrupting the game to operate the volume adjustment mechanism 420.

  In addition, according to the portable audio output device 120 for gaming machines of this embodiment, there is a portable audio output device for gaming machines that outputs a sound related to the effect of the game by the gaming machine. By placing the portable audio output device 120 at the position, the light receiving unit 281 receives visible light converted from the audio signal applied to the sound, which is emitted from the gaming machine to the portable audio output device 120. Since the received visible light is converted into an audio signal by the demodulator 282 and the audio is output from the headphones via the speaker driver 283 based on the converted audio signal, it is connected to the gaming machine The voice of the target gaming machine can be output.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, it is possible to reliably transmit the sound of each gaming machine to a target player while preventing an illegal signal from being input from the outside of the gaming machine. Thus, while preventing fraud, the sound of each gaming machine can be transmitted to each player without being erased by the sound produced by the surrounding gaming machines, and the game can be fully enjoyed.

  As described above, the gaming machine and the portable audio output device for the gaming machine according to the present invention are useful for gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, and in particular, output from each gaming machine in accordance with the performance of each gaming machine. It is suitable for a gaming machine that transmits a voice to a player and a portable voice output device for the gaming machine used in the gaming machine.

It is a front view which shows an example of the game machine of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the control part of a game machine. It is explanatory drawing which shows an irradiation unit. It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance of a portable audio | voice output apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

117 Chance button 118 Four-way key 120 Portable audio output device 121 Mounting table 123 Headphone 246 Modulation unit 273 Audio LED
281 Photodetector 282 Demodulator 283 Speaker Driver

Claims (6)

A conversion means for converting an audio signal applied to the sound related to the performance of the game into visible light;
A mounting table on which the portable audio output device is mounted;
Irradiation means for irradiating the portable audio output device placed on the mounting table with visible light converted by the conversion means;
A gaming machine characterized by comprising: The portable audio output device is a portable audio output device for a gaming machine that outputs a sound related to a game effect by the gaming machine,
A light receiving means for receiving visible light emitted from the gaming machine by placing it on the mounting table;
Conversion means for converting visible light received by the light receiving means into the audio signal;
Audio output means for outputting audio based on the audio signal converted by the conversion means;
The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising:   The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising a change instructing unit that instructs to change the contents of the sound.   The irradiating means displays predetermined characters or images on the mounting table by the visible light so as to notify a player of the mounting position of the portable audio output device on the mounting table. The gaming machine according to any one of 1 to 3.   The said irradiation means is provided in the frame member holding a game board, and is arrange | positioned in the position on the opposite side to the operation handle which launches a game ball in the left-right direction of this frame member. 4. The gaming machine according to any one of four. A portable audio output device for a gaming machine that outputs a sound related to the production of a game by a gaming machine,
Visible light converted from a sound signal applied to the sound emitted from the gaming machine to the portable sound output device by placing the portable sound output device at a predetermined position of the gaming machine. A light receiving means for receiving light;
Conversion means for converting visible light received by the light receiving means into the audio signal;
Audio output means for outputting audio based on the audio signal converted by the conversion means;
A portable audio output device for gaming machines, comprising:

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