JP2010044154A - Sound-generating device and sound-generating program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make discontinuous reproduction from an optional position possible even if a sound circuit, which can not make reproduction from an optional position, is used. <P>SOLUTION: A sound-generating device includes: a channel-controlling part (410) which starts the reproduction of a plurality of channels so that a delay of prescribed time difference may be generated for a prescribed sound; and a volume-setting part (412) which sets the volume of one of the channels to a sensible volume limit or higher and also sets the volumes of the other channels to below the volume limit. When the progress of a sound is discontinuously changed, the sound-generating device switches a channel whose volume is set to the sound limit or higher. A sound-emitting channel is switched to a reproduction position-different channel to jump to an optional reproduction position to perform reproduction. Accordingly, simple rewinding, simple and fast forwarding, consecutive rewinding, and consecutive and fast forwarding each become possible. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sound generation apparatus suitable for a gaming machine, and more particularly to sound generation when a sound chip that cannot reproduce sound from any midway position is provided.

  Conventional gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines are equipped with a liquid crystal display device and a sound generation device. In addition to games using the game balls of the pachinko machine, which is the main game, games using the reels of the slot machine, effects by images and sounds Many are configured to be able to present. These gaming machines are configured to send sound (for example, music) in synchronization with image effects.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-270554 is one of such gaming machines, and this gaming machine is configured to perform the music according to the type and performance mode of the music selected based on the lottery result. (Patent Document 1, Paragraph 0012). Specifically, based on the effect sound data stored in the ROM 42, the CPU 41 outputs effect sounds accompanying the progress of various games from the sound amplifier / speaker 46 via the sound circuit 44 (paragraph 0020). .

  A sound circuit (sound source circuit) incorporated in such a gaming machine includes a plurality of channels each capable of generating an acoustic signal, and the same sound can be simultaneously reproduced based on the same sound source data in a plurality of channels. It is also possible to simultaneously reproduce different sounds based on different sound source data.

Here, the music selected according to the lottery result is a music corresponding to a normal game or a music corresponding to “reach effect” which is a jackpot notice mode. For example, during a normal game, a sound circuit reads sound source data for a normal game and reproduces sound (music) (signal) for a normal game in a sound circuit. When the “reach effect” is necessary, the sound being played in this channel is interrupted, and the sound source data for “reach effect” is read by other channels and the sound for “reach effect” is played back. . When the “reach effect” ends, reading of the sound source data for the normal game is resumed in the original channel, and the generation of the sound for the suspended normal game is resumed.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-270554 (paragraphs 0012 and 0020)

  However, the sound generation device mounted on the conventional gaming machine may cause inconvenience when performing predetermined discontinuous reproduction. This is due to the fact that the sound circuit of the sound generation device cannot perform halfway reproduction by designating an arbitrary position (elapsed time) from the start of sound. In addition to the ability to play sound from the beginning, the sound circuit has a technical limitation that only a simple pause is possible.

  For this reason, for example, when pausing as a discontinuous reproduction, there is a problem that it is not possible to reproduce the sound a little before releasing the pause. Since the sound generated in the gaming machine is related to the game content, it is not preferable that the lyrics or lines are missed. Preferably, the sound reproduction start position should be returned when the pause is canceled, but such a process cannot be performed by the sound generation device mounted on the conventional gaming machine. For example, if a “reach effect” is executed and a song is paused while a song containing such lyrics or lines is being sent in a normal game, and the “reach effect” ends, It is preferable to play back a little after the interruption. Nevertheless, the conventional sound generation device can only continue to play the remaining music from the pause position.

  In addition, the acoustic rewinding process and fast-forwarding process, which are a kind of discontinuous reproduction, cannot be performed due to the above technical limitations.

  Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a sound generation device and a sound generation program that enable discontinuous reproduction from an arbitrary position even when a sound circuit that cannot be reproduced from an arbitrary position is used. That is.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, the sound generation device of the present invention is a sound generation device including a plurality of channels for generating sound signals, and reproduces a plurality of channels so that a predetermined time difference is delayed for a predetermined sound. A channel control unit for starting the channel, a volume setting unit for setting the volume of any one of the plurality of channels to be higher than a perceivable limit volume, and setting the volume of other channels to be lower than the limit volume; In the case of performing discontinuous reproduction in which the progress of the sound is discontinuously changed, the channel set to be equal to or higher than the limit sound volume is switched.

  The sound generation program of the present invention is a sound generation program for a sound generation device having a plurality of channels for generating sound signals, and starts reproduction of a plurality of channels at a predetermined time difference for a predetermined sound on a computer. A function to set the volume of any one of the plurality of channels to a perceivable volume or more, a function to set the volume of another channel to be lower than the limit volume, and the progress of the sound And a function of switching a channel set to be higher than the limit sound volume.

  According to such a configuration, the same sound is reproduced in parallel at a certain time difference in a plurality of channels, and only one of the channels is above the limit volume, that is, the volume that can be heard by the player, and the other channels It is played back at a volume that is smaller than the limit volume (eg, volume is zero), that is, cannot be heard by the player. If there is an instruction for discontinuous playback that changes the acoustic progression discontinuously, such as pause, rewind, or fast-forward, the channel set above the limit volume is switched to another channel accordingly. It is done. Therefore, when the progress of the sound in the channel after the switching is slower than the progress of the sound in the channel before the switching, the sound returns after resumption of reproduction, that is, rewinding reproduction is performed. On the contrary, when the progress of the sound in the channel after the switching is earlier than the progress of the sound in the channel before the switching, the sound is fast-forwarded after the reproduction is resumed, that is, fast-forward playback is performed. If each of the multiple channels is set to play at a certain time difference, and the channel at the playback position corresponding to the desired rewind amount or fast-forward amount is selected and set above the limit volume, any volume can be set. Rewinding to a position and fast-forwarding are possible.

  For example, the channel control unit simultaneously interrupts playback of the plurality of channels in response to a pause instruction, and plays back a channel in which the sound playback is delayed in response to the release of the pause. In response to the pause instruction or cancellation, the sound setting unit performs processing so as to set the volume of the channel in which playback of the resumed playback is delayed to be equal to or higher than the limit volume. It is possible. According to such a configuration, the volume of the channel whose sound reproduction is delayed after the pause is instructed is set to be higher than the limit volume, and the volume of the other channels is set to be lower than the limit volume. The channel that resumes with the sound provides the sound from a position that has been delayed or rewinded. As discontinuous reproduction, it is a process of performing a slight rewind after a pause.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the channel control unit restarts the reproduction of the sound in another channel at a timing at which the reproduction of the sound is further delayed from the reproduction in the channel in which the reproduction of the sound that has been resumed is delayed. According to this configuration, the sound generation is resumed after waiting for the channel in which the sound reproduction has been preceded to be delayed from the reproduction of the channel in which the sound reproduction is delayed. It is possible to provide sound from the rewinded position even in the pause. This is a process of performing rewinding even in the second and subsequent pauses.

  For example, the channel control unit simultaneously interrupts playback of the plurality of channels in response to a pause instruction, restarts playback of the plurality of channels in response to release of the pause, and In response to the cancellation of the pause, the setting unit can set the volume of the channel preceding the sound reproduction to be equal to or higher than the limit volume. According to this configuration, in response to a pause instruction, the playback of the plurality of channels is interrupted at the same time, and in response to the cancellation of the pause, the playback of the plurality of channels is resumed, and the sound playback is performed. Since the volume of the channel preceded by is set to be equal to or higher than the limit volume, the sound is provided from the position that is preceded by the time difference, that is, the fast-forwarded position, together with the cancellation of the pause. As discontinuous playback, this is a process of performing a slight fast-forward after a pause.

  Further, the channel control unit, in response to a second or subsequent pause instruction, interrupts the reproduction of the channel preceding the sound reproduction, and in the channel where the sound reproduction is delayed, It is preferable that the sound reproduction is interrupted until the sound reproduction precedes the sound reproduction interruption position, and the sound reproduction is interrupted, and the reproduction of the plurality of channels is started in response to the release of the pause. According to such a configuration, the sound generation is resumed after waiting until the channel in which the sound reproduction is delayed precedes the reproduction interruption position of the channel in which the sound reproduction precedes. It is possible to provide sound from the fast-forwarded position even in the subsequent pause. This is a process of fast-forwarding in the second and subsequent pauses.

  Further, the channel control unit, in response to the pause instruction, interrupts the reproduction of the channel preceding the sound reproduction, and reproduces the sound in the channel in which the sound reproduction is delayed. It is also possible to stop playback of the sound after the sound is played before the sound playback stop position and start playback of the plurality of channels in response to the release of the pause. . According to such a configuration, in response to the pause instruction, the playback is interrupted in the channel in which the sound playback is preceded, but the channel in which the sound playback is delayed is continuously played until the stop position is exceeded. Since the sound reproduction is interrupted after the sound is reproduced until it precedes the sound reproduction position of the previously interrupted channel, the sound can be provided from the position that has been fast-forwarded when the pause is subsequently released. This is a modified example of the fast-forward process in the pause in which the same process can be performed regardless of whether the pause is the first time or the second time or later.

  For example, the volume setting unit can set a volume that is equal to or higher than the limit volume by sequentially specifying the channels in which the sound reproduction is delayed during a rewind playback period at predetermined time intervals. . According to such a configuration, since there is at least a time lag difference in sound reproduction between a plurality of channels, a channel in which sound reproduction is delayed is selected for each time interval, and the volume is set. If the sound volume is set to be higher than the limit sound volume, the sound is switched back while being played back only for a time interval, so that sound that can be rewound is provided. This is a case where rewinding processing is performed as discontinuous reproduction.

  For example, the volume setting unit can set the volume higher than the limit volume by sequentially specifying the channels in which the sound is played back at predetermined time intervals during the fast-forward playback period. According to such a configuration, since the difference in time difference occurs at least in the sound reproduction between the plurality of channels, the channel in which the sound reproduction is preceded is selected for each time interval, and the volume is set. If the volume is set to be higher than the limit volume, switching is performed while playing back only at time intervals, so that sound that is fast-forwarded is provided. This is a case where fast-forward processing is performed as discontinuous reproduction.

  Here, it is possible to control the amount of change in the playback position in the discontinuous playback based on at least one of the time difference between the plurality of channels or the time interval for switching the channel volume setting. The playback position changes when the channel set to be higher than the limit volume is switched according to the time difference between the channels. In addition, the number of channels that can be switched to unit time, that is, the time for rewinding and fast-forwarding, changes according to the time interval for switching the volume setting of the channel during discontinuous playback. Therefore, by controlling these parameters, the rewinding and fast-forwarding speed can be arbitrarily changed.

  Here, at least one of the instruction or cancellation of the discontinuous reproduction may correspond to the operation of the operation device. According to such a configuration, it is possible to instruct or cancel discontinuous playback when the operating device is operated.

  The sound generation program of the present invention can be stored in a predetermined storage medium readable by a computer. That is, the program of the present invention can be transmitted through various media such as a CD-related disk, a DVD-related disk, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and a communication network in addition to ROM and RAM, for example, a video game machine for business use or home use, It can be loaded into a memory in an information processing apparatus such as a computer and executed.

  According to the present invention, the same sound is played back in parallel with a certain time difference in a plurality of channels, and when discontinuous playback is performed, the channel set above the limit volume can be switched, so any position Even when using a sound circuit that cannot be reproduced from the above, it is possible to reproduce from a position corresponding to the time difference, or to perform a rewinding process or a fast-forwarding process.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, as an example of a gaming machine, a so-called first-class pachinko machine (hereinafter, abbreviated as “pachinko machine”) will be described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to other pachinko machines (second type, third type, etc.), slot machines, simulation devices, game devices, and other amusement devices as long as they have a sound generation function. .

(Definition 1)
The terms according to the present invention are defined as follows.
“Limit sound volume” means a sound volume at the lowest level that can be heard by an average healthy person when sound is output from sound generation means of a sound generation device, for example, a speaker. This is a threshold value for distinguishing between “silence” (volume zero) and “sound” (appropriate volume).
“Volume smaller than the limit volume”: In addition to including volume zero, the volume setting is not zero but includes a volume that is substantially inaudible to the player, and is a volume that is considered to be “silent” in effect.
“Discontinuity (reproduction)”: sound reproduction is paused or reproduced from a reproduction position different from the reproduction position.
“Reproduction position”: The elapsed time from the beginning (the beginning) when a certain sound is reproduced, and is different from the reading position of the sound source data. The playback position for one sound is “front” near the beginning and “back” near the end.
“Delay” means that a playback position in a certain channel for reproducing a predetermined sound is ahead of a playback position in another channel.
“Advance”: For a given sound, the playback position in a certain channel is after the playback position in another channel.

  “Rewind”: Refers to the movement of one sound from one playback position to another playback position closer to the beginning of the sound than the playback position, and is a designation similar to “rewind” on a recording tape. .

  “Fast-forward”: Refers to movement of one sound from one playback position to another playback position closer to the end of the sound than the playback position, and is a designation similar to “fast-forward” on a recording tape.

(Definition 2)
Terms for gaming machines used in this embodiment are defined as follows.
“Amusement machines”: Pachinko machines and slot machine machines that are installed in halls and are subject to customary laws (abbreviations for “regulations on customs business operations and business optimization”).
“Game Ball”: A ball (pachinko ball) (rental ball) used in a gaming machine, by having a card reader read a predetermined card, or by directly inserting coins into a ball rental machine , Provided.
“Prize ball”: A game ball paid out by winning.

“Winning”: A game ball enters the winning gate.
“Winning slot”: means a game ball set to be paid out when a game ball enters.
“Start-up winning opening”: means a lottery set to start when a game ball enters, and is also called “chucker”. In the present embodiment, it corresponds to the start winning opening 112.

“Big prize opening”: An electric accessory that is released as a result of a jackpot, also called an “attacker”. In the present embodiment, the big prize opening 113 corresponds.
“Lottery”: “Lottery” or “losing” lottery results are output with a predetermined probability when a game ball wins a winning prize opening.
“Big Bonus”: Refers to shifting to a special game as a result of lottery.

“Reach”: When one more condition is met, it will be a “big hit”. For example, if one more number is arranged in the “decorative symbol”, the symbol “big hit” is displayed.
“Normal game”: A game that is played before a “big hit”.
“Special game”: A game state advantageous to the player.

“Special symbol”: A symbol for displaying the result of the lottery, and “Big jackpot” or “Lose” is displayed.
“Decoration design”: A design for presenting a lottery result with an image having an impact on the player, and corresponds to a lottery result of “big hit” or “losing” displayed by “special design”. Usually, a decorative design is represented by a design such as a number or a symbol. A design such as individual numbers or symbols is simply referred to as a “decorative design”. In the gaming machine, a group of a series of decorative symbols (for example, 10 numbers “0” to “9”) is moved and displayed as a unit. This group of “decorative symbols” is called “a series of ornamental symbols”. In the gaming machine, one of the “series of decorative symbols” is selected. By displaying a combination of a plurality of the selected decorative symbols, “winning” or “losing” is displayed. The combination of the decorative symbols expressed by the combination of the plurality of selected decorative symbols is referred to as “decorative symbol combination”.

“Normal symbol”: a symbol indicating whether or not a game ball is likely to win a normal electric accessory (so-called electric tulip) having a start winning opening.
“Variable display”: Displaying a decorative symbol while moving a lottery.
“Holding number”: The cumulative number of game balls that have entered the winning slot, and is the number of waiting for a lottery due to winning. Usually an upper limit is set.

“Probability variation mode”: a probability variation mode, which is a mode in which a state in which the probability of becoming a “big hit” is higher than in a normal game is formed.
“Time-saving mode”: A mode in which the fluctuation time of “special symbol” and “ordinary symbol” is shortened for a predetermined period or a period in which a unit game is executed a predetermined number of times.

(Pachinko machine structure)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of an external configuration of the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment.
In FIG. 1, a pachinko machine (game machine) 100 includes a game board (gauge board) that constitutes a game board surface and a game machine frame that supports and fixes the game board.
The game board includes a plurality of nails 101, windmills 102a and 102b, a normal symbol operating gate 103, a normal electric accessory 104, a center decorative part 105, a special symbol display device 106, an effect display device 107, a normal symbol display device 108, an outside A rail 110, an inner rail 109, and the like are provided as game parts. Further, the game board is provided with a general winning port 111, a starting winning port 112, a big winning port 113, and an out port 114.

The inner rail 109 and the outer rail 110 are for guiding the launched game balls to the game area 115.
The nail 101 and the windmills 102 a and 102 b are provided at predetermined positions in the game area 115. For example, the game balls that enter the game area 115 and move from the top to the bottom of FIG. 1 are irregularly moved, or the game balls to the general prize opening 111, the start prize opening 112, and the big prize opening 113 are The winning frequency and the passing frequency of the game ball to the normal symbol operating gate 103 are adjusted.

The special symbol display device 106 is provided on the side of the inner rail 109, and includes, for example, a 7-segment LED 116 that displays the special symbol and four LEDs 117 that display the number of winnings to the starting winning port 112 of the game ball. It is prepared for.
In this embodiment, the 7-segment LED 116 is caused to emit light based on the winning of the game ball at the start winning opening 112, and “3” and “7”, which are special symbols corresponding to “big hit”, and “losing”. After the corresponding special symbol “-” is displayed in a variable manner, one of these three types of special symbols is stopped and displayed based on the result of the lottery.

  The four LEDs 117 are for displaying the number of lottery results held based on the winning of the game balls at the start winning opening 112. Each time the game balls win the start winning opening 112, the light is sequentially emitted. When the fluctuation display starts, the lights are turned off sequentially. That is, the number of light emission of the four LEDs 117 corresponding to the upper limit value of the number of holdings is notified to the player of the current number of holdings of the lottery result based on the winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112. In the present embodiment, the upper limit value of the number of holds of the lottery result based on winning of the game ball to the start winning opening 112 is set to four. Then, when the number of reserves is four and a game ball is won at the start winning opening 112, the number corresponding to winning at the start winning opening 112 without performing a lottery based on the winning of the game ball. Only to play the prize ball.

  The effect display device 107 is a display device for displaying an image including a decorative design, and is provided at a substantially central position of the game area 115 so that the player can easily recognize it, and displays related to various effects. A liquid crystal display device for performing the above is provided.

The display screen 118 is an area in which an image is provided to the player so as to be visually recognized on the liquid crystal display device provided in the effect display device 107. A set of decorative symbols is displayed on the display screen 118. As a set of decorative designs, for example, “0”, “1”, “2”, “3”, “4”, “5”, “6”, “7”, “8”, There are “9”, “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, “E”, “F”. During the variation period of the decorative symbols, the decorative symbols are switched and displayed in the order determined by the gaming machine. At the end of the decorative symbol variation period, any one of “0” to “9” and “A” to “F” is stopped and displayed as decorative symbols. The combination of these three decorative symbols indicates “big hit” or “lost”. On the other hand, when the result of the lottery is “losing”, decorative symbols other than the combination of specific decorative symbols corresponding to “big hit” are stopped and displayed.
The effect display device 107 is an object (character) for giving the player a sense of expectation of “big hit” in the “reach” effect after the transition to the reach state, as well as the image parts and decorative symbols. An image or the like is also displayed as a background image of a decorative design. In addition, sound corresponding to the result of the lottery is transmitted from the speaker 133.

Further, the effect display device 107 may display the number of winnings of the game ball at the start winning opening 112 and notify the player of the current number of winnings at the starting winning opening 112.
Below the effect display device 107, an ordinary electric accessory 104 is provided. The ordinary electric accessory 104 opens and closes to guide the game ball to the start winning opening 112.
A big prize opening 113 is formed below the ordinary electric accessory 104. The big prize opening 113 becomes a “hit” and when the game shifts to a special game, the big prize opening door 120 falls down and is opened. In the present embodiment, a maximum of 15 unit games are executed in a special game. More specifically, during a unit game, when a game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) 121 formed in the big prize opening 113, it may shift to the next unit game. As much as possible, a maximum of 15 unit games are executed. In the present embodiment, the specific area 121 is formed in the special winning opening 113, but the specific area 121 is not necessarily formed. In this case, when shifting to the special game, it is guaranteed that 15 unit games will be executed.

  The center decorative component 105 is a molded product including a translucent part, and is provided around the effect display device 107. The center decoration part 105 plays a role of protecting the effect display device 107 or decorating the pachinko machine 100. Further, in the pachinko machine 100 shown in FIG. 1, the game ball that has entered the through portion 105 a formed at the upper part of the center decorative part 105 passes through the center decorative part 105 and is placed below the center decorative part 105. A flow path is formed so as to move to the formed stage 105b.

The normal symbol operation gate 103 is provided between the normal electric accessory 104 and the inner rail 109. For example, a game ball can pass through the normal symbol operation gate 103 from top to bottom. It is configured.
The normal symbol display device 108 is provided at a position facing the normal symbol operation gate 103 through the normal electric accessory 104. For example, the 7-segment LED 122 for displaying the normal symbol and the normal symbol operation gate 103 for the game ball are provided. And four LEDs 123 for displaying the number of passages to. The normal symbol is a symbol for indicating whether or not the normal electric accessory 104 is opened according to the result of the lottery performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103.

  The normal symbol display device 108 causes the 7-segment LED 122 to emit light based on the passage of the game ball to the normal symbol operation gate 103 and, for example, “7” and “−” as the normal symbols are alternately displayed in a variable manner. Either “7” or “−” is stopped and displayed. Then, when “7” is stopped and displayed, it is determined as “winning” and the ordinary electric accessory 104 is opened. On the other hand, when “−” is stopped and displayed, it is “lost”, and the ordinary electric accessory 104 is not opened.

  The four LEDs 123 indicate the number of game balls that have passed through the normal symbol operating gate 103. The regular LEDs are sequentially lit each time the game ball passes through the normal symbol operating gate 103, and the normal symbol variation display is displayed. Turns off sequentially when starting. That is, the number of passages of the normal symbol operation gate 103 is notified to the player by the number of light emission of the four LEDs 123.

  The general winning opening 111 is provided between the normal symbol operating gate 103 and the inner rail 109. When a gaming ball wins the general winning opening 111, a predetermined number of gaming balls are paid out.

  The out port 114 is provided at the lowermost part of the game area 115 and collects game balls that have not won any of the start winning port 112, the general winning port 111, and the big winning port 113. The collected game balls are released to the outside of the pachinko machine 100.

The gaming machine frame includes an outer frame 124, a front frame 125, a transparent plate 126, a door 127, and a ball tray unit 128.
The outer frame 124 has an opening and is a frame for fixing the pachinko machine 100 to a position where it should be installed. The front frame 125 is a frame body that aligns with the opening of the outer frame 124, and is attached to the outer frame 124 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like.

  The front frame 125 includes a mechanism for launching a game ball, a mechanism for detachably storing a game board, a mechanism for guiding or collecting the game ball, and the like. Furthermore, electrical decoration parts 130a to 130d such as game effect lamps that are turned on according to the state of the game are provided on the peripheral edge of the front frame 125.

  The transparent plate 126 is for protecting the game board, and is, for example, a transparent glass plate. A player plays a game through the transparent plate 126 while seeing through the game area 115 of the game board.

  The door 127 is for supporting the transparent plate 126, and is attached to the front frame 125 so as to be freely opened and closed by a hinge mechanism or the like.

  The ball tray unit 128 is provided below the front frame 125. The ball tray 128a stores a certain amount of game balls (rental balls and prize balls), a mechanism for storing game balls, and fires the game balls. A mechanism for sending out the game ball to the mechanism for the above, a ball removal mechanism for extracting the stored game ball into a ball exit storage box (so-called dollar box), a firing handle 131, an operation switch 132, and the like.

  In the pachinko machine 100 of this embodiment, a push button type is adopted as the ball removing mechanism. More specifically, when the player presses the bullet release button 128b, a part of the bottom surface of the ball tray 128a is opened, and the game ball stored in the ball tray 128a is released to the outside.

  The launch handle 131 is operated by the player when launching the game ball toward the game area 115. When the player rotates the launch handle 131, the game ball is guided toward the game area 115 by being guided by the inner rail 109 and the hustler 110 at a speed corresponding to the rotation angle.

The operation switch 132 is operated by the player, and the game effect can be changed by reflecting the operation content. In this embodiment, the operation switch 132 includes a push button and a cross key (not shown).
Further, speakers 133 that reproduce and output sound effects (actually, stereo sound left and right speakers 133L and 133R) are provided on both sides of the ball removal mechanism 128b.

(Outline of the game)
Next, an outline of the game in the pachinko machine 100 will be described.
(Normal game)
First, the normal game will be described. In the normal game, an image effect prepared for the normal game is displayed, and a corresponding sound effect is sent out.

  When the rented game ball is placed on the ball tray 128a, when the player turns the launch handle 131 in the clockwise direction toward FIG. 1, the game ball is launched toward the game area 115. The The game ball that has entered the game area 115 collides with the nail 101 or the windmill 102 formed in the game area 115, and moves in the game area 115 from top to bottom while moving irregularly.

  At the start of the game, the decorative screen is not displayed on the display screen 118 of the effect display device 107, and the background image and an image in which a predetermined character (object) moves around the background image, and the theme of this gaming machine Is displayed.

  When the game ball wins the start winning opening 112, a predetermined number of winning balls (four winning balls in the present embodiment) are paid out to the ball tray 128a, and the special symbol display device 106 displays a variation display of the symbols. Be started. The lottery is started based on the winning. Corresponding to the start of the lottery, the decorative symbol is displayed on the display screen 118 and the variable display is started. Corresponding to the variable display of the decorative symbols, the effect display device 107 displays an image corresponding to the effect content for a predetermined normal game, and the speaker 133 transmits sound corresponding to the effect content.

  When the result of the lottery executed based on the winning is “losing”, a special symbol corresponding to “losing” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. Then, a “reach” effect is executed on the display screen 118 as necessary, and a predetermined combination of decorative images corresponding to “losing” is displayed in the final stop, and then the mode shifts to a standby mode.

  On the other hand, when the result of the lottery executed based on the winning is “big hit”, after executing the reach effect, a special symbol corresponding to “big win” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 in this stop. The The display screen 118 displays a predetermined combination of decorative symbols corresponding to “big hit”, and then shifts to a special game. The timing of the special symbol stop and the decorative symbol main stop coincide with each other.

(Special game)
When the special game is executed, the image effect for the normal game is interrupted, the sound effect for the normal game is temporarily stopped, and the effect display device 107 displays an image corresponding to the effect content for the special game. Then, the sound corresponding to the contents of the effect is sent from the speaker.

In the special game, the special prize opening door 120 falls and the special prize opening 113 is opened. Each time a game ball wins a prize in the opened big winning opening 113, a predetermined number of prize balls (15 prize balls in this embodiment) are paid out. In this embodiment, when the grand prize winning opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or when a specific number of game balls are won in the special winning prize opening 113, the big winning prize opening door 120 is opened. Standing up, the special prize opening 113 is closed.
In the following description, when the specific number is 10, that is, either the big prize opening 113 is opened for 29.5 seconds or ten game balls are awarded to the big prize opening 113. In this state, the case where the special winning opening door 120 is raised will be described as an example.

When the game ball passes through a specific area (so-called V zone) 121 formed in the big winning opening 113 while the winning opening 113 is opened, the big winning opening 113 is opened again. In the present embodiment, the opening / closing operation of the grand prize winning opening 113 is performed up to 15 times. In other words, as described above, in the special game, a unit game in which the opening / closing of the big prize opening 113 is set as a set is performed a maximum of 15 times.
In this way, when a special game is executed, a large amount of prize balls are paid out in a short period of time, and a great merit can be given to the player.

  When the game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the normal symbol display device 108 (7-segment LED 122) starts to display the normal symbol in a variable manner. Thereafter, when a predetermined normal symbol (“7” in the present embodiment) is stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108, the normal electric accessory 104 performs an opening / closing operation. When the ordinary electric combination 104 is opened, the game ball can win the start winning opening 112 without passing between nails (so-called life nails) above the start winning opening 112.

  Further, according to the result of the lottery executed based on the winning at the start winning opening 112, the mode is shifted to either the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” after the special game is executed. When shifting to the “probability change mode”, the special symbol display device 106 displays “7” as the special symbol, and the effect display device 107 executes an effect indicating the shift to the “probability change mode” to play the game. Inform the person. Further, when shifting to the “short time mode”, the special symbol display device 106 displays “3” as the special symbol, and the effect display device 107 executes an effect indicating that the transition to the “short time mode” is performed. , Inform the player.

  As described above, when the transition to the “probability change mode” is performed after the execution of the special game, it is possible to prevent the holding ball from being reduced as much as possible until the next special game is started. Further, even when the mode is shifted to the “short time mode”, it is possible to prevent the holding ball from being reduced as much as possible for a while after the execution of the special game.

  When a game ball wins the general winning opening 111, a predetermined number of prize balls (four prize balls in this embodiment) are paid out to the ball tray 128a. If the game ball has not won any winning opening, the game ball flows into the out opening 114.

(Description of system configuration)
Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the pachinko machine 100 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the pachinko machine 100. As shown in FIG.
Inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100, there are a main control board 201, a sub control board 202 connected to the main control board 201, a winning hole board 203, an LED drive board 204, a launch control board 205, a payout control board 206, A power receiving board 207, an electric decoration board 208, and the like are provided.

(Main control board 201)
The main control board 201 is provided with a main CPU 201a, ROM 201b, RAM 201c, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 201d, which are connected to each other via a bus 201e.

  The main CPU 201a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. And main CPU201a reads the program, data, etc. which are memorize | stored in ROM201b, and controls the whole pachinko machine 100 based on these.

  The ROM 201b stores programs, data, and the like necessary for the main CPU 201a to perform main control processing related to lottery and other game controls. The RAM 201c is used as a work area when the main CPU 201a performs various controls and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The I / F circuit 201d transmits and receives signals performed between the main control board 201, the sub control board 202, the winning hole board 203, the LED drive board 204, the launch control board 205, and the payout control board 206. Control the timing. However, between the main control board 201 and the sub control board 202, transmission of signals from the main control board 201 to the sub control board 202 is performed, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 202 to the main control board 201 is not performed. Not done. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

  In addition, the I / F circuit 201 d is supplied with predetermined power from the power supply device 209 disposed inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100 via the power receiving board 207. With this power, the main control board 201 can perform various processes described later.

(Sub control board 202)
The sub control board 202 implements the functions according to the present invention, and includes the sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, RAM 202c, image sound processor 202d, image data ROM 202e, video RAM 202f, sound source circuit 202g, amplifier 202h, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 202i is provided. The sub CPU 202a, ROM 202b, RAM 202c, image sound processor 202d, and I / F circuit 202i are connected to each other via a bus 202j. The sound source circuit 202g, the image data ROM 202e, and the video RAM 202f are connected to the image sound processor 202d, and the sound source data ROM 202k and the amplifier 202h are connected to the sound source circuit 202g. Furthermore, an electrical decoration board 208 is connected to the I / F circuit 202i.

  The sub CPU 202a reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 202a reads a program, data, and the like stored in the ROM 202b, and controls the entire sub control board 202, in particular, controls the effects for the player.

  The ROM 202b stores programs and data necessary for the sub CPU 202a to execute image sound control processing and other effects during the game. The RAM 202c is used as a work area when the sub CPU 202a performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  Note that the ROM 202b and the RAM 202c may be the same as the ROM 201b and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201, respectively, but those having a larger capacity may be used.

  The effect display device 107 includes a liquid crystal display device, and is connected to the image sound processor 202d. The decoration display and the background image are displayed on the display screen 118 by the effect display device 107.

  The image data ROM 202e stores image data such as objects (characters) and characters constituting these decorative symbols and background images.

The video RAM 202f is a memory used when the image sound processor 202d creates an image to be displayed on the effect display device 107. The video RAM 202f can store a plurality of frame image data. An area for storing individual frame image data is a storage layer.
Needless to say, the display screen 118 may be configured to form the effect display device 107 by using, for example, a plasma display instead of the liquid crystal display device.

  The sound source circuit 202g is a sound source IC (so-called sound chip) for generating an acoustic signal corresponding to the game effect, and is connected to the amplifier 202h so that the acoustic signal can be output. The acoustic signal generated by the sound source circuit 202g is amplified by the amplifier 202h and output from the speaker 133. The sound source circuit 202g is configured by a FIFO, a sequencer, a sound source unit, an ADC, etc. when sound reproduction based on the sound source technology is possible, and when sound reproduction is possible by the speech synthesis technology, It is composed of a FIFO, a compressed data decoder, a DAC, and the like.

  The sound source circuit 202g has at least a plurality of channels (for example, 8 channels and 16 channels), and can generate the same or different sounds at the same time and independently to generate a synthesized sound signal. . There is no limitation on the sound source that can be used in the sound source circuit 202g, and the sound source can be appropriately selected according to the capacity of the waveform memory. For example, a PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) sound source using pulse code modulation technology, a PSG (Programmable Sound Generator) sound source that synthesizes a plurality of basic waveforms to create a timbre and processes the envelope, and a timbre synthesis method that applies frequency modulation An FM (Frequency Modulation) sound source, an LA (Linear Arithmetic) sound source, a waveform memory sound source with low memory consumption, and the like are applicable. The sound signal may be reproduced based on a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) sound source method.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the sound source circuit 202g is configured to be able to read a single sound (sound source data) and start the sound reproduction, and to interrupt the sound by a pause instruction. The sound source circuit 202g can instruct resumption of sound generation from the pause position by releasing the pause. However, it is not necessary to designate the reproduction (sound source data) at any position (elapsed time from the beginning of the sound, etc.) to give a reproduction instruction. This is because the sound generation according to the present invention enables discontinuous sound reproduction.

  Furthermore, an electrical decoration component 130 that is turned on or off according to the state of the game is provided as a production peripheral device. For example, as the illumination component 130, an illumination component (LED) that is lit when a reach state is formed, an illumination component (LED) that is lit during execution of a special game, and an illumination component that is lit during a prize ball ( LED). These effect peripheral devices are peripheral devices that are not directly related to the game, and output the effects during the game, and are controlled only by the sub-control board 202 and not by the main control board 201. .

  The I / F circuit 202 i performs timing control when receiving a signal from the main control board 201. Further, the I / F circuit 202i detects the operation of the operation switch 132 and transmits the detection signal to the sub CPU 202a. Thereby, the sub CPU 202a recognizes the operation content of the operation switch 132. The I / F circuit 202 i is supplied with predetermined power via the power receiving board 207 from the power supply device 209 arranged inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100. With this electric power, the sub-control board 202 can perform various processes described later.

(Electric board 208)
The above-mentioned electric decoration part 130 is connected to the electric decoration board 208, and the electric power supplied from the power supply device 209 arranged inside the housing of the pachinko machine 100 is output to the electric decoration part. Thereby, the electrical decoration component 130 performs lighting or light extinction. A control signal corresponding to the gaming state is supplied to the electrode substrate 208 via the I / F circuit 202i.

(Prize opening board 203)
On the winning opening board 203, a start winning opening switch 210 for detecting the winning of the game ball to the starting winning opening 112, a normal symbol operating gate switch 211 for detecting the passing of the gaming ball to the normal symbol operating gate 103, A general winning opening switch 212 that detects a winning of a game ball to the winning opening 111, a large winning opening switch 213 that detects a winning of a gaming ball to the big winning opening 113, and a specification formed in the large winning opening 113 A specific area detection switch 214 that detects passage of a game ball to the area 121 is connected.

  Based on the signals transmitted from the start winning port switch 210, the normal symbol operating gate switch 211, the general winning port switch 212, the large winning port switch 213, and the specific area detecting switch 214, the winning port board 203 It identifies which region has passed and transmits a game ball passing signal indicating the identified result to the main control board 201. Further, the prize winning board 203 has an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 215 for opening the ordinary electric accessory 104, a prize winning solenoid 216 for opening the prize winning opening 113, and the prize winning opening 113. A specific area solenoid 217 for controlling the movement of the game ball is connected. Specifically, the specific area solenoid 217 makes it easy to pass the game ball to the specific area until the specific area detection switch 214 detects the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121, and enters the specific area 121. When the passage of the game ball is detected, the state where the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121 becomes easy is released. The prize opening board 203 outputs a current for driving the ordinary electric combination 104 to the ordinary electric combination solenoid 215 when an ordinary electric combination release instruction signal is input from the main control board 201 as will be described later. As a result, the ordinary electric accessory 104 performs an opening / closing operation.

  In addition, when the prize winning hole opening instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the prize winning hole board 203 outputs a current for driving the big prize winning hole door 120 to the big prize winning hole solenoid 216. As a result, the special prize opening door 120 falls and the special prize opening 113 is opened. On the other hand, when a special winning opening closing instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the output of the current for driving the special winning opening door 120 is stopped. As a result, the grand prize opening door 120 stands and the special prize opening 113 is closed. Furthermore, when the game ball passes through the specific area 121, it is determined that the special game will be transferred to the next unit game, and when the specific area control instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the winning opening board 203 is specified. A current for releasing the state where the passing of the game ball to the area 121 becomes easy is output to the specific area solenoid 217. As described above, in this embodiment, a maximum of 15 unit games are continued in one special game.

(LED drive board 204)
A special symbol display device 106 and a normal symbol display device 108 are connected to the LED drive board 204. When a special symbol display instruction signal is input from the main control board 201 as described later, the LED drive board 204 receives the 7-segment LED 116 disposed in the special symbol display device 106 based on the special symbol display instruction signal, The four LEDs 117 that display the winning numbers are caused to emit light. In addition, when the normal symbol display instruction signal is input from the main control board 201, the LED drive board 204 receives the 7-segment LED 122 disposed in the normal symbol display device 108 based on the normal symbol display instruction signal and the gate passing signal. The four LEDs 123 for displaying the numbers are caused to emit light.

(Launch control board 205)
The launch control board 205 is connected to a launch handle 131 for launching a game ball into the game area 115.
The launch control board 205 detects that the launch handle 131 has been operated by the player, and transmits a launch operation detection signal indicating the detected result to the main control board 201. As a result, the main control board 201 recognizes that the firing handle 131 has been operated. Then, the main control board 201 transmits a launch permission signal to the launch control board 205 when the game balls are not stored in the ball tray 128a in a certain amount or more. Then, the launch control board 205 controls the launch handle 131 so that the game ball is launched toward the game area 115.

  On the other hand, when a certain amount or more of the game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch non-permission signal to the launch control board 205. Thereby, the launch control board 205 controls the launch handle 131 so that the game ball is not launched toward the game area 115.

(Discharge control board 206)
When the payout control board 206 receives a prize ball number signal transmitted from the main control board 201 as will be described later, the number of prize balls (game balls) corresponding to the prize ball number signal is paid out to the ball tray 128a. In this manner, the dispensing device 218 disposed inside the pachinko machine 100 is controlled. Thereby, the payout device 218 pays out a winning ball (game ball) corresponding to the winning.

  The winning a prize board 203, the LED drive board 204, the launch control board 205, and the payout control board 206 operate based on the power supplied from the power supply device 209 via the power receiving board 207.

(Power receiving board 207)
When the power switch 219 disposed inside the pachinko machine 100 is turned on, the power receiving board 207 is supplied with power from the power supply device 209, and the power is supplied to the main control board 201 and the sub-control as described above. This is distributed to the board 202, the winning hole board 203, the LED driving board 204, the launch control board 205, the payout control board 206, and the decoration board 208.

(Functional configuration of main control board 201)
Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 201 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the main control board 201. In the main control board 201, the sub control board 202 changes the contents of the effect based on the lottery result.

(Winning determination unit 301)
The winning determination unit 301 determines which region the game ball has passed based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning hole board 203. Specifically, based on the game ball passing signal, the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball is a start winning port 112, a normal symbol operating gate 103, a general winning port 111, a large winning port 113, and a specific area 121. Which of the above has been passed is determined.
The winning determination unit 301 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Payout instruction unit 303)
The payout instructing unit 303 transmits the award ball number signal indicating the number of winning balls to the payout control board 206 based on the result determined by the winning determination unit 301. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the start winning port 112 (that the game ball has won the start winning port 112), the payout instructing unit 303 receives the award. The prize ball number signal indicating that the number of balls is “4” is transmitted to the payout control board 206. When the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the general winning opening 111, the payout instructing unit 303 sends the winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “4” to the payout control board 206. Send. Further, when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113, the payout instructing unit 303 sends the winning ball number signal indicating that the number of winning balls is “15” to the payout control board 206. Send. Thereby, the payout control board 206 controls the payout device 218 so that payout according to the number of prize balls indicated in the prize ball number signal is made.
The payout instruction unit 303 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Special symbol lottery section 304)
The special symbol lottery unit 304 generates and acquires a random number ranging from, for example, “0” to “65535” when the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has won the start winning opening 112. For example, when no random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area in the RAM 202 c, the acquired random number is output to the winning determination unit 305. On the other hand, when a random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area, the acquired random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area. In the present embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the special symbol lottery unit 304 can be stored in the special symbol random number storage area, and the random number storage order can be identified. Then, the special symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the random number stored earliest in the special symbol random number storage area to the winning determination unit 305 and deletes the output random number from the special symbol random number storage region.
The special symbol lottery unit 304 is realized by using a main CPU 201a, a ROM 201b, and a RAM 202c provided on the main control board 201.

(Winning determination unit 305)
The winning determination unit 305 determines whether the random number output from the special symbol lottery unit 304 corresponds to “big hit” or “losing” based on the random number value output from the special symbol lottery unit 304. Furthermore, when “big hit” is true, it is determined whether to shift to “probability change mode” or “time reduction mode” after the “big win”. These determinations are made using, for example, a lottery table. Then, if it corresponds to “big hit”, the bonus flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. Further, when the “accuracy change mode” is applicable, the probability change flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. On the other hand, in the case of “time reduction mode”, the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on. In the present embodiment, a lottery table that is different between the case of shifting to the “probability change mode” and the other cases (in the case of shifting to the “short-time mode” and when playing a normal game), It is determined whether it corresponds to the above-mentioned “big hit” or “losing”.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, the probability variation lottery table used when the mode is changed to the “probability change mode”, the case where the mode is changed to the “time reduction mode”, and the case where the normal game is performed. There are two lottery tables, the normal lottery table to be used. And, in the case of shifting to “probability mode”, the probability of becoming “big hit” is higher than the case of shifting to “short-time mode” and the case of performing normal game, The contents of the two lottery tables are set.
The winning determination unit 305 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Special symbol display instruction unit 306)
The special symbol display instruction unit 306 determines the special symbol variation display time in the special symbol display device 106 based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and determines the result determined by the winning determination unit 305. Based on this, the special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106 is determined. In the present embodiment, the case where the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is turned on (in the case of shifting to the “probability variation mode” or the “time reduction mode”) is different from the case where the probability variation flag or the time reduction flag is turned on. The special symbol fluctuation display time is made much shorter than when playing “games”.

Further, in the present embodiment, when it corresponds to “big hit” and shifts to “probability change mode”, “7” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. On the other hand, when it corresponds to “big hit” and shifts to “time reduction mode”, “3” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. Further, in the case of “losing”, “−” is determined as a special symbol to be stopped and displayed on the special symbol display device 106. The special symbol display instruction unit 306 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the special symbol variation display time, etc. 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.
The special symbol display instruction unit 306 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Big prize opening opening instruction section 307)
When the winning determination unit 305 determines that the lottery result by the special symbol lottery unit 304 corresponds to “big hit” by the winning determination unit 307 and the bonus flag in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on, The special winning opening release instruction signal is transmitted to the substrate 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened. After that, when it is determined that the game ball has passed the specific area 121 formed in the big prize opening 113 based on the result of the determination in the winning determination section 301, the special prize opening release instruction section 307 performs the specific area control. An instruction signal is transmitted to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the state in which the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121 is released.

  Thereafter, for example, when it is determined that ten game balls have passed through the prize winning opening 113, or when it has been determined that 29.5 seconds have elapsed since the prize winning opening 113 was opened, the prize winning opening releasing instruction unit 307 Then, a large winning opening closing signal is transmitted to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is closed.

  When the big prize opening 113 is closed as described above, the big prize opening opening instructing unit 307 facilitates the passage of the game ball to the specific area 121 while the big prize opening 113 is being opened. It is determined whether or not the state has been released. As a result of this determination, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is released, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the special winning opening 113 is opened 15 times. . That is, it is determined whether or not 15 unit games have been consumed. As a result of these determinations, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is facilitated and all the unit games in the special game have not been digested, the special winning opening release instructing unit 307 The prize winning opening instruction signal is transmitted to the prize winning board 203 to shift to the next unit game, and the operation for opening and closing the prize winning opening 113 as described above is repeated until all the unit games are consumed. Do.

On the other hand, when all the rounds of the special game have been consumed, the special game has ended, and the special winning opening 113 is not opened. Further, when the game ball does not pass through the specific area 121 while the special winning opening 113 is opened, it is a so-called “punk” state, and whether or not all unit games in the special game have been consumed. Regardless, the special game is forcibly terminated. Accordingly, in this case as well, the special winning opening 113 is not opened.
The special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal symbol lottery section 309)
When the winning determination unit 301 determines that the game ball has passed the normal symbol operation gate 103, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 generates and acquires random numbers within a predetermined range. Then, when the normal symbol is not being displayed in the normal symbol display device 108 (that is, when it is not necessary to hold the normal symbol lottery result), the acquired random number is output to the winning determination unit 310. . On the other hand, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less and the normal symbol is displayed in a variable manner on the normal symbol display device 108, the obtained random number Are stored in the normal symbol random number storage area. As described above, in the present embodiment, up to four random numbers acquired by the normal symbol lottery unit 309 can be stored in the normal symbol random number storage area, and the random number storage order can be identified. . Then, the normal symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the random number stored earliest in the normal symbol random number storage area to the winning determination unit 310 and deletes the output random number from the normal symbol random number storage region.
The normal symbol lottery unit 309 is realized by using the main CPU 201a, the ROM 201b, and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201.

(Winning determination unit 310)
The winning determination unit 310 determines whether the random number output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309 corresponds to “win” or “losing” based on the random number value output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309. This determination is performed using, for example, a lottery table. In the present embodiment, a lottery table that is different between the case of shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode” and the case of performing a normal game is used, and either “winning” or “losing” described above is used. Judgment is made as to whether it is applicable. Specifically, in the present embodiment, a special mode lottery table used when shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” and a normal lottery table used when a normal game is being performed. There are two lottery tables. Then, the two lottery tables are set so that the probability of “winning” is significantly higher in the case of shifting to the “probability change mode” or the “short-time mode” than in the case of playing a normal game. Is set. This increases the probability of winning the normal symbol when the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”. Therefore, when the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”, the normal electric accessory 104 is released more frequently than when the normal game is played, and the ball is held as much as possible. The game can be progressed without being reduced.
The winning determination unit 310 is realized by using the main CPU 201a, the ROM 201b, and the RAM 201c provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal symbol display instruction unit 311)
The normal symbol display instruction unit 311 determines the normal symbol variation display time based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, and based on the lottery result determined by the winning determination unit 310, the normal symbol display time A normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the display device 108 is determined. Then, a display pattern based on the determined stop symbol and the normal symbol variation display time is formed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the probability change flag or the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or the “time reduction mode”). The normal symbol variation display time is made much shorter than when they are not turned on (than when the normal game is played). If the result of the determination by the winning determination unit 310 is “winning”, for example, “7” is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108. On the other hand, in the case of “losing”, for example, “−” is determined as a normal symbol to be stopped and displayed on the normal symbol display device 108. Then, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 forms a display pattern based on the stop symbol determined in this way, the normal symbol variation display time, and the like, and sends the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern to the LED drive board. 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.
The normal symbol display instruction unit 311 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Normal electric accessory driving instruction unit 312)
Based on the state of the flag stored in the flag storage unit 302, the lottery result determined by the winning determination unit 310, etc., the normal electric combination driving instruction unit 312 determines the operation mode of the normal electric combination 104, A normal electric accessory release instruction signal indicating the determined operation mode is transmitted. For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the probability change flag or the time reduction flag stored in the flag storage unit 302 is turned on (the case where the mode is shifted to the “probability change mode” or “time reduction mode”). The operation mode of the ordinary electric accessory 104, for example, the opening time is determined so that the game ball can be easily won at the start winning opening 112, compared with the case where they are not turned on (than when the normal game is performed). Like to do.

  Note that the normal electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 is realized by using the main CPU 201 a and the ROM 201 b provided on the main control board 201.

(Direction command generator 313)
The effect command generation unit 313 is a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 301, a result of determination by the winning determination unit 305 (a special symbol lottery result), a flag state stored in the flag storage unit 302, and a special symbol display. Based on the special symbol variation display time determined by the instruction unit 306, an effect command corresponding to the current game state is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. The effect command output from the effect command generating unit 313 to the sub control board 202 is information including the lottery result of the gaming machine.
The production command generation unit 313 is realized by using the main CPU 201a and the ROM 201b provided on the main control board 201.

(Functional configuration of sub-control board 202)
Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 202 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the sub control board 202.
As shown in FIG. 4, the sub control board 202 includes an effect command analysis unit 401, an effect control unit 402, an effect pattern storage unit 403, a flag storage unit 404, an image generation unit 405, and a sound generation unit 406.

(Direction command analysis unit 401)
The effect command analysis unit 401 analyzes the effect command transmitted from the main control board 201 (effect command generation unit 313). For example, when an effect command indicating a flag state is input from the main control board 201, the effect command analysis unit 401 stores this in the flag storage unit 404. When an effect command indicating a special symbol lottery result or special symbol variation display time is input from the main control board 201, the effect command analysis unit 401 determines whether the current game mode (normal game or not) based on the lottery result. , "Probability change mode" based on the probability change flag, "time reduction mode" based on the time-short flag, or "big hit" (special game) state based on the bonus flag), and update the flag content of the flag storage unit 404 These pieces of information are output to the effect control unit 402.

  In addition, the effect command analysis unit 401 acquires an operation signal of the operation switch 132 and outputs operation information indicating an operation state to the effect control unit 402, the image generation unit 405, the sound generation unit 406, and the illumination board 208. In the gaming machine, it is possible to display a plurality of effect contents, and the effect contents to be executed are specified corresponding to the operation information, and the effect image is displayed and the effect image corresponding to the specified effect contents. The corresponding sound can be played back.

  The effect command analysis unit 401 determines the default effect content selected when the power is turned on. When the operation signal is input in the state where the operation of the operation switch 132 is permitted, the effect content is changed to the next order. It is going to change. The operation switch 132 enables a so-called toggle operation. In the normal game mode, when the game is “big hit” and the effect for “big win” is returned to the normal game mode again, the content of the previous effect is maintained until the next operation signal is input. .

  In addition, the process which the production | presentation command analysis part 401 performs is not limited to these, The process according to the content of the production | presentation command is performed suitably. The effect command analysis unit 401 is realized by using a sub CPU 202a, a ROM 202b, and a RAM 202c provided on the sub control board 202.

(Production pattern storage unit 403)
The effect pattern storage unit 403 has information indicating the combination information of the decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in the main stop, the decorative symbol variation pattern that is variably displayed before the main stop, “reach” effect time, and information indicating the effect contents in the “reach” effect. Stored. These pieces of information are determined by the effect control unit 402 according to the lottery result.

As the decorative symbol variation pattern, a plurality of decorative symbol variation patterns 4031 to 403m (m is a natural number) related to a series of symbol transition order from the start of variation display to the actual stop are set in a table. The reach production time is an extra time required to produce the effect of “reach” when “reach” is applied.
The effect pattern storage unit 403 corresponds to the ROM 202b.

(Production control unit 402)
The effect control unit 402 performs control related to the background image, the decorative design, and the sound effect corresponding to them. Specifically, the effect control unit 402, based on the current game mode and operation information output from the effect command analysis unit 401, from the effect pattern storage unit 403, a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in this stop. The information, the decorative symbol variation pattern variably displayed before the actual stop, the “reach” effect time, and the information indicating the effect contents in the “reach” effect are selectively read out. Then, the image production content to be generated by the image generation unit 405 and the sound production content to be generated by the sound generation unit 406 are determined, and background image production information for designating the production content at a predetermined timing (for example, every frame period) and Sound production information is generated and output.

  At the time of determining the combination of the decorative symbols, the production control unit 402 determines that the special symbol lottery result is “big hit” and the transition to the “probability change mode” is “111”, “333”, “ One of the combinations “555”, “777”, “999”, “AAA”, “CCC”, and “EEE” is determined as a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed. In addition, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “big hit” and the mode shifts to the “short time mode”, “000”, “222”, “444”, “666”, “888”, “ A combination of any one of “BBB”, “DDD”, and “FFF” is determined as a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed. The combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed on the effect display device 107 may be determined by lottery, for example. Furthermore, when the lottery result of the special symbol is “losing”, the combination of the decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed is determined so that the combination of different decorative symbols is displayed on the display screen 118. In addition, the production control unit 402 performs the “reach” production based on the current game mode, operation information, a combination of decorative symbols to be stopped and displayed in the final stop, a decorative symbol variation pattern that is variably displayed before the final stop, and the like. Determine presence or absence. And the decoration design effect information which specifies the decoration design displayed at the next image display timing is output.

  In particular, the effect control unit 402 cooperates with the sound generation unit 406 for sound control according to the present invention. Specifically, the effect control unit 402 is configured to output various sound effect commands that determine the content of the sound effect to the sound generation unit 406. Here, the format of the sound production command is arbitrary. For example, sound identification information for specifying sound source data corresponding to the sound (music piece) to be controlled, reproduction start instruction information for instructing start of sound reproduction, and sound reproduction Includes pause instruction information indicating the pause of the sound, pause release information indicating the cancellation of the pause of the sound playback, playback end instruction information for instructing the end of the sound playback, and volume setting information indicating the volume set for each channel. .

(Image generation unit 405)
The image generation unit 405 generates image data for displaying the effect image based on the image effect information sent from the effect command analysis unit 401. Further, the image generation unit 405 generates image data related to the decorative design based on the decorative design effect information output from the effect control unit 402. Then, these image data are combined and output to the effect display device 107 as output frame image data.
Specifically, the image generation unit 405 reads original image data for displaying an object such as a character related to the effect image at each image display timing. Then, an appropriate arrangement in the image display space is determined according to the effect contents, and temporary image data in which the object is arranged is generated and written in the temporary memory space. Further, the image generation unit 405 determines an object of a decorative symbol to be displayed at the next image display timing based on the decorative symbol effect information, and reads original image data for displaying the decorative symbol as an object. Then, the arrangement of the decorative symbol object in the image display space is determined, and temporary image data in which the decorative symbol is arranged is generated and written in another temporary memory space. Next, the image generation unit 405 reads the image data related to the background image and the image data related to the decorative design from the temporary memory space, and the image data related to the background image is overwritten with the image data related to the decorative design so that the decorative design is in front. Then, it is stored in the memory space as an output frame image. The stored output frame image data is output to the effect display device 107 in synchronization with the image display timing (for example, every 1/30 seconds as the frame period), and the background image and the decorative design corresponding to the effect contents are produced. It is displayed on the display device 107.

  The image generation unit 405 is realized by an image sound processor 202d, an image data ROM 202e, and a video RAM 202f that operate based on the control of the sub CPU 202a provided on the sub control board 202.

(Sound generation unit 406)
The sound generation unit 406 has a configuration as a sound generation device according to the present invention. As an operation common to the following embodiments, the sound generation unit 406 starts reproduction of a plurality of channels so that a predetermined time difference is delayed for a predetermined sound, and the volume of any one of the plurality of channels is increased. Is set to be equal to or higher than the limit volume, the volume of the other channels is set to be lower than the limit volume, and the channel set to be higher than the limit volume is switched when the acoustic progression is discontinuously changed.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the sound generation unit 406.
As shown in FIG. 5, the sound generation unit 406 includes a channel control unit 410, a sound volume setting unit 412, a sound source data storage unit 414, a sound source reproduction unit 416, a sound amplification unit 418, and sound synthesis units 420L and 420R. . In FIG. 5, illustration of the effect command analysis unit 401, the effect pattern storage unit 403, and the flag storage unit 404 is omitted.

  Such a functional block is realized by the sub CPU 202a sequentially executing the sound generation program stored in the ROM 202b to control the image sound processor 202d, and further the image sound processor 202d controlling the sound source circuit 202g. The That is, in the above configuration, the sound source data storage unit 414 corresponds to the sound source data ROM 202k, and the channel control unit 410, the volume setting unit 412, the sound source reproduction unit 416, the sound amplification unit 418, and the sound synthesis unit 420L / R The sound source circuit 202g controlled by the acoustic processor 202d corresponds to this.

(Channel control unit 410)
The channel control unit 410 is a functional block that causes the sound source playback unit 416 to start playback of a plurality of channels so that a delay of a predetermined time difference occurs with respect to the sound for normal games. Therefore, the channel control unit 410 first specifies sound source data for the normal game corresponding to the acoustic identification information transmitted from the effect control unit 402 and a channel for reproducing the sound source data. Next, the channel control unit 410 starts sound generation by reading sound source data for each of the plurality of channels specified at the supply timing of the reproduction start instruction information transmitted from the effect control unit 402. The channel control unit 410 pauses the generation of sound when the pause instruction information is transmitted from the effect control unit 402, and restarts the generation of paused sound when the suspension release information is transmitted. Furthermore, when the reproduction end instruction information is supplied from the effect control unit 402, the sound reproduction is ended.

  Here, the acoustic identification information, the reproduction start instruction information, the pause instruction information, the pause release information, and the reproduction end instruction information are accompanied by information for identifying a channel to be operated, and the channel control unit 410 is identified. For each channel, the playback start, pause, release of pause, and playback end are instructed individually. Specific operation contents between a plurality of channels will be described in detail in each embodiment.

(Volume setting unit 412)
Based on the volume setting information transmitted from the effect control unit 402, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of any one of a plurality of channels to be reproduced to be higher than the limit volume, and sets the volume of other channels. Is set smaller than the limit sound volume. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, the volume above the limit volume is referred to as “on volume V _ON ”, and the volume smaller than the limit volume is referred to as “off volume V _OFF ”. For example, when the set volume is designated by an M digit digital value, if the on volume V _ON is set to 50% of the maximum output volume (= 2M), the on volume V _ON can be set to 2M-1. can, if you set the off volume V _oFF to the lowest output volume, the off volume V _oFF can be set to 0 (zero).

Here, when playing the sound for normal game, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of only one of the plurality of channels to the on volume V _ON and turns off the volume of the remaining channels. The volume is set to V _OFF . Sound is output recognizable from only one of the plurality of channels.

(Sound source data storage unit 414)
The sound source data storage unit 414 stores various types of sound source data that are original sound data. The number of sound source data is the upper limit of the number of sound source data that can be read by the sound source circuit 202g, and in reality, many kinds of sound source data can be stored as long as the capacity of the sound source data ROM 202k allows. The volume of each sound source data depends on the content and length of the sound, and corresponds to sound (music) having a length of 1 second to several tens of seconds, for example. Examples of relatively short sounds include those corresponding to sound effects and character voices, and examples of relatively long sounds include those corresponding to everything from several measures of music. The sound source data that is the subject of the present invention is original data for playing back music that is sent in correspondence with effect images for normal games and special games. The sound source data format is a sound source format that can be supported by the sound generation unit 406, for example, uncompressed PCM sound source data, PSG sound source data, FM sound source data, LA sound source data, and waveform memory sound source data obtained by quantizing an analog sound signal. MIDI sound source data may be used.

(Sound source playback unit 416)
The sound source reproduction unit 416 is a functional block that reads sound source data specified by the acoustic identification information into a designated channel based on the control of the channel control unit 410 and reproduces an acoustic signal in that channel. When the channel control unit 410 designates sound source data, the sound source reproduction unit 416 reads the designated sound source data and prepares to reproduce an acoustic signal according to the format of the sound source data. When the channel control unit 410 gives an instruction to start or end playback, the sound source playback unit 416 starts and ends generation of an acoustic signal based on the sound source data. When the channel control unit 410 instructs to pause or cancels the suspension, the sound source playback unit 416 interrupts the generation of the sound signal based on the sound source data being played back, and starts from the position where it was interrupted. Resume generation of acoustic signals.

(Sound amplification unit 418)
The acoustic amplification unit 418 amplifies the acoustic signal of each channel so as to correspond to the volume setting output from the volume setting unit 412. Since the acoustic signal of each channel is an analog signal, the acoustic amplification unit 418 functions like a variable resistor (volume) that changes the amplitude of the analog signal. For example, when the on volume V _ON is set, the acoustic signal is amplified with an amplification degree corresponding to the on volume V _ON . When the off sound volume V _OFF is set, the output of the acoustic signal is practically prohibited if the degree of amplification corresponding to the off sound volume V _OFF is specifically zero. The acoustic signal can be set individually for the right acoustic and the left acoustic. The sound amplification unit 418 determines the volume and localization of each sound signal for each channel, separates the sound signal into a right sound signal and a left sound signal, and outputs them.

(Sound synthesis unit 420)
The acoustic synthesis units 420L and R synthesize the right acoustic signal and the left acoustic signal provided from each channel, respectively, amplify the power of the synthesized right acoustic signal and left acoustic signal, and output them to the speakers 133L and R, respectively. Note that the function of the sound source circuit 202g is performed until the synthesis of the right acoustic signal and the left acoustic signal, and the power amplification of the synthesized acoustic signal is the function of the amplifier 202h.

(Basic operation explanation)
Next, the basic operation of the gaming machine in this embodiment will be described.
First, the operation of the main control board 201 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, and the operation of the sub control board 202 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Processing of main control board 201)
FIG. 6 is a main flowchart showing an example of processing operations in the main control board 201.
In step S1 in FIG. 6, when the power switch 219 is turned on, the main control board 201 performs a game ball launch process. A specific example of this game ball launch process will be described. After the launch operation detection signal indicating that the launch handle 131 has been operated by the player is transmitted from the launch control board 205, first, the main control board 201 stores a certain amount or more of game balls in the ball tray 128a. It is determined whether or not.

  If the result of this determination is that a certain amount or more of game balls are not stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch permission signal to the launch control board 205 and the game balls are directed to the game area 115. A command indicating that it has been fired is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. Thereby, a game ball is launched into the game area 115 and an effect during the game is started.

  On the other hand, when a certain amount or more of game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a, the main control board 201 transmits a launch non-permission signal to the launch control board 205, and the game balls cannot be launched into the game area 115. A command indicating this is generated and transmitted to the sub-control board 202. In this case, even if the player operates the launch handle 131, the game ball is not fired toward the game area 115. In addition, the player is notified by turning on the illumination part 130 that a certain amount or more of the game balls are stored in the ball tray 128a.

  Next, in step S2, the main control board 201 performs a general winning process. This general winning process is a process performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 wins the general winning opening 111. Details of the general winning process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, in step S3, the main control board 201 performs normal symbol operation gate passage processing. This normal symbol operation gate passing process is a process performed when a game ball launched into the game area 115 passes through the normal symbol operation gate. The normal symbol operation gate passing process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

  Next, in step S4, the main control board 201 performs a start winning process. This start winning process is a process that is performed based on a winning of a game ball launched into the game area 115 to the start winning port 112. Details of the start winning process will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B.

  Next, in step S5, the main control board 201 performs a special game execution process. In this special game execution process, as a result of determining “big hit” by the winning determination unit 305, a predetermined symbol or effect image is displayed on the special symbol display device 106 and the effect display device 107, resulting in a “hit”. This is a process that is performed when a transition is made. Details of the special game execution process will be described later with reference to FIG.

  As described above, in the main control board 201, the game ball launching process, the general winning process, the normal symbol operation gate passing process, the starting winning process, and the special game executing process are repeatedly performed, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 below. Thus, in the present embodiment, each process is repeatedly executed while omitting unnecessary processes according to the state of the game.

(General winning process)
Next, the details of the general winning process in step S2 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In addition, each process (including the partial process to which the code | symbol is not provided) can be arbitrarily changed in order within the range which does not produce inconsistency in a processing content, or can be performed in parallel (this point is other The same applies to the flowchart of FIG.

In step S <b> 11 of FIG. 7, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has won the general winning opening 111 based on the gaming ball passage signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has won the general winning opening 111, the process proceeds to step S12, where the payout instructing unit 303 pays out the prize ball number signal indicating that the number of prize balls is “4”. Transmit to the substrate 206. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a. In addition, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the general winning opening 111 has been won and transmits it to the sub-control board 202. Thereby, the sub-control board 202 notifies the player that the general winning opening 111 has been won, for example, by lighting the electric decoration part 130. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.
On the other hand, when the game ball has not won the general winning opening 111, it is not necessary to perform the process of step S12, and the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Normal symbol operation gate processing)
Next, details of the normal symbol operation gate passing process in step S3 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 8A and 8B.
In step S21 of FIG. 8A, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103 based on the gaming ball passage signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the normal symbol operation gate 103, the routine proceeds to step S22, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 generates a random number and performs lottery (that is, obtains a random number).

  Next, in step S23, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether or not the normal symbol is being variably displayed. If the result of this determination is that the normal symbol is variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S24, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 counts the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not there are three or less. As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S25, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines the normal symbol lottery result (step S22). Is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area, and the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S22 may be suspended. Since normal symbols cannot be displayed based on, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the normal symbol is not being variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S26, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether or not a random number is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area. Determine. As a result of this determination, if random numbers are stored, the process proceeds to step S27, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines whether the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less. Determine whether.

  As a result of this determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S28, where the normal symbol lottery unit 309 determines the normal symbol lottery result (step S22). Is stored in the normal symbol random number storage area.

Next, in step S29, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 reads the random number stored earliest in the normal symbol random number storage area, and proceeds to step S30.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that no random number is stored, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 skips steps S27 to S29 and proceeds to step S30.

If it is determined in step S27 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S22 may be suspended. Therefore, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.
When the normal symbol lottery result (random number) is obtained as described above, the process proceeds to step S30, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 outputs the obtained random number to the winning determination unit 310.

  Next, in step S31, the winning determination unit 310 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on, it is determined that the mode is shifting to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, and the process proceeds to step S32, where the winning determination unit 310 The special mode lottery table used in the case of the “short time mode” or “probability change mode” is read.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that neither the time-saving flag nor the probability variation flag is turned on, it is determined that the game is in the normal game, and the process proceeds to step S33. The winning determination unit 310 is used when the game is in the normal game. The normal lottery table to be extracted is extracted.

  As described above, when the lottery table is selected in step S33, the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG. 8B, and the winning determination unit 310 selects the lottery result (random number) output from the normal symbol lottery unit 309 in step S30. It is determined whether or not the lottery table corresponds to “winning”. That is, it is determined whether or not the normal symbol lottery is won.

  As a result of this determination, if the normal symbol lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S35, and the normal symbol display instructing unit 311 and the ordinary electric accessory driving instructing unit 312 refer to the flag storage unit 302, and It is determined whether or not the probability variation flag is turned on. That is, it is determined whether or not a transition is made to either “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on and the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S 36, when the transition to the “short time mode” is in progress, the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner during the default normal symbol fluctuation display time in the “short time mode”. A display pattern for stopping and displaying “7” indicating “win” is formed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  On the other hand, when transitioning to the “probability change mode”, the normal symbol display instructing unit 311 displays the normal symbols in a variable manner during the default normal symbol change display time in the “probability change mode”, and then “wins”. A display pattern for stopping and displaying “7” indicating that the normal symbol is displayed, and the normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  Next, in step S <b> 37, the ordinary electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the default operation mode in the “time reduction mode” or the “probability change mode” to the winning opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG. The normal electric accessory release signal is transmitted after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S35 that neither the time reduction flag nor the probability variation flag is on, the normal game is in progress, so the process proceeds to step S38, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the default during normal game. During the normal symbol variation display time, after the normal symbol is variably displayed, a display pattern is formed such that “7” indicating “winning” is stopped and displayed, and the normal symbol indicating the formed display pattern is formed. A display instruction signal is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal.

  Next, in step S <b> 39, the ordinary electric accessory driving instruction unit 312 transmits the ordinary electric accessory release signal indicating the default operation mode during the normal game to the prize opening board 203. Thereby, the ordinary electric accessory 104 operates in the operation mode indicated by the ordinary electric accessory release signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG. The normal electric accessory release signal is transmitted after the normal symbol is stopped and displayed on the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108.

  If it is determined in step S34 that the normal symbol lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S40, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to set the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag. Determine whether it is turned on. As a result of these determinations, if the time reduction flag or the probability change flag is turned on and the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode” or “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S41, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 During the default normal symbol fluctuation display time in “mode” or “probability change mode”, after the normal symbol is variably displayed, a display pattern is formed so that “−” indicating “losing” is stopped and displayed. The normal symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S40 that neither the time reduction flag nor the probability variation flag is on, the normal game is in progress, so the process proceeds to step S42, and the normal symbol display instruction unit 311 displays the default normal in normal game. After the normal symbol is variably displayed during the symbol variation display time, a display pattern is formed so that “-” indicating “losing” is stopped, and the normal symbol display instruction indicating the formed display pattern is formed. A signal is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 122 of the normal symbol display device 108 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated by the normal symbol display instruction signal. Then, the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S21 of FIG. 8A that the game ball has not passed the normal symbol operation gate 103, the process proceeds to step S43, and the normal symbol lottery unit 309 is provided with the normal symbol provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not random numbers are stored in the random number storage area. If a random number is stored as a result of this determination, the normal symbol lottery unit 309 proceeds to step S29 described above. On the other hand, when the random number is not stored, it is not necessary to perform the processing after step S22, so the normal symbol lottery unit 309 returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Start-up winning process)
Next, details of the start winning process in step S4 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 9A and 9B.
In step S61 of FIG. 9A, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the game ball has passed through the start winning port 112 based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning port substrate 203. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the start winning opening 112, the process proceeds to step S62, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 generates a random number and performs lottery (that is, obtains a random number).

  Next, in step S63, the special symbol lottery unit 304 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag has been turned off, the process proceeds to step S64, and the special symbol lottery section 304 determines whether or not the special symbol is being variably displayed. If the result of this determination is that the special symbol is variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S65, where the special symbol lottery section 304 counts the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not there are three or less.

As a result of the determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S66, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines the special symbol lottery result (step S62). Is stored in the special symbol random number storage area, and then the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S63 that the bonus flag is not turned off (turned on), the special symbol lottery unit 304 proceeds to step S65 because the special game is being executed.

  If it is determined in step S65 that the number of random numbers stored in the normal symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S62 may be suspended. Therefore, the special symbol lottery unit 304 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S64 that the special symbol is not being variably displayed, the process proceeds to step S67, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether or not a random number is stored in the special symbol random number storage area. Determine. If the result of this determination is that random numbers are stored, the process proceeds to step S68, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines whether the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less. Determine whether.

  As a result of the determination, if the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area is three or less, the process proceeds to step S69, where the special symbol lottery unit 304 determines the special symbol lottery result (step S62). Is stored in the special symbol random number storage area.

Next, in step S70, the special symbol lottery unit 304 reads the random number stored earliest in the special symbol random number storage area, and proceeds to step S71.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S67 that no random number is stored, the special symbol lottery unit 304 skips steps S68 to S70 and proceeds to step S71.

  If it is determined in step S68 that the number of random numbers stored in the special symbol random number storage area exceeds three, the random number acquired in step S62 may be suspended. Since the special symbol based on the symbol cannot be displayed, the special symbol lottery unit 304 returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  As described above, when the lottery result (random number) for the special symbol is obtained, the process proceeds to step S71, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 outputs the obtained random number to the winning determination unit 305.

  Next, in step S72, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the probability variation flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the probability variation flag is on, it is determined that the mode has been shifted to the “probability variation mode”, and the process proceeds to step S73. The winning determination unit 305 is used when the probability variation mode is in effect. The lottery table for probability variation to be extracted is extracted.

  On the other hand, if the probability variation flag is not turned on, the process proceeds to step S74, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the time reduction flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag is turned on, it is determined that the mode is shifted to the “time reduction mode”, the process proceeds to step S75, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302. Add 1 to the number of time reductions. That is, the number of games in which the current game corresponds to the “short time mode” is counted.

Next, in step S76, the winning determination unit 305 extracts a normal lottery table to be used in the “time reduction mode”.
Next, in step S77, the winning determination unit 305 determines whether or not the “time saving mode” has ended by digesting the prescribed number of games. If the result of this determination is that the prescribed number of games has been exhausted and the “time reduction mode” has ended, the process proceeds to step S78, and the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and turns off the time reduction flag.

If it is determined in step S77 that the prescribed number of games has not been exhausted, the “time reduction mode” is ongoing, so the process in step S78 is omitted.
If it is determined in step S74 that the time reduction flag is not turned on, the game is in a normal game, so the process proceeds to step S79. Extract.

  As described above, when the lottery table is extracted in steps S73, S76, and S79, the process proceeds to step S80 in FIG. 9B, and the winning determination unit 305 outputs the lottery result (random number) output from the special symbol lottery unit 304 in step S71. Determines whether or not it corresponds to “big hit” in the extracted lottery table. That is, it is determined whether or not a special symbol lottery is won.

  As a result of this determination, if the special symbol lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S81, and the winning determination unit 305 further determines whether to shift to the “probability change mode” or the “short time mode” after the special game. Referring to the flag storage unit 302, the bonus flag is turned on and the process proceeds to step S82. On the other hand, if the special symbol lottery is not won, the process of step S81 is omitted and the process proceeds to step S82.

  In step S82, the special symbol display instruction unit 306 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on. As a result of this determination, if the time reduction flag or the probability variation flag is turned on, since either the “time reduction mode” or the “probability variation mode” is being executed, the process proceeds to step S83. The special symbol display instructing unit 306 forms a display pattern for the time reduction / probability change mode based on the determination result in steps S80 and S82, and sends the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern to the LED drive board 204. Send. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.

  On the other hand, if the time flag or the probability variation flag is not turned on in step S82, it means that the game is in a normal game, so that the process proceeds to step S84, and the special symbol display instruction unit 306 is based on the determination result in steps S80 and S82. Then, a display pattern for a normal game is formed, and the special symbol display instruction signal indicating the formed display pattern is transmitted to the LED drive board 204. Accordingly, the 7-segment LED 116 of the special symbol display device 106 performs a light emission operation according to the display pattern indicated in the special symbol display instruction signal.

  In step S <b> 85, the payout instructing unit 303 transmits the prize ball number signal indicating that the number of prize balls is “4” to the payout control board 206. As a result, four prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a.

Next, in step S86, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 and determines whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag is on, the process proceeds to step S87, and if the winning determination unit 305 determines in S81 to shift to the “probability change mode”, the process proceeds to step S88, where the flag storage unit Referring to 302, the probability variation flag is turned on.
On the other hand, when it is determined in S81 that the winning determination unit 305 shifts to the “time reduction mode”, the process proceeds to step S89, and the flag storage unit 302 is referred to and the time reduction flag is turned on.

  In step S90, the effect command generating unit 313 generates an effect command based on the determination results in steps S80 and S82 and the stored contents of the flag storage unit 302, and transmits the effect command to the sub control board 02. Return to.

  If it is determined in step S61 in FIG. 9A that the game ball has not passed through the start winning opening 112, the process proceeds to step S91, and the special symbol lottery unit 304 is provided in the RAM 201c. It is determined whether or not random numbers are stored in the design random number storage area. If a random number is stored as a result of this determination, the process proceeds to step S70 described above. On the other hand, when the random number is not stored, it is not necessary to perform the processing after step S62, and the process returns to the main flowchart shown in FIG.

(Special game execution process)
Next, the details of the special game execution process in step S5 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
In step S101 of FIG. 10, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302 to determine whether or not the bonus flag is turned on. If the result of this determination is that the bonus flag is not turned on, there is no need to perform the processing after step S102 (since it does not shift to a special game), the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  On the other hand, if the bonus flag is on, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S <b> 102, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 transmits the special winning opening opening instruction signal to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is opened, and one round of the specific game consisting of 15 rounds starts.

Next, in step S <b> 103, the winning determination unit 301 determines whether or not the gaming ball has passed through the big winning opening 113 based on the gaming ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203.
If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed through the big winning opening 113, the process proceeds to step S104, where the winning determination section 301 determines that the game ball is based on the game ball passing signal transmitted from the winning opening board 203. It is determined whether or not the specific area 121 has been passed. If the result of this determination is that the game ball has passed the specific area 121, the process proceeds to step S105, where the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203, and proceeds to step S106. move on. As a result, the state in which the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121 is released. On the other hand, if the game ball has not passed the specific area 121, the process skips step S105 and proceeds to step S106.

Next, in step S <b> 106, the effect command generation unit 313 generates an effect command indicating that the game ball has passed through the big prize opening 113 or the specific area 121, and transmits it to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating that the game ball has passed the special winning opening 113 or the specific area 121 is displayed on the effect display device 107. Also, the payout instruction unit 303 transmits the prize ball number signal indicating that the prize ball number is “15” to the payout control board 206. Thereby, 15 prize balls are paid out to the ball tray 128a.
If it is determined in step S103 that the game ball has not won the big winning opening 113, the winning determination unit 301 skips steps S104 to S106 and proceeds to step S107.

  Next, in step S107, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not a predetermined time (29.5 seconds) has elapsed since the special winning opening 113 is opened. As a result of the determination, if the predetermined time has elapsed, it is the end of the unit game, so the process proceeds to step S108, and the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 transmits a special winning opening closing signal to the winning opening board 203. To do. As a result, the special winning opening 113 is closed.

Next, in step S <b> 109, the special winning opening release instruction unit 307 determines whether or not the state where it is easy to pass the game ball to the specific area 121 is released. As a result of this determination, when the state in which the passing of the game ball to the specific area 121 is released, the process proceeds to step S110, where the special winning opening release instructing unit 307 determines that all unit games in the special game (that is, It is determined whether or not (special game) has ended. If the result of this determination is that the special game has ended, the process proceeds to step S111, where the effect command generating unit 313 generates an effect command indicating the end of the special game and transmits it to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating the end of the special game is displayed on the effect display device 107.
Further, the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203. As a result, the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121.
In step S112, the winning determination unit 305 refers to the flag storage unit 302, turns off the bonus flag, and returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

If it is determined in step S107 that the predetermined time has not elapsed since the big winning opening 113 is opened, the process proceeds to step S113, and the big winning opening releasing instruction section 307 is transmitted from the winning determination section 301. Based on the game ball passage signal, it is determined whether or not 10 or more game balls have passed through the big prize opening 113. If the result of this determination is that there are 10 or more game balls that have passed through the special winning opening 113, it means that the unit game has been completed, so that the process proceeds to step S108, and the special winning opening 113 is closed.
On the other hand, when the number of game balls that have passed through the special winning opening 113 is not ten or more, the unit game is ongoing, and the process returns to the main flowchart of FIG.

  If it is determined in step S110 that all unit games in the special game have not ended, the process proceeds to the next unit game, and thus the process proceeds to step S114, where the effect command generation unit 313 An effect command indicating progress to a game is generated and transmitted to the sub control board 202. As a result, an image indicating that the game has progressed to the next unit game is displayed on the effect display device 107. In addition, the special winning opening opening instruction unit 307 transmits the specific area control instruction signal to the winning opening board 203 and returns to the main flowchart of FIG. As a result, the game ball can easily pass through the specific area 121.

  Needless to say, processes other than those shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 may be performed. For example, the timing at which the production command is generated and transmitted is not limited to that shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, and other production commands may be generated and transmitted.

(Processing operation of sub-control board 202)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation in the normal game on the sub-control board 202.
In step S131 of FIG. 11, the effect command analysis unit 401 in the sub control board 202 determines whether or not an effect command has been received from the main control board 201. As a result of the determination, if an effect command is received, the process proceeds to step S132, and the effect command analysis unit 401 analyzes the received effect command. Next, the effect command analysis unit 401 identifies the game mode based on the analyzed effect command, and generates operation information corresponding to the operation signal from the operation switch 132.

  The effect control unit 402, based on the current game mode and operation information, from the effect pattern storage unit 403, combination information of decorative symbols that should be stopped and displayed in the main stop, decorative symbol variation patterns that are variably displayed before the main stop, Information indicating the effect of the “reach” effect and the contents of the effect in the “reach” effect is selectively read out and the presence / absence of the “reach” effect is determined. Then, the effect control unit 402 outputs an image effect command to the image generation unit 405 including the decorative symbol specifying information for specifying the decorative symbol, the background specifying information for displaying the effect image corresponding to the effect content, and the like.

  In addition, the effect control unit 402 outputs an audio effect command for executing an audio effect corresponding to the image effect to the sound generation unit 406. Specifically, the production control unit 402 specifies sound identification information that specifies sound (sound source data) to be played in accordance with the game mode, playback start instruction information that instructs the start of playback of the sound, and instructs the end of playback. The reproduction end instruction information, the pause instruction information for instructing the pause, or the pause release information for instructing the release of the pause are output to the channel control unit 410 together with the target channel designation information. Further, the effect control device 402 outputs volume setting information for specifying the volume in each channel to the volume setting unit 412.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S131 that an effect command has not been received, the effect control unit 402 proceeds to step S133 and performs the standby effect such as the image generation unit 405 and the sound generation unit. An instruction is given to 406 and the like. Thereby, the image generation unit 405 generates image data for executing the standby effect, and causes the effect display device 107 to display the image data, and the sound generation unit 406 generates the sound effect corresponding to the standby image effect. An acoustic signal for generating the sound is generated.

(Description of operation)
Next, specific operations of the effect control unit 402 and the sound generation unit 406 will be described in several embodiments. In the first to third embodiments, when a “reach effect” is inserted as discontinuous playback, when the normal game is paused, the normal game effect is performed from a position where a certain amount of rewinding is performed when the pause is released. The present invention relates to processing or processing performed from a fast forward position. Specifically, the first embodiment relates to a process of resuming a normal game effect from a position where it has been rewound by a predetermined amount when releasing a pause. The second embodiment relates to a process for resuming a normal game effect from a position that has been fast-forwarded when releasing a pause. The third embodiment relates to a modified example of the process for resuming the effect of the normal game from the position where it has been fast-forwarded. The fourth embodiment relates to a continuous rewinding process performed in the middle of one effect process. The fifth embodiment relates to a continuous fast-forward process performed in the middle of one effect process.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 of the present invention relates to an effect rewinding process performed at the time of pause. FIG. 12 shows a timing chart of sound reproduction in the first embodiment. In the timing chart, in order to make it easy to understand the explanation between a plurality of channels, the sound is “A”, “I”, “U”, “E”, “O”… Although the content is such that the sound is pronounced at equal intervals in order from the “line”, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to this. Also, the time difference Δd between the plurality of channels is merely an example, and can be set to an arbitrary time difference.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the first embodiment, the same sound source data is read into the channels CH1 and CH2 as a plurality of channels as the sound effect for the normal game, and the same sound is reproduced. ing. At the start of sound reproduction (time ts) in FIG. 12, the channel control unit 410 first starts sound reproduction on the channel CH1, and then a timing delayed by a predetermined time difference from the start of reproduction of the channel CH1 (FIG. 12). At time t0), reproduction of channel CH2 is started. This time difference corresponds to the amount of rewinding of the sound when the pause is released. Although the rewind amount may be varied every time the pause is released, it is set to a constant value to simplify the process. In the present embodiment, the time difference of the constant value is Δd. As shown in FIG. 12, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel CH1 to the on volume V _ON and sets the volume of the channel CH2 to the off volume V _OFF . Therefore, the sound “A row” is generated at the _ON volume V _ON based on the acoustic signal generated by the channel CH1 from the reproduction start time (time ts) shown in FIG. 12, but the acoustic signal generated by the channel CH2 Is not pronounced because the volume setting is OFF volume V _OFF . Simultaneously with the start of sound reproduction, the image generation unit 405 generates image data for “reach effect” and causes the effect display device 107 to display the effect image.

  At time t <b> 1 in FIG. 12, when the “reach effect” is executed in the middle of the normal game effect, the effect control unit 402 outputs pause instruction information for instructing to pause both channels. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 simultaneously pauses (suspends) the sound reproduction on the channels CH1 and CH2. During the pause period, the image effect and the sound effect corresponding to the “reach effect” are processed in another channel, for example, the channel CH3.

When the “reach effect” ends at time t <b> 2 in FIG. 12, playback end instruction information for ending the “reach effect” is output from the effect control unit 402, and the channel control unit 410 generates the sound of “reach effect”. The generation of the sound in the channel, for example, the channel CH3 is terminated. In addition, the effect control unit 402 outputs pause release information for releasing the pause for the channels CH1 and CH2. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 starts the reproduction of the channel CH2 in which the reproduction of the sound is delayed in advance (resumption of reproduction from the pause position at time t1). Here, the volume setting unit 412 alternates the volume settings of the channels CH1 and CH2. That is, the volume of the channel CH2 in which sound reproduction is delayed is set to the on volume V _ON , and the volume of the other channel CH1 is set to the off volume V _OFF . It should be noted that the timing at which the volume setting unit 412 switches the channel for turning on the volume V _ON may be any timing in the pause period from when the channels CH1 and CH2 are paused until the pause is released at time t1 in FIG.

As described above, the sound source circuit 202g, that is, the sound generation unit 406, can instruct only the start of sound source data playback, pause, release of pause, and end of playback for one channel. Here, for channel CH2, playback is started with a predetermined time difference Δd delayed at off volume V _{OFF, and} playback is interrupted simultaneously with channel CH1 when paused at time t1, so the sound in channel CH2 is interrupted. Is delayed by a time difference Δd from the sound reproduction position in the channel CH1. At time t2, since unpause turn on volume V _ON the volume for the channel CH2, it is reproduced from the back by the time difference Δd from the sound reproducing position of the channel CH1 at time t1, i.e. unwound position It will be.

  As for the image effect, since it is possible to generate image data by designating an arbitrary effect position in the image generation unit 405, the position is traced back by the time difference Δd specified between a plurality of channels at time t2 in FIG. The image production and the sound production are synchronized by starting image data generation for a normal game from the beginning.

  When the sound reproduction of the channel CH2 delayed after the channel CH1 at time t2 in FIG. 12 is restarted first, the difference between the reproduction positions of the channel CH2 and the channel CH1 is reduced. After the time difference Δd elapses, the sound reproduction position of the channel CH2 catches up with the sound reproduction stop position of the channel CH1, and conversely, the sound reproduction position of the channel CH2 precedes the sound reproduction position of the channel CH1. Therefore, the channel control unit 410 resumes the sound reproduction on the channel CH1 at a predetermined timing at which the sound reproduction is further delayed from the reproduction on the channel CH2 where the reproduction is resumed, for example, at time t3 in FIG. The delay amount of the sound reproduction position of the channel CH1 can be arbitrarily set with respect to the sound reproduction position of the channel CH2, but if the rewinding amount at the time of releasing the pause is a constant value (time difference Δd), the channel CH2 The time difference from the time t2 when the reproduction of the channel is resumed until the reproduction of the channel CH1 is resumed is twice the necessary time difference Δd between the channels = Δ2d. That is, the channel CH2 is reproduced by the time difference Δd while the sound reproduction of the channel CH1 is stopped, so that the reproduction position of the channel CH2 catches up with the reproduction position of the channel CH1, and further the time difference Δd is reproduced. CH1 is delayed by a time difference Δd with respect to channel CH2.

When a pause is instructed in response to the second “reach effect” at time t4 in FIG. 12, the channel control unit 410 simultaneously stops playback of both channels. At time t5 in FIG. 12, when cancellation of the pause is instructed, the sound reproduction of the channel CH1 is resumed. The volume setting unit 412 sets the channel CH1 to the ON volume V _ON this time. Then, after the time difference 2 · Δd has elapsed, that is, the reproduction of the volume in the channel CH1 that has been delayed catches up with the channel CH2, and further, the reproduction of the volume in the channel CH2 is set to the off volume V _OFF at time t6 preceded by the time difference Δd. Let it resume.

Thereafter, every time a pause is instructed, the channel control unit 410 repeats the same processing while switching the channel to be set to the _ON volume V _ON . As described above, according to the first embodiment, the sound that is rewound by the time difference Δd each time the temporary stop is released is provided.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the rewinding process at the time of temporary stop in the first embodiment. This process is a process called at an arbitrary frequency.

In step S201 in FIG. 13, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not to select a sound according to the game mode. When the sound effect is unnecessary (NO), the process returns from the process. When the sound effect is necessary (YES), the process proceeds to step S202, and the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the sound reproduction of the normal game should be started. If it does not correspond to the start of sound reproduction of the normal game (NO), the process proceeds to step S210. If it corresponds to the time of starting the sound reproduction of the normal game (YES), the process proceeds to step S203, and the effect control unit 402 designates the channel CH1 as a sound generation channel for sound generation and prohibits the channel CH2 from sound generation. Specify the silent channel to be used. Next, the process proceeds to step S204, and the effect control unit 402 transmits volume setting information for setting the sound generation channel (first channel CH1) to the on volume V _ON to the volume setting unit 412 of the sound generation unit 406. In response, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel designated as the sound generation channel to the on volume V _ON . Then the process proceeds to step S205, the performance control unit 402, with respect to the volume setting unit 412 of the sound generating unit 406, silent channel (first channel CH2) transmits a volume setting information for setting off volume V _OFF. In response to this, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel designated as the silent channel to the off volume V _OFF .

In step S206, the effect control unit 402 instructs the channel control unit 410 of the sound generation unit 406 to specify sound source data for normal game for the channel specified as the sound generation channel, and the sound source. Playback start instruction information for starting generation of an acoustic signal based on the data is transmitted. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 refers to the sound source data for the normal game with respect to the channel designated as the sound generation channel and starts generating the acoustic signal (for example, the reproduction start times ts and t2 in FIG. 12). , T5). Since the volume of the channel designated as the sound generation channel has already been set to the _ON volume V _ON in step S204, the player is provided with a recognizable sound of a normal game. Note that image data for a normal game is also generated by the image generation unit 405 in synchronization with the sound effect.

Next, the effect control unit 402 causes a predetermined time difference in the sound reproduction position between the channels. First, in step S207, a time difference Δt between the reproduction positions of the sound generation channel and the silence channel is counted. Next, until the time difference Δt of the reproduction position reaches a predetermined time difference Δd (see FIG. 13) in step S208 (NO), the time difference Δt of the reproduction position between the sound generation channel and the silence channel is repeatedly calculated (step S207). When the playback position time difference Δt reaches the preset time difference Δd in step S208 (YES), the process proceeds to step S209, and the effect control unit 402 instructs the channel control unit 410 to the channel designated as the silent channel. Then, acoustic identification information for designating sound source data for a normal game and reproduction start instruction information for starting generation of an acoustic signal based on the sound source data are transmitted. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 refers to the sound source data for the normal game with respect to the channel designated as the silence channel and starts generating the acoustic signal (for example, the reproduction start times t0 and t3 in FIG. 12). , T6). Since the volume of the channel designated as the silent channel has already been set to the off volume V _OFF in step S205, the volume is not recognized by the player.

  In step S210, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the “reach effect” mode is started. When it is determined that the “reach effect” is not started (NO), the process proceeds to step S214. On the other hand, when it is determined that the “reach effect” is started (YES), the process proceeds to step S211 and the effect control unit 402 temporarily stops the sound reproduction of the channels CH1 and CH2 with respect to the channel control unit 410. Output pause instruction information. In response to this, the channel controller 410 interrupts the sound reproduction of the channels CH1 and CH2 (for example, times t1 and t4 in FIG. 12). Note that image data for a normal game is also interrupted in synchronization with the sound effect.

Next, the process proceeds to step S212, where the effect control unit 402 specifies a channel for reproducing the “reach effect”, for example, the channel CH3, and transmits volume setting information for setting the volume to the ON volume V _ON . Next, in step S213, the effect control unit 402 transmits, to the channel control unit 410, acoustic identification information specifying sound source data for “reach effect” and sound reproduction start instruction information. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 starts sound generation for “reach effect” in the channel CH3. Note that image data for the “reach effect” is also generated by the image generation unit 405 in synchronization with the sound effect.

  In step S214, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the “reach effect” mode has ended. As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the “reach effect” mode is continued (NO), the process proceeds to step S216, and it is determined whether or not the sound generation has ended. When the sound generation continues (NO), the process is exited.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S214 that the “reach effect” mode has ended (YES), the process proceeds to step S215, and the effect control unit 402 switches the sound generation channel and the silence channel. In other words, the channel that has been designated as the sound generation channel is designated as the silence channel, and the channel designated as the silence channel is designated as the sound generation channel. As a result of this processing, the channel that generates sound for normal gaming is changed from channel CH1 to channel CH2 (time t1 to t2 in FIG. 12) or from channel CH2 to channel CH1 (time t4 to t5 in FIG. 12). Is done. Thereafter, the processing after step S204 is repeated. That is, volume setting and playback start are instructed in each channel in which the sound generation channel and the silence channel are switched (steps S204 to S209). When the “reach effect” occurs again, the “reach effect”, the release of the pause, and the alternate between the sound channel and the silent channel accompanying the release of the pause are repeated (steps S210 to S215).

If it is determined in step S216 that the sound reproduction for the normal game has ended (YES), the effect control unit 402 outputs volume setting information for setting the volume of all channels to the off volume V _OFF in step S217. The volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of all channels to a silent state.

  Note that the role assignment between the effect content instructed by the effect control unit 402 and the control content in the sound generation unit 406 is merely an example, and the role assignment can be changed. For example, in each embodiment of the present specification, the production control unit 402 performs sound generation control according to the present invention, specifically, a process of starting reproduction of the same sound at a predetermined time difference in a plurality of channels, and a volume for each channel. Although it has been described as instructing to change the settings and to instruct and cancel the pause for each channel, the sound generation unit 406 may share some or all of the functions. For example, when the production control unit 402 designates reproduction of one sound for a normal game, the sound generation unit 406 may start reproduction of the sound to a plurality of channels with a predetermined time difference. In addition, when the production control unit 402 instructs or cancels the pause for the normal game (simultaneously with the “reach production” instruction), the sound generation unit 406 reproduces the same sound in parallel. On the other hand, it can also function to pause and release playback and change the volume setting. The function related to the sound generation processing of the present invention may be arbitrarily divided depending on whether the sound control program design according to the present invention is made by the programmer of the production control unit 405 or the programmer of the sound generation unit 406.

As described above, the first embodiment has the following advantages.
According to 1) the embodiment 1, at a certain time difference Δd between the plurality of channels CH1 and CH2 are reproduced the same sound is in parallel, one of only channel on volume V _ON, i.e. game Other channels are played at a volume that can be heard by the player and at an off volume V _OFF , that is, a volume that cannot be heard by the player. Then, when there is a pause in the normal game associated with the “reach effect” as discontinuous playback that discontinuously changes the progress of the sound, the sound generation channel and the silence channel are switched. In particular, the channel control unit 410 simultaneously interrupts playback of a plurality of channels CH1 and CH2 in response to a pause instruction, and plays back a channel in which sound playback is delayed in response to release of the pause. In response to the pause instruction or cancellation, the sound setting unit 412 sets the sound volume of the channel in which sound reproduction is delayed to the on sound volume V _ON . Therefore, the sound is provided from the position delayed by the time difference Δd with the cancellation of the pause, that is, the rewinded position. As a result, even if a sound source circuit that cannot reproduce sound from an arbitrary position is used, the rewinding process after the pause is possible.

  2) According to the first embodiment, the channel control unit 410 reproduces the sound more than the reproduction in the channel (for example, the channel CH2 at time t2 to t4 in FIG. 12) in which the reproduction of the resumed sound is delayed. Since the sound reproduction of the other channel (for example, channel CH1 at time t3 to t4 in FIG. 12) is resumed at the timing of further delay (for example, 2 · Δd delay in FIG. 12), the second and subsequent pauses are released. Sometimes it is possible to perform rewinding.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, the process of rewinding the effect sound of the normal game by a predetermined time difference when canceling the pause is performed. The present invention relates to a process for fast-forwarding the effect sound of a game.

Since the configuration of the gaming machine in the second embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 14 shows a timing chart of sound reproduction in the second embodiment. In the timing chart as well, as in the first embodiment, the sound to be reproduced includes a sound in which the fifty sounds are pronounced at equal intervals in order from “A line”, but is not limited thereto. Needless to say. Moreover, the time difference between a plurality of channels is merely an example, and an arbitrary time difference can be set.

  As shown in FIG. 14, also in the second embodiment, the same sound source data is read as a sound effect for a normal game in the channels CH1 and CH2 as a plurality of channels, as in the first embodiment. Is to be played.

At the start of sound reproduction (time ts) in FIG. 14, channel control section 410 first starts sound reproduction on channel CH1, and then reproduces channel CH2 at a timing delayed by a time difference Δd from the start of reproduction of channel CH1. To start. As shown in FIG. 14, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel CH1 to the off volume V _OFF and sets the volume of the channel CH2 to the on volume V _ON . Therefore, at the start of reproduction shown in FIG. 14 (time ts), although the channel CH1 generates an acoustic signal, the sound volume is not generated because the sound volume setting is the off sound volume V _OFF . On the other hand, since the sound signal generated by the channel CH2 at time t0 is generated with the volume setting ON sound volume V _ON , the voice “A” is produced. Simultaneously with the start of sound reproduction, the image generation unit 405 generates image data for “reach effect” and causes the effect display device 107 to display the effect image. Here, in order to synchronize the image effect by the image data with the sound effect, it is necessary to generate image data for the image effect in synchronization with the sound of the channel CH2 recognized by the player.

  At time t <b> 1 in FIG. 14, when the “reach effect” is executed in the middle of the effect of the normal game, the effect control unit 402 outputs pause instruction information for instructing to pause both channels. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 simultaneously pauses (suspends) the sound reproduction on the channels CH1 and CH2. Note that during the pause period, the image effect and the sound effect corresponding to the “reach effect” are processed in another channel, for example, the channel CH3.

When the “reach effect” ends at time t2 in FIG. 14, playback end instruction information for ending the “reach effect” is output from the effect control unit 402, and the channel control unit 410 generates the sound of “reach effect”. The generation of sound in the channel that has been used, for example, channel CH3, is terminated. In addition, the effect control unit 402 outputs pause release information for releasing the pause for channel 1 and channel 2. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 simultaneously resumes sound reproduction in both channels. The volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel on which the sound reproduction precedes (channel CH1 in the first pause in FIG. 14) to the ON volume V _ON and the other channel (the first pause in FIG. 14). Then, the volume of the channel CH2) is set to the off volume V _OFF . Note that the timing at which the volume setting unit 412 switches the channel at which the _ON volume V _ON is set may be any timing of the pause period from the pause of the channels CH1 and CH2 to the cancellation of the pause at time t1 in FIG.

As described above, the sound source circuit 202g, that is, the sound generation unit 406 can instruct only sound source data reproduction start, pause, suspension release, and reproduction end for one channel, but the channel CH1 is off. Since the reproduction is started in advance by a predetermined time difference Δd at the volume V _OFF and the reproduction is interrupted simultaneously with the channel CH2 at the time t1 is paused, the sound reproduction position on the channel CH1 is the sound reproduction position on the channel CH2. It is preceded by a time difference Δd. Since releasing the pause is turned on volume V _ON volume by leaving time t2 reproduction position with respect to the channel CH1, and Sakibashi' by the time difference Δd from the sound reproducing position of the channel CH2 at time t1, i.e. fast-forward position Will be played from.

  As for the image effect, since it is possible to generate image data by designating an arbitrary effect position in the image generation unit 405, the position preceded by the time difference Δd specified between a plurality of channels at time t2 in FIG. The image production and the sound production are synchronized by starting image data generation for a normal game from the beginning.

  At time t3 in FIG. 14, when it is time to execute the second “reach effect”, the effect control unit 402 issues an instruction to temporarily stop the channel in which sound reproduction preceded (channel CH1 at time t3 in FIG. 14). In response to this, the channel control unit 410 stops (interrupts) the sound reproduction on the channel CH1. On the other hand, for the channel in which the sound precedence is delayed (channel CH2 at time t3 in FIG. 14), the sound reproduction is continued for a predetermined time after entering the pause period. As the sound reproduction of the channel CH2 that has been delayed from the channel CH1 is continued, the difference between the reproduction positions of the channel CH2 and the channel CH1 is reduced. Then, after the time difference Δd has elapsed since the pause (time t3 in FIG. 14), the sound reproduction position of the channel CH2 catches up with the sound reproduction stop position of the channel CH1, and the sound reproduction position of the channel CH2 is the sound reproduction of the channel CH1. It comes before the position. The channel control unit 410 temporarily stops the sound reproduction on the channel CH2 at the timing when the sound reproduction on the channel CH2 further precedes by the time difference Δd, for example, at time t4 in FIG. The preceding amount of the sound reproduction position of the channel CH2 with respect to the sound reproduction position of the channel CH1 can be arbitrarily set.

  Note that during the pause period, the image effect and the sound effect corresponding to the “reach effect” are processed in another channel, for example, the channel CH3.

At time t5 in FIG. 14, when cancellation of the pause is instructed, the channel control unit 410 resumes the sound reproduction of both channels. The volume setting unit 412 sets the channel CH2 to the ON volume V _ON and the channel CH1 to the OFF volume V _OFF this time.

  When a pause is instructed in response to the third “reach effect” at time t6 in FIG. 14, the channel control unit 410 reads the channel that is being played back (channel CH2 at time t6 in FIG. 14). ) Is stopped. Further, the channel CH1 is temporarily stopped until the sound is played ahead of the channel CH2 by a predetermined time difference Δd before being temporarily stopped (time t7 in FIG. 14).

Thereafter, every time a pause is instructed, the channel control unit 410 repeats the same processing while switching the channel to be set to the _ON volume V _ON . As described above, according to the second embodiment, the sound that is fast-forwarded by the time difference Δd every time the temporary stop is released is provided.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining fast-forward processing at the time of pause in the second embodiment. This process is a process called at an arbitrary frequency.

In step S301 in FIG. 15, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not to select a sound according to the game mode. When the sound effect is unnecessary (NO), the process returns from the process. When the sound effect is required (YES), the process proceeds to step S302, and the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the sound reproduction of the normal game should be started. If it does not correspond to the start of sound reproduction of the normal game (NO), the process proceeds to step S310. If it corresponds to the time of starting the sound reproduction of the normal game (YES), the process proceeds to step S303, and the production control unit 402 designates the channel CH1 as a silent channel for prohibiting sound generation, and the channel CH2 generates sound. Specify the sound channel to be activated. Next, the process proceeds to step S304, and the effect control unit 402 transmits volume setting information for setting the sound generation channel (initially channel CH2) to the on volume V _ON to the volume setting unit 412. In response, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel designated as the sound generation channel to the on volume V _ON . Next, the process proceeds to step S305, and the effect control unit 402 transmits volume setting information for setting the silent channel (first channel CH1) to the off volume V _OFF to the volume setting unit 412. In response to this, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel designated as the silent channel to the off volume V _OFF .

In step S306, the effect control unit 402 sends to the channel control unit 410 of the sound generation unit 406 acoustic identification information for designating sound source data for a normal game for the channel designated as a silence channel, and the sound source. Playback start instruction information for starting generation of an acoustic signal based on the data is transmitted. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 refers to the sound source data for the normal game with respect to the channel designated as the silence channel, and starts generating the acoustic signal (for example, the reproduction start time ts in FIG. 14). Since the volume of the channel designated as the silent channel has already been set to the off volume V _OFF in step S305, it is not recognized by the player.

Next, the effect control unit 402 causes a predetermined time difference in the sound reproduction position between the channels. First, in step S307, the time difference Δt between the reproduction positions of the sound generation channel and the silence channel is counted. Next, in step S308, until the time difference Δt of the reproduction position reaches a preset time difference Δd (see FIG. 14) (NO), the time difference Δt of the reproduction position between the sound generation channel and the silence channel is repeatedly calculated (step S307). When the playback position time difference Δt reaches a preset time difference Δd in step S308 (YES), the process proceeds to step S309, and the effect control unit 402 instructs the channel control unit 410 to specify the channel designated as the sound generation channel. Then, acoustic identification information for designating sound source data for a normal game and reproduction start instruction information for starting generation of an acoustic signal based on the sound source data are transmitted. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 refers to the sound source data for the normal game with respect to the channel designated as the sound generation channel, and starts generating the acoustic signal (for example, the reproduction start time t0 in FIG. 12). Since the volume of the channel designated as the sound generation channel has already been set to the _ON volume V _ON in step S304, the player is provided with recognizable sound of a normal game. Note that image data for a normal game is also generated by the image generation unit 405 in synchronization with the sound effect.

In step S310, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the “reach effect” mode is started. When it is determined that the “reach effect” is not started (NO), the process proceeds to step S314. On the other hand, when it is determined that the “reach effect” is started (YES), the process proceeds to step S312 and the effect control unit 402 specifies the channel for reproducing the “reach effect”, for example, the channel CH3, and the volume. Volume setting information for setting to _ON volume V _ON is transmitted. Next, in step S313, the effect control unit 402 transmits, to the channel control unit 410, acoustic identification information specifying sound source data for “reach effect” and sound reproduction start instruction information. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 starts sound generation for “reach effect” in the channel CH3. Note that image data for the “reach effect” is also generated by the image generation unit 405 in synchronization with the sound effect.

  Next, in step S331, the effect control unit 402 outputs, to the channel control unit 410, pause instruction information for pausing sound reproduction of the channel designated as the sound generation channel. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 interrupts sound reproduction of the sound generation channel (for example, times t1, t3, and t5 in FIG. 14). Note that image data for a normal game is also interrupted in synchronization with the sound effect. Next, the production control unit 402 counts the time difference Δt between the sound generation channel and the silence channel in step S332 in order to generate a predetermined time difference in the sound reproduction position between the channels. Next, in step S333, until the time difference Δt of the reproduction position reaches a preset time difference Δd (see FIG. 14) (NO), the time difference Δt of the reproduction position between the sound generation channel and the silence channel is repeatedly calculated (step S332). When the playback position time difference Δt reaches the preset time difference Δd in step S333 (YES), the process proceeds to step S334, and the effect control unit 402 causes the channel control unit 410 to hear the sound of the channel designated as the silent channel. Pause instruction information for pausing reproduction is output, and the channel control unit 410 receives this and interrupts sound reproduction of the silent channel (for example, times t4 and t7 in FIG. 14). Furthermore, it transfers to step S335 and the production | generation control part 402 alternates a sound production channel and a silence channel. In other words, the channel that has been designated as the sound generation channel is designated as the silence channel, and the channel designated as the silence channel is designated as the sound generation channel. By this processing, the channel that generates sound for normal game is from channel CH2 to channel CH1 (time t1 to t2, t6 in FIG. 14) or from channel CH1 to channel CH2 (time t3 to t5 in FIG. 14). And changed.

In step S314, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the “reach effect” mode has ended (pause release). As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the “reach effect” mode ends and the pause should be released (YES), the process proceeds to step S336, and the effect control unit 402 sets the sound generation channel to the ON volume V _ON . Then, volume setting information for setting the silent channel to the off volume V _OFF is output. In response to this, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the sound generation channel to the on volume V _ON and sets the volume of the silent channel to the off volume V _OFF . Further, in step S337, the effect control unit 402 outputs pause release information for releasing the pause of both channels, and the channel control unit 410 releases the pause of both channels accordingly and restarts the sound reproduction. .

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S314 that the “reach effect” mode is continued (NO), the process further proceeds to step S316, where it is determined whether the sound reproduction for the normal game is completed. When it is determined that the sound reproduction for the normal game has ended (YES), the effect control unit 402 outputs volume setting information for setting the volume of all channels to the off volume V _OFF in step S317, and the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of all channels to a silent state. If the sound reproduction for the normal game has not ended in step S317 (NO), the process is temporarily ended.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, the following advantages are provided.
1) According to the second embodiment, the same sound is reproduced in parallel with a certain time difference Δd between a plurality of channels CH1 and CH2, and only one of the channels is turned on volume V _ON , that is, a game Other channels are played at a volume that can be heard by the player and at an off volume V _OFF , that is, a volume that cannot be heard by the player. Then, when there is a pause in the normal game associated with the “reach effect” as discontinuous playback that discontinuously changes the progress of the sound, the sound generation channel and the silence channel are switched. In particular, the channel control unit 410 suspends playback of a plurality of channels at the same time in response to an initial pause instruction, and resumes playback of the plurality of channels in response to release of the pause. Corresponding to the cancellation of the pause, the volume of the channel preceding the sound reproduction is set to the _ON volume V _ON 412. The sound of the game can be resumed. Thus, even if a sound source circuit that cannot reproduce sound from an arbitrary position is used, fast-forward processing after a pause is possible.

  2) According to the second embodiment, in response to the second and subsequent pause instructions, the channel control unit 410 interrupts the reproduction of the channel in which the sound reproduction is preceded, and the sound reproduction is delayed. The sound is reproduced until the sound reproduction is preceded by the time difference Δd from the sound reproduction interruption position, and then the sound reproduction is interrupted, and the reproduction of a plurality of channels is started simultaneously in response to the release of the pause. Therefore, it is possible to perform fast-forwarding even in the second and subsequent pauses.

(Embodiment 3)
The third embodiment relates to a modification of the process of fast-forwarding the effect sound of the normal game.
Since the configuration of the gaming machine in the third embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 16 shows a timing chart of sound reproduction in the fourth embodiment. Also in the timing chart, as in the first and second embodiments, the sound to be reproduced includes the sound that sounds the fifty sounds at equal intervals in order from “A line”, but is not limited thereto. It goes without saying that it is not done. Moreover, the time difference between a plurality of channels is merely an example, and an arbitrary time difference can be set.

  As shown in FIG. 16, the third embodiment slightly changes the process up to the first pause in the fast-forward process at the time of pause in the second embodiment. Processing in the second and subsequent pauses is the same as that in the second embodiment.

At the start of sound reproduction in FIG. 16 (time ts), the channel control unit 410 now starts sound reproduction for both channels. As shown in FIG. 16, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel CH1 to the off volume V _OFF and sets the volume of the channel CH2 to the on volume V _ON , as in the second embodiment. Simultaneously with the time ts, the sound signal generated by the channel CH2 is generated with the volume setting ON volume V _ON , so that the voice of “A” is produced. Simultaneously with the start of sound reproduction, the image generation unit 405 generates image data for “reach effect” and causes the effect display device 107 to display the effect image.

  At time t1 in FIG. 16, when the “reach effect” execution timing comes in the middle of the effect of the normal game, the effect control unit 402 will now receive the channel in which the sound reproduction has preceded (the channel at time t1 in FIG. 16). Pause instruction information for instructing the pause of CH2) is output, and in response to this, the channel control unit 410 stops (interrupts) sound reproduction on the channel CH2. On the other hand, for the channel in which the sound precedence has been delayed (channel CH1 at time t1 in FIG. 16), the sound reproduction is continued for a predetermined time after entering the pause period. Since the channel CH1 and the channel CH2 start to reproduce the sound at the same time, the sound reproduction position of the channel CH1 precedes the sound reproduction position of the channel CH1 from the moment when the reproduction of the channel CH2 is stopped. The channel control unit 410 temporarily stops the sound reproduction on the channel CH1 at the timing when the sound reproduction on the channel CH1 precedes the time difference Δd, for example, at time t2 in FIG. The subsequent processing is the same as in the second embodiment.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining a modified example of the fast-forward process at the time of pause in the third embodiment. This process is a process called at an arbitrary frequency.

In step S401 in FIG. 17, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not to select a sound according to the game mode. When the sound effect is unnecessary (NO), the process returns from the process. When the sound effect is necessary (YES), the process proceeds to step S402, and the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the sound reproduction of the normal game should be started. If it does not correspond to the start of sound reproduction of the normal game (NO), the process proceeds to step S406. If it corresponds to the time of starting the sound reproduction of the normal game (YES), the process proceeds to step S403, and the production control unit 402 designates the channel CH1 as a silent channel for prohibiting sound generation, and the channel CH2 generates sound. Specify the sound channel to be activated. Next, the process goes to step S404, and the effect control unit 402 sets the sound generation channel (initially channel CH2) to the ON volume V _ON and the silent channel (initially channel CH1) to the OFF volume V _{OFF with} respect to the volume setting unit 412. Send volume setting information to be set to. In response to this, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel designated as the sound generation channel to the on volume V _ON and sets the volume of the channel designated as the silence channel to the off volume V _OFF . In step S405, the effect control unit 402 outputs reproduction start instruction information for both channels, and the channel control unit 410 starts sound reproduction on both channels simultaneously.

In step S406, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the “reach effect” mode is started. When it is determined that the “reach effect” is not started (NO), the process proceeds to step S414. On the other hand, when it is determined that the “reach effect” is started (YES), the process proceeds to step S407, where the effect control unit 402 specifies the channel for reproducing the “reach effect”, for example, the channel CH3, and the volume. Volume setting information for setting to _ON volume V _ON is transmitted. Next, in step S <b> 408, the effect control unit 402 transmits to the channel control unit 410 acoustic identification information for specifying sound source data for “reach effect” and sound reproduction start instruction information. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 starts sound generation for “reach effect” in the channel CH3. Note that image data for the “reach effect” is also generated by the image generation unit 405 in synchronization with the sound effect.

  Next, in step S409, the effect control unit 402 outputs to the channel control unit 410, pause instruction information for pausing sound reproduction of the channel designated as the sound generation channel. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 interrupts sound reproduction of the sound generation channel (for example, times t1, t4, and t7 in FIG. 16). Note that image data for a normal game is also interrupted in synchronization with the sound effect. Next, the effect control unit 402 counts the time difference Δt between the sound generation channel and the silence channel in step S410 in order to cause a predetermined time difference in the sound reproduction position between the channels. Next, until the time difference Δt of the reproduction position reaches a preset time difference Δd (see FIG. 16) in step S411 (NO), the time difference Δt of the reproduction position between the sound generation channel and the silence channel is repeatedly calculated (step S410). If the playback position time difference Δt reaches the preset time difference Δd in step S411 (YES), the process proceeds to step S412 and the effect control unit 402 causes the channel control unit 410 to hear the sound of the channel designated as the silent channel. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 interrupts the sound reproduction of the silent channel (for example, times t2, t5, and t8 in FIG. 16). Furthermore, it transfers to step S413 and the production | presentation control part 402 switches a sound generation channel and a silence channel. That is, the channel that has been designated as the sound generation channel is designated as the silence channel, and the channel designated as the silence channel is designated as the sound generation channel. By this processing, the channel that generates sound for normal game is changed from the channel CH2 to the channel CH1, or from the channel CH1 to the channel CH2.

In step S414, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the “reach effect” mode has ended (pause release). As a result of the determination, when it is determined that the “reach effect” mode ends and the pause should be released (YES), the process proceeds to step S415, and the effect control unit 402 sets the sound generation channel to the ON volume V _ON . Then, volume setting information for setting the silent channel to the off volume V _OFF is output. In response to this, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the sound generation channel to the on volume V _ON and sets the volume of the silent channel to the off volume V _OFF . Further, in step S416, the effect control unit 402 outputs pause release information for releasing the pause of both channels, and the channel control unit 410 releases the pause of both channels accordingly and resumes sound reproduction. .

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S414 that the “reach effect” mode is continued (NO), the process further proceeds to step S417, where it is determined whether the sound reproduction for the normal game is completed. If sound reproduction for normal game is determined to have ended (YES), the performance control unit 402 outputs a volume setting information for setting the volume of all channels off volume V _OFF in step S418, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of all channels to a silent state. If the sound reproduction for the normal game has not ended in step S417 (NO), the process is temporarily ended.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, in response to the pause instruction, the channel control unit 410 interrupts the reproduction of the channel in which the sound reproduction precedes, and in the channel in which the sound reproduction is delayed. The sound playback is interrupted until the sound playback precedes the sound playback stop position, and then the sound playback is interrupted, and the playback of multiple channels is started in response to the cancellation of the pause. At the time of cancellation, the playback position of one of the channels is a fast-forwarded position, and the fast-forward process can be performed for each pause by setting the volume of the channel to the on-volume V _ON . Thereby, even if the sound source circuit which cannot reproduce the sound from an arbitrary position is used, the fast-forward process after the pause is possible. In particular, according to the third embodiment, it is possible to reproduce sound without time lag at the start of normal game reproduction.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, the same process can be applied to the first pause and the subsequent pause, so that the program design is simple.

(Embodiment 4)
Although each said embodiment was the rewinding process or fast-forwarding process at the time of canceling | restoring a pause, this Embodiment 4 is the continuous rewinding which enables rewinding by arbitrary amounts in the arbitrary positions of an acoustic. Regarding processing.

Since the configuration of the gaming machine in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 18 shows a timing chart of sound reproduction in the fourth embodiment. In the timing chart as well, as in the first embodiment, the sound to be reproduced includes a sound in which the fifty sounds are pronounced at equal intervals in order from “A line”, but is not limited thereto. Needless to say.

  As shown in FIG. 18, in the fourth embodiment, each of the plurality of channels is controlled to reproduce the same sound in parallel while being delayed by a predetermined time difference. In each channel, the same sound source data is read as a sound effect for a normal game, and the same sound is reproduced.

In order to support the continuous rewinding process, the channel control unit 410 of the sound generation unit 406 sequentially sets a predetermined time difference (here, “Δ2d”) with respect to each of the plurality of channels used for the rewinding process. Start sound playback. By this processing, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the sound reproduction in each channel is delayed in order. The time difference corresponds to a moving amount at which the sound reproduction position rewinds every time the channel is switched, and an arbitrary time can be set. The volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of only one of the plurality of channels to the on volume V _ON and sets the volume of the other channels to the off volume V _OFF .

When the continuous rewinding process is instructed, the volume setting unit 412 reproduces the channel to be set to the _ON volume V _ON every predetermined time interval (here, “D”; D = Δd in FIG. 18). Will switch to a more delayed channel. The time interval D is a period during which one channel reproduces a part of sound during the rewinding period, and can be set to an arbitrary length. The volume setting unit 412 stores the order of channels to be switched during the rewinding period. In the example of FIG. 18, as the order in which sound reproduction is delayed for each time difference Δd, CH1 → CH2 → CH3 → CH4 → CH5 →... → CHN−1 → CHN (N is the channel used for continuous rewinding processing) The order of the maximum number) is stored.

FIG. 18 shows an example in which rewinding is instructed when playback is started from “A” in channel 50 in order of 50 tones and playback is performed until “K”, and rewinding is performed for a period three times the time interval D. Yes. In response to the rewind processing instruction, the volume setting unit 412 switches the channel to be set to the on volume V _ON for each time interval D in the stored order. Through this process, the player is provided with the voices “ki”, “ka”, “o”, “e” so that they can be recognized in reverse order of the Japanese syllabary. If the player cancels the rewinding process when listening to the sound “E”, the volume setting will not be switched thereafter. Therefore, the volume of the channel CH5 that was playing the voice “E1 lastly is continuously set to the on voice V _ON, and thereafter, the voice is provided in the order of the Japanese syllabary.

  Here, since the time difference Δd is the amount that the playback position returns by one channel switching, the rewinding speed can be further increased as the time difference Δd is increased. On the other hand, the smaller the time difference Δd, the more rewound it becomes possible. In addition, since the time interval D is a length of time during which the sound is temporarily reproduced in each channel during the rewinding period, the larger the time interval D is, the clearer the sound can be heard. The speed will be slower. On the other hand, the smaller the time interval D is, the more difficult it is to hear the sound, but the rewinding speed increases. Therefore, by appropriately changing at least one of the time difference Δd and the time interval D, the speed of the rewinding process and the rewinding step can be arbitrarily changed.

The number of channels for reproducing the same sound in parallel corresponds to the maximum rewind amount. For example, if the number of channels for simultaneously reproducing sound is N, when a delay of a time difference Δ2d occurs between adjacent channels, the rewinding process can rewind the sound reproduction time corresponding to the maximum N · Δ2d. It becomes possible. Further, if rewinding is possible over the entire sound reproduction time, a time difference obtained by dividing the sound total reproduction time equally by the number of channels is set as a time difference of delay between temporally adjacent channels. For example, when the total sound reproduction time is T _MAX , if the number of channels that can be used for the rewinding process is M, the time difference between adjacent channels in time can be calculated as Δd≈T _MAX / M. it can. When the sound is rewound to the beginning, the rewinding process can be continued indefinitely without restriction on the maximum rewinding time when processing to rewind to the end of the sound. In this case, the channels used for the rewinding process are set to the ON volume in order and circulating.

  Furthermore, during the rewinding period, the time difference Δ2d is calculated to rewind with respect to the time interval D, so the rewinding amount (time) per time interval is time difference−time interval (= Δ2d−D). In the example of FIG. 18, since it is assumed that the time interval D is equal to Δd, the rewinding process started at the time t10 is switched four times at the time t13, and the playback during the three rewinds is performed. Therefore, it is rewound by a total of 4 × Δ2d−3 × D (= Δd) = Δ5d.

  As for image effects, image data can be generated by designating an arbitrary effect position in the image generation unit 405. Therefore, image data corresponding to the reproduction position of the channel being reproduced is generated during the rewinding period. Let the image effect and the sound effect be synchronized. In the example of FIG. 18, the generation position in the image effect is changed a total of four times at times t10, t11, t12, and t13.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the continuous rewinding process according to the fourth embodiment. This process is a process called at an arbitrary frequency.

In step S501 in FIG. 19, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not to select a sound according to the game mode. When the sound effect is unnecessary (NO), the process returns from the process. When the sound effect is necessary (YES), the process proceeds to step S502, and the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the sound reproduction of the normal game should be started. If it does not correspond to the start of sound reproduction of the normal game (NO), the process proceeds to step S510. If it corresponds to the time of the start of normal game sound reproduction (YES), the production control unit 402 first sets 1 to the channel counter n that manages the channels involved in the continuous rewinding process in step S503. Next, in step S504, the effect control unit 402 designates the channel CHn specified by the channel counter n as a sound generation channel for sound generation, and silence for prohibiting sound generation for other channels involved in the rewinding process. Specify as a channel. Next, the process proceeds to step S504, and the effect control unit 402 transmits volume setting information for setting the channel CHn to the on volume V _ON and setting the other channels to the off volume V _OFF to the volume setting unit 412. In response to this, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel CHn to the on volume V _ON and sets the volume of the other channels to the off volume V _OFF . Next, the process proceeds to step S505, where the effect control unit 402 sends to the channel control unit 410 the acoustic identification information for specifying the sound source data for the normal game for the channel specified as the sound generation channel, and the sound source data. Based on this, reproduction start instruction information for starting generation of an acoustic signal is transmitted. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 refers to the sound source data for the normal game with respect to the channel designated as the sound generation channel, and starts generating the acoustic signal (for example, the reproduction start time ts in FIG. 18). Since the volume of the channel designated as the sound generation channel has already been set to the _ON volume V _ON in step S504, the player is provided with a recognizable sound of a normal game. Note that image data for a normal game is also generated by the image generation unit 405 in synchronization with the sound effect.

  Next, the effect control unit 402 proceeds to a process of generating a time difference Δ2d of the sound reproduction position in each of the plurality of channels. First, in step S506, the time difference Δt between the reproduction positions of the channel CHn and the channel CHn + 1 is counted. Next, in step S507, the reproduction position time difference Δt between the channel CHn and the channel CHn + 1 is repeatedly calculated until the reproduction position time difference Δt reaches a preset time difference Δ2d (see FIG. 18) (step S506). When the playback position time difference Δt reaches the preset time difference Δ2d in step S507 (YES), the process proceeds to step S508, where the effect control unit 402 increments the channel counter by one, and in step S509, the channel counter n continues. It is determined whether or not the maximum number of channels N involved in the rewinding process has been exceeded. As long as the channel counter n does not exceed the maximum number of channels N (NO), the process of starting reproduction with a time difference between the channels in steps S505 to S508 is repeated.

If the channel counter n exceeds the maximum number of channels N in step S509 (YES), it indicates that the sound reproduction in all the channels involved in the continuous rewinding process has started in parallel. In step S510, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction for rewinding processing. When there is an instruction for rewinding processing (YES), the process proceeds to step S511, and the effect control unit 402 sets the channel counter n to a numerical value obtained by adding 1 to the current sound generation channel. This numerical value is a channel number in which sound is reproduced with a delay of Δ2d from the sound generation channel. In step S512, the effect control unit 402 sets the volume of the channel CHn to the on volume V _ON and sets the volume of the other channels involved in the continuous rewinding process to the off volume V _OFF with respect to the volume setting unit 412. Send volume setting information. In response to this, the sound volume setting unit 412 generates sound in the channel delayed by the time difference Δ2d, and sets the other channels to silence. Next, the effect control unit 402 increments the channel counter n by 1 in step S513, and determines in step S514 whether or not the channel counter has exceeded the number N of channels involved in the continuous rewinding process. If the channel counter n exceeds the maximum number of channels N (YES), it indicates that the largest channel number among the channels involved in the continuous rewinding process has been exceeded, so the production control unit 402 proceeds to step S515. The channel counter n is set to 1, and the next switching destination channel is returned to the channel CH1.

  In step S516, it is determined whether the time interval D has elapsed. If it is determined that the time interval D has elapsed (YES), the effect control unit 402 repeats steps S512 to S515, and performs processing for setting the next channel to the ON volume. If the time interval D has not elapsed in step S516, it is further determined in step S517 whether or not an instruction to end the rewinding process is issued. If the rewinding process has not been completed (NO), the process returns to step S516, and if completed (YES), the process proceeds to step S518.

In step S518, it is determined whether the sound reproduction has ended. If the sound reproduction has not ended (NO), the process returns from the process. If the sound reproduction has ended (YES), the volume is set to _OFF for all channels. Return from the process. Note that the end of the sound reproduction is determined based on whether or not the sound has been reproduced to the end in the channel designated as the sound generation channel.

As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the following advantages are provided.
1) According to the fourth embodiment, each of the plurality of channels is reproduced with a delay of a predetermined time difference Δ2d, and during the continuous rewinding process, the channel for setting the volume to the on volume is a time interval. Since switching is performed for each D, a sound such as a so-called rewinding process, in which the sound goes back, is provided. Therefore, even if a sound source circuit that cannot reproduce sound from an arbitrary position is used, continuous rewinding processing can be performed.

  2) According to the fourth embodiment, when the last channel number involved in the continuous rewinding process is reached, the playback of the channel CH1 is resumed. Therefore, the rewinding process is performed many times over a long time unless the sound ends. It is possible.

  3) According to the fourth embodiment, the time difference that is the amount of rewind per channel switching and the time interval that is the playback time per channel can be arbitrarily changed. The length of the sound to be generated can be freely set according to the purpose of the sound generation device.

(Embodiment 5)
The fifth embodiment relates to a continuous fast-forward process that enables fast-forwarding by an arbitrary amount at an arbitrary position of sound.
Since the configuration of the gaming machine in the fourth embodiment is the same as that in the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
FIG. 20 shows a timing chart of sound reproduction in the fifth embodiment. In the timing chart as well, as in the first embodiment, the sound to be reproduced includes a sound in which the fifty sounds are pronounced at equal intervals in order from “A line”, but is not limited thereto. Needless to say.

  As shown in FIG. 20, in the fifth embodiment, each of a plurality of channels is controlled to reproduce the same sound in parallel while leading by a predetermined time difference. In each channel, the same sound source data is read as a sound effect for a normal game, and the same sound is reproduced.

In order to cope with the continuous fast-forward process, the channel control unit 410 of the sound generation unit 406 sets a young channel number with a predetermined time difference (here, “Δd”) for each of the plurality of channels used for the fast-forward process. Sound playback is started in order. By this processing, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, the sound reproduction in each channel is sequentially delayed (or preceded). The time difference corresponds to the amount of movement preceded by the sound reproduction position each time the channel is switched, and an arbitrary time can be set. The volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of only one of the plurality of channels to the on volume V _ON and sets the volume of the other channels to the off volume V _OFF .

When the continuous fast-forward process is instructed, the volume setting unit 412 reproduces the channel to be set to the _ON volume V _ON every predetermined time interval (here, “D”; D = Δd in FIG. 20). Will switch to the channel that precedes. The time interval D is a period in which one channel reproduces a part of sound during the fast-forward period, and can be set to an arbitrary length. The volume setting unit 412 stores the order of channels to be switched during the fast forward period. In the example of FIG. 20, as the order in which sound reproduction precedes, CHN (N is the maximum number of channels used for continuous fast-forward processing) → CHN−1 →... → CH5 → CH4 → CH3 → CH3 → CH1 Is remembered.

FIG. 20 illustrates an example in which fast-forwarding is instructed when “a” is reproduced in the channel CH5 in the order of the Japanese syllabary, and “a” is reproduced, and fast-forwarding is performed for a period three times the time interval D. In response to the fast-forward processing instruction, the volume setting unit 412 switches the channel set to the _ON volume V _ON for each time interval D in the stored order. By this processing, the player is provided with the sounds “ki”, “ke”, “sa”, and “su” so that they can be recognized in reverse order of the Japanese syllabary. If the player cancels the fast-forward process when listening to the voice “su”, the volume setting will not be switched thereafter. Therefore, the volume of the channel CH1 that was playing back the voice “Sl” is continuously set to the on voice V _ON, and thereafter, the voice is provided in the order of the Japanese syllabary.

  Here, since the time difference Δd is the amount of movement of the playback position per one channel change, the faster the speed of fast-forwarding, the higher the time difference Δd. On the other hand, the smaller the time difference Δd, the faster the feed can be made. In addition, since the time interval D is a length of time during which the sound is temporarily reproduced in each channel during the fast-forwarding period, the larger the time interval D is, the clearer the sound can be heard. It will be slower. On the other hand, the smaller the time interval D is, the more difficult it is to hear the sound, but the fast-forward speed increases. Therefore, by appropriately changing at least one of the time difference Δd and the time interval D, the speed of the fast-forward process and the fast-forward step can be arbitrarily changed.

The number of channels for reproducing the same sound in parallel corresponds to the maximum fast-forward amount. For example, if the number of channels for simultaneously reproducing sound is N, if there is a time difference Δd between adjacent channels, it is possible to fast-forward the sound reproduction time corresponding to the maximum N · Δd by fast-forward processing. Become. Further, if fast-forwarding is possible over the entire sound reproduction time, a time difference obtained by dividing the sound total reproduction time by the number of channels is set as a time difference between temporally adjacent channels. For example, assuming that the total sound reproduction time is T _MAX, and the number of channels that can be used for fast-forwarding processing is M, the time difference between adjacent channels in time can be calculated as Δd≈T _MAX / M. . When fast-forwarding to the end of the sound is performed, when processing is performed so as to return to the head of the sound, the fast-forwarding process can be continued indefinitely without restriction of the maximum fast-forward time. In this case, the channels used for the fast-forward process are set to the ON volume in order and in a circulating manner.

  Further, since the time difference Δd is rewinded with respect to the time interval D during the fast-forwarding period, the fast-forwarding amount (time) per time interval is time difference + time interval (= Δd + D). In the example of FIG. 20, since it is assumed that the time interval D is equal to Δd, the fast-forward process started at time t10 is switched four times at time t13, and playback during fast-forward three times is performed. Therefore, the total of 4 × Δd + 3 × D (= Δd) = Δ7d is fast-forwarded.

  As for image effects, image data can be generated by designating an arbitrary effect position in the image generation unit 405. Therefore, image data corresponding to the reproduction position of the channel being reproduced is generated in the fast-forward period. Thus, the image effect and the sound effect are synchronized. In the example of FIG. 20, the generation position in the image effect is changed a total of four times at times t10, t11, t12, and t13.

  FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining continuous fast-forward processing according to the fourth embodiment. This process is a process called at an arbitrary frequency.

In step S601 in FIG. 20, the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not to select a sound according to the game mode. When the sound effect is unnecessary (NO), the process returns from the process. When the sound effect is necessary (YES), the process proceeds to step S602, and the effect control unit 402 determines whether or not the sound reproduction of the normal game should be started. If it does not correspond to the start of sound reproduction of the normal game (NO), the process proceeds to step S610. When it corresponds to the time of starting the sound reproduction of the normal game (YES), the production control unit 402 first sets 1 to the channel counter n that manages the channels involved in the continuous fast-forward process in step S603. Next, in step S604, the effect control unit 402 designates the channel CHn specified by the channel counter n as a sound generation channel for sound generation, and a silent channel for prohibiting sound generation for other channels involved in the fast-forward process. Specify as. Next, the process proceeds to step S604, and the effect control unit 402 transmits volume setting information for setting the channel CHn to the ON volume V _ON and setting the other channels to the OFF volume V _OFF to the volume setting unit 412. In response to this, the volume setting unit 412 sets the volume of the channel CHn to the on volume V _ON and sets the volume of the other channels to the off volume V _OFF . Next, the process proceeds to step S605, where the effect control unit 402 sends to the channel control unit 410 the acoustic identification information for specifying the sound source data for the normal game for the channel specified as the sound generation channel, and the sound source data. Based on this, reproduction start instruction information for starting generation of an acoustic signal is transmitted. In response to this, the channel control unit 410 starts generation of an acoustic signal with reference to the sound source data for the normal game for the channel designated as the sound generation channel. Since the volume of the channel designated as the sound generation channel has already been set to the _ON volume V _ON in step S604, the player is provided with a recognizable sound of a normal game. Note that image data for a normal game is also generated by the image generation unit 405 in synchronization with the sound effect.

  Next, the effect control unit 402 proceeds to a process of generating a time difference Δd of the sound reproduction position in each of the plurality of channels. First, in step S606, the time difference Δt between the reproduction positions of the channel CHn and the channel CHn + 1 is counted. Next, in step S607, the time difference Δt between the reproduction positions of the channel CHn and the channel CHn + 1 is repeatedly calculated until the time difference Δt of the reproduction position reaches a preset time difference Δd (see FIG. 20) (step S606). If the playback position time difference Δt reaches the preset time difference Δd in step S607 (YES), the process proceeds to step S608, where the effect control unit 402 increments the channel counter by one, and in step S609, the channel counter n continues. It is determined whether or not the maximum number of channels N involved in the rewinding process has been exceeded. As long as the channel counter n does not exceed the maximum number of channels N (NO), the process of starting reproduction with a time difference between the channels in steps S605 to S608 is repeated.

If the channel counter n exceeds the maximum number of channels N in step S609 (YES), it indicates that the sound reproduction in all the channels involved in the continuous fast-forward process has started in parallel. In step S610, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction for continuous fast-forward processing. When there is an instruction for rewinding processing (YES), the process proceeds to step S611, and the effect control unit 402 sets the channel counter n to a value obtained by subtracting 1 from the current sound generation channel. This numerical value is the number of the channel in which the sound is played ahead of the sound generation channel by the time difference Δd. In step S612, the effect control unit 402 sets the volume of the channel CHn to the on volume V _ON to the volume setting unit 412, and sets the volume of the other channels involved in the continuous fast-forward process to the off volume V _OFF. Send configuration information. In response to this, the volume setting unit 412 generates a sound in the channel delayed by the time difference Δd and sets the other channels to silence. Next, the effect control unit 402 decrements the channel counter n by 1 in step S613, and determines whether or not the channel counter n has become smaller than 1 in step S614. If the channel counter n is smaller than 1 (that is, zero) (YES), it means that the youngest channel number among the channels involved in the continuous fast-forward process has been reached, so the production control unit 402 proceeds to step S615. , N, which is the maximum number of channels involved in the continuous fast-forward process, is set in the channel counter n, and the next switching destination channel is returned to the channel CHN.

  In step S616, it is determined whether or not the time interval D has elapsed. If it is determined that the time interval D has elapsed (YES), the effect control unit 402 repeats steps S612 to S615, and performs processing for setting the next channel to the on volume. In step S616, if the time interval D has not elapsed, it is further determined in step S617 whether or not the end of the fast-forward process is instructed. If the fast-forward process has not been completed (NO), the process returns to step S616, and if completed (YES), the process proceeds to step S618.

In step S618, it is determined whether the sound reproduction has ended. If the sound reproduction has not ended (NO), the process returns from the process. If the sound reproduction has ended (YES), the volume is set to _OFF for all channels. Return from the process. Note that the end of the sound reproduction is determined based on whether or not the sound has been reproduced to the end in the channel designated as the sound generation channel.

As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the following advantages are provided.
1) According to the fifth embodiment, each of the plurality of channels is reproduced in advance with a predetermined time difference Δd, and the channel for setting the volume to the ON volume during the continuous fast-forward process is the time interval D. Since the sound is switched every time, a sound like so-called fast-forward processing in which the sound precedes is provided. Therefore, even if a sound source circuit that cannot reproduce sound from an arbitrary position is used, continuous fast-forward processing can be performed.

  2) According to the fifth embodiment, when the channel CH1 is reached, the playback of the last channel CHN involved in the continuous fast-forward process is resumed, so that the fast-forward process can be performed many times and many times as long as the sound does not end. Is possible.

  3) According to the fifth embodiment, the time difference that is the fast-forwarding amount per channel switching and the time interval that is the reproduction time per channel can be arbitrarily changed. The length of the sound to be generated can be freely set according to the purpose of the sound generation device.

(Embodiment 6)
The sixth embodiment relates to another gaming machine to which the sound generation device of the present invention can be applied.
FIG. 22 is a front view showing an appearance of the slot machine according to the sixth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 22, in the sixth embodiment, the sound generation device of the present invention is applied to a slot machine. As shown in FIG. 22, the front panel 2 is attached to the front surface of the housing of the slot machine 1 so as to be openable and closable. A display area is provided with a liquid crystal display device 80 having a display function at the upper part of the front panel 2, and an operation unit is provided at the center. A liquid crystal display device 80 having a display function is provided on the top of the housing. The image effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 80.

  Three reels (rotating drums) are arranged in a position inside the housing and visible through the display window 21. From the left side when viewed from the front, the left reel 22L, the middle reel 22C, and the right reel 22R are arranged in this order. The reels 22L, 22C and 22R are formed in a ring-shaped hollow structure. From the display window 21, reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are observed. Stepping motors (not shown) are coupled to the respective rotation shafts of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. A back lamp (not shown) is provided inside the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. Three back lamps are arranged for each reel, and light is emitted through the openings on the outer peripheral surface of the reel for a total of nine symbols visible from the display window 21 when the reels are stopped. The broken lines on the display window 21 shown in FIG. 22 indicate the effective line group 26 including the effective lines 26a, 26b, and 26c. The symbols attached to the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are spaced so that all nine symbols visible from the display window 21 are positioned on these effective line groups 26 when the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are stopped. Is arranged in.

  A medal slot 43 (selector) is provided at a position corresponding to the lower right side of the liquid crystal display device 80 in the central portion of the housing of the slot machine 1. When medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 43, the effective lines 26a, 26b, and 26c, 1 line to 5 lines, are activated according to the number of inserted medals. Further, various operation switches operated by the player, for example, a start switch 46, a stop switch group 47, and bet switch groups 44 and 45 are provided at the center of the housing. The start switch 46 is a switch, for example, a button or a lever operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. The stop switch group 47 is operated when the left reel 22L is stopped, the left reel stop switch 47L operated when the left reel 22L is stopped, the middle reel stop switch 47C operated when the middle reel 22C is stopped, and the right reel 22R is stopped. And a right reel stop switch 47R. The bet switch group is a switch group that designates the number of bets (the number of bets) when a player inserts a medal in a credit, and includes a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44 and a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 45. Has been. These bet switches 44 and 45 are also arranged as buttons, for example. When the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44 is operated, one or two medals are bet (collected as a game amount), and when the MAX bet switch 45 is operated, the maximum bet number is 3 Medals are bet. That is, the number of bets designated by the operation of the bet switch group is collected from the number of medals that are credited, and the credit is subtracted by the number of bets.

  A medal payout opening (hopper device) 31 is provided at the center of the lower part of the housing, and speakers 90 (left speaker 90L and right speaker 90R) are provided on both sides of the medal payout opening 31. During the game (game), various effects such as lighting of the back lamp, image display using the liquid crystal display device 80, and output of sound from the speaker 90 are performed. The speaker 90 is a sound generation means for generating sound generated by the sound generation device of the present invention.

An outline of the normal game executed in the slot machine having these configurations will be briefly described.
In the slot machine 1, when the player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 43 or operates the bet switch groups 44 and 45, the effective lines 26a to 26c are activated according to the number of bets. When the player who has designated the bet number operates the start switch 46, a lottery according to the bet number is performed, and the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R start to rotate. When the player operates one of the stop switches 47L, 47C, and 47R, the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R stop rotating according to the operated button. At this time, if the lottery result of the winning combination performed simultaneously with the operation of the start switch 46 is winning, the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line group 26 is a certain predetermined role. The reels are controlled so as to match the combination of symbols, and medals are paid out according to the winning combination.

  A main control board and a sub control board are provided inside the housing of the slot machine 1 (not shown). The main control board corresponds to the main control board 201 in the first to fifth embodiments. The sub control board corresponds to the sub control board 202 in the first to fifth embodiments. Similar to the above embodiment, the sub control board includes an effect control unit and a sound generation unit. The sound generation device of the present invention is mounted on the sound generation unit. The sound signal from the sound generation device is output to the speaker 90.

  In the above configuration, even when the gaming machine is a slot machine, the sound production is determined based on the lottery result of the main control board, and when the pause is necessary in the determined sound production, the above-described first to first embodiments. The rewinding or fast-forwarding process associated with the cancellation of the temporary stop 3 can be applied. Moreover, when the continuous rewinding process or the continuous fast-forward process is necessary, the process of the fourth embodiment or the fifth embodiment can be applied.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and applied.
For example, in Embodiments 1 to 3, a fade-in process in which the volume gradually increases when sound reproduction is resumed from the sound generation channel that has been switched in response to the cancellation of the pause may be combined.

  In the fourth and fifth embodiments, during continuous rewinding processing or continuous fast-forwarding processing, it is not always necessary to generate sound for the time interval D in the channel that is sequentially switched. You may process so that it may not sound.

  Furthermore, in the fourth and fifth embodiments, a desired rewind destination or fast-forward destination playback position is arbitrarily specified by an operation means or the like, and jumps directly to a desired rewind destination or fast-forward destination without sequentially switching three or more channels. You may let them. At this time, it may be configured such that the player can recognize the jump destination by displaying it in chapters or steps.

  In the above embodiment, the pachinko machine and the slot machine are exemplified as the gaming machine. However, the sound control process according to the present invention may be applied to the image display of the game device or the simulation device beyond the frame of the gaming machine. . That is, even for a device having a sound source circuit that cannot reproduce sound source data in the middle, such as the gaming machine of the above embodiment, the present invention can be applied to perform rewinding processing or fast-forwarding when a pause is released. Processing, continuous rewinding processing, and continuous fast-forwarding processing can be performed.

Front view showing an example of the external configuration of the pachinko machine of the present embodiment Block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the pachinko machine 100 Functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the main control board 201 Functional block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the sub-control board 202 Functional block diagram showing details of the functional configuration of the sound generation unit 406 Main flowchart showing an example of processing operation in the main control board The flowchart explaining the detail of the general winning process in step S2 of FIG. The flowchart explaining the detail of the normal symbol action | operation gate passage process in step S3 of FIG. The flowchart explaining the detail of the normal symbol action | operation gate passage process in step S3 of FIG. Flowchart explaining details of start winning process in step S4 of FIG. Flowchart explaining details of start winning process in step S4 of FIG. The flowchart explaining the detail of the special game execution process in step S5 of FIG. The flowchart which shows an example of the processing operation in the normal game in the sub control board 202 Timing chart example for explaining the rewinding process at the time of releasing the suspension according to the first embodiment The flowchart explaining the rewinding process at the time of cancellation | release of temporary stop of Embodiment 1. Timing chart example for explaining fast-forwarding processing at the time of releasing the suspension according to the second embodiment The flowchart explaining the fast-forward process at the time of cancellation | release of temporary stop of Embodiment 2. Timing chart example for explaining a modified example of the fast-forward process at the time of releasing the pause according to the third embodiment Flowchart for explaining a modified example of the fast-forward process at the time of releasing the suspension according to the third embodiment Timing chart example illustrating continuous rewinding processing according to the fourth embodiment Flowchart for explaining continuous rewinding processing according to the fourth embodiment Timing chart example illustrating continuous fast-forward processing according to the fifth embodiment Flowchart for explaining continuous fast-forward processing according to the fifth embodiment Front view showing an example of an external configuration of the slot machine of the sixth embodiment

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Pachinko machine 103 Normal symbol operation gate 106 Special symbol display device 107 Production display device 108 Normal symbol display device 112 Start winning opening 113 Grand winning opening 131 Launch handle 132 Operation switch 201 Main control board 203 Winning opening board 210 Start winning opening switch 215 Ordinary electric accessory solenoid 301 Prize determination unit 302 Flag storage unit 304 Special symbol lottery unit 305 Winning determination unit 306 Special symbol display instruction unit 309 Normal symbol lottery unit 310 Winning determination unit 311 Normal symbol display instruction unit 312 Normal electric accessory driving instruction Unit 313 effect command generation unit 401 effect command analysis unit 402 effect control unit 403 effect pattern storage unit 404 flag storage unit 405 image generation unit 406 sound generation unit 410 channel control unit 412 volume setting unit 416 sound source reproduction unit 418 sound amplification unit 20 sound synthesis unit

Claims (11)

An acoustic generation device including a plurality of channels for generating an acoustic signal,
A channel control unit for starting reproduction of a plurality of channels so that a delay of a predetermined time difference occurs for a predetermined sound;
A volume setting unit that sets the volume of any one of the plurality of channels to a perceivable limit volume or more and sets the volume of the other channel to be lower than the limit volume; and
When performing discontinuous reproduction to discontinuously change the progress of the sound, switching a channel set to be higher than the limit volume;
A sound generator characterized by the above. The channel controller
In response to the pause instruction, the playback of the plurality of channels is interrupted simultaneously,
In response to the release of the pause, the playback of the channel in which the playback of the sound is delayed is resumed, and the playback of the sound is further delayed than the playback in the channel in which the playback of the sound that has been restarted is delayed. To resume playback of the sound in the other channel at the timing of
The volume setting unit
In response to the pause instruction or cancellation, the volume of the channel in which reproduction of the sound that has been resumed is delayed is set to be equal to or higher than the limit volume.
The sound generation device according to claim 1. The channel controller
Resuming the reproduction of the sound in another channel at a timing when the reproduction of the sound is further delayed than the reproduction in the channel in which the reproduction of the sound that has been resumed is delayed.
The sound generation device according to claim 2. The channel controller
In response to the pause instruction, the playback of the plurality of channels is interrupted simultaneously,
In response to the release of the pause, the playback of the plurality of channels is resumed,
The volume setting unit
Corresponding to the cancellation of the pause, the volume of the channel in which the sound reproduction is preceded is set to be equal to or higher than the limit volume.
The sound generation device according to claim 1. The channel controller
In response to the second and subsequent pause instructions, the playback of the channel preceding the playback of the sound is interrupted,
In the channel in which the sound reproduction is delayed, the sound reproduction is interrupted until the sound reproduction precedes the sound reproduction interruption position, and then the sound reproduction is interrupted.
In response to the release of the pause, playback of the plurality of channels is started.
The sound generation device according to claim 4. The channel controller
In response to the pause instruction, the playback of the channel preceding the playback of the sound is interrupted,
In the channel in which the sound reproduction is delayed, the sound reproduction is interrupted until the sound reproduction precedes the sound reproduction interruption position, and then the sound reproduction is interrupted.
In response to the release of the pause, playback of the plurality of channels is started.
The sound generation device according to claim 1. The acoustic setting unit
During the rewind playback period, a channel in which the sound reproduction is delayed is sequentially specified every predetermined time interval, and a volume higher than the limit volume is set.
The sound generation device according to claim 1. The volume setting unit
During the fast-forward playback period, sequentially specify the channel in which the sound is played back at predetermined time intervals, and set the volume above the limit volume.
The sound generation device according to claim 1. The amount of change in the playback position in the discontinuous playback,
Control based on at least one of the time difference between the plurality of channels or the time interval for setting and playing the volume above the limit volume for one channel,
The sound generation device according to claim 1, 7, or 8. At least one of the instruction or cancellation of the discontinuous reproduction is
The sound generation device according to claim 1, which corresponds to an operation of the operation device. A sound generation program for a sound generation device including a plurality of channels for generating sound signals,
On the computer,
A function of starting reproduction of a plurality of channels at a predetermined time difference for a predetermined sound;
A function of setting the volume of any one of the plurality of channels to a perceivable volume or higher;
A function for setting the volume of other channels to be lower than the limit volume;
A function of switching the channel set above the limit sound volume when the acoustic progression is changed discontinuously;
Sound generation program for running.

Images