JP2015192763A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that, if an upper limit of a sound volume is set by DRC, volume adjustment cannot be performed.SOLUTION: If generated sound data becomes a predetermined sound volume or more, compressor means such as DRC is used to limit the sound volume to a fixed level. Thereafter, for the restricted adjustment level, volume re-setting is performed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a game machine represented by a slot machine, a pachinko machine and the like.

  Conventionally, in a game machine called a slot machine or a pachislot, presentation control using a liquid crystal display device, a speaker, or the like is performed. Such an effect device is provided with an effect control unit (hereinafter referred to as a sub-control unit) separately from a control unit (hereinafter referred to as a main control unit) that performs winning determination and reel control. It tends to be complicated.

  Among these effect control units, the effect control unit related to sound is configured as a sound control unit including a sound source IC, and when a sound output request is made from the CPU that controls the entire effect to the sound control unit, Predetermined sound source data is read from the sound source ROM storing the data and a sound signal is output to the amplifier. The volume of the output sound can be adjusted by operating a volume switch or the like.

  By the way, the game stand installed in the game store is made so that a large volume can be output in order to excite the game, but if the volume of one production sound is set large, depending on the game situation, the production sound may overlap. In other cases, the amplitude of each sound wave is amplified, and an unexpectedly large volume is generated, which exceeds the rating of the speaker. Therefore, in order to prevent the sound data from becoming an unexpectedly large volume, a mechanism for providing a volume limit function called DRC (Dynamic Range Compression) is provided so that the volume of the output sound falls within a certain limit range. .

JP-A-3-218109

  However, when volume restriction by DRC is performed over a plurality of stages of the volume switch, the volume level of the volume switch that is restricted does not change even if the volume switch of a different volume level is operated. There was a problem that could not be adjusted.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of fine volume adjustment even if volume limitation is provided.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention includes a sound control unit that performs effect control relating to sound, a sound output unit that outputs sound, and a volume of sound output from the sound output unit that is different in volume corresponding to a plurality of adjustment levels. The sound control means includes at least sound source data storage means for storing sound source data and sound source data stored in the sound source data storage means. Sound data generation means for generating sound data including data relating to volume, sound signal output means for outputting a sound signal to the sound output means based on the sound data, and when the volume exceeds a predetermined volume, Volume changing means for changing the volume to a predetermined volume or less, and the volume changing means is small in volume at two adjacent adjustment levels of the volume adjusting means. The volume corresponding to the adjusted level the amount is set, is to change to a smaller volume than the volume corresponding to the adjusted level a large volume is set, and wherein the.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the game stand which can perform fine volume adjustment even if a volume restriction | limiting is provided can be provided.

1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. (A) An inside view of the slot machine 100. FIG. (B) It is a figure which shows a volume switch. (A) It is a figure which shows the design drawn on the reels 110-112. (B) A payout chart showing combinations of winning combinations and the number of payouts. It is a control block diagram of a slot machine. (A) It is a block diagram of a sound control part. (B) It is a detailed block diagram of a sound control part. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the process of sound data generation in a sound control part. (B) It is a figure which shows the crossover area | region in a filter. It is a figure which shows DRC control information. (A) It is a figure which shows low-pass filter control information. (B) It is a figure which shows high-pass filter control information. (A) It is a figure which shows the threshold level in this embodiment. (B) It is a figure which shows the reduction level in this embodiment. (A) It is a figure which shows the relationship between the flow of a game, and each effect sound. (B) It is a figure which shows the relationship between the flow of a game, and each effect sound (when many effect sounds overlap). (A) It is a figure which shows the relationship between the overlap of effect sound and the sound volume output. (B) It is a figure which shows the effect sound at the time of DRC action | operation. (A) It is a figure which shows the flow of the conventional sound control processing. (B) It is a figure which shows the flow of the sound control process in this invention. (A) It is a figure which shows an example of the volume readjustment in this invention. (B) It is a figure which shows an example of the volume readjustment in this invention (adjustment in all the volume levels). (A) It is a figure which shows an example of the volume readjustment in this invention (low-volume area | region). (B) It is a figure which shows an example of the volume readjustment in this invention (a high sound volume, a low sound volume area | region). It is a figure which shows an example of the volume readjustment in this invention (with / without DRC restrictions for every production sound). It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part main process. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a main control part timer interruption process. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 1st sub control part main process. (B) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a 1st sub control part timer interruption process. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a sound control part main process. (B) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a sound control part timer interruption process. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a sound control process. (B) It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a volume readjustment process. 10 is a flowchart showing a flow of volume readjustment processing 2;

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front surface of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are stored and rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured to be able to. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

  In the present embodiment, an appropriate number of symbols are printed on the belt-like member at equal intervals, and the reels 110 to 112 are configured by affixing the belt-like member to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed three in the vertical direction from the symbol display window 113 so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. Then, by rotating the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that can be seen by the player varies. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that displays a plurality of combinations of symbols in a variable manner. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. In this embodiment, three reels are provided in the center of the slot machine 100. However, the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

  A backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed on the symbol display window 113 is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that the individual symbols can be illuminated evenly. In the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) including a light projecting unit and a light receiving unit is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112. The light projecting unit and the light receiving unit of the optical sensor are provided. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the two. Based on the detection result of the sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

  The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the winning line 114 that is valid. The effective pay line is determined in advance by the number of medals bet as a game medium. There are five pay lines 114. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal pay line is valid, and when two medals are betted, the upper horizontal win line and the lower horizontal pay line are added. If three are valid and three medals are bet, five lines including a right-down winning line and an upper-right winning line are valid as winning lines. The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to five. For example, when one medal is bet, the middle horizontal winning line, the upper horizontal winning line, the lower horizontal winning line, the right Five down-line winning lines and upper-right winning lines may be set as valid winning lines, and the same number of winning lines may be set as valid winning lines regardless of the number of bets.

  The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been won internally in an internal lottery to be described later or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying that the player can insert a game medal. The replay lamp 122 informs the player that the current game can be replayed (the medal need not be inserted) when winning a replay which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. It is a lamp. The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

  The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, a maximum of 3 cards are inserted, 2 when the bet button 131 is pressed, and 3 when the bet button 132 is pressed. It has become so. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as a MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up the number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the game start is informed that the game can be started. The lamp 121 is turned on.

  The medal slot 141 is an slot for a player to insert a medal when starting a game. That is, the medal can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or an actual medal can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141. is there. The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals stored electronically in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various types of internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals to be paid out to the player as a result of winning a winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

  The start lever 135 is a lever type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired medal number is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

  The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with the reels 110 to 112. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each stop button 137 to 139, and when the stop button 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter may be turned on to notify the player.

  The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove a medal when the inserted medal is jammed. The payment button 134 is a button for adjusting the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout exit 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

  Below the stop button unit 136 is provided a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and pasting various types of certificate. At the lower part of the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

  The sound hole 143 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right portions of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for exciting games. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 including two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in a horizontal direction, and a liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened outward in the horizontal direction in front of the liquid crystal display device 157, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 (not shown) is displayed in front of the slot machine 100 (game). The structure appears on the person side). In addition, even if it is not a liquid crystal display device, it should just be comprised so that various effect images and various game information can be displayed, for example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display , A reel (drum), or a display device including a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the player can visually recognize the entire display screen. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. In addition, a decorative object (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, and a part of the peripheral edge of the display screen may be hidden by the decorative object, so that the display screen looks irregular. In the present embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but may be a curved surface.

  FIG. 2A is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door opened. The housing 101 is a box body that is surrounded by the upper surface plate 261, the left side plate 260, the right side plate 260, the lower surface plate 264, and the back plate 242, and that opens to the front surface. Inside the housing 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores a main control board is disposed at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation port 249 provided on the upper portion of the back plate 242. The three reels 110 to 112 are arranged below the bottom. On the side plate 260 on the left side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, a sub control board storage case 220 containing a sub control board is disposed. In addition, a volume switch 221 for adjusting the sound output from the high-frequency speaker 272 and the low-frequency speaker 277 and the volume is provided.

  Further, an external concentrated terminal plate 248 that is connected to the main control board and outputs the information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side.

  The lower surface plate 264 is provided with a medal payout device 180 (device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket), and has a power supply board above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112. A power supply device 252 is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided on the front surface of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into a direct current, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400. Furthermore, a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined part (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power source is cut off is provided. Yes.

  A medal auxiliary storage 240 is arranged on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal is arranged behind this (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connecting portion for connecting a power cord 265, and the power cord 265 connected thereto extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 provided in the back plate 242 of the housing 101. ing.

  The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the housing 101 via a hinge device 276, and an effect device 160 and an effect control board for controlling the effect device 160 are provided above the symbol display window 113. (Not shown) and a treble speaker 272 are provided. Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals etc. on the medal tray 161. Yes. Further, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 143.

  Below the symbol display window 113, a reset switch 290, a setting change switch 291 and a setting value display LED 292 are provided. The reset switch 290 and the setting change switch 291 are contact type switches that are turned on when pressed and turned off when released. The setting change switch 291 enters a setting change acceptance state by turning on the power switch 244 while the setting change key 289 is on, and the current setting value is displayed on the setting value display LED 292. Thereafter, when the setting change switch 291 is pressed, it is changed so that 1 is added to the displayed setting value. When the setting changing switch 291 is operated in the state of the specified maximum setting value (6 in the present embodiment), the lowest setting is 1 Is displayed repeatedly so that is displayed. When the start lever 135 is operated, the setting value displayed is determined. When the setting change key 244 is returned to the original state, the setting change state is terminated.

  The reset switch 290 is used, for example, to cancel an error state.

  FIG. 2B is an enlarged view of the volume switch 221. The volume switch 221 according to the present embodiment can be adjusted to 16 levels (adjustment levels) from 0 to F. From the state of the volume 0 where the volume knob 222 faces downward, the volume knob 222 is adjusted. For example, the sound can be increased to, for example, the volume 7, and the sound can be increased to the maximum volume F by further clockwise operation.

  Next, the symbol arrangement applied to each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a diagram in which the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) is developed in a plane.

  In each reel 110 to 112, a plurality of types (eight types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged in a predetermined number of frames (21 frames of numbers 0 to 20 in this embodiment). Also, numbers 0 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. For example, in the present embodiment, a “bell” symbol is assigned to the number 1 frame of the left reel 110, a “cherry” symbol is assigned to the number 1 frame of the middle reel 111, and a “bell” symbol is assigned to the number 11 frame of the right reel 112. "Watermelon" design is arranged respectively.

  Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including actuating combinations), symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the operation or payout of each winning combination. Of the winning combinations in the present embodiment, the big bonuses (BB1, BB2) and the regular bonus (RB) are used as a combination for shifting to the bonus game, and the replay (replay) is a replay without newly inserting a medal. Each winning combination is sometimes distinguished from a winning combination and sometimes called an “acting combination”. However, in the “winning combination” in this embodiment, a big bonus, a regular bonus, and a replay that are operating combinations are included. included. In addition, “winning” in the present embodiment includes a case where a symbol combination of an actuator not accompanied by a medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on an active line, for example, a big bonus, regular Includes bonuses and replay wins.

  The winning combination of the slot machine 100 includes a big bonus (BB1, BB2), a regular bonus (RB), a small combination (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replay (replay). Needless to say, the type of winning combination is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily adopted.

  “Big Bonus (BB1, BB2)” (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “BB”) is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning a prize. . Corresponding symbol combinations are “white 7-white 7-white 7” for BB1, and “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” for BB2. Further, flag carryover is performed for BB1 and BB2. That is, when BB1 and BB2 are won internally, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300), but even if BB1 and BB2 are not won in the game, a prize is won. Until then, the flag indicating the internal winning is maintained, and even after the next game, BB1 and BB2 are being internally selected, and the symbol combination corresponding to BB1 “white 7-white 7-white 7”, the symbol corresponding to BB2 The combination “blue 7-blue 7-blue 7” is in a state of winning a prize.

  The “regular bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a regular bonus game (RB game) is started by winning. The corresponding symbol combination is “REG-REG-REG”. Note that the RB carries over the flag as well as the above-mentioned BB. However, in the big bonus game (BB game), the start of the big bonus game without the start condition that the regular bonus game (RB game) is won internally or the symbol combination is displayed on the winning line. A regular bonus game may be set to automatically start such that when a regular bonus game is started later and one regular bonus game is completed, the next regular bonus game is immediately started. “Short (cherry, watermelon, bell)” (hereinafter, simply referred to as “cherry”, “watermelon”, “bell”) is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. The symbol combinations are “cherry-ANY-ANY” for cherry, “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” for watermelon, and “bell-bell-bell” for bell. The corresponding payout number is as shown in FIG. In the case of “cherry-ANY-ANY”, the symbol of the left reel 110 may be “cherry”, and the symbol of the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 may be any symbol. When the cherry stops at the upper and lower tiers of the left reel, it is treated as a four-cherry and when it stops at the middle, it is treated as another internal winning combination as a two-cherry. In the present embodiment, the two middle cherries are particularly referred to as middle cherries.

  “Replay” is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without inserting a medal (game medium) in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The corresponding symbol combination is “replay-replay-replay”.

  Next, the types of gaming state of the slot machine 100 will be described. In this embodiment, the gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a normal game, a BB game, an RB game, and an internal winning game of a big bonus (BB) and a regular bonus (RB). However, it may be divided into a general game, a BB game, and an RB game.

  The winning combinations that are internally won for normal games include a big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay), and small roles (cherry, watermelon, bell).

  “Big Bonus (BB)” is a special combination (operating combination) in which a big bonus game (BB game), which is a special game, is started by winning. “Regular Bonus (RB)” is a special combination (operating combination) that starts a regular bonus game (RB game) upon winning. The “replay” (replay) is a winning combination (operating combination) in which a game can be performed without a medal being inserted in the next game by winning, and no medal is paid out. The “small role” is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning. In addition, the internal winning probability of each combination is a range of random values obtained at the time of internal lottery from numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each combination from lottery data prepared for normal games. It is calculated by the value divided by the numerical data (for example, 65535). The lottery data prepared for the normal game is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each combination and lose is associated with each numerical range. It is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to which combination, and the internal lottery combination is determined. This lottery data is provided with settings 1 to 6 in which the winning probabilities of at least one combination are different, and a game shop clerk can arbitrarily select and set any set value.

  In the normal game, the result of the internal lottery is set to be roughly lost (big bonus (BB), regular bonus (RB), replay (replay) and small role won), and the medal to win The total number is less than the total number of medals inserted. Therefore, it is a gaming state that is disadvantageous for the player. However, when a predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when a specific symbol combination is displayed), it is a gaming state that may be changed to increase the probability of internal winning of replaying. In this case, When a predetermined number of medals are paid out by winning a small role, there are cases where the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted, resulting in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player.

  The BB game is set to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the BB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the BB game is started by winning a big bonus (BB), and an RB game (described later) can be continuously executed repeatedly, and a predetermined number (for example, during the game) The process ends when more than 465 medals are obtained. However, the BB game does not allow the RB game to be executed continuously and repeatedly, and sets the role to start the RB game (the symbol combination is, for example, replay-replay-replay), and if this role is won internally, or The RB game may be set to start when winning. Furthermore, in the BB game, when the BB general game excluding the RB game during the BB game is executed a predetermined number of times (for example, 30 times), or the number of the RB games executed during the BB game is a predetermined number of times. It may be made to end when it reaches (for example, three times).

  The RB game is set so as to be in a gaming state that is beneficial to the player. That is, the RB game is in a gaming state in which the total number of medals to be acquired exceeds the total number of medals inserted. In this embodiment, the RB game is started by winning a regular bonus (RB), and one predetermined role is set to a variation that increases the probability of internal winning (for example, “setting 1” “normal game”). Increase the internal winning probability 1/15 of “small role 1” to an internal winning probability 1 / 1.2 which is a predetermined value) and win a predetermined number (for example, 8 times) It ends when there is. A BB game ends when a predetermined number of wins are made (for example, 8 times) or when the number of RB games executed during the RB game reaches a predetermined number of times (for example, 8 times). You may make it do.

  The winning combination that is internally won for the internal winning game of the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) includes a replay and a small role. The big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB) are not won internally, and are game states in which a symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) or the regular bonus (RB) can be won.

  However, the probability of the internal winning of the replay may be changed from the next game that has been internally won to the big bonus (BB) and the regular bonus (RB), for example, the probability of increasing the internal winning probability of the replay is changed. Until the symbol combination corresponding to the big bonus (BB) and regular bonus (RB) wins, the total number of medals to be acquired is almost the same as the total number of inserted medals, and is compared with the normal game. The gaming state may be beneficial to the player.

  Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. This figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

  The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be broadly divided into main effects according to a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game and a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as “command”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. And a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on a command transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400.

  First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of a winning combination, and reel stop. A ROM 306 for storing a position, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 312 for measuring time and frequency It is installed. Note that another storage device may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this is the same for the first sub-control unit 400 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 314 as a system clock. Further, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is transmitted to the CPU 304 at every interrupt time. In response to this interrupt request, the CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse. For example, when the clock signal output from the crystal oscillator 314 is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the data for frequency division of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the interrupt reference time is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz. = 1.504 ms.

  The basic circuit 302 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that changes a numerical value in a range of 0 to 65535, and a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the activation signal is input from the activation signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts a main control unit main process described later).

  In addition, a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage and a WDT 313 (watchdog timer) are provided.

  Further, the basic circuit 302 is provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 is inserted from various sensors 318 (a bet button 130 sensor, a bet button 131 sensor, a bet button 132 sensor, and a medal slot 141 every interruption time). Medal medal acceptance sensor, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal medal payout sensor paid out from medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110, The index sensor of the reel 111, the index sensor of the reel 112, etc.) are monitored.

  When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, a signal indicating this detection is output to the random number generation circuit 316. Receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random value used for the lottery.

  Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect a start operation by the player. The stop button 137 sensor, the stop button 138 sensor, and the stop button 139 are installed in each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

  The bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor are installed in each of the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132, and the medals stored electronically in the RAM 308 are inserted as inserted medals into the game. Detecting the input operation when The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals stored electronically are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting a medal paid out by the medal payout device 180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact type sensor or a contact type sensor.

  The index sensor of the reel 110, the index sensor of the reel 111, and the index sensor of the reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110 to 112, and each time a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes. Becomes L level. When detecting this signal, the CPU 304 determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero.

  The main control unit 300 is provided with a drive circuit 322 for driving a stepping motor provided in the reel devices 110 to 112, and a drive circuit 324 for driving a solenoid provided in a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals. In addition, a driving circuit 326 for driving a motor provided in the medal payout device 180 is provided, and various lamps 340 (winning line display lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, re-game lamp 122, game medal insertion) The lamp 129 is provided with a drive circuit 328 for driving the game start lamp 121, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127).

  Further, an information output circuit 334 (external concentration terminal board 248) is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 is connected to an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via the information output circuit 334. The game information (for example, game state) of the slot machine 100 is output to the information input circuit 652 provided.

  In addition, the main control unit 300 includes an output interface for transmitting a command to the first sub control unit 400 and enables communication with the first sub control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub control unit 400. However, the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to transmit a signal such as a command to the main control unit 300.

  Next, the first sub control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives a control command transmitted from the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input / output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time and frequency. It is installed. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock, and controls the control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, lighting of the backlight A ROM 406 in which data for controlling patterns and various displays is stored is provided.

  The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in the predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency dividing data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the interrupt request timing.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound control unit 416 including a sound source IC 418, and the sound source IC 418 is provided with speakers 272 and 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls sound output from the amplifier 425 and the speakers 272 and 277 in accordance with a command from the CPU 404. A sound source ROM (sound source ROM) in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the sound data acquired from the ROM is amplified by the amplifier 425 and output from the high sound speaker 272 and the low sound speaker 277. Further, a signal from a volume switch sensor 223 provided in the volume switch 221 for adjusting the volume of sound generated from these speakers is input to the basic circuit 402.

  The first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface. Provided.

  In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 controls the effect image display device 157 and various effect drive devices 160. The second sub-control unit 500 may be configured by a plurality of control units such as a control unit that controls the liquid crystal display device 157 and a control unit that controls the various effect drive devices 165. The second sub-control unit performs display control of the effect image display device 157 and controls the drive device 165 for effect.

  Next, the sound source IC 418 mounted on the sound control unit 416 in the first sub-control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. 5A is a block diagram schematically showing the sound source IC 418, and FIG. 5B is a block diagram schematically showing various processes in the reproduction sound output setting of the sound source IC 418.

  In the case of the present embodiment, the sound source IC 418 is configured as a so-called DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and includes a variety of modules, which will be described later, in one package. As shown in FIG. 5A, in the sound source IC 418, the control unit 1 that controls reproduction sound output setting is connected to a CPU 404 that is an external host CPU via an I / F 2 and an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface). ing.

  The control unit 1 is connected to an encode data input unit 3, and the encode data input unit 3 is connected to an external sound source ROM 423 via an EMIF (External Memory Interface). The encode data input unit 3 is connected to various processing units 4 that perform various processes such as a decoding process, a mixing process, a stereophonic process, a sequencer process, and a filter process. The various processing units 4 are connected to a PCM output unit 5, and the PCM output unit 5 is connected to external speakers (a high-frequency speaker 272 and a low-frequency speaker 277) via McASP as an interface. The control unit 1 is connected to the I / F 2, the encoded data input unit 3, the various processing units 4, and the PCM output unit 5 described above via a bus, and controls processing in each.

  Here, the reproduction sound output setting performed by the control unit 1 in the sound source IC 418 will be described in more detail. First, the control unit 1 inputs sound source data acquired from the sound source ROM 423 to the encode data input unit 3 via the EMIF based on the control of the CPU 404, and then takes in the various processing units 4. The various processing units 4 perform the various processes described above on the input sound source data.

  Specifically, the various processes will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 5B, channel processing is performed in the channel module 41 on the sound source data taken in via the EMIF. In the case of this embodiment, the control unit 1 has a total of 16 channels from 0 to 15, and can manage a plurality of sound source data simultaneously by assigning a channel to each of a plurality of data called from the sound source ROM 423. It is possible. The sound source data output process in the present invention is controlled by the control unit 1.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 6A, the channel processing first performs decoding (reproduction) processing on the input sound source data (phrase data) (step S1). The phrase data is a file compressed in the Muzip format, and includes sound source data of a type such as a stereo sound source, a monaural sound source, and a binaural sound source (a stereo sound source to which 3D sound processing is applied).

  The control unit 1 inputs the phrase data after the decoding processing by the channel module 41 to the mixer module 43, and the mixer module 43 multiplies the input phrase data (sound source data) by the master volume. After the master volume adjustment, the stereo sound source and the monaural sound source after pan adjustment are mixed, while the 3D sound source is multiplied by the 3D gain and the mixing process for adjusting the gain of the 3D sound source stored in the monaural buffer is performed. .

  In the case of the present embodiment, the mixer module 43 performs a localization & movement process for adding movement information to the 3D sound source after the mixing process, and the gain at the time of mixing is the output of the localization & movement process. After performing binaural mixer processing of 0 dB, stereophonic sound processing is performed as a stereophonic sound processing module that performs virtual headphone processing on the output of the binaural mixer.

  On the other hand, the control unit 1 inputs the phrase data after the mixing process in the mixer module 43 to the effect module 44 for performing the monaural mixing process, and the stereo sound source (stereo) after the mixing process by the mixer module 43 Signal) in mono. At this time, the monaural / mixing process is executed by (Lch data + Rch data) / 2.

  Then, the control unit 1 inputs the phrase data after the monaural / mixing process to the LPF 45 and inputs the phrase data after the mixing process to the HPF 46. Here, the LPF 45 is a low-pass filter (LPF) that cuts off (attenuates) a frequency band higher than a predetermined frequency component (cut-off frequency). The LPF control information shown in FIG. Perform filtering according to the table. The HPF 46 is a high-pass filter (HPF) that cuts off (attenuates) a frequency band lower than a predetermined frequency component (cut-off frequency). The HPF control information table shown in FIG. Execute the filtering process according to

  In practice, the filter process generates a crossover region in which the frequency band blocked by the HPF and the frequency band blocked by the LPF overlap as shown in FIG. For this reason, it is possible to pass phrase data in the middle frequency band by virtually performing a filter process using a so-called band-pass filter (BPF). The BPF function is not essential.

  Thereafter, the control unit 1 inputs the sound data after the filter processing divided by the LPF 45 and the HPF 46 to the corresponding DRC modules 48a and 48b.

  When the input level of the sound data after volume adjustment exceeds a predetermined threshold (threshold level) by the DRC modules 48a and 48b, the control unit 1 performs compression processing as a compressor function as shown in FIG. Then, the output data is output to the corresponding speakers (high tone speaker 272, low tone speaker 277) via the McASP.

  Here, the compressor function (compression processing) is to set the change in the output volume of the playback sound based on the sound data when the volume level of the generated sound data exceeds a predetermined threshold value (threshold level). This is a process of compressing the maximum and minimum difference (dynamic range) of the output volume of the reproduced sound by a process of suppressing (releasing, ratio, compression ratio) and releasing (releasing) at a predetermined set time.

  As shown in FIG. 9B, the reduction level (slope) in FIG. 9A is the attack level with respect to the time axis (that is, the time until compression starts (attack time)) or the release level (compression). Set time to release). For example, in FIG. 9A, the threshold is set to −10 dB (T = −1000), and in this case, it can be seen that the volume data exceeding −10 dB is compressed to −10 dB and output. At this time, the inclination (reduction level) is 0.0 (K = 0).

  Here, the DRC modules 48a and 48b operate (execute) a compressor function (DRC: compression processing) based on a DRC control information table as shown in FIG. At this time, the DRC control information includes DRC on / off (0: DRC OFF, 1: DRC ON), LPF time constant used for envelope detection (specified in msec unit), compressor attack time (specified in msec unit) , Compressor decay time (specified in units of msec), threshold dB (the compressor is applied when the input signal level is greater than the threshold), slope (reduction level) x 100, etc., the initial value is 0 ( OFF), 1 (1 msec), 1 (1 msec), 1000 (1000 msec), −1000 (−10 dB), and 0 (0.0), which can be arbitrarily set by the CPU 404 as necessary. ing.

  The above-described threshold (threshold level) is a value for determining whether or not to perform compression processing as a compressor function on the input signal level (input level, input volume) of sound data. In this embodiment, it is desirable to set the threshold to -40 dB or more. When T <−4000 is set, T = −4000 is set. Incidentally, when a negative value is set here, it is specified by an int type HEX value. For example, in order to set to -1000, 0xFFFFFC18 is specified in the data field of the setting value. It has become.

  Note that the timing at which the compressor process is performed and the type and number of sound data to be subjected to the compressor process are not limited to those described above, and the volume level of the sound finally generated from the speaker is suppressed to a predetermined threshold value or less. Anything is acceptable.

  Further, the control unit 1 inputs a sequence code fetched from the sound source ROM 423 via the EMIF to the sequencer module 42. In the case of the present embodiment, the control unit 1 has eight system sequencer modules 42, and a plurality of sequence codes input from the sound source ROM 423 via the EMIF are assigned to the respective sequencer modules 42. Yes.

  The sequence code is information including a parameter for the sequencer to perform reproduction. The sequencer module 42 is based on the sequence code and other modules (for example, the channel module 41 and the mixer module 43). ) Is a module that executes playback, stop, pause, pause release, fade-out, volume adjustment, etc.

  Here, reproduction means reproduction of the sequence code, and stop means that the sequence code is stopped. By the stop, the sequencer module 42 stops the channel module 41 in use.

  The pause is to pause the sequence code, and the sequencer module 42 executes the following processing on the channel module 41 in use by the pause.

  That is, the sequencer module 42 first stops the channel module 41 that is in a fade-out stop state by the temporary stop. Next, the channel module 41 that is adjusting the fade volume during playback, fade-in, fade-out pause, or pause is paused.

  Also, the release of the pause is to resume the playback of the paused sequence code. By releasing the pause, the sequencer module 42 performs the following processing on the channel module 41 being used. Is supposed to run.

  That is, the sequencer module 42 first cancels the pause of the channel module 41 that was playing, faded in, or adjusted the fade volume when the sequencer module 42 was paused. (At this time, the fade is not added when the pause is canceled). Next, the channel module 41 that has been paused when the sequencer module 42 is paused or has been paused for fade-out is left suspended without being released as it is.

  The fade-out is to stop the sequence code by stopping the fade-out of the channel module 41 being used by the sequencer module 42. Furthermore, the volume adjustment is to adjust the volume (volume) in the channel module 41 being used by the sequencer module 42.

  As described above, the sound source IC 418 according to the present embodiment controls the various modules by the control unit 1, thereby generating the phrase data (sound source data) after performing the various processes in the various processing units 3 as described above as the PCM output unit. 4 Then, the phrase data after the pulse code modulation (PCM) processing is performed by the PCM output unit 4 is output to an external speaker (high tone speaker 272, low tone speaker 277) via McASP. It has become.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the sound output timing of effect sound based on each sound source data during game control will be described.

  As described above, the sound control unit 416 can simultaneously process a plurality of sound source data stored in the sound source ROM 423, but there is a timing at which effect sounds based on the respective sound source data overlap depending on the state of game control. For example, as shown in FIG. 10 (a), during the normal game, the production A is generated, and after the line where the character appears, the reel stop sound is generated based on the player's stop operation. To do. In this case, since there are few periods in which a plurality of effect sounds overlap, the sound output from the speaker is not a relatively loud sound.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10 (b), in the case of a situation in which a specific game state is entered and a state where a specific symbol can be aligned right now (tempered) state, it is generated in a normal game. When there is no BGM, a production B is produced, a reach production sound is generated to notify that a specific symbol is in a reach state, and a line suggesting that the character aims at the specific symbol is generated. In the situation that occurs, the amplitude of each effect sound is overlapped and amplified, and a loud signal may be output to the speaker, and the sound is distorted beyond the rating of the speaker. There was a thing.

  Next, the relationship between the volume switch 221 and the output sound volume will be described.

  FIG. 11A shows the volume level set by the volume switch 221 in the horizontal axis direction and the volume of the sound output from the speakers 272 and 277 in the vertical axis direction. The straight line A in the figure shows the volume at the point A in FIG. 10A described above for each volume level (adjustment level), and the straight line B in the figure shows the volume in FIG. 10B described above. The volume at point B is shown for each volume level. Generally, a speaker has an upper limit (rated input) for preventing sound from being distorted and an upper limit (maximum input) for preventing the speaker from being damaged. Therefore, even when the volume switch 221 is set to the maximum level F, it is desirable to set the volume value of the sound source data so that the volume of the output sound does not exceed the rated input value. On the other hand, there is a demand for a game machine to which the present invention is applied so that it can output a loud sound as much as possible so that the production can be excited when it is operated in a game store. Therefore, it is necessary to adjust the sound output level so as to satisfy both needs.

  Returning to FIG. At point A where there is relatively little overlap between effect sounds, even if the volume switch 221 is set at the maximum value F of the volume level, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 272 and 277 is a certain threshold value of the speaker ( For example, it can be set so as not to exceed the rated input value. However, in a situation such as point B in FIG. 10B where a plurality of effect sounds overlap each other, the volume of the sound output from the speakers 272 and 277 is a certain threshold value (for example, rated input value) of the speaker. May be exceeded. Then, even if a situation like point B occurs, the volume value of the sound source data should be set so that it does not exceed a certain threshold value. The need for sound output is no longer met.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11B, the volume value of the sound source data is set relatively high, the volume level of the volume switch 221 is set high, and a lot of production sounds overlap, For a part where the volume of the sound to be output exceeds a certain threshold value, a method of limiting the volume of the sound to be output to a certain level or less by using DRC can be considered.

  However, if the sound output level in the large sound volume region is suppressed by DRC, the sound volume values output at the respective volume levels become side by side, as in volume levels D, E, and F in FIG. For example, even if the volume value is switched from D to F, a phenomenon occurs in which the volume of sound output from the speakers 272 and 277 does not change.

  Therefore, in the present invention, as shown in FIG. 12A, conventional volume adjustment of sound source data, effect processing such as how much sound is output from which speaker, and volume limitation by DRC are performed. From the flow of outputting the sound output signal to the speaker later, volume adjustment of the sound source data, effect processing such as how much sound is output from which speaker, volume restriction by DRC, and then volume adjustment can be executed again A function was added (FIG. 12B).

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described.

  In FIG. 13A, the volume of the DRC upper limit value is set to the volume level F in A, B, C, D, E, and F in which the volume level is a large volume range, and the volume lower from there is adjusted to the volume E. The volume corresponding to each volume level is readjusted such that the volume lower than volume level E is adjusted to volume level D.

  Therefore, the volume can be adjusted even in a large volume range, and fine volume adjustment is possible.

  Volume adjustment is performed up to volume level A, and no adjustment is performed below volume level 9. Therefore, while the volume changes in accordance with the operation of the volume switch 221 in the high volume area, volume adjustment is not performed in the middle and low volume areas, so that the volume of sound output as a whole can be kept relatively high.

  In FIG. 13B, the volume of the DRC upper limit value is set to the volume level F, and from there to volume 1, the volume corresponding to each volume level is set lower than the volume corresponding to the volume level one level higher. Yes.

  Therefore, the volume change due to the volume adjustment becomes relatively uniform, and the volume adjustment is easy.

  FIG. 14A shows an example in which the volume is readjusted in a low volume area where the volume level adjustment is not effective when the DRC lower limit is set. The lower limit setting of DRC has the effect of raising the volume so that the production sound set at a low volume is not easily heard by the production sound set at a high volume. Therefore, it is possible to finely adjust the volume while making it easy to hear the production sound in the low volume region that is difficult to hear by DRC.

  FIG. 14B shows an example in which the volume readjustment is performed for each of the areas when the restriction is applied to both the high volume area and the low volume area by DRC. Originally, although there are many portions where the adjustment of the volume level is not effective, the adjustment function works effectively at all the volume levels.

  In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which all the effect sounds are restricted by DRC. However, a setting in which DRC is activated or not activated for each effect sound may be performed. For example, for the effect sound A related to important notifications such as an error sound and a push order notification sound, the DRC is not restricted so that the loudest possible sound can be produced, and the other effect sounds B are restricted by the DRC. . Then, the volume is readjusted for the portion where the DRC restriction is applied (FIG. 15).

  Next, the control flow of the above-described embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300.

  As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with the start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs the start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input resets by a reset interrupt and executes the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG. 16 in accordance with a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

  When the power is turned on, first, various initial settings are made in step 1000. In this initial setting, setting of the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting of interrupt inhibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, operation permission to the WDT 313, and initial setting Set the value.

  In step 1001, a game start process is executed. Here, game information such as the number of stored medals, whether or not a replay has been won in the previous game, and the number of coins inserted at that time is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step 1002, medal insertion processing is executed. Here, whether or not a medal has been inserted is checked, and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of the medal. Note that when a re-win is won in the previous game, a process of inserting the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game is performed, so that it is not necessary for the player to insert medals. At this time, game information such as the number of medals inserted and a medal insertion method (whether the bet buttons 130 to 132 are used or maintained) is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step 1003, it is checked whether or not the start lever 135 has been operated. If the start lever 135 has been operated, the process proceeds to step 1004.

  In step 1004, the random number generated by the random number generation circuit 316 is acquired.

  In step 1005, a winning combination lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery is performed using this and the random value acquired in step 1003. As a result of the internal lottery, when any winning combination (including an operating combination) is won internally, the flag of the winning combination is turned ON.

  In step 1006, rotation of all reels 110 to 112 is started. Here, information related to the internal lottery described above and game information related to the start of rotation of the reels 110 to 112 are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step 1007, the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be received. When any one of the stop buttons is pressed, the reel stop control data for selecting one of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button is used. Stop. At that time, game information such as the type of stop reel, stop operation position, and stop position is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

  When all the reels 110 to 112 are stopped, the process proceeds to Step 1008. In step 1008, a winning determination is performed. Here, when a picture combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line 114, it is determined that the winning combination is won. For example, if “bell-bell-bell” is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the player has won the bell. Also, the stop-displayed outcome is stored so that it can be referred to at the next start of reel rotation.

  In step 1009, if any winning combination with a payout has been won, a medal payout process for paying out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination in accordance with the number of winning lines is executed. At this time, game information such as stop display information and the number of medals paid out is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

  In step 1010, game state control processing is performed. At this time, game information related to the gaming state is transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400.

  Thus, one game is completed. Thereafter, returning to step 1001 and repeating the above-described processing, the game proceeds.

  Next, a main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to FIG. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

  The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (in this embodiment, about once every 2 ms), and the main control unit timer interrupt is triggered by this timer interrupt signal. The process is started at a predetermined cycle.

  In step 1101, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start process, a process of temporarily saving each register value of the CPU 304 to the stack area is performed.

  In step 1102, the WDT 313 is periodically updated (so that the WDT interrupt does not occur because the count value of the WDT 313 exceeds the initial setting value (32.8 ms in the present embodiment) (so as not to detect a processing abnormality)). In the embodiment, the restart is performed once every about 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt.

  In step 1103, input port state update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and each of the various sensors 318 is partitioned in the RAM 308. Store in the provided signal state storage area.

  In step 1104, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 318), and processing according to this status is performed (for example, the interrupt status of each acquired stop button 137 to 139). Based on the stop button reception process).

  In step 1105, timer update processing is performed. Various timers are updated for each time unit.

  In step 1106, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. In the first sub-control unit 400, it is possible to determine the production control according to the change of the game control in the main control unit 300 by the command type included in the received output schedule information, and it is included in the output schedule information. Based on the information of the command data, the contents of effect control can be determined.

  In step 1107, external output signal setting processing is performed. In this external output signal setting process, game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

  In step 1108, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step 1105 are read, and if an error is detected, error processing is executed.

  In step 1109, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. If the low voltage signal is on (when power supply is detected to be cut off), the process proceeds to step 1110. If the low voltage signal is off (when power supply is not cut off), the process proceeds to step 1111.

  In step 1111, various processes for ending the timer interrupt end process are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the value of each register temporarily saved in step 1101 is set in each original register. Thereafter, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step 1110, a specific variable or stack pointer for returning to the power-off state at the time of power recovery is saved as a return data in a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and power-off processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed. Then, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

  Next, processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 18A is a flowchart of the first sub control unit main process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400.

  First, in step 2001 of FIG. 18A, various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is executed in step 2001. In this initialization processing, initialization of input / output ports, initialization processing of a storage area in the RAM 408, and the like are performed.

In step 2002, it is determined whether or not the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step 2003. In step 2004, 0 (zero) is assigned to the timer variable. In step 2004, command (main / sub) processing is performed. In this process, when the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 receives a command from the main control unit 300, it performs a setting process according to the command type.

  In step 2005, command (sub / sub) processing is performed. In this process, an effect request command is transmitted to each effect device control unit or control information transmitted from each effect device is received based on the effect parameters set by the first recovery control unit 400. In particular, in the present embodiment, a control process for the sound source IC will be described later.

  In step 2006, effect control processing is performed. In this process, for example, effect data is read from the ROM 406 in accordance with the effect parameters set in response to each command in step 2004. If the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data is updated. I do.

  In step 2007, transmission setting processing is performed. This transmission setting process is a process of transmitting game table data to an external terminal such as a management computer of a game store.

  Next, a timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step 2101, command reception processing is performed. In this command reception process, when a command exists in the reception buffer, the reception command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 408.

  In step 2102, setting data transmission processing is performed. This process is a process for transmitting the transmission data set in the command (sub / sub) process. For example, when transmission data for the sound source IC 418 exists in the transmission buffer, the data is transmitted to the sound source IC at the timing of timer interruption.

  Subsequently, a control process of the sound source IC 418 in the first sub control unit 400 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 19A is a flowchart of the sound controller main process, and FIG. 19B is a flowchart of the sound controller timer interrupt process.

  First, the sound control unit main process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In step 2501, a sound control unit initial setting process is performed. This process is a process of reading setting data referred to when generating the various control information described above.

  In step 2502, received command processing is performed. In this process, when a command is received from the first sub-control unit 400, a setting process corresponding to the command type is performed.

  In step 2503, it is determined whether an initialization command has been received. If an initialization command is received, a sound control unit initial setting process is performed in step 2501.

  In step 2504, various sound control processes as described above are executed based on the contents set in the reception command process in step 2502. Details will be described later.

  In step 2505, if there is transmission data to the first sub-control unit 400, the transmission data is set in the transmission buffer.

  Next, the sound control unit timer interrupt process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The sound control unit timer interrupt process is a process that is repeatedly executed every 3 ms.

  First, in step 2601, command reception processing is performed. In this command reception process, when a command exists in the reception buffer, the reception command is stored in a predetermined area of the sound source RAM 424.

  In step 2602, setting data monitoring processing is performed. This setting data monitoring process is a process for monitoring whether or not the setting data stored in the sound source RAM 424 is a normal value. Details will be described later.

  In step 2603, command transmission processing is performed. This process is a process for transmitting the transmission data set in the transmission setting process of the sound control unit main process. For example, when there is transmission data for the first sub control unit 400 in the transmission buffer, the data is transmitted to the first sub control unit 400 at the timing of the timer interrupt.

  Next, sound control processing will be described with reference to FIG. The sound control process is a process in which a volume readjustment function is added in addition to the process in the sound control unit 416 described above and illustrated in FIG.

  In step 2701, decoding processing is performed.

  In step 2702, volume adjustment processing is performed.

  In step 2703, a mixing process is performed.

  In step 2704, effect processing is performed.

  In step 2705, compressor processing using DRC or the like is performed to limit the volume outside the predetermined range.

  In step 2706, a volume readjustment process is performed in which the volume adjustment is performed again after the compressor process. Details will be described later.

  Next, the volume readjustment process will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step 2801, it is determined whether or not the generated sound data exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, the DRC upper limit value in FIG. 13B) and the DRC compressor function is activated.

  In step 2802, if the compressor function is activated, the volume switch shown in FIG. 2B uses the volume 0 assigned to the lowest volume among the 16 adjustment levels from 0 to F and the DRC. In order to determine the volume for each of the 14 types of adjustment levels excluding the maximum volume F assigned to the upper limit value, the DRC upper limit volume is divided into 14 and the adjustment value for readjustment is determined.

  In step 2803, the volume level is readjusted by multiplying the current volume switch adjustment level by the unit volume. For example, when the DRC upper limit volume is 100, the adjustment value = 100 ÷ 14 = 7.143. When the current volume is D, 7.143 × 13 = 82.857 is the volume of the volume D after the volume readjustment. Become.

  Next, the volume adjustment process 2 will be described with reference to FIG. The volume adjustment process 2 is a process for executing the volume adjustment shown in FIG.

  In step 2901, it is determined whether or not the compressor function has been activated beyond the DRC upper limit value.

  In step 2902, the number of adjustment levels that are equal to or higher than the DRC upper limit value is checked.

In step 2903, the corresponding adjustment level from the volume F is calculated in order to perform the volume readjustment in the range of the adjustment level that is twice the number of adjustment levels exceeding the DRC upper limit (3 in FIG. 13A) ( F-3 × 2 = 9) In step 2904, a volume difference from the DRC upper limit to the corresponding adjustment level (volume difference from volume F to volume 9) is calculated.

  In step 2905, the adjustment value is calculated by dividing the calculated value by the number of adjustment levels.

  In step 2906, the volume level is readjusted by multiplying the current volume switch adjustment level by the unit volume. For example, when the DRC upper limit volume is 100 and the volume 9 is 80, the adjustment value = (100−80) ÷ 5 = 4. When the current volume is C, 100−4 × 3 = 88 is the volume re- It becomes the volume of the volume C after adjustment.

  As described above, the gaming machine according to the present invention includes a sound control unit that performs sound-related production control, a sound output unit that outputs sound, and a volume of sound output from the sound output unit. And a sound volume stored in the sound source data storage means. The sound control means comprises: a sound source data storage means for storing sound source data; and a sound source stored in the sound source data storage means. Sound data generating means for generating sound data including at least data relating to volume based on the data; sound signal output means for outputting a sound signal to the sound output means based on the sound data; and Volume changing means for changing the volume to a predetermined volume or less when the volume exceeds the volume, and the volume changing means is a volume at two adjacent adjustment levels of the volume adjusting means. For it, the volume corresponding to the adjusted level a small volume is set, is to change to a smaller volume than the volume corresponding to the adjusted level a large volume is set, and characterized in that.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the volume change from being disabled in the large volume restriction area, and fine volume adjustment using all the adjustment levels becomes possible.

  Further, the present invention is characterized in that the volume changing means changes the volume corresponding to the maximum volume adjustment level among the plurality of adjustment levels to the predetermined volume.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sound from being distorted due to the sound volume exceeding the rating of the speaker or the failure of the speaker.

  Further, in the present invention, the volume changing means corresponds to an adjustment level at which a low volume is set for the volume at two adjacent adjustment levels even for an adjustment level at which the volume does not exceed the predetermined volume. The game table is characterized in that the volume is changed to a volume smaller than the volume corresponding to the adjustment level at which a large volume is set.

  Therefore, the volume adjustment is performed uniformly over a wide operation stage of the volume switch, so that the volume adjustment is easy.

In the present invention, the sound control means for performing the effect control relating to the sound, the sound output means for outputting the sound, and the volume of the sound output from the sound output means are set to different volumes corresponding to a plurality of adjustment levels. An adjustable volume control means, wherein the sound control means is based on at least sound source data storage means for storing sound source data and sound source data stored in the sound source data storage means. Sound data generating means for generating sound data including data relating to volume, sound signal output means for outputting a sound signal to the sound output means based on the sound data, and when the volume does not exceed a predetermined volume, Volume changing means for changing the volume to a predetermined volume or higher, and the volume changing means has a large volume at two adjacent adjustment levels of the volume adjusting means. The volume corresponding to the adjusted level had volume is set, it is to change to a larger volume than the volume corresponding to the adjusted level a small volume is set,
It was characterized by that.

  Therefore, it is possible to prevent the volume change from being disabled even in the small volume restriction region, and fine volume adjustment using all the adjustment levels becomes possible.

  In the present invention, the volume changing means may be configured such that when the volume exceeds the predetermined volume over at least two adjustment levels of the plurality of adjustment levels, at least two adjacent adjustments exceeding the predetermined volume. Regarding the volume at the level, the volume corresponding to the adjustment level at which the low volume is set is changed to a volume smaller than the volume corresponding to the adjustment level at which the large volume is set.

  Therefore, even when a large volume restriction region is formed over a plurality of adjustment levels, it is possible to prevent the volume change from being disabled, and fine volume adjustment using all the adjustment levels is possible.

  In the present invention, the volume changing means may be arranged so that the volume does not exceed at least the predetermined volume when the volume does not exceed the predetermined volume over at least two of the plurality of adjustment levels. Regarding the volume at one adjustment level, the volume corresponding to the adjustment level at which a large volume is set is changed to a volume larger than the volume corresponding to the adjustment level at which a small volume is set.

  Therefore, even when the small volume restriction region is formed over a plurality of adjustment levels, it is possible to prevent the volume change from being effective, and fine volume adjustment using all the adjustment levels is possible.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative examples and do not particularly limit the present invention. Further, the actions and effects described in the embodiments of the invention only list the most preferable actions and effects resulting from the present invention, and the actions and effects according to the present invention are described in the embodiments of the present invention. It is not limited to what was done.

  The present invention can be applied to game machines represented by slot machines, pachinko machines and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Slot machine 157 ... Effect image display apparatus 300 ... Main control part 400 ... 1st sub control part 416 ... Sound control part 500 ... 2nd sub control part

Claims (6)

Sound control means for performing production control related to sound;
Sound output means for outputting sound;
A volume control means capable of adjusting the volume of the sound output from the sound output means to a different volume corresponding to a plurality of adjustment levels;
The sound control means is
Sound source data storage means for storing sound source data;
Sound data generating means for generating sound data including at least data relating to volume based on the sound source data stored in the sound source data storage means;
Sound signal output means for outputting a sound signal to the sound output means based on the sound data;
A volume changing means for changing the volume to a predetermined volume or less when the volume exceeds a predetermined volume;
Including
The volume changing means is
Regarding the volume at two adjacent adjustment levels of the volume adjustment means, the volume corresponding to the adjustment level at which a low volume is set is changed to a volume smaller than the volume corresponding to the adjustment level at which a large volume is set. ,
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1,
The volume changing means is
The volume corresponding to the maximum volume adjustment level among the plurality of adjustment levels is changed to the predetermined volume.
A game stand characterized by that. The game stand according to claim 1 or 2,
The volume changing means is
For an adjustment level at which the volume does not exceed the predetermined volume, a volume corresponding to an adjustment level at which a small volume is set, and an adjustment level at which a large volume is set, are adjusted at two adjacent adjustment levels. The volume is changed to a lower volume than
A game stand characterized by that. Sound control means for performing production control related to sound;
Sound output means for outputting sound;
A volume control means capable of adjusting the volume of the sound output from the sound output means to a different volume corresponding to a plurality of adjustment levels;
The sound control means is
Sound source data storage means for storing sound source data;
Sound data generating means for generating sound data including at least data relating to volume based on the sound source data stored in the sound source data storage means;
Sound signal output means for outputting a sound signal to the sound output means based on the sound data;
If the volume does not exceed a predetermined volume, volume changing means for changing the volume to a predetermined volume or higher;
Including
The volume changing means is
Regarding the volume at two adjacent adjustment levels of the volume adjustment means, the volume corresponding to the adjustment level at which a large volume is set is changed to a volume greater than the volume corresponding to the adjustment level at which a small volume is set. ,
A game stand characterized by that. It is a game stand as described in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3,
The volume changing means is
When the volume exceeds the predetermined volume over at least two adjustment levels of the plurality of adjustment levels, an adjustment in which a small volume is set with respect to the volume at two adjacent adjustment levels exceeding the predetermined volume The volume corresponding to the level is changed to a volume smaller than the volume corresponding to the adjustment level at which a large volume is set.
A game stand characterized by that. The game table according to claim 4,
The volume changing means is
When the volume does not exceed the predetermined volume over at least two adjustment levels of the plurality of adjustment levels, at least two adjacent adjustment levels that do not exceed the predetermined volume are set to a large volume. The volume corresponding to the adjustment level is changed to a volume larger than the volume corresponding to the adjustment level for which the low volume is set.
A game stand characterized by that.