JP2016221291A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of easily changing a sound volume level.SOLUTION: A Pachinko machine 1 has a speaker 67 capable of outputting a play sound from the Pachinko machine 1 which can change a sound volume level of a game sound among a predetermined sound volume range ("0" to "9"). In the Pachinko machine 1, a sound volume change image (an appropriate sound volume level image T7) which shows a sound volume level out of a predetermined sound volume range and prompts a player to change the sound volume level can be displayed in an image display device 7, and a sound volume level can be changed to the one shown by the sound volume change image on the basis of one pressing to a right-direction button 64R while the sound volume change image is displayed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 46

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a revolving type gaming machine (pachislot gaming machine).

  Conventionally, in a pachinko gaming machine that is one of the gaming machines, a speaker or the like (game sound output means) that can output game sound from the main body of the pachinko gaming machine, and a predetermined volume level of the game sound output by the speaker A volume level setting circuit (volume level setting means) that can be set from the range is provided. In recent years, a volume change button (operation means) that can be operated by a player is provided on the front frame of the gaming machine frame as in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 below, and the volume change button is operated by the player. Based on the above, the volume level can be changed to a volume level different from the currently set volume level.

  Therefore, for example, if the player operates the volume change button so that the volume level is changed from the volume range to the maximum volume level, the game sound having the maximum volume can be output from the speaker. On the other hand, if the volume change button is operated so as to change to the minimum volume level from the volume range, the game sound having the minimum volume can be output from the speaker, or the game sound can be silenced. Thus, it is possible to freely change the magnitude of the game sound according to the player's intention.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-92973

  By the way, there are cases where an elderly player or a player with little experience in gaming does not know how the volume level can be changed. Conventionally, it is common to be able to change the volume level while the standby screen is displayed. However, for the above-mentioned players etc., they do not know when the volume level can be changed. There was a fear.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of easily changing the volume level.

  The present invention takes the following means in order to solve the above problems. In the description of the means described below, the corresponding component names and expressions in [Mode for carrying out the invention], which will be described later, the reference numerals used in the drawings, and the like are added in parentheses for reference. However, the constituent elements of the present invention are not limited to this supplementary note.

The gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine 1) according to the present invention is
Game sound output means (speaker 67) capable of outputting game sounds from the gaming machine body;
Volume level setting means (volume level setting circuit 133) capable of setting the volume level of the game sound output by the game sound output means from a predetermined volume range (“0” to “9”);
In a gaming machine comprising operating means (cross button 64) that can be operated by a player,
Predetermined display means (image display device 7);
Volume change image display means capable of displaying a volume change image (appropriate volume level image T7) that indicates any volume level within a predetermined volume range and prompts a change to the volume level on the display means. (CPU 102 of image control board 100 executing step S2208),
The volume level setting means can be changed to the volume level indicated by the volume change image based on a single operation on the operation means (pressing the right direction button 64R) while the volume change image is displayed. It is a game machine characterized by being a thing.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to easily change the volume level.

It is a front view of the game machine concerning the 1st form. It is a perspective view which shows the circumference of the production button with which the gaming machine is provided. It is an enlarged view around the 1st big winning device and the 2nd big winning device shown in Drawing 1, (A) is a figure when a distribution member is in the 1st state, and (B) is a distribution member. It is a figure when it is a 2nd state. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion A shown in FIG. 1 and is a view showing display devices provided in the gaming machine. It is a rear view which shows each control board with which the gaming machine is provided. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure by the side of the main control board of the same gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure by the side of the sub control board of the same gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure by the side of the audio | voice control board of the same gaming machine. It is a jackpot type determination table. It is a table which shows the open mode of a big prize opening. (A) is a jackpot determination table, (B) is a reach determination table, and (C) is a normal symbol determination table. It is an open pattern determination table of electric Chu. It is a flowchart of a main control main process. It is a flowchart of a main side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart of a standby confirmation process. It is a flowchart of a sub control main process. It is a flowchart of a reception interruption process. It is a flowchart of 1 ms timer interruption processing. It is a flowchart of a 10 ms timer interrupt process. It is a flowchart of a received command analysis process. It is a flowchart of a customer waiting process. It is a flowchart of switch processing. It is a flowchart of an image side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart of a master volume change process. It is a flowchart of an image side command reception process. It is a flowchart of a selection image display process. It is a flowchart of a user volume change process. It is a flowchart of an audio | voice side timer interruption process. It is a flowchart of a voice side command reception process. It is a flowchart of an automatic volume change process. (A) is a figure which shows a master volume changeable image, (B) is a figure which shows the volume level image for masters. (A) is a diagram showing an image during the automatic volume adjustment mode, and (B) is a diagram showing an automatic volume level image. It is a figure which shows the selection image. (A) is a figure which shows a user volume changeable image, (B) is a figure which shows a user volume level image. (A) is explanatory drawing of a volume level, (B) is explanatory drawing of an environmental sound level. It is a figure which shows an example of a true environmental sound signal. It is a volume level automatic adjustment table. As an example of automatic adjustment of the volume level, (A) is a time chart showing the environmental sound level, and (B) is a time chart showing the volume level. It is a flowchart of the audio | voice side timer interruption process which concerns on a 2nd form. It is a flowchart of the voice side command reception process which concerns on a 2nd form. It is a flowchart of the appropriate sound volume level determination process which concerns on a 2nd form. It is a flowchart of the received command analysis process which concerns on a 2nd form. It is a flowchart of the switch process which concerns on a 2nd form. It is a flowchart of the image side command reception process which concerns on a 2nd form. It is an appropriate volume level determination table. (A) is a figure which shows an appropriate sound volume level image, (B) is a figure which shows an appropriate sound volume change completion image. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure by the side of a sub control board as a modification. It is a block diagram which shows the electric structure by the side of an image control board as a modification.

1. Structure of gaming machine A pachinko gaming machine according to each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the left-right direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine will be described so as to coincide with the left-right direction for the player facing the pachinko gaming machine. In addition, the front direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine will be described as a direction approaching the player facing the pachinko gaming machine, and the backward direction of each part of the pachinko gaming machine will be described as a direction away from the player facing the pachinko gaming machine.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko gaming machine 1 includes a gaming machine frame 50 and a gaming board 2 attached in the gaming machine frame 50. The gaming machine frame 50 includes a front frame (glass door frame) 51 and inner and outer frames (not shown). The front frame 51 is rotatable with respect to the inner frame and the outer frame, and the inner frame is rotatable with respect to the outer frame. For example, an employee of a hall (game room) can open the gaming machine frame 50 by rotating the front frame 51 and the inner frame with respect to the outer frame.

  The front frame 51 has a handle 60 for launching a game ball with a launch intensity corresponding to the rotation angle, a hitting ball supply tray (upper plate) 61 for storing the game ball, and a game ball that cannot be accommodated in the hit ball supply tray 61. A surplus sphere tray (lower tray) 62 for storing the sphere is provided. Further, an effect button 63 that can be operated (pressed) by the player at the time of an effect executed as the game progresses, as shown in FIG. Is provided. Further, a cross button 64 that can be operated (pressed) when the player mainly confirms information related to the pachinko gaming machine 1 or changes various settings of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is provided on the right side of the effect button 63. It has been. Specifically, the cross button 64 includes an up button 64U, a down button 64D, a left button 64L, and a right button 64R.

  Changes in various settings of the pachinko gaming machine 1 include changing the brightness of a display screen 7a of the image display device 7 described later, changing the volume value (volume level) of the game sound output from the speaker 67, and the like. In this embodiment, when the user volume changeable image UU shown in FIG. 34A is displayed, the volume level can be increased by pressing the right button 64R, and the left button 64L is pressed. By doing so, the volume level can be reduced. Hereinafter, the volume level of the game sound set by operating the cross button 64 (the right direction button 64R or the left direction button 64L) will be referred to as “user volume”. The change of the user volume will be described in detail later.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 35 (A), a volume level is set from a volume range of 10 levels from “0” to “9”. The volume level “9” is a volume level (maximum volume level) at which the loudest game sound can be output from the speaker 67 in the 10-level volume range. When the volume level is set to “9”, for example, the maximum volume output instantaneously during SP reach or jackpot production is 95.0 dB. On the other hand, the volume level “0” is a volume level at which no game sound is output from the speaker 67, that is, no sound is generated. The larger the numerical value indicated by the volume level, the larger the game sound is output from the speaker 67.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 35 (A), for example, when the volume level is set to “3”, the maximum volume output instantaneously during SP reach or jackpot presentation is 85.0 dB. However, most sound volumes output for other effects are smaller than 85.0 dB. Therefore, the volume level “3” can be said to be a volume level at which almost no game sound can be heard due to the noise in the hall (game hall). On the other hand, for example, when the volume level is set to “5”, the maximum volume output instantaneously during SP reach or jackpot production is 88.0 dB, and the volume level is set to “3”. The volume output from the speaker 67 is increased as compared with the case where it is present. Therefore, if the volume level is “5” or higher, it can be said that it is a volume level at which game sounds in almost all effects can be heard even in a generally noisy hall. In short, if the volume level is lower than “5”, the game sound is generally difficult to hear.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 1, the front frame 51 is provided with a decorative frame lamp 66 and a speaker (game sound output means) 67. The speaker 67 is disposed in the upper left and upper right portions of the front frame 51, and outputs various game sounds such as effect sound, sound effect, notification sound (error sound), and adjustment sound as necessary. For example, an effect sound or a sound effect including music (such as BGM) is output during a game, or a notification sound such as a siren is output when an abnormality occurs in the pachinko gaming machine 1. As will be described later, when the volume level is changed or automatically adjusted, an adjustment sound corresponding to the volume level after the change is output.

  A sound collecting microphone 68 is attached immediately below the left and right speakers 67 in the front frame 51 (the gaming machine frame 50). The sound collecting microphone (sound collecting means) 68 collects (detects) sound (environmental sound) generated around the pachinko gaming machine 1 and converts it into an environmental sound signal to be applied to a sound control board 106 described later. Output. In this embodiment, the sound volume level can be automatically adjusted based on the environmental sound collected by the sound collecting microphone 68 and the sound volume level set at the present time. The automatic adjustment of the volume level will be described in detail later.

  In the game board 2, a game area 3 in which game balls launched by the operation of the handle 60 flow down is surrounded by rail members 4. The game board 2 is provided with a decorative board lamp 5 (see FIG. 7). In the game area 3, a plurality of game nails 29 for guiding a game ball are provided in a protruding manner.

  Further, an image display device (production means) 7 which is a liquid crystal display device is provided near the center of the game area 3. The display screen 7a of the image display device 7 has an effect symbol display area for performing variable display and stop display of effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R synchronized with variable display of a first special symbol and a second special symbol described later. Note that the effect of displaying the effect symbols 8L, 8C, and 8R is referred to as an effect symbol variation effect. The effect design variation effect may be referred to as “decoration design variation effect” or simply “change effect”. The effect symbol display area includes, for example, three symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”. A left effect symbol 8L is displayed in the left symbol display area, a middle effect symbol 8C is displayed in the middle symbol display area, and a right effect symbol 8R is displayed in the right symbol display area. Each of the effect symbols is made up of a plurality of symbols representing numbers “1” to “9”, for example. The image display device 7 includes a first special symbol displayed on a first special symbol display 41a and a second special symbol display 41b (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, and a combination of the left, middle, and right effect symbols. The result of variable display of the second special symbol (that is, the result of the jackpot lottery) is displayed in an easy-to-understand manner.

  For example, when winning a jackpot, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed with a doublet such as “777”. Further, if it is out of place, the effect symbol is stopped and displayed with a variation such as “637”. This makes it easier for the player to grasp the progress of the game. That is, the player generally grasps the result of the jackpot lottery with the image display device 7 rather than with the first special symbol display 41a or the second special symbol display 41b. The position of the symbol display area does not have to be fixed. In addition, as a variation display mode of the effect design, for example, there is a mode of scrolling in the vertical direction.

  The image display device 7 displays, on the display screen 7a, a jackpot effect performed in parallel with the jackpot game, a demonstration effect for waiting for a customer, and the like in addition to the effect symbol variable display effect using the effect symbol as described above. In the effect symbol variable display effect, effect images other than effect symbols such as background images and character images are displayed in addition to effect symbols such as numbers.

  In addition, the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 includes a first effect hold display area for displaying the effect hold 9A in accordance with the number of stored first special figure holds, which will be described later, and the number of stored second special figure hold, which will be described later. Accordingly, there is a second effect hold display area for displaying the effect hold 9B. By the display of the production hold, the number stored in the first special figure hold display 43a (see FIG. 4) described later and the second number displayed on the second special figure hold display 43b. The number of stored special figure holds can be shown to the player in an easy-to-understand manner.

  A center decorative body 10 is disposed near the center of the game area 3 and in front of the image display device 7. Below the center decorative body 10 is formed a stage portion 11 capable of guiding a game ball rolling on the upper surface to a first starting port 20 described later. A warp portion 12 is provided at the lower left side of the center decorative body 10 to allow a game ball to flow in from the entrance and to flow out from the exit to the stage portion 11. Further, a decorative member 13 representing characters and figures is disposed above the center decorative body 10, and a decorative movable body 15 is disposed behind the decorative member 13.

  Below the image display device 7 in the game area 3, a fixed winning device is provided with a first starting port (first starting winning port, fixed starting port, entering ball) 20 in which the ease of entering a game ball does not always change. 19 is provided. The winning at the first starting port 20 is an opportunity for a lottery of the first special symbol (a jackpot lottery, that is, determination of acquisition of a jackpot random number or the like).

  Further, an ordinary variable winning device (so-called electric chew) 22 is arranged at an obliquely lower right side in the game area 3. The electric chew 22 includes a second start opening (second start winning opening, variable start opening, ball entry opening) 21. The winning of the game ball to the second start port 21 is an opportunity for the second special symbol lottery (big hit lottery). The electric chew 22 includes an advance / retreat member 23 that can advance and retreat in the front-rear direction with respect to the game board 2, and opens and closes the second start port 21 by the operation of the advance / retreat member 23. The advance / retreat member 23 is driven by an electric chew solenoid 24 (see FIG. 6).

  Therefore, at the second start port 21, a game ball can enter only when the advance / retreat member 23 is in the retracted state retracted backward. On the other hand, when the advancing / retracting member 23 is in the advanced state in which it has advanced forward, the game ball cannot enter. In the electric chew 22, a second start port sensor 21 a (see FIG. 6) that detects a game ball entering the second start port 21 is disposed downstream of the second start port 21.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a gate 28 is disposed above the second start port 21. The gate 28 is assembled with a gate sensor 28a for detecting the passage of the game ball. The passage of the game ball to the gate 28 is an opportunity to execute a normal symbol lottery (that is, acquisition and determination of a normal symbol random number (per random number)) for determining whether or not to open the electric chew 22.

  Also, on the lower left side of the electric chew 22 is arranged a first big winning device (first special variable winning device, upper special winning means) 31 having a first big winning opening (upper special winning portion) 30. Yes. The first big winning device 31 includes an opening / closing member (upper opening / closing member) 32 and opens and closes the first big winning opening 30 by the operation of the opening / closing member 32. The opening / closing member 32 is driven by a first big prize opening solenoid 33 (see FIG. 6). The first grand prize opening 30 allows a game ball to enter only when the opening / closing member 32 is open.

  Further, on the left side of the electric chew 22, that is, above the first grand prize winning device 31, a second big prize winning device (second special variable winning prize device, A lower special entrance means) 36 is arranged. The second grand prize winning device 36 includes an opening / closing member (second special prize opening opening / closing member, lower opening / closing member) 37, and opens / closes the second big winning prize opening 35 by the operation of the opening / closing member 37. The opening / closing member 37 is driven by a second big prize opening solenoid 38 (see FIG. 6). The second grand prize opening 35 allows a game ball to enter only when the opening / closing member 37 is open.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3A, a specific area (also referred to as a V area) 39 through which the game ball that has passed through the second big prize opening 35 can pass is inside the second big prize winning device 36. In addition, a non-specific region (also referred to as a non-V region) 70 is formed. In the second grand prize winning device 36, a specific area sensor 39a for detecting the passage of the game ball to the specific area 39 and a non-specific area sensor 70a for detecting the passage of the game ball to the non-specific area 70 are arranged. Yes.

  Further, the second grand prize winning device 36 distributes the game balls that have passed through the second grand prize winning opening 35 to either the specific area 39 or the non-specific area 70, and a distribution member that drives the distribution member 71. And a solenoid 73 (see FIG. 6). The distribution member 71 is attached to the game board 2 so as to be rotatable around the lower end. The distribution member solenoid 73 switches the distribution of game balls by the distribution member 71 according to the presence or absence of energization.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3A, when the distribution member solenoid 73 is energized, the distribution member 71 takes a first state in which the game balls are distributed to the specific area 39. Thereby, the game ball that has won the second grand prize opening 35 rolls on the upper surface of the distribution member 71 after passing through the second big prize opening sensor 35a and passes through the specific area 39.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the distribution member solenoid 73 is not energized, the distribution member 71 takes a second state in which the game balls are distributed to the non-specific area 70. Thereby, the game ball that won the second grand prize opening 35 passes through the non-specific region 70 without hitting the distribution member 71 after passing through the second big prize opening sensor 35a.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the passing of the game ball to the specific area 39 is an opportunity to shift to a high probability state described later. That is, the specific area 39 is a probability changing operation port. On the other hand, the non-specific region 70 is not a probability variation operating port. Further, the first large winning device 31 is not provided with a specific area as a probability changing operation port. That is, only non-specific areas are provided.

  Returning to FIG. 1, further, at the lower part of the game area 3, there are provided a normal winning opening 27 and an out opening 16 for discharging game balls that have not won any winning opening to the outside of the gaming area 3.

  As described above, the game area 3 in which various winning holes are arranged includes a left game area 3A on the left side of the center in the left-right direction and a right game area 3B on the right side. The method of hitting a game ball so that the game ball flows down in the left game area 3A is called left-handed. On the other hand, a method of hitting a game ball so that the game ball flows down in the right game area 3B is referred to as a right hit. In this pachinko gaming machine 1, it is possible to aim for winning in the first starting port 20 by left-handed. On the other hand, it is possible to aim to pass to the gate 28 by right-handed, and to win the second starting port 21, the first big winning port 30, and the second big winning port 35.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a display device 40 is arranged at the lower right portion of the game board 2. As shown in FIG. 4, the display 40 includes a first special symbol display 41a for variably displaying the first special symbol, a second special symbol indicator 41b for variably displaying the second special symbol, and a normal symbol. A normal symbol display 42 that variably displays is included. In addition, the display 40 includes a first special symbol hold display 43a and a second special symbol display for displaying the number of stored operations of the first special symbol display 41a (first special figure hold, first hold). 41b of the second special figure hold display 43b for displaying the number of stored operation hold (second special figure hold, second hold) of 41b, and the number of stored operation hold (common figure hold) of the normal symbol display 42 is displayed. A general hold display 44 is included.

  The variable display of the first special symbol is performed in response to the winning of a game ball at the first start port 20. The variable display of the second special symbol is performed in response to a winning of a game ball at the second start port 21. In the following description, the first special symbol and the second special symbol may be collectively referred to as a special symbol. The first special symbol display 41a and the second special symbol display 41b may be collectively referred to as a special symbol display 41. Further, the first special figure hold indicator 43a and the second special figure hold indicator 43b may be collectively referred to as a special figure hold indicator 43.

  In the special symbol display 41, the special symbol is variably displayed (variable display) and then stopped to display a lottery (special symbol lottery, jackpot lottery) based on winning at the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21. Inform the results. The special symbol that is stopped and displayed (the special symbol that is derived and displayed as the display result of the stop symbol and variable display) is one special symbol that is selected from a plurality of types of special symbols by the special symbol lottery. When the stop symbol is a predetermined special symbol (a special symbol of a specific stop mode, that is, a jackpot symbol), an open pattern corresponding to the type of the special symbol that has been stopped (that is, the winning type) Then, a special game (a jackpot game) is performed in which the first grand prize opening 30 or the second big prize opening 35 is opened.

  Specifically, the special symbol display 41 is composed of, for example, eight LEDs arranged side by side, and displays a special symbol corresponding to the result of the jackpot lottery (the jackpot lottery) according to the lighting mode. is there. When winning the jackpot, for example, “○ ●●● ○○ ●●” (○: lit, ●: unlit), the jackpot symbol (1, 2, 5 and 6) from the left is lit ( Special notification mode) is displayed.

  In the case of a loss, a lost symbol in which only the rightmost LED is lit, such as “●●●●●●● ○”, is displayed. You may employ | adopt the aspect which light-extinguishes all LED as a loss pattern. Note that the lost symbol is not a specific special symbol. In addition, before the special symbol is stopped and displayed, the special symbol variation display (variable display) is performed over a predetermined variation time. The variation display mode is, for example, such that light repeatedly flows from left to right. In this mode, the LED is turned on. The mode of the variable display may be anything such as all the LEDs blinking at once as long as each LED is not stopped (lighted display in a specific mode).

  In this pachinko gaming machine 1, when there is a winning game ball (win ball) at the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21, various random number values such as jackpot random numbers acquired for the winning game (winning information) ) Is temporarily stored in the special figure storage unit 85 (see FIG. 6). Specifically, if the winning is to the first starting port 20, the first special figure holding is stored in the first special drawing storage unit 85 a (see FIG. 6), and if the winning is to the second starting port 21, The second special figure hold is stored in the second special figure hold storage unit 85b (see FIG. 6). There is an upper limit to the number of special figure reservations that can be stored in each special figure reservation storage unit 85, and the upper limit number of first special figure reservations and the upper limit number of second special figure reservations in this embodiment are four. Yes.

  The special figure hold stored in the special figure hold storage unit 85 is digested when a special symbol based on the special figure hold can be variably displayed. Digesting a special figure hold means that a jackpot random number corresponding to the special figure hold is determined, and a special symbol variable display for indicating the determination result is executed. Therefore, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, when the variable display of the special symbol based on the winning of the game ball to the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 cannot be performed immediately after the winning, that is, the execution of the variable symbol variable display Even if there is a prize during the execution of a special game or during a special game, the right of lottery for the prize can be reserved up to a predetermined number.

  The number of special figure hold is displayed on the special figure hold display 43. Specifically, the special figure hold indicator 43 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of special figure holds by turning on the LEDs by the number of special figure holds.

  The variable display of the normal symbol is performed with the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 as an opportunity. The normal symbol display 42 notifies the result of the normal symbol lottery based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 by variably displaying the normal symbol and then displaying the stop symbol. A normal symbol that is stopped and displayed (a normal symbol that is derived and displayed as a variable display result) is one normal symbol selected from a plurality of types of normal symbols by a normal symbol lottery. When the stop-displayed normal symbol is a predetermined specific symbol (a normal symbol of a predetermined stop mode, that is, a normal winning symbol), the second start port 21 is opened with an opening pattern corresponding to the current gaming state. An auxiliary game to be performed is performed.

  Specifically, the normal symbol display 42 is composed of, for example, two LEDs (see FIG. 4), and displays a normal symbol corresponding to the result of the normal symbol lottery depending on the lighting state. For example, when the lottery result is a winning (ordinary winning), a normal winning symbol in which both LEDs are lit is displayed such as “◯◯” (◯: lit, ●: unlit). Further, when the lottery result is a loss, a normal lose symbol in which only the right LED is lit is displayed as “● ○”. You may employ | adopt the aspect which light-extinguishes all LED as a normal lose pattern. Note that the normal lose symbol is not a specific normal symbol. Before the normal symbol is stopped and displayed, the normal symbol is displayed for a predetermined variation time. The variation display mode is, for example, a mode in which both LEDs are alternately lit. The mode of the variable display may be anything such as all the LEDs blinking at once as long as each LED is not stopped (lighted display in a specific mode).

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1, when a game ball passes to the gate 28, the value of the normal symbol random number (hit random number) acquired for the passage is stored in the common figure storage unit 86 (see FIG. 6). Temporarily stored as figure hold. There is an upper limit to the number of universal map holds that can be stored in the general map hold storage unit 86, and the upper limit number of universal map holds in this embodiment is four.

  The general map reservation stored in the general map storage unit 86 is digested when the variable display of the normal symbol based on the general map storage becomes possible. The digestion of the general symbol hold means that a normal symbol random number (per random number) corresponding to the general symbol hold is determined and variable symbol display for displaying the determination result is executed. Therefore, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, when the variable display of the normal symbol based on the passage of the game ball to the gate 28 cannot be performed immediately after the passage, that is, during the execution of the variable symbol display of the normal symbol or the execution of the auxiliary game Even if there is a case, the right of the normal symbol lottery for the passage can be reserved up to a predetermined number.

  The number of the general map hold is displayed on the general map hold display 44. Specifically, the general-purpose hold indicator 44 is composed of, for example, four LEDs, and displays the number of general-purpose holds by turning on the LEDs by the number of general-purpose holds.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of control boards are provided on the rear side of the pachinko gaming machine 1. Main control boards include a main control board 80, a sub control board 90, an image control board 100, an audio control board 106, a lamp control board 107 (not shown in FIG. 5), a payout control board 110, a power supply board 200, and the like. is there. These control boards are collected individually or in a plurality, and are arranged in a state of being housed or covered in a box. The main control board 80, the sub control board 90, the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, and the lamp control board 107 are attached to the game board 2 on the rear side of the image display device 7. The payout control board 110 and the power supply board 200 are attached to the lower side of the inner frame described above.

  In this embodiment, a rotary knob 105 including a rotary switch is provided on the image control board 100. The rotary knob 105 protrudes rearward from the image control board 100. In a state in which the gaming machine frame 50 is opened (a state in which the front frame 51 and the inner frame are rotated with respect to the outer frame), the rotary knob 105 is exposed so that it can be rotated. Accordingly, hall employees, manufacturer employees, and the like can rotate the rotary knob 105 by opening the gaming machine frame 50. However, since the player cannot open the gaming machine frame 50, the player cannot substantially operate the rotary knob 105.

  In this embodiment, when the master volume changeable image MM shown in FIG. 31A is displayed while the gaming machine frame 50 is opened, the volume level can be increased by rotating the rotary knob 105 clockwise. Is possible. On the other hand, if the rotary knob 105 is rotated counterclockwise, the volume level can be reduced. However, since the player cannot open the gaming machine frame 50 as described above, the volume level cannot be changed based on the rotation operation of the rotary knob 105. Hereinafter, the volume level set by rotating the rotary knob 105 is referred to as “master volume”. The change of the master volume will be described in detail later.

2. Next, the electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the pachinko gaming machine 1 relates to a main control board (game control board) 80 that performs control related to game profits such as jackpot lottery and game state transition, and effects that are executed as the game progresses. A sub-control board (production control board) 90 that performs control, a payout control board 110 that performs control related to payout of game balls, and the like are provided. The main control board 80 constitutes a main control part, and the sub control board 90 constitutes a sub control part together with an image control board 100, a lamp control board 107 and a sound control board 106 which will be described later. The sub-control unit includes at least a sub-control board 90 and can control a game effect using effect means (image display device 7, panel lamp 5, frame lamp 66, speaker 67, decorative movable body 15, etc.). That's fine.

  A game control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “game control microcomputer”) 81 that controls the progress of the game of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the main control board 80. The game control microcomputer 81 includes a ROM 83 that stores a program for controlling the progress of the game, a RAM 84 that is used as a work memory, and a CPU 82 that executes the program stored in the ROM 83. The game control microcomputer 81 transmits / receives data to / from other boards via an input / output circuit (I / O port unit) 87. The input / output circuit 87 may be built in the game control microcomputer 81. The ROM 83 may be externally attached. The RAM 84 is provided with the above-described special figure storage unit 85 (the first special figure storage unit 85a and the second special figure storage unit 85b) and the general figure storage unit 86.

  Various sensors and solenoids are connected to the main control board 80 via a relay board 88. Therefore, signals are input from the sensors to the main control board 80, and signals are output from the main control board 80 to the solenoids. Specifically, the sensors include a first start opening sensor 20a, a second start opening sensor 21a, a gate sensor 28a, a first big prize opening sensor 30a, a second big prize opening sensor 35a, a specific area sensor 39a, and a non-specification. An area sensor 70a and a normal winning opening sensor 27a are connected.

  The first start port sensor 20 a is provided in the first start port 20 and detects a game ball won in the first start port 20. The second start port sensor 21 a is provided in the second start port 21 and detects a game ball that has won the second start port 21. The gate sensor 28 a is provided in the gate 28 and detects a game ball that has passed through the gate 28. The first grand prize opening sensor 30 a is provided in the first big prize opening 30 and detects a game ball won in the first big prize opening 30. The second grand prize opening sensor 35 a is provided in the second big prize opening 35 and detects a game ball won in the second big prize opening 35. The specific area sensor 39a is provided in the specific area 39 in the second big prize opening 35 and detects a game ball that has passed through the specific area 39. The non-specific area sensor 70a is provided in the non-specific area 70 in the second big prize opening 35 and detects a game ball that has passed through the non-specific area 70. The normal winning opening sensor 27 a is provided in each of the normal winning openings 27 and detects a game ball that has won the normal winning opening 27.

  Further, as the solenoids, the electric chew solenoid 24, the first big prize opening solenoid 33, the second big prize opening solenoid 38, and the distribution member solenoid 73 are connected. The electric chew solenoid 24 drives the advance / retreat member 23 of the electric chew 22. The first big prize opening solenoid 33 drives the opening / closing member 32 of the first big prize winning device 31. The second big prize opening solenoid 38 drives the opening / closing member 37 of the second big prize winning device 36. The distribution member solenoid 73 is for driving the distribution member 71 of the second big winning device 36.

  The main control board 80 is connected to a frame opening switch 50a for detecting the opening of the gaming machine frame 50. The frame opening switch 50a outputs a frame opening detection signal to the main control board 80 when the gaming machine frame 50 is opened. When receiving the frame opening detection signal, the main control board 80 transmits the frame opening detection signal to the sub control board 90 (see FIG. 7). When the sub control board 90 receives the frame opening detection signal, the sub control board 90 transmits the frame opening detection signal to the image control board 100 (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the image control board 100 can determine whether or not the gaming machine frame 50 is opened based on whether or not the frame opening detection signal is received.

  Further, the main control board 80 includes a first special symbol display 41a, a second special symbol display 41b, a normal symbol display 42, a first special diagram hold indicator 43a, a second special figure hold indicator 43b, A figure hold indicator 44 is connected. That is, display control of these display devices 40 is performed by the game control microcomputer 81.

  The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the payout control board 110 and receives signals from the payout control board 110 for payout monitoring. The payout control board 110 has a prize ball payout device 120, a ball payout device 150, and a card unit 155 (installed adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, enabling ball lending based on information such as an inserted prepaid card. Are connected to each other, and a launching device 112 is connected via a launch control circuit 111. The launcher 112 includes a handle 60 (see FIG. 1).

  The payout control board 110 drives the prize ball motor 121 of the prize ball payout device 120 on the basis of a signal from the game control microcomputer 81 or a signal from the card unit 155 connected to the pachinko gaming machine 1. Or the ball rental motor 151 of the ball rental apparatus 150 is driven to pay out the balls. The prize balls to be paid out are detected by the prize ball sensor 122 for counting. In addition, the paid-out ball rental is detected by the ball rental sensor 152 for counting. When the player operates the handle 60 (see FIG. 1) of the launch device 112, the touch switch 114 detects contact with the handle 60, and the launch volume 115 detects the amount of rotation of the handle 60. Then, the launch motor 113 is driven so that the game ball is launched with a strength corresponding to the magnitude of the detection signal of the launch volume 115. In this pachinko gaming machine 1, a single game ball is launched in about 0.6 seconds.

  The main control board 80 transmits various commands to the sub control board 90. The connection between the main control board 80 and the sub control board 90 is a unidirectional communication connection that can only transmit signals from the main control board 80 to the sub control board 90. That is, between the main control board 80 and the sub-control board 90, a unidirectional circuit (not shown) as a communication direction regulating means (for example, a circuit using a diode) is interposed.

  As shown in FIG. 7, an effect control one-chip microcomputer (hereinafter referred to as “effect control microcomputer”) 91 for controlling the effect of the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to a program is mounted on the sub-control board 90. The effect control microcomputer 91 includes a ROM 93 that stores programs for controlling effects as the game progresses, a RAM 94 that is used as a work memory, and a CPU 92 that executes the programs stored in the ROM 93. . The effect control microcomputer 91 transmits / receives data to / from other boards via an input / output circuit (I / O port unit) 97. The input / output circuit 97 may be built in the effect control microcomputer 91. The ROM 93 may be externally attached.

  The sub control board 90 is connected to the image control board 100, the sound control board 106, and the lamp control board 107. The effect control microcomputer 91 of the sub control board 90 causes the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 to perform display control of the image display device 7 based on the command received from the main control board 80. The RAM 104 of the image control board 100 is a memory for developing image data. The ROM 103 of the image control board 100 stores a program for performing image control, still image data and moving image data displayed on the image display device 7, specifically, a character, an item, a figure, a character, a number, a symbol, etc. Image data including a design) and a background image are stored. The CPU 102 of the image control board 100 reads out image data from the ROM 103 based on a command from the effect control microcomputer 91. Then, display control is executed based on the read image data.

  In this embodiment, a rotation knob detection SW (switch) 105 a is connected to the image control board 100. The rotary knob detection SW 105a detects that the rotary knob 105 (see FIG. 5) has been rotated. When the rotary knob 105 is rotated, a signal corresponding to the rotary operation position of the rotary knob 105 is output from the rotary knob detection SW 105a to the image control board 100. In this embodiment, when a master volume changeable image MM shown in FIG. 31A is displayed, if the image control board 100 inputs a signal corresponding to the rotational operation position of the rotary knob 105, the image will be described later. A master volume change command is transmitted from the control board 100 to the sub-control board 90. Then, the sub control board 90 transmits the received master volume change command to the voice control board 106. As a result, the audio control board 106 changes the master volume (volume level) based on the received master volume change command.

  In this embodiment, in order to change the master volume, the image control board 100 transmits a master volume change command to the audio control board 106 via the sub control board 90, but without the sub control board 90. A master volume change command may be transmitted to the voice control board 106. Further, the rotation knob 105 and the rotation knob detection SW 105a may be provided on the sub control board 90 side, and the sub control board 90 may only transmit the master volume change command to the sound control board 106. Alternatively, the rotary knob 105 and the rotary knob detection SW 105a are provided on the voice control board 106 side, and a signal corresponding to the rotation operation position of the rotary knob 105 is output to the voice control board 106, thereby changing the master volume. May be. Note that the operation means for changing the master volume is not limited to the rotary knob, and may be a slide switch, a button, or the like.

  Further, the effect control microcomputer 91 causes the sound control microcomputer 131 (see FIG. 8) of the sound control board 106 to perform sound control of the game sound output from the speaker 67 based on the command received from the main control board 80. Audio data of game sounds such as effect sounds, sound effects, and notification sounds is stored in the audio data storage means 135 (see FIG. 8) of the audio control board 106. The voice control microcomputer 131 reads voice data from the voice data storage unit 135 based on a command from the effect control microcomputer 91. Then, voice control is executed based on the read voice data.

  Here, based on FIG. 8, the detailed structure of the audio | voice control board | substrate 106 is demonstrated. As shown in FIG. 8, the sound control board 106 includes a sound control microcomputer 131, a sound source IC 132, a volume level setting circuit 133, an amplifier 134, and a sound data storage unit 135. The voice control microcomputer 131 includes a ROM that stores a program for performing voice control, a RAM that is used as a work memory, and a CPU that executes a program stored in the ROM.

  The voice control microcomputer 131 transmits and receives data (various commands) to and from the sub control board 90 via an input / output circuit (I / O port unit) 137. The voice control microcomputer 131 can output a voice selection signal to the sound source IC 132 and can output a volume level signal to the volume level setting circuit 133 based on a command transmitted from the sub-control board 90. . The input circuit 141 may be built in the voice control microcomputer 131. Further, the ROM or the voice data storage unit 135 may be externally attached.

  The sound source IC 132 selects and reads predetermined audio data from the audio data stored in the audio data storage unit 135 based on the audio selection signal input from the audio control microcomputer 131. The read audio data is reproduced as a game sound (game sound signal) and output to the amplifier 134.

  The volume level setting circuit (volume level setting means) 133 sets an amplification factor of the game sound signal by the amplifier 134 based on the sound level signal input from the sound control microcomputer 131. The amplifier 134 amplifies the game sound signal input from the sound source IC 132 based on the amplification factor set by the volume level setting circuit 133. The amplified game sound (game sound signal) is output from the speaker 67 via the output circuit 136.

  For example, when the voice control microcomputer 131 receives a command indicating a voice level “9” (a user volume change command or a master volume change command described later) from the sub-control board 90, the voice level signal corresponding to the command is set to the volume level. Output to the circuit 133. Thereby, the volume level setting circuit 133 sets the amplification factor of the game sound signal by the amplifier 134 to an amplification factor corresponding to the volume level “9”. That is, the sound level “9” is set. In this state, when the sound source IC 132 outputs the sound data read from the sound data storage unit 135 to the amplifier 134 as a game sound signal, the amplifier 134 amplifies the input game sound signal with an amplification factor corresponding to the volume level “9”. . As a result, the game sound is output from the speaker 67 at a volume level in a state where the volume level is set to “9”.

  By the way, in this embodiment, in order to determine how much sound is generated around the pachinko gaming machine 1, the environmental sound generated around the pachinko gaming machine 1 is collected by the sound collecting microphone 68 as described later. Collect sound. Based on the collected environmental sound, the environmental sound level (see FIG. 35B) corresponding to any one of the volume levels (from “0” to “9”) is estimated. Yes. Therefore, the audio control board 106 includes an input circuit (mixer circuit) 141, a phase inversion circuit 142, a filter circuit 143, and a smoothing circuit 144, as shown in FIG.

  The input circuit 141 inputs the environmental sound collected by the sound collecting microphone 68 as an environmental sound signal. The environmental sound collected by the sound collecting microphone 68 includes noise in the hall, particularly game sounds output from a gaming machine arranged adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 The game sound output from the speaker 67 is also included. The input circuit 141 is connected to the phase inversion circuit 142.

  The phase inversion circuit 142 inputs a game sound (game sound signal) output from the amplifier 134 via the output circuit 136. In other words, the output circuit 136 outputs the same game sound signal as the game sound signal output to the speaker 67 to the phase inversion circuit 142. The phase inversion circuit 142 inverts the phase of the game sound signal input from the output circuit 136 and outputs the game sound signal with the phase inverted to the input circuit 141. Thereby, the input circuit 141 inputs not only the environmental sound signal but also the game sound signal whose phase is inverted by the phase inverting circuit 142.

  Then, the input circuit (mixer circuit) 141 mixes these two signals so that the game sound component of the pachinko gaming machine 1 included in the environmental sound signal and the phase inverted by the phase inverting circuit 142 are played. Cancels the sound signal. As a result, the signal from which the component of the game sound output from the speaker 67 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is removed from the environmental sound signal (hereinafter referred to as “true environmental sound signal”) is input from the input circuit 141 to the filter circuit 143. It is output.

  That is, if the environmental sound level described later is estimated using the environmental sound collected by the sound collecting microphone 68 as it is, the game sound output from the speaker 67 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is used as the environmental sound. Therefore, the correct environmental sound level cannot be estimated. Therefore, in this embodiment, the game sound signal in the pachinko gaming machine 1 is removed from the environmental sound signal by the phase inverting circuit 142 and the mixer circuit (input circuit) 141. By using a true environmental sound signal, a more accurate environmental sound level can be estimated.

  In this embodiment, as described above, the sound collecting microphone 68 is attached to the front frame 51 (the gaming machine frame 50) immediately below the speaker 67, so that the sound is output from the speaker 67 of the pachinko gaming machine 1. This makes it easier to collect game sounds. However, the arrangement position of the sound collection microphone 68 can be changed as appropriate as long as it is easy to collect environmental sound and easy to collect game sound output from the speaker 67. The sound collecting microphone 68 may be attached to the game board 2 instead of the gaming machine frame 50.

  The filter circuit 143 is composed of, for example, a band-pass filter, and passes a component in a specific frequency region (for example, 3 kHz to 5 kHz) in the input true environmental sound signal in order to remove noise. The filter circuit 143 outputs the true environmental sound signal from which noise has been removed to the smoothing circuit 144. The smoothing circuit 144 smoothes the waveform of the input true environmental sound signal, and outputs the smooth true environmental sound signal to the sound control microcomputer 131. The smoothing circuit 144 allows the sound control microcomputer 131 to more accurately estimate the environmental sound level described later.

  The sound control microcomputer 131 estimates the environmental sound level based on the true environmental sound signal input from the smoothing circuit 144. Here, the environmental sound level of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 35 (B), the environmental sound level is determined from among ten volume ranges corresponding to each of the volume levels. In this embodiment, the voice control microcomputer 131 determines the maximum volume Xmax from the true environmental sound signal (environmental sound) input in 15 minutes. In this embodiment, the maximum sound volume Xmax (even if the maximum sound volume Xmax is slightly exceeded) is exceeded for a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) so that the maximum sound volume Xmax is not erroneously determined due to the influence of noise or instantaneous noise. On the condition that the environmental sound of “good” is continuously output, it is determined that the effective maximum volume Xmax.

  Then, one environmental sound level is estimated from among the environmental sound levels “0” to “9” shown in FIG. 35B according to the magnitude (dB) of the maximum volume Xmax determined to be effective. For example, if the maximum volume Xmax is 93.0 dB, it is assumed that an environmental sound corresponding to the maximum volume (93.5 dB) when the volume level “8” is set around the pachinko gaming machine 1 is generated. The environmental sound level is estimated to be “8”.

  A description will now be given with reference to the example shown in FIG. FIG. 36 schematically shows a true environmental sound signal for easy understanding. It is assumed that the sound control microcomputer 131 inputs a true environmental sound signal shown in FIG. 36 from the smoothing circuit 144 for 15 minutes, for example. In the example shown in FIG. 36, at first, no game is played in the peripheral machines of the pachinko gaming machine 1, and the environmental sound is about 75 dB, indicating a relatively quiet situation. Next, a situation is shown in which the game is started on the adjacent gaming machine at time t1, and the environmental sound has increased to about 85 dB. Subsequently, at time t2, the adjacent gaming machine becomes SP reach, and the environmental sound rises to about 90 dB. Then, at time t3, a win is won with the adjacent gaming machine, and the environmental sound has increased to 93 dB. In such a true environmental sound signal, the maximum volume Xmax in 15 minutes is determined to be 93 dB. Therefore, in this example, the sound control microcomputer 131 estimates the environmental sound level to “8” based on FIG.

  This embodiment is characterized in that the volume level is automatically adjusted based on the environmental sound level estimated as described above and the currently set volume level. For example, if the surroundings of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are relatively noisy and the environmental sound level is estimated to be “8”, the current sound volume level is set to “5”, as will be described later. The voice control microcomputer 131 automatically adjusts the volume level to “7”. For example, if the surroundings of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are relatively quiet and the environmental sound level is estimated to be “5”, the current sound volume level is set to “8”, as will be described later. The voice control microcomputer 131 automatically adjusts the volume level to “7”. Thus, in this embodiment, the volume level can be automatically adjusted according to the environmental sound level without changing the volume level (user volume) at the player's will. Details of the automatic adjustment of the volume level will be described later.

  Returning to the description of FIG. The effect control microcomputer 91 performs lighting control of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 via the lamp control board 107 based on the command received from the main control board 80. In detail, the production control microcomputer 91 creates light emission pattern data (also referred to as data for determining lighting / extinction and light emission color, or lamp data) that determines the light emission mode of the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5. Light emission of lamps such as the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 is controlled according to the data. Note that data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the light emission pattern data.

  Further, the effect control microcomputer 91 operates the decorative movable body 15 (see FIG. 1) connected to the lamp control board 107 via the relay board 108 based on the command received from the main control board 80. The decorative movable body 15 is a movable so-called gimmick provided in the center decorative body 10.

  Specifically, the production control microcomputer 91 creates operation pattern data (also referred to as drive data) that determines the operation mode of the decorative movable body 15 and controls the operation of the decorative movable body 15 according to the operation pattern data. The data stored in the ROM 93 of the sub-control board 90 is used to create the operation pattern data. Note that a CPU may be mounted on the lamp control board 107, and in that case, the CPU may execute lamp lighting control and operation control of the decorative movable body 15. Further, in this case, a ROM may be mounted on the lamp control board 107, and data relating to the light emission pattern and the operation pattern may be stored in the ROM.

  The sub control board 90 is connected to an effect button detection SW (switch) 63a. The effect button detection SW 63a detects that the effect button 63 (see FIG. 1) has been pressed. When the effect button 63 is pressed, a signal is output from the effect button detection SW 63 a to the sub control board 90 and a signal is output to the image control board 100 via the sub control board 90.

  The sub-control board 90 is connected to a cross button detection SW (switch) 64a. Specifically, the cross button detection SW 64a corresponds to the up button 64U (see FIG. 2), the down button 64D, the left button 64L, and the right button 64R, respectively, and the up button detection SW 64Ua and the down button. It consists of a detection SW 64Da, a left button detection SW 64La, and a right button detection SW 64Ra. When each direction button 64U, 64D, 64L, 64R is pressed, a signal is output to the sub-control board 90 from each direction button detection SW 64Ua, 64Da, 64La, 64Ra corresponding to the pressed direction button. A signal is output from the sub control board 90 to the image control board 100.

  In the present embodiment, when the user volume changeable image UU shown in FIG. 34A is displayed, when the image control board 100 inputs a signal based on pressing of the right button detection SW64Ra or the left button detection SW64La, As will be described later, a user volume change command is transmitted from the image control board 100 to the sub-control board 90. Then, the sub control board 90 transmits the received user volume change command to the voice control board 106. Thus, the voice control board 106 changes the master volume (volume level) based on the received user volume change command.

  In this embodiment, in order to change the user volume, the image control board 100 transmits a user volume change command to the audio control board 106 via the sub control board 90. A user volume change command may be transmitted to the voice control board 106. Also, the user control change command may not be transmitted from the image control board 100, and the sub control board 90 may only transmit the user volume change command to the audio control board 106. Alternatively, a signal based on pressing of the right button detection SW64Ra or the left button detection SW64La may be output to the voice control board 106, and the voice control board 106 may change the user volume based on the signal. Note that the operation means for changing the user volume is not limited to a button, and may be a slide switch, a rotary knob, or the like.

3. Description of jackpot etc. In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, there are “hits” and “off” as a result of the jackpot lottery (special symbol lottery). In the case of “hit”, the “hit symbol” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 41. In the case of “missing”, the “design symbol” is stopped and displayed on the special symbol display 41. When winning the jackpot, the jackpot (first jackpot 30 and second jackpot 35) is opened with an opening pattern corresponding to the type of special symbol (jackpot type) that is stopped and displayed. Is executed. The jackpot game is an example of a special game.

  In this embodiment, the jackpot game is a multi-round game (unit open game), an opening before the first round game is started (also referred to as OP), and an ending after the last round game is completed (Also expressed as ED). Each round game starts with the end of OP or the end of the previous round game, and ends with the start of the next round game or the start of ED. The closing time (interval time) of the big prize opening between round games is included in the open round game before the closing.

  There are several types of jackpots. The jackpot type is as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, in this embodiment, there are roughly two types of jackpots (V long jackpot and V short jackpot). The “V long jackpot” is a jackpot for operating the opening / closing member 32 and the opening / closing member 37 in a first opening pattern (V long opening pattern) that allows a game ball to pass through the specific area 39 during the jackpot game. The “V short jackpot” is a jackpot for operating the opening / closing member 32 and the opening / closing member 37 in a second opening pattern (V short opening pattern) in which a game ball cannot pass to the specific area 39 during the jackpot game.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, “V long jackpot” has a total number of rounds of 16R. From 1R to 13R and 15R, the first grand prize opening 30 is opened for a maximum of 25.0 seconds per 1R. 14R and 16R open the second grand prize opening 35 for a maximum of 25.0 seconds per 1R. In these 14R and 16R, passage to the specific area 39 in the second big prize opening 35 is easily possible.

  On the other hand, “V short jackpot” has a total number of rounds of 16R, but a substantial total number of rounds of 13R. In other words, from 1R to 13R, the first big prize opening 30 is opened for a maximum of 25.0 seconds per 1R, but at 15R, the first big prize opening 30 is opened only 0.08 seconds per 1R, and 14R and Even at 16R, the second grand prize opening 35 is opened only 0.08 seconds per 1R. Therefore, in this V short jackpot, from 14R to 16R, the opening time of the big winning opening is extremely short, and it is a round in which a prize ball cannot be expected. That is, the V short jackpot is a substantial jackpot of 13R.

  In addition, in 14R and 16R in the V short jackpot, the second grand prize opening 35 is opened, but the opening time is extremely short, and it is almost impossible for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39 in the second big prize opening 35. It is possible. At 14R and 16R in the V short jackpot, not only the opening time of the second big prize opening 35 is short, but also the opening timing of the second big prize opening 35 and the operation timing of the distribution member 71 (second state (FIG. 3 (see (B)) to the first state (see FIG. 3 (A)), it is almost impossible for the game ball to pass through the specific area 39.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, based on the passing of the game ball to the specific area 39 in the jackpot game, the gaming state after the jackpot game is shifted to a high probability state to be described later. Therefore, when the above-mentioned V long jackpot is won, the game state after the jackpot game can be shifted to the high probability state by passing the game ball to the specific area 39 during the execution of the jackpot game. On the other hand, when the V short jackpot is won, the game ball cannot be passed to the specific area 39 while the jackpot game is being executed. Therefore, the game state after the jackpot game is a normal probability state described later. (Non-high probability state).

  As shown in FIG. 9, in the lottery of the first special symbol (Special Figure 1), the jackpot distribution rate is 60% for the V long jackpot and 40% for the V short jackpot. On the other hand, the jackpots won in the lottery of the second special symbol (special chart 2) are all V long jackpots. In other words, when a big win is won by a lottery based on a winning to the second starting port 21 that can be entered by executing electric support control, which will be described later, the V long jackpot is always made. Thus, in this pachinko gaming machine 1, the game ball is won at the second start port 21 rather than the big hit lottery (the lottery of the first special symbol) performed by winning the game ball at the first start port 20. The jackpot lottery (the second special symbol lottery) is set to be more advantageous for the player.

  Here, in the present pachinko gaming machine 1, the lottery for determining whether or not the jackpot is won is performed based on the “big hit random number”, and the lottery for the type of winning jackpot is performed based on the “big hit type random number”. As shown in FIG. 11A, the jackpot random number takes a value in the range of 0 to 65535. The jackpot type random number takes a value in the range of 0-9. In addition to the jackpot random number and the jackpot type random number, the random numbers acquired based on the winning at the first starting port 20 or the second starting port 21 include “reach random number” and “special pattern variation pattern random number”. .

  The reach random number is a random number that determines whether or not a reach is generated in the effect design variation effect indicating the result when the result of the jackpot determination is out of place. Reach is a state where there is only one effect symbol that is variably displayed among a plurality of effect symbols (decorative symbols), and depending on which symbol the effect symbol that is variably displayed is stopped and displayed. It is a state (for example, a state of “7 ↓ 7”) that is a combination of effect symbols indicating a big win. It should be noted that the effect symbols that are stopped and displayed in the reach state may be displayed as if they are slightly shaken in the display screen 7a.

  The special figure fluctuation pattern random number is a random number for determining a fluctuation pattern including the fluctuation time of the special symbol. The random numbers acquired based on the passage through the gate 28 include a normal symbol random number (per random number) and a common symbol variation pattern random number. The normal symbol random number is a random number for a lottery (ordinary symbol lottery) for determining whether or not to perform an auxiliary game for opening the electric chew 22. The regular pattern variation pattern random number is a random number for determining a variation pattern including a variation time of a normal symbol.

4). Description of the gaming state Next, the gaming state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. The special symbol display 41 and the normal symbol display 42 of the pachinko gaming machine 1 each have a probability variation function and a variation time shortening function. A state in which the probability variation function of the special symbol display 41 is activated is referred to as a “high probability state”, and a state in which it is not activated is referred to as a “normal probability state (non-high probability state)”. In the high probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the normal probability state. In other words, the jackpot determination is performed using a jackpot determination table in which the value of the jackpot random number determined to be a jackpot is larger than the jackpot determination table used in the normal probability state (see FIG. 11A). That is, when the probability variation function of the special symbol display 41 is activated, the probability that the display result of the special symbol variable display by the special symbol display 41 (that is, the stop symbol) becomes a jackpot symbol compared to when the special symbol display 41 is not activated. Becomes higher.

  In addition, a state in which the function for reducing the variation time of the special symbol display 41 is in operation is referred to as “time-short state”, and a state in which the special symbol display 41 is not in operation is referred to as “non-time-short state”. In the short-time state, the variation time of the special symbol (the time from the start of variation display to the time when the display result is derived and displayed) is shorter than in the non-short-time state. That is, the variation pattern is determined using a variation pattern table that is determined so that the variation pattern having a short variation time is selected more than in the non-time-short state. That is, when the function for shortening the variation time of the special symbol display device 41 is activated, it is easy to select a short variation time as the variation time of the variable symbol special display, compared to when the special symbol display 41 is not activated. As a result, in the short-time state, the special-patch holding pace is accelerated, and an effective winning (a winning that can be stored as a special-pending hold) at the starting port is likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to aim for a big hit with smooth progress of the game.

  The probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display 41 may be activated at the same time, or only one of them may be activated. The probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 42 operate in synchronization with the variation time shortening function of the special symbol display 41. That is, the probability variation function and the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 42 operate in the time-short state and do not operate in the non-time-short state. Therefore, in the short time state, the winning probability in the normal symbol lottery is higher than that in the non-short time state (see FIG. 11C). That is, the winning determination (ordinary symbol determination) is performed using a normal symbol per-decision table that has more normal symbol random numbers (hit random numbers) determined to be hit than the normal symbol per-decision table used in a non-time-saving state.

  As shown in FIG. 12, in the time-saving state, the opening time of the electric chew 22 in the auxiliary game is longer than that in the non-time-saving state. That is, the open time extension function of the electric chew 22 is activated. However, in the time-saving state and the non-time-saving state, the number of times the electric chew 22 is opened in the auxiliary game is one. That is, in the time-short state, the function of increasing the number of times of opening the electric chew 22 is not activated. In the short time state, the function of increasing the number of times of opening the electric chew 22 may be activated.

  In the situation where the probability variation function and variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 42 and the open time extension function of the electronic chew 22 are activated, the electric chew 22 is compared with the case where these functions are not activated. Are frequently released, and game balls frequently win the second start port 21. As a result, the base, which is the ratio of the number of prize balls to the number of shot balls, becomes high. Therefore, a state in which these functions are activated is referred to as a “high base state”, and a state in which these functions are not activated is referred to as a “low base state”. In the high base state, it is possible to aim for a big hit without greatly reducing the hand-held game balls. The high base state is a state in which so-called electric support control (control to support winning at the second starting port 21 by the electric chew 22) is executed.

  In the high base state (electric support control state), the above-described plurality of functions may not operate. That is, the operation of one or more of the probability variation function of the normal symbol display 42, the variation time shortening function of the normal symbol display 42, the opening time extension function of the electric chew 22, and the opening frequency increasing function of the electric chew 22 Therefore, it is only necessary that the electric chew 22 be opened more easily than when the function is not activated. Further, the high base state (electric support control state) may be independently controlled without accompanying the time-short state.

  In the pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, the gaming state after the jackpot game by winning the V long jackpot is a high probability state, a short time state, and a high base if the game is passed to the specific area 39 during the jackpot game. State. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a “highly accurate base state”. The high-accuracy base state is terminated when a special symbol variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in the present embodiment) or when the jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

  In addition, the game state after the jackpot game by winning the V short jackpot is a normal probability state (non-high probability state, i.e., if the specific area 39 is not passed during the jackpot game). A low probability state), a short time state, and a high base state. This gaming state is particularly referred to as a “low-accuracy base state”. The low-accuracy base state ends when a special symbol variable display is executed a predetermined number of times (100 times in this embodiment), or when the jackpot is won and the jackpot game is executed.

5. Operation of Game Control Microcomputer 81 [Main Control Main Process] Next, the operation of the game control microcomputer 81 will be described with reference to FIGS. When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the game control microcomputer 81 provided on the main control board 80 reads out and executes the main control main process program shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the main control main process, initial setting is first performed (step S001). In the initial setting, for example, stack setting, constant setting, interrupt time setting, CPU 82 setting, SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time) setting, resetting various flags, status, counter, etc. Etc. The initial setting (S001) is executed only once after the power is turned on, and is not executed thereafter.

  Following the initial setting (S001), interrupts are prohibited (S002), and the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S003) is executed. When each random number counter value reaches the upper limit value, it returns to “0” and is added again. Note that the initial period value of each random number counter may be a value other than “0” or may be changed randomly. Each random number may be a so-called hardware random number generated using a known random number generation circuit including a counter IC or the like.

  When the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S003) is completed, the interruption is permitted (S004). While the interrupt is permitted, the main timer interrupt process (S005) can be executed. The main timer interrupt process (S005) is executed based on an interrupt pulse that is repeatedly input to the CPU 82, for example, at a cycle of 4 msec. That is, for example, it is executed at a cycle of 4 msec. Various counters by normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S003) after main timer interrupt process (S005) is finished and until main timer interrupt process (S005) is started next time The value update process is repeatedly executed.

  [Main-side timer interrupt processing] Next, the main-side timer interrupt processing (S005) will be described. As shown in FIG. 14, in the main-side timer interrupt process (S005), an output process (S101) is first executed. In the output process (S101), commands set in the output buffer provided in the RAM 84 of the main control board 80 in each process described below are output to the sub control board 90, the payout control board 110, and the like.

  In the input process (S102) performed after the output process (S101), various sensors (a first start port sensor 20a, a second start port sensor 21a, a big prize port sensor 30a, mainly attached to the pachinko gaming machine 1). 35a, a normal winning opening sensor 27a and the like (see FIG. 6) are read and stored as prize ball information in the output buffer of the RAM 84. Also, a detection signal from a lower plate full switch for detecting the fullness of the lower plate 62 is taken in and stored in the output buffer of the RAM 84 as lower plate full data.

  The normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S103) performed next is the same as the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S003) performed in the main control main process of FIG. After the normal symbol / special symbol main random number update process (S103), the sensor detection process (S104) is executed. In the sensor detection process (S104), if the first start port sensor 20a or the second start port sensor 21a is ON, a big hit random number is provided on condition that there are less than 4 special figure holds corresponding to the ON start ports. Etc. (a jackpot random number, a jackpot type random number, a reach random number, and a special figure variation pattern random number) are acquired. If the gate sensor 28a is ON, a normal symbol random number and a common symbol variation pattern random number are acquired on condition that there are less than four ordinary symbol holds.

  Following the sensor detection process (S104), a normal operation process (S105) is executed. In the normal operation process (S105), a random number such as a normal symbol random number acquired in the sensor detection process (S104) is determined using the table shown in FIG. Then, the normal symbol display (variation display and stop display) for notifying the result of the normal symbol lottery is performed. When displaying the normal symbol, a normal symbol variation start command including information on the variation pattern of the variation display of the ordinary symbol is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94. If the result of the determination of the normal symbol random number indicates that the normal winning is won, an auxiliary game for opening the electric chew 22 is performed according to the opening pattern of the electric chew 22 corresponding to the gaming state (see FIG. 12).

  Following the normal operation process (S105), a special operation process (S106) is executed. In the special operation process (S106), a random number such as a jackpot random number acquired in the sensor detection process (S104) is determined using the tables shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. And the special symbol display (a change display and a stop display) for alerting | reporting the result of a special symbol lottery (big hit lottery) is performed. When displaying the special symbol, a special symbol variation start command including information on the variation pattern of the special symbol variation display is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94. As a result of the determination of the jackpot random number, when the jackpot is won, the first jackpot 30 or the second jackpot 35 is set according to a predetermined opening pattern (see FIG. 10) corresponding to the jackpot type. Play a jackpot game to open.

  Subsequent to the special operation process (S106), a standby confirmation process (S107) described later is executed. Thereafter, other processing (S108) is executed, and the main timer interrupt processing (S005) is terminated. As other processing (S108), for example, the second special figure reservation indicator 43b is controlled to a display mode indicating the number based on the special figure 2 reserved ball number, or the first special figure 1 based on the reserved ball number. The special figure hold display device 43a is controlled to a display mode indicating the number thereof.

  [Standby Confirmation Process] As shown in FIG. 15, in the wait confirmation process (S107), the game control microcomputer 81 first determines the number of reserved balls (the number of reserved balls in FIG. 1) and the second start opening of the first start opening 20. It is determined whether or not any of the 21 reserved balls (special figure 2 reserved balls) is “0” (S201). If it is not “0” (NO in S201), this process is terminated. On the other hand, if “0” (YES in S201), it is determined whether or not the display screen 7a of the image display device 7 has already been set as a standby screen (a demo screen for waiting for customers) (S202). If the standby screen is displayed (YES in S202), the process is terminated. On the other hand, if the standby screen is not displayed (NO in S202), standby screen setting processing is performed (S203), and this processing ends. In the standby screen setting process (S203), after a predetermined standby time has elapsed, a customer standby command for displaying the standby screen is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94 (S203). As a result, this waiting-for-customer command is transmitted to the sub-control board 90.

6). Operation of effect control microcomputer 91 [Sub-control main process] The operation of the effect control microcomputer 91 will be described with reference to FIGS. When the power of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is turned on, the effect control microcomputer 91 provided on the sub control board 90 reads out and executes the sub control main process program shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, in the sub control main process, first, a CPU initialization process is performed (S1001). In the CPU initialization process (S1001), stack setting, constant setting, CPU 92 setting, SIO, PIO, CTC (circuit for managing interrupt time) and the like are performed.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the power-off signal is ON and the contents of the RAM 94 are normal (S1002). If the determination result is NO, the RAM 94 is initialized (S1003), and the process proceeds to step S1004. On the other hand, if the determination result is YES (YES in S1002), the process proceeds to step S1004 without initializing the RAM 94. That is, if the power-off signal is not ON, or if the contents of the RAM 94 are not normal even if the power-off signal is ON (NO in S1002), the RAM 94 is initialized. However, if the contents of the RAM 94 are maintained normally (YES in S1002), the RAM 94 is not initialized.

  In step S1004, interrupts are prohibited. Next, random number seed update processing is executed (S1005). In the random number seed update process (S1005), the values of various effect determination random number counters are updated. It should be noted that the effect determination random number includes an effect design determination random number for determining the effect design, a change effect pattern determination random number for determining the change effect pattern, and a notice effect determination random number for determining various notification effects. Etc. The random number update method may be the same as the random number update process performed by the main control board 80 described above.

  When the random number seed update process (S1005) is completed, a command transmission process is executed (S1006). In the command transmission process, various commands stored in the output buffer in the RAM 94 of the sub control board 90 are transmitted to the image control board 100. Upon receiving the command, the image control board 100 uses the image display device 7 in accordance with the command to produce various effects (effect design variation effect, jackpot game effect (opening effect, round effect, ending effect) associated with the jackpot game, Etc.). As the image control board 100 executes various effects, the sub-control board 90 outputs audio from the speaker 67 via the audio control board 106, or the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp via the lamp control board 107. 5 is caused to emit light, or the decorative movable body 15 is driven. Next, the production control microcomputer 91 permits interruption (S1007). Thereafter, steps S1004 to S1007 are looped. While interrupts are permitted, reception interrupt processing (S1008), 1 ms timer interrupt processing (S1009), and 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S1010) can be executed.

  [Reception Interrupt Processing] In the reception interrupt processing (S1008), as shown in FIG. 17, whether or not the strobe signal (STB signal) is ON, that is, the strobe signal sent from the main control board 80 is determined by the microcomputer 91 for effect control. It is determined whether or not an input has been made to the external INT input unit (S1101). If the strobe signal is not ON, the processing is terminated, and if it is ON, various commands transmitted from the main control board 80 are stored in the reception buffer of the RAM 94 (S1102). This reception interrupt process is a process executed with priority over other interrupt processes (S1009, S1010).

  [1 ms Timer Interrupt Process] The 1 ms timer interrupt process (S1009) is executed each time an interrupt pulse having a 1 msec cycle is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in FIG. 18, in the 1 ms timer interrupt process (S1009), an input process (S1201) is first performed. In the input process (S1201), switch data (edge data and level data) is created based on the detection signal from the effect button detection switch 63a or the cross button detection switch 64a (see FIG. 8).

  Subsequently, lamp data output processing (S1202) is performed. In the ramp data output process (S1202), the lamp data created in the ramp process (S1304) and other processes (S1306) in the 10 ms timer interrupt process to be described later in order to cause the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 to emit light at a timing suitable for the production. Is output to the lamp control board 107. That is, the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5 are caused to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode according to the lamp data.

  Next, drive control processing (S1203) is performed. In the drive control process (S1203), decorative movable body drive data (data for driving the decorative movable body 15) is created or output so as to drive the decorative movable body 15 at a timing that matches the effect. That is, the decorative movable body 15 is driven in a predetermined operation mode according to the decorative movable body drive data. Then, the watchdog timer process (S1204) for setting the reset of the watchdog timer is performed, and this process is finished.

  [10 ms Timer Interrupt Processing] The 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S1010) is executed every time an interrupt pulse with a 10 msec cycle is input to the sub-control board 90. As shown in FIG. 19, in the 10 ms timer interrupt process (S1010), the effect control microcomputer 91 first performs a received command analysis process (see S1301, FIG. 20). Next, switch state acquisition processing is performed in which the switch data created in the 1 ms timer interrupt processing is stored in the RAM 94 as switch data for 10 ms timer interrupt processing (S1302). At this time, the detection signals from the effect button detection switch 63a or the cross button detection switch 64a (upward button detection switch 64Ua, downward button detection switch 64Da, left button detection switch 64La, right button detection SW 64Ra) are stored in the RAM 94. Are sent to the image control board 100. Subsequently, a switch process (S1303) described later is performed.

  Thereafter, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs lamp processing (S1304). In the lamp processing (S1304), creation of lamp data (data for controlling lighting of the frame lamp 66 and the panel lamp 5), time management of the light emission effect, and the like are performed. Subsequently, voice control processing (S1305) is performed. In the voice control process (S1305), a command for causing the voice control board 106 to execute voice control is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94, and time management for voice control is performed. Thereby, the game sound suitable for the effect to be performed is output from the speaker 67. Then, other processes such as updating various effect determination random numbers are executed (S1306), and this process is terminated.

  [Reception Command Analysis Processing] As shown in FIG. 20, in the reception command analysis processing (S1301), first, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a customer waiting standby command has been received from the main control board 80 (S1401). If it is received, a customer waiting process (S1402) described later is performed.

  Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a variation start command has been received from the main control board 80 (S1403), and if received, performs a variation effect start process (S1404). In the variation effect start process (S1404), the variation start command is analyzed, and a variation effect pattern suitable for the variation pattern included in the variation start command is selected based on the analysis result. Then, a change effect start command for starting a change effect (effect symbol variable display effect) with the selected change effect pattern is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94. When the set variable effect start command is transmitted to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S1006), the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 displays a predetermined effect image in the other process (S2205) shown in FIG. It reads from ROM103 and performs a change effect on the display screen 7a.

  After the variation effect start process (S1404), it is determined whether or not the customer waiting flag indicating that the customer waiting effect is being performed is ON (S1405). If the customer waiting flag is ON (YES in S1405), that is, if the customer waiting effect is being performed, the customer waiting flag is turned OFF (S1406).

  Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether a user volume change command is received from the image control board 100 (S1407). If a user volume change command has been received (YES in S1407), the command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94 (S1408). The set user volume change command is transmitted to the voice control board 106 by the command transmission process (S1006). As will be described later, the voice control microcomputer 131 determines the volume level (user Volume) is changed.

  Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not a master volume change command is received from the image control board 100 (S1409). If a master volume change command has been received (YES in S1409), the command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94 (S1410). The set master volume change command is transmitted to the voice control board 106 by the command transmission process (S1006). As will be described later, the voice control microcomputer 131 determines the volume level (master Volume) is changed.

  Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not an automatic volume change command (to be described later) has been received from the audio control board 106 (S1411). If an automatic volume change command has been received (YES in S1411), the command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94 (S1412). Thus, the set automatic volume change command is transmitted to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S1006), and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 is based on the received volume volume change command as will be described later. An automatic volume level image (see FIG. 32B) is displayed on the display screen 7a.

  Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not an automatic sound volume adjustment mode start command to be described later has been received from the sound control board 106 (S1413). If the automatic volume adjustment mode start command has been received (YES in S1413), the automatic volume adjustment mode start command is set to notify the image control board 100 of the start of the automatic volume adjustment mode (S1414). Thus, the set automatic volume adjustment mode start command is transmitted to the image control board 100 by command transmission processing (S1006), and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 is based on the received automatic volume adjustment mode start command as will be described later. An automatic volume adjustment mode in-progress image GG (see FIGS. 32A and 32B) is displayed on the display screen 7a.

  Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 determines whether or not an automatic volume adjustment mode end command to be described later is received from the sound control board 106 (S1415). If an automatic volume adjustment mode end command has been received (YES in S1415), an automatic volume adjustment mode end command is set to notify the image control board 100 of the end of the automatic volume adjustment mode (S1416). Thus, the set automatic volume adjustment mode end command is transmitted to the image control board 100 by command transmission processing (S1006), and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 ends the received automatic volume adjustment mode as will be described later. The display of the image GG during the automatic volume adjustment mode is terminated based on the command.

  Subsequently, the effect control microcomputer 91 performs other processing (S1417) as a received command other than the above commands (for example, a command at the end of the variable effect, a command at the opening of the jackpot game, a command at the round game, The process based on the command, the command at the start of normal symbol variation, and the command at the end of normal symbol variation) is performed, and the received command analysis processing (S1301) is completed.

  [Customer Waiting Process] As shown in FIG. 21, in the customer waiting process (S1402), first, the production control microcomputer 91 stores scenario data corresponding to the customer waiting demonstration effect (also referred to as a customer waiting effect) in the RAM 94. Set in the scenario buffer (S1501). Next, a customer waiting effect command for executing the customer waiting effect is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94 (S1502). Then, the customer waiting flag indicating that the customer waiting effect is being performed is set to ON (S1503), and this processing is completed. When the set customer waiting effect command is transmitted to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S1006), the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 displays a predetermined demo image in the other process (S2205) shown in FIG. The data is read from the ROM 103 and a customer waiting effect is performed on the display screen 7a. The customer waiting effect command set in step S1502 is also transmitted to the voice control board 106.

  [Switch Process] As shown in FIG. 22, in the switch process (S1303), the effect control microcomputer 91 first determines whether or not the effect button detection switch 63a is ON (S1601). More specifically, it is determined whether or not there is switch data based on the detection signal of the effect button detection switch 63a in the switch data stored in the RAM 94 in step S1302. If the effect button detection switch 63a is ON (YES in S1601), it is next determined whether or not the customer waiting flag is ON (S1602). If the customer waiting flag is ON (YES in S1602), a customer waiting pressing command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94 (S1603), and the process ends. On the other hand, if NO is determined in either step S1601 or S1602, the process is terminated. In other words, if the production button 63 is pressed during the customer waiting production, a customer waiting pressing command is set (S1603), and this customer waiting pressing command is transmitted to the image control board 100 by command transmission processing (S1006). ing.

7). Operation of CPU 102 of Image Control Board 100 [Image Timer Interrupt Processing] The operation of the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. The CPU 102 of the image control board 100 repeatedly executes the image-side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 23 every extremely short time of several milliseconds. As shown in FIG. 23, in the image-side timer interruption process, first, a master volume change process described later is performed (S2001). Next, image side command reception processing described later is performed (S2002). Subsequently, in step S2003, it is determined whether or not the change of the user volume is completed in a user volume change process (S2318) (S2319) described later (S2003).

  Here, as a condition for determining that the change of the user volume has been completed, for example, the user volume level image is obtained by the process of step S2408 or S2413 of the user volume change process (S2318) (S2319) described later (see FIG. And a case where a predetermined time has elapsed since the display of “” and a case where a variation effect start command is received from the effect control microcomputer 91. If it is determined that the user volume has been changed (YES in S2003), the display flag is turned OFF and the change flag is turned OFF (S2004). The display flag indicates that a later-described selection image SS (see FIG. 33) is already displayed, and the change flag is a user volume changeable image UU (see FIG. 34A) described later. It is shown that it is done. On the other hand, if it is determined that the change of the user volume has not ended (NO in S2003), step S2004 is passed and the process proceeds to step S2005.

  In step S2005, image-side command transmission processing is performed, and this processing ends. In the image-side command transmission process (S2005), various commands (for example, a user volume change command and a master volume change command) set (stored) in the output buffer of the RAM 104 are transmitted to the sub control board 90.

  [Master Volume Change Processing] As shown in FIG. 24, in the master volume change processing (S2001), first, the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 determines whether or not the gaming machine frame 50 is open (S2101). When the gaming machine frame 50 is opened as described above, a frame opening detection signal is input to the image control board 100 via the main control board 80 and the sub control board 90. Therefore, the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 determines whether or not the gaming machine frame 50 is open based on whether or not the frame open detection signal is received.

  If the gaming machine frame 50 is open (YES in S2101), the master volume changeable image MM is displayed on the display screen 7a as shown in FIG. 31A (S2102). The master volume changeable image MM is an image for notifying employees of the hall that the master volume can be changed. In this embodiment, the image is composed of an image showing the characters “Master volume can be changed” and an image showing the form of the rotary knob 105 and the speaker 67. In addition, an image showing the characters “frame open” is also displayed in order to call attention when the gaming machine frame 50 is illegally opened. The master volume changeable image MM is not limited to the image shown in FIG. 31A, and can be changed as appropriate.

  After step S2102, it is determined whether or not the rotational operation position of the rotary knob 105 (see FIG. 5) has been changed (S2103). As described above, when the rotary knob 105 is rotated, the rotary knob detection switch 105 a outputs a signal corresponding to the rotary operation position of the rotary knob 105 to the image control board 100. Then, the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 determines the master volume level value (any integer value from “0” to “9”) determined from the input signal, and the master volume level value currently stored. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not the rotational operation position of the rotary knob 105 has been changed. If it is determined that the rotation operation position has not been changed (NO in S2103), the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the rotation operation position has been changed (YES in S2103), the changed master volume level value is stored in the RAM 104 based on the input signal (rotation operation position of the rotary knob 105) (S2105). . Then, a master volume change command including information on the changed master volume level value is set in the output buffer of the RAM 104 (S2105). Further, a master volume level image based on the changed master volume level value is displayed on the display screen 7a (S2106), and the process is terminated.

  In this embodiment, for example, when the master volume is changed to “7”, a master volume level image M7 shown in FIG. 31B is displayed on the display screen 7a. That is, the master volume level image is composed of a substantially triangular image in which the lighting area increases in accordance with the changed master volume level value, and an image showing the master volume level value on the right side of “VOLUME”. . By displaying the master volume level image, it is possible to let the employees in the hall know how much the master volume has been changed to the volume level. The master volume level image is not limited to the image shown in FIG. 31B, and can be changed as appropriate.

  On the other hand, if the gaming machine frame 50 is not opened in step S2101, it is determined whether the master volume changeable image MM is being displayed (S2107). If the master volume changeable image MM is not being displayed (NO in S2107), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is being displayed (YES in S2107), the display of the master volume changeable image MM is terminated and the processing is terminated.

  [Image-Side Command Reception Processing] As shown in FIG. 25, in the image-side command reception processing (S2002), first, the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 has received an automatic volume change command (to be described later) from the sub-control board 90. Is determined (S2201). If an automatic volume change command has been received (YES in S2201), an automatic volume level image is displayed on the display screen 7a based on the automatic volume change command, and the process is terminated. The automatic volume change command includes information on the level value of the volume level (any integer value from “0” to “9”) automatically adjusted by the voice control microcomputer 131 as will be described later. Therefore, the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 displays an automatic volume level image corresponding to the volume level level information included in the received automatic volume change command.

  In the present embodiment, for example, if the volume level is automatically adjusted to “8”, that is, if the information of the volume level “8” is included in the automatic volume change command, the automatic volume level image shown in FIG. G8 is displayed on the display screen 7a. In other words, the automatic volume level image is an image showing the level value of the volume level automatically adjusted to the ○ portion of “changed to volume ○”. By displaying the automatic volume level image, it is possible to make the player know how much volume level has been automatically adjusted. The automatic volume level image is not limited to the image as shown in FIG. 32B and can be changed as appropriate.

  On the other hand, if an automatic volume change command has not been received in step S2201 (NO in S2201), it is determined whether a customer wait press command has been received from the sub-control board 90 (S2203). If the customer waiting press command has been received (YES in S2203), that is, if the effect button 63 is pressed during the customer waiting effect, a selection image display process (to be described later) is performed (S2204), and the process ends. If the waiting command for waiting for a customer has not been received (NO in S2203), other processing (S2205) is performed (for example, a variation effect is performed on the display screen 7a based on the reception of the variation effect start command). Finish the process.

  [Selected Image Display Processing] As shown in FIG. 26, in the selected image display processing (S2204), first, the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 determines whether or not the display flag is ON (S2301). As described above, the display flag indicates that the selected image SS is already displayed. If the display flag is not ON (NO in S2301), the selected image SS shown in FIG. 33 is displayed on the display screen 7a (S2302). Then, the display flag is turned ON (S2303), and the process is finished. As shown in FIG. 33, the selected image SS has an upper frame image C1 indicating “setting of automatic volume adjustment mode” in the upper row of the two upper and lower rows, a lower frame image C2 indicating “change of setting volume” in the lower row, The frame image C1 is composed of an arrow image CA for selecting the frame images C1 and C2.

  If the display flag is ON in step S2301, it is next determined whether or not the change flag is ON (S2304). The change flag indicates that the user volume changeable image UU (see FIG. 34A) has already been displayed as described above. If the change flag is not ON (NO in S2304), the selected image SS is still displayed, and the process proceeds to step S2305. On the other hand, if the change flag is ON (YES in S2304), a user volume change process (S2319) described later is performed, and the process ends.

  In step S2305, it is determined whether or not the up button 64U (see FIG. 2) of the cross button 64 is pressed while the selected image SS is being displayed. As described above, the detection signals of the cross button detection switch 64a (the upward button detection switch 64Ua, the downward button detection switch 64Da, the left button detection switch 64La, and the right button detection SW 64Ra) are transmitted via the sub control board 90. It is transmitted to the image control board 100. Therefore, the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 determines whether or not the upward button 64U is pressed based on whether or not the detection signal of the upward button detection switch 64Ua is received.

  If it is determined that the up button 64U has been pressed (YES in S2305), whether or not the arrow image CA displayed in the selected image SS is located on the left side of the lower frame image C2 of the two frame images C1 and C2. Is determined (S2306). If the arrow image CA is located on the left side of the lower frame image C2 (YES in S2306), the arrow image CA is moved and displayed to the left side of the upper frame image C1 (S2307), and the process is completed. On the other hand, if the arrow image CA is not located on the left side of the lower frame image C2 (NO in S2306), that is, if it is located on the left side of the upper frame image C1, the processing is finished as it is. In short, if the up button 64U is pressed while the selected image SS is being displayed, the arrow image CA can be moved upward and displayed. However, even if the up button 64U is pressed while the arrow image CA is positioned on the left side of the upper frame image C1, the arrow image CA does not move upward and remains at that position.

  If it is determined in step S2305 that the up button 64U has not been pressed (NO in S2305), it is next determined whether or not the down button 64D (see FIG. 2) of the cross button 64 has been pressed (S2308). . If it is determined that the down button 64D has been pressed (YES in S2308), whether or not the arrow image CA displayed in the selected image SS is located on the left side of the upper frame image C1 of the two frame images C1 and C2. Is determined (S2309). If the arrow image CA is positioned on the left side of the upper frame image C1 (YES in S2309), the arrow image CA is moved and displayed on the left side of the lower frame image C2 (S2310), and the processing is completed. On the other hand, if the arrow image CA is not located on the left side of the upper frame image C1 (NO in S2309), that is, if it is located on the left side of the lower frame image C2, the processing is finished as it is. In short, when the down button 64D is pressed while the selected image SS is being displayed, the arrow image CA can be moved and displayed downward. However, even when the down button 64D is pressed while the arrow image CA is positioned on the left side of the lower frame image C2, the arrow image CA does not move downward and remains at that position.

  If it is determined in step S2308 that the down button 64D has not been pressed (NO in S2308), it is next determined whether or not the effect button 63 has been pressed (S2311). As described above, the detection signal of the effect button detection switch 63 a is transmitted to the image control board 100 via the sub control board 90. Therefore, the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 determines whether or not the effect button 63 is pressed based on whether or not the detection signal of the effect button detection switch 63a is received. If it is determined that the effect button 63 has not been pressed (NO in S2311), one of the two frame images C1 and C2 has not yet been selected, and the process ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the effect button 63 is pressed (YES in S2311), it is determined whether or not the master volume level value stored in the RAM 104 is “0” (S2312). If it is “0” (YES in S2312), the processing is terminated, and automatic volume change processing (S3005) and user volume change processing (S2318) described later are not performed. That is, in this embodiment, when the master volume is set to “0”, automatic adjustment of the volume level, which will be described later, is not performed, and the user volume cannot be changed. As a result, the game sound remains silent. Unlike the present embodiment, the volume level may be automatically adjusted or the user volume may be changed even if the master volume is set to “0” without executing the process of step S2312.

  If the level value of the master volume is not “0” (NO in S2312), it is determined whether or not the arrow image CA is located on the left side of the upper frame image C1 (S2313). If the arrow image CA is located on the left side of the upper frame image C1 (YES in S2313), an automatic volume adjustment mode start command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 104 (S2314). When the selection of the upper frame image C1 (automatic volume adjustment mode) is confirmed in this way, an automatic volume adjustment mode start command is set. The automatic volume adjustment mode start command set in the output buffer of the RAM 94 is transmitted to the voice control board 106 via the sub-control board 90, and the voice control board 106 is notified of the start of the automatic volume adjustment mode. .

  After step S2314, the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 displays the automatic sound volume adjustment mode in-progress image GG on the display screen 7a as shown in FIG. Then, the display flag is turned off (S2316), and the process ends.

  The image GG in the automatic volume adjustment mode of the present embodiment is an image showing the characters “in automatic volume adjustment mode”. By displaying the image GG during the automatic volume adjustment mode, it is possible to let the player know that the automatic volume adjustment mode is set, that is, the automatic adjustment of the volume level can be executed. As shown in FIG. 32 (B), the automatic volume adjustment mode in-progress image GG is displayed in the upper left part of the display screen 7a, and the automatic volume level image G8 described above is displayed in the upper right part of the display screen 7a. It is made difficult to see the fluctuation effects and jackpot effects of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, 8R. That is, since the automatic adjustment of the volume level is performed even during the execution of the fluctuating effect or the jackpot effect, the image GG in the automatic volume adjustment mode and the automatic volume level image within a range that does not interfere with the visibility of the fluctuating effect or the jackpot effect. Is displayed. Note that the image GG during the automatic volume adjustment mode is not limited to the image shown in FIG. 32B and can be changed as appropriate.

  If the arrow image CA is not located on the left side of the upper frame image C1 in step S2313 (NO in S2313), the arrow image CA is located on the left side of the lower frame image C2, and the automatic volume adjustment mode ends. The command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 104 (S2317). When the selection of the lower frame image C2 (mode by changing the set volume, manual volume adjustment mode) is confirmed in this way, an automatic volume adjustment mode end command is set. The automatic volume adjustment mode end command set in the output buffer of the RAM 104 is transmitted to the voice control board 106 via the sub control board 90, and the voice control board 106 is notified of the end of the automatic volume adjustment mode. . After step S2317, a user volume change process described later is performed (S2318), and the process ends.

  [User Volume Change Processing] Since the user volume change processing in step S2318 and the user volume change processing in step S2319 are the same processing, they will be described together with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 27, the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 first determines whether or not the change flag is ON (S2401). If the change flag is not ON (NO in S2401), the user volume changeable image UU shown in FIG. 34A is displayed on the display screen 7a (S2402). Then, the change flag is set to ON (S2403), and the process ends. The user volume changeable image UU shown in FIG. 34 (A) increases the volume level when the image indicating the characters “volume can be changed” and the right button 64R (see FIG. 2) are pressed. When the left button 64L is pressed, an image suggests that the volume level decreases. The user volume changeable image UU is not limited to the image shown in FIG. 34A, and can be changed as appropriate.

  If the change flag is ON in step S2401, it is determined whether or not the right button 64R has been pressed (S2404). If it is determined that the right button 64R has been pressed (YES in S2404), the user volume level value (any integer value from “0” to “9”) stored in the RAM 104 is “9”. It is determined whether or not (S2405). If the level value of the user volume is “9” (YES in S2405), the user volume cannot be increased any further, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is not “9” (NO in S2405), in order to increase the user volume by one step, the level value of the user volume increased by one step is stored in the RAM 104 (S2406). In the initial setting, “5” is stored in the RAM 104 as the level value of the user volume. Then, a user volume change command including information on the increased user volume level value is set in the output buffer of the RAM 104 (S2407). Further, a user volume level image based on the increased master volume level value is displayed on the display screen 7a (S2408), and the process is terminated.

  In the present embodiment, for example, if the user volume is changed to “9 (MAX)”, a user volume level image U9 shown in FIG. 34B is displayed on the display screen 7a. That is, the volume level image for the user includes an image showing the level value of the user volume on the right side of “VOLUME”, and the volume level increases when the right direction button 64R is pressed, whereas the volume level increases when the left direction button 64L is pressed. An image suggesting that the level decreases and an image of a note whose size changes in accordance with the changed level value of the user volume are configured. With this user volume level image, it is possible for the player to know how much the user volume has been changed. The user volume level image is not limited to the image as shown in FIG. 34B, and can be changed as appropriate.

  If it is not determined in step S2404 that the right button 64R has been pressed (NO in S2404), it is then determined whether the left button 64L has been pressed (S2409). If it is not determined that the left button 64L has been pressed (NO in S2409), the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the left button 64L has been pressed (YES in S2409), it is determined whether or not the user volume level value stored in the RAM 94 is "0" (S2410). If the level value of the user volume is “0” (YES in S2410), the user volume cannot be reduced below this value, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is not “0” (NO in S2410), in order to decrease the user volume by one step, the level value of the user volume decreased by one step is stored in the RAM 104 (S2411). Then, a user volume change command including information on the level value of the reduced user volume is set in the output buffer of the RAM 104 (S2412). Further, a user volume level image based on the reduced master volume level value is displayed on the display screen 7a (S2413), and the process is terminated.

8). Operation of Voice Control Microcomputer 131 [Voice Side Timer Interrupt Processing] The operation of the voice control microcomputer 131 will be described with reference to FIGS. The voice control microcomputer 131 repeatedly executes the voice-side timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 28 every very short time of several milliseconds. As shown in FIG. 28, in the audio timer interruption process, first, an environmental sound acquisition process is performed (S3001). In the environmental sound acquisition process (S3001), the sound control microcomputer 131 receives the environmental sound (environmental sound signal) collected by the sound collecting microphone 68 as shown in FIG. 8 as an input circuit 141, a filter circuit 143, and a smoothing circuit 144. To obtain the above-mentioned true environmental sound signal.

  After the environmental sound acquisition process (S3001), a voice side command reception process (S3002) described later is performed. Then, it is determined whether or not the automatic volume adjustment mode flag is ON (S3003). The automatic volume adjustment mode flag is a flag indicating that the automatic volume adjustment mode is set. If the automatic volume adjustment mode flag is ON (YES in S3003), it is next determined whether or not a game is being performed on the pachinko gaming machine 1 (S3004).

  Here, in the present embodiment, the voice control microcomputer 131 determines whether or not the customer waiting effect is being executed based on the reception of the customer waiting effect command (see S1502) from the sub-control board 90. If it is determined that the game is not being executed, it is determined that a game is being performed on the pachinko gaming machine 1. Note that a predetermined sensor can detect that a game ball has been driven into the game area 3, and the main control board 80 transmits a detection signal of the sensor to the voice control board 106 via the sub-control board 90. . The voice control microcomputer 131 may determine whether or not the game is in progress based on whether or not the detection signal is received. Alternatively, when the player touches the handle 60, a contact signal from the touch switch 114 (see FIG. 6) is transmitted to the voice control board 106 via the main control board 80 and the sub control board 90. The voice control microcomputer 131 may determine whether or not the game is in progress based on whether or not a touch signal is received by the touch switch 114.

  If it is determined that the automatic volume adjustment mode flag is ON (YES in S3003) and the game is in progress (YES in S3004), an automatic volume change process described later is executed (S3005), and the process proceeds to step S3006. On the other hand, if the automatic volume adjustment mode flag is OFF (NO in S3003) or not playing (NO in S3004), the process proceeds to step S3006 without executing the automatic volume changing process (S3005). In step S3006, voice side command transmission processing is performed, and this processing ends. In the voice side command transmission process (S3006), various commands (for example, automatic volume change commands) set (stored) in the RAM output buffer of the voice control board 106 (voice control microcomputer 131) are stored in the sub control board 90. Send. In the pachinko machine 1, the automatic volume adjustment mode flag is set to ON in the initial setting after the power is turned on, and the automatic volume change process (S3005) is performed, that is, the automatic volume adjustment mode is set. It has become. However, in the initial setting, the automatic volume adjustment mode flag may be turned off, and the automatic volume adjustment mode may not be set.

  [Voice Side Command Reception Processing] As shown in FIG. 29, in the voice side command reception processing (S3002), the voice control microcomputer 131 first determines whether or not a user volume change command has been received from the sub-control board 90. (S3101). If a user volume change command has been received (YES in S3101), the volume level is set (changed) based on the user volume level information included in the command (S3102). That is, the sound control microcomputer 131 causes the volume level setting circuit 133 (see FIG. 8) to change the amplification rate of the game sound by the amplifier 134 based on the information of the user volume level value. Then, the level value of the set volume level is stored in the RAM of the voice control microcomputer 131 (S3103), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, if NO is determined in step S3101, it is determined whether or not a master volume change command is received (S3104). If the master volume change command has been received (YES in S3104), the volume level is set (changed) based on the master volume level value information included in the command (S3105). Then, the level value of the set volume level is stored in the RAM of the voice control microcomputer 131 (S3106), and the process is terminated. If NO is determined in step S3104, it is determined whether an automatic volume adjustment mode start command is received (S3107). If the automatic volume adjustment mode start command has been received (YES in S3107), the automatic volume adjustment mode flag is set to ON (S3108), and the process ends.

  If NO is determined in step S3107, it is determined whether an automatic volume adjustment mode end command is received (S3109). If the automatic volume adjustment mode end command has been received (YES in S3109), the automatic volume adjustment mode flag is turned OFF (S3110). Then, the value of the automatic volume timer is reset to “0” (S3111), and the process is terminated. The automatic volume timer measures (counts) the time until the timing for automatically adjusting the volume level, as will be described later. If it is determined NO in step S3109, other processing (S3112) is performed (for example, voice control associated with a variation effect is performed), and the present processing ends.

  [Automatic Volume Change Processing] As shown in FIG. 30, in the automatic volume change processing (S3005), the voice control microcomputer 131 first counts an automatic volume timer (S3201). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the automatic volume timer indicates “15 minutes” (S3202). If 15 minutes is not indicated (NO in S3202), the processing is terminated because it is not the timing for automatically adjusting the volume level as will be described later. On the other hand, if 15 minutes is indicated (YES in S3202), the level value of the current volume level stored in the RAM of the voice control microcomputer 131 is referred to (S3203). In step S3001, the environmental sound level is estimated based on the environmental sound for 15 minutes (strictly speaking, the true environmental sound signal) acquired so far (S3204). As described above, the environmental sound level is determined from the true environmental sound signal (environmental sound) acquired in 15 minutes, and the maximum volume Xmax is determined according to the maximum volume Xmax, as shown in FIG. It is estimated to any one of “0” to “9”.

  After step S3204, using the current volume level referenced in step S3203 and the environmental sound level estimated in step S3204, the volume level after automatic adjustment is set based on the volume level automatic adjustment table shown in FIG. Determine (S3205). That is, the volume level after the automatic adjustment is determined to be “0” to “9” according to the current volume level and the environmental sound level. For example, if the current volume level is “5” and the environmental sound level is “8”, the volume level after automatic adjustment is determined to be “7”.

  Here, the characteristics of the volume level (volume level after automatic adjustment) determined by the volume level automatic adjustment table will be described. First, when the current sound volume level is lower than the environmental sound level, the environmental sound is larger than the game sound of the pachinko gaming machine 1, so that it is easy for the player to hardly hear the game sound. Therefore, in this case, the volume level after the automatic adjustment is increased so as to approach the environmental sound level. However, as a feature of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, the volume level after automatic adjustment is determined to increase within a range smaller than the environmental sound level. This is because if the same level as the environmental sound level or a level higher than the environmental sound level is determined, the following problems occur.

  For example, when the volume level is automatically adjusted in a plurality of gaming machines on a gaming island, if a player of a certain gaming machine increases to a very large user volume (for example, the maximum volume level), the certain gaming machine In a game machine adjacent to, a large user volume is automatically adjusted to a very large volume level. Then, in all the gaming machines on the game island, the volume level is automatically adjusted to a very large volume, and further noise (explosive sound) is generated in the entire game island. In addition, the volume level can be rapidly increased by automatic adjustment, and the player may feel uncomfortable due to the sudden increase in game sound. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to solve the above-described problem, when the volume level is increased by automatic adjustment, it is not increased to the environmental sound level. Thereby, it is possible to make the game sound as easy to hear as possible by making the volume level approach the environmental sound level while making it difficult for the player to feel a sudden increase in the volume level. In addition, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of explosion sounds throughout the game island.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, the volume level is increased only up to “3” (predetermined range) by one automatic adjustment. For example, the sound volume level is no matter how small the current sound volume level is with respect to the environmental sound level, as in the case where the current sound volume level is “0” and the environmental sound level is “9”. The maximum value of the increase amount is up to “3”. In this way, the volume level is prevented from increasing suddenly by automatic adjustment, making it difficult for the player to feel uncomfortable due to the sudden increase in game sound. From the viewpoint of increasing the sound volume level so as to approach the environmental sound level in a range smaller than the environmental sound level, the current sound volume level does not increase unless it is smaller than the environmental sound level by “2” or more.

  As shown in FIG. 37, automatic adjustment is performed such that the larger the difference between the current volume level and the ambient sound level, the greater the current volume level. For example, when the current sound volume level is “5” and the environmental sound level is “7”, the sound volume level is automatically adjusted to increase by “1” to become “6”. On the other hand, if the current sound volume level is “5” and the environmental sound level is “8”, the sound volume level is automatically adjusted to increase by “2” to become “7”. Is done. That is, the amount of increase in the volume level in this case is “2” instead of “1”. Thus, the amount of increase in the volume level is changed according to the difference between the current volume level and the environmental sound level. Therefore, even if automatic adjustment is performed, the increase in the volume level is small, so that it is possible to avoid a situation where the game sound is difficult to hear.

  In the above description, the case where the current volume level is lower than the environmental sound level has been described. Next, the case where the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level will be described. In this case, since the game sound of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is larger than the environmental sound, the player may feel that the game sound is too loud. In particular, an elderly person or a player who has little experience with pachinko machines may not know that the volume level can be changed by the user volume, and a situation may arise in which the game must be played with an excessively loud game sound. Therefore, in this case, the volume level after automatic adjustment is reduced so as to approach the environmental sound level. However, as a feature of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, the volume level after the automatic adjustment is determined to decrease within a range larger than the environmental sound level. This is because if the same level as the ambient sound level or less than the ambient sound level is determined, the following problems occur.

  For example, a situation may occur in which a plurality of gaming machines on a gaming island are not played and the periphery of the pachinko gaming machine 1 on the gaming island becomes quiet. In this situation, if the pachinko gaming machine 1 estimates a very low environmental sound level, the volume level of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is automatically adjusted to be equal to or lower than the environmental sound level. become. In other words, there is a possibility that the volume level is drastically reduced by the automatic adjustment, which may give the player a lower level of gaming interest. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to solve the above-described problem, when the volume level is reduced by automatic adjustment, the volume level is not reduced to the environmental sound level. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling that the game sound is too loud by making the volume level approach the environmental sound level while making it difficult for the player to feel a sudden decrease in the volume level.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, the volume level is reduced only to “3” (predetermined range) at maximum by one automatic adjustment. For example, the current volume level is “9” and the environmental sound level is “1”. The maximum amount of decrease is up to “3”. Thus, it is avoided that the volume level is suddenly decreased by automatic adjustment, and it is difficult for the player to feel uncomfortable due to the sudden decrease of the game sound. From the viewpoint of reducing the volume level so as to approach the environmental sound level in a range larger than the environmental sound level, the current volume level is not decreased unless it is greater than “2” than the environmental sound level.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 37, the volume level of the game sound is automatically adjusted to be smaller as the difference between the current volume level of the game sound and the environmental sound level is larger. For example, if the current sound volume level is “9” but the environmental sound level is “7”, the sound volume level is automatically adjusted so as to decrease to “8” by “1”. On the other hand, if the current sound volume level is “9” and the environmental sound level is “4”, the sound volume level is automatically adjusted so as to decrease by “2” to become “7”. Is done. That is, the amount of decrease in the sound volume level in this case is “2” instead of “1”. Thus, the amount of decrease in the volume level is changed according to the difference between the current volume level and the environmental sound level. Therefore, even if automatic adjustment is performed, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the game sound does not become so small because the amount of decrease in the volume level is small.

  However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37, when the volume level is decreased by automatic adjustment, the volume level is not decreased below “5” (predetermined reference level). As described above (see FIG. 35 (A)), if the volume level is “5” or higher, the game sound in most effects can be heard even in a generally noisy hall. This is because it may be difficult to hear the game sound when the volume level is “4” or lower. Therefore, for example, while the volume level of the game sound at the present time is “6”, the volume level is automatically adjusted only by “5” even if the environmental sound level is very small as “1”. Does not decrease. Therefore, by not automatically reducing the volume level more than necessary (below the volume level “4”), it is difficult for a player who is playing at the volume level “5” or higher to hear the game sound instead. It is possible to avoid this.

  By the way, if the volume level is reduced by the automatic adjustment of the volume level, it is considered that the game interest level is lowered for a player who prefers a relatively high user volume (volume level). However, in this embodiment, the player can freely select setting or non-setting of the automatic volume adjustment mode (see FIG. 33). Therefore, even if the volume level is reduced to a volume level not intended by the player by automatic adjustment, the user volume can be arbitrarily changed if the player selects the set volume change (manual volume adjustment mode) shown in FIG. (Increased).

  As shown in FIG. 37, in the automatic adjustment of the volume level in this embodiment, the current volume level and the environmental sound level are the same, or the difference between the current volume level and the environmental sound level is “1”. If so, the volume level after the automatic adjustment is not determined, and the volume level is not automatically adjusted. If the current volume level is greater than the environmental sound level and the current volume level and the environmental sound level are both “5” or less, the current volume level does not need to be further reduced and is automatically adjusted. The sound volume level is not automatically adjusted without determining a later sound volume level.

  Returning to the description of the automatic volume change processing (S3005) shown in FIG. In step S3205, after determining the volume level based on the volume level automatic adjustment table shown in FIG. 37, it is determined whether or not the volume level has been changed (S3206). If the volume level is changed (YES in S3206), the current volume level is reset to the volume level determined in step S3205 (S3207). Then, the volume value determined in step S3205 is stored in the RAM of the voice control microcomputer 131 (S3208). Subsequently, an automatic volume change command including information on the level value of the volume level determined in step S3205 is set in the output buffer of the RAM of the voice control microcomputer 131 (S3209), and the process proceeds to step S3210. The set automatic volume change command is transmitted to the image control board 100 via the sub control board 90, and the level value of the volume level after the automatic adjustment is notified to the image control board 100.

  On the other hand, if there is no change in volume level in step S3206 (NO in S3206), the process of steps S3207 to S3209 is passed and the process proceeds to step S3209. In step S3210, the value of the automatic volume timer is reset to “0”, and this process ends. The image control board 100 that has received the automatic volume change command displays the automatic volume level image G8 on the display screen 7a as shown in FIG. 32B, for example, by the process of step S2202.

9. Example of Automatic Volume Level Adjustment Next, an example of automatic volume level adjustment will be described with reference to FIG. As a precondition, it is assumed that a player who does not know the change of the user volume plays the pachinko gaming machine 1 which is the initial setting after power-on. That is, it is assumed that the automatic volume adjustment mode has already been set. As shown in FIG. 38 (A), for example, the game machine adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 wins a big win, and the pachinko gaming machine 1 sets the environmental sound level to “9” by the jackpot effect of the adjacent gaming machine. (S3204). Further, as shown in FIG. 38 (B), it is assumed that the volume level of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is set to “5”.

  In such a situation, the volume level is “5” while the environmental sound level is “9”, so that a player who plays a game on this pachinko gaming machine 1 outputs from the gaming machine 1 It is difficult to hear the game sound that is played. Here, even when 15 minutes have elapsed, the volume level is “5” while the environmental sound level is “9”. Therefore, the automatic volume change process (S3005) is performed based on the volume level automatic adjustment table shown in FIG. Thus, the volume level is automatically adjusted so as to increase from “5” to “7”. As a result, it is possible to make it easier to hear the game sound than when the volume level is set to “5”. At this time, the image control board 100 displays an automatic volume level image (not shown) indicating “changed to volume 7” on the display screen 7a (S2202). Therefore, the player can grasp that the volume level has been automatically adjusted to “7”.

  After that, the winning game is continued by the consecutive winning jackpot in the adjacent gaming machine, and even when 30 minutes have elapsed, the pachinko gaming machine 1 sets the environmental sound level to “9” by the gaming sound (environmental sound) of the adjacent gaming machine. (S3204). Therefore, when 30 minutes have passed, the volume level is “7”, whereas the environmental sound level is “9”. Therefore, the volume level is changed from “7” to “8” by the automatic volume change processing (S3005). Automatically adjusted to increase. This makes it easier to hear the game sound than when the volume level is set to “7”. At this time, the image control board 100 displays an automatic volume level image (see FIG. 32B) indicating “changed to volume 8” on the display screen 7a (S2202). It is possible to grasp that the automatic adjustment has been made to “8”.

  Here, it is assumed that the jackpot effect is over at the time of 45 minutes in the adjacent gaming machine. Then, at the time when 45 minutes have elapsed, the present pachinko gaming machine 1 estimates the environmental sound level to “9” based on the environmental sound by the adjacent gaming machine from the 30 minutes to the 45 minutes. Therefore, when the 45-minute elapses, the volume level is “8” while the environmental sound level is “9”. As a result of using the volume level automatic adjustment table shown in FIG. Will not be changed (NO in S3206). At this time, since the volume level is not automatically adjusted, the automatic volume level image is not displayed on the display screen 7a.

  Subsequently, when 45 minutes elapses, the game is not played in the adjacent game machine, and no game is played in the game machines around the pachinko game machine 1. Therefore, after 45 minutes have passed, the situation is relatively quiet around the pachinko machine, and the environmental sound level is estimated to be “2”. Therefore, at the time when 60 minutes have elapsed, the volume level is “8” while the environmental sound level is “2”. Therefore, the volume level is changed from “8” to “6” by the automatic volume change processing (S3005). Automatically adjusted to decrease. As a result, a larger game sound is not output than when the volume level is set to “8”, and the game sound output from the pachinko gaming machine 1 is made particularly difficult to feel in a relatively quiet situation. It is possible. At this time, since the image control board 100 displays an automatic volume level image (not shown) indicating “changed to volume 6” on the display screen 7a (S2202), the player automatically sets the volume level to “6”. It is possible to grasp the adjustment.

  Thereafter, when 75 minutes have passed, the volume level is “6” while the environmental sound level is “2”. Therefore, the volume level is changed from “6” to “5” by the automatic volume change processing (S3005). Automatically adjusted to decrease. As a result, a larger game sound is not output than when the volume level is set to “6”, and a more appropriate volume level can be achieved in a relatively quiet situation. At this time, since the image control board 100 displays an automatic volume level image (not shown) indicating “changed to volume 5” on the display screen 7a (S2202), the player automatically sets the volume level to “5”. It is possible to grasp the adjustment.

  At 90 minutes, the volume level is “5” and the environmental sound level is “2”, but the volume level is not automatically adjusted to be lower than “5”. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game sound from being reduced more than necessary, and to avoid a decrease in gaming interest. Even if the hall becomes noisy after that, the volume level is “5”, so that a player playing a game on the pachinko gaming machine 1 can hear the game sound output from the gaming machine 1. is there. As described above, even a player who does not know the change in the user volume can make it easy to hear the game sound by the automatic adjustment of the volume level of this embodiment, and suppress the feeling that the game sound is too loud. It is possible.

10. Effects of the present embodiment As described in detail above, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment (first embodiment), when the current sound volume level is lower than the environmental sound level, the sound volume level automatically increases. obtain. At this time, the volume level is automatically adjusted to approach the environmental sound level within a range smaller than the environmental sound level, and does not increase to the environmental sound level. Therefore, it is possible to make it easy to hear the game sound while avoiding a sudden increase in the volume level. In other words, even if the environmental sound (environmental sound level) is very high around the pachinko gaming machine 1, the volume level only increases in a range smaller than the environmental sound level, so the player is excessive. It is hard to feel that the game sound has increased. Therefore, it is possible for the player to play the game at an appropriate volume level while suppressing the uncomfortable feeling caused by the automatic increase of the game sound.

  Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the environmental sound is too loud for the gaming sound and the gaming sound is very difficult to hear, the volume level of the gaming sound is relatively increased. Automatic adjustment is performed (see FIG. 37). In other words, when the environmental sound is not so loud relative to the game sound, the volume level is automatically adjusted so as to increase relatively small. Therefore, it is possible to automatically adjust the game sound so that it is easier to hear according to the difference between the environmental sound (environmental sound level) and the game sound (current sound volume level).

  Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, the volume level of the game sound can be automatically reduced when the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level. At this time, the volume level is automatically adjusted so as to approach the environmental sound level in a range larger than the environmental sound level, and does not decrease to the environmental sound level. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game sound from being too loud compared to the environmental sound while avoiding a sudden decrease in the volume level. In other words, even when the environmental sound (environmental sound level) around the pachinko gaming machine 1 is very small, the volume level only decreases in a range larger than the environmental sound level. It is hard to feel that has decreased. Therefore, it becomes possible for a player who feels loud and loud to play a game at an appropriate volume level while suppressing a sense of incongruity due to an automatic decrease of the game sound.

  Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the volume level is decreased by automatic adjustment, the volume level is not decreased from “5” in the volume range “0” to “9”. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the game sound becomes too small due to the automatic adjustment of the volume level, and the game sound is hardly heard.

  Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the volume level is increased or decreased by automatic adjustment, an image (automatic volume level image, FIG. 32 () B) is displayed on the display screen 7a. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the loss of how much game sound is output by the automatic adjustment of the volume level.

  Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the volume level can be automatically adjusted by selecting the automatic volume adjustment mode setting (upper frame image C1). On the other hand, if the change of the set volume (lower frame image C2) is selected, the user volume can be arbitrarily changed. Therefore, it is possible to automatically adjust the volume level according to the environmental sound, and the player can freely adjust the volume level to the maximum level “9” or the minimum level “0” at the player's intention without depending on the environmental sound. It is also possible to change to.

  Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, even when the automatic volume adjustment mode is set, the volume level is not automatically adjusted unless a game is played by the player. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the waste of automatically adjusting the volume level when no game is played by the player. If no game is played by the player, it is not necessary to perform the process of estimating the environmental sound level in step S3204 or the process of determining the volume level automatically adjusted in step S3205. Is possible.

  By the way, in the conventional gaming machine, the number of special figure hold balls (the number of the first special figure hold and the second special figure hold) is “0”, and the volume level (user volume) is set only while the predetermined standby screen is displayed. In many cases, it cannot be changed. In such a conventional gaming machine, for example, when the environmental sound suddenly increases due to a jackpot effect or the like by an adjacent gaming machine, for example, in a pachinko gaming machine in which the player plays a game, for example, a gaming sound (effect sound) in a variable effect is generated. Suddenly it becomes difficult to hear and there may be situations where you want to change the volume level. Conventionally, however, the volume level cannot be changed unless the number of special figure holding balls is set to “0”, and the change of the user volume is troublesome.

  Therefore, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present embodiment, if the automatic volume adjustment mode is set, even if the production (variation production including jackpot production such as reach, SP reach, pre-reading production, etc.) It is possible to automatically adjust the volume level. Also, it is possible to save the trouble of changing the user volume by bothering the special figure holding ball number to “0”.

11. Modification Example A modification example will be described below. In the description of the modification, the same components as those of the first form of the pachinko gaming machine 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first form, and the description thereof is omitted.

<Second form>
A gaming machine of the second form will be described based on FIGS. In the first mode described above, when the automatic volume adjustment mode is not set, the volume level is not automatically adjusted, and the player changes to a volume level (user volume) that is considered appropriate by the player's own judgment. I was supposed to. On the other hand, in the second mode, when the automatic volume adjustment mode is not set, the volume level is not automatically adjusted, but the player displays the appropriate volume level on the display screen 7a so that the player can obtain the appropriate volume level. Easy to change to level. Hereinafter, the control process different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

  [Voice-side Timer Interrupt Processing] As shown in FIG. 39, in the voice-side timer interruption processing of the second form, steps S3002 and S3007 described later are compared to the voice-side timer interruption process of the first form shown in FIG. ~ S3011 processing is different. As shown in FIG. 39, after step S3002, the voice control microcomputer 131 determines whether or not a game is being performed on the pachinko gaming machine 1 (S3007). In the process of step S3007, it is determined whether or not a game is in progress, similarly to the method described in the process of step S3004 described above in the first embodiment.

  If it is determined that the game is not in progress (NO in S3007), the process proceeds to step S3006. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is in progress (YES in S3007), it is determined whether or not the automatic volume adjustment mode flag is ON (S3008). If the automatic volume adjustment mode flag is ON (YES in S3008), the automatic volume changing process is performed as described above (S3005, see FIG. 30). Then, the value of the appropriate sound volume display timer is reset to “0” (S3009), and the process proceeds to step S3006. The appropriate sound volume display timer measures (counts) the time until the display of the appropriate sound volume level as described later. Therefore, if the automatic volume adjustment mode is set, the appropriate volume level is not displayed, and the appropriate volume display timer is reset.

  On the other hand, if the automatic volume adjustment mode flag is not ON (NO in S3008), an appropriate volume level determination process described later is performed (S3010). Then, the value of the automatic volume timer is reset to “0” (S3011), and the process proceeds to step S3006. Accordingly, if the automatic volume adjustment mode is not set, the automatic volume timer is reset because the volume level is not automatically adjusted. In step S3006, a command (such as an appropriate volume display command described later) set in the output buffer of the RAM of the voice control microcomputer 131 by the automatic volume change process (S3005) or the appropriate volume level determination process (S3010) is sent to the sub-control board 90. Output to.

  [Voice Side Command Reception Processing] As shown in FIG. 40, in the voice side command reception processing (S3002) of the second form, first, the steps of the voice side command reception process (S3002) of the first form shown in FIG. The processes of S3113 to S3115 are different. As shown in FIG. 40, when it is determined NO in step S3109, the voice control microcomputer 131 determines whether or not an appropriate volume change command to be described later has been received from the sub-control board 90 (S3113). If an appropriate volume change command has been received (YES in S3113), based on the level value of the appropriate volume level stored in a predetermined storage area of RAM (a storage area different from the storage area for storing the volume level). To set (change) the volume level. Then, the level value of the set volume level is stored in the RAM (S3115), and the process ends. On the other hand, if an appropriate volume change command has not been received in step S3113, other processing is performed as described above (S3112), and the processing ends.

  [Suitable Volume Level Determination Process] As shown in FIG. 41, in the appropriate volume level determination process (S3010), first, the sound control microcomputer 131 counts the appropriate volume display timer (S3301). Then, it is determined whether or not the value of the appropriate sound volume display timer indicates “15 minutes” (S3302). If 15 minutes is not indicated (NO in S3302), the process ends because it is not time to display an appropriate volume level as will be described later. On the other hand, if 15 minutes is indicated (YES in S3302), the current volume level value stored in the RAM of the voice control microcomputer 131 is referred to (S3303). Then, the environmental sound level is estimated based on the 15-minute environmental sound (strictly speaking, the true environmental sound signal) acquired up to the present time (S3204). The method for estimating the environmental sound level in the second form is the same as the method for estimating the environmental sound level in the first form described above, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

  After step S3304, the appropriate volume level is determined based on the appropriate volume level determination table shown in FIG. 45 using the current volume level referenced in step S3303 and the environmental sound level estimated in step S3304. S3305). That is, the appropriate volume level is determined to be any one of “0” to “9” according to the current volume level and the environmental sound level. For example, if the current volume level is “5” and the environmental sound level is “8”, the appropriate volume level is determined to be “7”.

  In the second mode, as described later, an appropriate volume level (appropriate volume level image) is displayed on the display screen 7a, thereby prompting the player to change to the appropriate volume level displayed. Here, there is a problem as to what volume level is determined as the appropriate volume level, but it is determined as follows based on the appropriate volume level determination table shown in FIG. First, when the current volume level is lower than the environmental sound level, a situation may occur in which it is difficult for the player of the pachinko gaming machine 1 to hear the game sound. Therefore, in this case, the appropriate volume level is set to a volume level that is larger than the current volume level and approaches the environmental sound level. However, as a feature of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 45, the appropriate volume level is determined in a range smaller than the environmental sound level. This is because if the same level as the environmental sound level or a level higher than the environmental sound level is determined, the following problems occur.

  For example, when a player who plays a game on the gaming machine adjacent to the pachinko gaming machine 1 increases the volume to a very large user volume (for example, the maximum volume level), the environmental sound level estimated by the pachinko gaming machine 1 is very high. turn into. In this case, when the environmental sound level that is the same as or higher than the environmental sound level that has become very high is displayed on the display screen 7a as an appropriate sound volume level, and the player changes to the appropriate sound volume level, this pachinko game A very loud game sound can be output from the machine 1. If the volume level is changed to be higher than the environmental sound level, the player may feel uncomfortable due to a sudden increase in game sound. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the appropriate volume level determined (displayed) is set to a volume level that is higher than the current volume level in a range smaller than the environmental sound level in order to solve the above-described problem. This makes it easier to hear the game sound as much as possible by making the volume level approach the environmental sound level while making it difficult for the player to feel a sudden increase in the volume level when the player changes to the appropriate volume level. is there.

  In the second mode, as shown in FIG. 45, the appropriate volume level is determined as a volume level that increases only up to “3” (predetermined range) from the current volume level. For example, it is determined no matter how small the current sound volume level is relative to the environmental sound level, such as when the current sound volume level is “0” and the environmental sound level is “9”. The difference between the appropriate sound volume level and the current sound volume level is within “3”. Thus, when the sound volume level is changed to an appropriate sound volume level, the sound volume level is prevented from rapidly increasing, and it is difficult for the player to feel uncomfortable due to the sudden increase in game sound. The appropriate volume level is determined to be higher than the current volume level in a range smaller than the environmental sound level, and is determined unless the current volume level is lower than the environmental sound level by “2” or more. Will not be.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 45, the sound volume level is determined to be an appropriate sound volume level that increases as the difference between the current sound volume level and the environmental sound level increases. For example, if the current sound volume level is “5” and the environmental sound level is “7”, the appropriate sound volume level is determined as “6” in which the sound volume level increases by “1”. On the other hand, if the current sound volume level is “5” and the environmental sound level is “8”, the appropriate sound volume level is determined as “7” in which the sound volume level increases by “2”. The Thus, the increase amount of the sound volume level for determining the appropriate sound volume level is changed according to the difference between the current sound volume level and the environmental sound level. Therefore, even if the sound volume level is changed to an appropriate sound volume level, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the game sound is difficult to hear because the increase amount of the sound volume level is small.

  The case where the current volume level is lower than the environmental sound level has been described above. Next, the case where the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level will be described. In this case, since the game sound of the pachinko gaming machine 1 is larger than the environmental sound, the player may feel that the game sound is too loud. Therefore, in this case, the appropriate volume level is set to a volume level that is smaller than the current volume level and approaches the environmental sound level. However, as a feature of the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 45, the appropriate volume level is determined in a range larger than the environmental sound level. This is because if the same level as the ambient sound level or less than the ambient sound level is determined, the following problems occur.

  For example, a situation may occur in which a plurality of gaming machines on a gaming island are not played and the periphery of the pachinko gaming machine 1 on the gaming island becomes quiet. In this situation, the pachinko gaming machine 1 estimates a very low environmental sound level. In this case, if the environmental sound level that is the same as or lower than the environmental sound level that has become very low is displayed on the display screen 7a as the appropriate sound volume level and the player changes to the appropriate sound volume level, There is a possibility that almost no game sound is output from the gaming machine 1. In other words, there is a possibility that the sound volume level may be suddenly decreased by changing to the appropriate sound volume level, which may give the player a lowering of game entertainment. Therefore, in the second embodiment, the appropriate volume level determined (displayed) is set to a volume level that is lower than the current volume level in a range larger than the environmental sound level in order to solve the above-described problems. As a result, when the player changes the sound volume level to an appropriate sound volume level, it is difficult to feel a sudden decrease in the sound volume level, and the sound volume level approaches the environmental sound level, thereby preventing the game sound from being felt too loud. It is possible.

  In the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 45, the appropriate sound volume level is determined as a sound volume level that decreases to a maximum of “3” (predetermined range) from the current sound volume level. For example, it is determined no matter how loud the current sound volume level is relative to the environmental sound level, such as when the current sound volume level is “9” and the environmental sound level is “1”. The difference between the appropriate sound volume level and the current sound volume level is within “3”. In this way, when the sound volume level is changed to an appropriate sound volume level, the sound volume level is prevented from rapidly decreasing, and it is difficult for the player to feel uncomfortable due to the sudden decrease in game sound. The appropriate sound volume level is determined so that it is determined to be lower than the current sound volume level within a range larger than the environmental sound level, unless the current sound volume level is greater than “2” than the environmental sound level. Will not be.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 45, the sound volume level is determined to be an appropriate sound volume level that is smaller as the difference between the current sound volume level and the environmental sound level is larger. For example, if the current sound volume level is “9” but the environmental sound level is “7”, the appropriate sound volume level is determined as “8” in which the sound volume level is decreased by “1”. On the other hand, if the current sound volume level is “9” and the environmental sound level is “4”, the appropriate sound volume level is determined as “7” in which the sound volume level is decreased by “2”. The Thus, the amount of decrease in the sound volume level for determining the appropriate sound volume level is changed according to the difference between the current sound volume level and the environmental sound level. Therefore, even if the sound volume level is changed to an appropriate sound volume level, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the game sound does not become so small because the amount of decrease in the sound volume level is small.

  However, in the second mode, as shown in FIG. 45, when the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level, a volume level lower than volume level “5” (predetermined reference level) is determined as the appropriate volume level. I'm trying not to get it. This is because, as described above, when the volume level is “4” or less, it may be difficult to hear the game sound. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a player who is playing at a volume level “5” or higher changes to an appropriate volume level that is lower than a volume level “4”, making it difficult to hear the game sound. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 37, if the current volume level and the environmental sound level are the same, or if the difference between the current volume level and the environmental sound level is “1”, the current volume level is changed. Since there is no need, the proper volume level is not determined. If the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level and the current volume level and the environmental sound level are both “5” or less, it is not necessary to further reduce the current volume level. Is not decided.

  Returning to the description of the appropriate volume level determination process (S3010) shown in FIG. After step S3305, it is determined whether or not an appropriate volume level has been determined based on the appropriate volume level determination table shown in FIG. 45 (S3306). If the appropriate volume level has been determined (S3306), the appropriate sound volume display command including the level value information of the determined appropriate volume level and the current volume level information is sent to the RAM of the voice control microcomputer 131. Is set in the output buffer (S3307). The set appropriate sound volume display command is transmitted to the image control board 100 via the sub-control board 90, and the level value of the determined appropriate sound volume level and the current sound volume level value are sent to the image control board 100. To be informed. After step S3307, the level value of the determined appropriate volume level is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM (S3308), and the process proceeds to step S3309. On the other hand, if the appropriate volume level has not been determined (NO in S3306), the process of steps S3307 and S3308 is passed, and the process proceeds to step S3309. In step S3309, the value of the appropriate sound volume display timer is reset to “0”, and the process ends.

  [Receive Command Analysis Processing] As shown in FIG. 42, in the received command analysis processing (S1301) of the second mode, steps S1418 to S1420 are executed in contrast to the received command analysis processing (S1301) of the first mode shown in FIG. New processing has been added. As shown in FIG. 42, if the microcomputer 91 for effect control determines NO after step S1406 or NO in step S1403, it determines whether or not an appropriate volume display command has been received from the voice control board 106 (S1418).

  If an appropriate volume display command has been received (YES in S1418), the command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94 (S1419). Thereby, the set appropriate sound volume display command is transmitted to the image control board 100 by the command transmission process (S1006), and the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 is based on the received appropriate sound volume display command as will be described later. An appropriate sound volume level image (see FIG. 46A) is displayed on the display screen 7a. After step S1419, an appropriate volume valid period is set (S1420), and the process proceeds to step S1407. The appropriate sound volume effective period is set as a period from when the appropriate sound volume level image is displayed until a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses, as will be described later. Whether or not the sound volume is valid is determined in step S1605 of a switch process (S1303, see FIG. 43) described later. On the other hand, if the appropriate sound volume display command has not been received (NO in S1418), steps S1419 and S1420 are passed, and the process proceeds to step S1407.

  [Switch Process] As shown in FIG. 43, in the switch process (S1303) of the second form, the processes of steps S1604 to S1607 are newly added to the switch process (S1303) of the first form shown in FIG. ing. As shown in FIG. 43, if the microcomputer 91 for effect control determines NO after step S1603 or NO in step S1601, it determines whether or not the right button detection switch 64Ra is ON (S1604). If the right button detection switch 64Ra is ON (YES in S1604), it is determined whether or not it is within the appropriate sound volume effective period set as described above (S1605).

  If within the appropriate volume effective period (YES in S1605), the right button 64R has been pressed within a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds) after the appropriate volume level image (see FIG. 46A) is displayed. The proper volume change command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94 (S1606). The set appropriate volume change command is transmitted to the voice control board 106 by the command transmission process (S1006), and the voice control microcomputer 131 stores the appropriate volume level stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM as described above. The volume level is set based on the level value (S3114). After step S1606, an appropriate volume change completion command is set in the output buffer of the RAM 94 (S1607), and the process ends. The set proper sound volume change completion command is transmitted to the image control board 100 by command transmission processing (S1006). On the other hand, if it is determined NO in either step S1604 or S1605, the process ends.

  [Image-Side Command Reception Processing] As shown in FIG. 44, in the second-side image-side command processing (S2002), steps S2206 to S2210 are performed in contrast to the first-type received command analysis processing (S2002) shown in FIG. New processing has been added. As shown in FIG. 44, if the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 determines NO in step S2203, it determines whether or not an appropriate volume display command has been received from the sub-control board 90 (S2206). If an appropriate sound volume display command has been received (YES in S2206), the level value of the appropriate sound volume level included in the appropriate sound volume display command is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 104 (S2207). Then, an appropriate volume level image corresponding to the level value of the appropriate volume level included in the appropriate volume display command and the current volume level level value is displayed on the display screen 7a (S2208), and the process ends.

  In this embodiment, if the appropriate sound volume display command includes information on the appropriate sound volume level “7” and information on the current sound volume level “5”, the appropriate sound volume level image T7 shown in FIG. 46A is displayed. It is displayed on the screen 7a. In other words, the appropriate volume level image is an image showing the level value of the current volume level in the △ part of the “current volume level △” and the level of the appropriate volume level determined in the □ part of the “appropriate volume level □”. An image indicating a value, an image indicating “Do you want to change?”, And an image prompting the user to press the right direction button 64R of the cross button 64 are configured. By displaying the appropriate sound volume level image, it is possible for the player to grasp the current sound volume level and the appropriate sound volume level, and to grasp that the sound volume level can be changed to the appropriate sound volume level by pressing the right button 64R. Is possible.

  The appropriate volume level image is not limited to the image T7 as shown in FIG. 46A, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, an image showing the level value of the appropriate volume level may be included, but an image showing the level value of the current volume level may not be included. The right volume level can be changed to the appropriate volume level by pressing the right button 64R, but the appropriate volume level can be changed by operating other buttons (upward button 64U, downward button 64D, left button 64L) and the like. Anyway.

  If NO is determined in step S2206, it is determined whether or not a proper sound volume change completion command is received from the sub control board 90 (S2209). If an appropriate volume change completion command has not been received (NO in S2209), the process proceeds to step S2205. On the other hand, if it is received (YES in S2209), an appropriate sound volume change completion image corresponding to the level value of the appropriate sound volume level stored in the predetermined storage area of the RAM 104 is displayed on the display screen 7a (S2210), and processing Finish.

  In this embodiment, if the level value “7” of the appropriate volume level is stored in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 104, the appropriate volume change completion image H7 shown in FIG. 46B is displayed on the display screen 7a. That is, the appropriate sound volume change completion image is an image indicating the level value of the appropriate sound volume level in the ☆ portion of “changed to appropriate sound volume level ☆”. By displaying the appropriate sound volume change completion image, it is possible for the player to know that the change to the appropriate sound volume level has been completed. The proper sound volume change completion image is not limited to the image as shown in FIG. 46B, and can be changed as appropriate.

  Here, the appropriate sound volume level image (see FIG. 46A) or the proper sound volume change completion image (see FIG. 46B) is displayed near the upper side of the display screen 7a. Thereby, it is made difficult to see the fluctuation effects and jackpot effects of the effect symbols 8L, 8C, 8R. That is, the appropriate volume level image or the appropriate volume change completion image is displayed even when the variation effect or the jackpot effect is being executed, so that the visibility of the variation effect or the jackpot effect is displayed in a range that does not hinder the visibility. . In the second mode, in the initial setting after power-on, unlike the first mode, the automatic volume control mode flag is OFF and the automatic volume control mode is not set. Since the other control processing of the second form is the same as the control process of the first form described above, description thereof is omitted.

  As described above in detail, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the second form, when the current volume level is lower than the environmental sound level, the appropriate volume level can be displayed on the display screen 7a (FIG. 46 ( A)). This allows the player to know that it is better to change the current volume level to an appropriate volume level. The appropriate sound volume level displayed at this time is a sound volume level that approaches the environmental sound level in a range smaller than the environmental sound level. Therefore, if the player changes to the appropriate volume level, the game sound can be easily heard while avoiding a sudden increase in the game sound. In this way, when the game sound is lower than the environmental sound, it is possible to cause the player to play the game while grasping the appropriate volume level.

  In particular, in the pachinko gaming machine of the second form, when the appropriate volume level image is displayed, the current volume level and the appropriate volume level are displayed (see FIG. 46A). Therefore, it is possible to make the player recognize how far the current volume level is from the appropriate volume level. If the right direction button 64R is pressed while the appropriate volume level image is displayed, the volume level can be immediately changed to the appropriate volume level. Therefore, even if a situation in which the volume level is desired to be changed during execution of the fluctuation effect or the jackpot effect, it is possible to immediately change the sound volume level to an appropriate volume level. And since it is not necessary to change the volume level after displaying the standby screen with the number of special figure hold balls set to “0” as before, even players who do not know the change in user volume can easily It is possible to change to the volume level.

  Also, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the second form, when the environmental sound is too loud for the gaming sound and the gaming sound is very difficult to hear, the appropriate volume level is compared with the current volume level. Is displayed as a large volume level (see FIG. 45). In other words, when the environmental sound is not so loud as the game sound, the appropriate sound volume level is displayed as a sound volume level slightly higher than the current sound volume level. Therefore, it is possible to automatically adjust the game sound so that it is easier to hear according to the difference between the environmental sound (environmental sound level) and the game sound (current sound volume level).

  Also, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the second form, when the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level, the appropriate volume level can be displayed on the display screen 7a. The appropriate volume level displayed at this time is a volume level that approaches the environmental sound level in a range larger than the environmental sound level. Therefore, if the player changes to the appropriate volume level, the game sound can be reduced within a range that is not too loud compared to the environmental sound. In this way, when the game sound is louder than the environmental sound, it is possible to cause the player to play the game while grasping the appropriate sound volume level.

  Further, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the second form, as shown in FIG. 45, when the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level, the appropriate volume level is set to a volume level that is equal to or higher than the volume level “5”. Only determined. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the game sound becomes too small despite the change to the appropriate volume level displayed on the display screen 7a, and the game sound is hardly heard.

  By the way, for example, for a player who plays a game on this pachinko machine due to a situation in which the environmental sound abruptly increases due to, for example, a jackpot effect by an adjacent gaming machine, There is a possibility that the sound (direction sound) suddenly becomes difficult to hear. At this time, the appropriate sound volume level is notified on the display screen 7a, and there may be a situation where the sound volume level is desired to be changed despite the performance being performed. However, many conventional gaming machines can change the volume level only while a predetermined standby screen is displayed. Therefore, according to the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the second form, after the appropriate volume level image (see FIG. 46 (A)) is displayed on the display screen 7a, the right button 64R is pressed even during the performance. Then, the volume level can be changed to an appropriate volume level. That is, it is possible to immediately change the sound volume level to the appropriate sound volume level after the environmental sound has changed and the appropriate sound volume level has been notified. The other effects of the second embodiment are the same as the effects of the first embodiment described above, and the description thereof is omitted.

<Other changes>
In each of the above embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8, the sub-control board 90 and the voice control board 106 are provided separately, and the voice control board 106 (sound control microcomputer 131) automatically adjusts the sound volume level or is appropriate. The volume level was determined. However, as shown in FIG. 47, the sub-control board 90 includes a sound source IC 132, a volume level setting circuit 133, an amplifier 134, an audio data storage unit 135, an output circuit 136, an input circuit (mixer circuit) 141, a phase inversion circuit 142, a filter. The circuit 143 and the smoothing circuit 144 may be incorporated so that the effect control microcomputer 91 automatically adjusts the volume level or determines an appropriate volume level. In this case, it is possible to simplify the transmission / reception of commands between the sub-control board 90 and the voice control board 106 as described in the above embodiments. In this case, the sub control board 90 can output the game sound from the speaker 67 without using the voice control board, and the voice control board may not be provided.

  As shown in FIG. 48, on the image control board 100, a sound source IC 132, a sound volume level setting circuit 133, an amplifier 134, an audio data storage means 135, an output circuit 136, an input circuit (mixer circuit) 141, a phase inversion circuit 142, a filter circuit. 143 and the smoothing circuit 144 may be incorporated so that the CPU 102 of the image control board 100 automatically adjusts the volume level or determines the appropriate volume level. In this case, it is possible to simplify the transmission and reception of commands between the image control board 100 and the sub control board 90 and between the sub control board 90 and the audio control board 106 as described in the above embodiments. It is. In this case, the image control board 100 can output the game sound from the speaker 67 without using the voice control board, and the voice control board may not be provided.

  Further, in each of the above embodiments, the volume level (including the appropriate volume level) is set from the 10-level volume range from “0” to “9”. However, the volume range is not limited to 10 levels, and can be changed as appropriate as long as it is 3 levels or more. Similarly, the environmental sound level is estimated from a range of 10 levels from “0” to “9”, but may be estimated in a range of 3 levels or more corresponding to each volume level. .

  In each of the above embodiments, when the automatic volume adjustment mode is set, the volume level can be automatically adjusted when the value of the automatic volume timer reaches 15 minutes. That is, the volume level can be automatically adjusted in a cycle of 15 minutes. However, the period during which the volume level is automatically adjusted may be shorter than 15 minutes (for example, 5 minutes). In this case, the volume level is automatically adjusted more frequently than in the above embodiments, so that the volume level can be quickly adapted to changes in environmental sound. Alternatively, the period in which the volume level is automatically adjusted may be longer than 15 minutes (for example, 30 minutes). In this case, the volume level is automatically adjusted less frequently than in the above embodiments, and it is possible to make it difficult for the player to feel uncomfortable due to the automatic volume level adjustment. It should be noted that the period at which the volume level is automatically adjusted may be arbitrarily determined based on the operation of the operation means (cross button 64 and effect button 63) by the player. In this case, the time determined in the determination process in step S3202 shown in FIG. 30 is switched to the time selected by the player using the operation means.

  In each of the above embodiments, the volume level can be automatically adjusted to increase if the current volume level is lower than the environmental sound level, and the volume level is decreased if the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level. Automatic adjustment was possible. However, if the current volume level is lower than the environmental sound level, it can be automatically adjusted to increase the volume level, while if the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level, the volume level is automatically adjusted. It may not be performed. On the other hand, if the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level, it can be automatically adjusted to decrease the volume level, while if the current volume level is lower than the environmental sound level, the volume level is automatically adjusted. The adjustment may not be performed.

  In each of the above embodiments, even when the volume level is set to “0” (minimum volume level) as the user volume, the volume level can be automatically adjusted so as to increase or from the volume level “0”. A large appropriate volume level could be displayed. However, when the volume level is set to “0” as the user volume, automatic adjustment of the volume level or display of the appropriate volume level may not be performed. If the user volume is set to “0”, the player wants the game sound to be silenced by his / her intention and the volume level is not automatically adjusted or the appropriate volume level is not displayed. Because there is a possibility of feeling good.

  In each of the above embodiments, even when the volume level is set to “9” (maximum volume level) as the user volume, the volume level can be automatically adjusted so as to decrease or from the volume level “9”. Even a small appropriate volume level could be displayed. However, when the volume level is set to “9” as the user volume, automatic adjustment of the volume level or display of the appropriate volume level may not be performed. When the user volume is set to “9”, the player wants the game sound to be the maximum volume at his / her will, and the volume level is not automatically adjusted or the appropriate volume level is not displayed. This is because you may feel better.

  In each of the above embodiments, the sound control microcomputer 131 estimates the environmental sound level based on the true environmental sound signal (environmental sound) input for 15 minutes before the timing for automatically adjusting the volume level. However, the environmental sound level may be estimated based on the true environmental sound signal input in a time shorter than 15 minutes (for example, 5 minutes before the timing for automatically adjusting the volume level). Alternatively, the environmental sound level may be estimated based on a true environmental sound signal input in a time longer than 15 minutes (for example, 30 minutes before the timing for automatically adjusting the volume level).

  In each of the above embodiments, the sound control microcomputer 131 determines the maximum volume Xmax based on the true environmental sound signal (environmental sound) input for 15 minutes, and sets the environmental sound level from the maximum volume Xmax to a 10-level sound volume range. (S3204). However, the environmental sound level estimation method is not limited to the above-described method, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the voice control microcomputer 131 calculates the average volume Xave based on the true environmental sound signal input in 15 minutes. Then, the environmental sound level may be estimated by determining which sound volume range corresponds to the sound volume level “0” to “9” using a table stored in advance from the calculated average sound volume Xave. good.

  In each of the above embodiments, when the volume level is automatically adjusted to decrease, the volume level is not decreased below “5” (predetermined reference level). However, the volume level may not be lower than any one of the volume levels “6” to “8” (predetermined reference level) excluding the maximum volume level “9”. Further, it may be set so as not to decrease below any one of the volume levels “1” to “4” (predetermined reference level) excluding the minimum volume level “0”.

  In each of the above embodiments, when the automatic volume adjustment mode is set, if the difference between the current volume level and the environmental sound level is “1” or “0” (predetermined range), Because there is no need to change the volume level, the volume level was not automatically adjusted. At this time, it is not notified that the current volume level is a volume level suitable for the environmental sound. However, at the time described above, for example, an image indicating “the volume level does not need to be changed” is displayed on the display screen 7a, or the sound is output from the speaker 67, and the current volume level is suitable for the environmental sound. You may make it alert | report that it is a sound volume level.

  In the second embodiment, an appropriate sound volume level (appropriate sound volume level image, see FIG. 46A) that can increase the sound volume level can be displayed if the current sound volume level is lower than the environmental sound level. When the sound volume level at is higher than the environmental sound level, an appropriate sound volume level that can decrease the sound volume level can be displayed. However, if the current volume level is lower than the environmental sound level, an appropriate volume level that increases the volume level can be displayed if the current volume level is lower than the environmental sound level, whereas if the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level, the appropriate volume level is displayed. May not be displayed. On the other hand, if the current volume level is higher than the environmental sound level, it is possible to display an appropriate volume level that reduces the volume level, but if the current volume level is lower than the environmental sound level, it is appropriate. The volume level may not be displayed.

  In the second embodiment, the appropriate volume level may be displayed on the display screen 7a when the automatic volume adjustment mode is not set, and the appropriate volume level is displayed when the automatic volume adjustment mode is set. It was not displayed on the screen 7a. However, even when the automatic volume adjustment mode is set, an appropriate volume level may be displayed on the display screen 7a. In the second embodiment, the automatic volume adjustment mode may not be set and automatic adjustment of the volume level may not be performed.

  Moreover, in the said 2nd form, in order to alert | report a suitable sound volume level to a player, a suitable sound volume level (proper sound volume level image) was displayed on the display screen 7a. However, the method of notifying the appropriate sound volume level is not limited to the method of displaying an image on the display screen 7a, and can be changed as appropriate. For example, a method of outputting sound indicating the appropriate volume level from the speaker 67, or a method of causing the lamp (the frame lamp 66 or the panel lamp 5) to emit light in a light emitting mode indicating the appropriate volume level may be used.

  In the second embodiment, when the value of the appropriate sound volume display timer reaches 15 minutes, the appropriate sound volume level (appropriate sound volume level image) can be displayed on the display screen 7a. That is, an appropriate volume level can be displayed in a cycle of 15 minutes. However, the period for displaying the appropriate volume level may be shorter than 15 minutes (for example, 5 minutes). In this case, it is possible to prompt the player to change the sound volume level more frequently than in the second embodiment. Or it is good also as a period (for example, 30 minutes) longer than 15 minutes for the period when the display of an appropriate volume level is performed. In this case, the frequency of displaying the appropriate volume level is lower than that in the second embodiment, and it is possible to reduce the troublesomeness of displaying the appropriate volume level during the production. It should be noted that the period at which the appropriate volume level is displayed may be arbitrarily determined based on the operation of the operation means (cross button 64 and effect button 63) by the player. In this case, the time determined in the determination process of step S3302 shown in FIG. 41 is switched to the time selected by the player using the operating means.

  In the second embodiment, the sound control microcomputer 131 estimates the environmental sound level based on the true environmental sound signal (environmental sound) input for 15 minutes before the timing for displaying the appropriate volume level. However, the environmental sound level may be estimated based on the true environmental sound signal input in a time shorter than 15 minutes (for example, 5 minutes before the timing for displaying the appropriate sound volume level). Alternatively, the environmental sound level may be estimated based on the true environmental sound signal input in a time longer than 15 minutes (for example, 30 minutes before the timing for displaying the appropriate sound volume level).

  In the second embodiment, when the current sound volume level is higher than the environmental sound level, only the appropriate sound volume level (appropriate sound volume level image) that is higher than the sound volume level “5” (predetermined reference level) is displayed on the display screen 7a. It was made not to display. However, only an appropriate volume level that is equal to or higher than one of the volume levels “6” to “8” (predetermined reference level) excluding the maximum volume level “9” may be displayed. Further, only an appropriate volume level that is equal to or higher than any one of the volume levels “1” to “4” (a predetermined reference level) excluding the minimum volume level “0” may be displayed.

  In the second embodiment, if the difference between the current volume level and the environmental sound level is “1” or “0” (predetermined range), the current volume level is a volume level suitable for the environmental sound ( Therefore, it was not notified that the current volume level is a volume level suitable for the environmental sound. However, for example, an image indicating “appropriate volume level” is displayed on the display screen 7a, or the sound is output from the speaker 67, and the current volume level is a volume level suitable for the environmental sound. You may make it alert | report.

  Further, in each of the above-described forms, the game is a so-called “one type” gaming machine in which a jackpot game is executed when a big win is won in a special symbol lottery. It may be a gaming machine.

  In each of the above embodiments, the pachinko gaming machine shifts to a high probability state based on the passing of a game ball to the specific area 39. It may be a gaming machine or a pachinko gaming machine that does not shift to a high probability state.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the volume level automatic adjustment table used in step S3205 is not limited to the table shown in FIG. 37, and the current volume level, environmental sound level, and volume level after automatic adjustment are appropriately set. It may be another table that has been changed.
In the second embodiment, the appropriate sound volume level determination table used in step S3305 is not limited to the table shown in FIG. 45, and the current sound volume level, environmental sound level, and determined appropriate sound volume level values are set. Another table may be changed as appropriate.

In each of the above embodiments, the volume level is automatically adjusted or the appropriate volume level is notified (displayed) in the pachinko gaming machine 1, but the volume level is automatically adjusted or the appropriate volume level is detected in the pachislot machine (rotor-type game machine). You may make it perform alerting | reporting.
Of course, it is possible to combine the features of the above-described embodiment and the features of the above-described modification.

  In the above-described embodiment, the following <A> to <G> gaming machines are shown. In the following description, the corresponding configuration names and expressions in the above-described embodiment, and reference numerals used in the drawings are added in parentheses for reference. However, the component of each invention is not limited to this supplementary note.

<A> A gaming machine according to the present invention (pachinko gaming machine 1)
Game sound output means (speaker 67) capable of outputting game sounds from the gaming machine body;
Volume level setting means (volume level setting circuit 133) capable of setting the volume level of the game sound output by the game sound output means from a predetermined volume range (“0” to “9”);
Operation means (cross button 64) that can be operated by the player;
In a gaming machine comprising: manual volume level changing means (voice control microcomputer 131 executing step S3102) capable of changing the volume level of the gaming sound based on an operation to the operation means.
Environmental sound collecting means (sound collecting microphone 68) capable of collecting environmental sounds generated around the gaming machine body;
Based on the environmental sound collected by the environmental sound collecting means, the environmental sound level corresponding to any one of the volume levels of the game sound (see the explanatory diagram of the environmental sound level shown in FIG. 37B) ) Environmental sound level estimating means (sound control microcomputer 131 for executing step S3204);
Based on the current volume level of the game sound set by the volume level setting means and the environmental sound level estimated by the environmental sound level estimation means, an appropriate volume level (appropriate volume level determination table shown in FIG. 45). Appropriate sound volume level determination means (sound control microcomputer 131 that executes step S3305);
Appropriate sound volume level notifying means (image control board 100 that executes step S2208) capable of notifying the appropriate sound volume level determined by the appropriate sound volume level determining means,
The appropriate sound volume level determining means includes
When the volume level of the game sound at the current time is lower than the environmental sound level, a volume level that approaches the environmental sound level in a range smaller than the environmental sound level is determined as the appropriate volume level. Is a gaming machine characterized by

  According to the gaming machine having this configuration, when the volume level of the game sound at the current time is lower than the environmental sound level, the appropriate volume level can be notified. As a result, the player can grasp that it is better to change the volume level of the game sound to an appropriate volume level. The appropriate sound volume level notified at this time is a sound volume level that approaches the environmental sound level in a range smaller than the environmental sound level. Therefore, if the player changes to the appropriate volume level, the game sound can be easily heard while avoiding a sudden increase in the game sound. In this way, when the game sound is lower than the environmental sound, it is possible to cause the player to play the game while grasping the appropriate volume level.

<B> The gaming machine having the above configuration may be configured as follows.
The appropriate sound volume level determining means includes
When the current volume level of the game sound is lower than the ambient sound level, the greater the difference between the current volume level of the game sound and the ambient sound level, the greater the current volume level of the game sound A game machine characterized in that a larger volume level is determined as the appropriate volume level (see the appropriate volume level determination table shown in FIG. 45).

  According to the gaming machine having this configuration, when the environmental sound is too loud for the gaming sound and the gaming sound is very difficult to hear, the appropriate volume level is relatively lower than the current gaming sound volume level. It is notified as a large volume level. In other words, when the environmental sound is not so loud as compared to the game sound, the appropriate sound volume level is notified as a sound volume level slightly higher than the current sound volume level. Therefore, it is possible to notify an appropriate sound volume level that makes it easier to hear the game sound according to the difference between the environmental sound (environmental sound level) and the game sound (current sound volume level).

<C> The gaming machine configured as described above may be configured as follows.
The appropriate sound volume level determining means includes
When the volume level of the game sound at the current time is higher than the environmental sound level, a volume level that approaches the environmental sound level in a range larger than the environmental sound level is determined as the appropriate volume level. A gaming machine characterized by (refer to the appropriate sound volume level determination table shown in FIG. 45).

  According to the gaming machine having this configuration, when the volume level of the game sound at the current time is larger than the environmental sound level, the appropriate volume level can be notified. The appropriate sound volume level notified at this time is a sound volume level that approaches the environment sound volume level in a range larger than the environment sound level. Therefore, if the player changes to the appropriate volume level, the game sound can be reduced within a range that is not too loud compared to the environmental sound. In this way, when the game sound is louder than the environmental sound, it is possible to cause the player to play the game while grasping the appropriate sound volume level.

<D> The gaming machine configured as described above may be configured as follows.
The appropriate sound volume level notification means includes:
When the current volume level of the game sound is higher than the environmental sound level, a volume level smaller than a predetermined reference level (volume level “5”) in the volume range is notified as the appropriate volume level. A gaming machine characterized by having no sound (see an appropriate sound volume level determination table shown in FIG. 45).

  According to the gaming machine having this configuration, when the volume level of the game sound at the current time is larger than the environmental sound level, only the volume level that is equal to or higher than the predetermined reference level is notified as the appropriate volume level. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the game sound becomes too small in spite of the change to the notified appropriate sound volume level and the game sound is hardly heard.

<E> The gaming machine configured as described above may be configured as follows.
Automatic volume level adjusting means capable of automatically adjusting the volume level of the game sound set by the volume level setting means based on the current volume level of the game sound and the environmental sound level (voice control for executing step S3207) Microcomputer 131),
The automatic volume level adjusting means includes
When the volume level of the game sound at the present time is lower than the environmental sound level, the volume level of the game sound can be increased so as to approach the environmental sound level in a range smaller than the environmental sound level. (Refer to the volume level automatic adjustment table shown in FIG. 37),
There are a manual volume change mode (mode by selection of the lower frame image C2 shown in FIG. 33) and an automatic volume adjustment mode (mode by selection of the upper frame image C1 shown in FIG. 33) selectable by the player.
The manual volume level changing means includes
When the manual volume change mode is selected, the current game sound volume level can be changed to a game sound volume level based on an operation to the operation means;
The automatic volume level adjusting means includes
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the automatic volume adjustment mode is selected, the volume level of the game sound at the present time can be automatically adjusted.

  According to the gaming machine having this configuration, when the automatic volume adjustment mode is selected and the current volume level of the game sound is lower than the environmental sound level, the volume level of the game sound can be automatically increased. At this time, the volume level of the game sound is automatically adjusted to approach the environmental sound level in a range smaller than the environmental sound level, and does not increase to the environmental sound level. Therefore, it is possible to make the game sound easy to hear while avoiding a sudden increase in the volume level of the game sound. Therefore, it is possible for the player to play the game at an appropriate volume level while suppressing the uncomfortable feeling caused by the automatic increase of the game sound.

<F> The gaming machine configured as described above may be configured as follows.
The automatic volume level adjusting means includes
When the volume level of the game sound at the current time is higher than the environmental sound level, the volume level of the game sound can be reduced so as to approach the environmental sound level in a range larger than the environmental sound level. (See the volume level automatic adjustment table shown in FIG. 37).

  According to the gaming machine having this configuration, when the automatic volume adjustment mode is selected and the current volume level of the game sound is higher than the environmental sound level, the volume level of the game sound can be automatically reduced. At this time, the volume level of the game sound is automatically adjusted to approach the environmental sound level in a range larger than the environmental sound level, and does not decrease to the environmental sound level. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the game sound from being too loud compared to the environmental sound while avoiding a sudden decrease in the volume level of the game sound. Therefore, it becomes possible for a player who feels loud and loud to play a game at an appropriate volume level while suppressing a sense of incongruity due to an automatic decrease of the game sound.

<G> The gaming machine configured as described above may be configured as follows.
At least one entrance (first start port 20 or second start port 21);
Production execution means (production control microcomputer 91) capable of executing a predetermined production (for example, variation production or jackpot production) based on the game ball to the entrance,
The manual volume level changing means includes
Although the appropriate sound volume level is notified by the appropriate sound volume level determining means, the game sound is controlled based on the operation on the operation means (right direction button 64R) even though the effect is being executed by the effect executing means. A gaming machine characterized in that the volume level can be changed.

  For example, a situation in which the environmental sound suddenly increases due to a jackpot effect or the like by the adjacent gaming machine occurs, and for a player who plays a game on this gaming machine, the game sound (effect sound) suddenly occurs during execution of the predetermined effect. It may be difficult to hear. At this time, there is a situation in which the appropriate sound volume level is notified and it is desired to change the sound volume level of the game sound despite the execution of the predetermined effect. Therefore, according to the gaming machine having this configuration, it is possible to change the sound volume level to an appropriate sound volume level by operating the operation means even in the above situation (during execution of a predetermined effect).

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Pachinko machine 20 ... 1st starting port 21 ... 2nd starting port 63 ... Production button 64 (64R, 64L) ... Cross button (right button, left button)
67 ... Speaker 68 ... Sound collecting microphone 90 ... Sub-control board 91 ... Production control microcomputer 100 ... Image control board 106 ... Voice control board 131 ... Voice control microcomputer 133 ... Volume level setting circuit

Claims (4)

Game sound output means capable of outputting game sounds from the gaming machine body;
Volume level setting means capable of setting the volume level of the game sound output by the game sound output means from a predetermined volume range;
In a gaming machine comprising operating means capable of being operated by a player,
Predetermined display means;
The display means includes a volume change image display means capable of displaying a volume change image indicating any volume level from a predetermined volume range and prompting a change to the volume level,
The volume level setting means is capable of changing to a volume level indicated by the volume change image based on a single operation on the operation means while the volume change image is displayed. To play. In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
An entrance where game balls can enter,
Entrance information acquisition means capable of acquiring entrance information based on entrance of game balls to the entrance,
A hit determination means capable of determining whether or not it is a win based on the pitch information acquired by the pitch information acquisition means;
Fluctuation effect execution means capable of executing a variation effect that causes the display means to stop display the effect symbol indicating the result of the determination by the hit determination means via the variable display,
The volume change image display means is capable of displaying the volume change image even while the variation effect is being executed.
The volume level setting unit is configured to display a volume level indicated by the volume change image based on a single operation on the operation unit during the display of the volume change image even when the variation effect is being executed. A gaming machine that can be changed to In the gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2,
A jackpot game execution means capable of executing a jackpot game advantageous to a player based on establishment of a predetermined condition;
A jackpot effect execution means capable of executing a jackpot effect accompanying the execution of the jackpot game on the display means,
The volume change image display means is capable of displaying the volume change image even during execution of the jackpot effect.
The volume level setting unit is configured to display the volume level indicated by the volume change image based on a single operation on the operation unit during the display of the volume change image even when the jackpot effect is being executed. A gaming machine that can be changed to In the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Environmental sound collecting means capable of collecting environmental sounds generated around the gaming machine body;
Environmental sound level estimation means for estimating an environmental sound level corresponding to any one of the volume levels of the game sound based on the environmental sound collected by the environmental sound collection means;
Appropriate sound volume level determining means capable of determining an appropriate sound volume level based on the current sound volume level set by the sound volume level setting means and the environmental sound level estimated by the environmental sound level estimating means; With
The volume change image display means sets the volume level indicated by the volume change image to an appropriate volume level determined by the appropriate volume level determination means,
The appropriate sound volume level determining means includes
When the volume level of the game sound at the current time is lower than the environmental sound level, a volume level that approaches the environmental sound level in a range smaller than the environmental sound level is determined as the appropriate volume level. A gaming machine characterized by

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