JP2017056272A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve enhancement of presentation effect by sound.SOLUTION: The game machine includes: determination means for determining whether to grant a game profit or not; and sound determination means for determining a sound to be outputted, according to a progress of a game, among a plurality of sounds to which separate cycles are respectively assigned. When a granting of a game profit has been determined, the sound determination means determines a specific sound of which cycle is different from that of other sounds more frequently than when a granting of the game profit has not been determined. In this way, it becomes possible to achieve enhancement of presentation effect by sound.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which an effect with sound is executed.

  In a slot machine as a gaming machine, a winning combination is drawn in accordance with the insertion of a medal (game medium) by a player and the operation of a start switch, and a plurality of rotating reels with various symbols are rotated. Then, according to the lottery result and the player's operation of the stop switch, the rotating reels are sequentially stopped, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line that is the payout target line, a predetermined number The player is given a gaming profit (hereinafter simply referred to as a gaming profit).

  In such a slot machine, an effect that suggests the lottery result of the winning combination and the gaming state at that time, or gives a story to the game is executed. As effects, various effects are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, and various sounds are output from the speakers in an aspect corresponding to the images, thereby improving the effects.

  In recent years, with the diversification of images, the corresponding sounds have also been diversified, and it has become possible to give the player a sense of expectation for the lottery result of the winning role through the sound together with the various images. In order to maintain the effect, for example, when the game state changes, the BGM (Back Ground Music) sound may be changed according to the change of the game state. Also disclosed is a technique for changing the sound for conditions independent of changes in the gaming state, for example, for each game and for each number of games (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-10-272220

  However, for example, when the BGM sound is suddenly stopped in accordance with an arbitrary opportunity such as a change in the gaming state, the BGM sound is interrupted in the middle of a measure, for example, and the player feels uncomfortable. Also, if a new BGM sound is output after the stopped BGM sound, the start timing of a new BGM sound bar is shifted from the stopped BGM sound, which causes a more uncomfortable feeling. As a result, it was not possible to obtain a sufficient performance effect by voice.

  In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the production effect by voice.

  In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is based on a winning combination lottery means for determining either a winning combination or a loss by a winning combination lottery based on an operation of a start switch, and an operation of the start switch. Rotation control is performed on a plurality of rotating reels each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged, and the operation is performed based on the lottery result of the winning combination lottery means according to the operation of a stop switch corresponding to the rotating rotating reel. Reel control means for controlling stop of the respective reels corresponding to the stop switch; payout control means for paying out game media corresponding to the winning combination based on winning of the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery; The decision means for deciding whether or not to give a profit, and according to the progress of the game, it should output from a plurality of sounds each associated with a period Voice determination means for determining a voice, and the voice determination means, when the game profit grant is determined, compared with other voices compared to the case where the game profit grant is not determined The specific voices having different periods are determined with high frequency.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, another gaming machine of the present invention is based on the operation of the start switch, and the winning combination lottery means for determining either the winning combination or the loss by the winning combination lottery, and the operation of the start switch Based on the result of lottery of the winning combination lottery means according to the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel, Reel control means for controlling each of the rotating reels corresponding to the stop switch, and payout control means for paying out the game medium corresponding to the winning combination based on winning of the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery. , A determination means for determining whether or not to give a game profit, and a sound to be output from a plurality of sounds including a specific sound according to the progress of the game Voice decision means, wherein the voice decision means is configured to play the specific voice at a higher frequency when the game profit grant is determined than when the game profit grant is not determined. It is characterized by determining by.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the production effect by voice.

It is an external view for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is an external view in the state which opened the front door for demonstrating the schematic mechanical structure of a slot machine. It is a figure which shows the symbol arrangement | sequence of a reel. It is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an effective line and each table. It is a figure explaining an effect lottery table. It is explanatory drawing explaining the track | truck provided in audio | voice IC. It is a timing chart for explaining change of sound according to a player's operation. It is the flowchart which showed the main process of the main control board. It is the flowchart which showed the main process of the sub control board. It is the flowchart which showed command reception processing. It is the flowchart which showed production execution processing. It is the flowchart which showed production | presentation determination processing. It is the flowchart which showed the timer interruption process of the sub control board. It is a figure explaining an effect lottery table.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in the embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated. To do.

  In order to facilitate understanding of the embodiment of the present invention, first, a mechanical configuration and an electrical configuration of a slot machine (game machine) that can be played by a player will be briefly described. A typical process will be described.

(Mechanical configuration of the slot machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a casing 102 that is a substantially rectangular box, and a connecting member that is rotatable with respect to the front opening of the casing 102. A front upper door 104 attached to the front door 104, a front lower door 106 positioned below the front upper door 104 and attached to the front opening of the housing 102 so as to be openable and closable like the front upper door 104. It is located at the lower part of the door 106 and has a tray part 108 for storing medals paid out from the medal outlet 108a.

  An operation unit installation base 122 is formed in the upper part of the front lower door 106. The operation unit installation base 122 has a medal insertion unit 124 and a bet button 126 as an operation means for a player to intervene in the game. A start switch 128, a stop switch 130, a settlement button 132, and the like are provided.

  A medal insertion unit (game medium receiving means) 124 located on the right side of the operation unit installation base 122 receives insertion of a medal as a game medium through a medal insertion slot (insertion slot) 124a, and is provided on the back surface of the front lower door 106. Send a medal to a medal selector (not shown). The medal selector includes a blocker (not shown) that guides medals inserted outside the insertion period during which medals can be inserted or a non-standard medal to the medal outlet 108a, and a standard medal that is inserted within the insertion period. And a inserted medal detection unit 124b for detecting the passage of. Here, the medal guided to the medal discharge port 108 a is discharged to the tray portion 108. When a player inserts more medals than the prescribed number, which is the number of inserted medals necessary to start one game, the prescribed number of medals exceeds the prescribed number (for example, 50). The upper limit is electronically stored in the slot machine 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as “credit”).

  Here, one game refers to a series of games that can receive a single payout on condition that a medal is inserted. Here, the specified number is fixed to “3”. However, depending on the model of the slot machine 100, the specified number may be different, or even if the model is the same model, the specified number may be fixed. There is. In addition, when the number of medals required to start one game can be arbitrarily selected from a plurality of specified numbers, the maximum number among the plurality of specified numbers is called the maximum specified number, and the minimum number is the minimum specified It is called a number. If the specified number is selectable between 1 and 3, the maximum specified number is “3” and the minimum specified number is “1”. Here, since the specified number is fixed to “3”, the maximum specified number and the minimum specified number are “3”.

  The bet button 126 is a push-type button switch that inputs (bets) a prescribed number of medals out of credited medals. The settlement button 132 is a push-type button switch that accepts a credited medal return (settlement) request operation. By operating the settlement button 132, the player can make a settlement request to settle the bet medals or electronically credited medals, and in response to the settlement request, the bet medals or electronic Medals that have been credited are discharged from the medal outlet 108a.

  The start switch 128 located on the left side of the operation unit installation base 122 is formed by a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects a start operation of one game by the player. The start switch 128 can also be formed by a button switch that can detect a pressing operation.

  A colorless and transparent symbol display window 136 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided at a substantially lower center of the front upper door 104, and a reel in a position corresponding to the symbol display window 136 in the housing 102. A unit 134 is provided. As shown in the reel symbol arrangement of FIG. 3, the reel unit 134 includes three rotating reels (left reel 134a, middle reel 134b, right reel) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each of the regions equally divided into 21. The reels 134c) are rotatably provided independently, and the player can visually recognize the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c through the symbol display window 136. The reel unit 134 starts to rotate the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c in response to the operation of the start switch 128.

  The stop switch 130 located in the center of the operation unit installation base 122 is a button switch provided corresponding to each of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c and capable of detecting a player's pressing operation. A player's stop operation to stop each of the reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c is detected. The three button switches related to the stop switch 130 are particularly called stop button switches, and are referred to as stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c in order from the left.

  A liquid crystal display unit (display unit) 138 for displaying various images associated with effects is provided at the approximate center of the upper portion of the front upper door 104. In addition, an effect lamp 142 made up of, for example, a high-intensity light emitting diode (LED) is provided on the upper or left and right of the front upper door 104.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, speakers that produce auditory effects such as sound effects and musical sounds are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 138 on the back surface of the front upper door 104 and the inner surface left and right positions on the back surface of the front lower door 106. 140 is provided. Further, below the reel unit 134 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 264 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 108a is provided. The medal payout device 264 includes a medal storage unit 264a for storing medals, a payout control unit 264b for discharging medals stored in the medal storage unit 264a from the medal discharge port 108a, and medals discharged from the medal discharge port 108a. And a payout medal detection unit 264c. Specifically, the payout control unit 264b is rotatably supported by the main body exterior of the payout control unit 264b, and a plurality of medal insertion holes are arranged in the circumferential direction in which medals dropped from the medal storage unit 264a are inserted one by one from above. And a disc motor (not shown) for rotating the disc. The medals inserted in the medal insertion holes are rotated one by one through the pushing mechanism. In addition, the medals are successively discharged one by one by sequentially inserting the next medals into the medal insertion holes vacated by the discharge.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, among the symbols provided on the left reel 134 a, the middle reel 134 b, and the right reel 134 c, a symbol display window is provided inside each of the rotating reels 134 a, 134 b, 134 c. A reel backlight 144 (see FIG. 4) is provided that individually irradiates the upper, middle, and lower stages of each of the reels 134a, 134b, and 134c corresponding to 136 (which can be the target of an effective line) independently from the back surface. ing. Further, a reel upper light 146 that directly irradiates the front of all of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c is also provided on the upper surface of the rear surface of the symbol display window 136.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, in the operation unit installation base 122, a main credit display unit 152 and a main payout display unit are provided on a substantially horizontal plane of the step unit 122 a provided between the symbol display window 136 and the stop switch 130. 154 is provided. Further, a sub credit display unit 156 and a sub payout display unit 158 are provided between the symbol display window 136 and the operation unit installation base 122. The main credit display unit 152 and the sub credit display unit 156 display the number of credits, and the main payout display unit 154 and the sub payout display unit 158 display the number of paid out medals. Note that the sub-credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158 can also display various numerical values associated with the effects.

(Electrical configuration of the slot machine 100)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 is mainly controlled by a main control board 200 and a sub control board 202. Here, among the programs related to the progress of the game, a particularly important process such as a lottery of a winning combination to be used for a game and winning the prize is executed on the main control board 200, and other processes related to effects, for example, are performed on the sub-control board. 202 is executed. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, communication between the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 is limited to only one direction from the main control board 200 to the sub control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention. However, if there is no such limitation, two-way communication can be electrically performed.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b that stores programs, a main RAM 200c that functions as a work area, and the like, and comprehensively controls the entire slot machine 100. To do. However, a backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 200c, and even when the power is cut off, the data is retained without being erased unless the initialization process of the main RAM 200c is intentionally executed. .

  The main control board 200 functions by the main CPU 200a cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b. The initialization means 300, the betting means 302, the winning combination lottery means 304, the reel control means. 306, a determination unit 308, a payout control unit 310, and a credit unit 312. The initialization unit 300 executes an initialization process in the main control board 200. The betting means 302 bets medals for use in games. Here, the bet includes both a case where a medal credited through the operation of the bet button 126 is inserted and a case where a medal is inserted through the medal insertion unit 124. The winning combination lottery means 304 determines either a winning combination or a loss by a lottery based on the betting of medals and the operation of the start switch 128 (winning combination lottery). The reel control means 306 controls rotation and stop of each rotary reel 134a, 134b, 134c. The determination means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line. The payout control means 310 pays out a medal corresponding to the winning combination based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line. The credit means 312 stores medals as credits.

  In the main control board 200, various detection signals are received from the inserted medal detection unit 124b, the bet button 126, the start switch 128, the stop switch 130, and the checkout button 132. Based on the received detection signals, the main CPU 200a has various types. Execute the process. Further, a main credit display unit 152 and a main payout display unit 154 are connected to the main control board 200, and the main CPU 200a controls the display of the number of credits and the number of payouts of medals on both the display units 152 and 154. .

  In addition, a reel drive control unit 258 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive control unit 258 drives the stepping motor 262 based on the rotation start signal of each of the rotating reels 134a, 134b, 134c transmitted from the main control board 200 based on the operation signal of the start switch 128, and the stop switch. The driving of the stepping motor 262 is stopped based on the stop signal of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c and the detection signal of the rotational position detection circuit 260, which are transmitted from the main control board 200 based on the operation signal 130. To do.

  The medal payout device 264 is connected to the main control board 200. A detection signal from the payout medal detection unit 264c is input to the main control board 200, and the payout control unit 310 counts the number of medals to be paid out according to the detection signal, and outputs from the payout control unit 264b. Control the discharge of medals.

  The main control board 200 is provided with random number generating means 200d. The random number generating means 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops within a predetermined numerical range, and extracts the count value at a predetermined time point to obtain a random number. The random number (winning winning lottery random number) generated by the random number generating means 200d is used for determining a gaming profit to be given to the player, for example, a winning winning combination.

(Table used in main control board 200)
In the slot machine 100, a plurality of game states are provided when the game progresses, and a plurality of winning combination lottery tables corresponding to these game states and set values are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning combination lottery means 304 extracts a corresponding winning combination lottery table from the main ROM 200b according to the current gaming state and set value stored in the main RAM 200c, and based on the extracted winning combination lottery table, the start switch 128. It is determined which winning combination lottery random number acquired in response to the operation signal corresponds to which winning combination or lose in the winning combination lottery table.

  Here, the winning combination extracted from each winning combination lottery table includes a replay combination, a small combination, and a bonus combination. The state in which the symbol combinations corresponding to such winning combinations are aligned on the active line is called display (winning), and the state until winning the winning combination and displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed internally. Winning status. Among the winning combinations, the replay combination is a combination in which one game can be executed again without placing a new bet of medals when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line. The combination of symbols corresponding to the small combination is displayed on the active line, whereby a predetermined number of medals can be paid out. The bonus combination is a winning combination that can shift the gaming state from the normal gaming state to the bonus gaming state by displaying the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination on the active line. Here, the bonus gaming state is a winning combination lottery table (a winning combination lottery table for bonus gaming state described later) in which a winning probability of a small combination is set so that medals substantially increase when determining a winning combination. This is a gaming state to be used, which means a gaming state that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state. In the following, the gaming benefits given to the winning combination and the player will be described.

  FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the effective line and each table. FIG. 5A shows an effective line in the present embodiment. Here, there are five effective lines. Specifically, among the nine symbols facing the symbol display window 136, the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop at the middle stage of the left reel 134a, middle reel 134b, and right reel 134c are connected. Line B, the upper stage of the left reel 134a, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, the line B1 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols stopped at the lower stage of the right reel 134c, the lower stage of the left reel 134a, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, the right reel 134c The line B2 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop on the upper stage, the line C1 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop on the upper stage of the left reel 134a, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, the upper reel, and the left reel 134a. The line C2 connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols to be stopped at the lower stage, the middle stage of the middle reel 134b, and the lower stage of the right reel 134c. Each is set as a valid line.

  Further, as shown in the symbol combination of FIG. 5B, in this embodiment, as a winning combination, “Replay”, “Bell”, “Watermelon”, “Big Bonus (hereinafter referred to as“ BB ”)”. , “Regular Bonus (hereinafter referred to as“ RB ”)” in total of five types of winning combinations are provided. Among these, the winning role “Replay” corresponds to the above-mentioned replay role, the winning role “Bell”, the winning role “Watermelon” corresponds to the above-mentioned small role, and the winning role “BB” and the winning role “RB” correspond to the above-mentioned bonus role. It corresponds to.

  If any winning combination is won, an internal winning flag corresponding to each winning combination is established (ON), and the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, the right reel according to the establishment status of the internal winning flag. Each stop control of 134c will be performed. At this time, if the winning combination “Bell” and the winning combination “Watermelon” have been won, but the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combinations could not be displayed on the active line in that one game, The internal winning flag is turned off at (in this embodiment, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “bell” can always be displayed on the active line). That is, the right to win a small role is limited to the game only, and the right cannot be carried over to the next one game (hereinafter simply referred to as “next game”).

  On the other hand, when the winning combination “BB” or the winning combination “RB” is won, the BB internal winning flag or the RB internal winning flag is established (ON), and the BB internal winning flag or the RB internal winning flag is set. The game state changes to the internal / middle game state according to the establishment status, and the stop control of each of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c is performed. At this time, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” or the winning combination “RB” cannot be displayed on the active line, the BB internal winning flag or the RB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game as it is. Thus, in the game after the next time, it becomes possible to display the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination “BB” and the winning combination “RB” on the effective line.

  In addition, when the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning combination “Replay” that is the replaying role is established, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role “Replaying” is displayed on the active line, and the next game can be played without requiring a medal. The internal winning flag is turned off after the processing necessary for performing the processing is performed.

  The normal gaming state winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 5C is used when determining the winning combination lottery random number in the normal gaming state. Here, an area corresponding to the total number of winning lottery random numbers (65536) is divided into a plurality of winning areas (1 to 6), and for each winning area, the winning combination and the ratio of winning each of the plurality of winning areas The winning range value (numerical value) indicating the relative number is associated. For example, the winning area “1” is associated with the winning combination “Replay” and the winning range value “8978”. Since the winning combination lottery random numbers are provided from 0 to 65535, the probability that the winning combination “Replay” is won is 8978/65536. The same association is made for the other winning areas 2 to 6. The winning combination lottery means 304 sequentially acquires a winning range value from a plurality of winning areas in the winning combination lottery table for the normal gaming state, sequentially subtracts the winning range value from the winning combination lottery random number, and the subtraction value When is less than 0, the winning combination associated with the winning area at that time is used as the lottery result. The lottery procedure can be applied to other lotteries.

  The bonus game state winning combination lottery table shown in FIG. 5D determines the winning combination random number in the bonus gaming state set by winning the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” or the winning combination “RB”. It is used when doing. According to the bonus game state winning combination lottery table, the bonus combination and the replay combination are not repeatedly won, and the winning probability of the winning combination “Bell” is determined as the normal gaming state winning combination lottery table (FIG. 5C). It is set higher than (see). Here, the winning combination lottery table has been described with reference to the normal gaming state winning combination lottery table and the bonus gaming state winning combination lottery table, but the winning combination lottery table is not limited to this, and is used in the internal medium gaming state. Various winning combination lottery tables are used according to the gaming state, such as an internal medium gaming state winning combination lottery table.

(Sub-control board 202)
Returning to FIG. 4, the sub-control board 202, similar to the main control board 200, includes various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub-CPU 202 a that is a central processing unit, a sub-ROM 202 b that stores programs, a sub-RAM 202 c that functions as a work area, and the like. In particular, the presentation is controlled based on a command from the main control board 200. Similarly to the main RAM 200c, a backup power source (not shown) is connected to the sub RAM 202c, and even when the power is turned off, data is retained without being erased. The sub-control board 202 is also provided with random number generation means 202d, like the main control board 200, and the random number (production lottery random number) generated by the random number generation means 202d mainly determines the mode of production. Used for.

  The sub-control board 202 functions by the sub CPU 202a cooperating with the sub-RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub-ROM 202b. The initialization determining unit 330, the command receiving unit 332, and the effect determining unit (sound determination) Means) 334 and production execution means (sound output means) 336. The initialization determining unit 330 executes initialization processing in the sub control board 202. The command receiving means 332 receives commands from other control boards such as the main control board 200 and performs processing for the commands. The effect determining means 334 determines the effect to be provided to the player. Specifically, the effect determining means 334 includes image data displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, an effect lamp 142, a reel backlight 144, a reel upper light 146, a sub credit display unit 156, a sub payout display unit 158, and the like. In addition to determining the illumination data for presentation through the illumination device, the audio data constituting the audio to be output from the speaker 140 is determined. The effect execution means 336 executes the effect determined by the effect determination means 334. Specifically, the effect execution unit 336 transmits the image data determined by the effect determination unit 334 to the liquid crystal control board 204, thereby causing the liquid crystal display unit 138 to display an image based on the image data, and the illumination data is displayed on the electronic display. By transmitting to the decoration device and transmitting the sound data to the sound IC 202e, sound based on the sound data is output from the speaker 140.

  Here, the production is provided through the liquid crystal display unit 138, the production lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub credit display unit 156, the sub payout display unit 158, the speaker 140, and the like as the game progresses. It is a visual and auditory expression means that can give a story to the game and can suggest a lottery result of the winning combination with a more dynamic image. As an effect suggesting the lottery result of the winning combination, for example, if the player appropriately stops the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not necessarily an effective line. When winning a winning combination (for example, winning “watermelon”) that cannot always be displayed above, a symbol corresponding to the winning combination is suggested before the player performs the stop operation. Some prompt the combination to be displayed on the active line. In addition, with regard to the bonus combination described above, the BB internal winning flag and the RB internal winning flag can be carried over over a plurality of games, so an effect suggesting the winning of the bonus combination is performed over a plurality of games, It is possible to increase the player's expectation by invalidating the player's operation input for a predetermined time in the game and performing a freeze process during which a specific effect is executed. In addition, even if none of the winning roles has been won, it is possible to make the player have a high dividend expectation through the production as if the player has been won, so that the player will not get bored. It becomes.

  However, since images including still images and moving images displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138 have an enormous amount of data and a processing load associated with the display, the liquid crystal control board 204 is separately provided for the image data as described above. Control by intervening.

(Table used in sub-control board 202)
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the effect lottery table. The sub ROM 202b of the sub control board 202 is provided with a plurality of effect lottery tables respectively corresponding to a plurality of winning combinations and losers. When either the winning combination or the loss is determined by the winning combination lottery on the main control board 200, an effect lottery table corresponding to the lottery result is determined. For example, when the lottery result of the winning combination lottery is the winning combination “BB”, the effect determining means 334 selects the winning combination as shown in FIG. 6 among the plurality of winning lottery tables corresponding to the plurality of winning combinations and losers. The effect lottery table corresponding to “BB” is determined.

  In the effect lottery table corresponding to the winning combination “BB” as shown in FIG. 6, for example, an area corresponding to the total number of effect lottery random numbers (65536) is divided into a plurality of winning areas (1 to 4). For each region, the winning range value, the switching opportunity, the image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, and the audio data related to the effect output from the speaker 140 are associated with each other. The effect determining means 334 compares the winning range values of the plurality of winning areas in the effect lottery table with the effect lottery random numbers, and derives a lottery result corresponding to the effect lottery random numbers. That is, the winning range value (here, “16384”) is sequentially acquired from a plurality of winning areas in the effect lottery table, and the winning range value is sequentially subtracted from the effect lottery random number generated by the random number generating means 202d. When the subtraction value is less than 0, the winning area at that time is set as the lottery result.

  For example, when the production lottery random number is “40000”, the production determination unit 334 first derives a subtraction value “23616” by subtracting the winning range value “16384” of the winning area 1 from the production lottery random number. Since the subtraction value “23616” is 0 or more (since it is not less than 0), the effect determination means 334 continues to the winning area 2 that is the next winning area after the winning area 1 from the subtracted effect lottery random number “23616”. The subtraction value “7232” is derived by subtracting the winning range value “16384”. Since the subtraction value “7232” is 0 or more, the effect determination means 334 subtracts the winning range value “16384” of the winning area 3 that is the winning area next to the winning area 2 from the subtracted effect lottery random number “7232”. The subtraction value “−9152” is derived. Here, since the subtraction value “−9152” is less than 0, the effect determination unit 334 sets the winning area 3 as the lottery result. In the present embodiment, the total number of effect lottery random numbers is 65536, so the winning probability of each winning area is 16384/65536 = 1/4. Here, although explanation is omitted, other effects are also determined through the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub credit display unit 156, the sub payout display unit 158, and the like.

  In addition, a plurality of combinations of image data and audio data are associated with the winning area 3 as the lottery result. This means that the production changes according to the operation (switching opportunity) by the player. For example, when the player operates the start switch 128, the lottery result of the winning combination lottery is the winning combination “BB”, and the production determination means 334 determines the winning area 3 based on the production lottery table, When the start switch 128 is operated (started), an image based on the image data 9 in the winning area 3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, and sound based on the audio data 9 in the winning area 3 is output from the speaker 140 in conjunction therewith. Is done. Then, when each rotary reel 134a, 134b, 134c rotates and any one of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c is operated by the player (first stop), the image of the winning area 3 is triggered by that. An image based on the data 10 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, and sound based on the sound data 10 in the winning area 3 is output from the speaker 140 in conjunction therewith. Similarly, when any one of the other stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c is continuously operated by the player (second stop), an image based on the image data 11 in the winning area 3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138. When the sound based on the sound data 11 in the winning area 3 is output from the speaker 140 and the remaining one of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c is operated (third stop), the image data in the winning area 3 is displayed. 12 is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138, and sound based on the sound data 12 in the winning area 3 is output from the speaker 140.

  For example, the image data in the winning area 3 has a higher expectation as the image data 9 to 12 are sequentially transferred, and in conjunction with this, the sound data is also sequentially transferred to the sound data 9 to 12. Expectation is rising. When the player finishes stopping all the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c (third stop), the winning of the winning combination “BB” is notified by the image data 12 and the audio data 12, for example. Thus, by dynamically changing the production according to the player's operation, the player's expectation can be enhanced and the player can be given a sense of achievement of winning the winning combination “BB”. it can. In addition, it is possible to enhance the production effect by synchronizing the sound based on the sound data with the display of the image based on the image data.

  Here, the audio output based on the audio data will be described in detail. As described above, when the effect determining unit 334 determines the audio data by lottery, the effect executing unit 336 transmits the determined audio data to the audio IC 202e, so that the audio based on the audio data is output from the speaker 140. Let

  The audio IC 202e can store a plurality of audio data such as FM tone color data and ADPCM audio data in storage areas assigned to each access code (SAC: Simple Access Code) (audio storage means). In addition, the audio IC 202e can receive a command indicating an access code from the sub CPU 202a, assign audio based on audio data specified by the access code to a track according to the command, and output the audio at an appropriate volume through the speaker 140. it can. Further, when a plurality of such access codes are designated, the audio IC 202e can also output a plurality of audio data corresponding to the plurality of access codes in a plurality of tracks in parallel.

  FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for describing a track provided in the audio IC 202e. The audio IC 202e reads out audio data corresponding to each access code and assigns it to a track provided in the audio IC 202e itself. At this time, the audio IC 202e is provided with a plurality of tracks, and the audio data is assigned to one of the tracks. In the present embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, nine tracks are provided, and the type of sound assigned to each track is determined in advance. For example, system audio is assigned to track 1, BGM audio is assigned to track 2, production audio is assigned to tracks 3 to 7, and error audio is assigned to tracks 8 and 9.

  Explaining the types of voices described above, the system voice is an operating sound indicating that the operation of the bet button 126, the start switch 128, the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c, etc. has been accepted by the slot machine 100, or a medal. A confirmation sound that accompanies the progress of the game, such as a payout sound for confirming that the game has been issued. BGM sound is background music that is maintained in the background for a relatively long time. The production sound is a sound mainly emitted in conjunction with the production. The error sound is sound that is output together with an error image while an error occurs and the game is stopped. However, since error sound is not directly related to the present embodiment, detailed description thereof will be omitted below.

  Further, the plurality of tracks in the audio IC 202e have the following characteristics. First, all audios assigned to different tracks are output in parallel. Therefore, even if the system sound is assigned to track 1 when the BGM sound is assigned to track 2, all the sounds are output in parallel. On the other hand, only one sound (audio data) can be assigned to the same track. Therefore, when a BGM sound is already assigned in the track 2, if a new BGM sound is assigned, the BGM sound is overwritten, and the BGM sound before being overwritten is stopped.

  Therefore, as described with reference to FIG. 6, when the production changes according to the operation of the start switch 128 and the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c by the player, for example, when the BGM sound is stopped in accordance with the operation, the BGM The sound is interrupted in the middle of a measure, for example, and the player feels uncomfortable. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the execution execution unit 336 stops outputting the sound in response to an operation by the player, the sound execution unit 336 stops outputting the sound after a breakpoint when the sound is divided at a predetermined period. To adjust the audio stop timing (to ensure the output of the audio until a predetermined period break), so that the BGM audio is not interrupted in the middle of a measure. Here, an example in which “bars” are applied as the predetermined period will be described. A measure refers to each section obtained by dividing a song into appropriate lengths, and can usually be represented by a predetermined number of beat lengths.

  Hereinafter, switching of BGM sound when the player has finished all the operations of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c (third stop) will be described as an example. However, this description applies to any operation by the player such as betting by the betting means 302, operation of the start switch 128, and operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c (first stop, second stop). Needless to say, you can.

  In the sub ROM 202b (voice storage means), a plurality of effect lottery tables such as the effect lottery table described with reference to FIG. 6 are stored in correspondence with the winning combination and the loser. The data is associated with the length (time) of the measure of the speech as a predetermined period based on the speech data. For example, in the winning area 3 in the effect lottery table for the winning combination “BB” in FIG. 6, the audio data 11 having a bar length of 1000 msec is determined according to the second stop of the stop switch 130, and according to the third stop Thus, audio data 12 having a bar length of 1000 msec is determined. Therefore, the production execution means 336 outputs the sound based on the audio data 11 until the player performs the third stop operation, and stops the sound based on the audio data 11 if the third stop operation is performed. The voice based on the voice data 12 is output.

  FIG. 8 is a timing chart for explaining the switching of sound in accordance with the player's operation. Specifically, the BGM sound based on the sound data 11 is set in the track 2 of the sound IC 202e by the second stop operation of the stop switch 130. Therefore, the BGM sound based on the sound data 11 is output until the third stop operation is performed. Here, when the player performs the third stop operation of the stop switch 130, the effect determining unit 334 determines the next audio data 12 to be continuously output according to the third stop. It is assumed that the sound data 12 includes system sound and BGM sound. In accordance with the determination of the audio data 12, the effect execution means 336 determines whether or not the system audio has already been set in the track 1 of the audio IC 202e for the audio IC 202e, and the BGM has already been set in the track 2 of the audio IC 202e. It is determined whether audio is set.

  With respect to the system sound, since the system sound is not set in the sound IC 202e as shown in FIG. 8 when the third stop operation is performed, the effect execution means 336 sends sound data to the sound IC 202e. 12 immediately commands the start of system audio output. Therefore, the system sound based on the sound data 12 is output immediately after the third stop.

  With respect to the BGM sound, since the BGM sound based on the sound data 11 is already set in the sound IC 202e as shown in FIG. The IC 202e is not instructed immediately to stop the output of the BGM sound based on the sound data 11 and the output start of the BGM sound based on the sound data 12, and the BGM sound based on the sound data 11 is cut off. Until the BGM audio based on the audio data 11 is output. When it is determined that the BGM sound has reached the bar break point, for the first time, the output of the BGM sound based on the sound data 11 to the sound IC 202e is stopped, and the next sound data 12 to be output continuously. Command to start the output of BGM sound based on. Then, the BGM sound based on the sound data 11 is stopped at a good point, and the output of the BGM sound based on the sound data 12 is started continuously. Here, the output stop of the BGM sound based on the sound data 11 and the start of the output of the BGM sound based on the sound data 12 are individually commanded. However, the sound data 11 is output by the BGM sound output start command based on the sound data 12. It may also be used to stop the output of BGM audio based on the above.

  With such a configuration, the timing of the bars of the stopped BGM sound and the subsequently output BGM sound are matched, and the continuity of the sound is ensured, in particular, the rhythm of the sound can be output continuously with good separation, The player does not feel uncomfortable.

  In addition, the effect determining means 334 specifies a point in time when the sound is good using a timer (output stop timer). Specifically, in the sound based on the sound data, each measure is specified by the length of the measure associated with the sound data, and for example, a timer value corresponding to the measure length is set in the output stop timer. Then, the timer value is subtracted, and when the timer value becomes 0, that is, when the bar break point is reached, the timer value is set again as the output stop timer. The effect determining means 334 monitors the output stop timer of the currently output sound (here, BGM sound based on the sound data 11), and when the stop of the sound data is determined, the timer value of the sound data is 0. When the timer value becomes 0, the audio data is instructed to stop. By doing so, it is possible to improve the effect of the voice production by outputting the voice continuously with good separation regardless of the trigger to stop the voice. However, in such a configuration, the sound stops at a good point after the player operates the stop switch 130, but this is not necessarily accompanied by a delay. For example, if the player's operation overlaps with the break break point, the sound stops at the break break point, and there may be a case where there is no delay.

  Hereinafter, specific processing in the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 will be described.

(Main processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, an outline of one game after initialization will be described along the main process of the main control board 200, and then the details of each process will be described.

(Step S100)
When the slot machine 100 is powered on and energized, the initialization means 300 executes an initialization process in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization unit 300 generates backup data at any time while the power is on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power interruption occurs, it is possible to restore the state before the power interruption using the stored backup data in this initialization process. For example, even if an unexpected power interruption occurs during the rotation of the rotating reel, the rotating reels 134a, 134b, and 134c are started again after the return operation. Therefore, the initialization process (RAM clear) is not basically performed in the initialization process. However, information that does not affect the game profit of the player, for example, information related to performance may be initialized as necessary. The initialization unit 300 confirms the connection status and operation status of various devices including the reel unit 134.

(Step S200)
Subsequently, the betting means 302 accepts the insertion of a prescribed number of medals from the medal insertion unit 124, or accepts the operation of the betting button 126 in a situation where the prescribed number or more of credits is stored, and completes the betting of medals. To start waiting for the operation of the start switch 128. Further, the betting means 302 generates an insertion command indicating that the operation has been performed, and transmits it to the sub control board 202. When the operation of the start switch 128 is detected, the process proceeds to the next step S300.

(Step S300)
Next, the winning combination lottery means 304 acquires one winning combination lottery random number at the time when the start switch 128 is operated from the winning combination lottery random number updated by the random number generation means 200d in response to the operation of the start switch 128. To do. Then, the winning combination lottery means 304 selects one winning combination corresponding to the currently set gaming state from a plurality of winning combination lottery tables including the winning combination lottery tables shown in FIGS. 5 (c) and 5 (d). In addition to determining the winning lottery table, it is determined which winning area in the determined winning winning lottery table corresponds to the acquired winning lottery random number, and the winning combination or lose of the determined winning area is determined as the lottery result. . In addition, after the lottery result is determined according to the operation of the start switch 128, the winning combination lottery means 304 receives a winning combination command including the lottery result (winning combination or lose) of the winning combination lottery, information on the gaming state, and the like. It is generated and transmitted to the sub control board 202.

(Step S400)
When the lottery process is completed as described above, the reel control unit 306 next drives the stepping motor 262 to rotate the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c. In this reel rotation process, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) elapses from the start of rotation of the left reel 134a, middle reel 134b, and right reel 134c in the previous game (wait), the left reel in the game 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c start to rotate, and when the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c all rotate at a constant speed, the operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is enabled. To do.

(Step S500)
Subsequently, when the reel control means 306 receives an operation of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c by the player in a state where the stop button switches 130a, 130b, 130c are activated, the reel control unit 306 rotates the reel corresponding to the operation. (One of the left reel 134a, the middle reel 134b, and the right reel 134c) is stopped according to a predetermined stop control. Further, when any of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c is operated, the reel control unit 306 displays a stop command (first stop command, information indicating the information of the operated stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c). A second stop command and a third stop command) are generated each time an operation is performed, and transmitted to the sub control board 202 each time.

(Step S600)
Next, the determination unit 308 determines which of the predetermined combinations shown in FIG. 5B the symbol combination displayed on the active line shown in FIG. In accordance with the symbol combination, a process for determining the number of medals to be paid out, a game state changing process, and various processes required for replay are executed. Here, the determination means 308 is one of a plurality of gaming states having different degrees of advantage of the player based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination determined in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line. The game state, for example, the bonus game state is determined. In addition, the determination unit 308 generates a winning command including a symbol combination displayed on the active line, a medal payout number when the symbol combination corresponding to the small role is displayed on the active line, and the like. Transmit to the substrate 202.

(Step S700)
Subsequently, on the basis of the determination result in step S600, for example, when the symbol combination corresponding to the small combination is displayed on the active line, the payout control unit 310 executes a medal payout process corresponding to the small combination, When the symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line, a process for automatically betting the next game is executed. In this way, the payout control means 310 performs various processes corresponding to the symbol combinations displayed on the active line, and ends the one game. Further, when the medal payout process is performed, the payout control unit 310 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been performed, and transmits the payout command to the sub-control board 202.

  As shown in steps S200 to S700, a game can be started through betting of medals, and one game is executed through a series of processes from operation of the start switch 128 to payout by winning. Thereafter, steps S200 to S700 are repeated.

(Main processing of sub control board 202)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the main process of the sub control board 202.

(Step S1100)
When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch and becomes energized, the initialization determining unit 330 of the sub control board 202 executes the initialization process, like the initialization unit 300 of the main control board 200, Allow. The initialization determining unit 330 generates backup data while the power is turned on, holds the backup data in the sub RAM 202c, and is held in this initialization process when an unexpected power failure occurs. Execute the process to return to the state before power-off using the backup data.

(Step S1200)
The command receiving unit 332 determines whether or not a command from the main control board 200 has been received, and maintains the command standby state by repeating the process of step S1200 while the command is not received. If it is determined that a command has been received, the command receiving unit 332 proceeds to step S1300.

(Step S1300)
If it is determined in step S1200 that a command has been received, the command receiving unit 332 executes various processes based on the received command.

(Detailed processing of command reception processing S1300)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the command reception process in step S1300. Here, only processes related to the features of the present embodiment will be described in detail, and descriptions of configurations unrelated to the features of the present embodiment will be omitted.

(Step S1301)
First, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is an input command. As a result, if the received command is the input command, the process proceeds to step S1302, and if it is not the input command, the process proceeds to step S1304.

(Step S1302)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1301 is an input command, the effect determination unit 334 determines an effect (image data, electrical data, and audio data) based on the input command. Note that, as described above, this insertion command is a command transmitted in the betting process S200 of FIG. 9, and information indicating that the betting means 302 has been operated is added.

(Step S1303)
Next, the effect execution means 336 executes the effect (image data, illumination data, and audio data) determined in step S1302. The effect execution process S1303 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

(Step S1304)
Next, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is a winning combination command. As a result, if the received command is a winning combination command, the process proceeds to step S1305, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1306.

(Step S1305)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1304 is a winning combination command, the effect determining unit 334 determines an effect to be provided to the player. The effect determination process S1305 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. Note that, as described above, this winning combination command is a command transmitted in the lottery process S300 of FIG. 9, and if any winning combination is won, information indicating the type of the winning combination is added. If any winning combination is not won, information indicating a loss is added. And after performing production | presentation execution process S1303, a process is moved to step S1306.

(Step S1306)
Subsequently, the command receiving unit 332 determines whether the received command is any of the first to third stop commands. As a result, if the received command is one of the first to third stop commands, the process proceeds to step S1307, and if it is not any of the first to third stop commands, the process proceeds to step S1308.

(Step S1307)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1306 is one of the first to third stop commands, the effect determining means 334, for example, the effect lottery determined in step S1305 as shown in FIG. With reference to the winning area 3 of the table, the effect (image data, illumination data, and audio data) is determined based on which of the first to third stop commands. Note that, as described above, the first to third stop commands are commands transmitted in the reel stop process S500 in FIG. 9 and indicate that any one of the stop button switches 130a, 130b, and 130c has been operated. Information is added. And after performing production | presentation execution process S1303, a process is moved to step S1308.

(Step S1308)
Next, the command receiving means 332 determines whether or not the received command is a winning command. As a result, if the received command is a winning command, the process proceeds to step S1309. If not, the process proceeds to step S1310.

(Step S1309)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1308 is a winning command, the effect determining means 334 determines the effect (image data, electrical data and audio data) based on the winning command. Note that, as described above, this winning command is a command transmitted in the determination process S600 of FIG. 9, and the symbol combination displayed on the active line and the symbol combination corresponding to the small role are displayed on the active line. In this case, information indicating the number of medals paid out is added. And after performing production | presentation execution process S1303, a process is moved to step S1310.

(Step S1310)
Subsequently, the command receiving unit 332 determines whether or not the received command is a payout command. As a result, if the received command is a payout command, the process proceeds to step S1311, and if it is not a payout command, the process proceeds to step S1312.

(Step S1311)
If it is determined that the command received in step S1310 is a payout command, effect determination means 334 determines an effect (image data, electrical data and audio data) based on the payout command. Note that, as described above, this payout command is a command transmitted in the payout process S700 in FIG. 9, and information indicating that the payout process has been performed is added. And after performing production | presentation execution process S1303, a process is moved to step S1312.

(Step S1312)
Next, the command receiving means 332 performs various other processes on the received command (for example, a throw command, a winning combination command, first to third stop commands, a winning command, a payout command, etc.) The reception process S1300 ends. Since such processing is irrelevant to the features of the present embodiment, description thereof is omitted here.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the effect execution process in step S1303. In such effect execution processing, the effect (image data, electrical data and audio data) determined by the effect determining means 334 is executed.

(Step S1303-1)
First, the effect execution unit 336 determines whether image data is included in the effect determined by the effect determination unit 334. As a result, if the image data is included in the effect, the process proceeds to step S1303-2. If the image data is not included, the process proceeds to step S1303-3.

(Step S1303-2)
When it is determined in step S1303-1 that the image data is included in the effect, the effect executing unit 336 transmits the image data to the liquid crystal control board 204. Then, an image based on the image data is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 138.

(Step S1303-3)
Subsequently, the effect executing means 336 determines whether or not the effect determined by the effect determining means 334 includes electrical decoration data. As a result, if the illumination data is included in the effect, the process proceeds to step S1303-4. If the illumination data is not included, the process proceeds to step S1303-5.

(Step S1303-4)
When it is determined in step S1303-3 that the illumination data is included in the effect, the effect execution unit 336 uses the effect data as the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub The information is transmitted to electrical devices such as the credit display unit 156 and the sub-payout display unit 158. In this way, a visual effect is executed in each electric appliance.

(Step S1303-5)
Next, the effect executing means 336 determines whether or not the sound data is included in the effect determined by the effect determining means 334. As a result, if audio data is included in the effect, the process proceeds to step S1303-6. If audio data is not included, the effect execution process S1303 ends.

(Step S1303-6)
When it is determined in step S1303-5 that the production includes audio data, the production execution unit 336 determines whether the audio data is system audio. As a result, if the sound data is system sound, the process proceeds to step S1303-7, and if the sound data is not system sound, the process proceeds to step S1303-10.

(Step S1303-7)
If it is determined in step S1303-6 that the audio data is system audio, the effect execution means 336 accesses the audio IC 202e and determines whether system audio has already been set for the track 1. As a result, if the system sound is set for track 1, the process proceeds to step S1303-8, and if the system sound is not set, the process proceeds to step S1303-9.

(Step S1303-8)
In step S1303-7, when it is determined that the system sound is set in the track 1 of the sound IC 202e, the effect executing unit 336 immediately issues the system sound output start command determined by the effect determining unit 334. Instead, the system sound is registered in the sub RAM 202c in association with the track 1 as the next system sound to be continuously output, and the process proceeds to step S1303-10.

(Step S1303-9)
In step S1303-7, when it is determined that the system sound is not set in the track 1 of the sound IC 202e, the effect execution unit 336 immediately issues an output start command of the system sound determined by the effect determination unit 334. In response to this, the audio IC 202e sets the system audio to the track 1 and starts output to the speaker 140. In addition, the production execution unit 336 associates an output stop timer with the system sound simultaneously with the output start command of the system sound, and sets a timer value corresponding to the measure length associated with the system sound, for example. Here, the output stop timer is used to stop the system sound at a well-timed point.

(Step S1303-10)
Subsequently, the effect execution means 336 determines whether or not the audio data is BGM audio. As a result, if the sound data is BGM sound, the process proceeds to step S1303-11. If the sound data is not BGM sound, the process proceeds to step S1303-14.

(Step S1303-11)
When it is determined in step S1303-10 that the audio data is BGM audio, the effect execution unit 336 accesses the audio IC 202e and determines whether or not BGM audio has already been set for the track 2. As a result, if the BGM sound is set for the track 2, the process proceeds to step S1303-12, and if the BGM sound is not set, the process proceeds to step S1303-13.

(Step S1303-12)
In step S1303-11, when it is determined that the BGM sound is set in the track 2 of the sound IC 202e, the effect executing unit 336 immediately issues the BGM sound output start command determined by the effect determining unit 334. Instead, the BGM sound is registered in the sub RAM 202c in association with the track 2 as the next BGM sound to be continuously output, and the process proceeds to step S1303-14.

(Step S1303-13)
In step S1303-11, when it is determined that the BGM sound is not set in the track 2 of the sound IC 202e, the effect executing unit 336 immediately issues the BGM sound output start command determined by the effect determining unit 334. In response to this, the audio IC 202e sets the BGM audio to the track 2 and starts output to the speaker 140. The effect execution means 336 associates the BGM sound with an output stop timer simultaneously with the BGM sound output start command, and sets, for example, a timer value corresponding to the measure length associated with the BGM sound.

(Step S1303-14)
Subsequently, the effect execution means 336 determines whether the sound data is effect sound. As a result, if the sound data is a production sound, the process proceeds to step S1303-15, and if the sound data is not a production sound, the production execution process S1303 ends.

(Step S1303-15)
When it is determined in step S1303-14 that the audio data is the effect sound, the effect execution means 336 accesses the sound IC 202e, and among the tracks 3 to 7, the effect sound is set to a track to be set. It is determined whether or not a production sound has already been set. As a result, if the production sound is set for the track to be set, the process proceeds to step S1303-16, and if the production sound is not set, the process proceeds to step S1303-17.

(Step S1303-16)
In step S1303-15, when it is determined that the production sound is set for the track for which the production sound is to be set, the production execution unit 336 immediately issues the output start command of the production sound determined by the production determination unit 334. Without performing, the effect sound is registered in the sub RAM 202c as the next effect sound to be continuously output in association with the track to be set, and the effect execution process S1303 is ended.

(Step S1303-17)
In step S1303-15, when it is determined that the production sound is not set to the track for which the production sound is to be set, the production execution unit 336 immediately issues the output start command of the production sound determined by the production determination unit 334. Do. In response to this, the audio IC 202e sets the effect sound to a track where the effect sound is to be set, and starts output to the speaker 140. The effect execution means 336 associates an output stop timer with the effect sound simultaneously with the output start instruction of the effect sound, and sets, for example, a timer value corresponding to the length of the measure associated with the effect sound.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the effect determination process in step S1305. In such effect determination processing, an effect to be provided to the player is determined.

(Step S1305-1)
When the command receiving means 332 receives the winning combination command, the effect determining means 334 receives information from the plurality of effect lottery tables stored in the sub ROM 202b as information on the winning combination command in order to determine the effect based on the winning combination command. One effect lottery table (for example, see FIG. 6) corresponding to the included winning combination is determined.

(Step S1305-2)
Next, the effect determining means 334 acquires one effect lottery random number from the effect lottery random numbers updated by the random number generating means 202d.

(Step S1305-3)
Subsequently, the effect determining unit 334 determines which winning region in the effect lottery table corresponds to the effect lottery random number acquired in step S1305-2. Specifically, the effect determination means 334 sequentially refers to the winning range value from a plurality of winning areas in the effect lottery table according to a predetermined order (here, the order is indicated by the ordinal number attached to the winning area), When the winning range value is subtracted from the effect lottery random number and the subtracted value is less than 0, the winning area at that time is determined as the lottery result, and the effect (image data, illumination data) associated with the winning area is determined. And voice data). Further, although detailed description is omitted, various data for effects through the effect lamp 142, the reel backlight 144, the reel upper light 146, the sub credit display unit 156, the sub payout display unit 158, and the like are also determined.

(Timer interrupt processing of sub control board 202)
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing S1500 of the sub control board 202. The sub-control board 202 is provided with a clock pulse generation circuit (not shown) that generates clock pulses at a predetermined cycle (500 μsec). Then, when the clock pulse is generated by the clock pulse generation circuit, the sub CPU 202a reads the timer interrupt processing program and starts the timer interrupt processing S1500.

(Step S1501)
When the interrupt process is performed in response to the clock pulse, the effect execution means 336 sets the track 1 as an access target of the audio IC 202e.

(Step S1502)
Subsequently, the effect execution means 336 accesses the audio IC 202e and determines whether or not audio has already been set for the track to be accessed (track 1 for the first time). As a result, if audio is set for the track to be accessed, the process proceeds to step S1503, and if no audio is set, the process proceeds to step S1510.

(Step S1503)
If it is determined in step S1502 that audio is set for the track to be accessed, the effect execution unit 336 starts from the output stop timer associated with the track at the interrupt period (500 μsec) in the output stop timer. The corresponding value (for example, 1) is subtracted.

(Step S1504)
Next, the effect execution means 336 determines whether or not the subtracted output stop timer has become zero. As a result, if the output stop timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S1505. If the output stop timer is not 0, the process proceeds to step S1510.

(Step S1505)
If it is determined in step S1504 that the output stop timer is 0, the effect execution unit 336 determines whether the next sound to be continuously output is registered in association with the track in the sub RAM 202c. To do. As a result, if the next voice to be continuously output is registered, the process proceeds to step S1506, and if the next voice to be continuously output is not registered, the process proceeds to step S1508.

(Step S1506)
If it is determined in step S1505 that the next sound to be continuously output in association with the track is registered, the effect execution means 336 continues to output the sound output stop command set for the track. Command to start output of next sound to be performed. In response to this, the audio IC 202e sets the next audio to be continuously output as a track on which the production audio is to be set, and starts output to the speaker 140. Then, the effect execution means 336 deletes the registration of the next sound to be continuously output.

(Step S1507)
Subsequently, the effect execution means 336 associates an output stop timer with the sound newly set for the track, and the timer value 2000 (= 1000 msec) corresponding to the length of the measure associated with the sound, for example, 1000 msec. /0.5 msec) is set, and the process proceeds to step S1510. Thus, a new sound is output for the track, and an output stop timer is newly set.

(Step S1508)
If it is determined in step S1505 that the next sound to be continuously output in association with the track is not registered, the effect execution unit 336 determines whether the sound set for the track has ended. To do. As a result, if the voice has ended, the process proceeds to step S1510. If the voice has not ended, the process proceeds to step S1509.

(Step S1509)
If it is determined in step S1508 that the sound set for the track has not ended, the effect execution means 336 is output to the output stop timer associated with the sound currently output. A timer value corresponding to the measure length associated with the current voice is set, and the existing voice output stop timer is updated.

(Step S1510)
Next, the effect execution means 336 determines whether or not all the tracks as access targets have been completed (1 to 7). As a result, if all the tracks as the access target have been completed, the timer interruption process S1500 is terminated, and if all have not been completed, the process proceeds to step S1511.

(Step S1511)
Subsequently, the effect execution means 336 increments the track to be accessed and repeats the processing from step S1502.

  In the present embodiment, in the timer interrupt process S1500, the output stop timer is used to count up to the break of the audio bar based on the audio data. In step S1504, the output stop timer is set to 0, and the existing audio output is stopped for the first time. In addition, a new audio output is started. With this configuration, it is possible to continuously output the sound up to the break of a measure without interrupting the middle of the measure, etc., regardless of the trigger to stop the sound, and to improve the effect effect by sound. Become.

(Modified example of predetermined cycle)
In the above-described embodiment, the predetermined period for dividing the sound is fixedly used. However, in the sub ROM 202b, the predetermined period associated with the sound may be varied for each gaming state.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the effect lottery table. For example, in the effect lottery table for the winning combination “BB” described with reference to FIG. 6, the predetermined period is fixed at 1000 msec, which is the length of the bar, like other winning combinations, but as shown in FIG. The predetermined cycle may be set to 4000 msec corresponding to four times the bar (four bars) only for a predetermined trigger (here, the second stop) of the winning lottery table for the winning combination “BB”.

  In this way, when the winning combination “BB” is won, that is, when the gaming state changes from the normal state to the internal middle gaming state, the audio output after the second stopping operation depending on the operation timing of the third stopping. Is output relatively longer than usual, and then the sound is switched to the sound after the third stop operation at a position where the cut is good.

  Here, a configuration in which sound is output to a point where such a cut is good can be used as one of the games. For example, it is assumed that after the second stop operation, the player grasps the measure of the sound and performs the third stop operation immediately after the time point divided by four measures. Then, if the gaming state is the normal gaming state and the winning combination is a replaying role or a small role, the voice is switched to a new voice after 1000 msec at the latest, and the winning role is BB or the gaming state is If the game is in the inside game state (if the effect lottery table of FIG. 15 is referred to), the voice may be switched to a new voice after waiting for 1000 to 4000 msec. Therefore, it is assumed that the player cannot display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination “BB” on the active line by measuring the operation timing of the third stop and grasping the subsequent audio switching timing. In addition, it is possible to grasp whether or not the game is in the internal game state, that is, whether or not the winning combination “BB” is won. Here, the predetermined cycle is changed only at the time of the third stop operation, but the operation for which the predetermined cycle is changed can be arbitrarily set. Further, the length of the predetermined period is not a problem as long as it is synchronized with a time when the sound is cut off, and is preferably a multiple of a measure.

  In addition, the gaming state to be notified or suggested in a predetermined cycle is not limited to the above-mentioned internal middle gaming state, but is an AT (assist time) gaming state, an RT (replay time) gaming state, an AT gaming state, or an RT gaming state. It includes various gaming states such as a transition high probability gaming state that is easy to transition. Here, in the AT gaming state, the winning combination in which the operation mode of the stop switch 130 is the predetermined operation mode, that is, the predetermined operation order, the predetermined operation timing, or a combination thereof is set as the winning condition. In the gaming state in which the player can easily display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination by notifying the operation order and the operation timing of the stop switch 130 when winning. In addition, the RT gaming state is a gaming state in which the winning probability of the winning combination for the consumption of medals is increased by setting the winning probability of the replaying role higher than the normal gaming state and suppressing the consumption of medals.

  In addition, the target to be notified or suggested in a predetermined cycle is not limited to the gaming state, but a player's gaming profit, for example, winning of the AT gaming state or RT gaming state (starting after digesting the predetermined number of games), AT It also includes the addition (addition) of the number of continuations of the AT game during the gaming state, suggesting a set value corresponding to the payout rate, and the like. By setting different predetermined cycles according to these gaming states and gaming profits, the player can grasp or estimate the state inside the gaming machine based on the operation timing and the voice output stop (or voice output switching) timing. It becomes possible to do.

  With this configuration, the player can grasp the gaming state and the gaming profit through his / her own operation timing, and can improve gaming performance and gaming motivation.

  As mentioned above, although preferred embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, it cannot be overemphasized that this invention is not limited to this embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made within the scope of the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. Is done.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the betting means 302, the start switch 128, the stop switch 130, and the checkout button 132 are given as operation means for the player to intervene in the game to determine the audio output stop timing. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and the player may set the operation timing of a chance button (a so-called production-specific button that triggers the generation, development or stoppage of the production by the player's operation). A variety of arbitrarily selectable switches and buttons can also be targeted.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, a description has been given by taking a measure as a predetermined period of sound. However, the present invention is not limited to such a case, and the predetermined period is not limited to such a case where repetitive sound or sound that fluctuates periodically. Arbitrary time can be set as the cycle.

  In the above-described embodiment, the slot machine 100 has been described. However, in this embodiment, a jackpot lottery is performed on the condition that a game ball has entered the start opening, and the jackpot lottery is won by this jackpot lottery. Then, it can also be applied to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine that can execute a game capable of acquiring a large number of prize balls.

  Further, the processes performed by the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 described above do not necessarily have to be processed in time series in the order described in the flowchart, and may include processes in parallel or by a subroutine.

100 ... slot machine (game machine)
202b ... sub-ROM (voice storage means)
202e ... IC for voice (voice storage means)
304 ... winning combination lottery means 306 ... reel control means 308 ... determination means 310 ... payout control means 334 ... effect determination means (voice determination means)
336 ... Production execution means (voice output means)

Claims (2)

Based on the operation of the start switch, a winning combination lottery means for determining either a winning combination or a loser by a winning combination lottery;
Based on the operation of the start switch, the rotation of a plurality of rotating reels each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged thereon is controlled, and the lottery result of the winning combination lottery means according to the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel And reel control means for controlling to stop the rotating reels corresponding to the operated stop switch,
A payout control means for paying out the game medium corresponding to the winning combination based on the winning combination winning determined in the winning combination lottery,
A determination means for determining whether or not to grant a gaming profit;
Sound determination means for determining a sound to be output from a plurality of sounds each associated with a period according to the progress of the game;
With
The voice determination means determines a specific voice having a different frequency from the other voices when the game profit grant is determined, as compared with a case where the game profit grant is not determined. A gaming machine characterized by that. Based on the operation of the start switch, a winning combination lottery means for determining either a winning combination or a loser by a winning combination lottery;
Based on the operation of the start switch, the rotation of a plurality of rotating reels each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged thereon is controlled, and the lottery result of the winning combination lottery means according to the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the rotating rotating reel And reel control means for controlling to stop the rotating reels corresponding to the operated stop switch,
A payout control means for paying out the game medium corresponding to the winning combination based on the winning combination winning determined in the winning combination lottery,
A determination means for determining whether or not to grant a gaming profit;
Sound determination means for determining sound to be output from a plurality of sounds including a specific sound according to the progress of the game;
With
The voice determining means determines the specific voice more frequently when the game profit is determined to be given than when the game profit is not given. Machine.

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