JP2019000186A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a game machine preventing a player from being unintentionally astonished by sound volume.SOLUTION: When a shift is made from a game state to a menu state, the sound volume of speakers 53, 54 is reduced and even when a shift is made from the menu state to the game state, the sound volume of the speakers 53, 54 remains at the reduced level. Therefore, when a shift is made from the menu state to the game state, the game state is not configured to be returned again with the original sound volume in the game state before being shifted to the menu state. As a result, it is possible to prevent a player from being unintentionally astonished by the sound volume. Further, since operation of a push button 56 and right and left keys become effective before the sound volume is reduced due to an elapse of a prescribed time, the player can make a shift, without waiting for an elapse of the prescribed time, to the menu state or a sound volume setting state from the game state. Accordingly, the sound volume can be reduced immediately.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs a game.

As a gaming machine, it is equipped with a variable display unit that can variably display a plurality of types of identification information that can each be identified. There is a slot machine that can generate a prize according to the display result. Furthermore, as a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is launched into a game area by a launching device, and when a game ball wins a prize area such as a prize opening provided in the game area, game value is given to the player. There is a pachinko machine.

As such a gaming machine, there is a gaming machine that displays a menu screen when a call button is operated and silences the BGM sound while the menu screen is displayed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2006-165550

In the above-described gaming machine, the BGM sound is restored at the original volume when the display of the menu screen is finished, and there is a possibility that the player may be surprised.

The present invention has been conceived in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that prevents the player from being surprised by the sound volume.

(1) In gaming machines that perform games (for example, slot machines, pachinko gaming machines)
A plurality of types including a specific image (for example, a menu image shown in FIG. 2B) showing information related to a game and a game image different from the specific image (for example, a game image shown in FIG. 2A) Display means (for example, liquid crystal display 51) for displaying the image of
A specific operation for switching the game image displayed on the display means to the specific image (
For example, a specific operation receiving means (for example, push button 56) that receives a push button 56 operation)
When the specific image is switched from the game image to the specific image while the sound corresponding to the game image is output at a specific volume during the display of the game image, the specific image is displayed during the display of the specific image. The volume is reduced below the volume (for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), when the game image is switched to the menu image, the volume becomes lower than the volume 5 in the advantageous state shown in FIG. 2 (a). ),
When the display of the specific image is finished, it is possible to display the game image again in a state where the volume is lower than the specific volume (for example, as shown in FIG.
The menu image is switched to the game image again at a volume 0 lower than the volume 5 in the advantageous state shown in (a)),
When the predetermined time (for example, 1 minute of the elapsed time after the end of the game, which becomes a switching condition from the game image shown in FIG. 2 (a) to the game image shown in FIG. 2 (e)) elapses after the game ends. (For example, as shown in FIG. 2 (e), when the menu image is switched to the game image again, the volume becomes lower than the volume 5 in the advantageous state shown in FIG. 2 (a)).
The acceptance of the specific operation is validated before the predetermined time elapses after the game ends (
For example, as shown in FIG. 2 (a), the operation of the left and right keys becomes effective 5 seconds after the game ends).

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
When switching from the gaming image to the specific image by the specific operation in a state where a sound corresponding to the gaming image is being output at a specific volume during the display of the gaming image, the sound is displayed during the display of the specific image. The output is stopped (for example, as shown in FIG. 2B, the output of the sound is stopped and the sound volume becomes 0).

(3) In the above gaming machine (1) or (2),
When the specific image is switched from the game image to the specific image while the sound corresponding to the game image is output at a specific volume during the display of the game image, the specific image is displayed during the display of the specific image. Output a sound corresponding to the image (for example, output a menu state BGM corresponding to the menu image as described in the column of [decrease processing] of the modification);
The volume of the sound corresponding to the specific image is designed to be lower than the volume of the sound corresponding to the game image (for example, as described in the column of [Decrease processing] in the modification example, FIG. The volume of the menu state BGM is designed to be lower than the volume in the advantageous state shown in FIG.

(4) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (3) above,
The display means displays a predetermined time (for example, from the menu image shown in FIG.
The specific image is switched to the game image when the elapsed time (one minute of the elapsed time that is a condition for switching to the game image) elapses.

(5) In any one of the above gaming machines (1) to (4),
When the selection item included in the specific image is selected, the display unit switches the specific image to the game image (for example, when the selection of the selection item of “End Menu” is confirmed, FIG. 2B). The menu image shown in FIG. 2 is switched to the game image shown in FIG.

(6) In any one of the above gaming machines (1) to (5),
The display means switches the specific image to the game image when a game start operation is performed (for example, when a game start operation is performed as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2E). (For example, the menu image shown in FIG. 2B is switched to the game image shown in FIG. 2A),
When the display of the specific image ends due to the establishment of the start condition, the game image can be displayed again in a state where a sound corresponding to the game image is output at the same volume as the specific volume ( For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 (a) and 2 (f), when the menu image is switched again from the menu image to the game image by the start operation, the volume 5 is the same as that in the advantageous state before the menu image is displayed.

(7) In any of the above gaming machines (1) to (6),
The plurality of types of images include setting images that can be set for effects (for example, FIG. 2C).
Volume setting image shown in
Setting operation for switching the game image displayed on the display means to the setting image (
For example, setting operation reception means (for example, the left switch 70) that receives the operation of the left and right keys)
a, a right switch 70b),
When the setting image is switched from the gaming image to the setting image in a state where a sound corresponding to the gaming image is output at a specific volume while the gaming image is displayed, the specific image is displayed while the setting image is displayed. The volume is reduced below the volume (for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), when the game image is switched to the volume setting image, the volume is lower than the volume 5 in the advantageous state shown in FIG. 2 (a). Become),
When the display of the setting image is finished, the game image can be displayed again in a state where the volume is lower than the specific volume (for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (e), FIG. 2
The volume setting image is switched from the volume setting image to the game image again at the volume 0 lower than the volume 5 in the advantageous state shown in FIG.

(8) In any one of the above gaming machines (1) to (7),
When the volume is set during the display of the specific image (for example, FIG. 2 (c), (
When the volume is changed from volume 5 to volume 2 as shown in d), when the display of the specific image ends, the sound corresponding to the game image is output at the volume according to the volume setting. Can display the game image (for example, as shown in FIG. 2 (f), the sound is output at the set volume 2).

It is a figure which shows the game machine which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a figure for demonstrating the volume at the time of a volume setting in a game state. It is a figure for demonstrating the sound volume when setting confirmation is performed in a game state.

A mode for carrying out a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.
[Push button and cross key]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid crystal display 51 that displays images and speakers 53 and 5 that output sound.
4, a push button 56, and a cross key 70. The push button 56 is a switch operated to display a menu image to be described later on the liquid crystal display 51 or to confirm a selection in a selection item to be described later. The cross key 70 includes a left switch 70a, a right switch 70b, an upper switch 70c, and a lower switch 70d, and displays a menu image and a volume setting image to be described later on the liquid crystal display 51, and selects each selection item. It is a switch operated to do. The left switch 70a and the right switch 70b are also referred to as left and right keys.

[Various states]
The gaming machine 1 can be controlled in various states such as a gaming state, a demo state, a menu state, and a volume setting state, and an image corresponding to each state is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 shown in FIG.

The gaming state is a state in which it can be recognized from the outside that the player is playing a game, and a state in which a game is being performed and a state in which a game has not been performed but has not yet entered the demo state. Including.

The gaming state includes a normal state and an advantageous state. The normal state is, for example, the gaming machine 1
As a design, the game value cannot be increased, or the game stay rate is higher than the advantageous state. The advantageous state is a state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. The advantageous state is, for example, a state in which the player's hand-held gaming value is more likely to increase than in the normal state, a state in which the player's hand-held gaming value is less likely to decrease, or a player's hand-held value than in the normal state. This is a state where it is easy to shift to a state in which the game value is likely to increase. Note that the advantageous state may be any state as long as it is more advantageous to the player than the normal state.

In the gaming state, a gaming image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The game image is an image from which it can be recognized from the outside that the player is playing a game. As an example of a game image, in a normal state, a game image including a background assuming daytime is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, and in an advantageous state, a game image including a background assuming night is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Is done. A game image including a character together with the background may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

In the demo state, it is possible to recognize from the outside that the player is not playing a game (for example, there is no player who plays a game, or there is a player who plays a game, but the player is temporarily absent). State. When a demo transition time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses after the unit game ends, the game state is shifted to the demo state. Specifically, in the gaming state, the elapsed time from the end of the game is measured. The measured elapsed time is reset when a game start condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the measured elapsed time is reset when a start operation for starting a game is performed. When the elapsed time measured in the gaming state reaches the demonstration transition time, the gaming state transitions to the demonstration state.

In the demo state, a demo image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The demo image is an image from which it can be recognized from the outside that the player is not playing a game. As an example of the demo image, in the demo state, an image indicating the model name of the gaming machine 1 and the name of the gaming machine manufacturer is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. As an example of the demo image, in the demo state, an explanation regarding the game is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

The menu state is a state in which the liquid crystal display 51 displays selection items that enable settings related to effects and information related to games. As a setting for production, the speaker 53
, 54 volume settings. As browsing of information related to games, there is browsing of payout tables and game histories. The payout table is a table showing a correspondence relationship between the game result and the provision of game value. The game history is a table representing a game history (for example, the number of times of advantageous state control and the total number of game values given). When the push button 56 is operated in the gaming state, the state shifts to the menu state. When the selection of the selection item for setting the volume in the menu state is confirmed, the state shifts to the volume setting state. Further, when the left and right keys are operated in the gaming state, the state directly shifts to the volume setting state without going through the menu state. Since the volume setting state is a state in which settings relating to effects such as volume setting are possible, it can also be said to be an effect setting state. Also, a process for shifting to the menu state when the push button 56 is operated in the gaming state, or a process for shifting directly to the volume setting state without going through the menu state when the left and right keys are operated in the gaming state. Is an example of specific processing performed in the gaming machine 1.

In the menu state, an image (also referred to as a menu image) showing various selection items is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as information relating to the game such as volume setting, payout table, and game history. In the volume setting state, an image (also referred to as a volume setting image) that enables volume setting is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

The setting confirmation state is a state in which a setting value related to the game value grant rate (the ratio between the game value used for the game and the game value assigned to the game machine 1) can be confirmed. is there. The set value can be set by the administrator stepwise from a value with a low grant rate to a value with a high grant rate. The higher the grant rate, the higher the advantage for the player. In the setting confirmation state, for example, an image (also referred to as a setting confirmation image) that can be recognized from the outside that the setting is being confirmed is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The process of shifting to the setting confirmation state in the gaming state is an example of a specific process performed in the gaming machine 1.

[Volume when volume is set in gaming state]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the sound volume when the sound volume is set in the gaming state.

FIG. 2A shows a screen of the liquid crystal display 51 in an advantageous state as a gaming state. FIG.
As shown in (a), in the advantageous state, a background image assuming night is displayed as the game image 71, and a character image of “remaining 35” is displayed as the remaining control period (for example, the number of games) in the advantageous state. The In an advantageous state, a preset volume (for example, volume 5
), A sound such as BGM is output from the speakers 53 and 54.

In the gaming state, when a predetermined time (for example, one minute) before the demo transition time elapses after the game ends, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 decreases. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (e), the output of sound from the speakers 53 and 54 stops. Specifically, in the gaming state, the elapsed time from the end of the game is measured, and FIG.
As shown in (e), when the measured elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 decreases. Even after the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 is lowered, the elapsed time in the gaming state is continuously measured. After that, when the measured elapsed time reaches the demo transition time, the game state shifts to the demo state. The elapsed time measured as described above is reset when a start operation for starting the game is performed.

As shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, when the start operation is performed, the speaker 53,
54 returns to the original volume.

Further, in the gaming state, when an activation time (for example, 5 seconds) before a predetermined time elapses after the unit game ends, it is possible to shift to the menu state or the volume setting state. Specifically, when the elapsed time measured in the gaming state reaches the validation time, the operation of the push button 56 and the left and right keys is validated. At this time, the LED lamp built in the push button 56 and the LED lamp built in the left / right key may be lit.

When the operation of the push button 56 and the left and right keys is activated due to the elapse of the activation time, the suggestion image 61 indicating that these operation means are activated is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 so as to overlap the game image 71. Is done. For example, a suggestion image 61 suggesting that a transition to the menu state is performed by operating the push button 56 and that a transition to the volume setting state is performed directly by operating the left and right keys is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 over the game image 71. Is done. The suggestion image 61 may be such that portions other than the icons indicating the character information, the push button 56 and the left and right keys have transparency so that the player can see the game image 71 of the overlapping portion.

Even after the operation of the push button 56 and the left and right keys is validated, the elapsed time in the gaming state is continuously measured. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2E, when the measured elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the sound volume decreases. As described above, since the operation of the push button 56 and the left and right keys is validated before the sound volume is reduced by the lapse of the predetermined time, the player can set the menu state or the sound volume without waiting for the lapse of the predetermined time. The game state can be shifted to the state, and the volume can be immediately reduced.

When the measured elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the suggestion image 6 in the liquid crystal display 51 is displayed.
The display of 1 also disappears. As described above, the measured elapsed time is reset when a start operation is performed. When the elapsed time is reset, the operation of the push button 56 and the left and right keys are invalidated again.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the push button 56 is operated in the gaming state, the gaming state shifts to the menu state. In the menu state, the menu image 72
Is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. In the menu image 72, various selection items that can be selected by the player are shown. For example, the menu image 72 shows a plurality of selection items such as “volume setting”, “payout table”, “game history”, and “menu end”. Thus, the player can select various selection items in the menu state.

In the menu image 72, a cursor 7 for representing a selection item in a selected state.
5 is also shown. Further, in the menu state, in addition to the menu image 72 and the cursor 75, a suggestion image 62 suggesting a selection method for each selection item and a selection confirmation method is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. For example, a suggestion image 62 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 indicating that the selection of the selection item being selected is confirmed by operating the push button 56 and that the selection item can be selected by operating the left and right keys.

Here, when the game state is shifted to the menu state, the sub-control unit 91 executes a reduction process for reducing the volume of the speakers 53 and 54. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the volume in the gaming state is set to 5, if the push button 56 is operated during the gaming state and the menu state is entered, Speakers 53 and 5
The volume of 4 becomes 0. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, when the game state is changed to the menu state, the output of BGM by the speakers 53 and 54 is stopped. As described above, when the game state is changed to the menu state, the sound volume is decreased, so that the player can perform sound volume setting or the like in a calm environment. In the menu state, the sound of the left and right keys and the push button 56 may be output while the volume of the BGM decreases.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when a start operation is performed in the menu state, the state again shifts from the menu state to the original gaming state. At this time, the speakers 53 and 54 return to the original volume, BGM is output again, and the elapsed time is measured again. Thus, when the player intends to start the game, the sound volume returns to the original sound volume, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable. In addition, although illustration is abbreviate | omitted, when it transfers to a game state from a menu state, the display of the suggestion image 61 in the liquid crystal display 51 is not performed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the player from being persistently suggested by the display of the suggestion image 61 in spite of immediately after the transition from the menu state to the gaming state.

In the menu state, the elapsed time since the transition to the menu state is measured.
The measured elapsed time is reset when the cross key 70 or the push button 56 is operated. In the menu state, the upper switch 70c and the lower switch 70d
However, even if the upper switch 70c or the lower switch 70d is operated, the measured elapsed time is reset. On the other hand, the measured elapsed time is
It is not reset by an operation that is invalid in the menu state other than the push button 56 and the cross key 70.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2E, when a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) elapses in the menu state, the menu state is shifted to the gaming state. Thus, the menu state is
Since the process ends after the elapse of the predetermined period, it is possible to prevent the menu image from being continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Furthermore, even if the player accidentally operates the upper switch 70c or the lower switch 70d, the elapsed time measurement is reset, so that the menu state can be prevented from being terminated without the player's intention. it can.

When the menu state is changed to the gaming state, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 is reduced and BGM is not output. When the player's advantage level is high, such as an advantageous state, the production tends to be more flashy than the normal state. The illusion that the volume is louder than. However, as described above, when changing from the menu state to the gaming state, the player does not return to the gaming state with the volume 5 in the gaming state shown in FIG. Can be prevented.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (e) and 2 (f), when a start operation is performed in a state where the volume is 0, BGM is output again from the speakers 53 and 54. Thus, when the player intends to start the game, the sound volume returns to the original sound volume, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2E, when the selection of “MENU END” is confirmed in the menu state, the state shifts from the menu state to the gaming state. In this way, the player can end the menu state on his / her own will. When shifting from the menu state to the gaming state again, the BGM is not output while the sound volume of the speakers 53 and 54 is reduced. FIG. 2 (e),
As shown in (f), when the start operation is performed in this state, the speakers 53 and 54 are again performed.
Returns to the original volume.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, when the selection of “volume setting” is confirmed in the menu state, the menu state is shifted to the volume setting state. When shifting to the volume setting state, the BGM is not output while the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 is lowered.

In the volume setting state, a volume setting image 73 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. In the volume setting image 73, selection items are shown in which the volume can be set stepwise from the minimum volume to the maximum volume. For example, the volume setting image 73 shows volume bars from volume 1 that is the minimum volume to volume 6 that is the maximum volume. Note that silence (mute) may be included as the minimum volume. Further, in the volume setting state, in addition to the volume setting image 73, a suggestion image 64 suggesting a volume selection method and a selection confirmation method is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. For example, the liquid crystal display 51 displays a suggestion image 64 that confirms selection of the selected volume by operating the push button 56 and returns to the original menu state and suggests that the volume can be selected by operating the left and right keys. Is displayed. In the sound volume setting state, the sound of the operation by the left / right key or the push button 56 may be output while the sound volume of the BGM decreases.

As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, when the push button 56 is operated in the volume setting state, the selected volume is confirmed, and the volume setting state is changed to the original menu state. When the menu state is entered, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 remains lowered. In addition,
When transitioning to the menu state, the cursor 75 may be placed on the selection item “MENU END”. If it does in this way, it can return to a gaming state by operating push button 56 twice continuously.

In the volume setting state, the elapsed time since the transition to the volume setting state is measured.
Similar to the menu state, the elapsed time measured in the volume setting state is reset when the cross key 70 or the push button 56 is operated, and is invalid in the menu state other than the push button 56 or the cross key 70. It is not reset by the operation.

As shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, for example, when 3 minutes elapses in the volume setting state, the game state is changed again from the volume setting state. In this way, the volume setting state controlled via the menu state ends after 3 minutes, and thus it is possible to prevent the volume setting image from being displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 forever. In addition, when 3 minutes elapses in the volume setting state, the menu state is not returned again. Thereby, after 3 minutes have passed in the volume setting state and after returning to the menu state again, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the game state is finally controlled after waiting for another 1 minute.

When the sound volume setting state shifts to the gaming state again, the sound volume of the speakers 53 and 54 remains lowered. In the present embodiment, when shifting from the volume setting state to the gaming state,
Similar to the volume setting state before the transition, BGM is not output from the speakers 53 and 54. In this way, when changing from the volume setting state to the gaming state, the game state does not return to the gaming state with the volume 5 in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A, thereby preventing the player from being surprised by the volume. can do.

As shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, when a start operation is performed in the restored gaming state,
BGM is output again from the speakers 53 and 54. Here, when the volume is set in the volume setting state (that is, when shifting in the order of (a), (b), (d), (e), (f)), the volume according to the volume setting BGM is output from the speakers 53 and 54. As described above, when the player intends to start the game, the volume is set after the setting, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable.

As described above, when the left and right keys are operated in the gaming state, the state directly shifts to the volume setting state without going through the menu state. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, when the left and right keys are operated after the left and right keys are operated in the gaming state, the game state is shifted to the volume setting state. . Note that the volume is not set by the operation of the left and right keys when shifting from the gaming state to the volume setting state.

Here, when the game state is shifted directly to the volume setting state, the sub-control unit 91 executes a reduction process for reducing the volume of the speakers 53 and 54. For example, FIG.
As shown in (c), when the volume in the gaming state is set to 5, when the left and right keys are operated in the gaming state to shift to the volume setting state, the speakers 53 and 54 are displayed.
Becomes 0. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, when the game state is shifted directly to the volume setting state, the output of BGM by the speakers 53 and 54 is stopped. As described above, when the transition is made from the gaming state to the volume setting state, the volume decreases, so that the player can set the volume in a calm environment. In the sound volume setting state, the sound of the operation by the left / right key or the push button 56 may be output while the sound volume of the BGM decreases.

Even when the game state is shifted directly to the volume setting state, the display mode of the liquid crystal display 51 in the volume setting state is the volume setting shown in FIG. 2D controlled via the menu state. This is the same as the display mode of the liquid crystal display 51 in the state. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated volume setting image for each of the volume setting state controlled via the menu state and the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state, and the data capacity of the RAM 91c Can be prevented from increasing.

As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2E, when the push button 56 is operated in the sound volume setting state, the selected sound volume is confirmed and the game state is again transferred from the sound volume setting state. Similarly to the volume setting state shown in FIG. 2D, in the volume setting state, the elapsed time since the transition to the volume setting state is measured.

As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2E, for example, when 10 seconds elapses in the sound volume setting state, the game state is changed again from the sound volume setting state. As described above, the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state is 1 as in the volume setting state controlled via the menu state.
Since the process ends after the elapse of 0 seconds, it is possible to prevent the volume setting image from being continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. For example, even if the administrator unexpectedly operates the push button 56 or the left / right key while cleaning the gaming machine 1, the menu state and the volume setting state end with the passage of time. It is possible to prevent the image from being displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

In addition, the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state shown in FIG. 2 (c) is completed via the menu state shown in FIG. The sound volume setting state ends after 3 minutes. Thus, the volume setting state controlled via the menu state is controlled over a longer time than the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state. This is because the player is more likely to set the volume in the volume setting state that is controlled through the menu state, while the volume setting state that is directly controlled from the gaming state is the player. This is because there is a possibility that the left and right keys are operated by mistake. That means
When there is a high possibility that the player is willing to set the volume, the convenience of the player can be improved by controlling the volume setting state for a long time. On the other hand, if the possibility that the player is willing to set the volume is not high, the convenience of the player can be improved by ending the control to the volume setting state in a short time. . In addition, push button 56
When there is a change to the menu state by the operation of, there are a plurality of choices such as a payout table, volume setting, and game history, whereas the left / right key operation has only one choice of volume setting. When 56 is operated, it is possible to make settings related to production over a longer period than when the left and right keys are operated.

When the sound volume setting state shifts to the gaming state again, the sound volume of the speakers 53 and 54 remains lowered. In the present embodiment, when shifting from the volume setting state to the gaming state,
Similar to the volume setting state before the transition, BGM is not output from the speakers 53 and 54. In this way, when changing from the volume setting state to the gaming state, the game state does not return to the gaming state with the volume 5 in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A, thereby preventing the player from being surprised by the volume. can do.

As shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, when a start operation is performed in the restored gaming state,
The BGM is output again from the speakers 53 and 54 again. Here, when the volume is set in the volume setting state (that is, when shifting in the order of (a), (c), (e), (f)),
BGM is output from the speakers 53 and 54 at a volume according to the volume setting. As described above, when the player intends to start the game, the volume is set after the setting, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable.

[Volume when setting is confirmed in gaming state]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the sound volume when the setting confirmation is performed in the gaming state.

FIG. 3A shows a screen of the liquid crystal display 51 in an advantageous state as a gaming state. FIG.
As shown in (a) and (b), when a transition operation to the setting confirmation state is performed in the gaming state, the gaming state is shifted to the setting confirmation state. In the setting confirmation state, a setting confirmation image 76 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. When transitioning to the setting confirmation state, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 decreases. Specifically, the speakers 53 and 54 can output sound from a plurality of channels.
BGM in the gaming state is output from the first channel, and a setting confirmation sound is output from the second channel. When the game state is shifted to the setting confirmation state, the output channel is switched from the first channel to the second channel of the speakers 53 and 54. Accordingly, when the game state is shifted to the setting confirmation state, the BGM in the gaming state is not output, but the setting confirmation sound is output. Furthermore, the volume of the setting confirmation sound that is output in the setting confirmation state is lower than the volume of the BGM that is output in the gaming state.

Even after the transition from the gaming state to the setting confirmation state, the elapsed time from the end of the game continues to be measured. Then, when a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) elapses, the BGM output in the first channel stops. However, in the setting confirmation state, since the output channel has been switched to the second channel, the setting confirmation sound remains output. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, when the release operation from the setting confirmation state is performed in the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation state is shifted to the gaming state. At this time, the output channel is switched to the first channel. As described above, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 is 0 because the output of the BGM is stopped as the predetermined time elapses. In this way, when changing from the setting confirmation state to the gaming state, the game state does not return to the gaming state with the volume 5 in the gaming state shown in FIG. 3A, thereby preventing the player from being surprised by the volume. can do.

When the start operation is performed in the gaming state shown in FIG. 3C, as shown in FIG.
The speakers 53 and 54 again return to the original volume. Thus, when the player intends to start the game, the sound volume returns to the original sound volume, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable.

[Main effects]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 decreases when the game state is shifted to the menu state. And as shown in FIG.
Even when the menu state is changed to the gaming state, the sound volume of the speakers 53 and 54 remains lowered. This prevents the player from being surprised by the volume because the game state is not restored again at the original volume in the gaming state before the transition to the menu state when the menu state transitions to the gaming state. can do.

As shown in FIG. 2B, when the game state is changed to the menu state, the speaker 53
, 54 stops outputting sound. Thereby, the player can perform volume setting etc. in a calm environment.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 2 (e), the menu state ends after a predetermined period of time.
It is possible to prevent the menu image from being continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 2 (e), when the selection of “end menu” is confirmed in the menu state, the player shifts from the menu state to the gaming state, so that the player ends the menu state by his / her own intention. be able to.

As shown in FIGS. 2 (e) and 2 (f), when the start operation is performed when the gaming state is volume 0, the original volume in the gaming state before the transition to the menu state is restored. This
When the player intends to start the game, the sound volume returns to the original sound volume, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 decreases when the game state is shifted directly to the volume setting state without going through the menu state. And FIG. 2 (e)
As shown in FIG. 5, even when the state is changed from the volume setting state to the gaming state, the sound volume of the speakers 53 and 54 remains lowered. As a result, as with the transition from the menu state to the gaming state, the game state is restored to the original volume in the gaming state before the transition to the volume setting state even when the volume setting state is shifted to the gaming state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being surprised by the sound volume.

In the gaming state shown in FIG. 2 (a), the operation of the push button 56 and the left / right key is validated before the sound volume is reduced by the lapse of the predetermined time, so the player waits for the lapse of the predetermined time. The game state can be shifted to the menu state or the volume setting state, and the volume can be immediately reduced.

As shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the volume setting state controlled via the menu state ends with the passage of time, so that the volume setting image is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Can be prevented. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2E, the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state is also ended with the passage of time, so that the volume setting image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 forever. It can be prevented from continuing.

As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, the same volume setting image is displayed in both the volume setting state controlled via the menu state and the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state. Since it is displayed on the display 51, there is no need to provide a dedicated volume setting image for each,
An increase in the data capacity of the RAM 91c can be prevented.

The volume setting state controlled via the menu state shown in FIG. 2 (d) is controlled over a longer time than the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state shown in FIG. 2 (c). . As a result, when there is a high possibility that the player is willing to set the volume, it is possible to improve the player's convenience by controlling the volume setting state over a long period of time. If it is not likely that the player has a willingness to set the volume, the player's convenience can be improved by ending the control to the volume setting state in a short time.

As shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, when time elapses in the volume setting state controlled via the menu state, the game state is entered without returning to the menu state again. It is possible to avoid the disadvantage that the volume setting image and the menu image are displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

As shown in FIG. 2B, in the menu image 72, “volume setting”, “payout table”,
Since a plurality of selection items such as “game history” and “menu end” are shown, the player can select various selection items in the menu state.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the game state is shifted to the setting confirmation state, the speaker 53
, 54 is reduced in volume. And as shown in FIG.3 (c), even if it transfers to a game state from a setting confirmation state, the sound volume of the speakers 53 and 54 remains falling. As a result, when changing from the setting confirmation state to the gaming state, the game state is not restored again at the original volume in the gaming state before the transition to the setting confirmation state. Can be prevented.

[Modification]
As mentioned above, although main embodiment in this invention has been described, this invention is not restricted to said embodiment, A various deformation | transformation and application are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[About gaming machines]
The gaming machine 1 described above includes a plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information that can each be identified. After the variable display unit is variably displayed, the variable display unit displays the variable display by stopping the variable display. A slot machine that derives a result and can generate a prize according to a display result combination that is a combination of display results of a plurality of variable display units may be used. The gaming machine 1 described above may be a pachinko gaming machine that can be controlled to a big hit gaming state that is advantageous to the player according to the result of the variable display of a plurality of types of identification information that can each be identified.

[About degradation processing]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the game state is shifted to the menu state, the output of the BGM during the game state from the speakers 53 and 54 is stopped. Not limited to this. For example, when a transition is made from the gaming state to the menu state, the BGM in the gaming state is output from the speakers 53 and 54, but the volume is the same as that in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A before the transition to the menu state. The volume may be lower than. In the menu state, a menu state BGM dedicated to the menu state may be output from the speakers 53 and 54. In any case, the sound volume is shown in FIG. 2 before the transition to the menu state.
What is necessary is just to make it lower than the original sound volume in the gaming state shown in (a).

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2C, when the game state is shifted directly to the volume setting state, the output of BGM during the game state from the speakers 53 and 54 is stopped. Yes, but not limited to this. For example, when a transition is made from the gaming state to the volume setting state, BGM in the gaming state is output from the speakers 53 and 54, but the volume is the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A before the transition to the volume setting state. It may be lower than the original volume at. Also,
In the volume setting state, the volume setting state BGM dedicated to the volume setting state is used for the speakers 53 and 5.
4 may be output. In any case, those volumes may be lower than the original volume in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A before the transition to the volume setting state. Note that FIG.
As shown in), when the game state is changed to the volume setting state via the menu state,
This is the same as the sound volume setting state shown in FIG.

Further, the volume of the menu state BGM and the volume setting state BGM as described above may be designed to be lower than the gaming state BGM output from the speakers 53 and 54 in the gaming state. For example, regardless of the volume setting, the menu state BGM and the volume setting state BGM may always have a lower volume than the gaming state BGM.
Further, the maximum value of the volume setting stage in the menu state BGM or the volume setting state BGM may be lower than the minimum value of the volume setting stage in the gaming state BGM.
For example, the volume setting stage in the menu state BGM and the volume setting state BGM is volume 0-2, whereas the volume setting stage in the gaming state BGM is volume 3-6.
It may be.

When the menu state shown in FIG. 2 (b) or the volume setting state shown in FIGS. 2 (c) and 2 (d) is returned to the gaming state shown in FIG. Although output, the volume may be lower than the original volume in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2 (a) before the transition to the menu state or the volume setting state. For example, in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A, the volume of BGM is 5, but in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2E, it may be set to 1 at which the volume of BGM is minimized.

Further, in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2 (e) that has returned from the volume setting state shown in FIGS. 2 (c) and 2 (d), as in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2 (f), the volume is set. The sound may be output from the speakers 53 and 54 at a volume of.

[About elapsed time]
In the present embodiment, when a transition is made from the gaming state to the volume setting state via the menu state, the gaming state is greater than when the transition is made directly from the gaming state to the volume setting state without going through the menu state. The elapsed time to return to was long. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the game state transitions from the gaming state to the volume setting state via the menu state, and when the game state directly transitions from the gaming state to the volume setting state without going through the menu state, The elapsed time until returning to may be the same.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, when the game state is changed to the volume setting state via the menu state, the game state is restored over time. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when the game state is changed to the volume setting state via the menu state, the demo state may be changed over time and the demo image may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2E, when the game state is directly changed to the volume setting state without going through the menu state, the game state is restored over time. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when the game state is changed directly to the volume setting state without going through the menu state, the demo state may be changed over time and the demo image may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

[Volume after setting confirmation]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3C, the sound output from the speakers 53 and 54 is stopped when the game state is shifted to the setting confirmation state. Absent. For example, when a transition is made from the gaming state to the setting confirmation state, sound is output from the speakers 53 and 54, but the volume may be lower than the original volume in the gaming state before the transition to the setting confirmation state. In the setting confirmation state, the sound during setting confirmation may not be output and the volume may be zero. Further, in the setting confirmation state, the output channel is not switched to the second channel, and the same BGM as the gaming state before the transition to the setting confirmation state is performed by the speaker 5.
It may be output from 3,54 first channels. In this case, the speakers 53 and 54
The volume of BGM output from the BGM may be set lower than the volume of BGM in the gaming state shown in FIG.

[Direction setting status]
In the present embodiment, the volume setting state in which volume setting is possible is exemplified as the effect setting state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the production setting state may be a setting relating to production such as a state in which the amount of light and brightness can be set, a state in which the frequency of exercises can be set, and a state in which the contents of the production (such as characters appearing) can be set. Any state may be used.

[Specific processing]
In the present embodiment, as the specific process, the process of shifting to the menu state in the gaming state, the process of shifting to the volume setting state in the gaming state, and the process of shifting to the setting confirmation state in the gaming state are exemplified. Not exclusively. For example, the specific process may be an error process that controls the gaming machine 1 to an error state when an error occurs.

[Other variations]
In the present embodiment, the advantageous state is exemplified as the gaming state in the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, but the present invention can also be applied in the normal state.

In the present embodiment, the same volume setting image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 in both the volume setting state controlled via the menu state and the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state.
However, the two volume setting images may be different from each other.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  51 liquid crystal display, 53, 54 speaker, 56 push button, 70 cross key.

Claims (1)

In gaming machines that perform games,
Display means for displaying a plurality of types of images including a specific image showing information related to a game and a game image different from the specific image;
Specific operation accepting means for accepting a specific operation for switching the game image displayed on the display means to the specific image;
When the specific image is switched from the game image to the specific image while the sound corresponding to the game image is output at a specific volume during the display of the game image, the specific image is displayed during the display of the specific image. Reduce the volume below the volume,
When the display of the specific image is finished, it is possible to display the game image again in a state where the volume is lower than the specific volume,
Decrease the volume when a predetermined time has elapsed after the game ends,
The acceptance of the specific operation is validated before the predetermined time has elapsed after the game ends.
Gaming machine.

Images