JP3891855B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball game machine, and a revolving game machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine that enables various sound effects.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A gaming machine is generally composed of a plurality of circuit boards separated according to function, and the plurality of circuit boards cooperate to realize a complex gaming operation as a whole. Such a gaming machine is generally composed of a main control board that is responsible for overall game control and a plurality of sub-control boards that operate based on control commands from the other control units. .
[0003]
Sub-control boards include, for example, a symbol control board that controls a liquid crystal display, a payout control board that controls a payout operation of a game ball, a lamp control board that blinks an LED lamp, and a voice control board that drives a speaker. .
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the configuration of the conventional audio control board, there is a limit to the variety of audio effects, and the player may feel unsatisfactory. In other words, in the liquid crystal display, the player is energized by varying movements of various characters such as reach effects, but compared to that, the sound effect is made into one pattern, and the players who are waiting for the big hit state are effectively energized I couldn't.
[0005]
Further, when a plurality of audio signals are mixed and output, the mixed audio signal may be saturated. In order to avoid such a situation, it is necessary to examine the appropriateness of the combination timing of the audio signals, and the program design and circuit design are very complicated.
[0006]
This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, Comprising: It aims at providing the game machine which enabled various audio effects. It is another object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that does not require detailed examination as to whether or not a combination of a plurality of audio signals can be designed.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a gaming machine having an effect control unit that outputs a sound signal based on a control command from another control unit, wherein the effect control unit includes:A single CPU repeatedly executes data output processing (STOUT1), data generation processing (STOUT2 to STOUT8), and data processing processing (STOUT9 to STOUT10) to the D / A converter at predetermined execution cycles. The sound signal is output from the D / A converter,In the data generation processBased on the control commandAudio data is read from the memory, and in the data processing process, the audio data read by the data generation process is corrected based on a conversion table that defines the relationship between the input level and the output level and stored in the memory.,In the data output process, the data stored in the memory by the data processing process is read and output to the D / A converter..
[0008]
  The invention according to claim 2 is based on the control command in a gaming machine having an effect control unit that outputs a sound signal based on a control command from another control unit.A single CPU of the effect control unit repeats a data generation process for reading audio data from the memory and a data output process for outputting the read audio data to the D / A converter every predetermined execution cycle. By executing, the original sound signal is output from the D / A converter,The original sound signal is output with a sound effect applied by way of an analog circuit whose circuit configuration is switched according to control data from the CPU.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the gaming machine of the present invention will be described in more detail based on examples. FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating the overall configuration of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment. The illustrated pachinko machine has a main control board 1 for centrally controlling gaming operations, a symbol control board 2 for changing characters and symbols displayed on the liquid crystal display 8, and a voice for driving a speaker to realize a sound effect. A control board 3, a lamp control board 4 that realizes a lamp effect by blinking lamps, a payout control board 5 that pays out game balls, and a launch control board that is controlled by the payout control board 5 and fires game balls 7 and a power supply substrate 6 that receives AC 24V and supplies a DC voltage to each part of the apparatus.
[0027]
The main control board 1, the design control board 2, the voice control board 3, the lamp control board 4, and the payout control board 5 are each composed of a computer circuit having a one-chip microcomputer. Based on the control command from the main control board 1, the individual control operations described above are realized. In this embodiment, the control command has a 2-byte length and is transmitted by a one-way parallel communication method, but is not particularly limited to this configuration.
[0028]
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the audio control board 3. As shown in the figure, the sound control board 3 mainly includes a one-chip microcomputer 10 and an amplifier 11 that amplifies a sound analog signal (sound effect and background sound mixing sound) output from the one-chip microcomputer 10. . The one-chip microcomputer 10 includes an input port 12 that receives a control command from the main control board 1, a CPU core 13 that controls the operation of the voice control board 3, and a TPU (Timer Pulse) that outputs various signals based on a system clock. Unit) 16, an interrupt controller 14 that receives internal interrupt signals CH0 and CH1 from TPU 16 and a strobe signal STB from main control board 1, and D that outputs PCM audio data restored in software and outputs an audio analog signal / A converter 15, ROM (Read Only Memory) 17 that stores the control program and ADPCM data (adaptive differential pulse code modulation) in a fixed manner, and RAM (Random Access) used as a work area for the control program Memory) 18.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 17, the interrupt controller 14 is supplied with internal interrupt signals CH0 and CH1 from the TPU 16 and a strobe signal STB from the main control board 1, both of which can be prohibited (masked). It is a signal. The strobe signal STB is a signal output from the main control board 1 together with the control command. The strobe signal STB is supplied to the interrupt controller 14 as an IRQ (Interrupt Request) signal, and the interrupt controller 14 that has received this signal sends an interrupt signal to the CPU core 13. In addition to supplying INT, an interrupt vector specifying an interrupt processing routine is output.
[0030]
The TPU 16 channel 0 and channel 1 are set to output an internal interrupt signal, respectively, but the interrupt signal CH1 from the channel 1 is set to be emitted every 4 mS, and the interrupt signal CH0 from the channel 0 is Are set to be emitted at each sampling period (τ) individually set by the control program. Here, the sampling period means the output interval (τ) of the audio analog signal output from the D / A converter 15.
[0031]
The sampling period (τ) is individually set by the control program so that the sampling period can be appropriately changed according to each voice message output from the D / A converter 15. For example, when reproducing audio data (ADPCM data) acquired at sampling frequencies of 8 KHz, 16 KHz, and 32 KHz and stored in the ROM 17, the time intervals (τ) of 125 μS, 62.5 μS, and 31.25 μS, respectively. When the interrupt signal CH0 is issued, the ADPCM data is converted into PCM data and output from the D / A converter 15 at a timing corresponding to the sampling frequency.
[0032]
1 to 5 exemplify a reference table for explaining the relationship between the control command received from the main control board 1 and the voice information issued from the voice control board 3. In this embodiment, in response to a 2-byte length control command transmitted from the main control board 1, sound information obtained by mixing sound effects (SE) and background sounds (BGM) is output from the speaker SP. First, this series of processes will be schematically described.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 1A, a 1-byte Fi command (complete information Full Intelligence Command) is specified corresponding to the received 2-byte control command. Here, the control command is generated in the main control board 1 and is systematized corresponding to the temporal transition of the gaming state. The gaming state typically changes as winning in the symbol start opening 35 → symbol changing operation on the display device 8 → jackpot game, but the control commands are grouped for each gaming state and systematized. ing. For example, the control command of the group of A0 ** H is a control command that specifies the type of symbol variation operation (** is an arbitrary hexadecimal number from 00 to 4B).
[0034]
On the other hand, the Fi command is an internal command unique to the voice control board 3 and is organized in accordance with the voice information to be output. For example, the Fi command 00H means silence, and 65H means specific voice information, but the control command and the internal command (Fi command) correspond to M: N. When M ≠ N, but when M> N is set, the correspondence relationship as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D is obtained.
[0035]
As described above, in this embodiment, the control command systematized corresponding to the gaming state is converted into the internal command systematized corresponding to the voice information to be output. The optimal control operation can be realized without waste. The voice control board 3 needs to output voice information one after another in real time, and in order to improve the sound quality, the time that can be allocated to the control operation is extremely limited. First, it is significant to convert into an internal command organized for the voice control board.
[0036]
The Fi command will be specifically described below. In this embodiment, the Fi command is to completely specify a series of voice information. For example, when the symbol change operation is started on the display device 8 in accordance with the winning at the symbol start opening, (1) “I can expect this time!” → (2) ... (silence) → (3) "Hore reach!" → (4) ... -(Silence state)-> (5) A series of sound effects SE such as "Yeah !. Big hit !!!!" are specified together with the background sound BGM (usually music).
[0037]
The Fi command is configured by combining the classification information (1) to (5) as described above, and the classification information is specified by the Si command (Semi Intelligence Command). That is, the Fi command is composed of a combination of Si commands. By combining a plurality of Si commands, (1) “I can expect this time!”, (2) ... (silent state), (3 ) "Hora Reach!", (4) ... (silence), (5) "Yeah!
[0038]
FIG. 2 schematically shows the relationship between the Fi command, the Si command, and the sound NO. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, for one Fi command, an Si command for background sound (BGM) and an Si command for sound effect (SE) are specified. For example, in the case of the Fi command with the command number 01H, a combination of a series of 10 Si command numbers (50H, 23H, 50H, 24H, 41H, 50H, 4BH, 4CH, 5CH, 50H) is specified as the sound effect. As a background sound, a combination of a series of seven Si command numbers (01H, 51H, 02H, 51H, 10H, 0FH, 51H) is specified. H means a hexadecimal number.
[0039]
Each Si command is defined along with its playback time. In the case of the sound effect (SE) illustrated in FIG.
(1) Si command 50H (silence) that requires 9.4 seconds of playback time
(2) Si command 23H, which requires a playback time of 0.7 seconds
(3) Si command 50H (silence) that requires a playback time of 12.7 seconds
(4) Si command 24H requiring a playback time of 1.0 seconds
(5) Si command 41H requiring a playback time of 0.8 seconds
(6) Si command 50H (silence) that requires 3.6 seconds of playback time
(7) Si command 4BH requiring a playback time of 2.0 seconds
(8) Si command 4CH that requires a playback time of 0.8 seconds
(9) Si command 5CH requiring 11.27 seconds of playback time
(10) Si command 50H (silence) that requires a playback time of 0.004 seconds
Means that the Fi command 1 is activated. The Si command to be executed among the series of Si commands is determined by the progress counter CNT for SE. Directed by SE.
[0040]
These points are the same for the background sound. In the case of the background sound (BGM) illustrated in FIG.
(1) Si command 01H that requires 9.4 seconds of playback time
(2) Si command 51H (silence) requiring a playback time of 0.7 seconds
(3) Si command 02H requiring a playback time of 12.7 seconds
(4) Si command 51H (silence) requiring a playback time of 3.6 seconds
(5) Si command 10H which requires a playback time of 4.8 seconds
(6) Si command 0FH which requires 9.1 second playback time
(7) Si command 51H (silence) requiring a playback time of 0.004 seconds
Means that the Fi command 01H is activated. The BGM progress counter CNT determines which Si command is currently to be executed in the series of Si commands. Directed by BG.
[0041]
Each Si command is further configured to specify a combination of a sound NO that is an audio part and its playback time. For example, in the example of FIG. 2A, the Si command 5CH is a sound NO47H requiring a reproduction time of 0.6 seconds → a sound NO47H requiring a reproduction time of 0.6 seconds → ... → reproduction of 1.1 seconds. Sound NO47H requiring time →... → Equipped with sound NO56H requiring reproduction time of 2 seconds. As described above, the sound NO and the reproduction time thereof are not necessarily fixed, and the reproduction time is appropriately changed. The sound NO to be executed among the series of sound NOs is determined by the progress counter PT. Directed by CNT. In FIG. 2, ENDCD is a code indicating the end of data, and the playback time is in units of mS (milliseconds) and is specified in the format ** / 4. This is because interrupt processing occurs every 4 ms.
[0042]
As described above, in this embodiment, the Fi command is specified from the control command, the Si command combination is specified by the Fi command, and each Si command is configured to specify the sound NO combination. 3 to 5 illustrate in more detail the relationship from the identification of the Fi command number to the reproduction of the audio signal, and FIG. 3 illustrates the relationship between the Fi command number and a series of Si commands for realizing this. Is shown. FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the Si command and a series of sound NOs for effecting this, and FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the sound NO and the storage location of the corresponding audio data (ADPCM data). Is shown.
[0043]
Hereinafter, the control program of the voice control board 3 will be described based on these points. In the present embodiment, the control program for the audio control board 3 includes a main routine (FIG. 6) that is started after power is turned on, a timer interrupt processing routine (FIG. 7) that is started every predetermined time (4 mS), A sound output interrupt routine (FIG. 14) for supplying PCM data to the D / A converter at each sampling period (τ), and a reception interrupt routine (FIG. 15) started by receiving a strobe signal STB from the main control board 1; It is composed of an abnormal interrupt routine (not shown) that is started due to a program runaway or the like.
[0044]
When a timer interrupt (FIG. 7), a sound output interrupt (FIG. 14), and a reception interrupt (FIG. 15) are started, the CPU is disabled. In this embodiment, the CPU is interrupted in the interrupt processing routine. Since the state is not returned to the permitted state, if any interrupt processing is started during the execution of the main routine, the other interrupt signals will be held thereafter unless the EI instruction is executed in the main routine.
[0045]
First, the main routine will be described with reference to FIG. 6. When the gaming machine is powered on, the RAM 18 of the one-chip microcomputer 10 constituting the voice control board 3 is cleared to zero (ST1) and other initial processing is performed. Perform (ST2). Next, after a voice activation process is performed to issue a unique guidance voice message when the power is turned on (ST3), the CPU is set to an interrupt enabled state (EI: enable interrupt) and the built-in module of the one-chip microcomputer 10 is installed. It is reset to the initial state (ST4). Note that a maskable interrupt signal is accepted only after the CPU executes the EI instruction.
[0046]
Subsequently, a process related to the sound control work table (see FIG. 13) that manages the activation of the sound NO is performed (ST5). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 12, the processes of steps ST92 to ST97 are performed on the control work tables SNDCTBL (for BGM) and SNDCTBL (for SE) shown in FIG. First, the data of the SNDNO address storing the sound NO in the work table SNDCTBL and the inverted data of the data of the SNDNOCS address are compared, and if they match, the data of the SNDNO address is used as the sound NO in the subsequent processing (ST92). ).
[0047]
On the other hand, if the two do not match, the data in the backup area SNOBUP is used as the sound NO on condition that the data in the SNOBUP address and the inverted data of the data in the SNOBUPC address match (ST92). If neither data can be used, silence processing is performed so that no sound is produced from the speaker.
[0048]
As described above, the first information and the second information obtained by inverting the first information are stored in the work area, and the data stored in the work area by the first and second information is stored. The validity is checked. As described above, the validity of the data (sound NO) is strictly checked in the case of the present embodiment, in addition to the occurrence of the data reception interrupt (ST15) during the execution of the main routine, the timer interrupt every 4 ms. (FIG. 7) and the audio output interrupt (FIG. 14) are executed in parallel, and the control processing for the sound NO is performed at a complicated timing in each case, so there is a possibility that data inconsistency may occur in rare cases. Because. The validity check is not limited to the above method, but may be a checksum method using a predetermined number of bits.
[0049]
Subsequently, the sound NO and its inverted data are stored in the SNOBUP address, SNDNOCS address, and SNOBUPC address of the work table SNDCTBL (ST93). Further, the data of the ADFLG address, SNDADR address, SNDFLG address, SNDNO address, DELTA address, XN address, ADFLG address, and SNDADR address of the work table SNDCTBL are acquired in this order (ST94). Here, the reason why the data at the ADFLG address and the SNDADR address is acquired twice is that the stored data may change due to a timer interrupt (FIG. 7) or an audio output interrupt (FIG. 14) during the process of step ST94. Because there is. Therefore, as long as the first and last data do not match, all the data is acquired again.
[0050]
Next, (SNDFLG + SNDNO + DELTA + AFDLG + XN + SNDADR H + SNDADR L), the checksum is calculated by the 16-bit addition operation, and the inverted data is converted to B Store in the CS address (ST95). SNDADR H is the upper 2 bytes of the 4-byte length address value (4 bytes from SNDADR address), SNDADR L means the lower 2 bytes. In addition, B of work table SNDCTBL DELTA address, B Address XN, B ADFLG address, B SNDADR address, B SNDNO address, B Backup data is stored in the address SNDFLG. This also takes into consideration that the stored data may change due to the occurrence of a timer interrupt (FIG. 7) or an audio output interrupt (FIG. 14) during the processing of step ST94.
[0051]
Subsequently, address information and other information corresponding to the sound NO are acquired based on the reference table SNDBL of FIG. 5A and stored in the SNDSTR address, SNDEND address, SNDLOOP address, and SMPFRQ address of the work table SNDCTBL (ST96). ).
[0052]
The processes in steps ST92 to ST96 are performed for the control work tables SNDCTBL (for BGM) and SNDCTBL (for SE). The contents of the control work table SNDCTBL are updated during the execution of the main routine (mainly ST4). This is because the audio information output process (FIG. 14) is also progressing every sampling period (τ).
[0053]
When the process of step ST5 is completed as described above, the command conversion process and the random number distribution process are performed on the condition that a new control command is received (ST6). If a new control command has been received, COM 5AH is stored in the WRT address (ST6). Here, the command conversion process is a RING that cyclically stores control commands from the main control board 1. The BUFFER area (see the reception buffer in FIG. 15B) is checked, and if a new control command is detected, the control command is referred to the Fi command by referring to the conversion table as shown in FIG. It is processing to convert to. The random number distribution process is a process for changing the Fi command with reference to a lottery table as shown in FIG.
[0054]
In the random number distribution process, specifically, the Fi command is changed by the Fi command determined by the command conversion process and the random value RND. Here, the random value RND is, for example, 0 to 255 (= RND MAX). Therefore, in the example of FIG. 1B, when the Fi command determined by the command conversion process is 11H, if 0 ≦ random number value RND ≦ 68 or 79 ≦ random number value RND ≦ 255, Fi command = 11H. However, if 69 ≦ random number value RND ≦ 78, the Fi command is changed to 83H.
[0055]
Next, the random value RND is updated (ST7). In this embodiment, the random value RND is 0 to 255 (= RND). MAX), it is updated by incrementing (+1) the random number value RND within the numerical range. Subsequently, the value of the sound NO write completion flag RCMDFLG is checked. If this flag RCMDFLG is not set, it is determined that there is no audio information to be newly output, and the process returns to step ST4 (ST8). The sound NO write completion flag RCMDFLG is set when the sound NO corresponding to the new control command is determined in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 7) (see ST58 in FIG. 9 (a)).
[0056]
Therefore, if it is confirmed in step ST8 that the sound NO write completion flag RCMDFLG is set, sound NO analysis processing is executed (ST9). Specifically, the sound NO written in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 7) is copied to the work area RCMD, and various information corresponding to the sound NO is stored in the corresponding column of the sound control work table SNDCTRL. Store (ST9).
[0057]
In the sound NO analysis process (ST9), the validity of the sound NO is also determined. Therefore, if it is determined that the sound is not valid, the process returns to step ST4. The process proceeds to output start processing (ST11). Sound NO is not valid because it is considered that a plurality of interrupt processes may be executed in multiple layers. In such a case, the audio output activation process is skipped. Is prevented from being output.
[0058]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST10 that the sound NO is valid, a series of sound data sampling periods (τ) corresponding to the extracted sound NO are specified as the sound output activation process. Thus, the internal interrupt signal CH0 is set to be output from the TPU 16 at every sampling period (τ) (ST11). Then, the process returns to step 4. However, since the internal interrupt signal CH0 is set to be output from the TPU 16, thereafter, an internal interrupt occurs every sampling period (τ) and corresponds to the specified sound NO. Audio data is output every sampling period (τ) (see FIG. 15).
[0059]
As described above, after the power is turned on, the processing from steps ST4 to ST11 is repeated in an infinite loop. In parallel with such main routine processing, timer interrupt processing shown in FIG. 7 is performed. In timer interrupt processing, the BGM variable TIME that manages the playback time of the Si command Variable TIME for BG and SE It is decremented (-1) until SE becomes zero. Further, the BGM variable PT1 and SE variable PT2 that manage the reproduction time of the sound NO are decremented to zero. As described above with reference to FIG. 2, the playback time of the Si command and the sound NO is specified and extracted, but each variable TIME is used to realize the specified playback time. BG, TIME SE, PT1, and PT2 are decremented. Since the interrupt period of the timer interrupt is 4 mS, for example, 9400/4 = 2350 interrupt processes are required to realize a reproduction time of 9.4 seconds.
[0060]
Subsequently, work area COM It is determined whether or not the value of WRT is 05H (ST21). As described in step ST6 of FIG. 6, when a new control command is acquired, the work area COM 05H is written in WRT. So work area COM If WRT = 05H, after initializing the work area for the Fi command and the work area for the Si command (ST22), COM that is the command buffer area The Fi command stored in the SND (not shown) is changed to the COM command storage area COM. Store in NUM (ST23).
[0061]
The work areas for Fi command and Si command have the data structures shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, and the work area for Fi command includes a storage area COM. A NUM is provided. In addition, the time variable TIME for the Si command which becomes a problem in step ST20. BG, TIME SE is provided in the work area for Fi command, and time variables PT1 and PT2 for sound NO are provided in the work area for Si command.
[0062]
When the process of step ST23 is completed, the Fi command storage area COM Buffer area BUP by bit-inverting stored contents of NUM COM to indicate that the initial processing for the new control command has been completed while storing in NUM Zero is stored at the WRT address (ST24). COM WRT address = 0 (COM If WRT ≠ 05H), the processing of steps ST22 to ST24 is skipped.
[0063]
Subsequently, Fi command expansion processing is performed (ST25). The details of the Fi command expansion process are as shown in FIG. 8. Based on the Fi command stored in the NUM and the Si progress counter, the Si command to be executed is identified. The Si progress counter is the CNT in the Fi command work area. BG and CNT This is a value of SE, and for one Fi command, a BGM (background sound) Si command and an SE (notification sound) Si command are specified. The specified BGM (background sound) Si command and SE (notification sound) Si command are respectively the BGM area and the PT of the SE area in FIG. Stored in NUM.
[0064]
As a result of the above processing, the Si command to be executed is specified, and then data expansion processing is performed for the Si command (ST26). The details of the Si command data development process are as shown in FIG. 9, but in a simplified manner, the Si command and the sound NO progress counter PT Based on the CNT, the sound NO to be activated is identified. Here, the progress counter is the PT of the BGM area. PT of CNT and SE area 2 This is the value of CNT, and the sound NO for BGM and SE is specified for one Fi command. Then, the specified two types of sound NOs are stored in RCMDBF1 and RCMDBF2 shown in FIG. 7 (d), respectively.
[0065]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing specific contents of the Fi command expansion process (ST25 in FIG. 7). First, an error confirmation process (ST30) for the Fi command work area (see FIG. 7B) is executed. Specifically, (1) COM NUM value and BUP Comparison with NUM inverted value, (2) COM Validity check of whether the Fi command stored in NUM is within a predetermined numerical range, (3) CNT BG value and BUP Comparison with the inverted value of BG, (4) CNT SE value and BUP The comparison with the inverted value of SE is performed, and if any abnormality is detected, the work area for Fi command (FIG. 7B) is initialized and the process is terminated. As described above, in this embodiment, since abnormality determination is performed prior to the expansion process of the Fi command, abnormal voice information is not output.
[0066]
Next, the variable TIME It is determined whether or not the value of BG has become zero (ST31). Variable TIME BG manages the playback time of the BGM Si command, and is a variable that is decremented every 4 mS in step ST20 of FIG. Therefore, TIME If BG = 0, the process proceeds to step ST32 in order to specify the Si command to be executed next. Specifically, COM Of the group of Si commands corresponding to the storage data (Fi command) at the NUM address, the BGM progress counter CNT Data Dx (Si command) corresponding to BG is acquired (ST32).
[0067]
Then, it is determined whether or not the Si command is the end code ENDCD (see FIG. 3) (ST33). If the Si command is not the end code ENDCD, the playback time of the Si command is set to the time variable TIME. Set as the initial value of BG. Next, it is determined whether or not the data Dx acquired in step ST32 is a continuation code (ST35). If it is not a continuation code, the BGM work in the Si command work area (FIG. 7C) is determined. Area 1 is initialized (ST36). Specifically, the 4th address (PT) from the SEMIDT address shown in FIG. TIME, PT NUM, PT CTH is stored with 00H, and the next 2 addresses (PT NUM BP, PT CNT 0FFH is stored in (BP).
[0068]
Thereafter, the Si command (Dx) acquired in the process of step ST32 is used as the PT of the work area 1 for BGM. In addition to storing in the NUM address, the inverted data of the Si command (Dx) is stored in the PT of the BGM work area 1 NUM Store in the BP (ST37). And BGM progress counter CNT BG value is incremented (+1) and BGM progress counter CNT BUP the inverted data of BG Store in the BG address (ST38). The inversion data is stored so that the validity of the Si command to be executed from now on and the validity of the value of the BGM progress counter for specifying the sound NO can be checked when necessary.
[0069]
With the above processing, the processing for the BGM area in the work area for the Si command (FIG. 7C) is completed. Next, the processing shifts to the processing for the SE area. The specific processing content of steps ST39 to ST46 is substantially the same as the processing content of steps ST31 to ST38 described above, and necessary data is stored in the SE area (6 addresses starting from SEMIDT + 6). SE progress counter CNT The value of SE is also incremented (+1) (ST46).
[0070]
Next, the Si command data expansion process (ST26) of FIG. 7 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG. First, Si command error check processing is performed (ST50). Specifically, (1) PT in the BGM area shown in FIG. NUM address data and PT NUM Contrast with inverted data of BP address, (2) PT CNT address data and PT CNT Contrast with inverted data at address BP, and (3) PT in SE area NUM address data and PT NUM Contrast with inverted data at address BP, (4) PT CNT address data and PT CNT Processing such as comparison with the inverted data of the BP address is performed, and when an abnormality is detected, the BGM area and the SE area are initialized and the processing ends.
[0071]
Next, the register R3 is cleared to zero, and initial processing is performed for the BGM area in the Si command work area (FIG. 7B) (ST51). As a result, work for the BGM area is initially performed, and it is first determined whether or not the value of the time variable PT1 for managing the reproduction time of the BGM sound NO is zero (ST52). The time variable PT1 is set to an initial value in the process of step ST56 of FIG. 9A, and is decremented (−1) by the process of step ST20 of FIG. The case where PT1 = 0 is when it is time to finish executing the current sound NO and shift to the execution of the next sound NO.
[0072]
First, an instruction table PARTS as shown in FIG. From the COM address list, the PT of the BGM area (FIG. 7C) PARTS corresponding to Si command stored at NUM address COMi address information is extracted (ST53). Next, the extracted PARTS From the group of sound NO data stored in the COMi area (see FIG. 4B), the sound NO progress counter PT in FIG. Sound NO data Dz corresponding to CNT is extracted (ST54).
[0073]
If the extracted data Dz is not the end code ENDCD, the reproduction time of the sound NO specified by the processing in step 54 is set as the PT of the BGM area in FIG. Initial setting is made to the TIME address (ST56). If the data Dz is not a continuation code, the extracted sound NO (Dz) is stored in the work area RCMDBF1 shown in FIG. 7D, and the corresponding bit of the write completion flag RCMDFLG is set to 1. (ST58).
[0074]
Also, the sound NO progress counter PT in the BGM area 1 in FIG. While incrementing the value of CNT, the inverted data is changed to PT CNT Store in the BP address (ST59). With the above processing, the processing for the BGM area 1 in FIG. 7C is completed. Next, the value of the register R3 that has been reset to zero in the processing of step ST51 is checked (ST70), and the register R3 is set to 05H. After writing, initial processing is performed for the SE area (ST71), and the process returns to step ST52.
[0075]
As a result, the same work as the work for the BGM area described above is subsequently performed for the SR area 2. That is, if PT2 = 0, PARTS From the group of sound NO data stored in the COMi area (see FIG. 4B), the sound NO progress counter PT in the SE area 1 in FIG. Sound NO data Dz corresponding to CNT is extracted (ST54). Then, the reproduction time of the sound NO specified by the processing in step 54 is set as the PT of the SE area in FIG. Initially set to the TIME address (ST56), the sound NO (Dz) is stored in the work area RCMDBF2 shown in FIG. 7D, and the corresponding bit of the write completion flag RCMDFLG is set to 1 (ST58). The process of step ST58 is as shown in detail in FIG. 9B, and FIG. 9C is a transcription of FIG. 7D.
[0076]
Next, the flowchart of FIG. 10 will be described. FIG. 10 shows the details of the sound NO analysis process (ST9) of FIG. In the sound NO analysis process, first, the corresponding bit of the sound NO write completion flag RCMDFLG shown in FIG. 9C is checked, and the sound NO is stored in the sound NO first buffer RCMDBF1 (see FIG. 9C). It is determined whether or not (ST70). If the determination result is Yes, the data of RCMDBF1, which is the reception buffer 1, is copied to the work area RCMD address, and the corresponding bit of the sound NO write completion flag RCMDFLG is reset to indicate the work end (ST71).
[0077]
On the other hand, if the reception buffer 1 is determined to be empty by checking the sound NO write completion flag RCMDFLG, the corresponding bit of the sound NO write completion flag RCMDFLG is checked and the sound NO is stored in the sound NO second buffer RCMDBF2. It is determined whether it has been performed (ST72). If the determination result is Yes, the data of RCMDBF2, which is the reception buffer 2, is copied to the work area RCMD address, and the corresponding bit of the sound NO write completion flag RCMDFLG is reset to indicate the work end (ST72).
[0078]
The reason why the reception buffer 1 and the reception buffer 2 are checked in this way is that only one piece of audio information can be processed at a time. That is, the sound NO stored in the reception buffer 1 is stored in the RCMD address, and after the subsequent sound output activation (ST11), the processing of steps ST4 to ST8 is performed (the internal interrupt processing of CH0 is executed only once during this time). The sound corresponding to the reception buffer 1 may be output), and the sound NO stored in the reception buffer 2 is stored again at the RCMD address. If it is determined in step ST8 in FIG. 6 that “sound NO writing has been completed” but the determinations in steps ST70 and ST72 in FIG. 10 are both NO, the carry flag CY is set to 1. Set and finish the process (ST80).
[0079]
However, in a normal case, the sound NO stored in the reception buffer 1 or the reception buffer 2 is copied to the RCMD address (ST71, ST73). Next, the value of the sound NO is within a predetermined numerical range. It is determined whether or not it is (ST74). For example, if the sound NO is assigned to a numerical value range of 0 ≦ sound NO ≦ SNDmax, it is determined that a sound NO greater than SNDmax is an error, and the process proceeds to step ST80. Since such a determination process is provided, it is possible to prevent an abnormal sound from being output or a program from running away.
[0080]
If it is determined that the sound NO does not exceed the predetermined numerical range, the value of the sound NO is further checked, and if it is normal, the carry flag CY = 0 is set, and if it is abnormal, the carry flag CY = 1 is set (ST75). ). The sound NO check includes a process of referring to the reference table SNDTBL shown in FIG. 5, and if the content of the corresponding address in the reference table SNDTBL corresponding to the sound NO is zero, there is no ADPCM data. The carry flag CY = 1 is set as an abnormality.
[0081]
When the processing of step ST75 is completed, it is next determined whether or not the value of the sound NO is abnormal based on the value of the carry flag CY (ST76). If normal, the sampling frequency for reproducing the sound NO is acquired. (ST77). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, a sound control work table SNDCTBL reserved for the background sound (BGM) and the sound effect (SE) (FIG. 11B, FIG. 13). Of which is used (ST80), and the sound NO is stored in the corresponding column of one of the work tables SNDCTBL (ST81). Of the sound control work tables SNDCTBL for background sound (BGM) and sound effect (SE), which should be used can be specified from the sound NO. That is, as shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, it is possible to specify from sound NO whether it is related to BGM sound or SE sound (see BGM1 + 2 and SE1 + 2). ) Including the subsequent processing, one of the specified sound control work tables SNDCTBL is used.
[0082]
When the processing of step ST81 is completed, the position where the sound data (ADPCM data) corresponding to the sound NO is stored is specified, and information such as the start address and end address of the sound data is used for sound control from the header information. Store in the corresponding column of the work table SNDCTBL (ST82). Further, the sound flag (BGM / SE), the information on the presence / absence of repeated playback LOOP, and the sampling frequency are acquired from the header information of the audio data, and stored in the corresponding column of the sound control work table SNDCTBL (ST83). Finally, a data check process is performed (ST84). The processing content is as described in the flowchart of FIG. 12, and is the same as the process related to step ST5 of FIG.
[0083]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart for explaining a sound output interruption process (internal interruption of CH0 of TPU 16) started on condition that the sound output activation process (ST11) of FIG. 6 is executed. For example, when it is instructed to reproduce the audio data with the sampling frequency of 8 KHz by the processing of step 11, this CH0 interruption process is executed every 125 μS, and the audio data with the sampling frequency of 16 KHz is to be reproduced. , The CH0 interrupt process is executed every 62.5 μS. Since this internal interrupt is an interruptable (maskable) interrupt, it is accepted on condition that the CPU executes the EI instruction (see ST4). In short, infinite loop processing (mainly ST4 to ST8). Is a condition for execution.
[0084]
Based on the above, FIG. 14 will be described. Audio output interrupt (SND In (INT), first, the contents of the SNDDATA address are output to the D / A converter 15 (STOUT1). In the SNDDATA address, the previous interrupt processing (SND Since the PCM data (8-bit length) that has been appropriately mixed by the mixing of the SE sound and the BGM sound by the processing of step STOUT10 in INT) is stored, the PCM data is output to the D / A converter 15. Become. The D / A converter 15 converts the received PCM data into an analog signal and outputs it.
[0085]
In parallel with the operation of the D / A converter 15, the CPU 13 acquires the address value stored at the address SNDAD of the work table SNDCTBL for sound control (BGM), and compresses based on the address value. Audio data (ADPCM data) is acquired (STOUT2). Also, the address value (data address during sound data conversion) stored at the SND ADR address is updated to the next address value (STOUT3).
[0086]
Next, the ADPCM data acquired in the process of step STOUT2 is converted into PCM data (background sound BGM) and temporarily stored (STOUT4). In this embodiment, since 8-bit PCM data is compressed into 4-bit ADPCM data, it is restored.
[0087]
Since the background sound (BGM) has been restored by the above process, the restoration process for the sound effect (SE) is performed next. Specifically, the address value stored in the SNDDR of the work table SNDCTBL for sound control (SE) is acquired, and compressed audio data (ADPCM data) is acquired based on the address value (STOUT5). The address value stored in the address (data address during sound data conversion) is updated to the next address value (STOUT6).
[0088]
Then, after ADPCM data acquired in the process of step STOUT5 is converted to PCM data (sound effect SE) (STOUT6), it is mixed with the temporarily stored background sound BGM (STOUT8). In the present embodiment, since both the sound effect SE and the background sound BGM are expanded to 8 bit data, the mixing process is executed by a 16-bit addition operation of the sound effect SE and the background sound BGM. Then, the 16-bit length data after the addition calculation is converted into a data length that matches the performance of the D / A converter 15 by, for example, compression processing (STOUT9).
[0089]
The mixing sound corrected in this way is stored in the work area SNDDATA (not shown), and the interruption process ends (STOUT10). This mixing sound is output to the D / A converter at the next audio interruption (see STOUT1).
[0090]
Subsequently, the compression process will be specifically described as an example of the process of step STOUT9. In this embodiment, since the 8-bit length data is supplied to the D / A converter 15, the 100% level means the audio level data 255. Although the specific content of the compression process (STOUT9) is appropriate, for example, what realizes nonlinear input / output characteristics as shown in FIG. 18 is preferable.
[0091]
The compression process is performed with reference to the conversion table. In the example shown in the figure, for the portion where the data after mixing is close to the 100% level (for example, 80% to 120%), the input data IN after mixing, As the input / output characteristics with the output data OUT after the compression process, the compression process for realizing the relationship of OUT = N × IN is executed (N <1). Further, a compression process (limit process) that realizes a relationship of OUT = IN is realized for a portion that greatly falls below the 100% level, and a relationship that OUT = 255 is realized for a portion that greatly exceeds the 100% level.
[0092]
Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the levels of the background sound BGM and the sound effect SE happen to be loud at the same time, the sound waveform does not simply saturate and a natural sound waveform (sound) is reproduced. it can. FIG. 19 illustrates this relationship, and shows that the portion exceeding 100% is not simply removed, but is improved to a natural waveform. As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sound waveform after mixing is not unnaturally distorted even if the background sound BGM and the sound effect SE are arbitrarily combined. Therefore, when the background sound BGM and the sound effect SE are combined, It is possible to design freely without considering the sound volume level and the timing of combination.
[0093]
FIG. 20 shows an example of a combination of compression processing and other audio effect processing (expanding processing). In this embodiment, the portion where the volume is low is improved to a high level. This is to make it possible to clearly convey low-volume audio information for a gaming machine installed in a noisy place such as a gaming hall. Therefore, for example, the notification sound for notifying the big hit state can be reliably transmitted to the player without setting the volume to a high volume.
[0094]
The input / output characteristics are as shown in FIG. 20A, and are improved for audio data near the 50% level and audio data near the 100% level. The operation in the vicinity of the 100% level is the same as in the case of FIG. Here, the sloped S-characteristic means the input / output characteristics in the vicinity of the 50% level shown in FIG. 20, and the portion below the 50% level suppresses the input level while the portion exceeds the 50% level. Is realized by a process of enhancing the input level.
[0095]
The audio effect process (compress + expand) shown in FIG. 20A is specifically realized by a conversion table as illustrated in FIG. In the conversion table of FIG. 20B, 16-bit data after mixing processing is converted into 8-bit data. However, by simply designing such a conversion table as appropriate, arbitrary compression processing and expansion processing can be performed. Can be realized. FIG. 20A shows a state in which an input signal with a low volume is converted into an output signal with an emphasized volume as a result of the audio effect processing.
[0096]
Next, a reception interrupt for receiving a control command from the main control board 1 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the main control board 1 outputs the strobe signal STB together with the output of the control command, and the processing of FIG. 15 is started due to the reception of the strobe signal. Since this interrupt is also an interruptable (maskable) interrupt, it is accepted on the condition of one round of the main routine (mainly ST4 to ST8).
[0097]
In the reception interrupt, data is continuously received twice from the command input port 12, and it is first determined whether or not the two data match (identical check). This is because control command data that is garbled due to the influence of noise or the like is not received, and the process proceeds to the next reception process on condition that this identity check is OK for seven consecutive times. (STIN1, STIN2).
[0098]
If the determination in step STIN2 is Yes, then the control command received this time is compared with the control command received immediately before, and if they match, the process is terminated as it is (STIN3). This is because the same control command cannot be continuously output from the main control board 1, so that it is determined that there is some malfunction and the received control command is discarded.
[0099]
On the other hand, if the newly received control command is different from the control command received immediately before, the write pointer WR A control command is stored at the address indicated by POINT (STIN4). The write pointer WR The value of POINT is updated (STIN5). As shown in FIG. 15B, the reception buffer for storing the control command has a ring buffer structure, and has a write pointer WR. The value of POINT is updated cyclically. The control command stored in the reception buffer is read out in the process of step ST6 in FIG. Read pointer RD when reading POINT is used, and this read pointer RD POINT is also used by being updated cyclically.
[0100]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been specifically described above, it is also preferable to prepare a plurality of sound effect processes and appropriately use them according to the gaming state and the like. Specific sound effects will be described later. For example, the big hit state is used for sound production in which a predetermined reliability N is notified in advance during the symbol variation operation. For example, in accordance with the reach action in the liquid crystal display 8, a predetermined acoustic effect (for example, fade-in) is given to the output sound, and the occurrence of the big hit may be notified with a predetermined reliability. Here, the reliability (N ≦ 1) means the probability that the big hit state is determined. The output sound imparting the acoustic effect may be a sound effect or a BGM sound.
[0101]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining such an embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 6 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, after the control command is converted into the internal command Fi, when the random number is assigned, the sound effect number is determined according to the determined Fi command (ST6 '). Note that the sound effect number is not determined uniformly according to the Fi command, but is randomly determined based on another random value RND '.
[0102]
The sound effect number determined in this way is stored in a storage area configured in a ring buffer shape. Specifically, the pointer E The sound effect number is stored at the address indicated by WR, and the pointer E The value of WR is updated (ST6 '). Subsequent processing is the same as in the first embodiment, but if the sound NO analysis processing (ST9) ends normally, the pointer E The sound effect number is read from the address indicated by RD and stored in the work area WORK (ST101).
[0103]
Then pointer E The value of RD is updated (ST102), and sound output activation processing is performed as in the case of the first embodiment (ST11). Note that the sound effect number stored in the work area WORK is referred to in the audio output interrupt process using the process in step ST11 as a start condition.
[0104]
FIG. 22 shows an interrupt process (SND for this audio output). INT). Steps STOUT1 to STOUT4 are the same as in the case of FIG. 14 of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, when the expansion of the BGM sound is finished, the sound effect number is checked by referring to the contents of the WORK address. (ST400). Then, processing corresponding to the number is performed, and the correction data is stored again (ST401).
[0105]
Thereafter, after the processing of steps STOUT5 to 7 as in the first embodiment, the sound effect number is checked again by referring to the contents of the WORK address (ST700). Then, processing corresponding to the number is performed, and the correction data is stored again (ST701). Next, in the illustrated example, the SE sound and the BGM sound are mixed, and the mixing sound is stored in the SNDDATA address (STOUT 8, 9).
[0106]
In this embodiment, it is preferable to provide a plurality of speakers and drive each speaker independently in order to exhibit more various sound effect effects. In this case, the left and right speakers are not simply distinguished from the background sound BGM and the sound effect SE, but the BGM sound appropriately sound effect modified is output from the left and right speakers so as to increase the force. It is preferable to do this. Note that at least one of the speakers may be configured to output sound toward the back of the game board. It is also effective to provide a loudspeaker that can be moved in accordance with a jackpot notice or a special condition notice.
[0107]
The example in which the sound effect processing is performed by the program processing has been described above. However, the sound effect processing may be performed after restoring the analog signal level. FIG. 23 shows an embodiment in which an analog circuit is added to perform sound effect processing, and shows a block diagram when two speakers are driven independently.
[0108]
In the case of the illustrated example, the D / A converter 15 incorporated in the one-chip microcomputer 10 includes a two-channel D / A converter circuit that can operate independently, and digitally registers the 8-bit long data registers DADR0 and DADR1, respectively. When data is written, it is D / A converted and analog outputs DA0 and DA1 are output. The one-chip microcomputer 10 includes an output port 19, and control data SG output from the output port 19 is supplied to the analog circuit SW.
[0109]
As illustrated, in this embodiment, the analog output DA0 is the right channel sound R, and the analog output DA1 is the left channel sound L. The output left and right sounds (R, L) are appropriately subjected to sound effect processing by the analog circuit SW, and then supplied to the amplifiers (11R, 11L) to output the corresponding speakers SP (R), SP (L). Driving.
[0110]
FIG. 24 illustrates a specific circuit configuration of the analog circuit SW. This circuit is composed of analog multiplexers MT1 and MT2, an echo circuit ECHO that generates a normal reverberation sound, and a special sound circuit SPS that generates a special reverberation sound. The echo circuit ECHO is composed of a delay circuit Delay and a mixing circuit MIX, and an audio signal that has passed through the delay circuit Delay and an audio signal that has not passed through the delay circuit Delay are mixed by the mixing circuit MIX. Echo sound can be generated. In this embodiment, only the right sound R is an echo sound, but the left sound L may be subjected to the same sound effect.
[0111]
The special audio circuit SPS includes a first mixing circuit MIX1 that mixes left and right sounds (R, L), two delay circuits Delay1, Delay2 that delay the mixed sound in opposite phases, and a first delay circuit Delay1. The second mixing circuit MIX2 that mixes the output of the first mixing circuit MIX1, the third mixing circuit MIX3 that mixes the output of the second delay circuit Delay2 and the output of the first mixing circuit MIX1, and the delay time of the delay circuit And a sine wave oscillator OSC that fluctuates.
[0112]
The output of the sine wave oscillator OSC is supplied to the delay circuits Delay1 and Delay2 in opposite phases, and each delay circuit Delay1 and Delay2 realizes a delay operation according to the signal level of the sine wave. Therefore, when the delay time of the first delay circuit Delay1 is long, the delay time of the second delay circuit Delay2 is short, and conversely, when the delay time of the first delay circuit Delay1 is short, the second delay circuit Delay2 Delay time becomes longer. Since the echo sound output from the second mixing circuit MIX2 and the echo sound output from the third mixing circuit MIX3 are in opposite phases and the delay time also varies, a unique sound effect called chorus is generated. Can do.
[0113]
FIG. 25 illustrates an internal circuit and a trial value table of the analog multiplexers MT1 and MT2 illustrated in FIG. As shown in the figure, the analog switches (X0 to X3, Y0 to Y3) that are turned ON are switched according to the values of the control data A and B, and the analog multiplexer MT1 has a pair of analog signals (X, Y). ), And the analog multiplexer MT2 receives four pairs of analog signals (X0, Y0) to (X3, Y3).
[0114]
As is clear from the trial value table of FIG. 25B and the circuit diagram of FIG. 24, if the control data SG is 00, the sound (R, L) from the D / A converter is converted into an AC signal by the coupling capacitor Cc. And is supplied as it is to the amplifiers 11R and 11L for the left and right speakers. On the other hand, if the control data SG is 01, the right audio R from the D / A converter is processed by the echo circuit ECHO and supplied to the amplifier 11R, while the left audio L from the D / A converter is unchanged. It is supplied to the amplifier 11L.
[0115]
If the control data SG is 10, the left and right sounds (R, L) from the D / A converter are mixed by the first mixing circuit MIX1 and supplied as they are to the amplifiers 11R, 11L as the same sound. On the other hand, if the control data SG is 11, the left and right sounds (R, L) from the D / A converter are mixed by the first mixing circuit MIX1, and then processed by the delay circuit Delay1,2 and the mixing circuit MIX2,3. As a result, the reverberant sound is supplied to the amplifiers 11R and 11L.
[0116]
Therefore, by using a circuit as shown in FIG. 24, it is possible to perform a notice operation in a big hit state for the player. The broken line portion (ST103) in FIG. 21 explains the operation of the output port in FIG. 24. When the sound effect number is determined, any one of the control data 00 to 11 is output correspondingly. . In this case, the processing of steps ST400, 410, 700, and 701 in FIG. 22 is unnecessary, and the sound effect effect is realized by the sound output processing as shown in FIG. 26 in which the mixing processing is not performed.
[0117]
As described above, the embodiment in which the sound effect effect (acoustic effect) is given afterwards has been described, but the same audio data stored in the ROM is increased to N types corresponding to N types of sound effect effects, respectively. It is also preferable to give different sound effect effects. In this case, the memory capacity is consumed as much as the amount of sound effect data for the same audio information, but the control program has the advantage that it can be greatly simplified. That is, the main routine is the same as in FIG. 6, and the other interrupt processing is basically the same as in FIG. 7, FIG. 14 (or FIG. 26), and FIG.
[0118]
Although a specific method for realizing this embodiment is arbitrary, for example, the number of internal commands Fi may be increased corresponding to N types of sound effects. In such a case, a desired sound effect can be realized only by specifying an acoustic effect and selecting an internal command at the stage of step ST6 in FIG. For example, even if it is a notice of occurrence of a big hit by the same output sound “Khan”, if the sound effect is made different according to the reliability, it is possible to give the player an interest to infer.
[0119]
In the above, an example of generating a sound effect effect by hardware or software processing has been described, but the same configuration as those is adopted, and the occurrence of reach fluctuation or super reach fluctuation is predicted by the output sound. Also good. In addition, the announcement of the jackpot by the output sound or the advance notice of the special condition is when the design start gate game ball passes, when the hold lamp lights, before the symbol change starts, when the symbol change starts, when the reach occurs, when the super reach occurs, Anytime, such as when the symbol is stopped.
[0120]
In addition, the acoustic effect to be applied may be different in the case of the special state described below and in the case of the non-special state, and in the case of the special state, a specific processing process may be easily performed. Also good. During the big hit by the special state occurrence symbol of the big hit symbol, it may be configured to easily perform the specific processing with a higher probability than in the big hit other than the special state occurrence symbol. In addition, these may add a sound with respect to either a sound effect, a BGM sound, or both, and may provide a sound effect to the output sound at the time of a customer waiting demonstration.
[0121]
Finally, specific sound effect effects will be exemplified. This sound effect effect is given by processing that is alternatively selected from n in the processing of steps ST401 and ST701 in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to such a mode, and each of the n processes in steps ST401 and ST701 operates with a single algorithm, but the machining parameters used in the single machining process are different. As a result, a mode of making the sound effect effect different is also included (see FIG. 32).
[0122]
In this case, as shown in the extraction means and the processing parameter storage unit in FIG. 32, several types of “processing parameter sets” are prepared (stored) for each processing method, and are grasped from the received control command and the like. It is preferable to extract a corresponding “processing parameter set” based on the gaming state of the gaming machine. Also, if the processing parameters to be extracted are changed in accordance with the reliability of the notification operation, the reliability of the notification operation can be inferred based on the acoustic effect, which is also preferable. When the number of machining parameters is small, the extraction means and the machining parameter storage unit are not necessary and can be generated based on an internal command or the like.
[0123]
Examples of the sound information processing method and processing parameters are as follows (1) to (18).
(1) Compressor
In addition to speaker protection, the compressor is a process for reducing an excessive volume difference that is difficult to hear as illustrated in FIG. 18 and for obtaining an acoustic effect that generates a unique dull sound in which the sound extends. In this process, an effect difference can be generated using a threshold, a ratio, an attack, a release, and the like as processing parameters. The threshold TH means a start level at which an effect is generated (see FIG. 18), and the ratio means a proportional coefficient N in the example of FIG. 18 (OUT = N × IN). The attack is a parameter that defines how many seconds after the input exceeds the threshold TH, and the release is the input after the compression process is started. This is a parameter that defines how many seconds later the compression process is to be terminated.
[0124]
FIG. 18 illustrates a very simple compressor. By appropriately using each of the above-described processing parameters, “based on the fact that the input value exceeds the threshold value, the output input value is less than or equal to the input value. `` Decrease the value to the value '', `` After the time indicated by the attack parameter after the input value exceeds the threshold value, change the output input value to a value less than or equal to the input value according to the ratio parameter '', or From the time when the input value falls below the threshold value until the time indicated by the release parameter, the sound effect such as “decrease and change the output input value to a value less than or equal to the input value according to the ratio parameter” becomes possible.
[0125]
In this case, it is preferable to prepare a plurality of combinations of processing parameters in advance and use them according to the gaming state that can be grasped from the control command. From the difference in effect, it is possible to infer the reliability of the notice operation when a big hit occurs. In any case, in the case of stereo broadcasting in which two speakers are driven independently, in order to protect the localization and volume relationship, if the output sound to one speaker is compressed, the other is also It is preferred to compress.
[0126]
(2) Expander
The expander is a process for generating a noise gate effect that mainly eliminates unnecessary stationary sound (background noise). The game hall is originally noisy, so there is no point in generating low-level sound, so it is used to delete in advance. Even in this process, an effect difference can be generated using the threshold, ratio, attack, release, range, and the like as processing parameters. As a processing method, it is customary to “decrease and change the output input value to a value less than or equal to the input value according to the ratio parameter based on the fact that the input value is below the threshold”. After the time indicated by the attack parameter falls below the threshold value, the output input value is reduced to a value less than or equal to the input value according to the ratio parameter, or after the input value falls below the threshold value, the input value exceeds the threshold value. Until the time indicated by the release parameter, the output input value is reduced to a value less than or equal to the input value according to the ratio parameter, or after the input value falls below the threshold value until the time indicated by the range parameter, according to the ratio parameter. A method such as “decreasing and changing the output input value to a value less than or equal to the input value” is also conceivable.
[0127]
(3) Delay
The delay is a process of delaying a signal by using a delay time, depth, feedback, high, and the like as processing parameters, and can exhibit an acoustic effect such as expressing a sense of realism according to a gaming state. Here, the delay time τ is a delay time between signals, and the depth is a parameter that defines the amplitude level of the signal to be delayed. Further, feedback represents the presence or absence of feedback (see FIG. 34), and high is a parameter representing the high-frequency attenuation level in the hood back.
[0128]
As a processing method, for example, the first sound signal wave V (i) is output, and the first sound signal wave V (i) is obtained by multiplying the time indicated by the delay time parameter τ with the ratio indicated by the first sound signal wave and the depth parameter De. A case where two audio signal waves De × V (i−τ) are output can be considered. Furthermore, it is also preferable to generate a third sound signal wave from the second sound signal wave, or to superimpose the sound signal wave based on the number of repetitions indicated by the feedback parameter. It is also conceivable to attenuate the volume of the sound signal wave that is delayed and superimposed according to the value of the high parameter.
[0129]
(4) Flanger
A flanger is a process that changes the delay time in terms of time (for example, as a sine wave signal). The delay time, depth, feedback, speed, etc. are used as processing parameters to express a sense of realism according to the gaming state. An acoustic effect can be generated.
[0130]
As an example of the processing method, a first sound signal wave V (i) is output, and is obtained by multiplying the time indicated by the delay time parameter τ and the ratio of the first sound signal wave and the depth parameter De. A case where two audio signal waves De × V (i−τ) are output can be considered. Note that τ is a variable that changes over time. In this case, the delay time is further increased by generating a third sound signal wave from the second sound signal wave, overlapping the sound signal wave based on the number of repetitions indicated by the feedback parameter, or at a speed indicated by the speed parameter. You can make changes to change.
[0131]
(5) Chorus
Here, the chorus is software processing corresponding to the special acoustic circuit SPS of FIG. 24, and expresses a sense of realism according to the gaming state by changing processing parameters such as delay time, depth, and speed. An acoustic effect can be generated.
[0132]
(6) Reverb
Reverb is a process for changing the reverberation effect, and it is possible to exert an acoustic effect such as expressing a sense of realism according to the gaming state using the delay time, depth, feedback, high, character, etc. as processing parameters.
[0133]
The processing method is the same as the above case, but the volume of the delayed sound signal wave is attenuated according to the value of the high parameter, or the room reverberation, concert hall reverberation, or iron plate is used according to the character parameter. You can also add reverberation effects reminiscent of the situation, such as the reverberation of the population made by panning and panning of panning.
[0134]
(7) Mute
Mute is a process of suddenly stopping sound generation, and the mute time is used as a parameter. In this case, an acoustic effect such as arousing the player's thinking can be expected.
[0135]
(8) Fade in
The fade-in is a process of gradually increasing and changing the output input value over the time indicated by the fade-in time parameter from the start of the music. Further, at the start of the music, a process of gradually increasing and changing the output input value according to the ratio indicated by the ratio parameter may be used. By using the fade-in time or ratio (ratio per unit time) as a processing parameter, an acoustic effect such as expressing a sense of realism according to the gaming state can be obtained.
[0136]
(9) Fade out
The fade-out is a process of gradually decreasing and changing the output input value over the time indicated by the fade-out time parameter at the end portion of the music. Alternatively, the output input value may be gradually changed in accordance with the ratio indicated by the ratio parameter at the end portion of the song. Processing parameters and sound effects are the same as for fade-in.
[0137]
(10) Low pass filter
Low-pass filter processing may be used to adjust the brightness of the sound by using a threshold parameter, or to make bass sound conspicuous. The processing parameter is a threshold value, and frequency components exceeding the frequency indicated by the threshold parameter of the output sound signal wave are removed.
[0138]
(11) High pass filter
High-pass filter processing may be used to adjust the brightness of the sound using a threshold parameter or to make a high sound stand out. The processing parameter is a threshold value, and a frequency component lower than the frequency indicated by the threshold parameter of the output sound signal wave is removed.
[0139]
(12) Echo
It is also conceivable to generate a reverberation sound using parameters such as delay time, depth, feedback, and high to express a sense of realism according to the gaming state. The sound quality of the delayed sound signal wave can be attenuated according to the value of the high parameter as well as the simple echo processing.
[0140]
(13) Equalizer
It is also preferable to amplify or attenuate the volume of the frequency indicated by the frequency parameter for the output sound signal wave based on the attenuation factor or amplification factor parameter.
[0141]
(14) Distortion
Distortion processing in which the sound signal wave indicated by the chord parameter is superimposed on the output sound signal wave and output is also possible.
[0142]
(15) Octaver
An october process is also conceivable in which the first sound signal wave and the second sound signal wave obtained by modulating the first sound signal wave by the modulation amount indicated by the octave information parameter are superimposed and output.
[0143]
(16) Sound source change
Processing in which the sound source included in the sound information is replaced with the new sound source indicated by the sound source parameter and output is also suitable.
[0144]
(17) Bandpass filter
For the output sound signal wave, band-pass filter processing that removes frequency components less than the frequency indicated by the lower limit threshold parameter and frequency components exceeding the frequency indicated by the upper limit threshold parameter is also conceivable. Note that frequency components other than the frequency component specified by the peak value parameter of the output sound signal wave and the frequency width parameter may be removed. Processing parameters are lower threshold, upper threshold, peak frequency value, frequency width
[0145]
(18) Wow wow
The wah wah is configured to remove the frequency component other than the frequency component specified by the peak value parameter of the output sound signal wave and the frequency width parameter, and the peak value parameter at a speed indicated by the peak change information parameter, This refers to processing for changing the frequency component specified by the frequency width parameter. The processing parameters are a peak frequency value, a frequency width, and peak change information.
[0146]
(19) Production that changes the sound source position and / or listener position
Sound source position, sound source moving speed, sound source direction, listener sound source position, listener moving speed, listener direction, distance coefficient, minimum distance, maximum distance, internal cone angle, external cone angle, internal attenuation rate, transition attenuation rate, external attenuation The rate and the modulation rate may be changed as appropriate.
[0147]
Specifically, for example, it is conceivable to adjust the volume according to the sound source position / listener sound source position / distance coefficient parameter and the like. At this time, when the vector obtained from the sound source position / listener sound source position parameter is processed so that the volume increases as the size decreases, the vector size is not more than the minimum distance parameter and / or not less than the maximum distance parameter. It is preferable to control so that the volume does not change. Further, the volume may be adjusted according to the sound source direction / listener direction parameters. At this time, the sound source direction / listener direction parameter may be controlled so that the sound volume becomes maximum when a predetermined condition (for example, the direction is normal or reverse).
[0148]
Further, when the listener sound source position is in a space (inside the internal cone) calculated by the sound source position, the direction of the sound source, and the internal cone angle parameter, the volume is calculated using an internal attenuation rate (for example, 1.0). An attenuation calculation may be performed. Also, if the listener sound source position is in the position space (outside the inner cone and inside the outer cone) calculated by the sound source position, the direction of the sound source, the internal cone angle, and the external cone angle parameters, the volume is attenuated internally. The attenuation may be calculated using a transition attenuation rate (eg, <1.0) smaller than the rate (eg: 1.0).
[0149]
If the listener sound source position is in a position space (outside the external cone) calculated by the sound source position, the direction of the sound source, and the external cone angle parameter, the volume is set to the internal attenuation rate (eg, 1.0), The attenuation may be calculated using an external attenuation rate (eg, << 0) smaller than the transition attenuation rate (eg: <0). Further, the frequency of the output sound may be increased or decreased based on the sound source moving speed parameter or the listener sound source moving speed parameter and the modulation factor parameter (Doppler effect).
[0150]
In all the processes (1) to (18), the described parameters may be further added or may be omitted partly. In addition, as exemplified in FIG. 35, it is also effective to store sound information in advance in association with each sound information that can be given.
[0151]
Subsequently, a bullet ball game machine to which the present invention is preferably applied will be described for confirmation. FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine 22 of the present embodiment, and FIG. 28 is a side view of the pachinko machine 22. A plurality of pachinko machines 21 are arranged in the length direction of the island structure of the pachinko hall while being electrically connected to the card-type ball lending machine 22.
[0152]
The illustrated pachinko machine 21 includes a rectangular frame-shaped wooden outer frame 23 that is detachably mounted on an island structure, and a front frame 24 that is pivotably mounted via a hinge H fixed to the outer frame 23. It consists of A game board 25 is detachably attached to the front frame 24 from the back side, and a glass door 26 and a front plate 27 are pivotally attached to the front side so as to be freely opened and closed.
[0153]
The front plate 27 is provided with an upper plate 28 for storing game balls for launch. A lower plate 29 for storing game balls overflowing from or extracted from the upper plate 28 and a launch handle 30 are disposed below the front frame 24. And are provided. The launch handle 30 is interlocked with the launch motor, and a game ball is launched by a striking rod 31 (see FIG. 30) that operates according to the rotation angle of the launch handle.
[0154]
On the right side of the upper plate 28, an operation panel 32 for lending the ball to the card-type ball lending machine 22 is provided, and on this operation panel 32, a card remaining amount display unit 32a for displaying the remaining amount of the card with a three-digit number. A ball lending switch 32b for instructing lending of game balls for a predetermined amount, and a return switch 32c for instructing to return the card at the end of the game. On the upper part of the glass door 26, a big hit LED lamp P1 indicating a big hit state is arranged. In addition, in the vicinity of the big hit LED lamp P1, abnormality notification LED lamps P2 and P3 are provided to indicate a replenishment state or a full state of the lower plate.
[0155]
As shown in FIG. 29, the game board 25 is provided with a guide rail 33 formed of a metal outer rail and an inner rail in an annular shape, and the display device 8 (for example, approximately at the center of the game area 25a inside thereof is provided. Liquid crystal color display, CRT display, dot matrix, 7 segment LED, etc. are used. In addition, at a suitable place in the game area 25a, a symbol start opening 35, a big winning opening 36, a plurality of normal winning openings 37 (four on the right and left of the big winning opening 36), and a gate 38 which is two passage openings are arranged. Has been. Each of these winning openings 35 to 38 has a detection switch inside, and can detect the passage of a game ball.
[0156]
The display device 8 is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to the big hit state and displays a background image and various characters in an animated manner. The display device 8 has special symbol display portions Da to Dc in the center portion and a normal symbol display portion 39 in the upper right portion. The normal symbol display unit 39 displays a normal symbol. When a game ball that has passed through the gate 38 is detected, the displayed normal symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time and is extracted when the game ball passes through the gate 38. The stop symbol determined by the random number for lottery is displayed and stopped.
[0157]
For example, the symbol start opening 35 is configured to be opened and closed by an electric tulip having a pair of left and right opening and closing claws 35a. When the stop symbol after fluctuation of the normal symbol display unit 39 displays a winning symbol, the symbol start port 35 is opened and closed. The claw 35a is opened only for a predetermined time. When a game ball wins the symbol start opening 35, the display symbols of the special symbol display portions Da to Dc change for a predetermined time, and are determined based on a lottery result corresponding to the winning timing of the game ball to the symbol start opening 35. Stop at the stop symbol.
[0158]
The big winning opening 36 is controlled to open and close by, for example, an opening / closing plate 36a that can be opened forward, but when the stop symbol after the symbol change of the special symbol display portions Da to Dc is a big hit symbol such as “777”, “big hit” Is started, and the open / close plate 36a is opened. There is a specific area 36b inside the big winning opening 36, and when the winning ball passes through the specific area 36b, a special game advantageous to the player is continued.
[0159]
After the opening / closing plate 36a of the big winning opening 36 is opened, the opening / closing plate 36a is closed when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins. At this time, if the game ball does not pass through the specific area 36b, the special game ends, but if it passes through the specific area 36b, the special game is continued up to, for example, 15 times, which is advantageous to the player. To be controlled. Furthermore, when the stop symbol after the change is a special state occurrence symbol among the special symbols, a special state is generated.
[0160]
Any of the following is suitable as an example of the special state. That is, (1) a special symbol high probability state in which the probability that the stop symbol after the symbol change in the special symbol display section is a big hit symbol such as “777” is higher than that in the case of the non-special state, Compared to the special state, the extra prize opening opening time is extended so that more game balls are easier to win, and (3) the non-special state game balls. In order to make it easier for more game balls to win, it is easier to win more game balls than when the number of times of opening of the big prize opening is increased to increase the number of opening of the big prize opening or (4) non-special conditions. Normal symbols that increase the probability that a stop symbol after symbol variation in the normal symbol display section will be a winning symbol compared to the state where the amount of opening of the big prize opening that increases the mouth opening amount or (5) non-special state Compared to the high probability state and (6) non-special state, Increase the number of times the electric tulips are opened to increase the number of game balls that can be won more easily than in the non-special state (7). Compared to the state or (8) non-special state, the electric tulip opening amount increase state that increases the opening amount of the electric tulip so that more game balls can be won easily, or (9) in the non-special state Compared to the special symbol fluctuation shortened state that shortens the variation time of the special symbol, compared to (10) non-special state, the effective stop line increased state that increases the effective stop line of the special symbol, (11) non- Compared to the special state, a normal symbol variation shortened state in which the variation time of the normal symbol is shortened can be considered.
[0161]
Any of these may be combined, and the generated special state is preferably terminated when a predetermined condition is satisfied. Here, the predetermined condition is a predetermined pattern change of the special symbol display part, a predetermined fluctuation of the normal symbol display part, a lapse of a predetermined time, a predetermined symbol after the fluctuation of the normal symbol display part, Typically, when a predetermined symbol is stopped and displayed after the symbol change in the special symbol display unit, a game ball wins a predetermined winning opening, a game ball passes through a predetermined gate, and the like.
[0162]
As shown in FIG. 30, on the back side of the front frame 24, a back mechanism plate 40 for holding the game board 25 from the back side is detachably mounted. An opening 40a is formed in the back mechanism plate 40, and a prize ball tank 41 and a tank rail 42 extending therefrom are provided on the upper side thereof. A payout device 43 connected to the tank rail 42 is provided on the side of the back mechanism plate 40, and a passage unit 44 connected to the payout device 43 is provided below the back mechanism plate 40. The game balls paid out from the payout device 43 are paid out to the upper plate 28 from the upper plate discharge port 28a (FIG. 27) via the passage unit 44.
[0163]
The opening 40a of the back mechanism plate 40 is fitted with a back cover 45 mounted on the back side of the game board 25 and a winning ball discharge basket (not shown) for discharging the game balls won in the winning holes 35 to 37. Has been. The main control board 1 is disposed inside the case CA1 attached to the back cover 45, and the symbol control board 2 is disposed on the front side thereof (see FIG. 23). Below the main control board 1, the lamp control board 4 is provided in the case CA2 attached to the back cover 45, and the sound control board 3 is provided in the adjacent case CA3.
[0164]
Below these cases CA2 and CA3, a power supply board 6 and a payout control board 5 are provided in a case CA4 mounted on the back mechanism plate 40. A power switch 53 and an initialization switch 54 are disposed on the power board 6. The parts corresponding to both the switches 53 and 54 are notched, and both switches can be operated simultaneously with a finger. Inside the case CA5 attached to the rear side of the launch handle 30, a launch control board 7 is provided. And these circuit boards 1-7 are each comprised independently, The computer circuit provided with the one-chip microcomputer is mounted in the control boards 2-6 except the power supply board 6 and the launch control board 7. FIG.
[0165]
As mentioned above, although one Example of this invention was described concretely, the game machine of this invention can be suitably changed not only in the structure of each above-mentioned Example. For example, in the above embodiment, the main control board and the plurality of sub-control boards are configured as different board configurations, and the control command from the main control board is transmitted by one-way communication. For example, the configuration of FIG. 31 is also included. Any combination configuration is possible. In FIG. 31, an arrow indicates the transmission direction of a signal such as a control command. For example, an acknowledgment signal (ACK) may be returned as shown in FIG. Further, the voice control board does not need to be configured as an independent circuit board, and may be a composite board with another control unit as shown in FIGS.
[0166]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, various audio effects can be realized with a simple hardware configuration.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conversion table (a) for obtaining Fi commands and a lottery table (b) for Fi commands.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a relationship between a Fi command, a Si command, and a sound NO.
FIG. 3 illustrates a method for specifying a Si command from a Fi command.
FIG. 4 illustrates a method for identifying a sound NO from an Si command.
FIG. 5 illustrates a method (a) for specifying sound data from a sound NO and a data structure (b) of the sound data.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart (a) illustrating a timer interrupt routine and a work area thereof.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a timer interrupt routine in detail.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a part of a timer interrupt routine in detail.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a part of the main routine in detail.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a part of FIG. 10 in detail.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a part of the main routine in detail.
FIG. 13 illustrates a work table SNDCTBL for sound control.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an interrupt process for audio output.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating interrupt processing for receiving a control command.
FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating an overall configuration of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an audio control board.
FIG. 18 is a characteristic diagram illustrating compression processing.
FIG. 19 is an audio signal improved by the compression process.
FIG. 20 is a characteristic diagram illustrating sound effect processing for improving a low sound volume level.
FIG. 21 is a main routine of the second embodiment.
FIG. 22 is an audio output interrupt routine for explaining another embodiment;
FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration of still another embodiment.
24 is a block diagram illustrating a part of FIG. 23 in detail.
FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a part of FIG. 24 in detail.
FIG. 26 is an audio output interrupt routine for explaining still another embodiment;
FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.
28 is a side view of the pachinko machine shown in FIG.
29 is a front view of the pachinko machine shown in FIG.
30 is a rear view of the pachinko machine shown in FIG.
FIG. 31 illustrates a modification of the substrate configuration.
FIG. 32 is a diagram corresponding to claims.
FIG. 33 is a diagram corresponding to claims.
FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating delay calculation.
FIG. 35 is a drawing showing an example of effects according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Other control units (main control board)
3 Production control unit (voice control board)
21 gaming machines (pachinko machines)
TIMER INT 1st process (timer interrupt)
SND INT 2nd process (audio output interrupt)

Claims (2)

In a gaming machine having an effect control unit that outputs a sound signal based on a control command from another control unit,
The production control unit performs a data output process (STOUT1), a data generation process (STOUT2 to STOUT8), and a data processing process (STOUT9 to STOUT10) to a D / A converter at a predetermined execution cycle. By repeatedly executing, the sound signal is output from the D / A converter ,
In the data generation process, audio data is read from the memory based on the control command ,
In the data processing process, the audio data read by the data generation process is corrected based on a conversion table that defines the relationship between the input level and the output level, and stored in the memory .
In the data output process, the data stored in the memory by the data processing process is read and output to the D / A converter . In a gaming machine having an effect control unit that outputs a sound signal based on a control command from another control unit,
Based on the control command, a data generation process for reading audio data from the memory and a data output process for outputting the read audio data to the D / A converter are performed at predetermined execution cycles by the effect control unit. A single CPU repeatedly executes the original sound signal from the D / A converter ,
The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the original sound signal is output with a sound effect effect through an analog circuit whose circuit configuration is switched in accordance with control data from the CPU .

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