JP4714753B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine having a computer circuit, and more particularly to a gaming machine that does not give a player a sense of incongruity when the volume is changed in multiple stages.

  A ball and ball game machine such as a pachinko machine has a symbol start port provided on the game board, a symbol display unit for displaying a series of symbol variation modes such as stopping a plurality of display symbols after varying a predetermined time, and an opening / closing plate It is configured with a grand prize opening that opens and closes. When the detection switch provided at the symbol start port detects the passing of the game ball, the game ball is in a winning state and the symbol display unit changes the display symbol for a predetermined time. After that, when the symbol stops in a predetermined manner such as 7-7-7, a big hit state is established, and the big winning opening is repeatedly opened to generate a profit state advantageous to the player.

  The symbol display unit is usually composed of a liquid crystal display, and executes various symbol effect operations including a reach effect, a notice effect, and a jackpot effect. Reach production is a design production that continues to be a big hit state in one step and excites the player. It is a design effect that warns of a big hit. The jackpot effect is an effect executed in a big hit state, and a more flashy symbol effect is executed in response to the joy of the player.

At the time of executing such a symbol effect, a sound effect synchronized with this is executed, and at the time of a reach effect or a big hit effect, a relatively loud music is played. In addition, an appropriate sound effect is generated in response to the notice operation. And game machines capable of setting the sound volume at the time of sound production in multiple stages are also known (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2).
JP 2006-149889 A JP 2004-255059 A

  However, no matter how much the volume can be changed, as long as the manual switch is used, an indefinite amount of time occurs inevitably from one volume level to the next. For example, even when using a rotary code switch that outputs N-bit digital data corresponding to a manual position for volume setting, while outputting i to i + 1 digital data corresponding to the operation of the manual switch, The output unit becomes open.

  Here, it is possible to pull up or pull down the output terminal of the rotary code switch, but even in that case, the sound is interrupted for a moment or a loud sound is output for a moment when switching the contact point. . Therefore, for example, there is a problem that the player feels uncomfortable when the player tries to increase the volume level in order to inspire himself at the time of a reach production in which a big win state can be expected.

  Note that the above points are not limited to volume adjustment, but also in other game effects such as sounds, lamps, symbols, etc., even when the contents of the effects are adjusted in multiple stages. Further, the present invention is not limited to the case where the content of the presentation is adjusted in response to the operation of the player.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a gaming machine having an operation unit that can change a sound volume and the like in multiple stages without giving a sense of incongruity to a player or another operator. With the goal.

To achieve the above object, the present invention executes a lottery process for determining whether or not a game state advantageous to a player is generated, and controls the game operation centrally based on the lottery result. And a sub-control unit that executes an individual performance operation based on a control command from the main control unit, and is configured to have M contacts that are discretely arranged A switch circuit for outputting a numerical signal of N (however, 2 ^N ≧ M) bits corresponding to the rotational position of the operation unit that can rotate in the forward and reverse directions without limitation by repeating the position and the transient position that is a non-contact position ; When the pull-up resistor or pull-down resistor that fixes the N-bit numeric signal of the switch circuit to the same prescribed value at all transition positions and the numeric signal is the prescribed value, the operation unit is located at the transient position. Grasp and produce until then Continuation means for continuing the operation and, if the numerical signal is not a specified value, based on the numerical signal, which of the plurality of stages the contact position of the operation unit at that time is divided into M-1 or less belongs to It is characterized in that there is provided an effect changing means for grasping and changing all or part of the effect operation corresponding to the grasped contact position .

In the present invention, the numerical signal is fixed to the same specified value at all transition positions, and if the numerical signal is the specified value, there is provided a continuation means for continuing the rendering operation until then . Even if the operation unit is changed in multiple stages in relation to game effects such as voice, lamp, and design, the contents of the effects do not change in a transient state, and in short, an unnatural situation does not occur during the operation operation.

  In the present invention, preferably, after grasping that the rotational position has been changed by one step, the rotational position after the change and the rotational position before the change are evaluated, and the rotational position is changed from the lowest level position to the highest level position. Reverse rotation detection means for detecting reverse rotation, and then the output volume of the individual performance operation increases as the operation unit rotates backward until the reverse rotation is continued and reaches a predetermined position. First deterrence control means to be provided should be provided. If such a configuration is adopted, an unnatural situation does not occur even if a player or an operator who is an attendant erroneously executes a reverse operation.

  In addition, after grasping that the rotational position has changed by one step, the rotational position after the change and the rotational position before the change were evaluated, and the rotational position was reversed from the lowest level position to the highest level position. The reverse rotation detecting means for detecting, and then, after the reverse rotation is continued and reaches the predetermined position, until the operation portion is rotated forward until the return to the lowest level position by the normal rotation, It is also preferable to provide second suppression control means for reducing the output volume of individual performance operations.

In any case, it is easy to detect that the rotational position has been changed by one step based on a numerical signal excluding a specific numerical signal among a plurality of numerical signals output from the switch circuit. . Here, when the switch circuit outputs an N-bit ( ^2N ) numerical signal, it is typical to detect a change in rotational position based on 2 ^N −1 numerical signals excluding a specific value. Is. However, the present invention is not particularly limited, and it is needless to say that a change in rotational position may be detected based on less than 2 ^N −1 numerical signals. For example, although the switch circuit outputs a 4-bit numerical signal (0 to 15), only the numerical signal of 0 to 7 may be used to grasp the rotational position.

  Each of the above-described inventions is typically suitably applied to a ball game machine or a spinning game machine.

  According to the present invention described above, the volume, sound quality, etc. can be changed in multiple stages without causing the player to feel uncomfortable.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine GM of the present embodiment. This pachinko machine GM includes a rectangular frame-shaped wooden outer frame 1 that is detachably mounted on an island structure, and a front frame 3 that is pivotably mounted via a hinge 2 fixed to the outer frame 1. It is configured. A game board 5 is detachably attached to the front frame 3 from the front side, not from the back side, and a glass door 6 and a front plate 7 are pivotally attached to the front side so as to be openable and closable. The portion excluding the game board 5 corresponds to the main body frame of the present invention.

  On the outer periphery of the glass door 6, an electric lamp such as an LED lamp is arranged in a substantially C shape. An upper plate 8 for storing game balls for launch is mounted on the front plate 7, and a lower plate 9 for storing game balls overflowing from or extracted from the upper plate 8 and a launch handle 10 are mounted at the bottom of the front frame 3. And are provided. The launch handle 10 is interlocked with the launch motor, and a game ball is launched by a striking rod that operates according to the rotation angle of the launch handle 10.

  A chance button 11 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper plate 8. The chance button 11 is provided at a position where it can be operated with the left hand of the player, and the player can operate the chance button 11 without releasing the right hand from the firing handle 10. The chance button 11 does not function normally, but when the game state becomes the button chance state, the built-in lamp is turned on and can be operated. The button chance state is a game state provided as necessary.

  An operation part of the rotary code switch 35 is disposed below the chance button 11. In this embodiment, the rotary code switch 35 is arranged on the surface of the gaming machine, and the player can operate the left hand during the game operation to adjust the sound production volume level in seven steps from the lowest level to the highest level. I am doing so. It should be noted that because of the operation with the left hand, it can be rotated forward and backward indefinitely in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

  On the right side of the upper plate 8, an operation panel 12 for ball lending operation with respect to the card-type ball lending machine is provided, a frequency display unit for displaying the remaining amount of the card with a three-digit number, and a ball of game balls for a predetermined amount A ball lending switch for instructing lending and a return switch for instructing to return the card at the end of the game are provided.

  Further, only one large loudspeaker SPd for bass is arranged at a position below the glass door and close to the player's abdomen, without appearing in FIG. Although a specific arrangement position is not particularly limited, for example, an inconspicuous position such as the lower part of the lower plate 9 or the inside of the plate body is selected. In any case, in this embodiment, since only one low-frequency speaker SPd is arranged, the installation space for other members is not consumed. On the other hand, the small speakers SPu and SPu (not shown) for high sounds are arranged at the left and right positions above the glass door 6. Since the loudspeakers SPu and SPu are small in size, the installation space for other members is not consumed.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the game board 5 is provided with a guide rail 13 formed of a metal outer rail and an inner rail in an annular shape, and a liquid crystal color display DISP is provided at the approximate center of the game area 5a inside. Has been placed. In addition, at a suitable place in the game area 5a, a symbol starting port 15, a big winning port 16, a plurality of normal winning ports 17 (four on the right and left sides of the big winning port 16), and a gate 18 serving as two passing ports are arranged. Has been. Each of these winning openings 15 to 18 has a detection switch inside, and can detect the passage of a game ball.

  The liquid crystal display DISP is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to a big hit state and displays a background image and various characters in an animated manner. This liquid crystal display DISP has special symbol display portions Da to Dc in the center portion and a normal symbol display portion 19 in the upper right portion. And, in the special symbol display parts Da to Dc, a reach effect is executed that expects a big hit state to be invited, or in the special symbol display parts Da to Dc and the surroundings, a notice effect that informs the result of the success / failure is executed. Is done.

  The normal symbol display unit 19 displays a normal symbol. When a game ball that has passed through the gate 18 is detected, the normal symbol fluctuates for a predetermined time, and the lottery extracted at the time when the game ball passes through the gate 18 is extracted. The stop symbol determined by the random number for use is displayed and stopped.

  For example, the symbol start opening 15 is configured to be opened and closed by an electric tulip having a pair of left and right opening and closing claws 15a, and when the stop symbol after fluctuation of the normal symbol display unit 19 is a winning symbol, the opening and closing claws are displayed. 15a is released only for a predetermined time or until a predetermined number of game balls are detected.

  When a game ball wins the symbol start port 15, the display symbols of the special symbol display portions Da to Dc change for a predetermined time and are determined based on the lottery result corresponding to the winning timing of the game ball to the symbol start port 15. Stop at the stop symbol. In addition, in special symbol display parts Da-Dc and its circumference, a notice effect may be performed between a series of symbol effects.

  The big winning opening 16 is controlled to open and close by, for example, an opening / closing plate 16a that can be opened forward. When the stop symbol after the symbol change in the special symbol display portions Da to Dc is a big hit symbol such as “777”, Is started, and the opening / closing plate 16a is opened.

  After the opening / closing plate 16a of the big prize opening 16 is opened, the opening / closing plate 16a is closed when a predetermined time elapses or when a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls wins. In such an operation, the special game is continued up to 15 times, for example, and is controlled in a state advantageous to the player. In addition, when the stop symbol after the change of the special symbol display parts Da to Dc is a specific symbol of the special symbols, a privilege that the game after the end of the special game is in a high probability state is given.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall circuit configuration of the pachinko machine GM of the present embodiment. A one-dot broken line arrow in the figure mainly indicates a DC voltage line.

  As shown in the figure, this pachinko machine GM includes a power supply board 20 that receives AC 24V and outputs various DC voltages, a system reset signal SYS, etc., a main control board 21 that plays a central role in game control operations, and a main control board. An effect control board 22 that executes a lamp effect and a sound effect based on the control command CMD received from the control board 21; a liquid crystal control board 23 that drives the liquid crystal display DISP based on the control command CMD ′ received from the effect control board 22; Based on a control command CMD "received from the main control board 21, a payout control board 24 for controlling the payout motor M to pay out the game ball, and a launch control board 25 for firing the game ball in response to the player's operation, , It is structured around.

  However, in this embodiment, the control command CMD output from the main control board 21 is transmitted to the effect control board 22 via the command relay board 26 and the effect interface board 27. Further, the control command CMD ′ output from the effect control board 22 is transmitted to the liquid crystal control board 23 via the effect interface board 27, and the control command CMD ″ output from the main control board 21 is set to the main board relay board 28. Is transmitted to the payout control board 24. The effect interface board 27 and the effect control board 22 are directly connected by a connector without using a cable.

  The main control board 21, the effect control board 22, the liquid crystal control board 23, and the payout control board 24 are each equipped with a computer circuit including a one-chip microcomputer. Accordingly, the circuits mounted on the control boards 21 to 24 and the operations realized by the circuits are collectively referred to as a function. In this specification, the main control unit 21, the effect control unit 22, and the liquid crystal control unit 23 are used. , And the payout control unit 24. All or part of the effect control unit 22, the liquid crystal control unit 23, and the payout control unit 24 is a sub-control unit.

  By the way, the pachinko machine GM is roughly divided into a frame side member GM1 surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 3 and a board side member GM2 fixed to the back of the game board 5. The frame side member GM1 includes a front frame 3 on which a glass door 6 and a front plate 7 are pivotally attached, and a wooden outer frame 1 on the outside thereof. Is fixedly installed. On the other hand, the board side member GM2 is replaced in response to the model change, and a new board side member GM2 is attached to the frame side member GM1 instead of the original board side member. All except the frame side member GM1 is the panel side member GM2.

  3, the frame side member GM1 includes a power supply board 20, a payout control board 24, a launch control board 25, a frame relay board 32, an external terminal board OT, and a ball lending machine UT. Interface board IF, and these circuit boards are respectively fixed at appropriate positions of the front frame 3. On the other hand, on the back of the game board 5, a main control board 21, an effect control board 22, and a liquid crystal control board 23 are fixed together with a liquid crystal display DISP and other circuit boards. And the frame side member GM1 and the board | substrate side member GM2 are electrically connected by the connection connectors CN1-CN4 concentratedly arranged in one place.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the power supply board 20 is connected to the main board relay board 28 through the connection connector CN2, and is connected to the power supply relay board 30 through the connection connector CN3. The main board relay board 28 outputs the system reset signal SYS, the RAM clear signal, the voltage drop signal, the backup power supply, DC12V, and DC32V received from the power board 20 to the main controller 21 as they are. Similarly, the power supply relay board 30 also outputs the system reset signal SYS received from the power supply board 20 and the AC and DC power supply voltages to the effect interface board 27 as they are. The production interface board 27 outputs the received system reset signal SYS to the production control unit 22 and the liquid crystal control unit 23 as they are.

  On the other hand, the payout control board 24 is directly connected to the power supply board 20 without going through the relay board, and receives the same system reset signal SYS, RAM clear signal, voltage drop signal, backup power supply as the main control unit 21 receives. Directly with other power supply voltages.

  Here, the system reset signal SYS output from the power supply board 20 is a signal indicating that the AC power supply 24V is supplied to the power supply board 20, and the one-chip microcomputer or other IC element of each of the control units 21 to 24 by this signal. The power is reset. The RAM clear signal received from the power supply board 20 by the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 24 is a signal that determines whether or not to initialize all areas of the built-in RAM of the one-chip microcomputer of each control unit 21 and 24. Thus, it has a value corresponding to the ON / OFF state of the initialization switch operated by the staff.

  The voltage drop signal received from the power supply board 20 by the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 24 is a signal indicating that the AC power supply 24V has started to drop. By receiving this voltage drop signal, each control unit 21, In 24, a necessary termination process is started prior to a power failure or business termination. The backup power source is a DC 5V DC power source that retains data in the built-in RAM of the one-chip microcomputer of the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 24 even after the AC power source 24V is shut off due to business termination or power failure. Therefore, the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 24 can resume the game operation before power-off after power-on (power backup function). This pachinko machine is designed to retain the stored contents of the RAM of each one-chip microcomputer for at least several days.

  On the other hand, the effect control unit 22 and the liquid crystal control unit 23 are not provided with the power supply backup function described above. However, the system reset signal SYS is commonly supplied to the effect control unit 22 and the liquid crystal control unit 23, and the power reset operation is realized at a timing substantially synchronized with the other control units 21 and 24.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the effect interface board 27 includes a command relay board 26, a power supply relay board 30, a frame relay board 31, an effect control board 22, a lamp connection board 34, and a liquid crystal control board 23. Are connected to the inverter board 33.

  Then, the production control unit 22 performs a voice production / lamp production / data transfer process, the one-chip microcomputer 40, an EPROM 41 that stores a control program for the one-chip microcomputer 40, and instructions from the one-chip microcomputer 40. An audio reproduction LSI 42 (YMZ774: Yamaha Corporation) that generates an audio signal based on the audio signal, an audio memory (phrase ROM) 43 that stores compressed audio data that is the original data of the generated audio signal, and a watchdog timer WDT It is prepared for.

  FIG. 11A is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of YMZ774 (Yamaha Corporation). As shown in the figure, the sound reproduction LSI 42 (YMZ774) receives and stores a sequence command from the one-chip microcomputer 40 serving as a host CPU, or stores various register groups 42a for storing an internal operation state (status) and a sound memory 43. A simple access unit 42b that functions when storing operation parameter groups in advance, a sequencer 42c that controls the audio reproduction operation specified by the sequence command, and an audio reproduction unit 42d that outputs an audio signal under the control of the sequencer 42c. It is configured.

  The audio reproducing unit 42d includes a decoder unit 50 for a plurality of channels that decompresses the compressed data read from the audio memory 43 as a phrase ROM, a channel volume unit 51 that defines the volume level of audio data of each channel, and a designation A channel mix unit 52 for adding the audio data of the selected channels, a total volume unit 53 for defining the volume level of the audio data after mixing, an effect unit 54 provided in the two channels 0 and 1, and an output interface It is comprised with the part 55 (FIG.11 (b)). In this embodiment, the volume level is determined by setting a set value corresponding to the 3-bit command signal SG from the rotary code switch 35 in the total volume unit 53.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a 3-bit command signal SG from the rotary code switch 35 is input to the input port of the one-chip microcomputer 40 via the effect interface board 27. However, the rotary code switch 35 is connected to the effect interface board 27 via the frame relay boards 31 and 32 as shown in FIG.

  The rotary code switch 35 is a switch that outputs a digital signal corresponding to the stop position of the rotation operation. Here, the rotary code switch 35 is configured to output a 3-bit command signal SG (binary number 000B to 111B). As described with reference to FIG. 1, the rotary code switch 35 is arranged on the lower left side of the front of the gaming machine so that the sound production volume can be adjusted by the player's left-hand operation. Specifically, according to the player's preference, the volume can be adjusted in seven stages from a silent state (000B) to a maximum volume (110B).

  FIG. 5 illustrates the appearance of the rotary cord switch 35 and circuit connections. As shown in the figure, the 3-bit output SG of the rotary code switch 35 is supplied to the one-chip microcomputer 40 via two Schmitt trigger type inverters GT and GT while being pulled up by the pull-up resistor Rp. The rotary code switch 35 can rotate indefinitely in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and the command signal SG has a numerical value corresponding to the contact position.

  However, since the output of the rotary code switch 35 is pulled up, a command signal with the maximum volume (111B) is output during a transient operation in which the contact position is changed. However, in this embodiment, the volume setting range is set to 7 levels instead of 8 levels, so that a large volume is not output during transient operation by the processing of the one-chip microcomputer 40. Further, the sound is not interrupted during the transient operation, and the sound volume is smoothly increased or decreased while maintaining the sound volume until then.

  The one-chip microcomputer 40 basically executes volume control corresponding to the numerical value of the command signal SG. However, when the one-chip microcomputer 40 is rotated counterclockwise from the origin position in the silent state (= 0), the volume suddenly increases. It is also possible to exhibit a volume adjustment function (suppression control mode) that suppresses an increase. The numerical value in parentheses in FIG. 5B indicates the volume level when this volume adjustment function is exhibited.

  By the way, as shown in FIG. 4, the control command CMD and the strobe signal (interrupt signal) STB output from the main control board 21 are stored in the buffer 48 of the effect interface board 27 in the one-chip microcomputer 40 of the effect control board 22. Is supplied via. Then, the effect control unit 22 acquires the control command CMD by the reception interrupt process activated by the strobe signal STB. In addition to (a) error notification and other notification control commands, the control command CMD acquired by the effect control unit 22 includes (b) control for specifying an outline of various effect operations resulting from winning at the symbol start opening. Commands (variation pattern commands) are included. Here, the outline of the production operation specified by the variation pattern command includes the production total time from the production start to the production end, and the result of winning or failing in the big hit lottery. In addition to these, the change pattern command including the presence or absence of the reach effect or the notice effect may be specified, but even in this case, the specific content of the effect content is not specified.

  Therefore, when the effect control unit 22 acquires the variation pattern command CMD, the effect lottery is subsequently performed, and the effect outline specified by the acquired variation pattern command is further specified. For example, the specific contents of the reach effect and the notice effect are determined. Then, in accordance with the determined specific game content, a lamp effect by blinking the LED group or the like and a sound effect preparation operation by the speaker are performed, and the liquid crystal control unit 23 is synchronized with the effect operation by the lamp or the speaker. The control command CMD ′ related to the rendered symbol effect is output. In this case, the effect control unit 22 outputs a control command CMD ′ to the effect interface board 27 together with the strobe signal (interrupt signal) STB ′ for the liquid crystal control unit 23. In addition, when receiving the notification control command or other control command related to the liquid crystal display, the effect control unit 22 outputs the control command as it is to the effect interface board 27 together with the interrupt signal STB ′.

  Corresponding to the configuration of the effect control board 22, the effect interface board 27 is configured to receive an 8-bit control command CMD ′ and a 1-bit interrupt signal STB ′. These data CMD ′ and STB ′ are output to the liquid crystal control board 23 as they are via the buffer circuit 45. The effect interface board 27 receives the lamp driving control signal output from the effect control unit 22 and outputs it via the buffer circuit 46. The lamp drive control signal output from the effect interface board 27 is supplied to the LED lamp group via the lamp connection board 34. As a result, a lamp effect corresponding to the control command CMD output from the main control unit 21 is realized. The

  On the other hand, audio signals AOL0, AOR0, and AOL1 output from the audio reproduction LSI 42 of the effect control board 22 are amplified by the two digital amplifiers 44u and 44d mounted on the effect interface board 27 and output.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the digital amplifier 44d that generates an audio signal to be supplied to the low-capacity large-capacity speaker SPd separately amplifies the audio signal AOL1 received at the two input terminals IN1 and IN2 by class D amplification, The power amplifier IC is configured to output to a pair of output terminals OUT1P, OUT1N / OUT2P, and OUT2N.

  As illustrated, the same audio signal AOL1 is supplied to the two input terminals IN1 and IN2 of the digital amplifier 44d via the coupling capacitor C0 and the input resistor R1. The input audio signal AOL1 is power-amplified at the same amplification rate by a 2-channel class D amplifier (built-in amplifier) provided inside the IC, and is output to a pair of output terminals. The pair of output terminals OUT1P, OUT1N / OUT2P, and OUT2N are provided with two low-pass filter circuits FT each composed of a pair of coils L1 and L1 and a pair of capacitors C1 and C1. The outputs of the filter circuits FT and FT are both supplied to a single speaker SPd. The Zener diode ZD is a protection element for absorbing overvoltage.

  Thus, in this embodiment, since the two built-in amplifiers of the digital amplifier 44d are wired in a characteristic circuit configuration that is connected in parallel to the single speaker SPd, the power consumption can be suppressed and high output can be achieved. Can be obtained.

  Subsequently, the operation content of the one-chip microcomputer 40 of the effect control board 22 will be described. The operation of the effect control unit 22 includes a main process (FIG. 7A) that is started when the CPU is reset, and a reception interrupt process that is started when the control command CMD is received from the main control unit 21 (FIG. 7). (B)).

  As shown in FIG. 7A, when the CPU is reset, after the one-chip microcomputer 40 is initialized (ST1), the suitability of the check data (management data) is checked (ST2). Here, the check data is a checksum value that is an operation result of addition operation for a predetermined area of the RAM area in step ST11. For example, when the power of the CPU is reset, the check data naturally does not match, so the entire area of the RAM is cleared (ST4).

  On the other hand, in the case of CPU reset by the watchdog timer, the check data may match. This is a case where the program is in a runaway state, but no unreasonable data is written in the work area of the RAM. Therefore, in such a case, backup restoration processing is executed so that the interrupted control operation can be resumed without any problem (ST3). In the backup restoration process, for example, the presently performed effect operation (audio effect or lamp effect) and other control operations are initialized so that they can be restarted from an appropriate separation position.

  Thereafter, initialization processing is executed for the audio reproduction LSI 42 (ST5). In this initialization process, a command is sent to the audio reproduction LSI 42, and a group of operation parameters are read from the audio memory 43 and set.

  Next, steps ST6 to ST11 are repeated in an infinite loop. First, after setting the CPU to an interrupt enabled state (ST6), an interrupt waiting process is executed (ST7). The interrupt waiting process is a process for confirming completion of a timer interrupt process (not shown) started every 4 ms. In this interrupt waiting process, as shown in FIG. 7C, first, a clear pulse is transmitted to the watchdog timer WDT to avoid a forced reset of the CPU (ST31). Next, while updating the random number used in the effect lottery or the like (ST32), it waits for the completion of the timer interrupt process (ST33). In the timer interrupt process (not shown), the confirmation flag FLG is set when a timer interrupt is received. Therefore, in step ST33, the confirmation flag FLG is repeatedly checked. When the set state of the confirmation flag FLG is confirmed, the confirmation flag FLG is reset and the subroutine processing is terminated (ST34).

  When the interrupt waiting process (ST7) is completed in this way, the control command CMD acquired in the reception interrupt process (FIG. 7B) is analyzed, and an initial process for subsequent processes is executed (ST8). . This control command analysis process (ST8) includes an effect lottery process based on the control command CMD and a transmission process of the control command CMD 'to the liquid crystal control unit. As shown in FIG. 7B, in the reception interrupt process, the received control command is stored in the command storage area (ST20 to ST21).

  When the control command analysis process (ST8) is completed, the scenario is advanced for the sound effect and the lamp effect started by the control command (ST9), and the sound data output process corresponding to the advanced scenario is executed (ST10). . Then, the addition operation is performed on the predetermined area of the RAM area and stored, and the process returns to step ST6 (ST11).

  As shown in FIG. 7D, in the sound data output process (ST10), first, the value of the rotary code switch 35 is acquired (ST40). Next, it is determined whether or not there is an error state (ST41). The error state includes an illegal winning error indicating that a winning signal has been obtained from a winning opening that should have been closed, a door opening error indicating that the glass door 6 has been opened during a gaming operation, and a gaming operation. And a RAM clear error indicating that the CPU of the main control unit 21 has been reset. These are all errors including the possibility of fraudulent games, and are each grasped by the control command CMD transmitted from the main control unit 21.

  Therefore, if it is in an error state, the sound reproduction LSI 42 is set so as to output the sound with the maximum sound volume regardless of the sound volume specified by the rotary code switch 35 (ST43). In the error state, the voice notification corresponding to the error content is started (ST45 to ST46), but even if the sound volume is set to the mute level by the processing of step ST43, for example, the sound at the maximum sound volume is set. Notification is effectively started.

  On the other hand, if not in an error state, the sound reproduction LSI 42 is set to output the volume specified by the rotary code switch 35 (ST42). Since the command signal SG (3-bit signal) of the rotary code switch 35 is acquired and stored at the timing of step ST40, this stored value is utilized.

  When the volume setting is completed as described above, it is determined whether or not this timing is the start timing of a group of voice phrases (ST44). If it is the reproduction start timing, a parameter for specifying the next audio effect to be executed is set in the register 42a of the audio reproduction LSI (ST45), and the reproduction operation is started (ST46).

  FIG. 8A is a flowchart for more specifically explaining the volume setting process (ST42), and is one of the characteristic portions of this embodiment.

  In the case of adopting the circuit configuration of FIG. 5, when the rotary code switch 35 is rotated, the 3-bit data i of the command signal SG increases in decimal notation as i → 7 → i + 1 → 7 → i + 2. Or i → 7 → i−1 → 7 → i−2. Accordingly, when the volume corresponding to the command signal SG is output, a large volume of “7” level is generated during the rotation operation of the rotary code switch 35. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent such a situation, but when the one-chip microcomputer 40 receives the command signal SG of “7” level, whether it indicates the stop position “7” of the rotary code switch 35, Or it cannot be reliably distinguished whether the present is in transient operation.

  Therefore, in the circuit configuration of FIG. 5 in which the pull-up resistor Rp is provided, the volume setting range is not the eight levels “0” to “7”, but the seven levels “0” to “6”. Is outputting a command signal SG of “7”, it is determined that it is in a transient operation. By limiting the volume setting range to seven levels for the 3-bit command signal SG, it is possible to reliably prevent a sudden “7” level loud sound from being generated during the rotary operation of the rotary code switch 35. The When pulling down the output of the rotary code switch 35, the timing at which the rotary code switch 35 outputs the command signal SG of “0” is assumed to be in a transient operation.

  As a precaution, the processing content of the circuit configuration of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether the acquired data DAT from the current rotary code switch 35 is the same as the volume setting value OLD that is the previous acquired data (ST60). As long as the player does not operate the rotary code switch 35, DAT = OLD. Therefore, in such a case, the process is terminated without doing anything.

  On the other hand, if DAT ≠ OLD, it is next determined whether or not the current acquired data DAT is “7” (ST61). When DAT = 7, it is determined that the current transient operation is in progress, and the process ends. On the other hand, if DAT ≠ 7, the value of the current acquired value DAT is stored in the variable OLD (ST62), and the sound volume is set based on the current acquired value DAT (ST63).

  Thus, in this embodiment, the output of the command signal “7” when the rotary code switch 35 is at the set position “7” is ignored. However, when the command signal “7” is output, the volume “6 (maximum volume)” or “0 (minimum volume)” corresponding to the previous setting position is output (ST62). It doesn't matter.

  That is, when the rotary code switch 35 is rotated from the “6” position to the “7” position, it is considered that there is no problem because the volume does not change. Further, even when the rotary code switch 35 is rotated from the “0” position to the “7” position, it is considered that there is no particular problem because only the silent state continues.

  However, in the latter case, it is considered that the player continues to rotate the rotary code switch 35 from the “7” position to the “6” position. Then, at the moment when the gaming machine that has been silent until then shifts from the “7” position to the “6” position, the maximum volume is suddenly emitted, which will surprise the player. . In particular, since the rotary code switch 35 is in a position where it is operated with the left hand and the rotary code switch 35 allows infinite rotation, the above-described adverse effects are naturally expected.

  Therefore, in order to solve such a problem, it is conceivable to provide a stopper for preventing the counterclockwise rotation from the origin position of “0”. Alternatively, it is also preferable to prevent sudden loud sound generation by software processing.

  9 to 10 are flowcharts for explaining processing for preventing sudden loud sound generation by software processing. First, the processes in steps ST70 to ST71 are the same as those in steps ST60 to ST61 in FIG. 8, and there is no need to change the volume setting.

  If DAT ≠ OLD and DAT ≠ 7, the subtraction process shown in FIG. 10 is executed (ST72). In the process of step ST72, the switch position is calculated when it is rotated counterclockwise by one step from the previous switch position of the rotary code switch 35. First, the subtraction result obtained by decrementing the variable OLD by 1 is stored in the variable ROT (ST90). Since 8-bit subtraction is performed, the operation result of 0-1 is FFH in hexadecimal.

  Next, the value of the variable ROT is ANDed with 07H to extract only the lower 3 bits of the variable ROT (ST91). The value of the variable ROT after the AND operation indicates the switch position when rotated by one step counterclockwise from the previous switch position. However, in this embodiment, since the switch position “7” is ignored, when ROT = 7, the variable ROT is further decreased by −1 (ST93).

  When the process of step ST72 is completed as described above, the current acquired value DAT is compared with the value of the variable ROT (ST73). As described above, the value of the variable ROT at this time indicates the switch position when it is rotated counterclockwise by one from the previous switch position. Therefore, when DAT = ROT, This means that the operation was counterclockwise. Therefore, when DAT = ROT, the direction variable DIR is set to 0 (ST74). On the other hand, when DAT ≠ ROT, it means that the current operation is clockwise rotation, so the direction variable DIR is set to 1 (ST75), and the process proceeds to step ST77.

  If the result of the determination in step ST73 is that the current operation is counterclockwise, it is next determined whether or not the current acquired value DAT is 6 (ST76). This is because, as a result of the counterclockwise rotation this time, when a shift is made to the switch position “6”, it is necessary to suppress a sudden increase in volume.

  Therefore, when DAT = 6, the variable CHG is set to 1, the variable VAL is set to 0, and the current acquired value DAT is stored in the variable OLD (ST78). The variable CHG is a variable for starting special volume control (inhibition control), and the variable VAL is a variable for designating a volume value at the time of suppression control.

  On the other hand, if DAT ≠ 6, the current acquired value DAT is stored in the variable OLD (ST77). Next, based on the value of the variable CHG, it is determined whether or not the current suppression control is in progress (ST79). If the variable CHG = 0 and the current control is not under suppression control but under normal control, the volume is set based on the value of OLD as a volume variable, and the process ends (ST87).

  On the other hand, if the current suppression control is in progress, it is determined whether a clockwise rotation operation or a counterclockwise rotation operation has been performed this time based on the value of the variable DIR (ST80). When DIR = 0 and a counterclockwise rotation operation is performed, the variable VAL is updated by increment processing (ST81), and it is determined whether the updated variable VAL has reached 4 (ST82). . As described above, since the suppression control starts from VAL = 0 (ST78), when the switch position changes from “6” → “5” → “4”, the volume setting is changed to the value of the variable VAL. Based on this, it is increased step by step from “1” → “2” → “3” so that the player does not feel uncomfortable.

  However, after the volume setting reaches “4”, it is considered that the suppression control may be stopped. Therefore, the process proceeds to step ST85 to return the variable CHG to 0. As a result, normal control is executed instead of suppression control thereafter. On the other hand, when the value of the variable VAL is VAL <4, the process proceeds to step ST86, and the sound volume is set based on the value of the variable VAL.

  By the way, in the determination of step ST80, when the variable DIR = 1, it means that the current operation of the rotary code switch 35 is a clockwise rotation operation. Therefore, in that case, the value of the variable VAL is updated by decrement processing (ST83), and it is determined whether or not the value of the updated variable VAL has reached 0 (ST84). The value of the variable VAL reaches 0 when the rotary code switch 35 is operated clockwise to reach the switch position “0” (see FIG. 5B).

  When the variable VAL = 0 is reached, it is considered that the inhibition control can be stopped anymore, so the process proceeds to step ST85 to return the variable CHG to 0. As a result, normal control is executed instead of suppression control thereafter.

  As described above, in this embodiment, after the switch position of the rotary code switch 35 reaches “6” via “0” → “7”, it enters the suppression control mode and thereafter rotates counterclockwise. As the switch position changes from “6” to “5” to “4” by the operation, the volume setting increases from “1” to “2” to “3”, which makes the player feel uncomfortable. I am trying not to. During the inhibition control mode, the volume is reduced when the rotary code switch 35 is rotated clockwise (ST83).

  On the other hand, after the switch position reaches “3” due to counterclockwise rotation in the suppression control mode, the mode returns to the normal mode. If the counterclockwise rotation is continued, the volume setting decreases from “2” to “1”. To do. After the switch position reaches “3” by counterclockwise rotation in the suppression control mode, for example, when the rotation operation direction is reversed, the volume setting is changed from “4” → “5” → “ 6 ”.

  Thus, although the sound volume setting changes irregularly, the sound volume is increased or decreased according to the operation without any sense of incongruity. The operation content of the suppression control mode is merely an example. Therefore, the value of the variable VAL can be appropriately set to an initial value that can suppress a sudden loud sound volume and / or a change width that results in a sound volume change similar to that in the case of normal rotation.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described concretely, the concrete description content does not specifically limit this invention. For example, the application of the present invention is not limited to the sound volume setting, and can be suitably applied to the brightness setting in the lamp effect and the design effect. Further, in the embodiment, the rotary code switch 35 is arranged on the front side of the gaming machine, but it is also preferable to arrange it on the back side so that only the staff can operate it.

  Regardless of the position of the rotary code switch 35, it is preferable to start a sound effect for a predetermined time (for example, 1 minute) when the rotary code switch 35 is operated. FIG. 8B shows such an embodiment, which is configured to start sound production when the rotary code switch 35 is operated based on the value of the flag FL that is initially set to 0 when the power is turned on. (ST65). Since the flag FL set to 1 at the start of the sound effect is returned to 0 at the end of the sound effect, the volume can be set as many times as necessary after the power is turned on. According to the configuration of FIG. 8B, a staff member before the start of business or a player before the start of the game can check the volume, which is preferable. In this case, a confirmation-specific voice may be provided, or predetermined sound data used for production may be used.

Of course, the operation unit is not limited to a rotary code switch, and is not limited to a 3-bit output, and a command signal having a larger number of bits may be used. Also, all signals (2 ^N -1) except for specific values (typically 0 or 2 ^N -1) among N bits of 0 to 2 ^N -1 command signals (2 ^N ). Of course, it is not always necessary to use.

  It is also preferable to notify the volume setting value by liquid crystal display, voice notification, lamp display, or the like. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the volume value particularly during the suppression control mode in which it is difficult to grasp the volume value.

It is a perspective view of the pachinko machine shown in an embodiment. It is the front view which illustrated in detail the game board of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the pachinko machine of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of an effect control part, an effect interface part, and a liquid-crystal control part. It is a circuit diagram which shows the output part of a rotary cord switch. It is a circuit diagram which shows a digital amplifier and its output part. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement content of an effect control part. It is a flowchart explaining the volume setting process of FIG. 7 concretely. FIG. 8 is another flowchart for specifically explaining the volume setting processing of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a part of FIG. 9. 2 illustrates an internal configuration of a sound reproduction LSI.

Explanation of symbols

21 Main control unit 22 Production control unit)
42 voice output unit 35 switch circuit SG numerical signal ST63 effect changing means ST61 blocking means

Claims (7)

A main control unit that executes a lottery process for determining whether or not to generate a gaming state advantageous to the player, and centrally controls the game operation based on the lottery result;
A gaming machine configured to have a sub-control unit that executes individual performance operations based on a control command from the main control unit,
N corresponding to the rotational position of the operation unit that can rotate in the forward and reverse directions indefinitely by repeating the M contact positions that are discretely arranged and the transient position that is a non-contact position (where 2 ^N ≧ M) A switch circuit that outputs a bit numerical signal ;
A pull-up resistor or a pull-down resistor for fixing the N-bit numeric signal of the switch circuit to the same specified value in all transient positions;
When the numerical signal is a specified value, it is understood that the operation unit is located at the transition position, and the continuation means for continuing the production operation until then,
When the numerical signal is not a specified value, based on the numerical signal, the contact position of the operation unit at that time is grasped to which of a plurality of stages classified as M-1 or less, and the grasped contact position In correspondence with the production changing means for changing all or part of the production operation,
A gaming machine characterized by having After grasping that the rotational position has finished one step change in the contact position from the non-contact position, by evaluating the contact position before the change the contact position after the change, the contact position to the highest level position from the lowest level position Reverse rotation detecting means for detecting reverse rotation;
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising first suppression control means for increasing the output volume of the effect operation as the operation unit is reversely rotated until the reverse rotation is continued and reaches a predetermined position. After grasping that the rotation position has changed one step from the non-contact position to the contact position, evaluate the contact position after the change and the contact position before the change, and the rotation position is changed from the lowest level position to the highest level position. Reverse rotation detecting means for detecting reverse rotation;
After that, after the reverse rotation is continued and reaches a predetermined position, until the operation portion is rotated forward until the return to the lowest level position by the forward rotation, the second suppression control reduces the output volume of the rendering operation. The gaming machine according to claim 1, further comprising means. Any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising abnormality handling means for starting a predetermined abnormality handling operation regardless of the rotational position of the operation unit grasped from the numerical signal when an abnormal situation is detected. The gaming machine described in 1 . The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the effect changing means increases the sound output or the lamp output as the operation unit is rotated forward from the lowest level position to the highest level position. Operation unit, the gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the player is positioned so as to be operated. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein when the operation unit is detected to be operated , a set sound volume can be grasped by starting a sound output operation that is continued for a predetermined time.