JP5393919B1 - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

A game machine equipped with an acoustic control unit (sound chip) having a defect (bug) in which an operation may become abnormal if a playback command is issued subsequently after issuing a playback command for playing back sound. In this case, the influence of the defect is suppressed.
In an opportunity (first opportunity) related to the start of a game or production, a stop command is sent to the sound control unit before sending a one-shot play command to the sound control unit, and then a one-shot play command is sent to the sound control unit. Send to control unit. It is possible to limit the occurrence of a malfunction of the sound control unit by the stop command and limit the influence without affecting the next game or performance. In addition, a stop command is also sent to the sound control unit before sending a loop playback command for repeatedly playing back sound.
[Selection] Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine (pawl game machine) or a pachinko machine, and in particular, an acoustic control unit (sound chip) for generating sounds related to effects such as music, sound effects, and character voices. It relates to what is installed

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a gaming machine (rotational gaming machine, slot machine) having a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on an outer peripheral surface is known. This type of gaming machine gives a certain game value to a game medium (medal) and performs a game for acquiring such a game medium. Also, this type of gaming machine performs an internal lottery triggered by the player's rotation start operation and starts rotation of a plurality of reels in a mode according to the result of the internal lottery as a player's stop operation trigger. Control is performed to stop a plurality of reels. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in a state where the plurality of reels are stopped, and medals are paid out according to the game result.

  In the gaming machine, various effects are made to improve the interest of the game. For example, a decorative member, a monitor (screen display device, liquid crystal display device), a speaker, and an LED lamp are attached, and a visual effect, a video effect, a sound effect, a light effect, and the like are performed.

JP 2001-212289 A JP 2006-230774 A JP 2009-61155 A JP 2009-61262 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-137897

  The gaming machine includes an acoustic control unit (sound chip (IC)) for generating sound from a speaker (acoustic device). This is composed of, for example, one or a plurality of ICs, and is mounted on a board (sub-board) of a gaming machine or mounted on a speaker board and receives a signal from the sub-board for processing. The speaker is controlled or driven by an acoustic control unit. The sound control unit reproduces sound by decoding previously stored sound data (sound phrases, phrase data).

  Some acoustic control units have a defect (bug) that, if a reproduction command is issued subsequently after a reproduction command for reproducing sound is issued, the operation may become abnormal. Specifically, there is a problem that sound is not reproduced, silence is generated, and noise is generated.

  The frequency of occurrence of this defect is not so high and occurs only occasionally, but the conditions for its occurrence are complex and it is difficult to predict whether the problem will occur in advance. This is a problem of the acoustic control unit itself, and it is difficult to fundamentally solve the problem.

  The present invention provides a gaming machine that suppresses the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems of the sound control unit and limits the influence thereof, thereby preventing the commercial value of the gaming machine from being lowered. Objective.

The present invention is based on a main board that performs processing related to a game, a sub board that performs processing related to effects based on commands from the main board, an audio device that generates sound related to effects, and control of the sub boards. In a gaming machine comprising an acoustic control unit for controlling the acoustic device,
The sub-board is
A plurality of one-shot playback commands that are executed at a plurality of predetermined triggers related to the game and generate a corresponding sound only once at a single trigger, and a stop command for stopping the generated sound are stored An instruction storage unit,
A flag storage unit for storing a predetermined first flag and second flag,
A first flag initialization process for resetting the first flag at an opportunity due to a player's operation or an opportunity related to a game (an initial opportunity) due to the player's operation;
When sending at least one of the plurality of one-shot playback commands to the sound control unit, the first flag is checked before sending the one-shot playback command, and when this is reset, the second flag is set. A second flag setting process to be set;
Check the second flag, and when it is set, send the stop command to the acoustic control unit, set the first flag and reset the second flag, stop command issue processing,
And a one-shot playback command issuing process for sending the one-shot playback command to the acoustic control unit.

The command storage unit of the sub-board further stores a loop playback command that is executed at a predetermined trigger related to the game and repeatedly generates a predetermined sound until a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The sound control unit generates sound based on the loop reproduction command,
The sub-board may set the second flag regardless of the state of the first flag in the second flag setting process when executing the loop reproduction command.

The sound control unit includes a plurality of reproduction units that generate sound based on commands from the sub-board,
In the plurality of playback units, the playback unit different from the playback unit generating sound based on the one-shot playback command may generate sound based on the loop playback command.

The present invention is based on a main board that performs processing related to a game, a sub board that performs processing related to effects based on commands from the main board, an audio device that generates sound related to effects, and control of the sub boards. In a gaming machine comprising an acoustic control unit for controlling the acoustic device,
The sub-board is
A plurality of one-shot playback commands that are executed at a plurality of predetermined triggers related to the game and generate a corresponding sound only once at a single trigger, and a stop command for stopping the generated sound are stored An instruction storage unit
When sending at least one of the plurality of one-shot playback commands to the acoustic control unit in the opportunity (first opportunity) that is triggered by the player's operation or caused by the player's operation and related to the game, The stop command is sent to the acoustic control unit before sending the one-shot playback command, and then the one-shot playback command is sent to the acoustic control unit.

The present invention is based on a main board that performs processing related to a game, a sub board that performs processing related to effects based on commands from the main board, an audio device that generates sound related to effects, and control of the sub boards. In a gaming machine comprising an acoustic control unit for controlling the acoustic device,
The sub-board is
A command storage unit that stores a loop playback command that is executed at a predetermined opportunity related to a game and repeatedly generates a predetermined sound until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a stop command for stopping the generated sound And
When sending the loop playback command to the acoustic control unit, the stop command is sent to the acoustic control unit before sending the loop playback command, and then the loop playback command is sent to the acoustic control unit. .

  The acoustic device is, for example, a speaker.

  The sound control unit reproduces sound according to a plurality of commands such as a one-shot playback command, a loop playback command, a stop command, and a volume change command. The sub-board can send the commands to the acoustic control unit at predetermined intervals (for example, in units of 16 ms). When a playback command is sent and another playback command is sent while the sound is generated, the sound generation by the previous playback command is interrupted, and the sound generation by the subsequent playback command is started (in other words, overwritten). On the other hand, when a stop command is sandwiched in the middle, such as a playback command, a stop command, and a playback command, a predetermined silent period occurs according to the interval. The generated sound is interrupted during the silent period, and noise is generated.

  The stop command stops the generation of sound, and based on this command, the sound control unit also performs an initialization process of a part related to the reproduction process. For this reason, even if a problem has occurred in the portion related to the reproduction process of the acoustic control unit, it can be reset by the stop command, and the problem can be solved and the normal state can be restored. For this reason, the reproduction command can be correctly executed after the stop command.

  The first opportunity is, for example, pressing of the start switch in the slot machine. For example, in the pachinko machine, pressing an effect button. There are various opportunities for gaming machines as described above, but the first opportunity is that even if there is a gap between the sound being played and the sound to be played next, it sounds like noise. Opportunities are selected that are not unnatural and do not impair product value. For example, if the production is triggered from the beginning, the blank is often recognized as a so-called “between”, so it is considered that there is little adverse effect on the production. In addition, if the game starts / effects start, the noise can be heard only once in one game / effect, and the influence on the product value can be reduced. As an initial opportunity, the insertion of medals or the pressing of a bet switch can be adopted.

  According to the present invention, at an opportunity (first opportunity) related to the start of a game or performance, the sub-board sends a stop command to the acoustic control unit before sending a reproduction command to the acoustic control unit, and then plays back. Since the command is sent to the sound control unit, it is possible to limit the occurrence of the malfunction of the sound control unit by the stop command and limit the influence without affecting the next game or performance. By sending a stop command at the first opportunity, the influence of the stop command on the performance can be reduced. In this way, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the commercial value of the gaming machine.

It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which closed the front door. It is a front view of the slot machine which shows the state which opened the front door 180 degree | times. It is a block diagram of a slot machine. It is a flowchart of the gaming process of the slot machine. It is a block diagram of the sound generation system of a gaming machine. It is a block diagram of the acoustic control part which concerns on embodiment of invention. It is a processing flowchart at the time of the reproduction | regeneration which concerns on embodiment of invention (main routine). It is a flowchart of the stop issue flag initialization process in 1 game at the time of lever press (first opportunity) concerning an embodiment of the invention. It is a flowchart of the stop command request flag setting process at the time of the reproduction | regeneration process based on embodiment of invention. It is a flowchart of the stop command issue process at the time of the reproduction | regeneration process based on embodiment of invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing (issue drawing of the one-shot reproduction | regeneration command) of embodiment of invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing (issue drawing of a one-shot reproduction | regeneration command and a loop reproduction | regeneration instruction | indication) of embodiment of invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing (timing chart) of embodiment of invention. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing (timing chart) of a comparative example. It is another operation explanatory view (timing chart) of the embodiment of the invention.

  As an example of a gaming machine to which an embodiment of the present invention can be applied, a slot machine will be described first.

  FIG. 1 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door closed, and FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine with the front door opened 180 degrees.

  1 and 2, reference numeral 100 denotes a slot machine. As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 100 can be opened and closed by a hinge or the like on the slot machine main body 120 and one side of the front surface of the slot machine main body 120. And a front door 130 attached thereto. As shown in FIG. 1, a game display unit 131 is provided substantially in the center of the front door 130, and a medal insertion slot 132 for a player to insert medals is provided at the lower right corner of the game display unit 131. Provided below the medal insertion slot 132 is a reject button 133 for forcibly discharging a clogged medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132 to the outside of the slot machine 100.

  A start switch 134 for starting a game is provided at the lower left of the game display unit 131, and three stop buttons 140 are provided corresponding to the three spinning cylinders. A medal payout port 135 is provided at the center of the lower end of the front door. A liquid crystal display device LCD is provided above the game display unit 131.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine main body 120 is fixed to the inner bottom surface, stores a plurality of medals therein, and stores the stored medals at a payout port 135 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. A hopper device 121 for paying out the sheets one by one is installed. An upper portion of the hopper device 121 is provided with a hopper tank 122 that opens upward and stores a plurality of medals therein. Inside the slot machine main body 120, a reel (rotating cylinder) unit 203 including three rotating cylinders is installed at a position where the game display unit 131 comes when the front door 130 is closed. The reel unit 203 includes three spinning cylinders (first to third drums) in which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface. The game display unit 131 is provided with an opening through which the player can see the symbols of the rotating drums of the reel unit 203. A power supply unit 205 is provided on the left side of the hopper device 121.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the medal (coin) selector 1 is attached to the back side of the front door 130 on the back side of the medal slot 132 provided on the front surface of the front door 130. This medal selector 1 rolls the medal toward the hopper device 121 while detecting the passage of the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 132, and has a different diameter medal or iron or iron whose outer diameter is different from the predetermined dimension. This is an apparatus for selecting and removing illegal medals made of an alloy and selecting and eliminating a predetermined number or more of medals that can be inserted per game.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a lead-out path 136 that covers the lower side and communicates with the payout port 135 of the front door 130 is provided below the medal selector 1. The medals distributed by the medal selector 1 are returned to the player from the payout port 135 via the derivation path 136.

  A pachinko machine will be described as an example of another gaming machine to which the embodiment of the present invention can be applied (the drawing is omitted).

  The pachinko machine is roughly divided into an outer frame, a main body member, an opening frame door, and a door with a ball tray.

  The outer frame is a wooden frame member having a vertical rectangular shape for fixing to an installation place (island facilities or the like) provided in a gaming machine installation sales shop.

  The main body member is a member that is provided inside the outer frame and serves as a longitudinal rectangular gaming machine base body that is rotatably attached to the outer frame via a hinge portion. The main body member is formed in a frame shape and has a space portion inside thereof.

  The opening frame door is mounted on the front surface of the main body member, which is the front surface side of the gaming machine, so as to be openable and closable, and is configured in a frame shape so that the door member has an opening on the inside. It is.

  A transparent plate member made of glass or resin is provided at the opening of the opening frame door, and an electric decoration, a speaker, or the like is attached in the vicinity of the opening and inside thereof.

The door with a ball receiving tray is a door member provided with at least a ball receiving tray that is attached to the lower part of the main body member on the front surface of the gaming machine so as to be able to be opened and closed with a lock function and stores the game balls. For example, the following members are attached to the door with the ball tray.
(1) A ball tray in which a plurality of game balls can be stored and provided with a passage for guiding the game balls to a launch driving device (not shown).
(2) A rotary operation handle for performing an operation of launching the stored game ball guided to the launch drive device to a game area provided on the board surface of the game board.
(3) A ball lending-related operation unit provided with buttons for instructing a read-in related to reading a paid card and a lending process related to a borrowed game ball.
(4) A storage ball discharge operation button for a ball tray for releasing the game ball stored in the ball tray into a game ball collecting container (common name, dollar box).
(5) A jog dial (effect button) operated by the player to select an option displayed on the screen.

  The game board of the pachinko machine is detachably mounted on the main body member using a predetermined fixing member so as to face the space portion of the main body member. After the game board is mounted on the main body member, the game area can be observed from the opening.

  The game board of the pachinko machine has a rectangular board surface, and the board surface is provided with a guide rail and a discharge port (out port) for guiding a game ball that has fallen through a substantially circular game area defined by the guide rail to the outside. Yes.

  The game area on the board is partitioned and formed into a substantially circular shape by a guide rail (including a sliding part for sliding the game ball and a regulation part for regulating the game ball), and regulates the movement range of the launched game ball. It is an area. A restricting portion is provided to follow the sliding portion. The sliding portion is arranged on the board surface in a spiral as a whole.

  The discharge port (out port) is a collection opening provided at a position where the game balls thrown into the game area converge.

  The board is provided with a plurality of obstacles such as nails and windmills that change the direction of the game ball moving in the game area. The game nail as an obstacle is a plurality of rod-like members that are driven into appropriate positions on the board surface in order to make the movement direction irregular by contacting with a game ball or to regulate the movement direction.

  The board further includes a variable display device (center role), a through-chucker (winning chucker) that allows a game ball to pass there, a normal winning device having a normal winning port, and a starting winning port. A start chucker (starting winning device) having an award and an attacker having a big winning opening are provided.

  The variable display device (center accessory) is provided at the center or slightly above the game area, and includes one or more variable display units such as an effect display lamp and an LCD (liquid crystal display device).

  A ball passage detector is provided inside the through chucker, the normal winning device, the start chucker (starting winning device), and the attacker.

  The start chucker (start winning prize opening) is also called electric Chu, and it has movable pieces (feathers) on both sides to expand and contract the opening area of the prize opening, and it makes variable display by winning game balls and winning balls. Is a winning device that allows a player to win.

  The attacker (large winning device) is a drive control of the movable door that is in the open state that exposes the winning port and the closed state that closes the winning port, from the state that prohibits the winning of the game ball in the normal gaming state, By winning a game ball in a specific gaming state that satisfies a predetermined condition set in advance, a larger number of winning balls can be obtained as compared to other winning devices and winning ports.

  A player turns a rotary operation handle to launch a ball on the board. When the ball passes through the through chucker, the gaming machine performs a lottery, and when the lottery is won, the movable piece of the start chucker (start winning prize opening) is opened to make it easier for the ball to enter the starting prize winning opening. When a ball enters the start winning opening, the game is won, and the gaming machine performs a big hit lottery and displays a variable display of symbols on the liquid crystal display device of the variable display device. If this lottery is won, it will be a big hit and the gaming machine will open the attacker. When the ball enters the attacker, the prize ball is paid out, and the number of possessions can be increased until the end condition of the jackpot is reached, and the gaming machine produces an effect that prompts the user to press the jog dial (effect button) during the pattern change on the liquid crystal display device Do. When the player operates the jog dial (effect button), the gaming machine performs an effect suggesting whether there is a big hit on the liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 3 shows a functional block diagram of the slot machine 100 according to the embodiment of the invention.
In this figure, the display about the power supply system is omitted. Although not shown, the slot machine includes a power supply unit for generating a DC power supply (+5 V or the like) from a commercial power supply (AC 100 V).

  Although the functional block diagram of the pachinko machine is omitted, the pachinko machine is the same as the slot machine in that it includes a main board, a sub board, and a speaker board. Therefore, the configuration shown in FIGS. The processing can be applied to a pachinko machine as it is.

  The slot machine 100 includes a main substrate (processing unit) 10 and a sub substrate 20 that operates in response to a command from the main substrate (processing unit) 10 as main processing devices. At least the main substrate 10 is accommodated inside the case so that it cannot be contacted from the outside, and is sealed so that traces remain when these substrates are removed.

  The main board 10 is used for internal lottery such as bonus combination, small combination, and replay combination, and processing (game processing) such as reel rotation / stop and medal payout in response to the player's operation. It is. The main board 10 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like.

  The sub board 20 is used for receiving a command from the main board 10 and notifying the result of the internal lottery and performing various effects. The sub-board 20 includes a CPU that performs a control operation according to a preset program corresponding to the command, a ROM that is a storage unit that stores the program, and a RAM that temporarily stores processing results and the like. Only one command flows from the main board 10 to the sub board 20, and conversely, no command is issued from the sub board 20 to the main board 10.

  The sub board 20 has an AT (assist time) lottery performed by an AT lottery means (not shown). With a lever sound and a stop sound, which will be described later, whether or not a bonus role is won on the main board 10 or whether an AT is won on the sub board 20 Suggests presence or absence. The AT provides suggestions for obtaining a ball and provides a player's convenience (assist). The suggestion is not always issued, but in specific cases.

  The AT will not refund if a player wins a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning small role, even after a specific small role is won. This is a function that draws ATs at the time of (or at the time of establishment) or other arbitrary occasions, and when this is won, teaches the player an operation for aligning a specific small role for a certain game with some action.

  The main board 10 is paid out from a bet switch BET, a start switch 134, a stop button 140, a reel unit (including a reel driving device) 203, a reel position detection circuit 71, a hopper driving unit 80, a hopper 81 and a hopper 81. A medal detection unit 82 for counting the number of medals (these constitute the hopper device 121 described above) is connected. A peripheral substrate (device control substrate) such as a liquid crystal control substrate 200 for controlling the liquid crystal display device, a speaker substrate 201, and an LED substrate 202 is connected to the sub substrate 20. The peripheral board is controlled by the sub-board 20 and produces effects mainly by video, light, and sound.

  Further, medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1 are connected to the main board 10.

  The medal selector 1 is provided with medal sensors S1 and S2 for counting medals. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are provided on the downstream side (near the exit) of a medal passage (not shown) provided in the medal selector 1 (the upstream side of the medal passage communicates with the medal slot 132). The two medal sensors S1 and S2 are arranged side by side at a predetermined interval along the medal traveling direction. The medal sensors S1 and S2 are, for example, photointerrupters that have a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion that face each other, are formed in a U-shaped cross section, and are positioned so that the detection optical axis faces the medal passage from above. . Each photo interrupter detects the passage of a medal sent without being blocked on the way. The reason why two photo interrupters are adjacent is not only to detect the number of medals but also to monitor whether or not the passage of medals is normal. That is, by providing two photo interrupters adjacent to each other, it is possible to detect the passing speed and passing direction of medals, thereby detecting not only the number of medals but also an illegal act moving in the reverse direction.

  The hopper driving unit 80 rotates the hopper 81 and performs an operation of paying out medals of the payout number instructed by the main board 10. The gaming machine includes a medal detection unit 82 that operates every time a medal is paid out, and the main board 10 receives a medal actually paid out from the hopper 81 based on an input signal from the medal detection unit 82. You can manage the number.

  The insertion accepting means 1050 receives the outputs of the medal sensors S1 and S2 of the medal selector 1, accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and based on the fact that medals corresponding to the prescribed number of insertions have been inserted, A process of permitting the rotation start operation of the first reel to the third reel is performed. Note that the pressing operation of the start switch 134 is an opportunity to start rotation of the first reel to the third reel and an opportunity to execute the internal lottery. In addition, the insertion accepting unit 1050 sets a prescribed insertion number according to the gaming state, sets the prescribed insertion number to 3 in the normal state and the bonus established state, and sets the prescribed insertion number to 1 in the bonus state.

  When medals are inserted, the inserted medals are set to the inserted state up to a specified number of insertions according to the gaming state. Alternatively, when the bet switch BET is pressed in a state where medals have been credited to the gaming machine, the credited medals are set to the inserted state by limiting the prescribed number of insertions according to the gaming state. The main board 10 controls whether or not to accept a medal. When it is not in a state of accepting insertion of medals (when not permitted), even if medals are inserted, they are not counted by the medal sensors S1 and S2 and are returned as they are. Similarly, the main board 10 controls the validity / invalidity of the bet switch BET. When the bet switch BET is not valid (when not permitted), even if the bet switch BET is pressed, it is ignored.

  The main board 10 incorporates random number generating means 1100. The random number generation means 1100 is a means for generating a random number for lottery. The random value can be generated based on, for example, a count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numerical values so as to circulate a predetermined count range). In this embodiment, the “random number value” is not only a value that is randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but even if the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing and the like are irregular. Includes a value that can function as a random number.

  The internal lottery means 1200 performs an internal lottery in which the player determines whether or not the winning combination is based on a start signal from the start switch 134. That is, a lottery table selection process for selecting a lottery table (not shown) stored in a memory (not shown) of the main board 10, a random number determination process for determining the winning of a random number obtained from the random number generating means 1100, The lottery flag setting process for setting a flag to that effect when a big win or the like is won by the determination result is performed.

  In the lottery table selection process, a lottery table (not shown) stored in a storage unit (ROM) (not shown) is used to determine which lottery table is used for internal lottery. In the lottery table, for each of a plurality of random values (for example, 65536 random values from 0 to 65535), replay, small role (bell, cherry), regular bonus (RB: bonus), and big bonus (BB :), etc., are associated with each other. In addition, a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state can be set as the gaming state, and a replay lottery state, a replay low probability state, and a replay high probability state can be set as replay lottery states.

  In the random number determination process, a random value (lottery random number) is acquired from the random number generation means (not shown) for each game based on a start signal from the start switch 134, and the lottery table is referred to for the acquired random value. Then, it is determined whether or not the winning combination is won.

  In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag of the winning combination determined to be won based on the result of the random number determination process is changed from the non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to the winning state (second flag state, on Status). When two or more types of winning combinations are won, a lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more types of winning winning combinations is set to the winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in storage means (RAM).

  A lottery flag (possible carryover flag) that can carry over the winning state for the next game until winning, and a lottery flag that is reset to the non-winning state without bringing the winning state to the next game regardless of winning Carry-over impossible flag) may be provided. In this case, there are a regular bonus (RB) and a big bonus (BB) as a combination to which the former carry-over possible flag is associated, and other combinations (for example, small role, replay) correspond to the latter carry-over impossible flag. It is attached. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, when a regular bonus is won by internal lottery, the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over until the regular bonus is won, and when the big bonus is won by internal lottery, the big bonus lottery A process of carrying over the winning state of the flag until the big bonus is won is performed. At this time, the main board 10 determines whether or not a role other than the regular bonus and the big bonus (small role and replay) is used even in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus or big bonus lottery flag is carried over by the internal lottery function. An internal lottery is performed. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the regular bonus lottery flag is carried over (a game in a bonus established state), if a small role or replay is won in the internal lottery, the regular that has already been won A lottery flag corresponding to two or more types of a combination consisting of a bonus lottery flag and an internal lottery or a replay lottery flag is set to the winning state, and the winning state of the big bonus lottery flag is carried over In a game (a game in which a bonus is established), when a small role or replay is won in an internal lottery, it consists of a big bonus lottery flag that has already been won and a small role or replay lottery flag that has been won in an internal lottery. Set lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations.

  When the replay is won, the replay processing means 1600 performs a replay process (regame process) for setting the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring insertion of medals owned by the player for the next game. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the previous game is automatically set to the insertion state without using the player's own medals (including credit medals). The game machine is set in a state of waiting for a rotation start operation (pressing operation of the start switch 134 by the player) in the next game in a state where the same winning determination line as the previous game is validated.

  The replay processing unit 1600 may perform control to change the winning probability of replay in the internal lottery under a predetermined condition. The replay lottery states include a replay no lottery state in which replay is excluded from the internal lottery, a replay low probability state in which the replay winning probability is set to about 1 / 7.3, and a replay winning probability of about 1 / A plurality of lottery states such as a high replay probability state set to 6 can be set. By changing the replay lottery state, the winning probability of the replay in the internal lottery is changed.

  The reel control means 1300 rotates the first to third reels by a stepping motor based on a start signal generated by the player pressing the start switch 134 (rotation start operation), and the first to third reels are driven. Control that permits the pressing operation (stop operation) of the three stop buttons 140 respectively corresponding to the rotating reels in a state in which the rotation speed of the motor reaches a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotation speed of about 80 rotations per minute). And a control to stop the first reel to the third reel, which are rotationally driven by the stepping motor, according to the lottery flag setting state (result of the internal lottery).

  In addition, the reel control means 1300 receives the reel stop signal when the player presses the three stop buttons 140 in a state where the pressing operation (stop operation) with respect to the three stop buttons 140 is permitted (validated). Based on this, by stopping the supply of drive pulses (motor drive signals) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 203, control is performed to stop each of the first to third reels.

  That is, each time the three stop buttons 140 are pressed, the reel control means 1300 determines the reel stop position corresponding to the pressed button among the first to third reels. The reel is stopped at the stop position. Specifically, referring to a stop control table (not shown) stored in the storage means (ROM), the first reel according to the pressing timing, pressing order, etc. (stop operation mode) of the three stop buttons. The stop position of the third reel is determined, and the first reel to the third reel are stopped at the determined stop position.

  Here, in the stop control table, the position of the first reel to the third reel (press detection position) at the time when the stop button 140 is operated and the actual stop position (or the slip from the press detection position) of the first reel to the third reel. (Number of frames) is set. Depending on the setting state of the lottery flag, a stop control table for determining the stop positions of the first reel to the third reel may be prepared.

  In the gaming machine, the reel unit 203 includes a reel index (not shown) made of a photosensor, and the reel control means 1300 is based on a reference position signal detected by the reel index every time the reel rotates once. By determining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotation axis of the step motor) from the reel reference position (the frame detected by the reel index), the current rotation state of the reel can be monitored. . That is, the main board 10 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop button 140 is operated by determining the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel.

  The reel control means 1300 performs so-called pull-in processing and kick-out processing as control for stopping the reel. The pull-in process is a control process for stopping the reel so that the symbol corresponding to the combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state is stopped on the winning determination line (so that the winning combination can be won). It is. On the other hand, the kicking process means that the reel corresponding to the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state does not stop on the valid winning determination line (so that the non-winning combination cannot be won) This is a control process to be stopped. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the lottery flag setting state, the stop button 140 pressing timing, the pressing order, and the stop position of the reels that have already stopped (types of display symbols) in order to realize the pull-in processing and kicking processing. ) Etc., the stop control table is set so that the stop position of each reel changes. In this way, the main board 10 can stop the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state in a winning form, while the symbol of the combination for which the lottery flag is set to the non-winning state is in the winning form. Control is performed to stop the first reel to the third reel so as not to stop.

  In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first to third reels are set to a control state in which the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 140 is pressed. ing. That is, in the stop control table for determining the stop position of each rotating reel, the number of frames required from when the stop button 140 is pressed until each reel stops is in the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). Is set in

  The winning determination means 1400 performs a process of determining whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stop mode of the first reel to the third reel. Specifically, referring to the winning determination table stored in the storage means (ROM), the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line when all of the first reel to the third reel are stopped, It is determined whether or not it is a predetermined winning combination.

  The winning determination means 1400 executes a winning process based on the determination result. As a process at the time of winning a prize, for example, when a small role wins, the hopper 81 is driven to perform a medal payout control process, or a credit is increased (a predetermined maximum number is increased to 50, for example, When the replay is won, a replay process is performed. When a big bonus or a regular bonus is won, a game state transition control process for shifting the game state is performed.

  The payout control means 1500 performs payout control processing relating to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on a payout predetermined for each combination, and the medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are determined by the hopper driving unit 80. Then, the hopper 81 is driven to pay out. At this time, a current flows through a motor (not shown) built in the hopper 81.

  When medal credits (internal storage) are permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper 81, the number of credits stored in a credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means (RAM) (not shown) A credit addition process for adding the number of payouts to the number of credited medals is performed to virtually pay out medals.

  Further, the main board 10 may perform control to shift the gaming state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state (gaming state transition control function). As the game condition transition condition, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are established, transitioning the gaming state to another gaming state based on the fact that one of the plurality of conditions is satisfied or all of the plurality of conditions are satisfied Can do.

  The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and a transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state is possible. The bonus establishment state is a gaming state that shifts when a big bonus or a regular bonus is won in the internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, when the big bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and the regular bonus is won in the internal lottery in the normal state Until the regular bonus is won, the lottery flag corresponding to the regular bonus is maintained in the winning state. In the bonus state, it is determined whether or not the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game, and medals exceeding a predetermined payout limit number are paid out according to the type of bonus won. The bonus state is terminated and the gaming state is returned to the normal state.

  The reel unit 203 includes three reels (not shown), and one stepping motor is attached to each of the three reels. A stepping motor includes a gear-shaped iron core or permanent magnet as a rotor (rotor), a plurality of windings (coils) as a stator (stator), and is rotated by switching windings through which current flows. is there. That is, a current is passed through the windings of the stator to generate a magnetic force, and the rotor is rotated by attracting the rotor. Since the rotation axis can be stopped at a specified angle, it is used to drive the rotation of the reel of the slot machine. A plurality of windings constitute one phase. As the number of phases, for example, there are two (two phases), four (four phases), and five (five phases).

Next, game processing in the gaming machine will be described with reference to FIG.
Generally, in a gaming machine, one game is started from the insertion of medals (insertion of credits) until the end of payout (or until the increase in the number of credits is completed). There is a rule that it is not possible to proceed to the next game until one game is finished.

  First, when a prescribed number of medals are inserted, the start switch 134 is activated, and the processing of FIG. 4 is started.

  In step S1, the start switch 134 is turned on by operating the lever (pressing the lever). Then, the process proceeds to the next step S2.

  In step S2, a lottery process is performed by the main board 10. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S3.

  Due to the start switch 134 being turned ON, the rotation of the first reel to the third reel is started in step S3, and the rotation speed of each reel is a predetermined rotation speed (steady rotation, the rotation speed is about 80 rpm). ) Until it reaches. When the predetermined rotational speed is reached, acceleration stops, and steady rotation is performed while maintaining the rotational speed at that time. When steady rotation is reached, the stop operation for each reel becomes possible. Three stop buttons 140 are provided corresponding to each of the three reels, but when a certain reel reaches regular rotation, the stop button 140 corresponding to the reel is lit and can be operated. At the same time, the reel control means 1300 receives a signal from the stop button 140. This process is performed for each of the three reels. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S4.

  In step S4, when the stop button 140 is operated, the stop button 140 is turned ON. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S5.

  In step S5, rotation stop processing is performed on the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button 140 among the first to third reels. Then, the process proceeds to the next step S6.

  When all the reels are rotating and the signal of the stop button 140 is received, the first stop operation and the first stop operation are performed by operating any one of the stop buttons 140 first. Later, operating the stop buttons 140 other than the stop button 140 for which the first stop operation has been performed is a second stop operation, and after the second stop operation has been performed, the stop button 140 for which the first stop operation has been performed and Operation of the stop button 140 other than the stop button 140 for which the second stop operation has been performed is a third stop operation, and a stop button that has been pressed (pressed state) due to the third stop operation being performed Canceling the pressed state of 140 (releasing the finger) will be referred to as releasing the third stop operation.

  In step S6, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button 140 corresponding to the three reels has been performed. If it is determined that all three stop buttons 140 corresponding to the three reels have been operated, the process proceeds to the next step S7.

  In step S7, it is determined whether or not the winning symbols corresponding to the lottery flag are aligned on the effective winning line while the lottery flag is established, that is, whether or not the winning is confirmed. If it is determined that the winning is confirmed, the process proceeds to the next step S8. If the winning is not confirmed, no medals are paid out even if the lottery flag is established.

  In step S8, medals corresponding to winning symbols are paid out.

  The process from the insertion of the medal to the completion of the execution of step S8 is one game. When the standby process in step S8 ends, the process returns to the beginning of the flowchart. In other words, the next game is possible (transition to the next game).

  FIG. 5A is a block diagram of the sound generation system of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes the sub-board shown in FIG. 3, which has been rewritten to explain the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, the sub-board 20 of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a command storage unit 20 </ b> C that stores a predetermined command for the acoustic control unit SC, and one game within a control process that will be described later. And a flag storage unit 20F that stores a stop issuance flag (first flag) and a stop command request flag (second flag). The in-game stop issuance flag (first flag) is for identifying whether or not a stop command has been issued in the above-described one game (game unit), and the stop command request flag (second flag) is a stop command. Is for issuing. The instruction storage unit 20C is provided in, for example, a ROM provided on the sub board 20. The flag storage unit 20F is provided in, for example, a RAM provided on the sub board 20.

  SC is an acoustic control unit that utters sound from a speaker (acoustic device) SP. The sound control unit SC outputs predetermined sound (sentence, music, sound effect, etc.) from the speaker SP based on a command from the sub-board 20.

  The acoustic control unit SC is built in, for example, the speaker board 201 or built in the sub board 20.

  The acoustic control unit SC includes an electronic circuit, and is called a sound chip including one or a plurality of semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs). The sound control unit SC reproduces sound according to a plurality of commands such as a playback command, a stop command, and a volume change command. The sub-board 20 can send these commands to the acoustic control unit SC at predetermined intervals (for example, in units of 16 ms). If a playback command is sent and another playback command is sent while the sound is being generated, the sound generation by the previous playback command is interrupted, and the sound generation by the subsequent playback command is immediately started (in other words, overwritten). On the other hand, when a stop command is sandwiched in the middle, such as a playback command, a stop command, and a playback command, a predetermined silent period occurs according to the interval. The generated sound is interrupted during the silent period, and noise is generated.

  Note that an initialization process, which will be described later, is performed after the stop command is sent and before the next reproduction command is sent.

  The sound control unit SC has a problem that operation may become abnormal if a reproduction command is issued after a reproduction command is issued. Specifically, there is a problem that sound is not reproduced, silence is generated, and noise is generated.

  The occurrence frequency of this defect is not high and occurs only occasionally. However, the generation condition is complicated and it is difficult to predict it in advance. This is a problem of the acoustic control unit SC itself, and it is difficult to fundamentally solve the problem. However, as will be described below, according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the adverse effects caused by the malfunction and avoid the damage of the commercial value of the gaming machine.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the sound control unit SC includes a plurality of channels that can independently generate sound, but the above-described problem occurring in any one of the channels does not affect other channels. For example, in the processing described later, a playback unit different from the playback unit that generates sound based on a one-shot playback command generates sound based on a loop playback command. Therefore, even when a stop command is issued before the loop playback command as in T45 of FIG. 12, there is no effect on the one-shot playback. The same can be said even when the loop sound is played back by the same playback unit that generates sound based on the one-shot playback command (this point will be further described later) ).

  FIG. 5B shows the contents of the instruction storage unit 20C according to the embodiment of the invention. This is an example, and is simplified for convenience of explanation. Instructions other than those shown may be included.

  The command storage unit 20C includes a plurality of one-shot playback commands that are executed at a plurality of predetermined triggers related to the game and generate corresponding sounds for a predetermined period of time, and a stop command for stopping the generated sounds. Is remembered. In the example of FIG. 5B, a first sound effect (lever sound) is generated when the start switch (lever) 134 is pressed, and a second sound effect (stop sound) is generated when the stop button 140 is pressed. A third sound effect (payout sound) is generated at the timing when the player releases his / her finger from the stop button 140 pressed third.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the first sound effect and the second sound effect are subjected to one-shot reproduction, which will be described later, and the third sound effect is subjected to loop reproduction, which will be described later.

  The one-shot playback command is a command used when performing a playback method (one-shot playback) that plays back a one-shot sound that has been played back once and is not played back repeatedly. For example, in the slot machine, a command for generating a lever sound when the start switch is pressed (lever press) and a stop sound when the stop button is pressed (first stop, second stop, third stop) are generated in a single shot. Alternatively, for example, a command for generating a sound effect when a game ball is detected by a sensor provided in a through chucker in a pachinko machine.

  In addition, a lever sound when the start switch (lever) is pressed in the slot machine described above, a stop sound when the stop button is pressed (first stop, second stop, third stop), and a through chucker in a pachinko machine. Even if it is a sound effect when a game ball is detected by a sensor, this playback is the following loop playback when a playback method is used in which playback is repeated continuously until a predetermined end trigger comes.

  The loop playback command is a command used when performing a playback method (loop playback) for playing back a loop sound that is played repeatedly repeatedly until a predetermined end trigger comes when one playback is completed. It is an instruction for repeatedly generating a predetermined sound until a predetermined condition is satisfied, which is issued at such a predetermined opportunity.

  The loop playback command is, for example, a payout sound for notifying that when a medal or ball of a slot machine or pachinko machine is paid out, or a BGM corresponding to each gaming state or each stage of the slot machine or pachinko machine. It is a command for repeatedly generating a simple sound. A BGM that is started with a transition to a predetermined stage and is played back in a loop until the stage is shifted to another stage is also included in the loop sound.

  When a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when a sound reproduction time is measured by a timer and the predetermined time elapses, a process associated with a loop sound (a process of paying out medals or the like according to a game result (payout) When the processing) is finished, when a new game or production is started, when the game state is changed, or when a so-called stage is changed, the reproduction of the sound is ended.

  In addition, even if the above-mentioned slot machine or pachinko machine medal or ball is paid out, even the sound of BGM corresponding to each gaming state or each stage of the slot machine or pachinko machine is repeatedly repeated. When a playback method in which playback is not performed is performed, this playback is the above-described one-shot playback.

  Although described in detail later, the sub-board 20 performs the following processing.

(1) A game triggered by a player's operation (or a trigger caused by a player's operation, a game ball entering a winning opening in a pachinko machine, a sensor provided there, etc.) In the event of starting the game (for example, “lever depressing” in FIG. 5B, hereinafter this event is referred to as “first event”), the first in-game stop issuance flag (first flag) is reset. 1 flag initialization process (FIG. 8)

  Note that the trigger for starting a game can be, for example, a press of a start switch or a bet button in a slot machine, and a winning at a start winning opening (by a sensor provided at a starting winning opening in a pachinko machine). Detection of the ball), the player's contact with the handle, and the ball being launched by turning the handle.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the first flag initialization process is always performed at an opportunity related to the start of a game, but an effect (especially an effect of outputting sound from a speaker) at an opportunity related to the start of a game. When the above is performed, the first flag initialization process may be performed.

(2) When at least one of a plurality of one-shot playback commands is sent to the sound control unit SC, the in-game stop issue flag (first flag) is checked before the one-shot playback command and is reset. Second flag setting process for setting a stop command request flag (second flag) (FIG. 9)

(3) Check the stop command request flag (second flag), and if it is set, send the stop command to the acoustic control unit SC, set the in-game stop issue flag (first flag), Stop command issuance processing for resetting the request flag (second flag) (FIG. 10)

(4) One-shot playback command issue processing for sending the one-shot playback command to the sound control unit SC (FIG. 7).

(5) Processing for setting a stop instruction request flag (second flag) in the second flag setting process regardless of the state of the in-game stop issuance flag (first flag) when executing a loop regeneration instruction ( (Fig. 9)

  The stop command stops the generation of sound, and based on this command, the sound control unit SC also performs initialization processing of a part related to the playback processing. For this reason, even if a problem has occurred in the portion related to the reproduction process of the sound control unit SC, it can be reset by a stop command, and the problem can be solved and the normal state can be restored. For this reason, the reproduction command can be correctly executed after the stop command.

  The player's operation is triggered by, for example, inserting a medal, pressing a bet switch, pressing a start switch (lever), pressing a stop button (first stop, second stop, third stop), releasing a stop button (stop For example, releasing a pressed state from a pressed state (pressed state), or pressing an effect button provided in some slot machines. In addition, for example, in a pachinko machine, contact with the handle, rotation of the handle (operation for launching a ball), depression of an effect button provided in some pachinko machines, and detection of a player's hand For example, a hand is placed over an effect sensor for performing a predetermined effect.

  Triggers resulting from the player's operation include, for example, reaching the steady rotation of the spinning cylinder in the slot machine, stopping (slightly delayed from pressing the stop button), and paying out medals. In addition, for example, in a pachinko machine, a game ball is detected by sensors provided in various winning openings and through chuckers, a transition to a big hit state, a so-called stage transition, and the like.

  The first opportunity is, for example, insertion of medals from the medal insertion slot 132, insertion of medals using the bet switch BET, or pressing of the start switch 134 in the slot machine. For example, in the pachinko machine, contact with the handle, rotation of the handle (operation for launching the ball), or winning at the start winning opening. There are various opportunities for gaming machines as described above, but the first opportunity is that even if there is a gap between the sound being played and the sound to be played next, it sounds like noise. Opportunities are selected that are not unnatural and do not impair product value. For example, if the production is triggered from the beginning, the blank is often recognized as a so-called “between”, so it is considered that there is little adverse effect on the production. In addition, if the game starts / effects start, the noise can be heard only once in one game / effect, and the influence on the product value can be reduced. As an initial opportunity, the insertion of medals or the pressing of a bet switch can be adopted.

  FIG. 6 shows an internal block diagram of the acoustic control unit SC. This figure is a conceptual diagram, and shows only the parts necessary for explaining the operation of the acoustic system according to the embodiment of the invention.

  SC1 is a sound data storage unit that stores in advance at least one sound data (for example, WAV). Note that the sound data storage unit SC1 may be provided outside the acoustic control unit SC. In this case, a storage unit (ROM) independent from the acoustic control unit SC is provided, and this is used as the sound data storage unit SC1.

  SC2-1 to SC2-4 are a plurality of reproduction units that generate acoustic signals based on the sound data. The acoustic signals generated by the reproducing units SC2-1 to SC2-4 are different from each other.

  SC3 is a synthesis unit that synthesizes the plurality of sound signals and outputs one synthesized sound signal. FIG. 6 shows an apparatus for synthesizing sound data of four channels into one. The combining unit SC3 is configured with a digital circuit or an analog circuit. When the input is a digital signal, it is constituted by a digital circuit, for example, an adder. When the input is an analog signal, it is constituted by an analog circuit, for example, an amplifier (an adding circuit using an operational amplifier). The output of the synthesis unit SC3 is sent to the speaker SP.

  SC4 is a reproduction control unit that controls the reproduction units SC2-1 to SC2-4.

  7 to 10 are operation flowcharts of the sub-board 20 according to the embodiment of the invention. These drawings show only processing related to sound reproduction.

  In the following description, a slot machine is taken as an example, and in the following description, the time when the lever is pressed is referred to as “first opportunity”.

  FIG. 7 shows a main routine of sound reproduction. The process of FIG. 7 shows a process (one-shot or loop) related to sound reproduction.

S10: At the time of sound playback, first, stop command request flag setting processing (FIG. 9) when playback processing occurs is executed.

S11: Next, a stop command issuance process (FIG. 10) when a reproduction process occurs is executed.

S12: Issue (execute) a playback command (one-shot playback command or loop playback command).

  FIG. 8 shows the in-game stop issue flag initialization process when the lever is pressed (first opportunity). The process of FIG. 8 is executed when the lever is pressed (first opportunity).

S20: The in-game stop issuance flag (first flag) is reset (set to False).

  FIG. 9 shows a stop command request flag setting process when a reproduction process occurs.

S30: Check the status of the in-game stop issuance flag (first flag).
If it has been reset (False), the process proceeds to S31. If it is set (True), the process proceeds to S32.

S31: A stop command request flag (second flag) is set (set to True). Then, the process of FIG. 9 is exited.

S32: It is determined whether or not the reproduction command requested to be executed is a loop reproduction command.
If it is a loop reproduction command, the process proceeds to S33. If it is not a loop reproduction command, the process proceeds to S34.

S33: A stop command request flag (second flag) is set (set to True). Then, the process of FIG. 9 is exited.

S34: The stop command request flag (second flag) is reset (set to False). Then, the process of FIG. 9 is exited.

  FIG. 10 shows a stop command issue process when a playback process occurs.

S40: Check the state of the stop command request flag (second flag).
If reset (False), the process of FIG. 10 is exited. If it is set (True), S41 to S43 are executed.

S41: Issue a stop command. A stop command is sent from the sub-board 20 to the acoustic controller SC.

  When the stop command is issued (executed), a part related to the reproduction process of the sound control unit SC is initialized. Even if a problem has occurred in the portion related to the reproduction process of the sound control unit SC, it can be reset by a stop command, and the problem can be solved and the normal state can be restored. The playback command can be executed correctly after the stop command.

S42: The stop command request flag (second flag) is reset (set to False).

S43: An in-game stop issuance flag (first flag) is set (set to True). Then, the process of FIG. 9 is exited.

  The operation by the above processing will be described with reference to FIGS. These figures show whether or not a stop command is issued (executed) for each of a plurality of opportunities in the game, and which playback command is issued (executed). Arranged over time from top to bottom. In FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, a slot machine will be described as an example.

  First, a description will be added with reference to FIG.

T1: Lever depressing for the first game By depressing the lever, the in-game stop issue flag (first flag) is reset (FIG. 8).

  Since a one-shot playback command is issued, the processing in FIG. 7 is started.

  That is, the process jumps to FIG. 9 in S10 of FIG. 7, False is set in S30 of FIG. 9, and a stop instruction request flag (second flag) is set in S31. Next, the process jumps to FIG. 10 in S11 of FIG. 7, True is issued in S40, and a stop instruction is issued (executed) in S41. Then, S42 and S43 are executed. Thereafter, a one-shot playback command is issued (executed) in S12 of FIG. 7, and a lever sound is generated.

T2: First stop operation for the first game When one of the three stop buttons is pressed, a one-shot playback command is issued, and the process of FIG. 7 is started.

  That is, the process jumps to FIG. 9 in S10 of FIG. 7, True is determined in S30 of FIG. 9 (the in-game stop issue flag (first flag) is set in T1), and it is determined in S32 whether the instruction is a loop playback command. However, since it is a one-shot reproduction command as described above, the result is No and the stop command request flag (second flag) is reset in S34. Next, the process jumps to FIG. 10 at S11 in FIG. 7, and False at S40, and the process of FIG. 10 is exited. A stop command is not issued (executed). Then, a one-shot playback command is issued (executed) in S12 of FIG. 7, and a stop sound is generated.

  Since T3 and T4 (second stop operation and third stop operation) are the same as T2, description thereof is omitted.

  Since the next game is entered at T5, as described above, the in-game stop issue flag (first flag) is reset by pressing the lever (FIG. 8). Thereafter, the processes of T1 to T4 are repeated.

  As can be seen from FIG. 11, since a stop command is issued when the lever is pressed (first trigger), the malfunction of the acoustic control unit SC described above (problem that operates abnormally if a playback command is continuously sent) is caused at T1 and T5. Does not occur. Although there is a possibility that the problem occurs at T2 to T4, the occurrence frequency is low. Even if the problem occurs at T2 to T4, it is resolved at T5, so the problem does not continue. For this reason, the influence can be ignored, and it is considered that the player is not so uncomfortable.

  Next, FIG. 12 will be described. In FIG. 12, the same processes as those in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

T45: Release of the third stop operation of the first game The third stop release of the first game is an opportunity to issue (execute) a loop reproduction command.

  For example, this is a case where the reproduction of a payout sound for notifying that a medal is paid out by winning a predetermined small role is started. When playing out the payout sound, the winning combination of the small role is paid to the credit or from the hopper to the lower tray one by one for the number of the small roles that have been won. Plays a payout sound once and repeats it for the number of payouts (note that the playout time for one payout sound is shorter than the interval between payouts per sheet).

  Or it is a case where BGM which is started with the transition to a predetermined stage and is played back in a loop until the stage is shifted to another stage is started. When the third stop operation is released, the stage shifts and the reproduction of the BGM is started. When the BGM is played back, the playback starts when the stage shifts to a specific stage. Until the stage shifts from the stage to another stage, the playback ends from the beginning of the BGM, and the playback is repeated from the beginning. .

  Since the loop reproduction command is issued, the processing of FIG. 7 is started.

  That is, the process jumps to FIG. 9 in S10 of FIG. 7, and is true in S30 of FIG. 9 (the in-game stop issue flag (first flag) is set in S43 of FIG. 10 in T1). Next, in S32, it is determined whether or not the instruction is a loop reproduction command. The answer becomes Yes, and a stop command request flag (second flag) is set in S32. Next, the process jumps to FIG. 10 in S11 of FIG. 7, True is issued in S40, and a stop instruction is issued (executed) in S41. Then, S42 and S43 are executed. Then, a loop reproduction command is issued (executed) in S12 of FIG. 7, and a payout sound is repeatedly generated.

  As can be seen from FIG. 12, since the stop command is issued before the loop playback command is issued (executed), the above-described malfunction of the acoustic control unit SC does not occur at T45. If the loop playback command is not executed, the effect will be great.For example, in the case of a payout sound, the player will feel uncomfortable with a silent state despite the fact that the medal has been paid out. According to the embodiment of the invention, such an adverse effect is not caused.

  In the above example, it is easy to understand if it is assumed that a playback unit different from the playback unit that generates sound based on the one-shot playback command generates sound based on the loop playback command. For example, the one-shot sound is reproduced by the reproduction unit SC2-1 and the loop sound is reproduced by the reproduction unit SC2-2, but the reproduction unit SC2-1 does not reproduce the loop sound. Therefore, even when a stop command is issued before the loop playback command as in T45 of FIG. 12, there is no effect on the one-shot playback.

  However, even when the loop sound is played back by the same playback unit that generates sound based on the one-shot playback command, the one-shot playback can be prevented from being affected. For example, an effect button is provided on the slot machine, prompting the user to press the effect button when the bonus game is won, and when the effect button is pressed, the effect A indicating that the bonus is won is performed. (In this case, it is easy to understand without taking into account the reproduction of sound such as lever sound and stop sound triggered by pressing the lever or the first to third stop operations. It can be played back with SC2-3 etc.). Even if the production A is being performed, if the bonus is won and the bonus state is entered and the stage (production stage) moves to the bonus stage, the production A is forcibly terminated and the production B corresponding to the bonus stage is performed. Assumed to be performed. In this case, the one-shot sound (sound related to the effect A) is reproduced by pressing the effect button, and the playback of the loop sound (effect B) is started with a stop command in the middle of the reproduction. there is no problem.

  FIG. 13 is a timing chart of sound generation in the embodiment of the invention. This figure shows an example in which a playback unit that generates sound based on a one-shot playback command and a playback unit that generates sound based on a loop playback command are different. The lever sound and stop sound channels and the payout sound channel are different (they may be the same channel as described above). In this figure, the symbol X indicates issuance (execution) of a stop instruction, and the symbol Y indicates the occurrence of the malfunction. FIG. 13A shows a state where no malfunction occurs, and FIG. 13B shows a case where a malfunction occurs in the second stop (T3 in FIGS. 11 and 12).

  As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the issuance (execution) of the stop command is performed at the first timing and immediately before the loop sound is generated.

  The first opportunity is selected so that even if there is a gap between the sound being played and the next sound to be played and it sounds like noise, it is not unnatural and does not impair the product value. Is done. For example, if the presentation is triggered from the beginning, the blank is often recognized as a so-called “between”. In addition, if the game is started and the production is started, it can be heard only once in one game and one production.

  For this reason, a problem due to the issue (execution) of a stop command, that is, if a stop command is inserted in the middle, a predetermined silent period is generated according to the interval, and the influence of a state where noise is generated can be minimized. .

  In FIG. 13 (b), a problem occurs in the second stop and the third stop (T3 and T4 in FIGS. 11 and 12), but even if the problem occurs, it is resolved at T5. It does not continue, and it is not so much that the player feels uncomfortable.

  As can be seen from FIG. 13B, since the stop command is issued before the loop reproduction command is issued (executed), the above-described malfunction of the acoustic control unit SC does not occur. If the loop playback command is not executed, the effect is great and the player feels uncomfortable. However, according to the embodiment of the invention, such an adverse effect is not caused.

  For example, in the case where BGM is started with a transition to a predetermined stage and loop playback is started until the stage shifts to another stage, the stage transition is performed when the third stop operation is released and the BGM Although the reproduction is started, if the above-described malfunction of the acoustic control unit SC occurs, in the case of the BGM corresponding to a specific stage, the silent state continues for the BGM until the specific stage is completed. Where the player feels uncomfortable, according to the embodiment of the invention, such an adverse effect is not caused.

  FIG. 14 shows a comparative example (a gaming machine that does not issue a stop command). 14 (a) and 14 (b) correspond to FIGS. 13 (a) and 13 (b), respectively.

  In FIG.14 (b), a malfunction generate | occur | produces by the 2nd stop and this is continued without being eliminated. After this, no sound is generated when the lever is pressed or the stop button is pressed, and the player feels uncomfortable. This adversely affects the merchantability.

  Further, in FIG. 14B, a problem also occurs with respect to the loop reproduction command, and the payout sound that should be repeatedly generated is not reproduced at all. If the loop playback command is not executed, the effect is great and the player feels uncomfortable.

  As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, even if a problem occurs in sound generation, it is only for one game or one effect, and is solved by entering the next game or effect. Further, there is no problem with the payout sound and the loop sound such as BGM. For this reason, according to the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, even if a malfunction occurs in the acoustic control unit, the influence is minimized, and the commercial value of the gaming machine is not damaged.

  FIG. 15 is another timing chart of sound generation in the embodiment of the invention. This figure shows an example in which the playback unit generating sound based on the one-shot playback command and the playback unit generating sound based on the loop playback command are the same.

  When a production button provided in the slot machine is pressed, a one-shot sound of production A is reproduced, and a loop sound of production B is reproduced when the bonus stage is entered. Immediately before that, a stop command is executed (symbol X). Also in FIG. 15, there is no problem with the loop sound.

  Regarding the trigger of playing the one-shot sound and loop sound, these may be triggered by the player's operation, or triggered by the player's operation, which may be triggered by the gaming machine. It depends on the design.

  In the above description, a slot machine has been exemplified as a gaming machine, but the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a pachinko machine.

  The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. Needless to say.

10 Main board 20 Sub board 20C Command storage part 20F Flag storage part SC Acoustic control part SP Speaker (acoustic device)

Claims (5)

A main board that performs processing related to a game, a sub board that performs processing related to an effect based on a command from the main board, an audio device that generates sound related to the effect, and the audio device based on control of the sub board In a gaming machine comprising an acoustic control unit to control,
The sub-board is
A plurality of one-shot playback commands that are executed at a plurality of predetermined triggers related to the game and generate a corresponding sound only once at a single trigger, and a stop command for stopping the generated sound are stored An instruction storage unit,
A flag storage unit for storing a predetermined first flag and second flag,
A first flag initialization process for resetting the first flag at an opportunity related to a game that is triggered by a player's operation or caused by a player's operation;
When sending at least one of the plurality of one-shot playback commands to the sound control unit, the first flag is checked before sending the one-shot playback command, and when this is reset, the second flag is set. A second flag setting process to be set;
Check the second flag, and when it is set, send the stop command to the acoustic control unit, set the first flag and reset the second flag, stop command issue processing,
And a one-shot reproduction command issuing process for sending the one-shot reproduction command to the acoustic control unit. The command storage unit of the sub-board further stores a loop playback command that is executed at a predetermined trigger related to the game and repeatedly generates a predetermined sound until a predetermined condition is satisfied,
The sound control unit generates sound based on the loop reproduction command,
The said sub board | substrate sets the said 2nd flag regardless of the state of the said 1st flag in the said 2nd flag setting process, when performing the said loop reproduction | regeneration instruction | command. Gaming machine. The sound control unit includes a plurality of reproduction units that generate sound based on commands from the sub-board,
3. The plurality of playback units, wherein the playback unit different from the playback unit generating sound based on the one-shot playback command generates sound based on the loop playback command. The gaming machine described. A main board that performs processing related to a game, a sub board that performs processing related to an effect based on a command from the main board, an audio device that generates sound related to the effect, and the audio device based on control of the sub board In a gaming machine comprising an acoustic control unit to control,
The sub-board is
A plurality of one-shot playback commands that are executed at a plurality of predetermined triggers related to the game and generate a corresponding sound only once at a single trigger, and a stop command for stopping the generated sound are stored An instruction storage unit
When sending at least one of the plurality of one-shot playback commands to the sound control unit when triggered by a player's operation or when triggered by a player's operation, the one-shot playback command The game machine is characterized in that the stop command is sent to the sound control unit before sending out, and then the one-shot playback command is sent to the sound control unit. A main board that performs processing related to a game, a sub board that performs processing related to an effect based on a command from the main board, an audio device that generates sound related to the effect, and the audio device based on control of the sub board In a gaming machine comprising an acoustic control unit to control,
The sub-board is
A command storage unit that stores a loop playback command that is executed at a predetermined opportunity related to a game and repeatedly generates a predetermined sound until a predetermined condition is satisfied, and a stop command for stopping the generated sound And
When sending the loop playback command to the acoustic control unit, the stop command is sent to the acoustic control unit before sending the loop playback command, and then the loop playback command is sent to the acoustic control unit. A gaming machine.

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