JP5937043B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, there are many machines that advance a game by performing a big hit lottery when a game ball launched on the surface of the game board wins a starting opening. When this type of gaming machine is a lottery lottery, it enhances the fun of the game by performing various effects such as symbol variation effects in order to display the results of the jackpot lottery. When this type of gaming machine performs an effect, it outputs an effect sound corresponding to the effect from the speaker. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in the gaming machine as described above, there has been proposed one that can adjust the volume and sound quality of a production sound in multiple stages (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2009-77921 A

  On the other hand, in recent years, it has been desired that the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker of the gaming machine can be adjusted to a level desired by the player. For this reason, a gaming machine that allows a player to adjust the volume level to a desired level by pressing the cross key provided on the front side of the gaming machine is being marketed. In this way, the conventional gaming machine that allows the player to adjust the volume level by himself / herself will accept the volume level adjusting operation by the player when, for example, the symbol variation effect is finished and the state shifts to the waiting state for the customer. The volume level is adjusted based on the operation of the cross key by the player.

  However, when the gaming machine shifts to the customer waiting standby state, the effect sound output from the speaker during the symbol variation effect is not output. For this reason, when the player performs an operation for adjusting the volume level, there is a silent state, and it is difficult for the player to set the desired volume level.

  In order to solve this problem, for example, it is conceivable that a beep sound or the like corresponding to the volume level is output from a speaker when the player operates the cross key. However, since the sound quality of beep sound is different from the actual effect sound, even if the player sets the beep sound to the desired volume level, the volume level of the effect sound that is actually output during the design variation effect is desired. Often not at the level of.

  In addition to the above, for example, as the gaming machine shifts to the customer standby state, it is also possible to output music dedicated to the customer standby state from the speaker. However, since such music is different from the actual performance sound, even if the player sets the desired volume level based on such music, the actual sound that is actually output during the design variation effect It is difficult to set the sound volume level to a desired level.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can easily adjust to a desired volume level when a player adjusts the volume level in order to solve the above-described problems.

In order to achieve the above object, the invention according to claim 1 is a gaming machine (1), wherein a special game for determining whether or not to shift to a special gaming state advantageous to a player when a start condition is established. Based on the result of determination by the determination means (21a) and the special game determination means (21a), an effect control means (40) for causing a predetermined effect means to perform an effect indicating the result of the determination, and an effect control means (40 ) When the effect is performed, a speaker (10) that outputs an effect sound corresponding to the effect, an operation input means (7) that allows a player to perform an operation input, and an effect control means (40) When the start condition is not satisfied after the production is finished, the setting change of the volume level of the production sound output from the speaker (10) based on the operation performed on the operation input means (7) Volume adjustment means (45) capable of performing If the start condition is not satisfied after the result of the determination is shown in the effect, the effect control means (40) outputs the effect sound output during the effect in the determination. Even after the results are shown, it is possible to continue output from the speaker (10), and when the state where the start condition is not satisfied continues for a predetermined time, it is possible to end the continuous output of the effect sound and the start When the volume adjustment means (45) is changing the setting of the volume level based on an operation performed on the operation input means (7) when the condition is not satisfied for a predetermined time, the effect sound continued by continued without quitting the output of the output of said operation input means (7) based on the operation performed on the speakers (10) the presentation sound is outputted continuously from the Change the level It is the structure characterized by this.

  According to the gaming machine of the present invention, when the player adjusts the volume level, the adjustment operation can be performed while listening to the effect sound continuously output from the speaker by the effect control means. Can be set to a desired level.

It is a perspective view which shows the external appearance structure of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows one structural example of the various control boards provided in order to control operation | movement of a game machine. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the concrete function structure in a main control board and an effect control board. It is a figure which shows the example of a display of a volume level adjustment screen. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence performed by the game effect control part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of a demonstration effect process. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process sequence performed by the volume adjustment part. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the detailed process sequence of a volume level change process. It is a figure which shows an example of the volume level adjustment which a volume adjustment part performs based on 2nd operation in the state where the setting level is not memorize | stored in RAM. It is a figure which shows another example of the volume level adjustment which a volume adjustment part performs based on 2nd operation in the state where the setting level is not memorize | stored in RAM. It is a figure which shows an example of the volume level adjustment which a volume adjustment part performs based on 2nd operation in the state where the setting level is memorize | stored in RAM. It is a timing chart which shows the one aspect | mode of the continuous output of a production sound. It is a figure which shows an example of the demonstration screen displayed by demonstration production. It is a timing chart which shows the one aspect | mode of the start timing of demonstration effect.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, members that are common to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof are omitted.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment. This gaming machine 1 is a ball-type gaming machine configured to pay out a winning ball when a gaming ball launched by an instruction operation by a player enters various winning holes. The gaming machine 1 includes a main body frame 2 fixed to an island facility in a hall (store) and a front frame door 3 provided on the front side of the main body frame 2. The front frame door 3 is pivotally supported around a predetermined vertical axis by support portions 2a and 2a provided at the left end portion of the main body frame 2, and the front side of the main body frame 2 is supported by the rotation operation. It can be opened or closed. The front frame door 3 has a transparent glass plate 4 at the center for making the game board 11 provided inside the main body frame 2 visible.

  The front frame door 3 has a shelf-shaped ball receiving portion 5 formed below the transparent glass plate 4 so as to protrude to the front side of the gaming machine 1. On the upper surface of the ball receiving portion 5, a ball receiving tray for storing game balls paid out from the gaming machine 1 is provided. For example, the bottom of the ball tray is inclined rightward, and when the game ball is paid out, the game class rolls the ball tray rightward and is provided on the back side of the front frame door 3. Guided to the game ball launch mechanism.

  On the top surface of the ball receiving portion 5, two types of operation buttons, a first operation button 6 and a second operation button 7, are provided as operation input means through which a player can perform operation input. . The first operation button 6 is composed of one button that can be pushed by the player. Further, the second operation button 7 is configured as a cross key having five buttons of an upper button 7a, a lower button 7b, a right button 7c, a left button 7d, and a middle button 7d, and any of these buttons can be pushed by the player. Button. These first and second operation buttons 6, 7 are, for example, when an effect based on a predetermined effect pattern is performed in the gaming machine 1, and an operation by the player is performed at a timing determined in the predetermined effect pattern, It is a button for performing special effects in conjunction with it. That is, when the gaming machine 1 performs an effect based on a predetermined effect pattern, the game machine 1 generates an effect depending on whether or not the first or second operation buttons 6 and 7 are operated at the timing determined in the predetermined effect pattern. The contents can be switched to different contents. The second operation button 7 is also a button operated when the player adjusts the volume level of the effect sound. That is, when the gaming machine 1 detects a pressing operation of the upper button 7a, the lower button 7b, the right button 7c, or the left button 7d by the player when the gaming state is a predetermined state, the effect sound is generated based on the pressing operation. Adjust the volume level.

  A handle lever 8 that is operated by the player to fire a game ball is provided at the lower right portion of the ball receiving portion 5. When the player rotates the handle lever 8 clockwise, the game ball launching mechanism is activated, and the game ball is repeatedly launched at a predetermined time interval on the board surface of the game board 11 with the hitting force according to the operation angle. It comes to be. Then, when the game ball enters the various winning openings provided on the game board 11, the corresponding prize ball is paid out to the ball tray.

  In addition, the front frame door 3 includes frame lamps 9 on the upper side and both left and right sides of the transparent glass plate 4 and on the lower side of the ball receiving portion 5. These frame lamps 9 are lit on the basis of an effect pattern executed in the gaming machine 1, thereby performing an electrical decoration effect around the transparent glass plate 4.

  Furthermore, a pair of left and right speakers 10 are provided on the upper part of the front frame door 3. This speaker 10 outputs various effect sounds toward a player located on the front side of the gaming machine 1. For example, when an effect based on the effect pattern is performed in the gaming machine 1, the speaker 10 outputs an effect sound corresponding to the effect content at a preset volume level. The production sound includes music, voice, sound effects, and the like.

  On the other hand, the game board 11 provided inside the main body frame 2 of the gaming machine 1 is provided with an opening in the center of the game area where the game ball is launched, and an image display 12 is attached to the back side of the opening. It is the structure which was made. The image display 12 is one of the effect means provided for performing various effects in the gaming machine 1, and is composed of, for example, a color liquid crystal display or an LED array display, and displays various effect images. Such an effect image is visible to the player from the front side of the gaming machine 1 through the opening formed in the gaming board 11.

  Further, although not shown in the figure on the surface of the game board 11, there are many known members such as a large number of nails, windmills, through gates, a normal winning opening, a first starting opening, a second starting opening, and a large winning opening. Provided. Therefore, the game ball launched on the board surface of the game board 11 rolls downward on the board surface while changing the course by many nails and windmills, and passes through the through gate, , Or enter various winning openings such as the first starting opening, the second starting opening, and the big winning opening. When game balls enter various winning holes, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out. In addition, when a game ball enters the first start port or the second start port, a start condition is established in the gaming machine 1, and a special judgment is made as to whether or not a special game (including a jackpot game) advantageous to the player is performed. Game determination is performed. The gaming machine 1 executes various symbol variation effects in order to display the result of the special game determination.

  When the symbol variation effect is started in the gaming machine 1, the image display 12 displays three decorative symbols with numbers such as 1 to 9 while varying them in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction, and the speaker 10 displays an image. An effect of outputting effect sound corresponding to the display image on the display device 12 is performed for a predetermined time. The image display 12 displays the result of the special game determination by stopping the three decorative symbols after a predetermined time has elapsed. At this time, if the three decorative symbols stop at a uniform symbol such as “7, 7, 7”, etc., a big hit will be made, and the gaming machine 1 will shift from the normal gaming state to the special gaming state and become a jackpot game. Start a special game. When the gaming machine 1 shifts to the special gaming state, a special gaming effect is performed in the gaming machine 1, and the special gaming effect is continuously performed until the special gaming state is finished. When a special game is started in the gaming machine 1, the special winning opening is opened and closed a predetermined number of times, so that the game balls launched on the surface of the gaming board 11 are easy to enter the special winning opening. . Therefore, when a special game is started in the gaming machine 1, the player can make a lot of game balls enter the big winning opening by continuing the launching operation of the game balls, and thereby, a lot of prize balls can be won. Can be earned. Therefore, the special game state is a game state that is advantageous to the player.

  On the other hand, when the symbol variation effect is stopped, if the three decorative symbols are stopped in a state where they are not aligned, a loss occurs, and if the next start condition is satisfied, the next symbol variation effect is started immediately after that. In this case, the gaming machine 1 advances the game while repeatedly performing the special game determination in the normal gaming state.

  In addition, game balls launched on the surface of the game board 11 often do not enter various winning holes. Such a game ball is discharged to the back side of the game board 11 from an out port provided at the lowermost part of the game board 11.

  In addition, when a game ball launched on the surface of the game board 11 passes through the through gate, a normal symbol lottery is performed in the game machine 1. This normal symbol lottery is a lottery for determining whether or not to open an opening / closing member such as an electric tulip provided to open and close the second starting port. Therefore, when the normal symbol lottery is won, the normally closed second starting port is opened, and the game ball can easily enter the second starting port, so that the gaming machine 1 makes a special game determination. Increases frequency.

  Note that the gaming machine 1 may play a short-time game for a predetermined period when the special game ends and the special game state returns to the normal game state. The short game at this time is, for example, a game that continues until a symbol variation effect is performed a predetermined number of times, and a game that makes it easy to win a normal symbol lottery and makes it easier for the game ball to continuously enter the second starting port. State. Therefore, if a short-time game is played after the end of the special game, the player can advance the game without much reducing the number of prize balls acquired during the special game until the short-time game ends. .

  Next, the control mechanism of the gaming machine 1 as described above will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of various control boards provided for controlling the operation of the gaming machine 1. The gaming machine 1 is based on a main control board 20 that comprehensively controls the progress of the game by detecting a winning of a game ball launched on the game board 11, and signals and commands output from the main control board 20. And a sub-control board 19 provided for controlling each part. The sub control board 19 includes, for example, a payout control board 30, an effect control board 40, an image control board 50, and a lamp control board 60. In the example of FIG. 2, the sub-control board 19 is shown in a state where it is separated into four parts, that is, a payout control board 30, an effect control board 40, an image control board 50, and a lamp control board 60. A configuration may be adopted in which some or all of them are integrated on one substrate. The main control board 20 and the sub control board 19 are arranged on the back side of the game board 11 in the gaming machine 1, for example.

  The main control board 20 controls the main operations of the gaming machine 1 such as the progress of the game in the gaming machine 1, the gaming state, and the payout of gaming balls, and includes a CPU 21, a ROM 22, and a RAM 23. The main control board 20 includes a first start port switch 24 for detecting that a game ball has entered the first start port, and a second start port switch for detecting that the game ball has entered the second start port. 25, a normal winning opening switch 26 for detecting that a game ball has entered the normal winning opening, a gate switch 27 for detecting that the gaming ball has passed through the through gate, and that the gaming ball has entered the big winning opening. A large winning opening switch 28 to be detected and a large winning opening solenoid 29 for opening and closing the large winning opening are connected.

  When each of the first start port switch 24, the second start port switch 25, the normal winning port switch 26, and the big winning port switch 28 detects the winning of the game ball, the main control board 20 is connected to the payout control board 30. Send a prize ball command.

  The payout control board 30 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, and a RAM 33, and is configured to pay out game balls by driving a payout motor 17 provided on the back side of the game board 11. When the prize control command is input from the main control board 20 as described above, the payout control board 30 pays out a predetermined number of game balls as prize balls based on the prize ball command.

  Further, when the first start port switch 24 or the second start port switch 25 detects the winning of the game ball, the main control board 20 determines that the start condition is satisfied and thereby enters a special game state advantageous to the player. A special game determination is made to determine whether or not to make a transition, and a change start command is sent to the effect control board 40 in order to perform a symbol change effect according to the determination result. More specifically, when the main control board 20 detects winning in the first start port or the second start port, the main control board 20 acquires a jackpot random number, and whether or not the acquired jackpot random number matches a predetermined winning value. Determine. As a result, when the jackpot random number matches the predetermined winning value, it is determined that the jackpot is won and the special game is performed. On the other hand, if the jackpot random number does not match the winning value, the game is lost and it is determined not to play the special game. Then, the main control board 20 determines the variation time of the symbol variation effect according to the result of the special game determination, and sends a variation start command including the result of the special game determination and the variation time to the effect control substrate 40. Instructs the start of symbol variation production. When the main control board 20 sends out a change start command, the main control board 20 counts the change time, and when the change time determined according to the result of the special game determination has elapsed, the main control board 20 causes the effect control board 40 to stop the symbol change effect. A change stop command is sent.

  If the result of the special game determination is a big hit, the main control board 20 starts the special game by shifting the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 to the special gaming state after the variation time of the symbol variation effect has elapsed. To do. When the main control board 20 shifts the gaming machine 1 to the special gaming state, the main winning opening is opened a predetermined number of rounds by driving the large winning opening solenoid 29. At this time, the main control board 20 outputs a special game start command and a special game end command to the effect control board 40 at the start and end of the special game, respectively, in order to perform a special game effect corresponding to the special game. To do.

  The main control board 20 detects the winning at the first start port or the second start port when the symbol variation effect is performed in the gaming machine 1 or when the special game is performed. When the starting condition is established, the symbol variation effect based on the winning is suspended and stored. Specifically, the symbol variation effect is put on hold by storing, in the RAM 23, a jackpot random number or the like acquired in accordance with winning at the first starting port or the second starting port. Then, after the symbol variation effect ends and stops, or after the special game ends, the suspension is read to make a special game determination, and the symbol variation effect based on the determination result is started. Furthermore, when the next start condition is not established at the timing at which the symbol variation effect performed by the effect control board 40 is stopped and the hold is not stored in the RAM 23, the main control board 20 is set to the effect control board 40. In response, a standby command indicating that the customer is waiting is sent.

  The effect control board 40 determines an effect pattern to be executed in accordance with the progress of the game by the main control board 20, and controls the execution of various game effects based on the determined effect pattern. The effect control board 40 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, and a RAM 43, and executes various game effects in the gaming machine 1 by controlling the image control board 50 and the lamp control board 60 provided on the downstream side. Control.

  For example, when the variation start command is received from the main control board 20, the effect control board 40 produces one effect corresponding to the variation time determined by the main control board 20 from a plurality of effect patterns based on the change start command. Determine the pattern. The content of the symbol variation effect performed in the gaming machine 1 is determined by one effect pattern determined at this time. Then, the effect control board 40 controls the image control board 50 and the lamp control board 60 based on the one effect pattern, thereby controlling the execution of the symbol variation effect corresponding to the one effect pattern. Then, when receiving the change stop command from the main control board 20, the effect control board 40 stops the symbol change effect being executed by the image control board 50 and the lamp control board 60.

  A first operation button 6 and a second operation button 7 are connected to the effect control board 40. The effect control board 40 is a pattern in which one effect pattern determined based on the change start command from the main control board 20 performs a special effect in conjunction with the operation of the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7. In some cases, when it is detected that the player has operated the first operation button 6 or the second operation button 7 at the timing determined by the effect pattern, control is performed so as to perform a special effect in conjunction with the operation. In addition, when the gaming state of the gaming machine 1 is in a predetermined state, the effect control board 40 is operated by the player to press the upper button 7a, the lower button 7b, the right button 7c, or the left button 7d included in the second operation button 7. Is detected, the volume level of the effect sound is adjusted based on the pressing operation.

  Furthermore, when the special game is started by the control by the main control board 20, the effect control board 40 determines one effect pattern from the plurality of effect patterns based on the special game start command received from the main control board 20. The execution of the special game effect corresponding to the one effect pattern is controlled. When receiving the special game end command from the main control board 20, the effect control board 40 ends the execution of the special game effect.

  The image control board 50 includes a CPU 51, a ROM 52, a RAM 53, and a VRAM 54, and displays an image by controlling the image display 12 and the speaker 10 based on commands sent from the effect control board 40. An image for a symbol variation effect, a special game effect, and other various effects is displayed on the display 12, and an effect sound corresponding to the image displayed on the image display 12 is output from the speaker 10. That is, the image control board 50 controls the display image on the image display 12 by outputting the image written in the VRAM 54 to the image display 12 at a predetermined frame rate. In addition, an effect sound corresponding to the image is output from the speaker 10 in conjunction with the image writing operation to the VRAM 54. When the effect sound is output from the speaker 10, the image control board 50 outputs the effect sound at a volume corresponding to the volume level set on the effect control board 40.

  The lamp control board 60 includes a CPU 61, a ROM 62, and a RAM 63, and controls the lighting and extinguishing of the frame lamp 9 described above based on commands sent from the effect control board 40.

  Next, specific configurations and operations of the main control board 20 and the effect control board 40 will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of a specific functional configuration of the main control board 20 and the effect control board 40. First, as shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 21 of the main control board 20 functions as a special game determination unit 21a and a special game control unit 21b. The special game determination unit 21a is a processing unit that acquires the jackpot random number described above and determines the jackpot random number (special game determination) when the start condition associated with winning at the first start port or the second start port is established. is there. When the special game determination unit 21a performs the special game determination, the special game determination unit 21a determines the change time of the symbol change effect based on the determination result, and outputs the change start command C1 to the effect control board 40. Further, the special game determination unit 21a outputs a change stop command C2 to the effect control board 40 after the change time of the symbol change effect has elapsed. If the result of the special game determination is a big hit, after sending the variation stop command C2 to the effect control board 40, the special game control unit 21b is caused to function. On the other hand, when the result of the special game determination is a loss, the special game determination unit 21a transmits the suspension stop command C2 to the effect control board 40, and then reads the hold and performs the next special game determination. At this time, if the next hold is not stored and the starting condition for performing the special game determination is not satisfied, the special game determination unit 21a is in the customer waiting state with respect to the effect control board 40. A standby command C3 indicating this is sent out.

  The special game control unit 21b functions when the result of the special game determination is a big hit, and controls a special game to be performed after the symbol variation effect is stopped. That is, the special game control unit 21b advances a special game advantageous to the player by opening and closing the special prize opening solenoid 29 in the special game state. The special game control unit 21b sends a special game start command C4 to the effect control board 40 when starting the special game, and sends a special game end command C5 to the effect control board 40 when ending the special game.

  On the other hand, in the effect control board 40, the CPU 41 functions as a game effect control unit 44 and a volume control unit 45 as shown in FIG. 3. The game effect control unit 44 controls execution of game effects corresponding to various game states based on various commands received from the main control board 20. The game effect control unit 44 includes a symbol variation effect control unit 44a, a special game effect control unit 44b, and a demonstration effect control unit 44c.

  The symbol variation effect control unit 44a functions by receiving the variation start command C1 from the main control board 20, determines one effect pattern corresponding to the variation time determined by the main control board 20, and uses the effect pattern as the effect pattern. Based on the control of the image control board 50 and the like, the execution of the symbol variation effect corresponding to the result of the special game determination is controlled. Thereby, the symbol variation effect is executed in the gaming machine 1, and the effect sound corresponding to the symbol variation effect is output from the speaker 10. When the change stop command C2 is received from the main control board 20, the symbol change effect is stopped. When the symbol variation effect is repeatedly performed in the gaming machine 1, the symbol variation effect control unit 44a repeatedly operates, and starts the symbol variation effect every time the variation start command C1 is received from the main control board 20. Further, the symbol variation effect control unit 44a is not executing the symbol variation effect when the symbol start is not stored at the timing when the symbol variation effect is stopped based on the variation stop command C2, and the next start condition is not established. The production sound that has been output to is continuously output from the speaker 10.

  The special game effect control unit 44b functions by receiving a special game start command C4 from the main control board 20, determines one effect pattern corresponding to the special game performed by the main control board 20, and uses the effect pattern as the effect pattern. Control special game effects based. Thereby, a special game effect is executed in the gaming machine 1 and an effect sound corresponding to the special game effect is output from the speaker 10. When the special game end command C5 is received from the main control board 20, the special game effect control unit 44b ends the special game effect.

  The demonstration effect control unit 44c functions by receiving a standby command C3 from the main control board 20, and controls execution of a predetermined demonstration effect that should be performed in the customer standby state. When the demonstration effect control unit 44c does not receive another change start command C1 or the like until a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) elapses after receiving the standby command C3, Start the demonstration production. At this time, the demonstration effect control unit 44c ends the continuous output of the effect sound output from the speaker 10 even after the symbol variation effect control unit 44a stops the previous symbol variation effect, and executes the demonstration effect. To start.

  The demonstration effect control unit 44c includes an effect sound continuation output unit 44d. The effect sound continuation output unit 44d functions to adjust the volume level of the effect sound when the predetermined time elapses after the standby command C3 is received and the demonstration effect is executed. If the volume level is adjusted, the continuous output of the production sound is continued without ending. In other words, the demo production control unit 44c ends the continuous output of the production sound if the volume level adjustment by the volume adjustment unit 45 is not performed when it is time to start the demonstration production. If the volume level is adjusted by the adjustment unit 45, the continuous output of the production sound is continued without being terminated.

  The volume adjustment unit 45 functions when the start condition is not satisfied in the gaming machine 1 and adjusts the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 10. The volume adjustment unit 45 includes an initial level setting unit 45a, a stepwise volume adjustment unit 45b, and a specific volume level setting unit 45c.

  The initial level setting unit 45 a reads the initial level 46 stored in advance in the ROM 42 and sets the volume level of the effect sound to the initial level 46. The initial level setting unit 45a functions after a predetermined time has elapsed since power-on and when the demonstration production by the demonstration production control unit 44c has started, and sets the volume level to the initial level 46. Therefore, when the gaming machine 1 is turned on, or when a state in which no game is played by the player continues for a predetermined time or longer, the volume level of the effect sound is automatically set to the initial level 46. . The initial level 46 is a level of 85 dB or less, for example.

  The step-wise volume adjusting unit 45b and the specific volume level setting unit 45c are provided by the player such as the upper button 7a and the right button 7c included in the second operation button 7 in a state where the starting condition is not satisfied in the gaming machine 1. It functions when a button press operation is detected, and changes the volume level from the current setting level based on the operation. However, in the present embodiment, either one of the stepped volume adjusting unit 45b and the specific volume level setting unit 45c functions alternatively according to an operation performed by the player.

  The step-wise volume adjusting unit 45b functions when the operation performed on the second operation button 7 by the player is the first operation, and based on the first operation, the volume level of the effect sound is currently set. The setting level is changed step by step. Here, the first operation is an operation in which, for example, each button included in the second operation button 7 is finished within a predetermined time (for example, within one second). The stepwise volume adjusting unit 45b changes the volume level of the effect sound one step at a time from the current set level every time such a first operation is detected once. For example, when the first operation is performed on the upper button 7a or the right button 7c, the stepped volume adjusting unit 45b increases the volume level of the effect sound by one step from the current set level. Further, when the first operation is performed on the lower button 7b or the left button 7d, the stepped volume adjusting unit 45b lowers the volume level of the effect sound by one step from the current set level. Therefore, the player can change the volume level of the effect sound step by step by repeatedly pressing the buttons included in the second operation button 7 within a predetermined time, thereby changing the desired level. The setting can be changed to any level.

  Further, when the volume level setting unit 45b changes the setting of the volume level based on the first operation by the player, the stepped volume adjustment unit 45b stores the current setting level 47 after the setting change in the RAM 43. Therefore, when the player changes the volume level to a desired level by repeatedly performing the first operation, the setting level 47 corresponding to the desired level is stored in the RAM 43. The setting level 47 stored in the RAM 43 is updated every time the volume level is changed based on the first operation by the player. Such a setting level 47 continues to be stored in the RAM 43 until the power is turned off, and is stored in the RAM 43 even when the volume level is changed to the initial level 46 by the initial level setting unit 45a. It becomes a state.

  The specific volume level setting unit 45c functions when the operation performed on the second operation button 7 by the player is a second operation different from the first operation, and based on the second operation, The volume level of the effect sound is changed from the current set level to a preset specific volume level. Here, the second operation is, for example, a long press operation in which the state where each button included in the second operation button 7 is pressed continues for a predetermined time or longer (for example, 1 second or longer). The specific volume level setting unit 45c changes the setting of the volume level of the effect sound from the current set level to the specific volume level when such a second operation is detected once. More specifically, the specific volume level setting unit 45c, when detecting that the player has performed the second operation, determines whether or not the setting level 47 is stored in the RAM 43, and the setting level 47 Is stored as the specific volume level. Therefore, if the player sets the volume level to a desired level by performing the first operation in advance, then the volume level is reset to the desired level by performing the second operation once thereafter. It becomes like this.

  When the second operation by the player is detected and the setting level 47 is not stored in the RAM 43, the specific volume level setting unit 45c changes the setting of the predetermined volume level as the specific volume level. The specific volume level in this case can be arbitrarily set, but is, for example, a maximum volume level or a minimum volume level that can be set in the gaming machine 1. In this case, when the second operation is performed on the upper button 7a or the right button 7c, the specific volume level setting unit 45c changes the volume level of the effect sound from the current set level to the maximum volume level. When the second operation is performed on the lower button 7b or the left button 7d, the specific volume level setting unit 45c changes the volume level of the effect sound from the current setting level to the minimum volume level. Therefore, the player can increase or decrease the volume level of the production sound at once to the maximum volume level or decrease it to the minimum volume level by pressing and holding each button included in the second operation button 7 once. . Further, after that, the player can also finely adjust the volume level by performing the first operation.

  The volume adjustment unit 45 displays a volume level adjustment screen on the image display 12 when changing the setting of the volume level based on an operation performed on the second operation button 7. FIG. 4 is a view showing a display example of the volume level adjustment screen 71. When the start condition is not satisfied in the gaming machine 1 and the operation of the second operation button 7 by the player is detected, the sound volume adjustment unit 45, for example, as shown in FIG. A volume level adjustment screen 71 is displayed in a part of the display area. The volume level adjustment screen 71 includes a first level display unit 71a that displays the current setting level in a display bar format, and a second level display unit 71b that displays a numerical value format. FIG. 4A illustrates the case where the current setting level is “80” corresponding to the initial level 46. In the state shown in FIG. 4A, for example, when the player performs the first operation once on the upper button 7a or the right button 7c, the stepwise volume adjusting unit 45b functions and the current setting level is one step. Up. At this time, the volume level adjustment screen 71 displayed on the image display 12 is updated to a display screen as shown in FIG. That is, in the screen example of FIG. 4B, the sound volume level is displayed in a state of being increased by one step. Further, in the state of FIG. 4A, for example, when the player performs the first operation once for the lower button 7b or the left button 7d, the stepwise volume adjusting unit 45b functions and the current setting level is 1 Step down. At this time, the volume level adjustment screen 71 displayed on the image display 12 is updated to a display screen as shown in FIG. That is, in the screen example of FIG. 4C, the volume level is displayed in a state where it is lowered by one level.

  Therefore, the player can operate the second operation button 7 while viewing the volume level adjustment screen 71 displayed on the image display 12 when the starting condition is not established in the gaming machine 1. The volume level of the effect sound can be set to a desired level.

  Next, a specific processing procedure performed in the effect control board 40 will be described. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the game effect control unit 44. When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the game effect control unit 44 repeatedly executes processing based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  When the process shown in FIG. 5 is started, the game effect control unit 44 determines whether or not a change start command C1 has been received from the main control board 20 (step S10). When the variation start command C1 is received (YES in step S10), the game effect control unit 44 causes the symbol variation effect control unit 44a to function. The symbol variation effect control unit 44a determines an effect pattern to be performed as the symbol variation effect based on the variation start command C1 (step S11), and starts the symbol variation effect based on the effect pattern (step S12). Thereafter, the symbol variation effect control unit 44a stands by until a variation stop command C2 is received from the main control board 20 (step S13), and when the variation stop command C2 is received, the symbol variation effect is stopped (step S14). At this time, the symbol variation production control unit 44a determines whether or not the next start condition is satisfied by confirming whether or not there is a next hold (step S15). As a result, when the hold is not stored and the next starting condition is not satisfied (NO in step S15), the symbol variation effect control unit 44a outputs from the speaker 10 in the symbol variation effect stopped in step S14. The effected sound is continuously output from the speaker 10 (step S16). On the other hand, if there is a hold (YES in step S15), the process skips without performing step S16. Note that when the variation start command C1 is not received in step S10 (NO in step S10), the processing of steps S11 to S16 is skipped without being performed.

  Next, the game effect control unit 44 determines whether or not a special game start command C4 is received from the main control board 20 (step S17). When the special game start command C4 is received (YES in step S17), the game effect control unit 44 causes the special game effect control unit 44b to function. The special game effect control unit 44b determines an effect pattern to be performed as the special game effect based on the special game start command C4 (step S18), and starts the special game effect based on the effect pattern (step S19). Thereafter, the special game effect control unit 44b stands by until receiving the special game end command C5 from the main control board 20 (step S20), and when receiving the special game end command C5, stops the special game effect (step S21). . If the special game start command C4 is not received in step S17 (NO in step S17), the process skips without performing the processes of steps S18 to S21.

  Next, the game effect control unit 44 determines whether or not a standby command C3 is received from the main control board 20 (step S22). When the standby command C3 is received (YES in step S22), the game effect control unit 44 causes the demonstration effect control unit 44c to function and executes a demonstration effect process (step S23). On the other hand, when the standby command C3 is not received in step S22 (NO in step S22), the demonstration effect process (step S23) is skipped without being performed. Thereafter, the processing by the game effect control unit 44 returns to step S10 and repeats the above-described processing.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the demonstration effect processing (step S23). When starting this process, the demonstration effect control unit 44c sets a standby flag (step S30). Then, the demonstration effect control unit 44c starts time measurement (step S31). Here, the time TC at which the measurement is started is an elapsed time since the reception of the standby command C3. The demonstration effect control unit 44c determines whether or not the measurement time TC is equal to or longer than a predetermined time Th1 (for example, 30 seconds) and the predetermined time has elapsed since the standby command C3 was received (step S32). If the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S32), the demonstration effect control unit 44c determines whether another command such as a change start command C1 has been received from the main control board 20 (step S33). When no other command is received, the process returns to step S32, and the processes of steps S32 and S33 are looped until a predetermined time elapses. If another command is received (YES in step S33), the demonstration effect control unit 44c proceeds to step S42, resets the standby flag (step S42), and ends the demonstration effect process.

  When a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the standby command C3 (YES in step S32), the demonstration effect control unit 44c determines whether or not the volume level is currently being adjusted based on the operation by the player. (Step S34). As a result, when the volume level is not being adjusted (NO in step S34), the demonstration effect control unit 44c ends the continuous output of the effect sound (step S35). On the other hand, when the volume level is being adjusted (YES in step S34, the effect sound continuous output unit 44d functions in the demonstration effect control unit 44c and does not end the continuous output of the effect sound (skip in step S35). ) Is performed, the production sound output from the speaker 10 is further continuously output, and the demonstration production control unit 44c starts the demonstration production (step S36).

  When the demonstration effect starts, the demonstration effect control unit 44c determines whether or not the effect sound is being continuously output (step S37). If the effect sound is being continuously output (YES in step S37), the player is further determined. It is determined whether or not the volume level is being adjusted based on the operation (step S38). As a result, when the volume level is not being adjusted (NO in step S38), the demonstration effect control unit 44c ends the continuous output of the effect sound (step S39). On the other hand, when the volume level is being adjusted (YES in step S38), the effect sound continuous output unit 44d functions again in the demonstration effect control unit 44c and does not end the continuous output of the effect sound (step S39). Is skipped). Therefore, the effect sound output from the speaker 10 is further continuously output. On the other hand, if the effect sound is not being continuously output in step S37, the processes in steps S38 and S39 are skipped.

  Thereafter, the demonstration effect control unit 44c determines whether or not another command such as a change start command C1 has been received from the main control board 20 (step S40). If no other command has been received, the process returns to step S37. The above process is repeated. Therefore, if the player continuously performs an operation for adjusting the volume level after the start condition is no longer established in the gaming machine 1, the production sound is continuously output during that period. . And if a player stops operation for adjusting a volume level, the continuous output of a production sound will be complete | finished.

  When the demonstration effect control unit 44c receives another command such as the change start command C1 from the main control board 20 during execution of the demonstration effect (YES in step S40), the demonstration effect control unit 44c stops the demonstration effect (step S41) and waits. The flag is reset (step S42), and the demonstration effect process ends.

  Next, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are flowcharts showing an example of a processing procedure performed by the volume adjusting unit 45. When the gaming machine 1 is powered on, the volume adjustment unit 45 repeatedly executes the processing based on the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 at predetermined time intervals.

  When the processing shown in FIG. 7 is started, the volume adjustment unit 45 determines whether or not a standby flag is set (step S50). If the standby flag is not set (NO in step S50), the sound adjustment process ends. When the standby flag is set (YES in step S50), the volume adjusting unit 45 determines whether an operation on the second operation button 7 is detected (step S51). As a result, when an operation on the second operation button 7 is detected (YES in step S51), the volume adjusting unit 45 executes a volume level changing process (step S52).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a detailed processing procedure of the volume level changing process (step S52). When starting this process, the volume adjusting unit 45 first displays the volume level adjusting screen 71 on the image display 12 (step S70). Then, it is determined whether or not the operation performed by the player on the second operation button 7 is the first operation (step S71). When the player's operation is the first operation (YES in step S71), the volume adjusting unit 45 causes the stepped volume adjusting unit 45b to function. Then, the gradual volume adjustment unit 45b updates the current setting level related to the volume level by changing it by one level (step S72). At this time, if the player is performing the first operation on the upper button 7a or the right button 7c, the current setting level is increased by one step. If the player is performing the first operation on the lower button 7b or the left button 7d, the current setting level is lowered by one step. Further, the stepwise volume adjusting unit 45b instructs the image control board 50 to set the updated setting level, so that the output level of the effect sound continuously output from the speaker 10 under the control of the game effect control unit 44 is Change to a level that matches the updated setting level. Thereafter, the stepwise volume adjusting unit 45b stores the updated current setting level 47 in the RAM 43 (step S73).

  On the other hand, when the player's operation is not the first operation but the second operation (NO in step S71), the volume adjustment unit 45 causes the specific volume level setting unit 45c to function. The specific volume level setting unit 45c determines whether or not the setting level 47 is stored in the RAM 43 (step S74). If the setting level 47 is stored, the setting level 47 is read (step S75). The setting level is changed to the setting level 47 read from the RAM 43 and updated (step S76). The specific volume level setting unit 45c instructs the image control board 50 to set the updated setting level 47 so that the output level of the effect sound continuously output from the speaker 10 under the control of the game effect control unit 44 is increased. Then, the level is changed so as to match the updated setting level 47.

  If the setting level 47 is not stored in the RAM 43 (NO in step S74), the specific volume level setting unit 45c changes the current setting level to a predetermined specific volume level and updates it (step S77). . For example, if the player is performing the second operation on the upper button 7a or the right button 7c, the current setting level is changed to the maximum volume level. If the player is performing the second operation on the lower button 7b or the left button 7d, the current setting level is changed to the minimum volume level. Also at this time, the specific volume level setting unit 45c continuously instructs the updated level (maximum volume level or minimum volume level) to the image control board 50 from the speaker 10 under the control of the game effect control unit 44. Is changed so that the output level of the effect sound output to is matched with the updated setting level (maximum volume level or minimum volume level).

  When the player performs the first operation on the second operation button 7 by the volume level changing process as described above, the volume level changes stepwise according to the first operation. Further, when the player performs the second operation on the second operation button 7, the volume level changes to a predetermined specific volume level in accordance with the second operation. Further, when the volume level is changed by such volume level change processing, the output level of the effect sound continuously output from the speaker 10 is changed by the control of the game effect control unit 44 according to the change. Become.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 7, when the sound volume adjustment unit 45 ends the sound volume level adjustment process (step S <b> 52), the demonstration effect elapsed time TD being measured after the demonstration effect is started by the demonstration effect control unit 44 c is being measured. It is determined whether or not (step S53). If the demonstration effect elapsed time TD is being measured (YES in step S53), the volume adjustment unit 45 resets the measurement time TD (step S54). That is, every time the player performs an operation on the second operation button 7 in order to adjust the volume level, the measurement time TD is reset. On the other hand, when the demonstration effect elapsed time TD is not being measured (NO in step S53), the process of step S54 is skipped. Further, when the operation on the second operation button 7 is not detected in step S51, the processing of steps S52 to S54 is skipped without being performed.

  Next, the volume adjustment unit 45 determines whether or not the demonstration effect is being executed by the demonstration effect control unit 44c (step S55). As a result, when the demonstration effect is not being executed (NO in step S55), the volume adjusting unit 45 determines whether or not the standby flag is reset (step S61). If the standby flag is not reset, step S51 is performed. The process described above is repeated. On the other hand, when the demonstration effect is being executed (YES in step S55), the volume adjusting unit 45 determines whether or not the demonstration effect elapsed time TD is being measured (step S56). When the measurement of the demonstration effect elapsed time TD has not yet started (NO in step S56), the volume adjusting unit 45 starts measuring the demonstration effect elapsed time TD (step S57). Thereafter, the volume adjustment unit 45 determines whether or not the demonstration effect elapsed time TD is equal to or longer than a predetermined time Th2 (for example, 1 minute) (step S58). If the demonstration effect elapsed time TD being measured is not equal to or longer than the predetermined time Th2 (NO in step S58), the volume adjusting unit 45 determines whether or not the standby flag is reset (step S61). If the flag has not been reset, the process returns to step S51 and the above-described processing is repeated. If the demonstration effect elapsed time TD being measured is equal to or longer than the predetermined time Th2 (YES in step S58), the volume adjusting unit 45 causes the initial level setting unit 45a to function. The initial level setting unit 45a reads the initial level 46 from the ROM 42 (step S59), changes the current setting level to the initial level 46, and updates it (step S60).

  The volume adjustment unit 45 repeats the above processing until the standby flag is reset (step S61). When the standby flag is reset (YES in step S61), the volume adjustment process by the volume adjustment unit 45 ends.

  By performing the above-described processing in the gaming machine 1, the player specifies the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 10 if the player performs the second operation once on the second operation button 7. The setting can be changed to the volume level. If the player performs the first operation in advance and sets the volume level to a desired level, the setting level 47 is stored in the RAM 43. After that, even if the volume level returns to the initial level 46, if the player performs the second operation once on the second operation button 7, the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 10 Can be reset to a desired level.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the volume level adjustment performed by the volume adjustment unit 45 based on the second operation in a state where the setting level 47 is not stored in the RAM 43. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the player presses the right button 7c, the volume adjusting unit 45 detects the pressing operation, and the volume level adjustment screen 71 as shown in FIG. 9B is detected. Is displayed on the image display 12. FIG. 9B illustrates the case where the current setting level is “80” corresponding to the initial level 46. When the pressed state of the right button 7c shown in FIG. 9A continues for a predetermined time or longer and it is detected that the operation is a long press operation, the specific volume level setting unit 45c functions in the volume adjustment unit 45. In this example, since the setting level 47 is not stored in the RAM 43, the specific volume level setting unit 45c sets the current volume level setting level to the specific volume based on the long press operation (second operation) on the right button 7c. Change the setting to the maximum volume level. Thereby, the volume level adjustment screen 71 is updated from the display screen shown in FIG. 9B to the display screen shown in FIG. That is, the player can change the volume level of the effect sound to the maximum volume level by performing a long press operation (second operation) on the right button 7c only once.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating another example of the volume level adjustment performed by the volume adjustment unit 45 based on the second operation in a state where the setting level 47 is not stored in the RAM 43. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the player presses the left button 7d, the volume adjusting unit 45 detects the pressing operation, and the volume level adjustment screen 71 as shown in FIG. 10B is detected. Is displayed on the image display 12. FIG. 10B also illustrates a case where the current setting level is “80” corresponding to the initial level 46. When the pressed state of the left button 7d shown in FIG. 10A continues for a predetermined time or longer and it is detected that the operation is a long press operation, the specific volume level setting unit 45c functions in the volume adjusting unit 45. Also in this example, since the setting level 47 is not stored in the RAM 43, the specific volume level setting unit 45c sets the current volume level setting level to the specific volume based on the long press operation (second operation) on the left button 7d. Change the setting to the minimum volume level that is the level. Thereby, the volume level adjustment screen 71 is updated from the display screen shown in FIG. 10B to the display screen shown in FIG. That is, the player can set and change the volume level of the effect sound to the minimum volume level by performing a long press operation (second operation) on the left button 7d only once.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of the volume level adjustment performed by the volume adjustment unit 45 based on the second operation in a state where the setting level 47 is stored in the RAM 43. For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, when the player presses the left button 7d, the volume adjusting unit 45 detects the pressing operation, and the volume level adjustment screen 71 as shown in FIG. 11B is detected. Is displayed on the image display 12. FIG. 11B illustrates the case where the current setting level is “80” corresponding to the initial level 46. When the pressed state of the left button 7d shown in FIG. 11A continues for a predetermined time or longer and it is detected that the operation is a long press operation, the specific volume level setting unit 45c functions in the volume adjustment unit 45. In this example, since the setting level 47 is stored in the RAM 43, the specific volume level setting unit 45c reads the setting level 47 from the RAM 43 and determines the read setting level 47 as the specific volume level. Then, the specific volume level setting unit 45c changes the current volume level setting level to the setting level 47 read from the RAM 43 based on a long press operation (second operation) on the left button 7d. Thereby, the volume level adjustment screen 71 is updated from the display screen shown in FIG. 11B to the display screen shown in FIG. FIG. 11C illustrates a case where the setting level 47 stored in the RAM 43 is “40” and the current setting level is changed to “40”. Therefore, even if the player performs an operation of changing the volume level to a desired level and then returns to the initial level 46, the player performs a long press operation (second operation) as 1. It is possible to reset the volume level of the production sound to the previously set desired level simply by performing the operation once.

  In the present embodiment, the player can adjust the volume level of the effect sound by performing an operation on the second operation button 7 when the starting condition is not satisfied in the gaming machine 1. At this time, in the gaming machine 1, the symbol variation effect and the special game effect based on the effect pattern are not performed. Therefore, when an operation on the second operation button 7 is detected, it is not necessary to determine whether or not it is necessary to switch the production content to a different content, and the player can quickly detect that the volume level adjustment operation is performed by the player. Is possible. As a result, if an operation on the second operation button 7 is detected, there is an advantage that the volume level adjustment screen 71 can be immediately displayed and processing for volume level adjustment can be started.

  Further, in the present embodiment, when the next start condition is not satisfied after the symbol variation effect is stopped, the effect sound output during the symbol variation effect is continuously output from the speaker 10 even after the symbol variation effect is stopped. The Therefore, the player can adjust the volume level while listening to the output level of the effect sound.

  FIG. 12 is a timing chart showing an aspect of continuous output of effect sound. First, as shown in FIG. 12A, when the next start condition is not satisfied at the timing T1 when the symbol variation effect is stopped, the game effect control unit 44 performs the symbol variation effect during the execution as described above. The produced production sound is continuously output from the speaker 10. On the other hand, the gaming machine 1 shifts to the standby state at the timing T1 with the end of the symbol variation effect. Then, at a timing T2 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the standby state, the game effect control unit 44 starts a demonstration effect. For example, during the period from the transition to the standby state to the start of the demonstration effect, the screen on which the symbol variation effect is stopped is continuously displayed on the image display 12. When the demonstration effect is started, a demonstration effect screen is displayed on the image display 12.

  As shown in FIG. 12A, when the player does not perform a volume level adjustment operation at the timing T <b> 2 when the demonstration effect is started by the game effect control unit 44, the game effect control unit 44 receives the sound from the speaker 10. The output of the production sound that is continuously output is terminated. At this time, the game effect control unit 44 may cause the speaker 10 to output a demonstration effect sound corresponding to the demonstration effect screen.

  On the other hand, FIG. 12B shows the case where the player starts adjusting the volume level by operating the second operation button 7 at an arbitrary timing Ta from the transition to the standby state until the demonstration effect is started. Show. When the volume level adjustment operation by the player is started at the timing Ta, the effect sound that was output during the symbol variation effect is continuously output from the speaker 10, so that the player actually does during the symbol variation effect. The volume level can be adjusted while listening to the output level of the effect sound output to the. In FIG. 12B, the volume level adjustment operation by the player is continuously performed until the timing Tb after the demonstration effect is started, for example. Similarly to the above, the game effect control unit 44 starts the demonstration effect at a timing T2 when a predetermined time has elapsed since the transition to the standby state. At this time, in FIG. 12B, a volume level adjustment operation is performed by the player. Therefore, the game effect control unit 44 further continues the output of the effect sound continuously output from the speaker 10 without ending. Therefore, the player can adjust the volume level while listening to the output level of the effect sound that is actually output during the symbol variation effect even after the demonstration effect is started. When the volume level adjustment operation ends at timing Tb, the game effect control unit 44 ends the output of the effect sound continuously output from the speaker 10. At this time, the game effect control unit 44 may cause the speaker 10 to output a demonstration effect sound corresponding to the demonstration effect screen.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, when the player performs the volume level adjustment operation, the adjustment operation can be performed while listening to the effect sound actually output from the speaker 10 in the symbol variation effect. improves. In particular, in this embodiment, the effect sound of the symbol variation effect performed immediately before starting the volume level adjustment operation is continuously output. Therefore, for the player, the impression that the volume level of the effect sound actually output during the execution of the immediately preceding symbol variation effect is too large or too small remains in memory. Since the adjustment operation can be performed so as to eliminate the dissatisfaction with the volume level of the effect sound actually output during execution of the symbol variation effect, there is an advantage that it is easy to set the desired level.

  By the way, various demonstration screens are displayed when the demonstration production control unit 44c starts a demonstration production. For example, a demonstration screen 75 as shown in FIG. 13 may be displayed. The demo screen 75 of FIG. 13 has a plurality of menu items 75a, 75b, and 75c that can be selected by the player operating the second operation button 7. FIG. 13 shows a state where the menu item 75a is selected. When such a demonstration screen 75 is displayed, the player operates the upper button 7a or the lower button 7b included in the second operation button 7, or the right button 7c or the left button 7d, thereby operating a plurality of menus. A screen can be changed by selecting a desired item from the items 75a, 75b, and 75c. However, if a demo screen 75 as shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the image display 12 while the volume level adjustment operation is performed by the player, the player performs the second operation button 7 on the image display device 12. It becomes impossible to detect whether the operation is a volume level adjustment operation or a menu item selection operation.

  Therefore, when the demonstration screen displayed on the image display 12 when the demonstration performance by the demonstration performance control unit 44c is started is a demonstration screen 75 as shown in FIG. When this happens, the game effect control unit 44 may determine whether or not a volume level adjustment operation by the player is being performed. That is, the game effect control unit 44 starts the demonstration effect when the player does not perform the volume level adjustment operation at the timing of starting the demonstration effect, whereas the game effect control unit 44 performs the volume level adjustment operation by the player. Do not start the demonstration production. When the demonstration production is not started, the demonstration production is started after the player finishes the volume level adjustment operation.

  FIG. 14 is a timing chart showing an aspect of the start timing of the demonstration effect in the above case. When the next start condition is not satisfied at the timing T1 when the symbol variation effect is stopped, the game effect control unit 44 causes the speaker 10 to continuously output the effect sound output during the execution of the symbol variation effect. . At this time, the gaming machine 1 shifts to a standby state. Then, at the timing Ta after the transition to the standby state, the player starts the volume level adjustment operation. After that, when a predetermined time has elapsed from the transition to the standby state and the timing T2 when the demonstration effect should be started, the game effect control unit 44 determines whether or not the player has performed a volume level adjustment operation. to decide. In the example of FIG. 14, the sound volume level adjustment operation is continued at the timing T2. In this case, the game effect control unit 44 does not start the demonstration effect at the timing T2. Similarly to the above, the game effect control unit 44 continues the output of the effect sound continuously output from the speaker 10 without ending. Therefore, the player can continue the operation of adjusting the volume level while listening to the output level of the effect sound that is actually output during the symbol variation effect even after the timing T2. When the volume level adjustment operation by the player is completed at timing Tb, the game effect control unit 44 ends the output of the effect sound continuously output from the speaker 10 and starts the demonstration effect. As a result, the demo screen 75 shown in FIG. 13 is displayed on the image display 12. At this time, the game effect control unit 44 may cause the speaker 10 to output a demonstration effect sound corresponding to the demonstration effect screen.

  As described above, when the player is performing the volume level adjustment operation, the operation performed on the second operation button 7 by the player is prevented from starting the demonstration effect by the demonstration effect control unit 44c. Since it is not necessary to detect whether the operation or the menu item selection operation, there is no inconvenience.

  As described above, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes the volume adjustment unit 45 that adjusts the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker 10 based on the operation performed on the second operation button 7. . Then, when a predetermined first operation is performed on the second operation button 7, the volume adjustment unit 45 changes the volume level stepwise from the current setting level based on the first operation. When the stepwise volume adjusting unit 45b and the second operation button 7 are different from the first operation and a predetermined second operation is performed, the volume is adjusted based on the second operation. A specific volume level setting unit 45c for changing the level from the current set level to a preset specific volume level. Therefore, when the player sets the volume level of the effect sound to the specific volume level, the player only needs to perform the second operation instead of the first operation for changing the volume level step by step. There is no need to repeatedly operate the second operation button 7. Therefore, the operability when the player adjusts the volume level is improved, and the volume level can be adjusted more easily than before.

  The volume adjusting unit 45 also stores a RAM 43 that stores the setting level 47 of the volume level adjusted by the first operation, and an initial level setting that sets the volume level to a preset initial level 46 when a predetermined condition is satisfied. The specific volume level setting unit 45c is stored in the RAM 43 when the second operation is detected when the volume level is set to the initial level 46 by the initial level setting unit 45a. The setting level 47 is set to a specific volume level, and the volume level is changed. Therefore, if the player sets the volume level to a desired level by performing the first operation, then even if the volume level is set to the initial level 46 by the initial level setting unit 45a. It is possible to return to the original desired level simply by performing the second operation. Therefore, the operability when the player adjusts the volume level to a desired level is improved, and there is an advantage that the volume level can be adjusted more easily than before.

  In addition, when the start condition is not satisfied at the end of the symbol variation effect, the game effect control unit 44 is configured to continuously output the effect sound output during the symbol variation effect even after the effect ends. is there. Then, the volume adjusting unit 45 produces an effect sound output from the speaker based on an operation performed on the second operation button 7 when the start condition is not satisfied after the effect by the game effect control unit 44 is finished. The volume level setting is changed. When the volume level setting is changed, the game effect control unit 44 changes the output level of the effect sound continuously output from the speaker 10. Therefore, when the player adjusts the volume level, the player can perform the adjustment operation while listening to the effect sound that was actually output in the effect that ended just before that, so it is easy to set the volume level to a desired level. There is an advantage.

  Further, the game effect control unit 44 terminates the continuous output of the effect sound and performs the predetermined demonstration effect when the state where the start condition is not satisfied after the effect ends is a predetermined time. The demonstration production control unit 44c is provided with a control unit 44c, and the volume adjustment unit 45 applies the second operation button 7 to the second operation button 7 when the start condition is not satisfied after the production is finished. When the volume level setting is changed based on the operation performed in this manner, an effect sound continuation output unit 44d for continuing the output of the effect sound without ending it is provided. Therefore, the player continues the adjustment operation while listening to the effect sound actually output in the effect that ended just before the start condition is not satisfied after the effect has ended for a predetermined time. This makes it easy to set the volume level to a desired level.

  As mentioned above, although one Embodiment regarding this invention was described, this invention is not restricted to the content mentioned above, A various modification is applicable.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the volume adjustment unit 45 adjusts the volume level by the player performing an operation on the second operation button 7 provided as a cross key is illustrated. However, the operation input means for the player to perform the volume level adjustment operation is not necessarily limited to the second operation button 7 described above. For example, when the gaming machine 1 is provided with operation input means such as a control stick, the volume adjustment unit 45 may adjust the sound volume level by operating such control stick.

1 gaming machine 7 second operation button (operation input means)
12 Image display (production means)
20 Main control board 21a Special game determination unit (special game determination means)
40 production control board (production control means)
43 RAM (storage means)
44 Game effect control unit 44c Demo effect control unit (demonstration control means)
44d Production sound continuous output section (production sound continuation means)
45 Volume adjuster (Volume adjuster)
45a Initial level setting section (initial level setting means)
45b Gradual volume adjustment unit (gradual volume adjustment means)
45c specific volume level setting section (specific volume level setting means)

Claims (1)

Special game determination means for determining whether or not to shift to a special game state advantageous to the player when the start condition is satisfied;
Based on the result of the determination by the special game determination means, an effect control means for causing a predetermined effect means to perform an effect indicating the result of the determination;
When the effect is performed by the effect control means, a speaker that outputs an effect sound corresponding to the effect;
An operation input means by which a player can input an operation;
Changing the setting of the volume level of the effect sound output from the speaker based on an operation performed on the operation input means when the start condition is not satisfied after the effect by the effect control means ends Volume adjusting means capable of performing
With
When the start condition is not satisfied after the result of the determination is shown in the effect, the effect control means indicates the result of the determination in the effect with the effect sound output during the effect. If the state where the start condition is not satisfied is continued for a predetermined time after the speaker is continuously output, the continuous output of the effect sound can be terminated and the start condition is not satisfied. If the volume adjustment unit is changing the setting of the volume level based on an operation performed on the operation input unit when it continues for a predetermined time, the continuous output of the effect sound is not terminated. was continued, varying the output level of the effect sound is continuously output from the previous SL speaker based on the operation performed on the operation input unit Gaming machine and butterflies.

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