JP6199359B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that generates a big hit state by a lottery process caused by a gaming operation, and more particularly to a gaming machine capable of a novel and powerful production operation.

  A ball game machine such as a pachinko machine has a symbol start opening provided on the game board, a symbol display section for displaying a series of symbol variation patterns by a plurality of display symbols, and a big winning opening for opening and closing the opening and closing plate. Configured. When the detection switch provided at the symbol start port detects the passage of the game ball, the winning state is entered, and after the game ball is paid out as a prize ball, the display symbol is changed for a predetermined time in the symbol display section. Thereafter, when the symbol is stopped in a predetermined manner such as 7, 7, 7, etc., a big hit state is established, and the big winning opening is repeatedly opened to generate a gaming state advantageous to the player.

  Whether or not to generate such a game state is determined by a jackpot lottery executed on the condition that a game ball has won at the symbol start opening, and the above symbol variation operation is based on this lottery result. It has become a thing. For example, when the lottery result is in a winning state, an effect operation called reach action or the like is executed for about 20 seconds, and then the special symbols are aligned. On the other hand, a similar reach action may be executed even in the case of a lost state. In this case, the player pays close attention to the big hit state and pays close attention to the transition of the performance operation. When the predetermined symbols are aligned on the stop line at the end of the symbol variation operation, the player is guaranteed to be in the big hit state.

  The above-mentioned production operations are centered on image production on a liquid crystal display device, but in conjunction with this image production, lamp production that blinks various lamps, audio production that outputs a sound that excites the player, etc. are executed Is done.

JP 2014-151153 A JP 2014-1444066 A JP 2014-1444065 A JP 2014-1444064 A JP 2014-144063 A JP 2014-144062 A JP 2014-144061 A

  The above-described sound effect is generally realized by transmitting a sound command from the host CPU to the sound processor and setting an appropriate operation parameter (setting value) (Patent Documents 1 to 7). This set value includes the primary volume and secondary volume that regulate the volume of the production sound played by the audio processor. By changing these intricately, a novel phase operation and pan operation are realized. You can also

  However, for example, if each volume is changed in various ways to realize a novel notice effect, the voice command may not be transmitted normally due to noise or other effects, and the playback volume may be maintained at zero. there were. In addition, there is a demand for a configuration that can easily and reliably realize a complicated, advanced and innovative voice production without malfunction.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of smoothly realizing a novel sound production without malfunction.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is based on a group of original sound data, a plurality of playback channels that can reproduce a unit effect, and a group of audio that can store operation parameters that define the playback operation of the unit effect. Realizes voice production with one or more unit effects by controlling the operation of one or more playback channels by setting the predetermined operation parameters in the voice synthesis means having a control register and the predetermined voice control register A game machine in which a lottery process is executed based on a predetermined switch signal, wherein the production control means and the plurality of speakers each receiving the voice signal reproduced by the voice synthesis means are provided. The channel includes a first volume V1 that can set the output volume to a plurality of M speakers, and a part of the volume after being set by the first volume V1. A second volume V2 that can set the volume to the peaker and a third volume V3 that can set the volume to some of the speakers after the volume set by the first volume V1 is provided. for all reproduction channels that may be used for voice presentation, first volume V1, it provided a refresh means for setting the second volume V2, and the third volume V3 in the specified value, and notifying the occurrence of an abnormal situation unless it is a broadcast timing, or mute timing is allowed to continue voice rendition of mute state, associated with a given presentation start, the for all reproduction channels, so that the functioning of the refresh means.

Here, at the notification timing and the mute timing, it is preferable that each first volume V1 is set to a minimum value for all playback channels that may be used for sound production.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the audio | voice operation | movement performed in relation to the said lottery process includes the regular reproduction | regeneration operation | movement by which a predetermined background sound is reproduced | regenerated from a starting position. On the other hand, when there is a background sound that has been reproduced until then, it is also preferable that a continuous reproduction operation that takes over the reproduction operation is included. In the continuous playback operation, it is preferable to change the background sound that has been played back in a silent state to a voiced state, and in the continuous playback operation, playback is performed without any new control operation. It is also preferable to continue the playback operation of the background sound that has been performed.

  On the other hand, when there is no background sound that has been played up to that point, it is preferable that the predetermined background sound is played from the start position. It is preferable that the reproduction operation is completed based on a predetermined command that is repeatedly reproduced and received from another control means. Note that the present invention is not limited to a ball game machine, and is preferably applied to a spinning machine or other game machines.

  As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to smoothly realize a novel sound production without malfunction.

It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko machine of a present Example. It is a schematic front view of the game board of a present Example. It is a block diagram which shows the whole circuit structure of a present Example. It is drawing explaining the circuit structure and circuit operation | movement of a power supply board. It is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of an effect control unit. It is drawing explaining the internal structure and output signal of a voice processor. It is drawing explaining operation | movement of a sequencer. It is drawing which shows the internal structure of an audio | voice processor in detail. It is a figure explaining the panpot setting of the phrase reproduction channel by a sequencer. It is a figure explaining using a phrase reproduction channel properly according to a game state. It is drawing explaining the principle of virtual surround. It is drawing explaining the transfer function from a front sound and a back sound to an ear. It is drawing explaining the structure of a virtual surround part and a remix part. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement content of an effect control part. It is a flowchart explaining the scenario update process which comprises the main process of an effect control part. It is a flowchart explaining the sub scenario update process which comprises a scenario update process. It is a flowchart explaining a sub scenario update process and a part of main process. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation content by a sub scenario update process. It is drawing for demonstrating fade operation | movement. 6 is a diagram illustrating a refresh operation and a mask operation. It is drawing explaining a winning sound and a button operation effective sound. It is drawing explaining the sound volume suppression operation at the time of notice production. It is drawing explaining the deformation | transformation structure which implement | achieves a multiple performance.

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

  On the outer periphery of the glass door 6, an electric lamp such as an LED lamp is arranged in a substantially C shape. On the other hand, a total of five speakers (TL, TR, ML, MR, BTM) are arranged on the left and right positions of the upper part of the glass door 6, the left and right positions of the middle part, and the lower side close to the abdomen of the player. (See FIG. 2).

  The two speakers (TL, TR) arranged at the upper position and the two speakers (ML, MR) arranged at the middle position respectively output the left and right sounds recognized by the player. The panpot production is executed. Here, pan (PAN) means the position (localization) of the sound heard from the left and right speakers. Specifically, the pan operation is realized by setting the volume balance of the left and right speakers asymmetrically. .

  The panpot effect is executed, for example, as an appropriate notice operation, (1) P1 effect in which the notice sound moves from left to right or from right to left, (2) from top to bottom, or down P2 effect in which the warning sound moves upward from the top, (3) P3 effect in which the warning sound moves downward in the tilt direction or upward in the tilt direction, and (4) the warning sound in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Various rotating P4 effects are executed by changing the pan displacement time, pan displacement mode, and the like.

  In addition, a volume switch VSW capable of adjusting the volume of the effect sound by the player is disposed below the glass door 6. The volume switch VSW is a directional key having a + contact and a −contact on the left and right, and enables, for example, 10-level volume adjustment. The operation for adjusting the volume is permitted only during the production standby in which the audio production is not executed. In response to the operation of the volume switch VSW, the confirmation production sound is output and the setting level is displayed. It is displayed on the screen.

  In this embodiment, the volume output from each speaker (TL, TR, ML, MR, BTM) is the primary volume V1, the secondary volume Vs (= V2, V3), and the total value (V1) of the total volume TV. * Vs * TV), but the setting value of the volume switch VSW that is artificially defined by a staff member or a player is reflected in the final total volume value TV. Note that the volume setting value (total volume value TV) set by the player is returned to the clerk setting value by the setting switch SET (see FIG. 3) at the timing when the player thinks that he has left the gaming machine.

  In addition, even during a game, when a serious abnormal situation is detected, the total volume value TV is changed to the maximum level regardless of the operation amount of the volume switch VSW, so that a high volume abnormality notification sound is obtained. Is output. Therefore, illegal activities cannot be continued in silence. At this abnormality notification timing, the primary volume value V1 for the effect sound other than the abnormality notification sound is masked to the lowest level.

  As will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, the primary volume V1 can be set for each phrase reproduction channel CHn (FIG. 8) for decoding and reproducing various types of audio compression data. In normal times, all the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 are used. Are set to a prescribed level (highest level). However, at the time of mask processing such as a blackout effect that darkens the display screen, the mute is realized by changing the primary volume V1 to the lowest level in all phrase playback channels CHn. During the mask process, the value of the secondary volume Vs maintains the previous level.

  Further, at the time of the abnormality notification described above, the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channel CH28 (FIG. 8) for reproducing the abnormality notification sound is maintained at the highest level, while the primary volume V1 of the other phrase reproduction channels is set to the lowest level. It has changed. Therefore, only the abnormality notification sound can be emitted without being disturbed by the production sound. Note that the value of the secondary volume Vs for the sound effect other than the abnormal notification sound maintains the level up to that point.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, only the primary volume V1 is changed while the secondary volume Vs is maintained at the time of mask processing or abnormality notification. Therefore, all the secondary volumes Vs (V2, V3, V4) are changed. It is easier to control the volume change than the configurations of the prior documents 1 to 7 that are necessary.

  Further, the secondary volume value Vs (= V2, V3) is set by software so as to realize an appropriate sound effect in a notice effect accompanied by a panpot operation or other sound effects. Accordingly, the sound volume of each speaker (TL, TR, ML, MR, BTM) during the sound production normally reflects the set value of the secondary volume value Vs (= V2, V3) in the normal state. It is output at a volume of Vs * TV. As described above, in the normal state, the primary volume V1 is a maximum value, and the total volume TV is a value corresponding to a set value of a staff member or a player.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, the fade operation for gradually increasing or decreasing the speaker volume at a predetermined speed is realized by changing the secondary volume Vs. During this fade operation, the secondary volumes Vs (V2, V3) change while maintaining the same level, so that the volume of all speakers (TL, TR, ML, MR, BTM) is unified. Faded in. The panpot operation and the fade operation will be further described later with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front plate 7 is provided with an upper plate 8 that stores game balls for launch, and a lower portion of the front frame 3 that stores game balls overflowing or extracted from the upper plate 8. A pan 9 and a firing handle 10 are provided. The launch handle 10 is interlocked with the launch motor, and a game ball is launched by a striking rod that operates according to the rotation angle of the launch handle 10.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, a guide rail 13 made of a metal outer rail and an inner rail is provided on the surface of the game board 5 in an annular shape, and a central opening HO is provided at the approximate center thereof. Corresponding to the four vertices of the central opening HO, four speakers (TL, TR, ML, MR) are arranged inside the glass door 6, and a low-frequency speaker BTM is located at the lower right of the central opening HO. Has been placed. These speakers are virtually shown in FIG.

  A display device DS composed of a large liquid crystal color display (LCD) is disposed in the central opening HO. The display device DS is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to the big hit state and displays a background image and various characters in an animated manner. This display device DS has special symbol display portions Da to Dc in the center portion and a normal symbol display portion 19 in the upper right portion. In the special symbol display portions Da to Dc, there is a case where a reach effect that expects a big hit state is invited, and in the special symbol display portions Da to Dc and the surroundings, an appropriate notice effect is executed.

  In the game area where the game ball falls and moves, a symbol start port 15, a big winning port 16, a normal winning port 17, and a gate 18 are arranged. Each of these winning openings 15 to 18 has a detection switch inside, and can detect the passage of a game ball. When the game ball passes through the symbol start port 15, a series of image effects accompanied by the special symbol changing operation is started on the special symbol display portions Da to Dc, assuming that the game ball has won. Corresponding to this image effect, a sound effect with background music and effect sound, and a lamp effect in which the lamp blinks are executed.

  The symbol start port 15 is configured to be opened and closed by an electric tulip having a pair of left and right open / close claws 15a, and when the stop symbol after the fluctuation of the normal symbol display unit 19 displays a winning symbol, a predetermined time is displayed. The opening / closing claw 15a is opened only until a predetermined number of game balls are detected.

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

  The special winning opening 16 includes an opening / closing plate 16a that advances and retreats in the front-rear direction. The operation of the special winning opening 16 is not particularly limited, but in a typical big hit state, a predetermined time elapses after the opening / closing plate 16a of the special winning opening 16 is opened, or a predetermined number (for example, ten) of games. When the ball wins, the opening / closing plate 16a is closed. Such an operation is continued up to 15 times, for example, and is controlled in a state advantageous to the player. In addition, when the stop symbol after the change of the special symbol display parts Da to Dc is a specific symbol among the special symbols, there is a privilege that the game after the end of the special game becomes a high probability state (probability variation state). Is granted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall circuit configuration of the pachinko machine GM that realizes the above-described operations. As shown in the figure, this pachinko machine GM receives AC24V and outputs various DC voltages and power supply abnormality signals ABN1 and ABN2, a main control board 21 mainly responsible for game control operations, and a main control. An effect control board 22 that executes a lamp effect and a sound effect based on a control command CMD received from the board 21; an image control board 23 that drives the display device DS based on a control command CMD ′ received from the effect control board 22; , A payout control board 24 for controlling the payout motor M based on the control command CMD "received from the main control board 21 and paying out the game ball, and a launch control board 25 for firing the game ball in response to the player's operation. And it is composed around.

  The control command CMD output from the main control board 21 is transmitted to the effect control board 22 without going through the relay board, but the control command CMD ′ output from the effect control board 22 passes through the image interface board 28. Is transmitted to the image control board 23. The control command CMD "output from the main control board 21 is transmitted to the payout control board 24 via the main board relay board 32. The control commands CMD, CMD ', CMD" are all 16 bits long. However, the control commands related to the main control board 21 and the payout control board 24 are sent in parallel in two portions every 8 bits. On the other hand, the control command CMD 'transmitted from the effect control board 22 to the image control board 23 is 16 bits in length and transmitted in parallel. Therefore, even when the notification effects including the movable notification effect are diversified and a large number of control commands are continuously transmitted and received, the processing can be completed quickly, and other control operations are not hindered.

  In the present embodiment, the image interface board 28 and the image control board 23 are formed by stacking two circuit boards by directly connecting a male connector and a female connector without going through a wiring cable. Therefore, even if the circuit configuration of each electronic circuit is complicated and sophisticated, the storage space of the entire board can be minimized, and noise resistance can be improved by minimizing the connection lines.

  The main control board 21, the effect control board 22, the image control board 23, and the payout control board 24 are each equipped with a computer circuit including a one-chip microcomputer. In view of this, the control boards 21 to 24 and the circuits mounted on the interface board 28 and the operations realized by the circuits are collectively referred to as functions. In this specification, the main control section 21 and the effect control section 22 are used. , Image control unit 23 and payout control unit 24. That is, in this embodiment, the image control board 23 and the image interface board 28 constitute the image control unit 23. All or part of the effect control unit 22, the image control unit 23, and the payout control unit 24 is a sub-control unit.

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

  As shown in the broken line frame in FIG. 3, the frame side member GM1 includes a power supply board 20, a payout control board 24, a launch control board 25, a frame relay board 35, and a lamp drive board 36. These circuit boards are respectively fixed at appropriate positions of the front frame 3.

  A plurality of LEDs are connected to the lamp drive board 36, and drive data SDATA for driving these LED groups is transmitted via the effect control board 22 → the frame relay board 34 → the frame relay board 35 as a serial signal. Are transmitted to a plurality of LED drivers mounted on the lamp driving board 36.

  On the back surface of the game board 5, a main control board 21, an effect control board 22, an image control board 23, and an image interface board 28 are fixed together with the display device DS and other circuit boards. And the frame side member GM1 and the board | substrate side member GM2 are electrically connected by the connection connectors C1-C4 concentratedly arranged in one place.

  The power supply board 20 is connected to the main board relay board 32 through the connection connector C2, and is connected to the power supply relay board 33 through the connection connector C3. The internal configuration of the power supply substrate 20 is as shown in FIG. 4A. A bridge-type rectifier circuit 61 that performs full-wave rectification of AC24V received from the outside, a power factor correction circuit 62 that receives the output of the rectifier circuit 61, An inrush current preventing circuit 63 for suppressing a transient current of the rectifier circuit, four DC-DC converters RG1 to RG4 and their associated circuits, an AC monitoring circuit 64 for monitoring an AC power supply interruption and an abnormality in the DC output voltage, It is comprised.

  The power factor correction circuit 62 includes a choke coil L1, switching transistors Q1 and Q2, a step-up type power factor control circuit PFC that realizes chopper operation by controlling ON / OFF of the two transistors, and a smoothing capacitor C1. The input voltage peak value 33.9V (= 24 * SQR2) is boosted and a direct current voltage of the design value DC35V is output. The DC voltage DC35V is distributed to the main control board 21, the payout control board 24, and the effect control board 22, respectively.

  The power factor control circuit PFC performs ON / OFF control of the transistors Q1 and Q2 in a complementary manner, thereby causing a low-amplitude sawtooth wave charging / discharging current to flow through the AC24V power line (see FIG. 4D). That is, when the transistor Q1 is ON (Q2 is OFF), the energy stored in the choke coil L1 is charged to the smoothing capacitor C1 when the transistor Q2 is ON (Q1 is OFF). The input current is improved to a substantially sinusoidal shape.

  The inrush current prevention circuit 63 includes an N-channel MOS type switching transistor Q3, a thermistor TH disposed between the drain terminal and the source terminal of the transistor Q3, and a bias element (ZD1, R1, R2) that defines the gate voltage of the transistor Q3. , C2). As shown in the figure, since the bias element includes the Zener diode ZD1, a bias voltage is not applied to the gate terminal and the transistor Q3 is turned off in a transient state until the Zener diode ZD1 breaks down and turns ON. .

  Therefore, immediately after the power is turned on, the input current of the AC 24V power line passes through the path of the rectifier circuit 61 → the power factor improving circuit 62 → the thermistor TH → the rectifier circuit 61, and a transient current (rush current) when the power is turned on. Is optimally limited by the thermistor TH.

  The AC monitoring circuit 64 includes a full-wave rectifier circuit including diodes D5 and D6 and a load resistor R3, a current limiting resistor R4, and a converter RG4. The voltage across the load resistor R3 has a pulsating waveform with a peak value of about 34V (see FIG. 4B), and this pulsating voltage is supplied to the monitoring terminal Sin1 of the converter RG4 via the current limiting resistor R4. Yes. Then, converter RG4 determines the interruption of AC power supply AC24V based on the voltage supplied to monitoring terminal Sin1.

  The four converters RG1 to RG4 operate by receiving the DC voltage (DC35V) of the same level at the DC input terminal Vin, and function together with the passive elements (R, L, C) (not shown), so The voltage (12V or 5V) is output. That is, converter RG1 and converter RG2 each generate 12V and output it to output terminal Vout. Output voltage DC12V of converter RG1 is distributed to effect control board 22, and output voltage DC12V of converter RG2 is the main voltage. Power is distributed to the control board 21 and the payout control board 24.

  Converter RG3 generates DC5V distributed to production control board 22 and outputs it from output terminal Vout of converter RG3. Converter RG4 generates DC5V distributed to main control board 21 and payout control board 24, Output from the output terminal Vout of the converter RG4. Thus, in the power supply board 20 of the present embodiment, only three types of DC voltages (35V, 12V, 5V) are generated, and the control boards 20, 21, 22 that receive the distribution of these DC voltages are necessary. Accordingly, a configuration in which one or a plurality of power supply voltages at a drop level is generated is adopted, and the configuration of the power supply circuit as a whole gaming machine is not wasted.

  A backup power supply BAK of DC5V is generated based on the output of the converter RG4 and is distributed to the main control board 21 and the payout control board 24. Here, the backup power source BAK is a DC power source of DC 5V that retains data in the built-in RAM of the one-chip microcomputer of the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 24 even after the AC power source 24V is shut off due to business termination or power failure. is there.

  Further, converters RG1 to RG4 are provided with a control terminal CTL for controlling whether or not the DC-DC conversion operation of each circuit element is permitted, and the internal circuit functions on condition that the control terminal CTL is at the H level. A DC-DC conversion operation is performed. For example, the internal configurations of converters RG2 and RG4 are as shown in FIG. 4C, and the internal circuit (DC conversion circuit CNV) functions and performs DC-DC conversion on condition that the control terminal CTL is at the H level. The action is executed.

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the output terminal Sout2 of the converter RG2 is connected to the control terminal CTL of the converter RG1 together with its own control terminal CTL. Similarly, the output terminal Sout2 of the converter RG4 is connected to the control terminal CTL of the converter RG3 together with its own control terminal CTL. Therefore, when the DC voltage DC35V drops and the output voltage of the output terminal Sout2 of the converter RG2 or the converter RG4 transitions to the L level, the four converters RG1 to RG4 thereafter stop the DC-DC conversion function all at once. It will be. As described above, in this embodiment, when the input voltage to be DC-DC converted (DC35V) drops to an abnormal level, the DC-DC conversion operation is automatically stopped, and hence the subsequent abnormal operation may occur. There is no.

  By the way, the power supply board 20 of the present embodiment does not generate a power supply reset signal indicating that the AC power is turned on, and the power supply reset signal is transmitted to the main control board 21, the payout control board 24, the effect control board 22, and the like. Instead, each control board 21, 24, 22 generates a power reset signal based on the distributed DC voltage (5V, 12V). Therefore, there is no possibility that the CPU is abnormally reset by superimposing noise on a signal line that transmits a power reset signal from the power supply board to each control board.

  The power supply board 20 has been described so far, and another configuration of the gaming machine GM will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 21 is connected to the power supply board 20 via the main board relay board 32, and has three types of DC voltages DC35V, DC12V, and DC5V, a backup power supply BAK, and a power supply abnormality signal. Received ABN1. On the other hand, the payout control board 24 is directly connected to the power supply board 20 without going through a relay board, and receives the same power abnormality signal ABN2 and backup power supply BAK as the main control unit 21 receives, with three types of DC voltages DC35V. , DC12V, DC5V together.

  In this embodiment, the RAM clear signal CLR is generated by the main control unit 21 and transmitted to the one-chip microcomputer of the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 24. Here, the RAM clear signal CLR is a signal for deciding whether or not to initialize all the areas of the built-in RAM of the one-chip microcomputer of each control unit 21 and 24. It has a value corresponding to the / OFF state.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 21 transmits a control command CMD ″ to the payout control unit 24 via the main board relay board 32, while the payout control unit 24 indicates a game ball payout operation. A prize ball counting signal, a status signal CON relating to an abnormality in the payout operation, and an operation start signal BGN are received, and the status signal CON includes, for example, a replenishment signal, a payout shortage error signal, and a lower plate full signal. The operation start signal BGN is a signal for notifying the main control unit 21 that the initial operation of the payout control unit 24 has been completed after the power is turned on.

  The main control unit 21 is connected to each game component of the game board 5 via the game board relay board 31. And while receiving the switch signal of the detection switch built in each winning opening 16-18 on a game board, solenoids, such as an electric tulip, are driven. The solenoids and the detection switch are configured to operate with the power supply voltage VB (12 V) distributed from the main control unit 21. Each switch signal indicating a winning state to the symbol start opening 15 is converted to a TTL level or CMOS level switch signal by an interface IC that operates with the power supply voltage VB (12 V) and the power supply voltage Vcc (5 V). And then transmitted to the main control unit 21.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the effect control unit 22 receives a control command CMD and a strobe signal STB from the main control unit 21. Then, the effect control unit 22 supplies the lamp drive data SDATA (serial signal) to the LED drivers mounted on the lamp drive board 29 and the lamp / motor drive board 30. Although not particularly limited, the LED driver mounted on the lamp driving board 29 or the lamp / motor driving board 30 has the same configuration as the LED driver mounted on the lamp driving board 36.

  Further, in this embodiment, the stepping motor is driven using the same LED driver, and the production motor groups M1 to Mn are driven via the lamp / motor drive board 30 as indicated by the broken line. . In this case, the motor drive data is a serial signal similar to the lamp drive data, and even if the number of production motors is increased in order to enrich production contents, the number of wiring cables does not increase, and the device configuration is simplified. .

  The effect control unit 23 receives three types of DC voltages (12V, 5V, and 32V) from the power supply board 20, and the DC voltage 32V is transferred to the lamp / motor drive board 30 as it is to drive the power supply for the effect motor and the like. It is utilized as. On the other hand, the DC voltage 5V is used as a power supply voltage for various digital circuits of the effect control board 22, and the DC voltage 12V is used as a power supply voltage for the digital amplifiers 46a and 46b and is also transferred to the drive boards 29 and 30. Used for lamp production and motor production.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the effect control unit 22 sends a control command CMD ′ and a strobe signal STB ′, two types of DC voltages (12V, 5V), and a system reset signal SYS to the image control unit 23. Is output. Here, the system reset signal SYS is a signal generated in the reset circuit RST & WDT of the effect control unit 22 based on the DC voltage (12V, 5V) received from the power supply board 20.

  Then, the image control unit 23 resets the power of various semiconductor IC elements based on the system reset signal SYS received from the effect control unit 22 and drives the display device DS based on the control command CMD ′ received from the effect control unit 22. Various image effects are executed. The display device DS emits light by the LED backlight, and receives five pairs of LVDS (Low voltage differential signaling) signals and a backlight power supply voltage (12 V) from the image interface board 28. (See FIG. 5).

  Next, the configuration of the effect control unit 22 described above will be described in more detail based on FIG. As shown in FIG. 5A, the effect control unit 22 is a one-chip microcomputer 40 (hereinafter referred to as an effect control CPU 40) that executes processing such as voice effect, lamp effect, notice effect by effect movable body, and data transfer. And a control memory (flash memory) 41 for storing the control program of the effect control CPU 40 and various effect data, and an audio signal based on instructions of the effect control CPU 40 set in the built-in registers RG0 to RGn. A sound processor (sound synthesis circuit) 42 for outputting, a sound memory 43 for storing compressed sound data as original data of a sound signal to be reproduced, a digital amplifier 46 for receiving a sound signal output from the sound processor 42, It is comprised.

  The effect control unit 23 includes a power supply circuit including three DC-DC converters (CONV1 to CONV3) and a reset circuit RST & WDT. The power supply circuits (CONV1 to CONV3) generate three types of DC voltages (1.0V, 1.8V, 3.3V) based on the DC voltage 12V received from the power supply board 20, and the one-chip microcomputer 40, the control memory 41, the power supply voltage of the sound processor 42 and the sound memory 43. Therefore, the possibility that only a part of the power supply voltage of the one-chip microcomputer 40, the control memory 41, the sound processor 42, and the sound memory 43 drops is virtually zero, and there is a possibility of a local outage. Virtually does not occur.

  The reset circuit RST & WDT of the embodiment not only generates a system reset signal SYS but also functions as a watchdog timer. When the clear signal CLR to be received from the effect control CPU 40 is interrupted, an abnormal reset signal RSET is output to forcibly reset the effect control CPU 40, the control memory 41, and the audio processor 42. Therefore, when the production control CPU 40 does not function normally, the audio production can be immediately returned to the initial state.

Next, the audio processor 42 according to the present embodiment accesses the audio memory 43 based on operation parameters (set values by the audio command SND) received from the effect control CPU 40 to the built-in registers (audio control registers) RG0 to RGn. Plays and outputs the necessary audio signal. As shown in FIG. 5, the audio processor 42 and the audio memory 43 are connected to each other by a 26-bit audio address bus and a 16-bit audio data bus. Therefore, 1 Gbit (= 2 ²⁶ * 16) data can be stored in the audio memory 43.

In the case of the present embodiment, the compressed audio data stored in the audio memory 43 is phrase compressed data specified by a phrase number NUM (000H to 1FFFH) having a 13-bit length, and is a series of background music. Minutes (BGM), a group of effect sounds (notice sounds), and the like are stored in a maximum of 8192 types (= 2 ¹³ ) corresponding to the phrase number NUM. The phrase number NUM is specified by the set value (operation parameter) of the voice command SND transmitted from the effect control CPU 40 to the voice control registers RG0 to RGn of the voice processor 42.

  By the way, in this specification, in the following description, the group effect sound specified by one phrase number NUM may be referred to as “unit effect”. In this sense, one piece of background music (BGM sound) is also a kind of “unit effect”, which is started by winning a game ball at the symbol starting point, and ends by notifying the result of the lottery. The audio effect that constitutes the variation effect is realized by appropriately combining a plurality of “unit effects”.

  The voice command SND is used for Individual Write for transmitting a set value of 1 byte length to any one of a number of voice control registers RG0 to RGn built in the voice processor 42, or continuously. Are used for Block Write for transmitting a set of N set values to a group of N audio control registers (RGi...).

  Further, the voice command SND of the present embodiment is used not only for a write application for writing a set value such as a phrase number NUM, but also for a read application for reading status information STS (error information, etc.) from a predetermined voice control register RGi. . FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the effect control CPU 40 and the audio control register 51 (RG0 to RGn) of the audio processor 42.

  In any case, the voice control register RGi to be accessed is specified by a 1-byte register address, and the storage capacity of each voice control register RGi is 1 byte. In this embodiment, a large number of voice control registers (RG0 to RGn) are secured by dividing into seven register banks BN0 to BN6. That is, since the register banks BN0 to BN6 are divided into seven, the total number of the audio control registers RGi is theoretically 7 × 256 at maximum.

  In this embodiment, in all the register banks BN0 to BN6, the specific register address (FDH) is a voice control register for setting the register bank. Therefore, to specify any one of the 7 × 256 voice control registers RGi, the register bank BNj is written in the bank setting voice control register (register address = FDH) by the preceding voice command SND. Above, the voice control register RGi belonging to the register bank BNj is specified by a 1-byte register address.

  By the way, it is not always necessary to directly specify the register address of the voice control register to be set in the setting operation of the setting value in the voice control register RGi. SAC data (Simple Access Code Data) stored in the voice memory 43 is not necessarily specified. ) Or a sequence code, a series of setting operations for a group of audio control registers RGi to RGj can be completed. In order to realize such an operation, the voice processor 42 incorporates four simple access controllers SAC (simple Access Controller) shown in FIG. 6B and 16 sequencers SQ (Sequencer). .

  The SAC (Simple Access Code) data for causing the simple access controller SAC to function will be described. The SAC data includes the register address (1 byte) of the voice control register RGi and the set value (1 byte) in the voice control register RGi. Is a data group of a maximum of 512 sets (= 1024 bytes) and is terminated with a SAC end code (FFFFH) (see FIG. 6B).

In the present embodiment, up to 8192 types (= 2 ¹³ ) of such SAC data can be provided, and the CPU sets the 13-bit length SAC number to the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control (FIG. 6B). )), The simple access controller SAC can be functioned. The simple access controller SAC that has started the function reads a group of SAC data specified by the SAC number in order from the voice memory 43, and sets a setting value indicated by the SAC data in the voice control register RGi indicated by the SAC data. become.

  Therefore, the CPU only needs to write the SAC number in the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control, and can instruct a series of setting operations without individually specifying the register address of the voice control register RGi. . The voice control register RGj1 for SAC control can be set with a standby time (standby information as attached data) that defines the start timing of a series of setting operations, and can be set to the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control. The setting start timing to the voice control register RGi by the simple access controller SAC can be delayed from the SAC number writing timing.

  Next, a sequence code (Sequence Code) for causing the sequencer SQ to function will be described. Similarly to the SAC data, the sequence code is a plurality of sets of data in which the register address (1 byte) of the audio control register RGi is associated with the set value (1 byte) to the audio control register RGi (FIG. 6 ( b)). However, unlike the SAC data, the sequence code can define a plurality of operation steps (a plurality of sequence steps) that can be executed intermittently after a predetermined waiting time.

  Further, in the sequencer (Sequencer) control voice control register RGj2, for each of the sequencers SQ0 to SQ15, a standby time (standby information) that defines the start timing of the setting operation, the presence / absence of a repeating operation, and the number of repetitions (loop) Information) can be included. Therefore, the sequence code specifies a series of sound effects executed for a predetermined time.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the plurality of operation steps are separated by a step end code (FFFEH), and the last of the plurality of operation steps is terminated by a sequence end code (FFFFH). In the case of the present embodiment, a maximum of 8192 types (= 2 ¹³ ) of sequence codes can be provided, and the CPU controls the sequencer (Sequencer) with a 13-bit sequence code number and attached data defining the operation of the sequencer. By writing in the audio control register RGj2 for the operation, a series of setting operations can be instructed to the sequencer SQ.

  In the present embodiment, only the necessary sets of such SAC data and sequence codes are stored in advance in the audio memory 43, and a group of SAC data and a group of sequence codes are specified by a SAC number and a sequence code number. The Therefore, in the case of the present embodiment, the voice command SND for writing is used not only for defining a direct setting operation to the voice control register RGi but also for an indirect setting operation via the simple access controller SAC or the sequencer SQ. It also includes the case of prescribing.

  Returning to FIG. 5 and continuing the description, in order to realize the above operation, the effect control CPU 40 and the audio processor 42 receive parallel signal lines (data buses) CD0 to CD7 capable of transmitting and receiving 1-byte data, and operation management data. Chip that selects 2-bit operation control data lines (address bus) A0 to A1 that can be transmitted, 2-bit control signal lines WR and RD that can control read / write operations, and a voice processor 42 It is connected to a select signal line CS.

  The parallel signal lines CD0 to CD7 are realized by the data bus of the effect control CPU 40 built in the one-chip microcomputer 40, and the operation management data lines A0 to A1 are realized by the address bus of the effect control CPU 40. The voice processor 42 is assigned three port numbers PORT having the upper 6 bits in common and the lower 2 bits 00, 01, 10, and the effect control CPU 40 assigns I to these port numbers PORT. When the / OREAD instruction or the I / OWRITE instruction is executed, the circuit is configured so that the chip select signal CS becomes an active level in any case.

  The data output to the lower 2 bits A0 to A1 of the address bus when the I / OREAD instruction or the I / OWRITE instruction is executed becomes the operation management data A0 to A1 for the voice processor 42. Based on this, it is specified whether the 1-byte data of the data buses CD0 to CD7 at that time is a register address, or write data or read data.

  That is, if the address data A0-A1 is [00], the data bus data CD0-CD7 at that timing is evaluated as a register address, while if the address data A0-A1 is [01], The data CD0 to CD7 on the timing data bus become write data or read data. The read data is executed when the I / OREAD instruction is executed, and the write data is executed when the I / OWRITE instruction is executed.

  Therefore, the transmission operation of the voice command SND for writing the predetermined set value to the predetermined voice control registers RGi and RGj is as shown in the time chart of FIG. 5B, and the lower 2 of the port number PORT of the voice processor 42. This is realized by continuously executing the I / OWRITE instruction while shifting the bits A0 and A1. Specifically, the lower 2 bits A0 to A1 of the address data are changed from [00] → [01], while 1-byte data of the data bus is changed to [register address of the voice control register RGi] → [voice control]. By shifting the write data to the register RGi], the transmission operation of the predetermined voice command SND is realized.

  As in the case of transmitting a SAC number (13 bits), a sequence code number (13 bits), and accompanying control data (such as standby information and loop information), the write data has a length of multiple bytes and is controlled. If the register addresses of the register are consecutive, the operation management data A0 to A1 of [01] are repeated in the order of [00] → [01] → [01] → [01], and a plurality of bytes of write data is transmitted. .

  The voice command transmitted in this manner is subsequently validated inside the voice processor 42 as long as there is no communication abnormality. However, if a communication error is recognized, such as data having a plurality of bytes inconsistent with each other, the voice command SND is not activated. Then, an error flag of the voice control register RGn is set. This error flag (status information STS) is an I / OREAD in which the address bus operation management data A0 to A1 is changed from [01] to [10]. It can be received by executing the instruction (see FIG. 5D).

  As described above, in this embodiment, error information (abnormality of a plurality of bits) is obtained in the final cycle in which the operation management data A0 to A1 are changed from [00] → [01] →... [01] → [10]. FFH) can be obtained. Then, by retransmitting the voice command SND that could not be properly transmitted in parallel, the voice effect can be appropriately advanced. Therefore, according to the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to reliably eliminate the unnaturalness that the sound effect suddenly stops.

  On the other hand, the data reading operation by the I / OREAD operation is as shown in the time chart of FIG. 5C, and the lower 2 bits A0 and A1 of the port number PORT of the voice processor 42 are changed and the I / OWRITE instruction is changed. This is realized by continuously executing the I / OREAD instruction. When the read data has a length of a plurality of bytes, the I / OREAD instruction is continued for the required number of bytes.

  Specifically, first, as the I / OWRITE operation, for the port number PORT in which the lower two bits A0 to A1 of the address data are [00], [the register address of the voice control register RGi that stores the operation status and the like. (1 byte length)] is output. Next, if the I / OREAD instruction is executed for the port number PORT in which the lower 2 bits A0 to A1 of the address data are [01], necessary data such as operation status is obtained from a predetermined voice control register. Can do.

  The audio reproduced by the audio processor 42 having the above configuration is transmitted to the digital amplifiers 46a and 46b in the form of a 5-bit signal (SCLK, LRO, SD0, SD1, SD2) as a digital audio signal of the audio processor 42. Then, each digital amplifier performs class D amplification, and the analog audio signal is supplied to each speaker. Specifically, the amplified output (analog audio signal) of the digital amplifier 46a is supplied to the lower speaker BTM for bass, and the amplified output (analog audio signal) of the digital amplifier 46b is up, down, left and right with respect to the player. It is supplied to four speakers TL, TR, ML, and MR that are substantially aligned at the positions.

  Next, another circuit configuration of the effect control unit 22 will be described with reference to FIG. First, a 4-bit switch signal is supplied to the one-chip microcomputer 40 from a setting switch SET operated by an attendant. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the one-chip microcomputer 40 includes a plurality of parallel input / output ports PIO (Pi + Pi '+ Po + Po') and a plurality of serial output ports SI. More specifically, the serial output port SI includes three-channel serial ports (S0 to S2). Each of the LED drivers mounted on the lamp driving boards 36, 29, and 30 is connected to each of the LED drivers. Serial drive data SDATA0 to SDATA2 are output in synchronization with clock signals CK0 to CK2.

  That is, the serial port S0 to serial port S2 transmit serial drive data SDATA0 to SDATA2 to the corresponding lamp drive boards 36, 29, and 30 based on the clock synchronization method. The serial drive data SDATA0 to SDATA2 are mostly brightness data (lamp drive data) for adjusting the light emission brightness of each LED by PWM control (pulse width modulation), but drive the production motors M1 to Mn. Motor drive data to be included is also included.

  The parallel output port Po ′ outputs 3-bit operation enable signals ENABLE0 to ENABLE2 to the lamp drive boards 36, 29, 30 and the LED drivers mounted on the lamp drive boards 36, 29, 30. Starts operation based on one of the operation enable signals ENABLE0 to ENABLE2. Further, the output port Po 'outputs a MUTE signal for muting the outputs of the digital amplifiers 46a and 46b. This MUTE signal is used, for example, when power is turned on, which may cause the operation to become unstable, or when an abnormal operation of the voice processor 42 is detected.

  Corresponding to such a configuration, the production control board 22 includes parallel output ports Po ′ of the one-chip microcomputer 40, serial buffer SI, and output buffer circuits 47, 48, and 49 for transmitting various signals to be output. Is provided. Here, the output buffer 47 is related to the LED group of the 0th channel, and outputs the lamp driving data SDATA0, the clock signal CK0, and the operation permission signal ENABLE0 output from the one-chip microcomputer 40 to the frame relay board 34. doing. The output 3-bit signal is transmitted to the LED driver of the lamp driving board 36 via the frame relay board 34 and the frame relay board 35.

  Similarly, the output buffer 48 transmits the lamp drive data SDATA1, the clock signal CK1, and the operation enable signal ENABLE1 output from the one-chip microcomputer 40 to the LED driver of the lamp drive board 29, and the output buffer 49 The drive data SDATA2, the clock signal CK2, and the operation permission signal ENABLE2 are transmitted to the LED driver of the lamp / motor drive board 30. The LED driver of the lamp driving board 29 drives the LED group of the first channel, and the LED driver of the lamp / motor driving board 30 drives the LED group of the second channel and the effect motors M1 to Mn. Yes.

  On the other hand, the control command CMD and the strobe signal STB from the main control unit 21 are input to the input port Pi of the parallel input / output port PIO via the input buffer 44, and the output buffer 45 is input from the command output port Po. A control command CMD ′ and a strobe signal STB ′ are output via the route.

  Specifically, the control command CMD and the strobe signal (interrupt signal) STB output from the main control board 21 correspond to the power supply voltage 3.3 V of the one-chip microcomputer 40 in the input buffer Pi. Is converted to a logical level and supplied to the one-chip microcomputer 40 in units of 8 bits. The interrupt signal STB is supplied to the interrupt terminal of the one-chip microcomputer 40, and the effect control unit 22 is configured to acquire a control command CMD by reception interrupt processing.

  The control command CMD acquired by the one-chip microcomputer 40 of the effect control unit 22 includes (1) abnormality notification and other notification control commands, and (2) various effect operations resulting from winning at the symbol start opening. A control command (variation pattern command) for specifying an outline and a control command (design specifying command) for specifying a symbol type are included. Here, the outline of the production operation specified by the variation pattern command includes the production total time from the production start to the production end and the result of winning or failing in the jackpot lottery.

  In addition, the symbol designating command includes information for identifying information on the jackpot type (15R probability variation, 2R probability variation, 15R normal, 2R normal, etc.) in the case of a jackpot according to the result of the jackpot lottery. In some cases, information for identifying a loss is included. The outline of the production operation specified by the variation pattern command includes the production total time from the production start to the production end, and the result of success or failure in the big hit lottery. In addition to these, the change pattern command including the presence or absence of the reach effect or the notice effect may be specified, but even in this case, the specific content of the effect content is not specified.

  Therefore, when the production control unit 22 (one-chip microcomputer 40) acquires the variation pattern command, the production lottery is subsequently performed, and the production outline of the variation production specified by the obtained variation pattern command is embodied. For example, specific contents of the reach effect and the notice effect are determined and a series of fluctuating effects are specified. Then, in accordance with the determined specific game content, a lamp effect by blinking the LED group and a sound effect preparation operation by the speaker are performed, and the image control unit 23 is synchronized with the effect operation by the lamp and the speaker. A control command (production command) CMD ′ relating to the produced image production is output.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of main scenario tables Mj (see FIG. 15B) are prepared corresponding to a series of variation effect types, and based on the result of the effect lottery, a plurality of main scenario tables Mj are stored. Any one or more are specified. For example, a main scenario table M0 that realizes a series of fluctuating effects and a main scenario table Mx, My,... That realizes one or more notice effects that function at appropriate timing are specified. Note that it is not necessary to specify all the main scenario tables Mj when receiving a variation pattern command. For example, when receiving a symbol designating command, one or a plurality of main scenario tables Mj corresponding to the symbol specified by the command are selected. You may specify.

  In any case, in the main scenario table Mj, scenario information for specifying the contents of the effects of the sound effects, the lamp effects, and the motor effects to be executed in association with each other and the execution duration time of the effects are described. However, in the main scenario table Mj in FIG. 15 (b), the description regarding the lamp effect and the motor effect is omitted for convenience.

  As illustrated in FIG. 15B, the scenario information about the audio effect is specifically the sub-scenario number of the sub-scenario table Sk. In the sub-scenario table Sk specified by the sub-scenario number, a phrase number NUM that specifies a unit effect, a playback volume value of the unit effect, and the like are defined (see FIG. 15C).

  By the way, in order to realize an image effect synchronized with the effect operation of the effect control unit 22, the effect control unit 22 has a 16-bit length together with a strobe signal (interrupt signal) STB ′ for the image control unit 23 through the command output port Po. A control command CMD ′ is output to the image interface board 28. Upon receiving the effect command CMD ′ related to the effect lottery, the effect control unit 22 specifies an image scenario table corresponding to the effect command CMD ′, and starts an image effect defined in the image scenario table.

  An output buffer 45 is provided corresponding to the configuration of the effect control board 22 described above, and outputs a 16-bit control command CMD ′ and a 1-bit interrupt signal STB ′ to the image interface board 28. . These data CMD ′ and STB ′ are transmitted to the image control board 23 via the image interface board 28. These signals are at a logic level corresponding to the power supply voltage 3.3V of the one-chip microcomputer 40.

  Next, FIG. 6A shows a schematic internal configuration of the audio processor 42 and a connection relationship between the audio processor 42, the one-chip microcomputer 40 (production control CPU), and the audio memory 43.

  As shown in FIG. 6 (a), the audio processor 42 includes a large number of audio control registers 51 (RG0 to RGn) accessed from the effect control CPU 40, a sound control module 52 for comprehensively controlling the audio reproduction operation, and audio. The main generator 53 that decodes the phrase compressed data read from the memory 43 and mixes the decoded data of the plurality of phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 at an appropriate volume ratio, and realizes a desired frequency characteristic by digital filter processing. An effect unit 54 that realizes an equalizer function and a compressor function that changes input / output gain characteristics, a total volume TV that defines a final volume, and five types of signals SCLK, LRO, SD0, SD1, and SD2 for serial transmission are generated. Digital IF unit 55 and It is configured to include a.

  As shown in the figure, the main generator 53 is divided into reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 and reproduces compressed data, volumes V1 to V3 for adjusting the volume, and a channel mixing unit 61 for mixing the reproduced sound of the decoder 60. And a virtual surround unit VS that generates a virtual sound in which the sound emission position of the reproduced sound is changed to the back side or the ear side, and a remix unit RM that executes a final mixing operation. .

  The sound control module 52 functions based on an instruction from the effect control CPU 40 written in the audio control register 51 (RGi), but has a simple access controller SAC (Simple Access Controller) and a sequencer SQ (Sequencer). Configured. As described above, the simple access controller SAC and the sequencer SQ have a function of reading a group of SAC data and a group of sequence codes from the voice memory 43 and setting setting data in a predetermined voice control register RGi. doing.

FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating this relationship, and the audio memory 43 stores a maximum of 8192 types of sequence code groups and a maximum of 8192 types of SAC data groups. Then, the sequence code and, SAC data, respectively, have been identified by the sequence code number and SAC number of 13-bit length, a relationship of 8192 ^{= 2 13.}

  In this embodiment, 16 sequences (SQ0 to SQ15) that operate in parallel are provided as the sequencer SQ, and four sequences (SAC0 to SAC3) that operate in parallel are provided as the simple accelerator controller SAC. Yes. Corresponding to this configuration, the sound control register RGi is provided with a sound control register RGj2 for controlling the sequencer (SQ0 to SQ7) and a sound control register RGj1 for controlling the SAC (SAC0 to SAC3).

  Then, when the production control CPU 40 writes the SAC number and the attached information to the predetermined voice control register RGj1 for SAC control based on the transmission operation of the voice command SND, the corresponding simple access controller SAC functions. Starting, the simple access controller SAC writes the group of setting data specified by the SAC number into the group of voice control registers indicated by the SAC data. This point has already been described, and in this embodiment, a complicated setting operation can be completed by transmitting one SAC number and its attached information.

  On the other hand, when the production control CPU 40 writes the sequence code number and its associated information into the predetermined audio control register RGj2 for controlling the sequencer (SQ0 to SQ7) based on the transmission operation of the audio command SND, the corresponding sequencer The SQi starts its function, and the group of setting data specified by the sequence code is written into the group of voice control registers indicated by the sequence code.

  Here, in the audio control register RGj2, a plurality of (up to 8) sequence code numbers and loop information for effects of each sequence code number can be entered for an arbitrary sequencer SQi. Therefore, for example, when n + 1 sequence code numbers (X0, X1,..., Xn) are designated for the sequencer SQi, the sequence code number X0 is set as shown in FIG. Operation → Setting operation of sequence code number X1... The setting operation of sequence code number Xn is executed in order, and the sound effect corresponding to the setting operation is executed.

  Since loop information such as the number of repetitions can be specified for each sequence code number, the sound effect specified by the sequence code number is repeated a predetermined number of times, and then the sound effect specified by the next sequence code number is used. It is possible to move (FIG. 7A).

  Thus, there are a wide variety of data to be set in the sequencer SQi, and it is necessary to appropriately set the sequence code number and the accompanying data in the sequencer control voice control register RGj2. Therefore, in this embodiment, the entire sequence code number and associated data are divided in units of 1 byte, and the divided 1 byte data and the register address of the sequencer control register RGj2 to which this 1 byte data is to be set A group of SAC data, which is a set, is secured in the audio memory 43 (hereinafter referred to as sequencer activation SAC data).

  Then, the CPU activates the simple access controller SAC by designating a predetermined SAC number in the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control. Here, as a matter of course, the SAC number specifies the sequencer activation SAC data. Based on the operation of the SAC (Simple Access Controller), necessary data is expanded in the sequencer control register RGj2. Therefore, the setting operation of the startup data for the sequencers SQ0 to SQ15 is easy.

  By the way, as described above with reference to FIG. 6B, a group of sequence codes specified by one sequence code number includes a plurality of operation units (sequence steps) separated by a step end code (FFFEH). Therefore, after all the plurality of sequence steps specified by one sequence code number are executed, the plurality of sequence steps specified by the next sequence code number are executed.

  Each sequencer can also set a waiting time, so the first sequence step (a group of setting data write operations) is started after the waiting time pointed out by the CPU and executed until the step end code (FFFEH). Then, after the waiting time, the next group of setting data is written to the group of voice control registers. The waiting time can be set to a single time information for each sequencer (SQ0 to SQ7). For example, in the preceding sequence step, the waiting time applied to the subsequent sequence step is set. By doing so, the waiting time for each sequence step can be arbitrarily set.

  Therefore, for example, a pan operation as shown in FIG. 7B can be set by three groups of sequence codes separated by a step end code (FFFEH). In the case of FIG. 7B, (1) a first setting operation (including the setting of Δ1) in which only the left speaker emits sound is executed in response to the operation start of the sequencer, and (2) the first setting is performed. A second setting operation (including setting of Δ2) is performed in which only the right speaker emits sound after the standby time Δ1 from the operation, and (3) an operation in which the left and right speakers emit sound after the standby time Δ2 from the second setting operation. After executing the third setting operation to be realized (including the setting of Δ3), a sequence setting operation that returns to the sound emission operation of the first left speaker after the waiting time Δ3 becomes possible. In FIG. 7B, for convenience, Δ1 = Δ2 = Δ3 is illustrated.

  Specifically confirming the panpot ratio VL: VR, (1) sound emission from the left speaker only can be achieved by setting the left and right panpot ratio VL: VR to 0: -∞ dB. Sound emission is set by setting the left / right panpot ratio VL: VR to −∞: 0 dB, and (3) setting the equal ratio sound emission of the left and right speakers, and setting the left / right panpot ratio VL: VR to 0: 0 dB. It is realized with. Here, the panpot ratio VL: VR is, for example, VL = 20 * Log (SQR (2) * Cos (π / 2 * VL / 128)) and VR = 20 * Log (SQR (2) * Sin ( π / 2 * VR / 128)), 0 dB: 0 dB means 1: 1, and −∞ dB means mute. Log is a logarithm with base 10. SQR (2) means a square root of 2. In any case, it is very complicated to realize such an irregular volume setting with individual voice commands SND, but in this embodiment, the control load is greatly reduced by using the sequencer SQ. ing.

  The 16-sequencers (SQ0 to SQ15) are configured not only to operate independently from each other but also to be able to start setting operations all at once under a predetermined condition. An example of the predetermined condition is an “off-trigger function” that uses the end of a specific playback sound as a trigger condition.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 7 (d), (1) a vocal sound reproduced via the sequencer SQ0, (2) a guitar sound reproduced via the sequencer SQ1, and (3) a sequencer SQ2 Music composed of 5 parts: bass sound played back via (4) left chorus sound played back via sequencer SQ3, and (5) right chorus sound played back via sequencer SQ4 The phrase compressed data of the individual parts is separately prepared in the audio memory 43, and the setting operations of the sequencers SQ0 to SQ4 are synchronized on the condition that the preceding predetermined reproduction operation is completed (off trigger function). In this way, it is possible to start playback of phrase compressed data of individual parts all at once. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce the sound of a plurality of parts without time lag. This point will be further described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the internal configuration of the main generator 53 is shown in more detail as shown in FIG. As shown, the main generator 53 includes a decoder 60 divided into 32 phrase reproduction channels (CH0 to CH31) that can be independently decoded, a primary volume V1, and a secondary volume Vs (= V2, V3, V3). V4), a channel volume that has a panpot unit and can adjust the audio volume and volume balance, a channel mix unit 61 that mixes the audio of 32 phrase playback channels (CH0 to CH31), and a virtual surround unit VS and remix part RM are comprised.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the L0 signal, R0 signal, R1 signal, L1 signal, SUB0 signal, and SUB1 signal are output for each phrase playback channel (CH0 to CH31). These six types (32 × 6 in total) are output. Are mixed by the channel mixing unit 61 and the remixing unit RM, and output as a mixed L0 signal, a mixed R0 signal, a mixed R1 signal, a mixed L1 signal, a mixed SUB0 signal, and a mixed SUB1 signal.

  However, in this embodiment, since there is one bass speaker BTM (see FIG. 2), the SUB1 signal and the mixed SUB1 signal are not used. In relation to this configuration, the volume of the bass speaker BTM is adjusted with the secondary V3, and the other secondary volume V4 is not used.

  Then, the mixed L0 signal and the mixed R0 signal are respectively amplified by the digital amplifier 46b in class D, and then supplied to the upper left and right speakers TL and TR. Also, the mixed L1 signal and the mixed R1 signal are also digitally transmitted. After being amplified by class D by the amplifier 46b, it is supplied to the left and right speakers ML and MR in the middle. On the other hand, the mixed SUB0 signal is D-class amplified by the digital amplifier 46a and then supplied to the low-frequency speaker BTM.

  The 6-channel signals L0, R0, R1, L1, SUB0, and SUB1 are all PCM data in the process of passing through the main generator 53 → effect unit 54 → total volume TV → digital IF unit 55, and are digital amplifiers. An analog signal is obtained by passing through 46a and 46b. Further, the 6-channel signals L0, R0, L1, R1, SUB0, and SUB1 are collected into the 3-channel audio serial signals SO0 to SD2 and transmitted to the digital amplifiers 46a and 46b. However, as described above, the signal SUB1 is not used, and the signal SUB1 is transmitted at random.

  As schematically described above, the sound control register 51 (RGi) of the sound processor 42 is a write register that the effect control CPU 40 performs Write processing and the operation of the sound processor 42 in order to make the sound processor 42 function as intended. In order to grasp the state, the effect control CPU 40 is divided into a read register that performs a read process.

  Write data to the write register includes (1) a phrase number NUM that specifies a unit effect of the BGM sound and effect sound to be reproduced, (2) an indication of the volume (V1, V2, V3) of the reproduced sound, and (3) Loop instruction for specifying the number of times of reproduction, (4) Operation instruction for reproduction start / pause, etc., (5) Instruction for panpot ratio which is volume balance of upper and lower speakers and left and right speakers, (6) Final volume (TV) Instructions are included. Here, the effect sound includes a warning sound for notifying with a predetermined reliability (≦ 100%) that there is a possibility of shifting to a big hit state during a series of fluctuating operations.

  Also, (1) phrase number NUM specification, (2) volume (V1, V2, V3) instruction, (3) loop instruction, (4) operation instruction, and (5) panpot instruction are all in the decoder 60. The phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 are designated and performed. Therefore, a maximum of 32 types of phrase compressed data corresponding to the phrase playback channels CH0 to CH31 are reproduced independently at the same time based on the above instructions (1) to (5). It is mixed by the mixing unit RM and output.

  In this embodiment, the volume transition operation for transitioning the volume value of the audio signal stepwise is realized as software as CPU processing, and the primary volume V1, the secondary volumes V2, V3, and the total volume TV. Volume transition operation is possible. However, in this embodiment, considering the control burden, the volume transition operation is mainly executed only for the secondary volumes V2 and V3.

  Although not particularly limited, the input / output ratio of the signal to the set value Vi of the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3, V4) is 20 * Log (Vi / 128). By limiting the set value Vi to 0 ≦ Vi ≦ 128, the input / output ratio actually means an attenuation ratio, and becomes an attenuation rate of −∞ dB or more and 0 dB or less. Here, Log is a logarithm with base 10.

  During the transition operation of the secondary volumes V2 and V3, the two secondary volumes V2 and V3 are always set to the same value in all the phrase reproduction channels CHn for audio effects. Therefore, when the volume of the upper and middle speakers gradually increases or decreases, the volume of the lower speaker also follows, and a clear volume transition operation is realized for the player.

  Specifically, the volume transition operation of the secondary volumes V2 and V3 means a fade-out operation or a fade-in operation. The volume transition operation is based on an instruction value described in a sub-scenario table Sk described later, (1) a target value that is a final volume value, and (2) a transition speed until the target value is reached. Is first specified, and the volume instruction values of the secondary volumes V2 and V3 are changed in stages.

  In this embodiment, in addition to the fade-out operation and the fade-in operation, in the left and right pan pots and the upper and lower pan pots in the pan pot effect, the pan (orientation) suddenly changes up and down and left and right, or the pan is slowly displaced All the volume transition operations including the operation are realized by software processing by the effect control CPU 40. Note that the volume transition during such a panpot operation is realized by a transition of the left / right panpot ratio or a transition of the upper / lower panpot ratio, and therefore, the secondary volume V2 does not change. The two secondary volumes V2, V3 including the time are set to the same value.

  In any case, in order to realize a volume transition operation at an appropriate speed in the left and right pan pots and the upper and lower pan pots, the control burden on the CPU increases. However, in this embodiment, by using the sequencer SQ (FIG. 6B), a step-by-step transition in volume ratio due to a step-by-step change in pan-pot ratio is realized. FIG. 7C illustrates an operation realized by the sequencer SQ, and shows the panpot ratio in dB.

  Specifically, in the case of the illustrated example, +3 dB: from −∞ dB (only one sound is emitted) to 0 dB: 0 dB (both the same sound volume), and further to −∞ dB: +3 dB (only the other sound is emitted). It is a transition operation. After that, it changes to +3 dB: −∞ dB (only one sound is emitted) via 0 dB: 0 dB (both have the same volume).

  As shown in FIGS. 7B and 9B, a volume ratio of +0 dB: −∞ dB (only one sound is emitted) or −∞ dB: +0 dB (only the other sound is emitted) is also possible. Further, if necessary, −∞ dB: −∞ dB (both are muted) can be set. Therefore, by setting the pan setting of the upper, lower, left, and right speakers to -∞ dB: -∞ dB, for example, while maintaining the secondary volume V2 = V3, the middle and upper speakers are muted, and the lower speakers A gaming state in which only the BTM emits sound can be created. In any case, in this embodiment, a complex and advanced sound production is easily realized by using the simple access controller SAC and the sequencer SQ as necessary.

  Based on the above setting of the pan-pot ratio, the synchronized performance by the off-trigger function of the sequencer SQ will be described with reference to FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 7 (d), the sequencers SQ0 to SQ4 start the operation in parallel on the condition that the preceding unit effect has ended, and transfer necessary operation parameters to the predetermined audio control register RGi. Set.

  The operation parameters include: (1) the phrase number NUMa of the vocal sound set by the sequencer SQ0, (2) the phrase number NUMb of the guitar sound set by the sequencer SQ1, and (3) the bass sound set by the sequencer SQ2. Phrase number NUMc, (4) phrase number NUMd of the left chorus sound set by the sequencer SQ3, and (5) phrase number NUMe of the right chorus sound set by the sequencer SQ4 (see FIG. 9A).

  In reproducing the music performance, phrase reproduction channels CH14 to CH21 in which the panpot ratio of the upper and lower panpots and the left and right panpots is appropriately set are used in order to enhance the stereo effect (see FIG. 9B). ). As an example, for example, the sequencer SQ0 sets the phrase playback channel CH14 and CH15 to play the vocal sound of the phrase number NUMa, and sets the panpot ratio of the phrase playback channel CH14 as shown in the figure. The sound is emitted from the upper left and right speakers and the lower bass speaker. The primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3) are the same as the set values so far in all the phrase reproduction channels CHn, and the input / output ratios are all set to 0 dB level, for example.

  Specifically confirming the panpot ratio, the volume of the middle speaker is set to zero by setting the upper and lower panpot ratio of the phrase reproduction channel CH14 to 0 dB: −∞ dB. In addition, with respect to the upper speaker, the left and right panpot ratio is set to 0 dB: 0 dB, so that the volume of the left and right speakers is set to the same level. For the middle speaker, the left / right panpot ratio is set to −∞ dB: −∞ dB, but this setting may be omitted.

For other phrase playback channels CH15 to CH21, by appropriately setting the panpot ratio of the upper and lower panpots and the left and right panpots,
Playback sound of CH14 (vocal sound) → Sound is emitted to the upper left and right speakers TL and TR.
CH15 playback sound (vocal sound) → sound output to the middle left and right speakers ML, MR,
Playback sound of CH16 (guitar sound) → Sound is emitted to the upper left speaker TL,
Playback sound of CH17 (guitar sound) → Sound is output to the middle left speaker ML,
Playback sound of CH18 (bass sound) → Sound is emitted to upper right speaker TR,
Playback sound of CH19 (bass sound) → Sound output to middle right speaker MR,
Playback sound of CH20 (chorus left sound) → sound output to the middle left speaker ML,
The operation of the reproduction sound of CH21 (chorus right sound) → sound emission to the middle right speaker MR is realized.

  FIG. 9C illustrates this sound emission arrangement, in which the guitar sound is reproduced from the left speaker, the bass sound is reproduced from the right speaker, and the stereo chorus sound is reproduced from the left and right speakers. Further, in all the phrase reproduction channels CH15 to CH21, the secondary volume is V2 = V3 at a significant level, so that all mixed sounds are emitted from the lower speaker BTN.

  Such music performance is preferably used for the purpose of effectively raising a player who is hitting a big hit. In this way, setting the pan-pot ratio is complicated in order to realize the music performance, but in this embodiment, by using the sequencer SQi and the simple access controller SAC, a complicated high altitude is suppressed while suppressing the control load of the CPU. Realizes a sound production.

  Next, returning to FIG. 6A, the main generator 53 will be further described. As described above with reference to FIG. 8, the main generator 53 includes the decoder 60 divided into a plurality of phrase reproduction channels (CH0 to CH31), the primary volume unit V1, and the secondary volume unit Vs (= V2, V3). And having a channel volume.

  Accordingly, in response to such a configuration, the effect control CPU 40 of the present embodiment uses the decoders of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH1 to reproduce the BGM sound, and notifies the occurrence of a serious abnormal situation. In this case, the decoder of the phrase reproduction channel CH29 is used. In addition, for the reproduction of the effect sound that realizes the notice effect or the like, one of the 25 phrase reproduction channels CH2 to CH26 is used as a free decoder.

  On the other hand, the phrase reproduction channel CH27 is used for reproducing the operation effective sound, and the phrase reproduction channel CH28 is used for reproducing the winning sound. Here, the operation effective sound means, for example, an effect sound indicating that a chance state permitting the pressing of the chance button 11 has occurred, and an effect sound generated thereafter. The winning sound is an effect sound indicating that the game ball has won the symbol start opening 15.

  In this embodiment, the content of the production is relatively uniform, and the dedicated phrase reproduction channels CH27 and CH28 are secured for the operation effective sound and winning sound that do not occur frequently, thereby further improving the sound control. To make it easier. Although the phrase reproduction channels CH30 to 31 are used for manufacturing inspection, they are not related to the gist of the present invention, and thus description thereof is omitted.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the phrase reproduction channel to be used is fixed for the error notification sound, the operation effective sound, and the winning sound whose occurrence frequency is low and the sound pattern is substantially uniform. ing. On the other hand, when executing a notice effect or the like, since it is necessary to multiplexly combine multiple types of sound (unit effects specified by the phrase number NUM), among the remaining 25 phrase playback channels CH2 to CH26, At that time, a free decoder is selectively used.

  However, in order to facilitate the search process of the empty decoder and realize a program configuration that can be used universally regardless of the model change, in this embodiment, 25 phrase playback channels CH2 to CH26 are ( 1) Sound effect channel SE that plays mainly notice sound, (2) Advanced effect channel PAN that realizes advanced sound effects including panpot effects, and (3) Plays effect sound that should be converted to virtual sound And virtual channel VS. As will be described later, in the virtual channel VS, a sound image variable effect is executed by a virtual sound that has been subjected to sound image localization control on the back of the player or at the ear.

  Further, in this embodiment, the channel classification is appropriately changed in order to effectively realize the optimum sound production according to the gaming state. FIG. 10 illustrates this relationship. In normal times, CH2 to CH21 are the sound effect channel SE, CH22 to CH23 are the advanced effect channel PAN, and CH24 to CH26 are the virtual channel VS.

  In addition, during the probabilistic movement that the player is excited, the advanced production channel PAN is increased to CH18 to CH23 in order to realize the voice production that further excites the player, and during the big hit, the advanced performance channel PAN is advanced to realize a more flashy voice production. The production channel PAN is increased to CH14 to CH23. Therefore, during a big hit, it is possible to realize a large number of musical instrument performances and a multi-voice production (up to 10 kinds of phrase-compressed data) of up to 10 channels by individually reproducing vocal sounds. The previously described effect of FIG. 9 is an eight channel (CH14 to CH21) multiplexed sound effect.

  In order for the phrase reproduction channel CHn thus divided to function effectively, it is necessary to set optimum operation parameters in each of the group of audio control registers RGi corresponding to the phrase reproduction channel CHn. Therefore, in this embodiment, many of the operation parameters necessary for the sound effect channel SE are set by causing the simple access controller SAC to function. The point of utilizing the SAC function is the same for dedicated channels such as CH0, CH1, CH27, and CH28.

  On the other hand, operation parameters necessary for the advanced performance channel PAN and the virtual channel VS are set by causing the simple access controller SAC and the sequencer SQ to function. In order to make the sequencer SQ function, it is sufficient for the CPU 40 to set the sequence code number and the data attached thereto in the audio control register RGj2 for sequencer control. The sequence code number and the attached data are set as SAC data. The setting by the simple access controller SAC is as described above.

  By the way, the CPU directly accesses the audio control register as necessary to set the operation parameter (direct setting), but the advanced effect channel PAN and the virtual channel VS are configured so that there is no opportunity for direct setting. It is preferable to do this. Such a configuration is effective in building a game control program that is shared by a plurality of people in the development of a gaming machine.

  In the present embodiment, the sound effect channel SE is divided into a higher channel SE1 (for example, CH2 to CH7) and a lower channel SE2 (for example, CH8 to CH21) according to the production priority. Note that the priority means the magnitude of each volume value of a plurality of unit effects that are played back simultaneously. A unit effect with a high priority is played on the upper channel, and a unit effect with a lower priority is played on the lower channel. This facilitates management of the volume value at the time of overlapping production.

  That is, in this embodiment, if necessary, the volume values of the upper channel SE1 are collectively increased, and conversely, the volume values of the lower channel SE2 are collectively decreased, so that a plurality of temporally overlapping notice effects are obtained. Is playing effectively. Further, if necessary, the volume of the BGM sound is suppressed to prevent the production sound from being overheard. In the following description, the effect sound reproduced on the higher channel SE1 is expressed as the notice sound SE1 or the effect sound SE1, and the effect sound reproduced on the lower channel SE2 is expressed as the notice sound SE2 or the effect sound SE2. Sometimes.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the description of the internal configuration of the audio processor 42 will be continued. As shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 7, the output signals of 6 channels of the channel mix 61 (mixed L0, mixed R0, mixed). L1, mixed R1, mixed SUB0, mixed SUB1) are supplied to the total volume unit TV after being subjected to digital filter processing in the effect unit 54 based on operation parameters defined in a predetermined audio control register 51 (RGi). Amplified based on the total volume value TV.

  The total volume value TV is defined by an operation parameter written in the corresponding voice control register 51 (RGi). As described above, this operation parameter is basically operated by an attendant in this embodiment. It is defined based on the setting switch SET (FIG. 3). However, when the player operates the volume switch VSW (FIG. 1) during the game operation (but during the sound production standby), the total volume TV is defined based on the set value.

  Hereinafter, conceptually confirming, the volume of the audio signal output from each speaker is the product of the product of the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs defined by the effect control CPU and the total volume TV based on the player's intention. Therefore, all sound effects are realized at a volume intended by the player.

  However, when a serious abnormal situation is detected, the total volume TV becomes the highest level, the primary volume V1 other than the phrase reproduction channel CH29 becomes the minimum value, and the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channel CH29, regardless of the intention of the attendant or the player. Since the secondary volume Vs becomes the highest level, the alarm sound (abnormal alarm sound) at the time of illegal action cannot be hidden by the volume switch VSW or other operations.

  By the way, in this embodiment, as shown in Table 1, the value of the total volume TV is set to a value at which the speaker is arranged. That is, one of the following values is set for the output signal of the channel mix 61 (mixed L0, mixed R0, mixed L1, mixed R1, mixed SUB0) based on the set values of the setting switch SET and the volume switch VSW. The As described above, the mixed SUB1 is not used.

  Specifically, the total volume TV is three in total: TV0 that sets the volume of the mixed L0 and the mixed R0, TV1 that sets the volume of the mixed L1 and the mixed R1, and TV2 that sets the volume of the mixed SUB0. By setting the setting value (VL <256) shown in Table 1 in the audio control register RGi for volume setting, the input / output ratio can be set to 20 * Log (VL / 128) dB, for example.

  However, in this embodiment, the CPU finishes the volume setting by causing the simple access controller SAC to function without directly accessing the audio control register RGi for volume setting. Specifically, since there are eight setting levels including the zero level, corresponding to this, eight types of SAC data (SACV0 to SACV7) are prepared in the audio memory 43, and the CPU By setting the SAC number in the audio control register RGj1 for SAC control at the necessary timing, the setting processing for all the total volumes TV0 to TV2 is completed.

  By the way, as shown in Table 1, at the maximum volume, the upper speaker is higher than the middle speaker (TV0> TV1), and the lower speaker is defined higher than the upper speaker (TV2> TV0). . Further, since TV0 ≧ TV1 and TV2 ≧ TV0 at all stages, an optimal volume balance is maintained in the positional relationship with the player's ear.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the secondary volumes V2 and V3 are always maintained at the same value in principle, but the total volume TV is optimally set according to the arrangement position of each speaker. Therefore, all sound effects including the up / down / left / right pan effects become the optimal volume balance for the player.

  The audio signals (mixed L0, mixed R0, mixed L1, mixed R1, mixed SUB0, mixed SUB1) that have passed through the total volume unit TV having such significance are stored in the output buffer BUF and based on the digital IF unit 55. It is converted into three-channel serial signals SD0, SD1, and SD2. As described above, the serial signals SD0 and SD1 are serial signals that specify PCM data related to the stereo signals R and L that drive the left and right speakers TR, TL, MR, and ML disposed in the upper and middle parts of the gaming machine. The serial signal SD2 is a serial signal that specifies PCM data related to a monaural signal that drives a low-frequency speaker disposed at the lower part of the gaming machine. These serial signals SD0, SD1, and SD2 are output together with the channel control signal (word clock signal) LRO in synchronization with the bit clock signal BCO (FIG. 8).

  Finally, the virtual surround unit VS and the remix unit RM located in the subsequent stage of the channel mix 61 (FIG. 8) will be described. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing impulse responses h (n) at the right and left ear positions when the impulse sound sources FR and BR are emitted from the front or rear (FIG. 11 (a1) and FIG. 11 (b1)). )).

  For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, when sound is emitted from the impulse source FR at the front right, sound waves are transmitted to the right ear before the left ear, and sound waves transmitted to the right ear are transmitted to the left ear. Since the attenuation is less than the transmitted sound wave, the impulse response h (n) at the right ear position appears at a high level early (see FIG. 11 (a1)). When sound is emitted from the left front of the symmetric position indicated by the broken line, the impulse responses at the left and right ear positions are reversed.

  This relationship is the same as in the case where sound is emitted from the right rear impulse sound source BR as shown in FIG. 11B, and the impulse response h (n) at the right ear position becomes a high level at an early stage (FIG. 11B). 11 (b1)). When sound is emitted from the left rear of the symmetric position, the impulse responses at the left and right ear positions are reversed. And it is said that a human can recognize that the sound source BR is located on the rear right side or the rear left side based on the left and right volume difference and the arrival time difference.

  By the way, the impulse response h (n) measured by the measuring instrument is convolved with the input x (n), so that the output y (n) is y (n) = Σx (k) * h (n−k). Can be specified. Then, the transfer function H (z) can be specified from the relational expression Y (z) = H (z) * X (z) by performing Z conversion on the previous expression. If a digital filter (for example, an FIR filter) corresponding to Y (z) = H (z) * X (z) is constructed, an acoustic effect for the left ear and the right ear can be realized.

  FIG. 11C shows an FIR filter that realizes a relational expression of Y (z) = H (z) * X (z), and the filter coefficients (h (0)... H (N−1) of the FIR filter. ) Is different between, for example, the transfer function RR (z) from the right rear to the right ear and the transfer function RL (z) to the left ear, the output Y to the left ear and the right ear is different. The virtual surround unit VS of the embodiment generates virtual sounds emitted from the left rear and the right rear by appropriately setting the filter coefficients.

  11 (a2) and 11 (b2) are obtained by converting the transfer function G (z) to the left and right ears into the frequency domain based on the relationship z = exp (j2πft). The frequency characteristics are shown. In short, if the processing of the transfer function H (z) specified correctly is performed, the illustrated frequency characteristics are given to the input and output.

Hereinafter, specific Continuing described with reference to FIG. 12, as described above, on the basis of the impulse response to the impulse sound source SP _L from the left rear position shown in FIG. 12, the transfer function LL and LR of the left and right ears position can do. Similarly, it is possible on the basis of the impulse response to the impulse sound source SP _R from the right rear position, to identify the transfer function RL and RR of the left and right ears position.

  Therefore, as shown in (Equation 1), if the left and right effect sounds GL, GR reproduced on the phrase reproduction channel CHn are subjected to filter processing corresponding to the transfer functions LL, LR, RL, RR (FIG. 11 (c)). )), Virtual sounds SL and SR for left and right ears from behind can be generated. For example, when listening to the generated sounds SL and SR from an earphone, a virtual sound that exhibits a predetermined sense of distance can be realized. .

However, in the case of a gaming machine, a speaker SP L from the _front, it can not be realized only sound from SP _R, virtual sound SL, the SR, Continued sound from the front, transmitted from the front speakers to the left and right ears Based on the functions F1 to F4, the sound of (Equation 2) is transmitted to the left and right ears.

  Therefore, it is necessary to cancel in advance the influence caused by transmission from the front. In this embodiment, the four transfer functions F1, F2, F3, F4 are based on the impulse response to the impulse sound source from the left and right front positions. And the influence of the transfer functions F1, F2, F3, and F4 is eliminated.

  Here, as shown in (Equation 3), if the cancel functions are A, B, C, and D, the cancel matrix by the cancel functions A to D may be an inverse function of the transfer matrix by the transfer functions F1 to F4. It will be. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cancel functions A to D are specified from (Equation 4), and the virtual sounds SL and SR are preliminarily subjected to the cancellation matrix process (crosstalk cancellation process), so that the left and right virtual sounds SL ′ and SR ′. Is generated. The virtual sounds SL ′ and SR ′ corrected by performing the crosstalk cancellation process are as shown in (Expression 5).

  The principle of the virtual surround unit VS of the embodiment has been described above, and will be described more specifically with reference to FIG. FIG. 13A is a diagram illustrating virtual placement positions of the virtual speakers realized by the virtual surround unit VS of the embodiment.

  As illustrated, in the embodiment, virtual speakers Le and Re on the left and right sides of the player's ears and virtual speakers Ls and Rs on the left and right sides of the player's back are virtually arranged. Although not particularly limited, the virtual speakers Ls and Rs are arranged at symmetrical positions of ± 60 ° with respect to the back virtual line from the player, and the distance from the player takes into account the noise of the game hall Then, it is set to 60 cm or less. In this specification, Le and Re indicate the original sound Le and Re for the ear virtual speaker together with the ear virtual speaker. Similarly, Ls and Rs indicate the original sounds Ls and Rs for the rear virtual speaker together with the rear virtual speakers Ls and Rs.

  In any case, the placement position of each speaker is only a virtual placement, and actually, the virtual sound SL converted from the left and right speakers TL, TR on the upper front side as in (Expression 1) and (Expression 5). ', SR' is emitted. Here, as for the arrangement position of the left and right speakers TL and TR for emitting virtual sounds, the elevation angle from the ear position of the average height player is preferably about 20 to 30 °.

  Note that there are two sets of virtual speakers, and two sets of transfer functions LL, LR, RL, RR of (Equation 1) are prepared in principle corresponding to the fact that each virtual arrangement position is different. However, if the distance between the ear speakers Le and Re and the ear is divisible, the ear speakers Le and Re transfer functions LL, LR, RL, and RR become unnecessary.

  In this embodiment, since the front speakers for realizing the virtual surround effect are intentionally limited to only the upper speakers TL and TR, the transfer functions F1 to F4 for the cancellation process are the ear virtual speakers Le and Re, It is shared by the rear virtual speakers Ls and Rs.

  FIG. 13C shows the internal configuration of the virtual surround unit VS, and the digital filter that generates the virtual sound for the ear virtual speakers Le and Re and the virtual sound for the rear virtual speakers Ls and Rs functions. Has been described. The upper side of FIG. 13C shows a digital filter that generates virtual sounds for the rear virtual speakers Ls and Rs, and the processing of (Equation 1) for the original sound (GL, GR) = (Ls, Rs); The cancellation processing of (Expression 5) for the virtual sounds SL and SR is realized.

  Further, the lower side of FIG. 13C shows a digital filter that generates virtual sounds for the ear virtual speakers Le and Re, and (Formula 1) for the original sound (GL, GR) = (Le, Re). Processing and the cancellation processing of (Equation 5) for the virtual sounds SL ′ and SR ′ are realized. As described above, for the ear speakers Le and Re, when the distance from the ear is divisible, the calculation using the transfer functions LL ′, LR ′, RL ′, and RR ′ becomes unnecessary.

  Incidentally, FIG. 13B illustrates a circuit configuration around the virtual surround unit VS of FIG. 13C. As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, when the surround operation is designated for any one of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to 31 (surround designation), the phrase reproduction channel CHn has the normal configuration shown in FIG. The circuit configuration is switched.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, in the phrase reproduction channel CHx designated for surround, the output of the decoder passes through the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume V2, and is then transmitted to the upper and lower panpot sections. Then, after the volume ratio between the real speakers TL and TR and the rear virtual speakers Ls and Rs is pan-pot processed, the left and right volume ratios of the real speaker and the rear virtual speaker are pan-pot processed, respectively. Audio signal. Specifically, forward signals Lf and Rf transmitted to the real speakers TL and TR and backward signals Ls and Rs supplied to the virtual surround unit VS are generated. Here, the rear signals Ls and Rs are nothing but the original sounds Ls and Rs for the rear virtual speaker.

  The output of the secondary volume V2 is subjected to panpot processing for the left and right volume ratios for the ear virtual speakers Le and Re after the volume is set by the ear gain unit EV, and the original sounds Le and Re for the ear speakers are generated. Is done. When the ear gain unit EV is not used, the circuit configuration is as shown by a broken line, and the rear output of the front and rear pan pot units becomes the output of the ear gain unit EV.

  The original sound Le, Re for the ear speaker generated in this manner is subjected to the digital filter processing shown in FIG. 13C in the virtual surround unit VS together with the original sound Ls, Rs for the rear virtual speaker. Each sound image is localized on the ear and the player back (sound image localization control). Then, the outputs Lv and Rv of the virtual surround unit VS are set to predetermined levels (S3 and S4) and mixed with the forward signals Lf and Rf set to different levels (S1 and S2) in the remix unit RM, respectively. Then, the mixed L0 signal and the mixed R0 signal are supplied to the effect unit 54 (FIGS. 6 and 8).

By the way, in the structure of FIG.13 (b), the panpot ratio of each panpot part is the same as the case demonstrated previously. That is, not only +3 dB: −∞ dB to −∞ dB: +3 dB can be set, but also +0 dB: −∞ dB (only one sound is emitted), −∞ dB: +0 dB (only the other sound is emitted), −∞ dB: −∞ dB (both silenced) can also be set. Therefore, in this embodiment, the four kinds of original sounds Ls, Rs, Le, and Re are set to 0 dB or −∞ dB, respectively. Then, by appropriately combining the panpot ratios, audio production for 2 ⁴ = 16 virtual sounds is possible.

  Explaining a typical example, with the front signals Lf and Rf transmitted to the real speakers TL and TR being set to the mute level (−∞ dB: −∞ dB), the original sounds Ls and Rs for the rear virtual speaker are set to the same level ( On the other hand, if the original sounds Ls and Rs for the virtual ear speakers are set to the mute level (−∞ dB: −∞ dB), the production sound can be heard only from the back of the player. It will have a very strong impact.

  Conversely, if the original sounds Ls and Rs for the rear virtual speaker are set to the mute level (−∞ dB: −∞ dB) and the original sounds Ls and Rs for the ear virtual speaker are set to the same level (0 dB: 0 dB), the player The production sound can be heard only from the ear of the player, and in this case, a very strong impact can be given to the player. In this case, the effect of the virtual sound can be enhanced by setting the primary volume V1 of the other phrase reproduction channels CHn other than the phrase reproduction channel CHx designated for surround to the minimum (mask processing). In this case, the secondary volume V3 of the phrase reproduction channel CHx may be set to a minimum.

  It is also possible to emit only the left rear side, emit only the right rear side, emit only the left side of the ear, emit only the right side of the ear, emit only the left speaker TL, and emit only the right speaker TR. The variation of voice production can be greatly increased. Note that the panpot setting for realizing this operation is very complicated, but in this embodiment, the simple access controller SAC and the sequencer SQ are made to function, so the panpot setting process is greatly simplified. . In addition, as described above, the CPU can set a panpot effect over time with different durations set appropriately by using the sequencer SQ.

  As described above, since the circuit configuration that easily realizes the high-level sound effect has been described in detail, the operation of the effect control unit 22 will be described focusing on the characteristic part of the present embodiment in the sound effect operation. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the characteristic part of the operation content of the effect control unit 22. The operation of the effect control unit 22 includes a main process (FIG. 14 (a)) executed in an infinite loop after the effect control CPU 40 is reset, and a timer interrupt process (FIG. 14 (b)) activated every 1 mS. ), A reception interrupt process (not shown) for receiving a control command transmitted by the main control unit 21, and a reproduction completion interrupt process (FIG. 14 (c)) activated by an interrupt signal received from the audio processor 42. It is realized with.

  First, the main part of the timer interrupt process shown in FIG. 14B will be described. In the timer interrupt process, the interrupt counter is incremented (+1) (ST20), and an effect command CMD ′ to be transmitted is prepared. The effect command CMD ′ is transmitted to the image control unit 23 (ST21). Then, other processing is executed to finish the interrupt processing (ST22). The other processes include a motor effect using an effect motor and a process of advancing a lamp effect that blinks an LED lamp.

  Next, the main process shown in FIG. 14A will be described. After the CPU reset, the effect control CPU first performs appropriate initial setting operations on the RAM work area and internal circuits of the one-chip microcomputer 40 and the audio processor 42. Is executed (ST10). Next, it waits for the interrupt counter updated every 1 ms in the timer interrupt processing to reach 16 (ST11). When the interrupt counter reaches 16, the interrupt counter is cleared to zero (ST12), and steps ST12 to ST19. Execute the loop process.

  Therefore, the loop processing of steps ST12 to ST19 is repeatedly executed every 16 ms. In the loop processing, error processing is executed based on the switch signal acquired in the previous switch input processing (ST15) and the control command (error command) acquired in the reception interrupt processing (ST13). This error process includes an error notification process executed based on the error scenario, and an error scenario corresponding to the detected abnormal situation is first identified.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the non-gaming state has continued for a predetermined time. If no gaming operation is permitted, a demo process is executed based on a predetermined demo scenario (ST14). Subsequently, a switch input process for determining a pressing operation of the setting switch SET operated by the clerk and the chance button 11 operated by the player is executed (ST15). If this timing is a button chance state, a chance scenario of the button chance game is specified, and the chance game is started based on the scenario.

  Next, command analysis processing for analyzing the control command CMD acquired in the reception interrupt processing is executed (ST16). When a predetermined control command (variation pattern command) is received, an effect lottery for determining specific content of the effect is executed, and a series of effects are determined based on the effect scenario specified in accordance with the determination result. The variation effect is started (ST16).

  A series of fluctuating effects are executed synchronously in conjunction with an image effect using the display device DS, a lamp effect that blinks the lamp, and a sound effect that uses a speaker. Added. For this reason, in the production scenario that specifies these series of fluctuating actions, specific contents of various productions are defined together with the execution start time and execution duration time. It should be noted that the image effect, the lamp effect, and the sound effect are executed synchronously based on a predetermined scenario, similarly for the error scenario, the demo scenario, and the chance scenario.

  In this embodiment, one or more main scenario tables Mj for specifying a series of fluctuating effects are prepared for the production scenario, the error scenario, the demo scenario, and the chance scenario. The scenario information (sub-scenario number) for specifying the contents of the effect and the execution duration time of the effect are described. For convenience, as described above, the main scenario table Mj in FIG. 15B omits the description regarding the lamp effect and the motor effect.

  In any case, when an error notification, demonstration effect, button effect, or variable effect is executed, it is necessary to advance the contents as time elapses, and then a scenario update process is executed next. (ST17). Since the scenario update process is executed every 16 ms, when the necessary switching timing is reached, a process for specifying the effect content to be executed next is executed. Specifically, the reference positions of the main scenario table Mj and the sub-scenario table Sk are updated for the scenario being executed.

  This point will be described with respect to the sound effect. The sound effect is executed based on the voice command SND received by the sound processor 42 from the effect control CPU 40. That is, the sound effect is executed by the sound processor 42 reproducing a predetermined unit effect specified by the sound command SND with a predetermined sound volume. Therefore, when the voice effect switching timing is reached, the effect control CPU 40 transmits a new unit effect and a voice command for specifying the playback volume to the voice processor, and the series of processes other than the scenario update process. (ST17).

  When the scenario update process having the above contents is completed, the fade process is executed (ST18). Here, the fading process means a volume changing process for changing the volume of the sound effect being executed. Typically, the mutual volume adjustment is executed for the BGM sound and the effect sound (notice sound) reproduced in duplicate. For example, (1) In order to reproduce a predetermined warning sound, the volume of the BGM sound being played is suppressed. (2) Another warning sound having a high importance (reliability) is superimposed on the warning sound being played. For example, operations such as suppressing the volume of the warning sound being reproduced for reproduction, (3) suppressing the volume of the BGM sound or effect sound for error notification, and the like are applicable.

  Note that the volume adjustment mode includes not only the instantaneous operation of changing to the target volume at a stretch, but also a fade-in operation and a fade-out operation of changing the volume in stages. In either case, the effect control CPU 40 writes the phrase playback channel CHn and the voice command SND for specifying the playback volume in the playback channel CHn to a predetermined voice control register 51 (RGi) of the voice processor 42. Is done.

  The playback volume is specified by the primary volume value V1 or the secondary volume value Vs. The playback volume of the BGM sound and the warning sounds SE1 and SE2 is determined by the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3) for both the instantaneous operation and the fade operation. The playback volume of the error notification sound is specified by the volume setting values for the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs. The volume setting value is appropriately set. When an error is notified, the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3) of the phrase playback channel CH29 are set to the maximum values, while the other phrase playback channels CH0 to CH28 are set. , CH30 to 31 are set to the minimum primary volume V1.

  When the fade process (ST18) having the above contents is completed, the process proceeds to the process of step ST11 after executing other processes. Other processing includes update processing of lamp drive data SDATA0 to SDATA2 serially transmitted from the serial port SI, update processing of random values for effect lottery, and the like.

  As described above, the rendering operation of the present embodiment includes registration processes such as error scenario registration (ST13), demo scenario registration (ST14), chance button scenario registration (ST15), and scenario scenario registration (ST16). The process starts with specifying the scenario table and setting initial data. As will be described later, this registration operation is a process of writing the main scenario number and the waiting time into the progress management channel MCHm in an empty state. Then, every 16 mS, the effect control CPU 40 refers to each scenario table (ST17), and when the update timing is reached, the effect operation is advanced by changing the reference position of the scenario table.

  Here, the production scenario table is roughly divided into a main scenario table Mj (FIG. 15 (b)) and a sub-scenario table Sk (FIG. 15 (c)) specified by the main scenario table Mj. In general, a plurality of main scenarios are in a parallel running state during the production, and as a result, the effect control CPU 40 has a plurality of main scenario tables Mj to Mx and a plurality of corresponding scenarios. Based on the sub-scenario tables Sk to Sy, the sound effect is advanced in a multiple manner. In this embodiment, since the scenario numbers and the scenario tables correspond one-to-one, in the following description, the main scenario table Mj is identified with the main scenario number mcNo and the main scenario, and the sub-scenario table Sk is The sub-scenario number scNo and the sub-scenario may be identified.

  Based on the above schematic explanation, the voice production for effecting the production scenario (see ST16) will be described in more detail. As described above, in this embodiment, the selection operation for appropriately selecting the empty channels CHn of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 of the audio processor 42, the plurality of main scenario tables Mj to Mx, and the plurality of sub-channels An appropriate reference operation for the scenario tables Sk to Sy is required. Therefore, in order to facilitate these operations, in this embodiment, a scenario progress table INFO_TBL as shown in FIG. 14D and a use CH management table PlayNow_TBL shown in FIG. 14E are provided. FIG. 14 (e) also shows the usage divisions (SE, PAN, VS) of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 during the normal game. As described with reference to FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the usage division of each phrase reproduction channel CH0 to CH29 is variable, and is different from the usage division shown in the figure during probability change or big hit.

  As shown in FIG. 14 (d), the scenario progress table INFO_TBL has variable values for advancing the production scenario specified by the main scenario number Mj to the progress management channel MCHm for specifying the main scenario number Mj being executed. Is a two-dimensional array configured to be rewritable. Although not particularly limited, the progress management channel MCHm is 64 channels (m = 0 to 63), and variable values for proceeding the production scenario include (1) main scenario number mcNo, (2) scenario The timer scTm, (3) main scenario execution line mcIx, (4) sub-scenario execution line scIx, and (5) standby time delay are included.

  Here, (1) the main scenario number mcNo is number information for specifying the main scenario table Mj, (2) the scenario timer scTm is time information for managing the progress of the production scenario specified by the main scenario number mcNo, (3 ) The main scenario execution line mcIx is line information for specifying the reference line of the main scenario table Mj. (4) The sub-scenario execution line scIx is line information for specifying the reference line of the sub-scenario table Sk. (5) Waiting time delay. Is a delay time from when the main scenario number mcNo is written to the progress management channel MCHm until execution of the production scenario of the main scenario number mcNo is started, and the production start timing is specified. The scenario timer scTm and the delay time delay are time information with 16 mS as a unit.

  For example, the registration information of the progress management channel MCH0 illustrated in FIG. 14D means that the main scenario M10 is started 60 * 16 mS after the information registration to the progress management channel MCH0. Further, according to the registration information of the progress management channel MCH1, the main scenario M20 is started immediately after the information is registered in the progress management channel MCH1. The scenario registration process executed in the processes of steps ST13, ST14, ST15, and ST16 means that the main scenario number mcNo and the standby time delay are written in any of the free progress management channels MCHm. . In this scenario registration process, initial values are written in the scenario timer scTm, the main scenario execution line mcIx, and the sub-scenario execution line scIx. These values are updated as appropriate in the scenario update process (ST17).

  As shown in FIG. 14 (e), the use CH management table PlayNow_TBL is a management table for managing the use states of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 of the audio processor 42. In this embodiment, the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 The state of “reproducing”, “stopped”, or “paused” is stored. These pieces of information can be grasped by reading the status flag value from a predetermined audio control register 51 (RGi) of the audio processor 42, but in this embodiment, “playing” and “paused” This is set based on program control of the control CPU 40. For this reason, in this embodiment, there is no problem of a time delay from when the voice command SND for starting or pausing playback is issued to the voice processor 42 until the voice processor 42 actually reacts.

  In this embodiment, 64 scenario management tables MCHm of the scenario progression table INFO_TBL are provided (m = 0 to 63), and voice commands SND necessary for analysis processing in each progression management channel MCHm are continuously transmitted. Of particular importance. That is, prior to the transmission of the voice command SND, the voice processor 42 is accessed, and the availability of the phrase playback channels CH0 to CH29 is checked from the status flag, so that the phrase playback specified by the voice command SND issued immediately before is checked. In many cases, the channel CHn still maintains “stopped”, and therefore, there is a possibility that the phrase playback channel CHn specified immediately before is duplicated, and this causes the previous unit effect to disappear. It will be.

  On the other hand, the “stopped” information in the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL is updated based on the reproduction completion interrupt process shown in FIG. That is, when receiving the interrupt signal from the audio processor 42, the effect control CPU 40 accesses a predetermined audio control register RGi of the audio processor 42 and specifies the phrase reproduction channel CHn that has been reproduced (ST25). Next, for the phrase playback channel CHn that has been played back, the data in the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL is rewritten from “playing” to “stopped” (ST26).

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the latest situation of the phrase playback channel CHn that can be used from time to time can be grasped in real time, and optimal phrase playback control can be realized. That is, if the free channel CHn is not properly grasped, for example, during the normal game, it is necessary to avoid the execution of unit effects to be executed simultaneously in the upper channel SE1 (CH2 to CH7) with a limited number of channels (= 6). However, in this embodiment, the upper channel SE1 can be used effectively and a maximum of six unit effects can be appropriately executed simultaneously. As described above, in this embodiment, the unit effect is a group of effect sounds and BGM sounds specified by one phrase number NUM.

  Next, the scenario update process (ST17) will be further described with reference to FIG. In this scenario update process, the processes of steps ST31 to ST43 are executed for all the progress management channels MCHm (m = 0 to 63) of the scenario progress table INFO_TBL, and necessary voice commands SND are sequentially sent to the voice processor 42. Sending. In order to realize such an operation, in the scenario update process, first, it is first determined whether or not a significant main scenario number mcNo is described in a specific progress management channel MCHm in the scenario progress table INFO_TBL (ST31). . If no significant main scenario number mcNo is described in the m-th progress management channel MCHm, the process jumps to step ST44 to determine the next m + 1-th progress management channel MCHm + 1.

  On the other hand, if a significant main scenario number mcNo is described in the m-th progress management channel MCHm, the value of the standby time delay described in the progress management channel MCHm is determined (ST32). As described above, the value of the standby time delay means a delay time from when the main scenario number mcNo is written to the progress management channel MCHm until execution of the effect scenario of the main scenario number mcNo is started. . Therefore, when the standby time delay ≠ 0, the standby time delay is decremented (−1) and the process is terminated (ST33).

  Conversely, if the standby time delay = 0, the reference line specified by the main scenario execution line mcIx is referred to in the main scenario table Mj corresponding to the main scenario number mcNo described in the progress management channel MCHm (ST34). ). As illustrated in FIG. 15B, the main scenario table Mj describes one or a plurality of sub-scenario numbers scNo for realizing the main scenario Mj and the execution duration time of each sub-scenario. The main scenario execution line mcIx identifies the reference line, and the execution duration is managed by the progress of the scenario timer scTm updated every 16 ms.

  For example, the main scenario of the main scenario number M01 executes the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S02 after executing the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S02 of 1500 * 16 mS, and then executes the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S20 of 500 * 16 mS. Is executed for 2000 * 16 mS to finish the process. D_SEEND means the end of data. In some cases, a loop specification such as D_SELOP + 0 may be described instead of the end data. In this case, jump to the jump line indicated after + (the first line is 0 in the illustrated example). The processing below the jump line is repeated.

  The same applies to the main scenario with the main scenario number M02. After executing the sub-scenario with the sub-scenario number S01 of 3000 * 16 mS, the sub-scenario with the sub-scenario number S25 is executed with 1000 * 16 mS. The sub-scenario of S26 is executed for 1000 * 16 ms, and the process ends.

  The sub-scenario table Sk specified by the main scenario table Mj is as illustrated in FIG. 15C, FIG. 18B, and FIG. 18C, and a plurality of lines managed by the sub-scenario execution line scIx. In addition, specific contents of the sound production are specified by specifying the production start timing managed by the scenario timer scTm. That is, each row of the sub-scenario table Sk includes (1) a phrase number NUM that specifies a unit effect, (2) playback mode information that specifies the playback mode, and (3) a fade shift or moment that occurs in the middle of the audio performance. All or part of the volume transition mode (sound control information) such as deviation is defined. The playback mode is specified by a playback volume (secondary volume Vs), a loop request, a stereo request, and the like.

  For example, the timing of the first and second rows of the sub-scenario table Sk (= 001) shown in FIG. 18B and the timing of the second row of the sub-scenario table Sk (= 002) shown in FIG. In addition, when a new unit effect is started, (1) phrase number NUM and (2) reproduction mode information are essentially stored. When the volume of another unit effect is changed in accordance with the start timing, (3) sound control information is further stored.

  On the other hand, at the timing of the third line of the sub-scenario table Sk (= 001) shown in FIG. 18B and the second and third lines of the sub-scenario table Sk (= 002) shown in FIG. A new unit effect is not started, and the volume of the unit effect that has been executed so far changes.

  Returning to FIG. 15C, the description will be continued. The sub-scenario table Sk of this embodiment includes (1) a phrase number NUM that identifies a unit effect, and (2) a unit effect reproduction mode information. These are stored separately according to the type. Here, the type of unit effect is BGM sound, effect sound SE1, effect sound SE2, advanced effect sound PAN, virtual sound VS, error notification sound, operation effective sound, There are 8 types of winning sounds, and the sub-scenario table Sk is divided into 8 sections corresponding to the number of types (= 8), and is divided into 9 sections as a whole by adding sections for sound control information. (See FIGS. 18B and 18C). As described above, the phrase reproduction channel CHn of the audio processor 42 used to reproduce the BGM sound, error notification sound, operation valid sound, and winning sound is fixedly defined in advance. . On the other hand, the higher-order effect sound SE1, the lower-order effect sound SE2, the advanced effect sound PAN, and the virtual sound VS are arbitrarily selected from the empty phrase playback channel CHn.

  More specifically, with reference to FIG. 15B and FIG. 15C, in the production scenario specified by the main scenario number M02, first, the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S01 is selected. Then, in the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S01, the sound production of the first line is immediately started, the sound production of the second line is started at the timing of the scenario timer scTm = 1000, and further, at the timing of the scenario timer scTm = 1500. Start audio production on the 3rd row. Then, when the audio effect defined by the information on the third line is finished, the processing of the sub-scenario S01 is finished. In the above description, the start of the audio effect mainly means that the unit effect described in the corresponding line of the sub-scenario table Sk is newly started, but FIG. 18 (b) and FIG. 18 (c). As is confirmed from the above, the start of the volume transition operation of the unit effect being executed is also included.

  In any case, after starting the audio production in the third line of the sub-scenario S01, the process returns to the main scenario table M02 in FIG. 15B, and the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S25 is performed at the timing of the scenario timer scTm = 3000. Is selected, and the sound production of the sub-scenario number S25 is executed with an execution duration of 1000 * 16 ms. Note that the audio effect specified in the third line of the sub-scenario S01 automatically ends when the playback time of the unit effect expires or when the volume transition operation ends.

  The processing after step ST34 in FIG. 15A realizes the above operation. As described above, in the process of step ST34, in the main scenario table Mj (see FIG. 15B) corresponding to the main scenario number mcNo described in the predetermined progress management channel MCHm, the main scenario execution line mcIx is Since the specified reference line is referred to, next, the data of the reference line is determined (ST35).

  If the data is the final data D_SEEND, it means that the execution of the main scenario described in the progress management channel MCHm has been completed, so it is described in the progress management channel MCHm (see FIG. 14B). The main scenario number mcNo is deleted and the scenario update process is terminated (ST36). Therefore, the progress management channel MCHm that has been used until then is released for another main scenario to be started thereafter, and the scenario timer scTm, The sub-scenario execution line scIx and the main scenario execution line mcIx are cleared.

  Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, for example, in the case of an audio effect that repeats a unit effect in an infinite loop like an error notification sound or an operation effective sound (FIGS. 20 to 21). The execution duration of the main scenario is set to be extremely short. Therefore, the main scenario number mcNo of this type of unit effect is quickly deleted from the progress management channel MCHm (see FIG. 14B) (see ST36). Then, the sound effect that is repeated in an infinite loop corresponds to the fact that another unit effect is subsequently started or silence processing is executed on the same phrase playback channel CH27, CH29. finish.

  On the other hand, if the data in the reference line is not the final data D_SEEND but the duration information, the sub-scenario is based on the sub-scenario number scNo, the scenario timer scTm, and the sub-scenario execution line scIx described in the reference line. Sk is updated, and the necessary voice command SND is transmitted to the voice processor 42 (ST37). The details will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the scenario timer scTm is incremented by 1 (ST38), and it is determined whether or not the updated scenario timer scTm is equal to or longer than the duration described in the main scenario table Mj (ST39). If the scenario timer scTm ≧ the duration, the main scenario execution line mcIx is incremented by 1 and updated (ST40).

  Then, the information indicated by the updated main scenario execution line mcIx is determined (ST41). If the information is a loop designation indicated by “D_SELOP + jump destination”, the main scenario execution line mcIx is set to the jump destination. Change to a line (ST42). In any case, the scenario timer scTm ≧ duration means that one sub-scenario Sk (one unit of the main scenario Mj) specified by the sub-scenario number has ended. Therefore, in the progress management channel MCHm, the scenario timer scTm, the sub-scenario execution line scIx, and the standby time delay are cleared (ST43). Note that the values of the main scenario execution line mcIx and the scenario timer scTm are maintained for execution of the next sub-scenario.

  Since the processing of steps ST31 to ST43 described above is processing for the m-th progress management channel MCHm (m = 0 to 63), next, in order to perform the same processing for the m + 1st progress management channel MCHm + 1, The process proceeds to step ST31 (ST43). Then, when the process for all 64 channels is finished, the scenario update process (ST17) is finished.

  Subsequently, the sub-scenario update process in step ST37 will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the sub-scenario update process specifies the sub-scenario number scNo specified by the main scenario execution line mcIx in the main scenario table Mj corresponding to the main scenario number mcNo registered in the scenario progress table INFO_TBL. Start with state. Therefore, the address value specified by the sub-scenario execution line scIx (see FIG. 14D) is acquired in the sub-scenario table Sk corresponding to the sub-scenario number scNo (ST50).

  Here, if the stored data at that address is the end data D_SEEND, the processing is finished as it is. On the other hand, if it is not the end data D_SEEND but the start time defines the start timing, the value is compared with the scenario timer scTm (ST52). Then, if the scenario timer scTm ≧ start time, a voice command output process is performed in which the phrase playback channel CHn of the voice processor 42 is designated and an appropriate voice command SND is transmitted (ST53). As shown in FIG. 15C, the sub-scenario table Sk stores a phrase number NUM that identifies a unit effect, a playback volume value (secondary volume Vs) of the unit effect, and the like.

  When the voice command output process (ST53) ends, the subscenario execution line scIx stored in the scenario progress table INFO_TBL (FIG. 14 (d)) is updated by +1, and the process returns to step ST51. Therefore, as in the third and fourth lines of the sub-scenario 002 in FIG. 18C, the sound control information can be activated at the same timing for a plurality of sound control information having the same start timing. .

  The voice command output process executed in step ST53 is as shown in FIG. 16B, and (1) a voice command SND for specifying a unit effect to be newly started or (2) being executed. The voice command SND for changing the voice of the unit effect is transmitted. If such voice command output processing (ST53) ends normally, the subscenario execution line scIx is updated and the subscenario update processing ends (ST54). If no invalid channel is detected and invalid data NULL is returned, the sub-scenario execution line scIx remains at its original value.

  Next, the voice command output process (ST53) shown in FIG. In the voice command output process, first, it is determined whether or not the scenario reproduction channel CHn specified in the sub-scenario table Sk is a fixed channel (ST55). As described above, the BGM sound, the error notification sound, the operation effective sound, and the winning sound use the phrase playback channel CHn specified in advance. Phrase reproduction channels CHn to be designated by the command SND are determined as CH0 + CH1, CH28, CH27, and CH28, respectively (ST56).

  Next, in the determined phrase reproduction channel CHn, one or a plurality of voice commands SND are set to start a unit effect of a predetermined phrase number NUM described in the sub-scenario table Sk with a predetermined secondary volume Vs value. Is transmitted to the voice processor 42 (ST57). The voice command SND is transmitted in principle as shown in FIG. 16 (c). The voice command SND is transmitted to the predetermined voice control register RGi that manages the operation of the phrase reproduction channel CHn of the voice processor 42 (1). One or a plurality of voice commands SND specifying set values such as phrase number NUM, (2) secondary volumes V2, V3, (3) left and right panpots, and (4) upper and lower panpots are transmitted. Note that the setting values of the primary volume V1 and the total volume TV may be transmitted.

  Since each set value needs to be set for each phrase playback channel CHn, the data structure of the voice command SND is complicated, and the number of times the voice command SND is transmitted increases. Therefore, in such a case, as shown in FIG. 16D, necessary setting processing is completed via the simple access controller SAC and the sequencer SQ. In such a case, the SAC control voice control register RGj1 is transmitted with a voice command SND for setting the SAC number and attached data for defining the operation of the SAC (Simple Access Controller), or the sequencer control register The voice command SND for setting the sequence code number and the attached data defining the operation of the sequencer SQ is transmitted to RGj2.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST55 that the scenario playback channel CHn specified in the sub-scenario table Sk is not a fixed channel, the processing in steps ST56 to ST57 is skipped, and the corresponding line in the sub-scenario table Sk is displayed. Then, it is determined whether or not data relating to the production sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS is described (ST58). For example, as shown in the third line of the sub-scenario Sk (= 001) in FIG. 18B, there is no data regarding the production sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS, and only data regarding sound control is described. There may be.

  When the data related to the effect sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS is described in the corresponding line of the sub-scenario table Sk, the effect sound SE1, the effect sound SE2, the advanced effect sound PAN, or the virtual sound VS The phrase reproduction channel CHn for reproducing this is detected (ST59). This reproduction CH detection process (ST59) is as shown in FIG. 11A, and the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL shown in FIG. 14E is searched in order to detect an empty phrase reproduction channel CHn. . As a return value of the reproduction CH detection process (ST59), an empty phrase reproduction channel CHn is returned, and when there is no empty channel, invalid data NULL is returned.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, in the reproduction CH detection process (ST59), the search range depends on whether the effect sound SE1 is reproduced, the effect sound SE2 is reproduced, the advanced effect sound PAN is reproduced, or the virtual sound VS is reproduced. Is different. That is, in this embodiment, the usage divisions (SE, PAN, VS) of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 are variable, and the usable phrase reproduction channels are different depending on the gaming state. A value CH and a final CH are defined.

  For example, if the game state is a normal game, when the effect sound SE1 is reproduced, the setting CH = CH2 is initially set, and when the effect sound SE2 is set, the setting CH = CH8 is initially set. (ST70). An empty channel is searched for in the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL within the range of scenario playback channels CH2 to CH7 or scenario playback channels CH8 to CH21.

  In the reproduction CH detection process (ST59), when the effect sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS to be reproduced is a stereo sound, two continuous channels starting from even channels are secured (ST72 to ST77). Then, for one or two detected empty channels, the corresponding column of the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL is rewritten from “stopped” to “playing” (ST77).

  As described with reference to FIG. 14C, the use CH management table PlayNow_TBL is always updated by the interrupt process from the audio processor 42 as to whether or not each phrase playback channel CHn is “stopped”. In (ST59), information on the latest state can be referred to and there is no omission of detection. In addition, at the timing of step ST77, the phrase playback channel CHn “stopped” is rewritten to “playing”, so that the sub-scenario update for another progress management channel MCHm (m = 0 to 63) continues thereafter. In the process (reproduced CH detection process), an empty channel is not erroneously detected.

  Returning to FIG. 16B, the description of the voice command output process (ST53) will be continued. If an empty channel CHn is detected for the effect sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS, the phrase reproduction channel CHn is used. Thus, a necessary voice command SND is transmitted to the voice processor 42 in order to start the reproduction of the production sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS as a new unit production. As shown in FIG. 16C, the voice command SND has a length of a plurality of bytes in which the register number of the voice control register RGi of the voice processor 42 and the set value are combined. Note that when the simple access controller SAC or the sequencer SQ is used, it is as shown in FIG.

  The set values for the reproduction of the production sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS have the phrase number NUM and the secondary volume Vs of the production sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS as essential values. Panpot setting values are added. In the present embodiment, the operation state of the phrase playback channel CHn of the audio processor 42, that is, any of the “stopped”, “paused”, and “playing” states, indicates all available phrase playback channels. It understands about CHn (n = 0 to 29) (see FIG. 14E).

  When such step ST60 is completed, it is next determined whether or not data relating to sound control is described in the corresponding line of the sub-scenario table Sk. If data relating to sound control is described, sound control processing for transmitting a voice command necessary to execute the volume transition operation is executed (ST62). The operation content of the sound control process in step ST62 is as shown in FIGS. 17B and 17C and will be described later.

  FIG. 18A illustrates data relating to sound control. In this embodiment, sound control data having a 4-byte (Bit31-Bit0) configuration is used. First, the least significant 3 bits (Bit2-Bit0) indicate the transition time from the start to the end of the volume transition operation as a numerical value of 1 to 4, and the transition time is 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 1. It means 5 seconds and 2 seconds. Next, the lower 4 bits (Bit19 to Bit16) of the third byte designate the volume target value of the secondary volume Vs in four stages from the minimum value (0x00) to the maximum value (0x80). In the sound control data, 13 bits (Bit 15 to Bit 3) composed of the second byte and the higher byte of 1 byte indicate a phrase number NUM (000H to 1FFFH). In this embodiment, the volume transition operation is executed for the two secondary volumes Vs in the state of V2 = V3 as described above.

  In the upper 4 bits (Bit23 to Bit20) of the third byte, the phrase reproduction channel CHn whose volume is to be changed is the BGM sound CH0 to CH1, the phrase reproduction channel for the effect sound SE1, or the effect sound SE2. Phrase playback channel, advanced effect sound PAN phrase playback channel, virtual sound VS phrase playback channel, all phrase playback channels (CH2 to CH26), or play a unit effect of a predetermined phrase number NUM Indicates the phrase playback channel CHn. As described above, the phrase reproduction channel CHn of the production sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS is variable, and the phrase number NUM is specified by 13 bits of Bit 15 to Bit 3 of the sound control data.

  Next, the fourth byte (Bit31 to Bit24) of the sound control data indicates the control type for changing the volume. Specifically, the fade operation for changing the secondary volume value Vs or the secondary volume value at once. It is used as information such as an instantaneous operation for transition or how much the primary volume value V1 is set.

  Regarding the sound control data, the sub-scenario table Sk (= 001) in FIG. 18B will be described. At the start time zero, the volume target value of the secondary volume Vs is set to 0x20 (V20) for the BGM sound (BG_T). ) Is defined to be executed in 0.5 seconds (S05). The registered data in the SE1 column indicates that “the unit effect of the phrase number NUM = 0001 is to be reproduced in stereo at the level of the secondary volume Vs = 0x80”. The unit effect of the phrase number NUM = 0001 is started at the maximum volume while suppressing the BGM sound quickly (see FIG. 18 (d)).

  Thereafter, the unit effect of the phrase number NUM = 0002 is started, but at the timing of the start time 5000 * 16 mS, a fade operation (with a volume target value of the secondary volume Vs of 0x80 (V80)) for the BGM sound (BG_T) ( SF) is executed for 2 seconds (S20) (see FIG. 18D).

  On the other hand, in the sub-scenario table Sk (= 002) of FIG. 18C, the primary volume V1 of the BGM sound (BG_T) is instantaneously changed to 0x00 (SV00) at the timing of the start time zero, and the phrase reproduction channels CH2 to CH2 are used. It is defined that the primary volume V1 of CH7 (YK1_T) is instantaneously changed to 0x00 (SV00). The registered data in the SE2 column indicates that “the unit effect of the phrase number NUM = 0010 is to be played in stereo at the level of the secondary volume Vs = 0x80”. The production effect SE1 and the BGM sound are quickly suppressed, and the unit production of the phrase number NUM = 0010 is started at the maximum volume (see FIG. 18 (e)).

  Thereafter, the primary volume V1 is instantaneously changed to 0x80 (V80) for the BGM sound (BG_T) and the phrase reproduction channels CH2 to CH7 (YK1_T) at the start time of 5000 * 16 mS (FIG. 18 (e)). )reference). In this embodiment, the fading operation is not executed for the primary volume V1, but there is no particular limitation, and it is also preferable to provide a fading operation for the primary volume V1.

  In any case, in order to execute the fade operation as illustrated in FIG. 18D, voice commands in which the set value Vs (V2 = V3) of the secondary volume is changed step by step are transmitted in time sequence. There is a need. Therefore, in this embodiment, a fade control table FDTBL shown in FIG. 19A, an update cycle table shown in FIG. 19B, and a volume variable VOL management table shown in FIG. 19C are provided. . The fade control table FDTBL and the update cycle table are fixedly stored in the ROM, and the volume variable VOL management table (FIG. 19C) is rewritably arranged in the RAM.

  The volume variable VOL management table VL_TBL (FIG. 19C) stores the value of the secondary volume V2 = V3 set by the voice command for all the phrase playback channels CH0 to CH29 of the voice processor 42 used in this embodiment. The volume management table is initially set corresponding to the transmission process of step ST57 in the voice command output process (ST53) and the transmission process of step 60. In addition, in the registration field of the update cycle WD of the volume management table VL_TBL, when performing a fade operation, a predetermined value including the increase / decrease direction of volume transition is set, but zero is set when the fade operation is not performed. Has been.

  The fade control table FDTBL in FIG. 19A is based on the premise that the difference value is filled with 10 command transmission processes with respect to 128 different difference values between the current secondary volume value VOL and the target value. It defines the amount of volume shift in each command transmission process. For example, when the difference value is 128, the target value is reached by filling the difference 128 with the target value in 10 processes of 12 + 13 +... + 13 + 13. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 19A shows a linear change, but it is possible to realize a non-linear desired volume transition operation by changing the registered data of the fade control table FDTBL. Of course.

  The update cycle table shown in FIG. 19B defines the relationship between the transition time and the update cycle. For example, the lower 3 bits of the sound control data are 001 (S05) and the transition time is 0.5 seconds. In this case, the voice command SND in which the secondary volume value Vs is changed should be transmitted once every three times, that is, every 16 * 3 mS in terms of a time unit of 16 mS. Then, the transition of the secondary volume value Vs is repeated 10 times in the increasing or decreasing direction in the direction of the horizontal axis in FIG. 19A (see FIG. 19A), and after 16 * 3 * 10 mS The target volume is reached at (≈0.5 seconds).

  Based on the above, the sound control process (ST62) will be described. This sound control process is divided into a non-fade process shown in FIG. 17B and a fade initial setting process shown in FIG. Here, the non-fade processing is instantaneous setting processing without fading operation, and the set values SVOL, SVO8, SVO0, SVO2, SVO4, SVO8E, SVO0E, etc. in the sound control data of FIG. It is a process to do.

  If the fourth byte data (see FIG. 18A) in the sound control column in the sub-scenario table Sk is the set value SVOL, SVO8, SVO0, SVO2, SVO4, SVO8E, SVO0E, etc., the sound control is performed. Based on the upper byte data of the third byte of the column, the volume control target (BG_T, YK1_T, YK2_T, YKA_T, FRZ) is specified, the phrase playback channel CHn whose volume is to be changed, and the voice command SND specifying the volume value Is transmitted to the audio processor 2 (ST80).

  On the other hand, the fade operation includes a fade initial setting process (FIG. 17C) included in the sound control process (ST62 in FIG. 16B), and a fade process (ST18) shown in FIGS. 18 and 17D. It is realized with. First, in the fade initial setting process (FIG. 17C), the current volume value VOL is shown in FIG. 19C for the phrase playback channel CHn specified by the control data in the sound control column of the sub-scenario table Sk. Obtained from the volume management table VL_TBL (ST81).

  Next, the difference between the volume target value (Bit19-Bit16) specified by the sound control data in the sub-scenario table Sk and the current volume value VOL is calculated (ST82). Note that the reference row i of the fade control table FDTBL (FIG. 19A) is specified by the difference value calculated in the process of step ST82, and whether the volume transition is in the increasing direction or the decreasing direction is specified. Become. These data are stored in the corresponding columns of the volume management table VL_TBL in FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the variable i is a row pointer of the fade control table FDTBL.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, not only the volume target value is specified, but also the volume target value and the current volume value are compared to specify the volume shift direction (±). Smooth volume transition from can be realized.

  In other words, in a configuration in which only the target value is set without causing the current volume value VOL to be a problem, a unidirectional transition operation from a predetermined reference value (MIN value or MAX value) to the target value is performed. For example, when the current value is the MIN value and the reference value is the MAX value, there is a disadvantage that an instantaneous shift of MIN → MAX from zero to the maximum volume occurs. On the other hand, when the current value is the MAX value and the reference value is the MIN value, there is an unnatural in which the volume shift starts after an instantaneous mute that changes from MAX to MIN occurs. Inconvenience does not occur.

  When the process of step ST82 having the above significance is completed, the update cycle table of FIG. 19B is referred to based on the transition time (Bit2-Bit0) designated by the sound control data of the sub-scenario table Sk. Then, the update cycle WD is specified, and is described in the corresponding column of the volume management table VL_TBL of FIG. 19C together with the volume transition direction (ST83). Further, the column pointer j of the fade control table FDTBL is initialized to zero, and the control variable B is initialized to the value of the update cycle WD (ST83). Note that the column pointer j and the control variable B that are initially set are also stored in the corresponding column of the volume management table VL_TBL (ST83).

  As shown in the update cycle table of FIG. 19B, in the case of the present embodiment, the initial value of the control variable B is any one of 3, 6, 9, and 12 that is the update cycle WD. Then, since the storage column of the update cycle WD of the volume management table VL_TBL in FIG. 19C is set to a significant value other than zero, execution of the subsequent fade process is instructed.

  The actual fade process is as shown in FIG. 17 (d), and the update cycle WD is not zero for all the phrase playback channels CHn managed in the volume management table VL_TBL of FIG. 19 (c). It is executed (ST90).

  That is, if the update cycle WD> 0, the control variable B that is initially set in the update cycle WD is decremented (ST91), and it is determined whether or not the control variable B becomes zero (ST92). Here, if the control variable B = 0, it means that the update timing has been reached, so the column pointer j is updated, and the deviation amount Δ of row i and column j of the fade control table FDTBL is acquired (ST93). In principle, a plurality of control variables B, row pointers i, and column pointers j are required (up to 30) corresponding to the phrase playback channel CHn. Since an independent fade operation is not executed for each reproduction channel CHn, the number is not so large.

  Next, the volume value VOL is changed (VOL ← VOL ± Δ), and the voice command SND designating the updated volume value VOL is transmitted to the voice processor 42 (ST95). Then, it is determined whether or not the volume value VOL has reached the target value (ST96). If the column pointer j indicates the last column of the fade control table FDTBL, the update cycle WD of the volume management table VL_TBL is determined. Is set to zero (ST97). As a result, thereafter, the volume transition process for the phrase reproduction channel CHn is not executed.

  On the other hand, if the volume value VOL has not reached the target value, the control variable B is initialized to the value of the update cycle WD in order to detect the next update timing (ST98). Then, the processes in steps ST90 to ST98 are executed for all phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 in the volume management table VL_TBL in FIG. 19C (ST99).

  In the present embodiment, it is also possible to specify a fade operation for a specific unit effect, as shown in the control object FRZ at the third byte in the sound control data of FIG. The specific unit effect is specified by a 13-bit long phrase number NUM, but when a fade operation of a specific unit effect is designated, in this embodiment, a predetermined inquiry command SND is sent to the voice processor 42. By transmitting, the phrase reproduction channel which reproduces the unit effect is specified.

  The inquiry command is transmitted by the write operation of the voice command SND specifying the phrase reproduction channel CHn (see FIG. 5B), and thereafter the voice command SND receiving process specifying the predetermined voice control register RGi. By executing (read data processing in FIG. 5C), the phrase reproduction channel reproducing the unit effect in question is specified.

  However, in this embodiment, the phrase reproduction channel CHn is specified and the phrase number NUM is transmitted (see ST57 and ST60 in FIG. 16). At this timing, the relationship between the phrase reproduction channel CHn and the phrase number NUM is determined. It is also possible to take a method of storing, and in this case, it is not necessary to send an inquiry command.

  Although the embodiments have been described in detail above, the specific description does not particularly limit the present invention. For example, although the reproduction completion interrupt process is provided in the embodiment (FIG. 14C), it is also preferable to omit this in consideration of the control burden.

  In this case, at the beginning of the scenario update process (ST17), as shown in the reception process (read data process) in FIG. 5C, the voice processor 42 is accessed, and a predetermined status flag is referred to. The used CH management table PlayNow_TBL may be updated to the latest value. In this modified example, during one processing unit time (16 mS), the audio processor 42 is subsequently accessed and the predetermined status flag is not checked. Therefore, the phrase playback channel that has changed from “playing” to “stopped” during one processing unit time cannot be used thereafter, but there is an advantage that no interrupt processing program is required.

  In the above-described embodiment, the secondary volume values V2 and V3 for defining the playback volume are set in response to the phrase number setting at the start of phrase playback in the sub-scenario table Sk (FIG. 15 (c)). It is also preferable to adopt a configuration in which this volume setting process can be omitted. That is, since the volume setting value at the start of phrase playback is normally a fixed level (maximum value 80H), if the volume is set to the maximum level in a refresh process that operates periodically, the volume setting at the start of phrase playback is set. Can be omitted. Of course, for safety, the volume may be set again at the start of phrase playback.

  FIG. 20B is a diagram for explaining the refresh process A, and functions when the start of the fluctuation operation is not during error notification and during special notice effect. As shown in the figure, in the refresh process A, the primary volume V1 and the secondary volumes V2, V3 are set to the maximum values for all the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29. Therefore, no matter what value the volume setting value is set in the previous panning operation or phase operation during the fluctuation operation, all the volume values are reset to fixed values at the start of the fluctuation.

  In addition to the refresh processing of the volumes V1, V2, and V3, it is desirable that the pan-pot ratio is refreshed to 0 dB: 0 dB for all the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29. In any case, the refresh operation is performed via the simple access controller SAC, and a series of SAC data for realizing a series of setting processes is prepared in the voice memory 43 in advance, and the voice command SND at the start of fluctuation is prepared. Thus, it is realized by setting the SAC number in the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control.

  On the other hand, when the error notification is in progress or during the special advance notice effect, the refresh process A is skipped, so that the error notification operation and the advance notice operation are not adversely affected. Here, the special notice effect means an operation of intentionally muting the sound (mask processing) such as a blackout effect in which the display screen is darkened and notifying the invitation of a big hit state. In such a special notice effect, the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 is masked to 00H (see FIG. 20 (e)) to enhance the notice effect.

In the error notification operation, the total volumes TV0 to TV2 are set to the maximum values shown in Table 1, the primary volume V1 of the phrase playback channels CH0 to CH2 8 is masked to 00H, and all the phrase playback channels CH29 are set. The volumes V1 to V3 are set to the maximum value 80H (see FIG. 20 (d)).

  Corresponding to this operation, an error notification unit effect is specified and specified in the phrase playback channel CH29 via the sub-scenario table Sk (see FIG. 15C). Note that the error notification sound in the form of an infinite loop is silenced in the phrase reproduction channel CH29 based on the reception of the error cancel command, and correspondingly, the primary volume of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH28 is set to a predetermined value ( 80H). The operation of starting and ending the error notification sound is realized by using the simple access controller SAC as in the operations of FIG. 20 (d) and FIG. 20 (e).

  By the way, it is preferable that the refresh process is appropriately changed and used according to the types A to C of the gaming machines. 20 (1) to 20 (3) show fluctuating operations in three types of gaming machines (A to C). In the model A, the main scenario Mj for a new BGM sound (BGMx or BGMy) is always registered in the progress management channel MCHm of the scenario progress table INFO_TBL at the start of fluctuation (see FIG. 14D). The playback time of the BGM sound is preferably set longer than the operation time of a series of fluctuating operations. When the fluctuation is stopped, the BGM sound is muted through a fade-out operation, and the main time registered in the scenario progress table INFO_TBL is used. The scenario Mj is also deleted.

  On the other hand, in the models B and C, at the start of fluctuation, it is determined whether or not any BGM sound is being reproduced on the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1 with reference to the use CH management table PlayNow_TBL (FIG. 14 (e)). The When the phrase playback channels CH0 and CH1 are stopped, that is, there is no BGM sound being played back, the main scenario Mj for the new BGM sound is registered in the scenario progress table INFO_TBL, as with the model A. (FIG. 14 (d)).

  The execution duration Tm (FIG. 15B) of the main scenario Mj is set to a very short time, so that the main scenario Mj can be quickly retrieved from the scenario progress table INFO_TBL (FIG. 14D). It disappears (ST36 in FIG. 15)). On the other hand, in the sub-scenario Sk specified by the main scenario Mj, BGM0 and BGM1 that are reproduced in an infinite loop shape are specified in the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1, so that even after the main scenario Mj disappears, Playback of BGM1 continues.

  As described above, the case where the reproduction of BGM0 or BGM1 is newly started in the model B or the model C has been described, but nothing is performed if any BGM sound is being reproduced on the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1. This is because, as described above, in the models B and C, the BGM sound is designated as an infinite loop in the sub-scenario table Sk (FIG. 15B), and is repeatedly played endlessly.

  These BGM sounds are silenced in response to the reception of the demo command transmitted when it is determined that the player has left the seat. Specifically, based on the main scenario Mj registered in response to the reception of the demo command, for example, silent phrase data is overwritten on the phrase playback channels CH0 and CH1 after a predetermined time after receiving the demo command. (Silence processing), reproduction of BGM0 and BGM1 ends.

  As described above, in the models B and C, the same BGM sound is played endlessly as long as the player continues the game, but in the model C, the phase-out operation is performed at a timing slightly earlier than the fluctuation stop. When the change is stopped, the BGM sound is muted. Even in this mute state, since the reproduction of the BGM sound is continued, the sound emission of the BGM sound is resumed based on the refresh process A (FIG. 20B) executed at the start of the next fluctuation.

  Although the models A to C have been described above, the refresh process A may be executed at a time other than when the change starts. The execution timing of the refresh processing A in the model A is (1) In addition to the start of fluctuation, (2) When a demo command is received, (3) A predetermined time after receiving the demo command, and (4) The demo movie starts after a further time (5) After a predetermined time has passed. However, in the models B and C, (2) when receiving the demo command, the BGM sound may continue to be reproduced with or without sound, so the timings (1) and (3) to (5) Then, the refresh process A is executed.

  It is also preferable to execute a refresh process B (see FIG. 20C) different from the refresh process A. In the refresh process B, the primary volume V1 is set to 80H for all the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29. As the execution timing of the refresh process B, the above (2), (3), (4), and (5) can be considered. Since there is no possibility that the secondary volumes V2 and V3 change at these timings, only the primary volume V1 that changes at the time of error notification is set as the refresh operation.

  As described above, by using the simple access controller SAC, necessary refresh operations and mask operations can be repeated at necessary timing without imposing a control burden on the CPU.

  Next, in the present embodiment, for the sound effect channel SE, the advanced performance channel PAN, and the virtual channel VS, the arrangement channel is variably set, while the chance button operation effective sound and the game ball winning sound are set. The significance of using a dedicated phrase playback channel will be described. FIG. 21 is a time chart showing mask processing for appropriately muting the winning sound and the operation effective sound.

  First, the winning sound reproduced on the phrase reproduction channel CH28 will be described. The winning sound is a sound effect indicating that the game ball has won the symbol start opening 15, and if the winning action is in the midst of performing a variable motion, the number of held balls displayed on the display device increases corresponding to the winning. It is configured to The number of reserved balls is the number of game balls won during execution of the variable action, and means the number of waiting balls for the big hit lottery process. This number of reserved balls is transmitted from the main control unit 21 to the effect control unit 22. Specified by the held number command CMD.

  The release of the winning sound and the increase in the number of held balls have the significance of allowing the player to confirm the winning.However, the winning of the gaming ball occurs randomly regardless of the progress of the production operation. In some cases, the display of the sound and the number of reserved balls may interfere with the production operation (audio production). For example, in the case of reach image production that wants to use a wide range of the display screen, the display area of the number of reserved balls is in the way, and if you want to emit a special production sound corresponding to the reach image production, BGM sounds can get in the way.

  FIG. 21A to FIG. 21C exemplify the operation state of such a reach effect. During the predetermined reach effect, the display area for the number of held balls is erased (holding non-display period). In a state where the BMG sound is muted (FIG. 21A), only the effect sounds SE1 and SE2 are emitted via the effect channel SE (FIGS. 21B and 21C). The reason for adopting such control is to concentrate the production sounds SE1 and SE2 by muting the BGM sound.

  Therefore, if a winning sound is emitted at this timing, the player will be distracted. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the hold non-display period, the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channel CH28 is maintained at 00H, and the winning sound masking process is executed (FIG. 21 (f)). Since such a mask process is provided, the winning sound is emitted in a silent state (see the broken line), and it is not necessary to avoid the sound emitting operation itself, so that the control burden is not particularly increased. For the BGM sound as well, a masking process for setting the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1 to 00H is executed in accordance with the start timing of the hold non-display period (FIG. 21A).

  Thus, in the present embodiment, the mask process corresponding to the hold non-display period is executed, so that the player can concentrate on the effect sounds SE1 and SE2 of the effect channel SE. In addition, since the BMG sound and the winning sound are reproduced using the determined phrase reproduction channel (CH0, CH1, CH28), it is not necessary to search for the phrase reproduction channel to be masked at the time of the mask operation, and the control burden increases. There is nothing.

  In the illustrated example, the masking process of the winning sound is canceled with the end of the holding non-display period, and thereafter, the increase in the number of held balls can be confirmed on the display device and a new winning sound can be heard. it can. On the other hand, in the illustrated example, the BGM sound masking process is continued until the fluctuation is stopped, but the primary volume V1 is returned to the prescribed level by the refresh process (FIG. 20) executed at an appropriate timing, so there is no problem. Does not occur.

  Next, the operation effective sound reproduced on the phrase reproduction channel CH27 will be described. The button operation effective sound can be emitted based on the fact that the main scenario 1 (Table 2) for button effects is registered in the progress management channel MCHm of the scenario progress table INFO_TBL at a predetermined timing (FIG. 14). (See (d)). In response to pressing of the chance button, another main scenario 2 (Table 2) is registered in the progress management channel MCHm.

  Although not particularly limited, the main scenario 1 includes two main scenarios 1 and 2. Specifically, as shown in Table 2, the sub-scenario 1 for specifying the sound effect 1 “Poon!” Generated in response to the appearance of the button image on the display device and the subsequent operation valid period are shown. The sub-scenario 2 that identifies the repeated sound effect 2 “picone, picon, picon,...” Is configured. The sound effect 2 is repeated in an infinite loop by designating the loop.

  On the other hand, the main scenario 2 includes a sub-scenario 3 that specifies a sound effect 3 that is executed when the chance button 11 is pressed and a silence process. Here, the sound effect 3 means an audio effect executed in the lower channel SE2 in response to the button press. For convenience, in FIG. 21 (c) and FIG. 21 (d), the same audio effect is executed after the start of the fluctuation and during the reach effect. Characteristic sound effects tailored to each situation are executed. In addition, during the reach production, the audio production A so far is completed in correspondence with the start of the main scenario 1.

  In any case, as shown in Table 2, in this embodiment, it is necessary to specify the phrase reproduction channel CHn for reproducing each sound by interposing the sub-scenarios 1 to 3. However, since it is fixed that the operation effective sound of the button operation is the phrase reproduction channel CH27, there is no need to search for an empty channel, and a new phrase number NUM is assigned to a predetermined sound. The sound effect can be easily switched by simply overwriting the control register RGi.

  That is, the silence processing of the sub-scenario 3 only needs to overwrite the audio control register RGi for specifying the reproduction phrase number NUM of the phrase reproduction channel CH27 with the phrase number NUMy of the silence data for an extremely short time (for example, 10 mS), By this overwriting operation, the phrase number NUMx of the sound effect 2 disappears, so that no matter how short the silence reproduction is completed, there is no possibility that the reproduction of the sound effect 2 will be restored thereafter. This also applies to the BGM sound silencing process ((2) and (3) in FIG. 20) in the phrase playback channels CH0 to CH1 and the error notification sound rooting process in the phrase playback channel CH29. .

  In the present embodiment, the operation effective sound reproduction process is always executed in the phrase reproduction channel CH27. Therefore, either (1) a mask process for setting the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channel CH27 to 00H, or (2) The phrase playback operation of the phrase playback channel CH27 may be forcibly terminated. However, in the former case, it is preferable to return the primary volume V1 to 80H after a predetermined time. In any case, the main scenario 1 which indirectly designates the repeated sound emission operation of the sound effect 2 “picone” (via the sub-scenario 2) is managed in 300 * 16 mS after the start of the repeated sound emission operation. It is erased from the channel MCHm (ST36 in FIG. 15).

  By the way, in addition to the above-described embodiment, it is also preferable to execute a sound effect in conjunction with the image effect and the accessory effect for the notice effect. FIG. 22 is a diagram exemplifying such a notice effect, in which the number and type of notice images drawn on the front side of the background image, the role that moves on the front side of the background image, the volume of the BGM sound, and the like. The example which relates is shown.

  In this embodiment, the reliability of the notice effect corresponds to the remaining area of the background image, the presence / absence of an accessory, and the presence / absence of movement. Specifically, (1) the larger the size of the notice effect image, the smaller the background image area, and (2) the more prominent the feature, the higher the reliability, corresponding to the high reliability. , Appealing the value of the notice effect by reducing the BGM sound. The reliability means the possibility that the lottery result of the big hit lottery is in a winning state.

  FIG. 22 schematically shows an example of specific contents of the effect, and shows a notice effect that is displayed on the background image together with the background image. Note that the vertical direction indicates the difference in reliability, and the high-reliability notice effect 9 is shown in the vertical direction in order from the low-reliability notice effect 1. Further, the horizontal direction indicates a development type of the notice effect, and if the notice effect shifts to the right side, the reliability is improved accordingly.

  In this example, a notice production in which a high school girl takes various actions is shown, but in the notice production 1, one high school girl gives a message in a speech balloon, and then develops another girl. A high school student comes to write a message in another speech balloon.

  In addition, the notice effect 2 starts from the preparation OK state (STEP 1), and when it develops from STEP 1 to STEP 2, the high school girl turns around (STEP 2), and when it further develops to STEP 3, it is a notice effect that meets another high school girl. . The announcement effect of the present embodiment increases the reliability each time it is developed, but suppresses the volume of the BGM sound corresponding to the reduction in the area of the background image.

  As described above, in this embodiment, since the BGM sound is reproduced on the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1 which are dedicated channels, the primary volume V1 is varied to control the volume appropriately. Unlike the fade effect in which the secondary volumes V2 and V3 are integrally controlled, in this embodiment, the volume suppression control at the time of the notice effect uses the primary volume V1. The control burden is not particularly increased.

  Then, as the number of notice characters increases or becomes larger, the background music is hidden and the BGM sound is reduced, so that the effect of the advanced notice effect is further enhanced. However, only the BGM sounds of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1 are suppressed, and other sound effects are emitted at an appropriate volume corresponding to the notice effect.

  Next, in the notice effect 3, the flash is emitted from the four corners to the center character, but the background image is almost hidden, so that the BGM sound volume is controlled lower than the notice effect 2. Hereinafter, the same applies to the notice effect 4 to the notice effect 6, which suggests a high degree of reliability in terms of the color of the displayed notice image, the type of mini character that is displayed in duplicate of the notice image, and the like. Corresponding to the image being hidden, the BGM sound is tuned down, further tuned down as it evolves, and silenced when the background image is completely hidden. Note that the notice effect 5 or the notice effect 6 is in a button chance state, and the notice effect may develop to the right in response to the player pressing the chance button.

  In the notice effect 7 with higher reliability, the display frame located on the left side of the liquid crystal display screen starts to emit light, and for example, the letter “ring” starts to light up or blink. Then, in the notice effect 8 in which the reliability increases, an accessory (movable object) appears in the center, and the character “7” is lit. In the notice effect 9 having the highest reliability, after the display screen suddenly darkens (dark notice), an eerie character appears in the center of a completely dark screen.

  In these highly reliable notice effects 7 to 9, the BGM sound is silenced, while the sound effect corresponding to the notice image is emitted on the effect channel SE. . For example, when the remaining date and time until the date of fate is 7 days, a moving sound (such as Dokundokun) that makes a sense of urgency corresponding to the movement of a movable object or the like is reproduced while gradually increasing its volume ( Phase operation). At the time of darkening notice, the reproduction sound of all the phrase reproduction channels CHi is muted in response to the disappearance of the entire screen.

  The volume of the above-described movable sound and the volume of the sound effect corresponding to the action of the appearing character are set by appropriately controlling the secondary volumes V2 and V3 of the effect channel SE in any notice effect. On the other hand, the reduction or silence of the BGM sound is executed by the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1, and therefore the control thereof is easy. That is, the volume of the BGM sound can be suppressed only by changing the set value of the primary volume V1, and when the notice effect is finished, the suppressed volume can be easily restored to the original level.

  Specifically, in this embodiment, the set value Vi is set to be less than 80H at an attenuation rate of 20 * Log (Vi / 128). Therefore, the primary volume V1 of the phrase playback channels CH0 and CH1 can be suppressed to an arbitrary level of 128 steps from -0.07 dB to -∞ dB (silence) depending on the reliability at the time of the announcement effect. . However, in reality, the suppression level (attenuation rate) is -6 dB or less.

  Further, in this embodiment, all playback sounds are silenced in response to the disappearance of the screen of the display device at the time of darkening notice. This silence processing is performed for the primary volume V1 for all phrase playback channels CHi. Is set to the minimum value (−∞ dB), so that silence control is also easy.

  Although various embodiments have been described in detail above, the specific description content does not particularly limit the present invention.

  For example, in the multiple sound effect described with reference to FIG. 9, eight channel (CH14 to CH21) phrase playback channels are used, but the number of original sound data (that is, the number of phrase numbers) for realizing the multiple sound effect is not particularly limited. It is also possible to use the same number of phrase playback channels.

  FIG. 23 shows a case in which five phrase playback channels are used corresponding to five phrase numbers NUMa to NUMe, and vocal sound, guitar sound, bass sound, left chorus sound, and right chorus sound are Reproduction is performed on different phrase reproduction channels (CH14, CH16, CH18, CH20, CH21).

  In the phrase playback channel CH14, the two left and right pans are set to 0 dB: 0 dB, while the upper and lower pans are set to 0 dB: -∞ dB, so that vocal sounds are emitted only from the upper left and right speakers ( (Refer FIG.23 (c)).

  On the other hand, in the phrase playback channel CH16, the upper and lower pans are set to 0 dB: 0 dB, and the two left and right pans are both set to 0 dB: -∞ dB. A sound is emitted (see FIG. 23C).

  Conversely, in the phrase playback channel CH18, the upper and lower pans are set to 0 dB: 0 dB, and the two left and right pans are both set to -∞ dB: 0 dB. Therefore, the upper speaker and the middle speaker are connected only from the right speaker. A bass sound is emitted (see FIG. 23C).

  With respect to the other phrase reproduction channels CH20 and CH21, the multiple music performance shown in FIG. 23C is realized by appropriately setting the upper and lower pans and the left and right pans. Since the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3) are each maintained at a specified value (for example, 0 dB), the voices of all the parts are collectively output from the lower speaker. This is the same as in the embodiment of FIG.

  However, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 9, in the embodiment of FIG. 23, the pan ratio setting process described above is executed not via the sequencer SQ but via the simple access controller SAC. In this embodiment, since the four simple access controllers SAC0 to SAC3 are provided, the vertical pan ratio and the horizontal pan ratio of CH14, CH16, CH18, CH20, and CH21 can be set by simultaneously operating SAC0 to SAC3. Can be completed at the same time. Therefore, the music performance can be started in synchronization without using the off-trigger function of the sequencer SQ.

  Although various embodiments have been described above, specific descriptions do not limit the present invention. That is, the voice control method exemplified in the embodiment can be suitably applied not only to a ball game machine but also to other game machines such as a spinning game machine.

GM gaming machine CHn playback channel 42 voice synthesis means RGi voice control register 22 effect control means V1 first volume V2 second volume V3 third volume

Claims (1)

Based on a group of original sound data, a plurality of playback channels capable of reproducing a unit effect, and a voice synthesizer having a group of voice control registers capable of storing operation parameters defining the playback operation of the unit effect;
Production control means for controlling the operation of one or a plurality of playback channels by setting a predetermined operation parameter in a predetermined audio control register, and realizing an audio production by one or a plurality of unit effects;
A plurality of speakers each receiving a voice signal reproduced by the voice synthesis means, and a lottery process is executed based on a predetermined switch signal,
The playback channel of the speech synthesizer includes a first volume V1 that can set the output volume for a plurality of M speakers, and a volume for some speakers among the volumes set by the first volume V1. A second volume V2 that can set the volume, and a third volume V3 that can set the volume to another part of the volume after the volume set by the first volume V1,
A refresh means is provided for setting the first volume V1, the second volume V2, and the third volume V3 to a prescribed value for all playback channels that may be used for audio production,
Except in the case of the notification timing for notifying the occurrence of an abnormal situation or the silence timing for continuing the sound production in the mute state , the refresh means is set for all the playback channels in relation to the start of the predetermined production. A gaming machine characterized by functioning.