JP6647516B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine that outputs sound from output means.

  Conventionally, gaming machines that output sound from output means such as speakers have been known. Depending on the progress of the game, BGM (Background Music) may be continuously output. For example, there is a case where it is desired to use the same BGM in an effect having a variation in execution time. In such a case, a method is known in which BGM is composed of an intro part phrase and a loop part phrase. In this case, for example, after outputting the phrase in the intro portion, the gaming machine adjusts the number of times the phrase in the loop portion is repeatedly output, thereby outputting BGM according to the execution time of the effect.

  Further, in the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, a time point t4 at which the output of the overture phrase output prior to the output of the specific music piece ends is determined in advance, and the output of the specific music piece starts from the time point t4. Thus, the overture and the specific music are connected and output.

JP 2014-104317 A

  For example, when outputting the phrase of the intro part of BGM, control (fade-in) for increasing the volume at a predetermined rate with the passage of time may be performed. At this time, the volume of the phrase in the intro part differs depending on the elapsed time from the start of the output of the phrase in the intro part. If the volume between the phrases differs at the joint between the phrase in the intro part and the phrase in the loop part, the volume of the BGM changes at the joint between the phrases. In such a case, there is a problem that a player may feel uncomfortable with the output of the BGM.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a change in volume at a joint between phrases even when a phrase whose volume changes is used.

A gaming machine according to the present invention includes an output control unit that outputs a sound phrase to an output unit, and a first volume that is a volume of a first phrase that is a sound phrase output to the output unit by the output control unit. First volume control means for controlling, first acquisition means for acquiring the first volume controlled by the first volume control means, and the output control means to the output means in succession to the first phrase A second volume control unit that controls a second volume that is a volume of a second phrase that is a phrase of a sound to be output, and a definition that defines a change rate that is a rate of change of the first volume over time. Means, and a second acquisition means for acquiring the change ratio defined by the definition means , the first volume control means, the first volume to the second acquisition means as time passes. Yo Performs control to change based on the change ratio obtained Te, the second volume control means, the second time the output of the second phrase in the output means by the previous SL output control means is started Controlling the volume to a volume corresponding to the first volume acquired by the first acquisition unit, and performing control to change the second volume in accordance with the change rate acquired by the second acquisition unit. It is characterized by.

In the gaming machine according to the present invention, the output control unit outputs the first phrase from the output unit, and the output unit outputs the second phrase following the first phrase. The first volume, which is the volume of the first phrase, is gradually changed over time by the first volume control means. Here, the first acquisition means acquires the first volume. The second volume control means, the second volume which is the volume of the second phrase at the time when the output of the second phrase in the second output means is started, according to the first volume acquired by the first acquisition means Sound volume. The gaming machine includes a definition unit that defines a first change rate that is a rate of change of the first volume, and based on the first change rate acquired by the second acquisition means, the first volume control means To change. Further, the second volume control unit also performs control for changing the second volume based on the first change rate acquired by the second acquisition unit. This allows the gaming machine to smoothly connect the two phrases by matching the rate of change in volume between the first phrase and the second phrase. Therefore, the gaming machine according to the present invention can prevent the sound volume from changing at the joint between the phrases even when the phrase whose sound volume changes is used.

  The first acquisition unit may acquire the first volume at a time point when the output control unit starts outputting the second phrase by the output unit.

  In this case, the first acquisition unit acquires the first volume at the time when the output of the second phrase is started. Therefore, the second volume control means can control the second volume at the time when the output of the second phrase is started according to the first volume at the time when the output of the second phrase is started. Therefore, the gaming machine can adjust the volume of each phrase at a joint between different phrases.

  The gaming machine may include monitoring means for monitoring the volume of the phrase output to the output means by the output control means. The first obtaining unit may obtain the first volume based on a monitoring result by the monitoring unit.

  In this case, the gaming machine includes monitoring means for monitoring the first volume, and the first obtaining means obtains the first volume based on the monitoring result by the monitoring means. Therefore, the gaming machine can reduce the change in volume at the joint between the phrases, regardless of the timing of the joint between the first phrase and the second phrase.

It is a front view of pachinko machine 1. It is a front view of the game board 2. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of a sound control circuit 591. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a fluctuation pattern determination table stored in a ROM 53. 5 is a flowchart of a main process performed in a main board 41. FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of a phrase table stored in a ROM 583. FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram of a fade pattern table stored in a ROM 583. 5 is a flowchart of a sub control board process performed in a sub control board 58. It is a flow chart of output management information generation processing performed in sub control board processing. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram of output management information stored in a RAM 582. It is a flowchart of a sound control process performed in a sub control board process. It is a flowchart of a sound output start process performed in the sound control process. It is a flowchart of the volume control process performed in the sound control process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the transition of each volume of the phrase data of "BGM intro" and the phrase data of "BGM loop" when the "volume / fade handover function" is exhibited. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a transition of the volume when the reproduction volume of the phrase data is switched from a certain point in time when the “volume switching function” is performed.

  Hereinafter, a pachinko machine 1 which is a first embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front side, the back side, the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of FIG. 1 are referred to as the front side, the rear side, the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of the pachinko machine 1, respectively.

  The mechanical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 1 has an outer frame 10 that is a rectangular frame that is long in the vertical direction when viewed from the front. Inside the outer frame 10, a main body frame 11 is attached so as to be freely opened from the front with its left edge as an axis. The game board 2 is provided in an upper half portion on the front side of the main body frame 11.

  The game board 2 has a substantially square plate shape when viewed from the front (see FIG. 2), and its front surface is protected by a front frame 12 holding a transparent glass plate. The front frame 12 is attached to the front side of the main body frame 11 such that the left edge of the front frame 12 can be freely opened from the front. An upper plate 5 is provided below the game board 2 in the main body frame 11. The upper plate 5 supplies a game ball made of metal to the game ball launching device 37 (see FIG. 3) and receives a prize ball. An operation button 9 operated by a player is provided on the upper surface of the upper plate 5. Immediately below the upper plate 5, a lower plate 6 for receiving a prize ball is provided. On the right side of the lower plate 6, a firing handle 7 for adjusting the firing of the game ball is provided. The firing handle 7 is provided so that the player can perform a rotation operation. When the player rotates the firing handle 7 to perform a firing operation, the game ball launching device has an intensity corresponding to the rotation angle of the firing handle 7. A game ball is fired by 37. Speakers 48 are provided at the upper left and right corners of the front frame 12, respectively. The speaker 48 performs various effects by outputting music such as BGM, voices such as dialogue of characters appearing in game effects, and various sound effects.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a substantially circular game area 4 surrounded by guide rails 3 is formed on the front surface of the game board 2. The game ball fired by the game ball launching device 37 (see FIG. 3) is guided to the game area 4 by the guide rail 3, and flows down in the game area 4. In the approximate center of the game area 4, a center decoration 8 for executing various effects is provided. The center decoration 8 mainly includes a display screen 28. The display screen 28 is arranged substantially at the center of the center decoration 8. The display screen 28 is configured by, for example, an LCD or the like, and can display various images. In the present embodiment, the display screen 28 displays an effect symbol that notifies the result of the big hit determination. The pachinko machine 1 changes the plurality of (for example, three) effect symbols, and then executes the notification effect of confirming and displaying the combination of the effect symbols indicating the result of the jackpot determination, thereby giving the result of the jackpot determination to the player. Notify.

  A first starting port 14 is provided substantially below the center of the center decoration 8. Below the first starting port 14, a second big winning port 17 is provided. An ordinary symbol operation gate 13 is provided diagonally below and right of the center decoration 8. A second starting port 15 is provided below the normal symbol operation gate 13. A first big winning opening 16 is provided diagonally below and below the second starting opening 15. The second starting port 15, the first winning port 16, and the second winning port 17 each include an opening / closing member. The game ball can win each of the second starting port 15, the first winning port 16, and the second winning port 17 only when the opening / closing member is opened.

  At the lower right of the game board 2, a symbol display section 24 is provided. The symbol display unit 24 includes a first special symbol display unit, a second special symbol display unit, a normal symbol display unit, a first special symbol storage number display LED, a second special symbol storage number display LED, and a normal symbol storage number display LED. Prepare.

  In the present embodiment, when a game ball wins in the first starting port 14, a first big hit determination is performed, and a first special symbol indicating a result of the determination is displayed on the first special symbol display section of the symbol display section 24. . In the first jackpot determination, whether the hit is a jackpot or a loss is determined based on the jackpot random number. If it is determined in the first big hit determination that a big hit has occurred, a big hit game in which the opening / closing member of the first big winning opening 16 and the opening / closing member of the second big winning opening 17 are opened in a predetermined order is executed. A specific area is provided inside the second special winning opening 17. In the pachinko machine 1, the passing of a game ball through a specific area during a jackpot game is a condition for generating a probability fluctuation state after the end of the jackpot game. The probability fluctuation state is a state in which the probability of being determined as “big hit” in the big hit determination is higher than usual. In the present embodiment, the generated probability fluctuation state ends when the so-called number cutting probability changing function is activated when the number of times of executing the jackpot determination in the probability fluctuation state reaches a predetermined number.

  When a game ball passes through the normal symbol operation gate 13, a normal hit determination is performed, and a normal symbol indicating the result of the determination is displayed on the normal symbol display section of the symbol display section 24. If it is determined in the normal hit determination that a hit has occurred, the opening / closing member of the second starting port 15 is opened. When a game ball wins in the second starting port 15, a second big hit determination is performed, and a second special symbol indicating the result of the determination is displayed on the second special symbol display section of the symbol display section 24. If it is determined in the second big hit determination that a big hit is made, a big hit game similar to the above is executed.

  The electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit 40 of the pachinko machine 1 mainly includes a main board 41, a sub control board 58, a lamp driver board 46, an effect control board 43, a payout control board 45, a relay board 47, and a power supply board 42.

  The main board 41 controls the main control of the pachinko machine 1. The main board CPU unit 50 of the main board 41 is provided with a CPU 51 for performing various arithmetic processing, a RAM 52 for temporarily storing data obtained by the arithmetic processing by the CPU 51, and a ROM 53 for storing a control program and the like. ing. An interrupt signal generation circuit 57 is connected to the main board CPU unit 50. The main board 41 executes a program each time an interrupt signal is input from the interrupt signal generation circuit 57. The main board 41 is connected to a sub-control board 58, a payout control board 45, a relay board 47, an output port 55, a first starting port switch 73, and a second starting port switch 74 via an I / O interface 54. . The output port 55 outputs information of the pachinko machine 1 to a game center management computer (not shown). The first starting port switch 73 detects a game ball that has won the first starting port 14. The second starting port switch 74 detects a game ball that has won the second starting port 15.

  The sub-control board 58 includes a CPU 581 that controls overall control such as effects. The CPU 581 is electrically connected to the RAM 582, the ROM 583, and the sound control circuit 591. The RAM 582 temporarily stores data obtained by the arithmetic processing by the CPU 581. The ROM 583 stores a program for executing a later-described sub-control board process (see FIG. 9), and flags and initial values of data used by various programs.

  The sound control circuit 591 reproduces a sound signal based on an instruction from the CPU 581, and outputs sound to the speaker 48. The sound control circuit 591 may be configured by, for example, an LSI for sound processing or the like. The sound control circuit 591 is electrically connected to the ROM 593. The ROM 593 stores compressed sound data which is original data of a sound signal to be reproduced. Specifically, the ROM 593 previously stores various sound data such as music for one BGM, dialogue sound, notice sound, and various notification sounds used in the pachinko machine 1 as compressed sound data. The compressed sound data is data specified by a phrase number having a predetermined bit length, for example. The compressed sound data is hereinafter also referred to as phrase data. The phrase data is stored in correspondence with the phrase numbers. In the present embodiment, the sound signal is stored in such a manner as to be a sound signal having the maximum volume when reproduced. The maximum volume indicated by each phrase data is hereinafter referred to as a reference volume.

  The sub control board 58 is connected to the lamp driver board 46, the effect control board 43, the operation buttons 9, and the speaker 48. The lamp driver board 46 is connected to the illumination board 31. The lamp driver board 46 controls the operation of various illuminated lamps according to the command received from the sub control board 58. The effect control board 43 includes a CPU 431 and the like, and controls the display of the display screen 28 according to a command received from the sub control board 58. The operation button 9 outputs a detection signal to the sub-control board 58 according to the operation of the player. The speaker 48 converts a digital sound signal transmitted from the sub-control board 58 into an analog sound and outputs it.

  The payout control board 45 includes a prize ball and a CPU 45a that controls the payout of the prize ball. The payout control board 45 controls the operation of the prize ball payout device 49 in accordance with a command transmitted from the main board 41 to pay out a predetermined number of game balls.

  The relay board 47 includes an ordinary motorized accessory opening / closing solenoid 69, a first winning port solenoid 70, a second winning port solenoid 71, a specific area solenoid 72, a normal symbol operation switch 75, a first winning port switch 76, a second It is connected to the special winning opening switch 77, the specific area switch 78 and the symbol display section 24. The normal electric accessory opening / closing solenoid 69 opens and closes the opening / closing member of the second starting port 15 during a normal winning game. The first special winning opening solenoid 70 opens and closes the opening and closing member of the first special winning opening 16 during the jackpot game. The second big winning opening solenoid 71 opens and closes the opening and closing member of the second big winning opening 17 during the big hit game. The specific area solenoid 72 opens and closes an opening / closing member (not shown) of a specific area in the second special winning opening 17 in a specific round of the jackpot game. The ordinary symbol operation switch 75 detects a game ball that has passed through the ordinary symbol operation gate 13. The first winning port switch 76 detects a game ball that has won the first winning port 16. The second winning port switch 77 detects a game ball that has won the second winning port 17. The specific area switch 78 detects a game ball that has passed through a specific area.

  The power supply board 42 is connected to the main board 41 and the game ball launching device 37, and supplies DC stabilized power to each board and the game ball launching device 37. The game ball launching device 37 launches one game ball into the game area 4 at regular intervals (0.6 seconds in this embodiment).

  With reference to FIG. 4, a schematic internal configuration of the sound control circuit 591 will be described. The sound control circuit 591 mainly includes a control register 591A, first to n-th track processing units TR1 to TRn, and a mixer 591D. The control register 591A is electrically connected to the CPU 581. The control register 591A analyzes a command received from the CPU 581, specifies phrase data to be reproduced in each of the first to n-th track processing units TR1 to TRn, instructs reproduction of the designated phrase data, and instructs the volume of reproduced sound. And so on.

  The first to n-th track processing units TR1 to TRn perform processing on the sound corresponding to each of the phrase reproduction tracks of the first to n-th tracks. The first track processing unit TR1 includes a decoder 591B and a track volume 591C. The decoder 591B reads desired phrase data from the ROM 593 based on the input phrase data reproduction instruction, and performs expansion processing (decoding) of the phrase data. The track volume 591C controls the output volume, fade-in / fade-out, etc. of the reproduced sound data decoded by the decoder 591B. The first to n-th track processing units TR1 to TRn have the same configuration. FIG. 4 shows only the first track processing unit TR1 and the n-th track processing unit TRn, and omits other track processing units. n is 16, for example. The mixer 591D mixes sound signals output from each of the first to n-th track processing units TR1 to TRn, and outputs the mixed signal to the speaker 48.

  The variation pattern determination table stored in the ROM 53 will be described with reference to FIG. The fluctuation pattern determination table indicates whether the jackpot determination is the first jackpot determination or the second jackpot determination, the gaming state at the time of the jackpot determination (in this embodiment, the non-time saving state or the time saving state) and the result of the jackpot determination (the jackpot or A plurality of tables are provided in accordance with the outliers. A plurality of types of variation patterns are assigned to each table in accordance with the degree of expectation that the result of the jackpot determination is a jackpot, and each variation pattern is associated with a variation pattern determination random value (0 to 511). ing. When the first jackpot determination is performed, a table corresponding to the gaming state at that time and the determination result is referred to, and one variation pattern corresponding to the value of the variation pattern determination random number acquired together with the jackpot random number is determined. .

  Although details are omitted, in the fluctuation pattern determination table, a plurality of types of fluctuation patterns are also assigned to the second big hit determination according to the game state, and each fluctuation pattern corresponds to the value of the fluctuation pattern determination random number. It is attached. The main board 41 fluctuates the first special symbol or the second special symbol for a variation time determined according to the determined variation pattern. Further, the main board 41 transmits a variation pattern designation command which is a command for designating the variation pattern determined with reference to the variation pattern determination table to the sub-control board 58. The sub-control board 58 controls the display screen 28, the speaker 48, and the like according to the fluctuation pattern specified by the command.

  The operation of the pachinko machine 1 by the main board 41 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control of the pachinko machine 1 is performed by a control program stored in the ROM 53. The main processing of the control program is executed by the CPU 51 when the CPU 51 detects an interrupt signal generated every 4 ms by the interrupt signal generation circuit 57 (see FIG. 3). Hereinafter, each step of the flowchart is abbreviated as “S”.

  As shown in FIG. 6, when the main process is started, first, a command output process is performed (S10). In the command output process, a control command is output to the sub-control board 58, the payout control board 45, the relay board 47, and the like. The control command output here is the control command stored in the RAM 52 in the main processing performed last time.

  Next, a switch reading process is performed (S11). In the switch reading process, the normal symbol operation gate 13, the first starting opening 14, the second starting opening 15, the first big winning opening 16, the second big winning opening 17, the specific area in the second big winning opening 17 and others. A process for detecting a game ball is performed based on the detection result of each switch (see FIG. 3) provided in the winning opening.

  Next, a counter updating process is performed (S12). In the counter updating process, the value of the random number acquisition counter stored in the RAM 52 is added, and the value of the special symbol variation time counter, which is a timer counter for measuring the variation time of the special symbol, is subtracted.

  Next, a special electric accessory processing is performed (S13). In the special electric accessory processing, a process for controlling the operation of the jackpot game (mainly, the opening / closing operation of the opening / closing members of the first big winning opening 16 and the second big winning opening 17) and a game generated after the end of the big hit game Processing relating to the state is performed. In the present embodiment, the second big winning opening 17 is opened for 13 seconds or 0.3 seconds in one final round of the jackpot game. In rounds other than the final round, the first winning opening 16 is opened with a maximum opening time of 29 seconds. If the game ball passes through a specific area in the second big winning opening 17 during the jackpot game, the flag corresponding to the specific area switch 78 is set to "ON" in the switch reading process (S11). If this flag is set to “ON”, a probability variation flag described later is set to “ON”. Then, the first large winning opening 16 and the second large winning opening 17 that have been opened are closed when one of the conditions of elapse of the maximum opening time and winning of a predetermined number of game balls is satisfied. When the big hit game is started, a big hit game start command indicating that the big hit game is started is generated and stored in the RAM 52. The jackpot game start command is transmitted to the sub-control board 58 in the command output process (S10) of the main process to be executed next time.

  Next, special symbol processing is performed (S14). In the special symbol processing, a jackpot determination, a determination of a variation pattern, a determination of a special symbol, and a transition process of a game state are performed. In the pachinko machine 1, the RAM 52 is provided with a first jackpot-related information storage area and a second jackpot-related information storage area. A plurality of storage areas are provided in the first big hit relation information storage area. When a game ball is awarded to the first starting port 14, if the number of first reserved balls due to winning in the first starting port 14 is less than 4 (0 to 3), random numbers are stored in ascending order of the storage area with the smallest number. Is done. The first number of reserved balls is the number of random numbers stored in a state where the execution of the jackpot determination is suspended among the random numbers corresponding to the game balls that have won the first starting port 14. In the present embodiment, the maximum number of first reserved balls is “4”. The CPU 51 sets the storage area with the smallest number among the random numbers in the storage area that has not been processed yet as the determination area, and performs various processes such as a jackpot determination on the random number stored in the determination area. When the process related to the random number stored in the determination area ends, the storage area with the next smallest number is set as the determination area, and the process such as the jackpot determination is repeated.

  Each storage area has a first jackpot random number column in which the value of the first jackpot determination counter is stored, a first special symbol determination random number column in which the value of the first special symbol determination counter is stored, and a first variation pattern determination counter. Is provided in a first variation pattern determination random number column in which the value of the first variation pattern is stored. When a game ball wins in the first starting port 14, the value of each random number acquisition counter counted at that time is stored in each column. The first jackpot random number is used for the first jackpot determination. The first special symbol determination random number is used to determine a first special symbol. The first variation pattern determination random number is used to determine a variation pattern indicating the variation time of the first special symbol displayed on the first special symbol display unit of the symbol display unit 24.

  In the pachinko machine 1, the fluctuation time of the first special symbol and the second special symbol is equal to the effect time of the notification effect for notifying the player of the results of the first big hit determination and the second big hit determination. The sub-control board 58 controls the notification effect according to the variation pattern determined by the main board 41. Specifically, the main board 41 starts changing the first special symbol according to the first changing pattern based on the first changing pattern determining random number. Further, the main board 41 starts changing the second special symbol according to the second changing pattern based on the second changing pattern determining random number. The sub-control board 58 starts the variation display of the effect symbol in synchronization with the start of the variation of either the first special symbol or the second special symbol. When any of the first special symbol and the second special symbol, which have started to fluctuate, the main board 41 ends the first special symbol or the second special symbol that has been fluctuated, the predetermined special symbol stop display time. (Confirmation display is performed for 0.8 seconds in this embodiment). The sub-control board 58 confirms and displays the effect symbol in synchronization with the special symbol stop display time. Further, the sub-control board 58 executes the notification effect synchronized with the fluctuation pattern by the display screen 28, the speaker 48, and the like, in addition to the effect design.

  The configuration of the second jackpot-related information storage area is the same as the configuration of the first jackpot-related information storage area. When a game ball is awarded to the second starting port 15 and the number of second reserved balls due to winning in the second starting port 15 is less than 4 (0 to 3), random numbers are stored in ascending order of the storage area with the smallest number. Is done. The second number of reserved balls is the number of random numbers stored in a state where execution of the jackpot determination is suspended among the random numbers corresponding to the game balls that have won the second starting port 15.

  In the special symbol processing, a variation pattern designation command for designating the determined variation pattern is generated. In addition, a special symbol stop command is generated with the elapse of the fluctuation time of the special symbol. These generated commands are stored in the RAM 52 and transmitted to the sub-control board 58 in a command output process (S10) of a main process to be executed next time.

  Next, an ordinary electric accessory processing is performed (S15). In the ordinary electric accessory processing, a process for controlling the operation of the normal winning game is performed when the normal winning is achieved. The CPU 51 opens the opening / closing member of the second starting port 15 longer than in the non-time saving state if the time saving state has occurred. If the time-saving flag is set to “ON”, the CPU 51 determines that the vehicle is in the time-saving state.

  Next, normal symbol processing is performed (S16). In the normal symbol process, a random number per normal is acquired when the normal symbol operation switch 75 detects a game ball. Based on the obtained random numbers, processing such as determination of a normal hit and storage of a command for controlling fluctuation of a normal symbol is performed. As described above, the normal hit determination is performed with the respective probabilities (99/100 or 4/100) depending on whether or not the time-saving state has occurred.

  Next, a payout process (S17), an error check (S18), and an information output process (S19) are performed. In the payout process, the payout of the prize balls is controlled. In the error check, when an error has occurred, the error is notified using the display screen 28, the speaker 48, and the like. In the information output process, various types of information are output to a game hall management computer (not shown).

  The phrase table stored in the ROM 583 of the sub control board 58 will be described with reference to FIG. The phrase table classifies each of the phrase data stored in the ROM 593 according to the sound type. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with six sound types: “normal SE”, “BGM intro”, “BGM loop”, “line”, “special SE”, and “notification sound”.

  The phrase “normal SE” is classified into phrase data such as sound effects used for the effect. For example, a sound effect accompanying a notice effect performed when the expectation degree of the notification effect is relatively low is classified as “normal SE”. The notice effect is, for example, various effects executed to suggest the degree of expectation of the notification effect from when the notification effect is started to when the effect symbol is definitely displayed. Also,

  The “BGM intro” classifies the phrase data of the intro part of the BGM mainly used in the notification effect. In the pachinko machine 1, the BGM used in the notification effect is composed of a plurality of phrase data including phrase data of an intro part and phrase data of a loop part. The intro part is a phrase part of an introduction part in the BGM of the notification effect, and is a BGM part output in a relatively short period (for example, about 3 to 5 seconds) after the start of the notification effect. is there. The loop portion is a BGM portion that is output following the intro portion. The phrase in the loop portion is repeatedly output after the phrase in the intro portion is output once, until, for example, one notification effect ends. The execution time of the notification effect varies depending on the effect content of the notification effect, the degree of expectation of the notification effect, the number of reserved balls, the game state and the like. Therefore, the execution time of the notification effect ranges from a relatively short time to a relatively long time (see FIG. 5). In the pachinko machine 1, by dividing the BGM into phrase data of an intro part and phrase data of a loop part, it is possible to provide BGM corresponding to the execution time of various notification effects.

  The "BGM loop" classifies the phrase data of the loop portion of the BGM mainly used in the notification effect. "Serif" is classified into phrase data of a character speech voice. The phrase “special SE” classifies the sound effect phrase data used when the degree of expectation of the notification effect is relatively high (for example, when the degree of expectation is 40% or more). The “notification sound” is classified into phrase data of various notification sounds. The phrase “notification sound” is, for example, a sound notifying that the front frame 12 or the main body frame 11 is open, a sound notifying that there is a possibility that the pachinko machine 1 has been tampered with (for example, a siren sound). ) Phrase.

  The phrase table includes items of “phrase number”, “reference volume”, and “fade pattern”. The “phrase number” indicates which phrase data is classified into the phrase data of each sound type. “Reference volume” indicates a reference volume of each phrase data. The “fade pattern” indicates which pattern is a pattern of a change rate (fade rate) of the volume when the volume of the phrase data is faded in or faded out. In addition, the phrase table may include an item for setting the number of times of repeating the output of the phrase data classified as “BGM loop” (the number of loops).

  The fade pattern table stored in the ROM 583 of the sub control board 58 will be described with reference to FIG. The fade pattern table defines a plurality of fade rate patterns. Each fade pattern defines a volume that changes according to the elapsed time that has elapsed since the start of the phrase data fade-in. Pattern 1 defines the volume when changing the volume from the minimum (0% to the reference volume) to the maximum (100% to the reference volume) in 3000 ms (3 seconds) every 50 ms. Pattern 2 defines the sound volume when changing the sound volume from the minimum to the maximum in 5000 ms (5 seconds) every 50 ms. Pattern 3 defines the volume when changing the volume from the minimum to the maximum in 10000 ms (10 seconds) every 100 ms. When changing the output volume of the phrase data by fade-in, the CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 refers to one of the patterns from the fade pattern table, and sets the time measured by the intro reproduction time counter and the fade elapsed time counter described later. The volume is controlled accordingly. FIG. 8 shows a pattern when the volume fades in. Although not shown, the fade pattern table may define a pattern in a case where the volume fades in a similar format.

  The sub-control board processing executed by the sub-control board 58 and the sound output control executed in the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. The sub-control board processing is executed by the CPU 581 according to a program stored in the ROM 583. In the pachinko machine 1, when the phrase data of "BGM intro" is reproduced, the volume is faded in at a predetermined fade rate. Thereafter, the phrase data of “BGM loop” inherits the volume at the end of the reproduction of “BGM intro” and the fade rate of the phrase data of “BGM intro”, and the reproduction is started. Hereinafter, such a “volume / fade takeover function” will be described. In the pachinko machine 1, the volume of the phrase data being reproduced may be switched. The switching of the volume corresponds to a case where the fade-out of the volume starts at a certain point in time for phrase data whose volume is faded in. The switching of the volume corresponds to a case where, for phrase data whose volume is faded in at a predetermined fade rate, fade-in starts at a certain point in time at a fade rate different from the predetermined fade rate. The pachinko machine 1 has a function of reducing the change in the volume and smoothly switching the volume when the volume is switched. Hereinafter, such a “volume switching function” will also be described.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the sub-control board processing is started, it is determined whether a variation pattern designation command has been received from the main board 41 (S22). If the variation pattern designation command has not been received (S22: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S26. When the variation pattern designation command is received (S22: YES), the variation pattern designated by the variation pattern designation command received from the main board 41 is stored in the RAM 582 (S23). A notification effect control command for causing the effect control board 43 to execute the image display process related to the notification effect according to the fluctuation pattern is stored in the RAM 582 (S24).

  Next, phrase designation information for causing the sound control circuit 591 to reproduce a sound related to the notification effect according to the fluctuation pattern is generated (S25). The phrase designation information generated here is information indicating the output content of the sound related to one notification effect. The phrase specification information is information in which information specifying phrase data to be reproduced and information specifying a reproduction volume of the phrase data are arranged in chronological order. The information for specifying the playback volume of the phrase data includes information on a fade rate when the volume is faded in or out. In addition, the sound related to the notification effect is set so that the reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM loop” is started after a predetermined time has elapsed since the reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM intro” has started. Therefore, in the phrase specification information, the reproduction start timing of the phrase data of “BGM loop” is specified by the elapsed time from the start of reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM intro”. The generated phrase designation information is stored in the RAM 582. The processing shifts to the determination at S26.

  Next, it is determined whether a special symbol stop command has been received from the main board 41 (S26). If the special symbol stop command has not been received (S26: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S29. When the special symbol stop command is received (S26: YES), the notification effect is terminated by confirming and displaying the effect symbol combination indicating the determination result of the jackpot determination (S27). The processing shifts to the determination at S29.

  Next, it is determined whether a jackpot game start command has been received from the main board 41 (S29). If the jackpot game start command has not been received (S29: NO), the process proceeds to the determination of S32. When the jackpot game start command is received (S29: YES), the notification effect start command for causing the effect control board 43 to start the image display process regarding the jackpot game effect, which is the effect during the jackpot game, is stored in the RAM 582 ( S30). Next, phrase designation information for causing the sound control circuit 591 to reproduce the sound related to the jackpot game effect is generated (S31), and stored in the RAM 582. The processing shifts to the determination at S32.

  Next, it is determined whether another command related to the sound has been received (S32). Other commands related to sound include various commands related to sound transmitted from the main board 41. A sound may be output in response to an operation by a player or the like. In such a case, a detection signal transmitted from the operation button 9 is also included in other commands. If the commands related to these sounds have not been received (S32: NO), the process proceeds to S35. When commands relating to these sounds are received (S32: YES), phrase designation information for causing the sound control circuit 591 to reproduce sounds corresponding to the respective commands is generated (S33) and stored in the RAM 582. The process shifts to S35.

  Next, output management information generation processing is executed (S35). The output management information generation process is a process of generating output management information. The output management information is information about the playback status of the phrase data and the status of the volume of the sound being played in each of the phrase playback tracks from the first track to the n-th track. The output management information generation processing is executed every time the sub-control board processing is executed. That is, the CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 repeatedly generates the output management information as time passes by repeatedly executing the output management information generation processing. In addition, every time the CPU 581 executes a sound control process (S36), which will be described later, the CPU 581 obtains and refers to new output management information to constantly grasp the state of the sound in the first to n-th tracks.

  The output management information generation processing (S35, see FIG. 9) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. When the output management information generation process is started, the playback status of each phrase playback track and the phrase number specifying the phrase data are obtained from the decoder 591B of each phrase playback track (S41). The reproduction status is information indicating which phrase data is being reproduced in the phrase reproduction track. In the present embodiment, it is indicated as either “during playback” or “during stop”. The phrase number is the phrase number of the phrase data being reproduced which is decoded by the decoder 591B of the phrase reproduction track. When the reproduction status is “reproducing”, the CPU 581 acquires a phrase number corresponding to the phrase data based on the phrase data and the phrase table being reproduced.

  Next, the current volume and fade status of each phrase playback track are obtained from the track volume 591C of each phrase playback track (S42). The current volume is the output volume of the reproduction sound currently reproduced in the phrase reproduction track. In the present embodiment, the volume is indicated as a percentage of the reference volume of each phrase data. The fade status is information indicating whether the fade-in / fade-out is set for the data of the reproduced sound or which fade pattern is set when the fade-in / fade-out is set.

  Next, output management information is generated based on the information acquired in the processing of S41 and S42 (S43). In the present embodiment, output management information is generated with the configuration shown in FIG. The output management information indicates the playback status, phrase number, current volume, fade-in / fade-out, fade pattern, and playback time for each of the phrase playback tracks from the first track to the n-th track. Note that the playback time is a time that has elapsed since the playback of the phrase data of “BGM intro” was started. The reproduction time is measured by an intro reproduction time counter stored in the RAM 582 in a sound output start process described later (see FIG. 13).

  As shown in the example of FIG. 11, the output management information indicates that the phrase data of the phrase 53 is being reproduced on the first track, the current volume is 60% of the reference volume, and the fade pattern is pattern 1 Indicates that the playback time is 3 seconds. Further, the output management information indicates that the reproduction status of the second track is “stopped”, and that no phrase data is being reproduced. Similarly, for each of the third to n-th tracks, the reproduction status, phrase number, current volume, fade-in / fade-out, fade pattern, and reproduction time are shown for each phrase reproduction track.

  Next, the generated output management information is stored in the RAM 582 (S44). By generating the output management information in this manner, the CPU 581 can grasp the reproduction state of the phrase data and the state of the volume of the sound being reproduced at the time when the output management information processing is executed. In addition, since the output management information is repeatedly generated as time elapses, the CPU 581 can monitor the playback status of the phrase data for each of the raise playback tracks and the status of the volume of the sound being played back. The processing returns to the sub-control board processing (see FIG. 9).

  Returning to the description of FIG. Next, a sound control process is executed (S36). In the sound control processing, sound output is controlled according to the phrase designation information. The “volume / fade handover function” and the “volume switching function” are applied to the output sound.

  The sound control processing (S36, see FIG. 9) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. When the sound control processing is started, the phrase designation information stored in the RAM 582 is referred to, and an instruction to reproduce the phrase data indicated by the referred phrase designation information is transmitted to the sound control circuit 591 (S51). ). In this process, when an output instruction is performed based on the phrase designation information generated in the process of S25 (see FIG. 9), the intro start flag is set to “ON”. The intro start flag is a flag indicating that reproduction of phrase data classified as “BGM intro” is started, and is stored in the RAM 592. Further, the phrase number of the phrase data classified as “BGM intro” for which the reproduction is instructed in the process of S51 is stored in the RAM 592. The sound control circuit 591 having received the instruction from the CPU 581 causes each of the first to n-th track processing units TR1 to TRn to transmit a sound signal obtained by decoding the phrase data corresponding to the determined volume to the mixer 591D. Further, the sound signals transmitted from the first to n-th track processing units TR1 to TRn are mixed by the mixer 591D, and the mixed signals are transmitted to the speaker 48. The speaker 48 converts the transmitted mixed signal, which is a digital sound signal, into an analog sound and outputs it.

  Next, a sound output start process is executed (S52). The sound output start process is a process for adjusting the volume of phrase data for which reproduction is newly started according to the phrase designation information. If you want to output the phrase of the preceding sound and the phrase of the following sound as one, make the volume of the preceding phrase and the volume at the start of playback of the following phrase the same. desirable. When the volume of the preceding phrase is faded in or faded out, the volume of the preceding phrase changes according to the elapsed time from the start of the fade-in or fade-out. In particular, in the pachinko machine 1, a plurality of fade patterns having different fade rates are provided. For this reason, the preceding phrase has various volumes according to the fade pattern of the preceding phrase and the output start timing of the subsequent phrase. The pachinko machine 1 performs the “volume / fade takeover function” by executing the sound output start process. The pachinko machine 1 has the “volume / fade takeover function”, so that the volume of the preceding phrase is fade-controlled, and even when it is difficult to specify the volume, at the joint between the preceding phrase and the following phrase, The volume can be hardly changed.

  The sound output start processing (S52, see FIG. 12) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. When the sound output start process is started, it is determined whether the intro start flag is “ON” (S61). When the intro start flag is "ON" (S61: YES), the RAM 582 is referred to, and the phrase number of the phrase data of "BGM intro" to start the reproduction is obtained (S62).

  Next, referring to the phrase table (see FIG. 7) stored in the ROM 583, a fade pattern associated with the phrase data of the phrase number acquired in the processing of S62 is specified (S63). Then, the content of the specified fade pattern is obtained by referring to the fade pattern table (see FIG. 8) stored in the ROM 583 (S64). An instruction to start volume fade-in based on the acquired fade pattern is transmitted to the sound control circuit 591 (S65). Upon receiving this instruction, the sound control circuit 591 causes the track volume 591C corresponding to the phrase reproduction track for reproducing the phrase data of "BGM intro" to start fade-in of the volume in the instructed fade pattern.

  Next, the measurement of the reproduction time by the intro reproduction time counter is started (S66). The intro reproduction time counter is a timer counter stored in the RAM 582. The timer counter is a counter used to measure time. The reproduction time is an elapsed time from the start of reproduction of the phrase data classified as “BGM intro”.

  Thereafter, the in-reproduction flag is turned “ON”. The intro reproduction flag is a flag indicating that the phrase data classified as “BGM intro” is being reproduced, and is stored in the RAM 592. Next, the intro start flag is set to “OFF” (S69), and the process returns to the sound control process (see FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, when the intro start flag is "OFF" (S61: NO), it is determined whether the intro reproduction flag is "ON" (S71). When the intro playback flag is “ON” (S71: YES), it is determined whether or not the playback timing of the phrase data of “BGM loop” has come after the phrase data of “BGM intro” being played back ( S72). This determination is made based on whether or not the playback time at which the measurement was started in S66 has reached the playback start timing of the phrase data of the “BGM loop” specified in the phrase specification information.

  When the playback timing of the phrase data of "BGM loop" has come (S72: YES), the output management information is acquired (S73). The CPU 581 acquires from the RAM 582 the output management information generated in the output management information generation processing (S35, see FIG. 8). With reference to the output management information, the phrase number of the phrase data classified as “BGM intro” currently being reproduced is specified (S74).

  Next, the current volume of the phrase data of the specified phrase number is specified based on the output management information (S75). Further, a fade pattern of the phrase data of the specified phrase number is specified based on the output management information (S76). That is, the current volume and the fade pattern of the phrase data classified as “BGM intro” being reproduced are specified. Then, the phrase data of the "BGM loop" to be newly started to be reproduced is started from the same volume as the current volume specified in the process of S74, with the same fade pattern as the fade pattern specified in the process of S75. The instruction is transmitted to the sound control circuit 591 (S78).

  As the reproduction of the phrase data classified as “BGM loop” is started, the reproduction of the phrase data classified as “BGM intro” is ended. Therefore, the measurement of the reproduction time by the intro reproduction time counter is terminated, and the value of the counter is cleared to “0” (S79). Thereafter, the in-reproduction flag is set to "OFF" (S81), and the process returns to the sound control process (see FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, when the in-reproduction flag is “OFF” (S71: NO), or when the reproduction timing of the phrase data of “BGM loop” has not arrived (S72: NO), the reproduction of the phrase data of other sounds is not performed. It is started (S85). If there is no phrase data for starting reproduction at this point, the process of S85 may not be performed. Thereafter, the processing returns to the sound control processing (see FIG. 12).

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the sound output start process ends, a volume control process is executed (S53). After that, the sound of each phrase data is changed according to the designation of the phrase designation information, the setting of the volume at the start of the reproduction of the phrase data in the sound output start process (S52), and the setting related to the volume switching in the volume control process (S53). An instruction to output is transmitted to the sound control circuit 591 (S54). The sound control circuit 591 reproduces a sound signal in accordance with the designation of the phrase designation information, the setting in the sound output start processing (S52), and the setting in the volume control processing (S53), and causes the speaker 48 to output the sound. Thereafter, the processing returns to the sub-control board processing (see FIG. 9).

  In the sound volume control processing, the sound volume when the phrase data is reproduced is controlled. In the output of a sound phrase, when the volume of the phrase is faded in or faded out, there is a case where it is desired to switch the fade rate to a different rate, or to switch between fade-in and fade-out. In such a case, when the volume is switched, it is desirable that the fade rate be switched or the fade-in and the fade-out be switched each other without changing the volume. When the volume of the phrase is faded in or faded out, the volume of the phrase changes according to the elapsed time from the start of the fade-in or fade-out. In particular, in the pachinko machine 1, a plurality of fade patterns having different fade rates are provided. For this reason, the volume of the phrase at the time of volume switching varies depending on the fade pattern of the phrase and the timing of volume switching. The pachinko machine 1 exhibits a “volume switching function” by executing a volume control process. Since the pachinko machine 1 has the "volume switching function", the volume of the phrase is fade-controlled, and even when the volume is difficult to specify, the volume can be made hard to change at the time of volume switching.

  The volume control process (S53, see FIG. 12) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. When the volume control process is started, output management information is obtained (S90). The CPU 581 acquires from the RAM 582 the output management information generated in the output management information generation processing (S35, see FIG. 8). It is determined whether the volume of the phrase data being reproduced is switched (S91). This determination is made based on whether or not the volume switching timing has come when the phrase specification information specifies that the volume of the phrase data being reproduced is to be switched.

  When the volume of the phrase data being reproduced is switched (S91: YES), the phrase data whose volume switching is specified in the phrase specification information is included in the phrase data indicated as being reproduced in the output management information. Which one is specified (S92). Next, it is determined based on the output management information whether or not the playback volume of the phrase data of the specified phrase number is faded in or out (S94).

  If the playback volume of the phrase data of the specified phrase number is faded in or out (S94: YES), the current volume of the phrase data whose volume is switched is specified based on the output management information (S95). Then, the specified current volume is obtained. Further, the fade pattern of the phrase data after the volume switching is determined based on the phrase designation information (S96). Then, the content of the specified fade pattern is acquired by referring to the fade pattern table (see FIG. 8) (S98).

  Thereafter, an instruction to start switching of the volume based on the current volume of the phrase data acquired in S95 based on the fade pattern acquired in S98 is transmitted to the sound control circuit 591 (S99). Upon receiving this instruction, the sound control circuit 591 supplies the track volume 591C corresponding to the phrase reproduction track for reproducing the phrase data of the corresponding phrase number from the indicated volume to the volume of the indicated supported fade pattern. Start switching. The processing returns to the sound control processing (see FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, when the playback volume of the phrase data of the specified phrase number is not faded in or out (S94: NO), switching of the volume from a predetermined volume is started (S100). Thereafter, the processing returns to the sound control processing (see FIG. 12). When the volume of the phrase data is constant without being faded in or out, for example, the volume can be specified in advance based on the phrase designation information. Therefore, it is necessary to acquire the current volume of the phrase based on the output management information. There is no. Therefore, in the process of S100, the volume is not acquired based on the output management information. However, the current volume of the phrase may be acquired based on the output management information also in the process of S100.

  On the other hand, when the volume of the phrase data being reproduced cannot be switched (S91: NO), it is determined based on the output management information whether the phrase data classified as “BGM loop” is being reproduced (S102). . If the phrase data classified as "BGM loop" is not being reproduced (S102: NO), the volume of the phrase data is controlled based on the phrase designation information (S108). Specifically, the volume of the phrase data is controlled to the playback volume specified for the phrase data. If the information for specifying the reproduction volume includes information indicating a fade pattern for fade-in or fade-out, fade control of the volume is performed at the fade rate defined in the fade pattern table. Thereafter, the processing returns to the sound control processing (see FIG. 12).

  If the phrase data classified as "BGM loop" is being reproduced (S102: YES), it is determined whether the volume of the phrase data classified as "BGM loop" has reached the reference volume of the phrase data. (S103). This determination is made by comparing the current volume of the phrase data classified as “BGM loop” indicated in the output management information with the reference volume defined in the phrase table (see FIG. 7). .

  If the volume of the phrase data classified as "BGM loop" has reached the reference volume (S103: YES), the volume of the phrase data classified as "BGM loop" is maintained at the reference volume, for example, phrase designation information. Is repeatedly reproduced a predetermined number of times based on (S104). Thereafter, the processing returns to the sound control processing (see FIG. 12).

  On the other hand, when the volume of the phrase data classified as “BGM loop” does not reach the reference volume (S103: NO), the process is set in S78 (see FIG. 13) until the volume reaches the reference volume. The fade-in of the volume is continued in the fade pattern (S105). Thereafter, the processing returns to the sound control processing (see FIG. 12).

  Returning to the description of FIG. When the sound control process (S36) ends, a command output process is performed (S37). In the command output processing, a control command is output to the effect control board 43, the sound control circuit, and the like. The control commands output here are the notification effect control command stored in the RAM 52 in the process of S24, the jackpot game effect start command stored in the RAM 52 in the process of S30, and the like. Thereafter, the process returns to the determination at S22.

  Referring to FIG. 15, when the “volume / fade takeover function” is exhibited, the transition of the volume of each of the phrase data of “BGM intro” and the phrase data of “BGM loop” is represented by “volume / fade takeover function” Will be described in comparison with the case where "" is not exhibited. First, a case where the “volume / fade takeover function” is exhibited will be described. In this case, first, the volume of the phrase data of “BGM intro” is faded in. FIG. 15 shows an example in which “Pattern 3” of the fade patterns defined in the fade pattern table (see FIG. 8) is applied to the phrase data of “BGM intro”. As described above, the pattern 3 is a fade pattern that changes the sound volume from the minimum (0% to the reference volume) to the maximum (100% to the reference volume) in 10,000 ms (10 seconds). It is assumed that the phrase designation information is set so that the reproduction of the phrase data of "BGM loop" is started when the reproduction time of the phrase data of "BGM intro" reaches 5 seconds.

  When the reproduction time of the phrase data of “BGM intro” reaches 5 seconds, the reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM loop” is subsequently started. At this time, when the reproduction time of the phrase data of “BGM intro” has reached 5 seconds (S72: YES), the output management information is obtained (S73). Based on the output management information, the phrase data of the “BGM intro” being reproduced is specified (S74), and the current volume of the corresponding phrase data is specified (S75). In FIG. 15, it is assumed that the current volume of the phrase data of “BGM intro” is specified as “50%” indicated by the point P. Thereby, the reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM loop” is started from the volume of “50%” indicated by the point P. Therefore, the volume does not change at a point P which is a joint between the phrase data of “BGM intro” and the phrase data of “BGM loop”.

  In this regard, if the volume of the phrase data of the “BGM loop” at the start of reproduction is set to, for example, 100% of the reference volume without depending on the output management information, the volume of the “BGM loop” after the point P The volume of the phrase data changes as indicated by a straight line R. In this case, at the point P, the volume of the BGM rapidly changes from 50% of the reference volume to 100% of the reference volume. In this case, there is a possibility that a person who listens to the BGM may feel uncomfortable or may make the impression of the BGM unpleasant. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with the "volume / fade takeover function" to prevent such a change in volume at the joint between the phrase data. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can progress the game comfortably to the player without lowering the player's impression of the BGM.

  When the “volume / fade takeover function” is performed, the fade pattern of the corresponding phrase data is specified in response to the reproduction time of the phrase data of “BGM intro” reaching 5 seconds (S72: YES). Is performed (S76). The phrase data of “BGM loop” reproduced following the phrase data of “BGM intro” is faded in to 100% of the reference volume with the specified fade pattern. In this case, as shown in FIG. 15, the dashed line indicating the change in the volume of the phrase data "BGM Intro" and the straight line Q indicating the change in the volume of the phrase data "BGM loop" have the same gradient. As described above, since the BGM continuously shifts from the phrase data of “BGM intro” to the phrase data of “BGM loop” at the same fade rate, the pachinko machine 1 sets the “BGM intro” and “BGM loop” The player can be heard as an integrated BGM.

  Referring to FIG. 16, when the playback volume of the phrase data is switched from a certain point in time, the transition of the volume when the “volume switching function” is performed is described as the transition of the volume when the “volume switching function” is not performed. This will be described in comparison with. First, the case where the "volume switching function" is exhibited will be described. In FIG. 16, it is assumed that the volume is changed due to the fade-in to which “Pattern 3” is applied before the volume is switched. After the volume is switched, a fade pattern that changes the volume from the maximum (100% with respect to the reference volume) to the minimum (0% with respect to the reference volume) in 10,000 ms (10 seconds), Suppose the volume fades out. It is assumed that the phrase designation information is set such that the volume fade-out starts with the above-mentioned fade pattern six seconds after the start of the volume volume fade-in of the phrase data. It is assumed that the time elapsed since the start of the fade-in of the phrase data is measured by a fade elapsed time counter, which is a timer counter similar to the intro reproduction time counter, and stored in the RAM 582.

  When six seconds have elapsed since the start of the fade-in of the volume of the phrase data, it is determined that the volume of the phrase of the sound being reproduced is switched (S91: YES). Then, the phrase number of the phrase data for which volume switching is specified is specified based on the output management information (S92). Then, it is determined whether or not the playback volume of the phrase data of the specified phrase number is faded in or out based on the output management information (S94).

  In the example of FIG. 16, since the volume of the phrase data has been faded in (S94: YES), the current volume of the phrase data is obtained based on the output management information (S95). In FIG. 16, it is assumed that the current volume of the phrase data specified as “60%” indicated by the point S is acquired. Thereby, the volume switching is started from the volume of “60%” indicated by the point S. Therefore, the volume does not change at the point S, which is the boundary of the volume switching of the phrase data.

  In this regard, if the volume at the boundary of the volume switching of the phrase data is set to, for example, 100% of the reference volume without depending on the output management information, the volume of the phrase data after the point S is represented by a straight line U. Transition as shown. In this case, at point S, the volume of the phrase data sharply increases from 60% of the reference volume to 100% of the reference volume.

  Similarly, when the volume at the boundary of the volume switching of the phrase data is set to, for example, 50% of the reference volume without depending on the output management information, the volume of the phrase data after the point S is represented by a straight line V. Transition as shown. In this case, at point S, the volume of the phrase data sharply decreases from 60% of the reference volume to 50% of the reference volume.

  If such a sudden change in the volume of the phrase data occurs, there is a possibility that a person who listens to the sound based on the phrase data may feel uncomfortable or make the sound impression unpleasant. The pachinko machine 1 is provided with a "volume switching handover function" to prevent such a change in volume at the boundary of the volume switching of the phrase data. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can progress the game comfortably to the player without lowering the player's impression of the sound output from the pachinko machine 1.

  As described above, in the pachinko machine 1, an instruction to output phrase data classified as “BGM intro” is transmitted from the CPU 581 to the sound control circuit 591 (S54). Further, when the reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM loop” is started thereafter (S72: YES), the current volume of the phrase data of “BGM intro” being reproduced is specified based on the output management information (S75). ). Then, the reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM loop” is started from the same volume as the current volume of the specified phrase data of “BGM intro” (S78). Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can prevent the volume from changing at the joint with the phrase data of "BGM loop" even if the volume of the phrase data of "BGM intro" is faded in.

  When the playback start timing of the phrase data of "BGM loop" has come (S72: YES), the output management information at that time is obtained (S73). Based on the acquired output management information, the current volume of the phrase data of “BGM Intro” being reproduced is specified (S74 and S75). For this reason, the pachinko machine 1 can adjust the volume at the time when the reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM loop” is started to the same volume as the current volume of the phrase data of “BGM intro”. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can match the volume of each phrase at the joint between the phrase data of the preceding “BGM intro” and the phrase data of the subsequent “BGM loop”.

  The pachinko machine 1 stores a fade pattern table in the ROM 583 of the sub control board 58. The fade pattern table defines a plurality of fade patterns having different fade rates. Then, a fade pattern corresponding to the type of phrase data of "BGM intro" to start reproduction is obtained by referring to the fade pattern table (see FIG. 8) (S64). Further, when the reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM loop” is started, the fade pattern of the phrase data of “BGM intro” being reproduced is specified based on the output management information (S76). Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can fade-in the phrase data of “BGM loop” with the same fade pattern as the phrase data of the phrase data of “BGM intro” being reproduced. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can set the same fade pattern between the phrase data of the preceding “BGM intro” and the phrase data of the subsequent “BGM loop”. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can smoothly connect the phrase data of “BGM intro” and the phrase data of “BGM loop”.

  The pachinko machine 1 executes the output management information generation process (see FIG. 10), thereby reproducing the phrase data and the volume of the sound being reproduced in each of the phrase reproduction tracks of the first to n-th tracks. Is generated (S43). The pachinko machine 1 repeatedly generates the output management information as time passes by repeatedly executing the output management information generation process. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 adjusts the current volume of the phrase data of “BGM intro” regardless of the timing of the connection between the phrase data of the preceding “BGM intro” and the phrase data of the subsequent “BGM loop”. It can be specified based on the output management information. Therefore, the pachinko machine 1 can automatically prevent a change in volume at the joint between the phrase data of "BGM intro" and the phrase data of "BGM loop".

  In the present embodiment, the speaker 48 corresponds to “output means” of the present invention. The CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 that transmits an instruction to output the sound of each phrase data to the sound control circuit 591 in S54 of FIG. 12 corresponds to “output control means” of the present invention. The phrase data classified as “BGM intro” corresponds to the “first phrase” of the present invention. The phrase data classified as “BGM loop” corresponds to the “second phrase” of the present invention. The CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 that starts the volume fade-in based on the fade pattern acquired from the fade pattern table in S65 of FIG. 13 functions as “first volume control means” of the present invention. The CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 that specifies the current volume of the phrase data of the specified phrase number based on the output management information functions as the “first acquisition unit” of the present invention.

  The CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 that starts the reproduction of the phrase data of the “BGM loop” with the same fade pattern as the fade pattern specified in the processing of S75 functions as “second volume control means” of the present invention. The fade pattern table shown in FIG. 8 corresponds to “defining means” of the present invention. The CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 that acquires a fade pattern corresponding to the type of phrase data of “BGM intro” in S64 of FIG. 13 functions as “second acquisition means” of the present invention. The CPU 581 of the sub-control board 58 that executes the output management information generation processing shown in FIG. 10 functions as the “monitoring unit” of the present invention. The output management information generated in S43 shown in FIG. 10 corresponds to the “monitoring result” of the present invention.

  The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described in detail above, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the above embodiment, information indicating the playback status, the phrase number, the current volume, the fade-in / fade-out, the fade pattern, and the playback time for each of the phrase playback tracks from the first track to the n-th track is generated as the output management information. You. The output management information does not need to include all the information. For example, the output management information may not include the information on the fade pattern. Even in this case, if the output management information includes information indicating the current volume and the playback time, a fade pattern that matches the relationship between the current volume and the playback time is defined in the fade pattern table. It can be specified from among the patterns.

  In the above embodiment, the scene to which the “volume / fade takeover function” is applied is a scene of volume adjustment at the joint between the phrase data of “BGM intro” and the phrase data of “BGM loop”. The application scene of the “takeover function” is not limited to this. For example, the volume of the previously reproduced phrase data (hereinafter, referred to as “preceding phrase”) is faded out, and subsequently, the volume of another succeeding phrase data (hereinafter, referred to as “subsequent phrase”). The "volume / fade takeover function" can be applied to a scene where reproduction is continuously performed with a fade-out. In this case, when the reproduction start timing of the subsequent phrase has come (S72: YES), the current volume and the fade pattern of the preceding phrase being reproduced may be specified based on the output management information (S75 and S76). In this case, the pachinko machine 1 can start the fade-out of the volume of the subsequent phrase from the same volume as the specified current volume with the specified fade pattern. For this reason, the pachinko machine 1 can smoothly connect both phrases by preventing a change in volume at the joint between the preceding phrase and the succeeding phrase.

  Also, when the volume of the preceding phrase is faded in by the first fade pattern, and the volume of the subsequent phrase is faded in by the second fade pattern different from the first fade pattern, the “volume / fade” Takeover function "can be applied. In this case, even if the fade rate changes at the joint between the preceding phrase and the succeeding phrase, it is possible to prevent a change in volume at the joint between the preceding phrase and the succeeding phrase, and to smoothly connect both phrases. Also, when the volume of the preceding phrase is faded out by the third fade pattern, and the volume of the subsequent phrase is faded in by the fourth fade pattern different from the third fade pattern, "Volume / Fade takeover function "can be applied. In this case, the volume is prevented from changing at the joint between the preceding phrase that is faded out and the subsequent phrase that is faded in.

  In the above embodiment, the output management information is sequentially generated as time passes, and the current volume of the phrase data of “BGM Intro” being reproduced is acquired from the latest output management information. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when the reproduction timing of the phrase data of “BGM loop” has arrived (S72: YES), the volume of the phrase data of “BGM intro” being reproduced each time becomes the track volume 59 of the corresponding phrase reproduction track. May be obtained from In this way, even if the current volume of the phrase data of “BGM Intro” being reproduced is specified, the pachinko machine 1 has the same effect as the above embodiment.

  Further, the configuration for acquiring the current volume of the phrase data of “BGM intro” being reproduced is not limited to the acquisition when the reproduction timing of the phrase data of “BGM loop” has come (S72: YES). For example, the pachinko machine 1 acquires the time from the start of the reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM intro” to the start of the reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM loop” based on, for example, the phrase designation information. Then, from the relationship between the acquired time and the fade rate applied to the phrase data of “BGM intro”, the volume at which the reproduction of the phrase data of “BGM loop” is started may be calculated. Thereby, the pachinko machine 1 can acquire the reproduction start volume of the phrase data of “BGM loop” before the reproduction start timing of the phrase data of “BGM loop”.

  In the above embodiment, the phrase table is stored in the ROM 583, but may be stored in another storage device such as the ROM 593. The “sound type”, “reference volume”, and “fade pattern” are not limited to the configuration stored in the phrase table in association with each phrase data. For example, the configuration may be such that metadata of “sound type”, “reference volume”, and “fade pattern” are included as metadata of each phrase data stored in the ROM 593. The “reference volume” may be specified each time from the phrase data itself or the decoded data obtained by decoding the phrase data by the decoder 591B. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the reference volume of the phrase data is specified by detecting the level of the sampled waveform in the decoded data. Note that the decoded data includes, for example, a plurality of sampling points. The interval between the sampling points corresponds to a predetermined sampling rate (for example, 11.025 kHz). That is, the volume of the phrase data is determined for each sampling point. The maximum value of the determined volume may be extracted to specify the reference volume.

  In the above embodiment, the output management information generation processing (S35) is executed each time the sub-control board processing is executed, and new output management information is generated each time. Each time, the sound control process is executed. In addition, for example, the sound control process (S36) may be performed every time the content indicated by the output management information changes.

  In the above embodiment, the decoder 591B and the track volume 591C are provided in each of the first to n-th track processing units TR1 to TRn of the sound control circuit 591; however, the configuration of the sound control circuit 591 is not limited to this. . For example, one decoder 591B can reproduce phrase data by designating a plurality of phrase reproduction tracks, and one track volume 591C designates each of a plurality of phrase reproduction tracks to adjust output volume. There may be. In this case, the sound control circuit 591 may have one decoder 591B and one track volume 591C.

  All elements (e.g., display means, movable means, corresponding images, and the like) described in the claims, the description, and the drawings are physically single unless clearly stated to limit the number. Or a plurality of them, and the arrangement may be changed as appropriate. Further, the names (element names) given to the elements are merely provided for convenience of description of the present case, and it is not particularly conscious that special meanings are thereby caused. Therefore, what the element is is not limited to the element name alone. For example, the "output means" may be a single piece of hardware or may include software. Furthermore, it is easily determined by those skilled in the art whether a plurality of the above-mentioned elements are integrally formed as appropriate or one element is divided into a plurality of elements. It is clear that all patterns are within the assumed range even if all the patterns are not described in the specification or the like, so the statement that they are explicitly excluded in the claims etc. It goes without saying that all of them are included in the scope of rights according to the present invention unless otherwise described. Therefore, merely adopting a structural difference within that range to a gaming machine because it is not described in the present embodiment does not mean that the right according to the present invention has been avoided. . In addition, the same applies to differences in obvious configurations that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art from the present embodiment in the configuration and shape of each element.

1 Pachinko machine 41 Main board 48 Speaker 51 CPU
52 RAM
53 ROM
58 Sub-control board 581 CPU
582 RAM
583 ROM
591 Sound control circuit 593 ROM

Claims (3)

Output control means for outputting the sound phrase to the output means;
A first volume control unit that controls a first volume that is a volume of a first phrase that is a phrase of a sound output to the output unit by the output control unit,
First acquisition means for acquiring the first volume controlled by the first volume control means,
A second volume control unit that controls a second volume that is a volume of a second phrase that is a phrase of a sound that is output to the output unit following the first phrase by the output control unit ,
Definition means that defines a change rate that is a rate of change of the first sound volume over time,
And second acquisition means for acquiring the change ratio defined by the definition means ,
The first volume control unit performs control to change the first volume based on the change ratio acquired by the second acquisition unit over time,
The second volume control means ,
Said second volume when the output of the second phrase in the output unit is started by the previous SL output control means controls the volume in accordance with the first volume which is acquired by the first acquisition means,
Control is performed to change the second volume according to the change ratio acquired by the second acquisition unit.
A gaming machine characterized by that:   2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the first volume when the output control unit starts outputting the second phrase by the output unit. 3. Monitoring means for monitoring the volume of the phrase output to the output means by the output control means,
It said first acquisition unit, gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that obtaining the first volume on the basis of a result of monitoring by said monitoring means.

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