JP6664351B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine for playing a game.

  As a gaming machine, a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information each of which can be identified is provided, and after variably displaying the variable display unit, the display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit. There is a slot machine that can generate a winning according to the display result. Further, as a gaming machine, a game ball, which is a game medium, is fired into a game area by a launch device, and when a game ball wins a winning area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, a game value is given to the player. There is a pachinko machine.

  As such a gaming machine, there has been a gaming machine that displays a menu screen when a call button is operated and mutes a BGM sound while the menu screen is displayed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2006-165550

  In the above-described gaming machine, when the display of the menu screen ends, the BGM sound returns to the original volume, so that the player may be surprised.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that prevents a player from being surprised by a volume.

(1) In gaming machines that play games,
Among a plurality of types of setting values having different degrees of advantage for the player, a setting confirmation state control means for controlling to a setting confirmation state for confirming the setting value being set,
When controlled to the setting confirmation state when a sound is output at a specific volume in an advantageous state advantageous to the player, lowering the volume than the specific volume in the setting confirmation state,
When the setting confirmation state ends and the control is switched to the advantageous state, the sound volume is reduced to be lower than the specific volume in the advantageous state, and then, when an operation related to the start of a game is performed, the specific volume is set. So that the volume is restored.
The gaming machine may be configured as follows.
In gaming machines that play games (for example, slot machines, pachinko gaming machines)
When the specific processing is executed in a state where the sound is output at a specific volume (for example, the volume 5 shown in FIG. 3A), the volume is made lower than the specific volume during the execution of the specific processing ( For example, as shown in FIG. 3 (b), when the processing for shifting to the setting confirmation is performed, the volume 2 becomes lower than the volume 5 in the advantageous state shown in FIG. 3 (a)).
When the specific processing is completed, the volume is reduced to a level lower than the specific volume and returned to a state before the specific processing is executed (for example, as shown in FIG. 3C, the setting confirmation is completed. Sometimes, the setting image is switched to the game image again at a volume 0 lower than the volume 5 in the advantageous state shown in FIG. 3A).

(2) In the gaming machine of the above (1),
When the specific processing is completed, the output of the sound is stopped and returned to the state before the specific processing is executed (for example, as shown in FIG. Stops and the volume becomes 0).

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) or (2),
When the specific process is completed, a sound is output at a volume lower than the specific volume and the sound is returned to a state before the specific process is executed (for example, the “volume after setting confirmation” in the modified example) As described in the column, when the setting confirmation is completed, the sound is output at a volume lower than the volume 5 in the advantageous state shown in FIG. 3A, and the setting image is switched to the game image again.

It is a diagram showing a gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a figure for explaining the sound volume when the sound volume is set in the gaming state. It is a figure for explaining volume when a setting check is performed in a game state.

Embodiments for implementing a gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on embodiments.
[Push button and cross key]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid crystal display 51 for displaying an image, speakers 53 and 54 for outputting sound, a push button 56, and a cross key 70. The push button 56 is a switch operated to display a menu image to be described later on the liquid crystal display 51 or to confirm selection of a selection item to be described later. The cross key 70 includes a left switch 70a, a right switch 70b, an upper switch 70c, and a lower switch 70d, and displays a menu image and a volume setting image to be described later on the liquid crystal display 51, and selects each selection item. Switch that is operated in order to Note that the left switch 70a and the right switch 70b are also referred to as left and right keys.

[Various states]
The gaming machine 1 can be controlled to various states such as a gaming state, a demonstration state, a menu state, and a volume setting state, and an image corresponding to each state is displayed on a liquid crystal display 51 shown in FIG.

  The gaming state is a state in which the player can recognize from the outside that the player is playing a game, and indicates a state in which the player is playing a game and a state in which the player has not yet shifted to the demonstration state even though the player has not played the game. Including.

  The game state includes a normal state and an advantageous state. The normal state is, for example, a state in which an increase in gaming value cannot be expected as a design of the gaming machine 1 or a state in which the stay rate of the game is greater than the advantageous state. The advantageous state is a state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. The advantageous state is, for example, a state in which the gaming value of the player's hand is more likely to increase than in the normal state, a state in which the gaming value of the player's hand is less likely to decrease than in the normal state, or a state in which the player's hand has less than the normal state. This is a state where it is easy to shift to a state where the gaming value is likely to increase. The advantageous state may be any state as long as it is more advantageous for the player than the normal state.

  In the game state, a game image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The game image is an image that can be recognized from the outside that the player is playing a game. As an example of the game image, in a normal state, a game image including a background assuming daytime is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51, and in an advantageous state, a game image including a background assuming night is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Is done. A game image including a character together with the background may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

  In the demonstration state, it can be recognized from the outside that the player is not playing a game (for example, there is no player playing the game, or the player temporarily exits even if there is a player playing the game). State. When the demo transition time (for example, 3 minutes) elapses after the unit game ends, the game state shifts to the demo state. Specifically, in the game state, the elapsed time from the end of the game is measured. The measured elapsed time is reset when a game start condition is satisfied. In the present embodiment, the measured elapsed time is reset when a start operation for starting a game is performed. When the elapsed time measured in the gaming state reaches the demonstration transition time, the state shifts from the gaming state to the demonstration state.

  In the demonstration state, a demonstration image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The demonstration image is an image that can be recognized from the outside that the player is not playing a game. As an example of the demonstration image, in the demonstration state, an image indicating the model name of the gaming machine 1 and the name of the gaming machine maker is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. As an example of the demonstration image, in the demonstration state, a description about the game is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

  The menu state is a state in which selection items that enable browsing of settings related to effects and information about games are displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. As a setting relating to the effect, there is a volume setting of the speakers 53 and 54. The browsing of information related to the game includes browsing a payout table and a game history. The payout table is a table showing the correspondence between the result of the game and the provision of the game value. The game history is a table showing the history of the game (for example, the number of times of control of the advantageous state and the total number of game values provided). When the push button 56 is operated in the game state, the state shifts to the menu state. When the selection of the selection item for setting the volume in the menu state is determined, the operation shifts to the volume setting state. In addition, when the left and right keys are operated in the game state, the mode directly shifts to the volume setting state without going through the menu state. The sound volume setting state is a state in which settings relating to effects such as sound volume setting can be made, and thus can be said to be an effect setting state. Further, a process of shifting to the menu state when the push button 56 is operated in the game state, or a process of directly shifting to the volume setting state without going through the menu state when the left and right keys are operated in the game state Is an example of a specific process performed in the gaming machine 1.

  In the menu state, an image (also referred to as a menu image) indicating various selection items is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 as information on a game such as a volume setting, a payout table, and a game history. In the sound volume setting state, an image that enables sound volume setting (also referred to as a sound volume setting image) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

  The setting confirmation state is a state in which a setting value relating to a gaming value assignment rate (a ratio of the magnitude of the gaming value used for the game to the magnitude of the imparted gaming value) in the gaming machine 1 can be confirmed. is there. The set value can be set step by step by the manager from a value with a low grant rate to a value with a high grant rate, and the higher the grant rate, the higher the advantage for the player. In the setting confirmation state, for example, an image (also referred to as a setting confirmation image) that can be recognized from the outside that the setting is being confirmed is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The process of shifting to the setting confirmation state in the gaming state is an example of a specific process performed in the gaming machine 1.

[Volume when volume is set in gaming state]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for describing a sound volume when the sound volume is set in the gaming state.

  FIG. 2A shows a screen of the liquid crystal display 51 in an advantageous state as a gaming state. As shown in FIG. 2A, in the advantageous state, a background image assuming night is displayed as the game image 71, and a character image of “remaining 35” is displayed as the remaining control period (for example, the number of games) in the advantageous state. Is displayed. In the advantageous state, sounds such as BGM are output from the speakers 53 and 54 according to a preset volume (for example, volume 5).

  In the game state, when a predetermined time (for example, one minute) elapses before the demo transition time elapses after the game ends, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 decreases. In the present embodiment, the output of the sound from the speakers 53 and 54 is stopped as shown in FIG. Specifically, in the game state, the elapsed time from the end of the game is measured, and when the measured elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, as shown in FIGS. The sound volumes of 53 and 54 decrease. Even after the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 is reduced, the elapsed time in the gaming state is continuously measured. After that, when the measured elapsed time reaches the demo transition time, the game state transitions to the demo state. The elapsed time measured as described above is reset when a start operation for starting a game is performed.

  As shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, when the start operation is performed, the speakers 53 and 54 return to the original volume again.

  In the game state, when an activation time (for example, 5 seconds) elapses before a predetermined time elapses after the unit game ends, it is possible to shift to the menu state or the volume setting state. Specifically, when the elapsed time measured in the gaming state reaches the activation time, the operations of the push button 56 and the left and right keys are activated. At this time, the LED lamp built in the push button 56 and the LED lamp built in the left and right keys may be turned on.

  When the operation of the push button 56 and the left and right keys is activated due to the lapse of the activation time, a suggestion image 61 indicating that these operation means are activated overlaps the game image 71 and is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. Is done. For example, a suggestion image 61 indicating that the operation is to shift to the menu state by operating the push button 56 and that the operation is directly shifted to the volume setting state by operating the left and right keys is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 so as to overlap the game image 71. Is done. The suggestion image 61 may have transparency in portions other than the character information, the push button 56, and the icon indicating the left / right key so that the player can see the overlapped game image 71.

  Even after the operation of the push button 56 and the left and right keys is validated, the elapsed time in the gaming state is continuously measured. Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2E, when the measured elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the sound volume decreases. As described above, since the operation of the push button 56 and the left and right keys is activated before the volume is reduced by the lapse of the predetermined time, the player can set the menu state or the volume setting without waiting for the lapse of the predetermined time. The state can be shifted from the gaming state, and the volume can be immediately reduced.

  When the measured elapsed time reaches a predetermined time, the display of the suggestion image 61 on the liquid crystal display 51 also disappears. As described above, the measured elapsed time is reset when the start operation is performed. When the elapsed time is reset, the operations of the push button 56 and the left and right keys become invalid again.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the push button 56 is operated in the gaming state, the state is shifted from the gaming state to the menu state. In the menu state, the menu image 72 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. The menu image 72 shows various selection items that can be selected by the player. For example, in the menu image 72, a plurality of selection items such as “volume setting”, “payout table”, “game history”, and “menu end” are shown. As described above, the player can select various selection items in the menu state.

  In the menu image 72, a cursor 75 for indicating a selected item in a selected state is also shown. In the menu state, in addition to the menu image 72 and the cursor 75, a suggestion image 62 indicating a method of selecting each selection item and a method of confirming the selection is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. For example, the liquid crystal display 51 displays a suggestion image 62 indicating that the selection of the selected selection item is confirmed by operating the push button 56 and that the selection item can be selected by operating the left and right keys.

  Here, when a transition is made from the gaming state to the menu state, the sub control unit 91 executes a lowering process for lowering the volume of the speakers 53 and 54. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when the volume in the gaming state is set to 5, when the push button 56 is operated in the gaming state to shift to the menu state, The volume of the speakers 53 and 54 becomes zero. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, when the game state shifts to the menu state, the output of the BGM by the speakers 53 and 54 stops. As described above, when the game state is shifted to the menu state, the volume is reduced, so that the player can set the volume in a calm environment. In the menu state, while the volume of the BGM is reduced, the operation sound of the left / right key or the push button 56 may be output.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, when a start operation is performed in the menu state, the game state returns to the original game state from the menu state. At this time, the speakers 53 and 54 return to the original volume, the BGM is output again, and the elapsed time is measured again. As described above, when the player intends to start the game, the volume returns to the original volume, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable. Although not shown, when the game state is shifted from the menu state, the suggestion image 61 on the liquid crystal display 51 is not displayed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the player from being persistently suggested by the display of the suggestion image 61 to the method of transition to the menu state even immediately after the transition from the menu state to the game state.

  In the menu state, the elapsed time from the transition to the menu state is measured. The measured elapsed time is reset when the cross key 70 or the push button 56 is operated. In the menu state, neither the upper switch 70c nor the lower switch 70d can be used, but even if the upper switch 70c or the lower switch 70d is operated, the measured elapsed time is reset. . On the other hand, the measured elapsed time is not reset by an invalid operation in a menu state other than the push button 56 and the cross key 70.

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2E, when a predetermined time (for example, one minute) elapses in the menu state, the game state is shifted to the game state. As described above, since the menu state ends after the elapse of the predetermined period, it is possible to prevent the menu image from being continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 forever. Furthermore, even if the player accidentally operates the upper switch 70c or the lower switch 70d, the measurement of the elapsed time is reset, thereby preventing the menu state from ending without the player's intention. it can.

  When the game state is shifted from the menu state, the BGM is not output while the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 is kept low. In a state in which the player has a higher degree of advantage, such as an advantageous state, the effect tends to be more flashy than in the normal state, and even if the volume is the same, the player or its surroundings are in the normal state. Illusion that the volume is louder than. However, as described above, when the game state is shifted from the menu state to the game state, the player does not return to the game state at the volume 5 in the game state shown in FIG. 2A, so that the player is surprised by the volume. Can be prevented.

  As shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, when the start operation is performed in a state where the volume is 0, the BGM is output again from the speakers 53 and 54. As described above, when the player intends to start the game, the volume returns to the original volume, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 2 (e), when the selection of "menu end" is confirmed in the menu state, the game state is shifted from the menu state to the game state. In this way, the player can end the menu state by his own intention. When shifting from the menu state to the game state again, the BGM is not output while the sound volumes of the speakers 53 and 54 remain low. As shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, when the start operation is performed in this state, the speakers 53 and 54 return to the original volume again.

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, when the selection of “volume setting” is confirmed in the menu state, the state shifts from the menu state to the volume setting state. When shifting to the sound volume setting state, BGM is not output while the sound volumes of the speakers 53 and 54 remain low.

  In the volume setting state, a volume setting image 73 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. In the volume setting image 73, selection items whose volume can be set stepwise from the minimum volume to the maximum volume are shown. For example, in the volume setting image 73, a volume bar from volume 1 which is the minimum volume to volume 6 which is the maximum volume is shown. Note that silence (mute) may be included as the minimum volume. In the volume setting state, the liquid crystal display 51 displays a suggestion image 64 indicating a volume selection method and a selection determination method in addition to the volume setting image 73. For example, the liquid crystal display 51 displays a suggestion image 64 indicating that the selection of the selected volume is determined by operating the push button 56 and that the volume returns to the original menu state and that the volume can be selected by operating the left and right keys. Is displayed. In the volume setting state, while the volume of the BGM is reduced, the operation sound of the left / right key or the push button 56 may be output.

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D, when the push button 56 is operated in the volume setting state, the selected volume is determined, and the mode shifts from the volume setting state to the original menu state. When the mode shifts to the menu state, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 remains low. In addition, when shifting to the menu state, the cursor 75 may be arranged on the selection item of “menu end”. By doing so, the player can return to the gaming state by operating the push button 56 twice consecutively.

  In the sound volume setting state, the elapsed time from the transition to the sound volume setting state is measured. Similarly to the menu state, the elapsed time measured in the volume setting state is reset when the cross key 70 or the push button 56 is operated, and is invalid in the menu state other than the push button 56 or the cross key 70. Not reset by another operation.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (d) and 2 (e), for example, when three minutes elapse in the volume setting state, the game state is again shifted from the volume setting state. As described above, since the volume setting state controlled via the menu state ends after the lapse of three minutes, it is possible to prevent the volume setting image from being continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 forever. Further, when three minutes have elapsed in the volume setting state, the menu state does not return again. As a result, it is possible to avoid the inconvenience of returning to the menu state after elapse of three minutes in the volume setting state and then controlling the game state only after elapse of one minute.

  When the game mode shifts from the sound volume setting state to the gaming state again, the sound volumes of the speakers 53 and 54 remain low. In the present embodiment, when a transition is made from the volume setting state to the gaming state, BGM is not output from speakers 53 and 54, as in the volume setting state before the transition. As described above, when the game state is shifted from the volume setting state to the gaming state, the gaming state is not returned to at the volume 5 in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A, so that the player is not surprised by the volume. can do.

  As shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, when the start operation is performed in the returned game state, the BGM is output again from the speakers 53 and 54. Here, when the volume is set in the volume setting state (that is, when shifting in the order of (a), (b), (d), (e), and (f)), the volume according to the volume setting , BGM is output from the speakers 53 and 54. In this way, when the player intends to start the game, the volume is set after the setting, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable.

  As described above, when the left and right keys are operated in the game state, the state directly shifts to the volume setting state without going through the menu state. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, when the left and right keys are operated after the operation of the left and right keys is activated in the gaming state, the state shifts from the gaming state to the volume setting state. . It should be noted that the volume is not set by operating the left and right keys when shifting from the gaming state to the volume setting state.

  Here, when the game state is directly shifted to the sound volume setting state, the sub control unit 91 executes a lowering process for lowering the sound volume of the speakers 53 and 54. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, when the volume in the gaming state is set to 5, when the left and right keys are operated in the gaming state to shift to the volume setting state, The volume of the speakers 53 and 54 becomes zero. That is, in the case of the present embodiment, when the game state is directly shifted to the volume setting state, the output of the BGM by the speakers 53 and 54 is stopped. As described above, when the game state shifts to the sound volume setting state, the sound volume decreases, so that the player can set the sound volume in a calm environment. In the volume setting state, while the volume of the BGM is reduced, the operation sound of the left / right key or the push button 56 may be output.

  Even in the case where the game state is directly shifted to the volume setting state, the display mode of the liquid crystal display 51 in the volume setting state is controlled by the volume setting shown in FIG. This is the same as the display mode of the liquid crystal display 51 in the state. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated volume setting image for each of the volume setting state controlled via the menu state and the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state, and the data capacity of the RAM 91c is reduced. Can be prevented from increasing.

  As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2E, when the push button 56 is operated in the sound volume setting state, the selected sound volume is determined, and the game mode is again shifted from the sound volume setting state to the gaming state. Further, in the same manner as in the sound volume setting state shown in FIG. 2D, in the sound volume setting state, the elapsed time from the transition to the sound volume setting state is measured.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (c) and 2 (e), for example, when 10 seconds elapse in the volume setting state, the state shifts from the volume setting state to the game state again. As described above, similarly to the volume setting state controlled via the menu state, the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state ends after the elapse of 10 seconds. It is possible to prevent the display from being continued on the display 51. For example, even if the administrator suddenly operates the push button 56 or the left / right key while cleaning the gaming machine 1, the menu state and the volume setting state end after a lapse of time. It is possible to prevent an image from being displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

  Further, the volume setting state directly controlled from the game state shown in FIG. 2 (c) ends after the elapse of 10 seconds, whereas the volume setting state is controlled via the menu state shown in FIG. 2 (d). The sound volume setting state ends after a lapse of 3 minutes. In this manner, the volume setting state controlled via the menu state is controlled for a longer time than the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state. This is because, in the volume setting state controlled via the menu state, it is highly likely that the player has an intention to set the volume, while the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state is the player. May have operated the left and right keys by mistake. In other words, when there is a high possibility that the player is willing to set the volume, the convenience of the player can be improved by controlling the volume setting state for a long time. On the other hand, when it cannot be said that there is a high possibility that the player has the intention to set the volume, the convenience to the player can be improved by ending the control to the volume setting state in a short time. . Further, when the menu is shifted to the menu state by operating the push button 56, there are a plurality of options such as a payout table, a volume setting, and a game history. Therefore, when the push button 56 is operated, the setting relating to the effect can be performed for a longer period than when the left and right keys are operated.

  When the game mode shifts from the sound volume setting state to the gaming state again, the sound volumes of the speakers 53 and 54 remain low. In the present embodiment, when a transition is made from the volume setting state to the gaming state, BGM is not output from speakers 53 and 54, as in the volume setting state before the transition. As described above, when the game state is shifted from the volume setting state to the gaming state, the gaming state is not returned to at the volume 5 in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A, so that the player is not surprised by the volume. can do.

  As shown in FIGS. 2E and 2F, when the start operation is performed in the returned gaming state, the BGM is output again from the speakers 53 and 54. Here, when the sound volume is set in the sound volume setting state (that is, when shifting in the order of (a), (c), (e), and (f)), the speaker 53, BGM is output from 54. In this way, when the player intends to start the game, the volume is set after the setting, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable.

[Volume when setting is confirmed in gaming state]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the sound volume when the setting is confirmed in the gaming state.

  FIG. 3A shows a screen of the liquid crystal display 51 in an advantageous state as a gaming state. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when a transition operation to the setting confirmation state is performed in the gaming state, the state transitions from the gaming state to the setting confirmation state. In the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation image 76 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51. When the state shifts to the setting confirmation state, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 decreases. Specifically, the speakers 53 and 54 can output sound from a plurality of channels. The first channel outputs a BGM during the game state, and the second channel outputs a setting confirmation sound. When shifting from the gaming state to the setting confirmation state, the output channel is switched from the first channel of the speakers 53 and 54 to the second channel. As a result, when the game state shifts to the setting confirmation state, the BGM during the game state is not output, and the setting confirmation sound is output. Further, the volume of the setting confirmation sound output in the setting confirmation state is lower than the volume of the BGM output in the gaming state.

  Even after the transition from the game state to the setting confirmation state, the elapsed time from the end of the game is continuously measured. Then, when the elapsed time elapses a predetermined time (for example, one minute), the output of the BGM in the first channel stops. However, when the setting is still in the setting confirmation state, since the output channel has been switched to the second channel, the setting confirmation sound is still output. As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, when the setting confirmation state is released from the setting confirmation state in the setting confirmation state, the state shifts from the setting confirmation state to the gaming state. At this time, the output channel is switched to the first channel. As described above, since the output of the BGM is stopped after the lapse of the predetermined time, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 is zero. As described above, when the game state is shifted from the setting confirmation state to the game state, the game state does not return to the game state at the volume 5 in the game state, so that the player is not surprised by the sound volume. can do.

  When the start operation is performed in the gaming state shown in FIG. 3C, the speakers 53 and 54 return to the original volume again as shown in FIG. 3D. As described above, when the player intends to start the game, the volume returns to the original volume, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable.

[Main effects]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 decreases when the game state shifts to the menu state. Then, as shown in FIG. 2E, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 remains reduced even when the game state is shifted to the game state. This prevents the player from being surprised by the volume since the player returns from the menu state to the gaming state at the original volume in the gaming state before the transition to the menu state. can do.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, when the game state shifts to the menu state, the output of the sound from the speakers 53 and 54 stops. Thereby, the player can perform volume setting and the like in a calm environment.

  As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2E, the menu state ends after a predetermined period elapses, so that the menu image can be prevented from being continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 forever.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (b) and 2 (e), when the selection of “menu end” is confirmed in the menu state, the game state is shifted from the menu state to the game state, and the player ends the menu state by his / her own will. be able to.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (e) and 2 (f), when the start operation is performed in the case where the game state is the volume 0, the sound volume returns to the original volume in the game state before shifting to the menu state. Thus, when the player intends to start the game, the volume returns to the original volume, so that the player can start the game without feeling uncomfortable.

  As shown in FIG. 2C, the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 decreases when the game state is directly shifted from the game state to the volume setting state without going through the menu state. Then, as shown in FIG. 2 (e), the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 remains low even when the mode is shifted from the volume setting state to the gaming state. As a result, in the same manner as when shifting from the menu state to the gaming state, even when shifting from the volume setting state to the gaming state, it returns to the gaming state at the original volume in the gaming state before shifting to the volume setting state Since it is not performed, it is possible to prevent the player from being surprised by the volume.

  In the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A, the operation of the push button 56 and the left and right keys is enabled before the volume is reduced due to the lapse of the predetermined time, so the player must wait for the lapse of the predetermined time. Instead, the game state can be shifted to the menu state or the volume setting state, and the volume can be immediately lowered.

  As shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, the volume setting state controlled via the menu state ends after a lapse of time, so that the volume setting image is continuously displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 forever. Can be prevented. Further, as shown in FIGS. 2 (c) and 2 (e), since the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state ends with the passage of time, the volume setting image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 forever. It can be prevented from continuing.

  As shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D, in the volume setting state controlled via the menu state and in the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state, the same volume setting image is displayed on the liquid crystal. Since they are displayed on the display 51, it is not necessary to provide a dedicated volume setting image for each of them, and an increase in the data capacity of the RAM 91c can be prevented.

  The volume setting state controlled via the menu state shown in FIG. 2D is controlled for a longer time than the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state shown in FIG. 2C. . Thereby, when it is highly probable that the player is willing to set the volume, the convenience of the player can be improved by controlling the volume setting state over a long period of time, If it is not highly likely that the player has the intention to set the volume, the convenience to the player can be improved by ending the control to the volume setting state in a short time.

  As shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, when the time elapses in the volume setting state controlled via the menu state, the game state is shifted to the game state without returning to the menu state again, so that it takes a long time. It is possible to avoid such a problem that the volume setting image and the menu image are displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 throughout.

  As shown in FIG. 2 (b), in the menu image 72, a plurality of selection items such as “volume setting”, “payout table”, “game history”, and “menu end” are shown. Various selection items can be selected in the menu state.

  As shown in FIG. 3 (b), the volume of the speakers 53 and 54 decreases when the state shifts from the gaming state to the setting confirmation state. Then, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), even when the state shifts from the setting confirmation state to the gaming state, the sound volumes of the speakers 53 and 54 remain low. As a result, when shifting from the setting confirmation state to the gaming state, the player does not return to the gaming state again at the original volume in the gaming state before shifting to the setting confirmation state, so that the player is surprised by the volume. Can be prevented.

[Modification]
The main embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Hereinafter, modifications of the above-described embodiment applicable to the present invention will be described.

[About gaming machines]
The above-described gaming machine 1 includes a plurality of variable display units capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of identification information, each of which is identifiable. After the variable display unit is variably displayed, the variable display unit stops displaying the variably displayed. A slot machine that derives a result and can generate a prize according to a display result combination that is a combination of display results of a plurality of variable display units may be used. The above-described gaming machine 1 may be a pachinko gaming machine that can be controlled to a jackpot gaming state that is advantageous to the player according to the result of the variable display of a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified.

[Reduction processing]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the game state shifts to the menu state, the BGM output from the speakers 53 and 54 in the game state is stopped. Not limited to this. For example, when the game state shifts to the menu state, the BGM in the game state is output from the speakers 53 and 54, but the volume of the BGM is changed to the original level in the game state shown in FIG. May be lower than the volume of the sound. In the menu state, the menu state BGM dedicated to the menu state may be output from the speakers 53 and 54. In any case, the volume may be lower than the original volume in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2 (a) before shifting to the menu state.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the output of the BGM during the game state from the speakers 53 and 54 stops when the game state is directly shifted to the volume setting state. There was, but is not limited to this. For example, when the game state shifts to the volume setting state, the BGM in the game state is output from the speakers 53 and 54, but the volume is changed to the game state shown in FIG. May be lower than the original volume. In the volume setting state, the volume setting state BGM dedicated to the volume setting state may be output from the speakers 53 and 54. In any case, the sound volume may be lower than the original sound volume in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A before shifting to the sound volume setting state. Note that, as shown in FIG. 2D, the transition from the gaming state to the volume setting state via the menu state is the same as the volume setting state shown in FIG. 2C.

  Further, the volume of the BGM for the menu state and the volume of the BGM for the volume setting state as described above may be designed to be lower than the BGM for the game state output from the speakers 53 and 54 in the game state. For example, regardless of the volume setting, the BGM for the menu state and the BGM for the volume setting state may always have a lower volume than the BGM for the gaming state. Further, the maximum value of the volume setting step in the BGM for the menu state or the volume setting state BGM may be lower than the minimum value of the volume setting step in the BGM for the gaming state. For example, the stage of volume setting in the BGM for the menu state and the BGM for the volume setting state is the volume 0 to 2, whereas the stage of the volume setting in the BGM for the game state is the volume 3 to 6. Good.

  When returning from the menu state shown in FIG. 2B or the volume setting state shown in FIGS. 2C and 2D to the gaming state shown in FIG. 2E again, the sound from the speakers 53 and 54 is output. The volume is output, but the volume may be lower than the original volume in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A before shifting to the menu state or the volume setting state. For example, in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2A, the volume of the BGM is 5, but in the gaming state shown in FIG. 2E, the volume of the BGM may be set to 1 at which the volume becomes minimum.

  Further, in the game state shown in FIG. 2 (e), which has returned from the volume setting state shown in FIGS. 2 (c) and 2 (d), after the volume is set, as in the game state shown in FIG. 2 (f). Sound may be output from the speakers 53 and 54 at the volume of.

[Elapsed time]
In the present embodiment, when the game state shifts from the game state to the volume setting state via the menu state, the game state is shifted from the game state directly to the volume setting state without going through the menu state. It was a long time before returning to. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and when the game state transitions from the gaming state to the volume setting state via the menu state, and when the game state transitions directly from the gaming state to the volume setting state without passing through the menu state, the gaming state May be the same until returning to.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2D and 2E, when a transition from the gaming state to the volume setting state via the menu state is made, the state returns to the gaming state after a lapse of time. However, it is not limited to this. For example, when a transition is made from the gaming state to the volume setting state via the menu state, the demo state may be transitioned to after a lapse of time, and the demonstration image may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2C and 2E, when the game state is directly shifted from the game state to the volume setting state without going through the menu state, the game state returns to the game state after a lapse of time. But it is not limited to this. For example, when the game state transitions directly from the game state to the volume setting state without going through the menu state, the demo state may be transitioned to after a lapse of time, and the demonstration image may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 51.

[About the volume after confirming the settings]
In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), the sound output from the speakers 53 and 54 is stopped when the game state shifts to the setting confirmation state, but is not limited to this. Absent. For example, when a transition is made from the gaming state to the setting confirmation state, sound is output from the speakers 53 and 54, but the volume may be lower than the original volume in the gaming state before transitioning to the setting confirmation state. In addition, in the setting confirmation state, the setting confirmation sound may not be output, and the volume may be zero. Furthermore, in the setting confirmation state, the same BGM as in the gaming state before the transition to the setting confirmation state may be output from the first channel of the speakers 53 and 54 without switching the output channel to the second channel. In this case, the volume of the BGM output from the speakers 53 and 54 may be set lower than the volume of the BGM in the game state shown in FIG.

[About production setting status]
In the present embodiment, as the effect setting state, a sound volume setting state in which sound volume can be set has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the production setting state is a state in which the settings relating to the production are possible, such as a state in which the amount of light and luminance can be set, a state in which the frequency of the exercise can be set, and a state in which the contents of the production (characters appearing) can be set. Any state may be used.

[Specific processing]
In the present embodiment, as the specific processing, the processing of shifting to the menu state in the gaming state, the processing of shifting to the volume setting state in the gaming state, and the processing of shifting to the setting confirmation state in the gaming state are exemplified. Not exclusively. For example, the specific process may be an error process for controlling the gaming machine 1 to an error state when an error occurs.

[Other Modifications]
In the present embodiment, the advantageous state has been exemplified as the gaming state in the examples shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, but the present invention is also applicable to the normal state.

  In the present embodiment, the same volume setting image is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 in the volume setting state controlled via the menu state and in the volume setting state directly controlled from the gaming state. However, both may have different volume setting images.

  The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  51 Liquid crystal display, 53, 54 Speaker, 56 Push button, 70 Cross key.

Claims (1)

In gaming machines that play games,
Among a plurality of types of setting values having different degrees of advantage for the player, a setting confirmation state control means for controlling to a setting confirmation state for confirming the setting value being set,
When controlled to the setting confirmation state when a sound is output at a specific volume in an advantageous state advantageous to the player, lowering the volume than the specific volume in the setting confirmation state ,
When the setting confirmation state that are controlled in the preferred state ends, the than the specific loudness in an advantageous state reduces the volume, then, when the operation relating to a game start has been performed, with the specific loudness So that the volume is restored , a gaming machine.

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