JP6701238B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

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

  A ball game machine such as a pachinko machine is equipped with a symbol starting opening provided on the game board, a symbol display section for displaying a series of symbol variation modes by a plurality of display symbols, and a large winning opening for opening/closing the opening/closing plate. Is configured. Then, when the detection switch provided in the symbol starting port detects the passage of the game ball, the winning state is established, and after the game ball is paid out as the prize ball, the display symbol is changed in the symbol display portion for a predetermined time. After that, when the symbols are stopped in a predetermined mode such as 7/7/7, a big hit state occurs, and the special winning opening is repeatedly opened to generate a game state that is advantageous to the player.

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

  The above-mentioned effect operation is centered on the image effect on the liquid crystal display device, but in conjunction with this image effect, a lamp effect that blinks various lamps and a sound effect that outputs a sound that excites the player are executed. To be done.

JP, 2014-151153, A JP, 2014-144066, A JP, 2014-144065, A JP, 2014-144064, A JP, 2014-144063, A JP, 2014-144062, A JP, 2014-144061, A

  The above-described voice effect is generally realized by the host CPU setting appropriate operation parameters (setting values) in a dedicated voice processor (Patent Documents 1 to 7).

  However, in order to realize a high-level audio effect, it is desired to increase the number of playback channels that can independently perform voice playback operations. However, the operation settings for each playback channel are complicated, and especially the initial settings at CPU reset are complicated. is there. Further, if the control load on the host CPU for executing the novel voice effect becomes excessive, there is a possibility that other effect control may be hindered.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can easily realize a novel sound effect while reducing the control load on the host CPU .

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention can store a plurality of reproduction channels for reproducing a unit effect and operation parameters defining a reproduction operation of each reproduction channel, based on original sound data stored in a data storage means. A plurality of voice control registers, and a plurality of setting controllers (SQ0 to SQn) capable of reading out a group of control data stored in the data storage means and performing a setting operation to the voice control registers in parallel. By directly setting a predetermined operation parameter in the voice synthesizing means and a predetermined voice control register, or by causing the voice synthesizing means to set the operation parameter, the operation of one or a plurality of reproduction channels is controlled, and one or a plurality of reproduction channels are controlled. Of the production control means for realizing the voice production by the unit production of, and the group of control data includes a register address for identifying the voice control register and a set value for the voice control register. Correspondingly, it is configured to be terminated by a predetermined termination code and specified by one identification number, and when specifying a predetermined voice effect, a plurality of sets of control data separated by a predetermined intermediate termination code. At the time of the predetermined voice effect, the control data of the group is specified and set based on the one identification number set in a predetermined voice control register. setting the controller to execute the operation (SQi), when Ru finish setting operation based on the preceding control data group, after a predetermined waiting time specified based on the control of the presentation control means, subsequent to the intermediate end code It is configured to initiate a set operation based on the next control data group.

  The present invention is not limited to a ball game machine, but is also suitable for being applied to a spinning drum game machine and other game machines.

As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to easily realize a novel sound effect while reducing the control load on the host CPU .

It is a perspective view showing a pachinko machine of the present embodiment. It is a schematic front view of the game board of the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole circuit structure of a present Example. 3 is a diagram illustrating a circuit configuration and a circuit operation of a power supply board. It is the block diagram which shows the circuit constitution of the production control section. It is drawing explaining the internal structure of a sound processor, and an output signal. It is drawing explaining operation|movement of a sequencer. 3 is a drawing showing in detail the internal configuration of the audio processor. It is drawing explaining the pan pot setting of the phrase reproduction channel by a sequencer. It is a drawing for explaining that the phrase reproduction channel is used properly according to the game state. It is drawing explaining the principle of virtual surround. It is drawing explaining the transfer function from a front sound and a back sound to an ear. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a virtual surround unit and a remix unit. It is the flowchart which explains the operation contents of the production control section. It is the flowchart which explains the scenario renewal processing which forms the main processing of the production control section. It is a flowchart explaining the sub-scenario update process which comprises a scenario update process. It is a flow chart explaining a part of sub scenario update processing and main processing. It is a figure for demonstrating the operation content by a subscenario update process. 6 is a diagram illustrating a fade operation. 6 is a diagram illustrating a refresh operation and a mask operation. It is drawing explaining a winning sound and a button operation effective sound. It is drawing explaining the sound volume suppression operation at the time of notice production. It is drawing explaining the modified structure which implement|achieves multiple performance.

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

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

  The two speakers (TL, TR) arranged in the upper position and the two speakers (ML, MR) arranged in the middle position respectively output left and right sounds recognized by the player, but when necessary, appropriately. The pan pot production is being performed. Here, the pan (PAN) means the position (localization) of the sound heard from the left and right speakers, and the pan operation is specifically realized by setting the volume balance of the left and right speakers asymmetrically. ..

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

  Further, below the glass door 6, there is arranged a volume switch VSW capable of adjusting the volume of the effect sound by the player. The volume switch VSW is a directional key having a + contact and a − contact on the left and right, and enables volume adjustment in 10 steps, for example. The operation for adjusting the volume is permitted only during the production standby in which the audio production is not executed, but the confirmation production sound is output and the set level is displayed corresponding to the operation of the volume switch VSW. It is supposed to be displayed on the screen.

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

  Further, even during the game, when a serious abnormal situation is detected, the total volume value TV is changed to the maximum level regardless of the operation amount of the volume switch VSW, so that a large-volume abnormality notification sound is produced. Is output. Therefore, the illegal act cannot be continued in the silent state. At this abnormality notification timing, the primary volume value V1 for the effect sound other than the abnormality notification sound is masked to the lowest level.

  As will be described later with reference to FIG. 8, the primary volume V1 can be set for each phrase reproduction channel CHn (FIG. 8) that decodes and reproduces various audio compression data, but normally, all the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31. In, it is set to the regulation level (highest level). However, at the time of mask processing such as a blackout effect in which the display screen is darkened, the muting is realized by changing the primary volume V1 to the lowest level in all phrase reproduction channels CHn. During the mask processing, the value of the secondary volume Vs maintains the level up to then.

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

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

  Further, the secondary volume value Vs (=V2, V3) is set by software so as to realize an appropriate voice effect in the advance notice effect accompanied by the pan pot operation or the like and other voice effects. Therefore, the volume of each speaker (TL, TR, ML, MR, BTM) at the time of sound production usually reflects the set value of the secondary volume value Vs (=V2, V3) to be V1*. It will be output at the volume of Vs*TV. As described above, in the normal state, the primary volume V1 is the maximum value, and the total volume TV is the value corresponding to the set value of the clerk or the player.

  By the way, in the present embodiment, the fade operation for gradually increasing or decreasing the speaker volume at a predetermined speed is also realized by changing the secondary volume Vs. During the fade operation, the plurality of secondary volumes Vs (V2, V3) change while maintaining the same level, so that the volume of all speakers (TL, TR, ML, MR, BTM) is uniform. Fades to. The pan pot operation and the fade operation will be further described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 19.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the front plate 7 is mounted with an upper plate 8 for storing the game balls for launching, and the lower part of the front frame 3 stores the game balls overflowing or extracted from the upper plate 8. A dish 9 and a firing handle 10 are provided. The firing handle 10 is interlocked with a firing motor, and a game ball is fired by a batting mallet that operates according to the rotation angle of the firing handle 10.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, on the surface of the game board 5, a guide rail 13 composed of an outer rail and an inner rail made of metal is provided in an annular shape, and a central opening HO is provided substantially at the center thereof. Corresponding to the four vertices of the central opening HO, four speakers (TL, TR, ML, MR) are arranged inside the glass door 6, and a bass speaker BTM is located at the lower right of the central opening HO. It is arranged. Note that these speakers are virtually shown in FIG.

  Further, a display device DS including a large liquid crystal color display (LCD) is arranged in the central opening HO. The display device DS is a device that variably displays a specific symbol related to the big hit state and also displays a background image and various characters in an animation manner. This display device DS has special symbol display portions Da to Dc in the central portion and a normal symbol display portion 19 in the upper right portion. Then, in the special symbol display portions Da to Dc, a reach effect that is expected to invite a big hit state may be executed, and in the special symbol display portions Da to Dc and around it, an appropriate notice effect or the like is executed.

  In the game area where the game balls fall and move, a symbol starting opening 15, a large winning opening 16, a normal winning opening 17, and a gate 18 are provided. Each of these winning openings 15 to 18 has a detection switch inside, so that the passage of a game ball can be detected. Then, when the game ball passes through the symbol starting port 15, it is determined that the game ball has won, and a series of image effects accompanied by a changing motion of the special symbol are started in the special symbol display portions Da to Dc. In addition, in response to this image effect, a sound effect accompanied by background music or effect sound, or a lamp effect in which a lamp blinks is executed.

  The symbol starting port 15 is configured to be opened and closed by an electric tulip having a pair of right and left opening/closing claws 15a, and when the stop symbol after the change of the normal symbol display portion 19 displays the hit symbol, a predetermined time period is reached. Only, or until the predetermined number of game balls are detected, the opening/closing claw 15a is opened.

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

  The special winning opening 16 has an opening/closing plate 16a that moves forward and backward. The operation of the special winning opening 16 is not particularly limited, but in a typical big hit state, after the opening/closing plate 16a of the special winning opening 16 is opened, a predetermined time has passed, or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of games. When the ball wins, the opening/closing plate 16a is closed. Such an operation is continued up to 15 times at maximum, and is controlled in a state advantageous to the player. In addition, when the stop symbol after the change of the special symbol display portions Da to Dc is a specific symbol among the special symbols, a privilege that the game after the special game is in the high probability state (probability change state) is provided. Granted.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the overall circuit configuration of a pachinko machine GM that realizes the above-described operations. As shown in the figure, this pachinko machine GM receives a 24V AC and outputs various DC voltages and power supply abnormality signals ABN1 and ABN2, a power supply board 20, a main control board 21 mainly responsible for game control operation, and a main control An effect control board 22 that executes a lamp effect and a sound effect based on the control command CMD received from the board 21, and an image control board 23 that drives the display device DS based on the control command CMD′ received from the effect control board 22. , A payout control board 24 which controls the payout motor M based on a control command CMD″ received from the main control board 21 to pay out a game ball, and a launch control board 25 which launches a game ball in response to a player's operation. And, is mainly composed.

  The control command CMD output by the main control board 21 is transmitted to the effect control board 22 without passing through the relay board, but the control command CMD′ output by the effect control board 22 is passed through the image interface board 28. And transmitted to the image control board 23. The control command CMD″ output from the main control board 21 is transmitted to the payout control board 24 via the main board relay board 32. The control commands CMD, CMD′, and CMD″ are all 16 bits long. However, the control commands related to the main control board 21 and the payout control board 24 are transmitted in parallel every eight bit length in two steps. On the other hand, the control command CMD' transmitted from the effect control board 22 to the image control board 23 is transmitted in parallel in a 16-bit length. Therefore, even when the notice production including the movable notice production is diversified and a large number of control commands are continuously transmitted/received, the processing can be quickly finished and other control operations are not hindered.

  In this embodiment, the image interface board 28 and the image control board 23 are directly connected to the male connector and the female connector without passing through a wiring cable, and two circuit boards are laminated. Therefore, even if the circuit configuration of each electronic circuit is complicated and sophisticated, the storage space of the entire substrate can be minimized, and the noise resistance can be improved by minimizing the connection line. A computer circuit including a one-chip microcomputer is mounted on each of the main control board 21, the effect control board 22, the image control board 23, and the payout control board 24. Therefore, the circuits mounted on the control boards 21 to 24 and the interface board 28, and the operations realized by the circuits are functionally collectively referred to as the main control section 21 and the effect control section 22 in this specification. , The image control unit 23, and the payout control unit 24. That is, in this embodiment, the image control board 23 and the image interface board 28 constitute the image control section 23. All or a part of the effect control unit 22, the image control unit 23, and the payout control unit 24 are sub-control units.

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

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

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

  A main control board 21, a production control board 22, an image control board 23, and an image interface board 28 are fixed to the back surface of the game board 5 together with the display device DS and other circuit boards. The frame-side member GM1 and the board-side member GM2 are electrically connected by the connection connectors C1 to C4 centrally arranged at one place.

  The power supply board 20 is connected to the main board relay board 32 through the connection connector C2, and is connected to the power supply relay board 33 through the connection connector C3. The internal configuration of the power supply board 20 is as shown in FIG. 4A, and a bridge-type rectifier circuit 61 for full-wave rectifying AC24V received from the outside, a power factor correction circuit 62 for receiving the output of the rectifier circuit 61, An inrush current prevention circuit 63 that suppresses a transient current of the rectifier circuit, four DC-DC converters RG1 to RG4 and its accessory circuits, an AC monitoring circuit 64 that monitors AC power interruption and DC output voltage abnormality. Is configured.

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

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

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

  Therefore, immediately after the power is turned on, the input current of the AC24V power supply line passes through the path of the rectifier circuit 61→the power factor correction circuit 62→thermistor TH→the rectifier circuit 61, and a transient current (rush current) at the time of turning on the power source. Is optimally limited by the thermistor TH.

  The alternating current monitoring circuit 64 includes a full-wave rectifier circuit including diodes D5 and D6 and a load resistor R3, a current limiting resistor R4, and a converter RG4. The voltage across the load resistor R3 has a pulsating waveform with a peak value of about 34 V (see FIG. 4B), and this pulsating voltage is supplied to the monitoring terminal Sin1 of the converter RG4 via the current limiting resistor R4. There is. Then, converter RG4 determines whether or not AC power supply AC24V is cut off, based on the voltage supplied to monitoring terminal Sin1.

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

  The converter RG3 generates DC5V to be distributed to the effect control board 22 and outputs it from the output terminal Vout of the converter RG3, and the converter RG4 generates DC5V to be distributed to the main control board 21 and the payout control board 24, Output from the output terminal Vout of the converter RG4. As described above, the power supply board 20 of the present embodiment generates only three kinds of DC voltages (35V, 12V, 5V), and each of the control boards 20, 21, and 22 that receives the distribution of these DC voltages requires According to the configuration, one or a plurality of power supply voltages at the drop level are generated, and the configuration of the power supply circuit as a whole of the gaming machine is not wasted.

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

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

  More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4A, the output terminal Sout2 of the converter RG2 is connected to the control terminal CTL of the converter RG1 together with its own control terminal CTL. Similarly, the output terminal Sout2 of the converter RG4 is connected to the control terminal CTL of the converter RG3 together with its own control terminal CTL. Therefore, when the DC voltage DC35V drops and the output voltage of the output terminal Sout2 of the converter RG2 or the converter RG4 transits to the L level, then the four converters RG1 to RG4 simultaneously stop the DC-DC conversion function. It will be. As described above, in this embodiment, when the input voltage (DC35V) to be DC-DC converted falls to an abnormal level, the DC-DC conversion operation is automatically stopped, so that there is a possibility of subsequent abnormal operation. There is no.

  By the way, in the power supply board 20 of the present embodiment, the power supply reset signal indicating the turning on of the AC power supply is not generated, and the power supply reset signal is transmitted to the main control board 21, the payout control board 24, the effect control board 22, and the like. Nonetheless, each of the control boards 21, 24, 22 generates a power supply reset signal based on the distributed DC voltage (5V, 12V). Therefore, there is no risk of abnormal resetting of the CPU due to noise being superimposed on the signal line that transmits the power supply reset signal from the power supply board to each control board.

  Now that the power supply board 20 has been described, returning to FIG. 3, another configuration of the gaming machine GM will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 21 is connected to the power supply board 20 via the main board relay board 32, and has three types of DC voltages DC35V, DC12V, DC5V, a backup power supply BAK, and a power supply abnormality signal. I am receiving ABN1. On the other hand, the payout control board 24 is directly connected to the power supply board 20 without the intermediary of the relay board, and when the main control unit 21 receives the same power supply abnormal signal ABN2 and the backup power supply BAK, the three kinds of DC voltage DC35V. , DC12V, DC5V directly.

  In this embodiment, the RAM clear signal CLR is generated by the main controller 21 and transmitted to the one-chip microcomputers of the main controller 21 and the payout controller 24. Here, the RAM clear signal CLR is a signal that determines whether or not to initialize all the areas of the built-in RAM of the one-chip microcomputer of each of the control units 21 and 24, and turns on the initialization switch SW operated by the staff. It has a value corresponding to the /OFF state.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the main control unit 21 transmits a control command CMD″ to the payout control unit 24 via the main board relay substrate 32, while the payout control unit 24 shows a payout operation of a game ball. The prize ball counting signal, the status signal CON relating to the abnormality of the payout operation, and the operation start signal BGN are received. The operation start signal BGN is a signal for notifying the main controller 21 that the initial operation of the payout controller 24 is completed after the power is turned on.

  Further, the main controller 21 is connected to each game component of the game board 5 via the game board relay board 31. Then, while receiving a switch signal of a detection switch built in each of the winning ports 16 to 18 on the game board, it drives solenoids such as an electric tulip. The solenoids and the detection switches are configured to operate with the power supply voltage VB (12V) distributed from the main controller 21. Further, each switch signal indicating a winning state or the like to the symbol starting port 15 is converted into a switch signal of TTL level or CMOS level by an interface IC which operates with a power supply voltage VB (12V) and a power supply voltage Vcc (5V). Then, it is transmitted to the main control unit 21.

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

  Further, in the present embodiment, the same LED driver is used to drive the stepping motor, and as shown by the broken line, the effect motor groups M1 to Mn are driven via the lamp/motor drive substrate 30. .. In this case, the motor drive data is the same serial signal as the lamp drive data, and even if the number of effect motors is increased to enrich the effect contents, the wiring cable does not increase and the device configuration is simplified. ..

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

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

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

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

  In addition, the production control unit 23 is configured to include a power supply circuit including three DC-DC converters (CONV1 to CONV3) and a reset circuit RST&WDT. The power supply circuits (CONV1 to CONV3) generate three types of DC voltages (1.0V, 1.8V, 3.3V) based on the DC voltage 12V received from the power supply board 20, and the one-chip microcomputer 40 and the control memory. 41, the voice processor 42, and the voice memory 43 are used as power source voltages. Therefore, there is virtually no possibility that the power supply voltage of the one-chip microcomputer 40, the control memory 41, the voice processor 42, and the voice memory 43 will drop, and there is a possibility of local stoppage of the function. Virtually does not occur.

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

Next, the voice processor 42 of the present embodiment accesses the voice memory 43 based on the operation parameter (set value by the voice command SND) received by the built-in registers (voice control registers) RG0 to RGn from the effect control CPU 40, It reproduces and outputs the necessary audio signals. As shown in FIG. 5, the voice processor 42 and the voice memory 43 are connected by a voice address bus having a length of 26 bits and a voice data bus having a length of 16 bits. Therefore, the voice memory 43 can store 1 G bits (=2 ²⁶ *16) of data.

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

  By the way, in the present specification, in the following description, a group of effect sounds specified by one phrase number NUM may be particularly referred to as "unit effect". In this sense, one piece of the background music (BGM sound) is also a kind of "unit effect", and is started by winning a prize at the symbol starting opening of the game ball, and a series of ending the winning lottery results. The voice effect that constitutes the variable effect is realized by appropriately combining a plurality of “unit effects”.

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

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

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

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

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

  The SAC (Simple Access Code) data for operating the simple access controller SAC will be described. The SAC data is the register address (1 byte) of the voice control register RGi and the set value (1 byte) to the voice control register RGi. A maximum of 512 sets (=1024 bytes) of data groups corresponding to and means a group terminated by a SAC end code (FFFFH) (see FIG. 6B).

In the case of this embodiment, a maximum of 8192 kinds (=2 ¹³ ) of such SAC data can be provided in the voice memory 43, and the CPU uses the 13-bit length SAC number as the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control. By writing in (FIG. 6B), the simple access controller SAC can be made to function. The simple access controller SAC that has started the function sequentially reads a group of SAC data specified by the SAC number from the voice memory 43, and sets the set value indicated by the SAC data in the voice control register RGi indicated by the SAC data. become.

  Therefore, the CPU only needs to write the SAC number to the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control, and can instruct a series of setting operations without individually designating the register address of the voice control register RGi. .. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the initial setting operation of the voice synthesis circuit 42 (ST10 in FIG. 10), the volume setting operation for a plurality of reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 (FIGS. 20B to 20E), and the like. , The simple access controller SAC is utilized.

  A standby time (standby information as attached data) that defines the start timing of a series of setting operations can be set in the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control. It is also possible to delay the setting start timing of the voice control register RGi by the simple access controller SAC from the writing timing of the SAC number.

  Next, a sequence code for operating the sequencer SQ will be described. Like the SAC data, the sequence code is also a plurality of sets of data in which the register address (1 byte) of the voice control register RGi and the set value (1 byte) in the voice control register RGi are associated (FIG. 6 ( See b)). However, unlike the SAC data, the sequence code can define a plurality of operation steps (a plurality of sequence steps) that can be intermittently executed after a predetermined waiting time.

  Further, in the voice control register RGj2 for controlling the sequencer (Sequencer), a plurality (up to eight) of sequence code numbers for realizing a series of sequence operations can be specified for each of the sequencers SQ0 to SQ15, and start of each setting operation. It is possible to include a waiting time (waiting information) that defines the timing, the presence/absence of a repeating operation, and the number of times of repeating (loop information). Therefore, one or a plurality of sequence code numbers specifies a series of voice effects that are executed over a predetermined time.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, a group of sequence codes specified by one sequence code number (13 bits) is configured to define a plurality of operation steps. The plurality of operation steps are separated by a step end code (FFFEH), and the end of the plurality of operation steps are terminated by a sequence end code (FFFFH). As described above, a maximum of eight sequence code numbers can be designated for each sequencer SQ0 to SQ15, so that each sequencer SQk eventually operates a group of sequence codes specified by the sequence code number. Up to 8 sets can be executed continuously or intermittently.

In the case of the present embodiment, a maximum of 8192 kinds (=2 ¹³ ) of sequence codes can be stored in the audio memory 43, but the CPU operates with a 13-bit sequence code number (maximum 8) and sequencer operation. By writing the auxiliary data defining the above into the voice control register RGj2 for controlling the sequencer (Sequencer), a series of setting operations can be instructed to the sequencer SQ. Since the data written in the voice control register RGj2 for sequencer control is about 20 bytes, which is complicated, it is also preferable to reserve these 20 bytes in the voice memory 43 as SAC data.

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

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

  The parallel signal lines CD0 to CD7 are realized by the data bus of the effect control CPU 40 incorporated in the one-chip microcomputer 40, and the operation management data lines A0 to A1 are realized by the address bus of the effect control CPU 40. Then, the voice processor 42 is provided with three port numbers PORT having the upper 6 bits in common and the lower 2 bits being 00, 01, and 10, and the effect control CPU 40 sets the I for these port numbers PORT. When the /OREAD command or the I/OWRITE command is executed, the chip select signal CS becomes the active level in any case.

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

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

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

  When transmitting the SAC number (13 bits), sequence code number (13 bits), and control data (standby information, loop information, etc.) that accompanies this, the write data has a multi-byte length When the register addresses of the register are consecutive, the operation management data A0 to A1 of [01] are repeated in the order of [00]→[01]→[01]→[01], and the write data of a plurality of bytes is transmitted. ..

  The voice command transmitted in this manner is subsequently executed inside the voice processor 42 unless there is a communication abnormality. However, if a communication abnormality is recognized, such as when the data of a plurality of bytes does not match each other, the voice command SND is not activated. Then, the error flag of the voice control register RGn is set, and this error flag (status information STS) is I/OREAD which is a transition of the operation management data A0 to A1 of the address bus from [01] to [10]. It can be received by executing an instruction (see FIG. 5D).

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

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

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

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

  Next, another circuit configuration of the effect control unit 22 will be described based on FIG. First, the one-chip microcomputer 40 is supplied with a 4-bit length switch signal from a setting switch SET operated by a staff member. As shown in FIG. 5, the one-chip microcomputer 40 has a plurality of parallel input/output ports PIO (Pi+Pi′+Po+Po′) and a plurality of serial output ports SI built therein. More specifically, the serial output port SI is configured to include three-channel serial ports (S0 to S2), and each of the plurality of LED drivers mounted on the lamp driving boards 36, 29, and 30 has a serial output port SI. The serial drive data SDATA0 to SDATA2 are output in synchronization with the clock signals CK0 to CK2.

  That is, the serial ports S0 to S2 transmit the serial drive data SDATA0 to SDATA2 to the corresponding lamp drive boards 36, 29, 30 based on the clock synchronization method. Most of the serial drive data SDATA0 to SDATA2 are brightness data (lamp drive data) for adjusting the light emission brightness of each LED by PWM control (pulse width modulation), but drive the effect motors M1 to Mn. It also contains motor drive data.

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

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

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

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

  Specifically, the control command CMD and the strobe signal (interrupt signal) STB output from the main control board 21 correspond to the power supply voltage 3.3V of the one-chip microcomputer 40 in the input buffer 44 at the input port Pi. Is converted to a logic level and is supplied to the one-chip microcomputer 40 in 8-bit units. The interrupt signal STB is supplied to the interrupt terminal of the one-chip microcomputer 40, and the effect control unit 22 is configured to acquire the control command CMD by the reception interrupt process.

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

  In addition, in the case of a big hit, the symbol designating command includes information for specifying information about the big hit type (15R probability variation, 2R probability variation, 15R normal, 2R normal, etc.) according to the result of the jackpot lottery. In some cases, it contains information identifying the loss. The outline of the production operation specified by the variation pattern command includes the total production time from the start of production to the end of production, and the result of winning/losing in the jackpot lottery. In addition to these, it is also possible to specify the change pattern command including the presence or absence of the reach effect or the notice effect, but in this case as well, the specific content of the effect content is not specified. Therefore, when the production control unit 22 (the one-chip microcomputer 40) acquires the variation pattern command, the production lottery is performed subsequently to this, and the production outline of the variation production specified by the obtained variation pattern command is embodied. For example, a specific content of the reach effect or the notice effect is determined and a series of variable effects are specified. Then, in accordance with the determined specific game contents, the lamp effect by blinking the LED group or the like and the preparation operation for the sound effect by the speaker are performed, and the image control unit 23 is synchronized with the effect operation by the lamp or the speaker. The control command (effect command) CMD′ related to the image effect is output.

  In this embodiment, a plurality of main scenario tables Mj (see FIG. 15B) are prepared corresponding to a series of types of variable effects, and based on the result of the effect lottery, a plurality of main scenario tables Mj are created. Any one or more are specified. For example, a main scenario table M0 that realizes a series of fluctuating effects and main scenario tables Mx, My, etc. that realize one or a plurality of notice effects that function at appropriate timings are specified. In addition, it is not necessary to specify all the main scenario tables Mj at the time of receiving the variation pattern command. For example, when receiving the symbol designating command, one or a plurality of main scenario tables Mj are set in correspondence with the symbol designated by the command. May be specified.

  In any case, the main scenario table Mj describes the scenario information that specifies the contents of the effect, the effect of the lamp, and the effect of the motor that should be executed in association with each other, and the duration of execution of the effect. However, in the main scenario table Mj of FIG. 15( b ), for convenience, description regarding the lamp effect and the motor effect is omitted.

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

  By the way, in order to realize an image effect synchronized with the effect operation of the effect control unit 22, the effect control unit 22 has a 16-bit length along with a strobe signal (interrupt signal) STB′ to the image control unit 23 through the command output port Po. The control command CMD′ is output to the image interface board 28. Then, the effect control unit 22 that has received the effect command CMD' related to the effect lottery specifies the image scenario table corresponding to the effect command CMD', and starts the image effect specified in the image scenario table.

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

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

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

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

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

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

  In the case of the present embodiment, 16 sequences (SQ0 to SQ15) operating in parallel are provided as the sequencer SQ, and 4 sequences (SAC0 to SAC3) operating in parallel are provided as the simple accelerator controller SAC. There is. Corresponding to this configuration, the voice control register RGi is provided with a voice control register RGj2 for controlling the sequencer (SQ0 to SQ7) and a voice control register RGj1 for controlling the SAC (SAC0 to SAC3).

  Then, based on the transmission operation of the voice command SND, the effect control CPU 40 writes the SAC number and its attached information into the predetermined voice control register RGj1 for SAC control, and the corresponding simple access controller SAC performs the function. Starting, the simple access controller SAC writes the group of setting data specified by the SAC number into the group of voice control registers designated by the SAC data. This point is as described above, and in this embodiment, the complicated setting operation can be completed by transmitting one SAC number and its associated information.

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

  Here, in the voice control register RGj2, a plurality (up to eight) of sequence code numbers for any sequencer SQi and loop information for the effect of each sequence code number can be written. Therefore, for example, when n+1 sequence code numbers (X0, X1,..., Xn) are designated for the sequencer SQi, the sequence code number X0 is set as shown in FIG. 7A. Operation→Sequence code number X1 setting operation→... The sequence code number Xn setting operation is sequentially executed, and the voice effect corresponding to the setting operation is executed. Further, loop information such as the number of repetitions can be specified for each sequence code number, so that after repeating the audio effect specified by the sequence code number a predetermined number of times, the audio effect specified by the next sequence code number is added. It can be transferred (FIG. 7(a)).

  As described above, there are various kinds of data to be set in the sequencer SQi, and it is necessary to appropriately set these sequence code numbers and associated data in the voice control register RGj2 for controlling the sequencer. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the entire sequence code number and associated data are divided in 1-byte units, and the divided 1-byte data and the register address of the sequencer control register RGj2 to which this 1-byte data is to be set are set. , A group of SAC data which is a set is secured in the voice memory 43 (hereinafter, this is referred to as sequencer starting SAC data).

  Then, the CPU activates the simple access controller SAC by designating a predetermined SAC number in the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control. Here, it goes without saying that the SAC number specifies the SAC data for activating the sequencer. Then, based on the operation of the SAC (Simple Access Controller), necessary data is expanded in the sequencer control register RGj2. Therefore, the setting operation of the activation data of the sequencers SQ0 to SQ15 is easy.

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

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

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

  When the panpot ratio VL:VR is specifically confirmed, (1) the sound output from the left speaker only is set by setting the left/right panpot ratio VL:VR to 0:-∞ dB, and (2) only the right speaker. For sound emission, by setting the left/right panpot ratio VL:VR to -∞:0 dB, (3) equal ratio sound emission of the left and right speakers and the left/right left/right panpot ratio VL:VR are set to 0:0 dB. Will be realized in. Here, the pan pot ratio VL:VR is, for example, VL=20*Log(SQR(2)*Cos(π/2*VL/128)) and VR=20*Log(SQR(2)*Sin( π/2*VR/128)), and 0 dB:0 dB means 1:1 and -∞ dB means muffling. Log is a logarithm with a base of 10, and SQR(2) means a square root of 2. In any case, it is very complicated to realize such an irregular volume setting by individual voice command SND, but in the present embodiment, the sequencer SQ is used to significantly reduce the control load. ing.

  Further, the 16-series sequencers (SQ0 to SQ15) are configured not only to operate independently of each other, but also to be able to simultaneously start the setting operation under a predetermined condition. An example of the predetermined condition is an “off-trigger function” which has a trigger condition that a specific reproduction sound is over.

  Therefore, for example, as shown in FIG. 7D, (1) vocal sound reproduced via the sequencer SQ0, (2) guitar sound reproduced via the sequencer SQ1, and (3) sequencer SQ2 are reproduced. A musical composition composed of five parts: a bass sound played via the sequencer SQ3, (4) a left chorus sound played via the sequencer SQ3, and (5) a right chorus sound played via the sequencer SQ4. As for the phrase compression data of the individual parts, they are separately prepared in the audio memory 43, and the setting operation of the sequencers SQ0 to SQ4 is synchronized on the condition that the preceding predetermined reproduction operation is completed (off trigger function). It is also possible to simultaneously start the reproduction operation of the phrase compressed data of the individual parts. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce the sounds of a plurality of parts without time lag. Note that this point will be described later with reference to FIG.

  Next, the internal structure of the main generator 53 is shown in more detail as shown in FIG. As shown in the figure, the main generator 53 includes a decoder 60 divided into 32 phrase reproduction channels (CH0 to CH31) that can be independently decoded, a primary volume V1, and a secondary volume Vs (=V2, V3). V4), and a channel volume having a panpot section and capable of adjusting a sound volume and a volume balance, a channel mix section 61 for mixing sounds of 32 phrase reproduction channels (CH0 to CH31), and a virtual surround section. It has a VS and a remixing unit RM.

  As shown in FIG. 8, L0 signal, R0 signal, R1 signal, L1 signal, SUB0 signal, and SUB1 signal are output for each phrase reproduction channel (CH0 to CH31), but these 6 types (total 32×6) Are mixed in the channel mix section 61 and the remix section RM and output as mixed L0 signal, mixed R0 signal, mixed R1 signal, mixed L1 signal, mixed SUB0 signal, and mixed SUB1 signal.

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

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

  The signals L0, R0, R1, L1, SUB0, and SUB1 of 6 channels are PCM data in the process of passing through the main generator 53, the effect section 54, the total volume TV, and the digital IF section 55, and are digital amplifiers. It becomes an analog signal via 46a and 46b. The 6-channel signals L0, R0, L1, R1, SUB0, SUB1 are combined into the 3-channel audio serial signals SO0 to SD2 and transmitted to the digital amplifiers 46a and 46b. However, as described above, the signal SUB1 is not used, and the signal SUB1 is transmitted in a random manner.

  As outlined above, the voice control register 51 (RGi) of the voice processor 42 includes a write register that the effect control CPU 40 performs a write process and an operation of the voice processor 42 in order to cause the voice processor 42 to function as intended. In order to grasp the state, the effect control CPU 40 is divided into a read register which is read.

  The writing data to the writing register includes (1) a phrase number NUM that identifies a unit effect of BGM sound or effect sound to be reproduced, (2) volume (V1, V2, V3) instruction of the reproduced sound, (3) A loop instruction that defines the number of times of reproduction, (4) operation instruction such as start and pause of reproduction, (5) instruction of panpot ratio which is a volume balance of upper and lower speakers and left and right speakers, (6) final volume (TV) Includes instructions, etc. Here, the effect sound includes a warning sound that gives a warning with a predetermined reliability (≦100%) that there is a possibility of shifting to the big hit state during a series of fluctuation operations.

  The (1) phrase number NUM specification, (2) volume (V1, V2, V3) instruction, (3) loop instruction, (4) operation instruction, and (5) panpot instruction are all performed by the decoder 60. The phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 are designated and performed. Therefore, a maximum of 32 types of compressed phrase data corresponding to the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 are independently and simultaneously reproduced based on the above instructions (1) to (5), and the channel mix section 61 and the re-mixer 61 are reproduced. It is mixed and output in the mixing unit RM.

  In the present embodiment, the volume transition operation for transitioning the volume value of the audio signal stepwise is realized by software as CPU processing, and the primary volume V1, the secondary volumes V2, V3, and the total volume TV. The volume transition operation becomes possible. However, in the present embodiment, the volume transition operation is mainly executed only for the secondary volumes V2 and V3 in consideration of the control load.

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

  Then, during the transition operation of the secondary volumes V2, V3, the two secondary volumes V2, V3 are always set to the same value in all the phrase reproduction channels CHn for voice effect. Therefore, when the volume of the upper and middle loudspeakers is gradually increasing or decreasing, the volume of the lower loudspeaker also follows it, and a clear volume transition operation is realized for the player.

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

  In addition, in the present embodiment, not only the fade-out operation and the fade-in operation, but also in the left and right pan pots and the upper and lower pan pots in the pan pot effect, an operation in which the pan (localization) suddenly changes up, down, left and right, or the pan moves slowly. All volume transition operations including operations are realized by software processing by the effect control CPU 40. Since such a volume transition during the panpot operation is realized by a transition between the left and right panpot ratios and a transition between the upper and lower panpot ratios, the secondary volume V2 does not change. The two secondary volumes V2 and V3 have the same value including time.

  In any case, in order to realize a volume transition operation at an appropriate speed in the left and right pan pots and the upper and lower pan pots, the control load on the CPU increases. However, in the present embodiment, the simple access controller SAC and the sequencer SQ (FIG. 6B) are used to realize the gradual transition of the volume ratio due to the gradual change of the panpot ratio. FIG. 7C illustrates the operation realized by the sequencer SQ, and illustrates the panpot ratio in dB.

  When specifically confirmed, in the case of the illustrated example, it is changed from +3 dB: -∞ dB (only one sound is emitted) to 0 dB: 0 dB (both the same volume), and further is changed to -∞ dB: +3 dB (only the other is emitted). It is a transition operation. After that, it goes through 0 dB:0 dB (both have the same volume) to +3 dB:-∞ dB (one side emits sound).

  As shown in FIGS. 7(b) and 9(b), a volume ratio of +0 dB: -∞ dB (one side is emitted) or -∞ dB: +0 dB (the other side is emitted) is also possible. In addition, −∞ dB: −∞ dB (both are in a mute state) can be set as necessary. Therefore, by setting the pan setting of the upper, lower, left, and right speakers to −∞ dB: −∞ dB, for example, while maintaining the state of the secondary volume V2=V3, the middle and upper speakers are muted, and the lower speaker is reduced. It is possible to create a gaming state in which only BTM emits sound. In any case, in the present embodiment, a complicated advanced voice effect is easily realized by utilizing the simple access controller SAC and the sequencer SQ as needed.

  Based on the above setting of the panpot ratio, the synchronous performance by the off-trigger function of the sequencer SQ will be confirmed with reference to FIG. As described with reference to FIG. 7D, the sequencers SQ0 to SQ4 start operations in parallel on condition that the preceding unit effect is finished, and set necessary operation parameters in a predetermined voice control register RGi. Set.

  In this operation parameter, first, (1) the vocal sound phrase number NUMa set by the sequencer SQ0, (2) the guitar sound phrase number NUMb set by the sequencer SQ1, and (3) the bass sound set by the sequencer SQ2. Of the left chorus sound set by the sequencer SQ3, and (5) the phrase number NUMe of the right chorus sound set by the sequencer SQ4 (see FIG. 9A).

  Further, in the reproduction of this musical performance, the phrase reproduction channels CH14 to CH21 in which the panpot ratios of the upper and lower panpots and the left and right panpots are appropriately set are used in order to enhance the stereo effect (see FIG. 9B). ). Explaining one example, for example, the sequencer SQ0 sets the phrase reproduction channels CH14 and CH15 to reproduce the vocal sound of the phrase number NUMa and sets the pan pot ratio of the phrase reproduction channel CH14 as illustrated. , Sound is emitted from the left and right upper speakers and the lower bass speaker. The primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3) are the same as the set values up to that point in all the phrase reproduction channels CHn, and the input/output ratios are all set to 0 dB level, for example.

  Specifically confirming the panpot ratio, the volume of the middle speaker is set to zero by setting the upper and lower panpot ratios of the phrase reproduction channel CH14 to 0 dB:-∞ dB. Further, with respect to the upper speaker, by setting the left/right panpot ratio to 0 dB:0 dB, the sound volumes of the left and right speakers are set to the same level. Although the left-right panpot ratio is set to −∞ dB:−∞ dB for the middle speaker, this setting may be omitted.

Also for the other phrase reproduction channels CH15 to CH21, by appropriately setting the pan pot ratio of the upper and lower pan pots and the left and right pan pots,
CH14 playback sound (vocal sound) → Sound is emitted to upper left and right speakers TL, TR,
CH15 playback sound (vocal sound)→Sound is emitted to the left and right central speakers ML, MR,
CH16 playback sound (guitar sound) → Sound is emitted to the upper left speaker TL,
CH17 playback sound (guitar sound)→Sound is output to the central left speaker ML,
CH18 playback sound (bass sound) → Sound is emitted to the upper right speaker TR,
CH19 playback sound (bass sound) → Sound is emitted to the central right speaker MR,
CH20 playback sound (chorus left sound)→Sound output to the central left speaker ML,
The playback sound of CH21 (chorus right sound)→the sound is emitted to the central right speaker MR is realized.

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

  Such music performance is preferably utilized for the purpose of effectively encouraging a player who is hitting the jackpot. As described above, the setting of the panpot ratio is complicated to realize the music performance, but in the present embodiment, by utilizing the sequencer SQi and the simple access controller SAC, it is possible to suppress the control load on the CPU and reduce the complexity. It realizes various voice effects.

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

  Therefore, in response to such a configuration, the effect control CPU 40 of the present embodiment uses the decoders of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH1 to reproduce the BGM sound and notifies the occurrence of a serious abnormal situation. For this, the decoder of the phrase reproduction channel CH29 is used. Further, in reproducing the effect sound that realizes the notice effect or the like, any one of the 25 phrase reproduction channels CH2 to CH26 in the idle state is used.

  On the other hand, the phrase reproduction channel CH27 is used for reproducing the operation valid sound, and the phrase reproduction channel CH28 is used for reproducing the winning sound. Here, the operation valid sound means, for example, an effect sound indicating that a chance state in which the pressing of the chance button 11 is permitted is brought, and an effect sound generated thereafter. In addition, the winning sound is an effect sound indicating that the game ball has won the symbol starting port 15.

  In this embodiment, sound control is further performed by securing dedicated phrase reproduction channels CH27 and CH28 for operation valid sounds and winning sounds that have relatively uniform effect contents and do not occur frequently. We are trying to make it easier. Although the phrase reproduction channels CH30 to CH31 are used for the purpose of manufacturing inspection, the description thereof is omitted because it is not related to the gist of the present invention.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the phrase reproduction channel to be used is fixed for the error notification sound, the operation valid sound, and the winning sound whose occurrence frequency is low and whose voice patterns are almost uniform. ing. On the other hand, in the case of executing a notice effect, it is necessary to combine multiple types of voices (unit effect specified by the phrase number NUM) in a multiplexed manner, and therefore, of the remaining 25 phrase reproduction channels CH2 to CH26, At that time, the decoder in the empty state is selectively used.

  However, in order to facilitate the search processing of the decoder in the idle state and realize a program configuration that can be universally diverted regardless of the model change, in this embodiment, 25 phrase reproduction channels CH2 to CH26 ( 1) A sound effect channel SE which mainly plays a notice sound, (2) an advanced effect channel PAN which realizes an advanced sound effect including a pan pot effect, and (3) an effect sound which should be converted into a virtual sound. And a virtual channel VS to be used. As will be described later, in the virtual channel VS, a sound image variable effect is executed by a virtual sound whose sound image localization is controlled on the back surface or the ears of the player.

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

  Further, during the probability change operation in which the player is excited, the advanced effect channel PAN is increased to CH18 to CH23 in order to realize the sound effect that further increases the player, and during the big hit, in order to realize a more flashy sound effect, The effect channel PAN is increased to CH14 to CH23. Therefore, during a big hit, it is possible to realize a large number of musical instrument performances and a multiple voice effect (up to 10 types of phrase compression data duplication reproduction) in which vocal voices are individually reproduced. The effect shown in FIG. 9 described above is a multiple voice effect of 8 channels (CH14 to CH21).

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

  On the other hand, operation parameters required for the advanced effect channel PAN and the virtual channel VS are set by operating the simple access controller SAC and the sequencer SQ. In order to make the sequencer SQ function, the CPU 40 only needs to set the sequence code number and the data attached thereto in the voice control register RGj2 for controlling the sequencer, and the sequence code number and the attached data are SAC data. The setting by the simple access controller SAC is as described above.

  By the way, the CPU directly accesses the voice control register to set the operation parameter as necessary (direct setting), but the advanced effect channel PAN and the virtual channel VS have no chance of direct setting. Is preferred. With such a configuration, it is effective in constructing a game control program that a plurality of persons share the role in developing a game machine.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the sound effect channel SE is divided into the upper channel SE1 (for example, CH2 to CH7) and the lower channel SE2 (for example, CH8 to CH21) according to the effect priority. It should be noted that the priority means the size of each volume value of a plurality of unit effects that are played back at the same time, a unit effect having a high priority is played on the upper channel, and a unit effect having a low priority is played on the lower channel. This facilitates management of the volume value at the time of duplicate presentation.

  That is, in this embodiment, if necessary, the volume value of the upper channel SE1 is collectively increased, and conversely, the volume value of the lower channel SE2 is collectively decreased, whereby a plurality of temporally overlapping notice effects are produced. Is playing effectively. Further, if necessary, the volume of the BGM sound is suppressed to prevent missing of the effect sound. In the following description, the effect sound reproduced on the upper channel SE1 is expressed as the notice sound SE1 or the effect sound SE1, and the effect sound reproduced on the lower channel SE2 is expressed as the notice sound SE2 or the effect sound SE2. Sometimes.

  Now, returning to FIG. 6, continuing the description of the internal configuration of the audio processor 42, as shown in FIG. 6A and FIG. 7, the output signals (mixing L0, mixing R0, mixing R0, mixing R0, mixing R0 L1, mixed R1, mixed SUB0, mixed SUB1) are supplied to the total volume unit TV after being subjected to digital filter processing in the effect unit 54 based on the operation parameter defined in a predetermined audio control register 51 (RGi). , And is amplified based on the total volume value TV.

  The total volume value TV is defined by the operation parameter written in the corresponding voice control register 51 (RGi). As described above, this operation parameter is operated by the staff in principle in this embodiment. It is defined based on the setting switch SET (FIG. 3). However, when the player operates the volume switch VSW (FIG. 1) during the game operation (while waiting for the audio effect), the total volume TV is defined based on the set value.

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

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

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

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

  However, in this embodiment, the CPU completes the volume setting by causing the simple access controller SAC to function without directly accessing the voice control register RGi for volume setting. To be more specific, since the set level has eight levels including the zero level, eight kinds of SAC data (SACV0 to SACV7) are prepared in the audio memory 43 correspondingly, and the CPU By setting the SAC number in the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control at a necessary timing, the setting process of all the total volumes TV0 to TV2 is completed.

  By the way, as shown in Table 1, at the maximum volume, the upper speaker is higher than the middle speaker (TV0>TV1), and the lower speaker is regulated to a higher level than the upper speaker (TV2>TV0). . Also, since TV0≧TV1 and TV2≧TV0 in all stages, the optimum volume balance is maintained in the positional relationship with the player's ears.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the secondary volumes V2 and V3 are in principle always maintained at the same value, but the total volume TV is optimally set corresponding to the arrangement position of each speaker. Therefore, all the sound effects including the pan effect in the upper, lower, left, and right directions are the optimum volume balance for the player.

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

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

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

  This relationship is the same when sound is emitted from the right rear impulse sound source BR as shown in FIG. 11B, and the impulse response h(n) at the right ear position becomes a high level early (FIG. 11(b1)). When the sound is emitted from the left rear of the symmetrical position, the impulse response at the left and right ear positions is reversed. It is said that a person can recognize that the sound source BR is located on the rear right side or on the rear left side based on the difference between the left and right sound volumes and the arrival time difference.

  By the way, the impulse response h(n) measured by the measuring machine is convolved with the input x(n) to obtain the output y(n) as y(n)=Σx(k)*h(nk). Can be specified. Then, the transfer function H(z) can be specified from the relational expression of Y(z)=H(z)*X(z) by Z-transforming the above expression. Then, by constructing a digital filter (for example, FIR filter) corresponding to Y(z)=H(z)*X(z), it is possible to realize the acoustic effect on the left ear and the right ear.

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

  Note that FIG. 11(a2) and FIG. 11(b2) are obtained by converting the transfer function G(z) to the left and right ears into the frequency domain from the relationship of z=exp(j2πft). The frequency characteristic is shown. In short, if the correctly specified transfer function H(z) is processed, the illustrated frequency characteristic is given to the input and output.

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

  Therefore, as shown in (Equation 1), if the left and right effect sounds GL and GR reproduced by the phrase reproduction channel CHn are subjected to filter processing corresponding to the transfer functions LL, LR, RL, and RR (FIG. 11(c )), it is possible to generate virtual sounds SL and SR for the left and right ears from behind, and for example, when listening to the generated sounds SL and SR from the earphones, it is possible to realize virtual sounds that exhibit a sense of distance. ..

However, in the case of a gaming machine, only sound emission from the front speakers SP _L and SP _R can be realized, so if the virtual sounds SL and SR are emitted from the front as they are, transmission from the front speaker to the left and right ears Based on the functions F1 to F4, the sound of (Equation 2) is transmitted to the left and right ears.

  Therefore, it is necessary to cancel the influence caused by the transmission from the front side in advance. In the present embodiment, the four transfer functions F1, F2, F3, F4 are based on the impulse response to the impulse sound source from the left and right front positions. Is specified and an appropriate cancel operation is performed to eliminate the influence of the transfer functions F1, F2, F3, and F4.

  Here, if the canceling functions are A, B, C, and D as shown in (Equation 3), the canceling matrices by the canceling functions A to D may be inverse functions of the transfer matrixes by the transfer functions F1 to F4. It will be. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the cancellation functions A to D are specified from (Equation 4), and the cancellation matrix processing (crosstalk cancellation processing) is performed on the virtual sounds SL and SR in advance to generate the left and right virtual sounds SL′ and SR′. Is being generated. The virtual sounds SL' and SR' corrected by performing the crosstalk cancellation process are as shown in (Equation 5).

  The principle of the virtual surround section VS according to the embodiment has been described above. Next, a more specific description will be given based on FIG. 13. FIG. 13A is a diagram showing a virtual arrangement position of virtual speakers realized by the virtual surround unit VS of the embodiment. As shown, in the embodiment, the left and right virtual speakers Le and Re of the player's ears and the left and right virtual speakers Ls and Rs of the player are virtually arranged. Although not particularly limited, the virtual speakers Ls and Rs are arranged at symmetrical positions of ±60° with respect to the back virtual line from the player, and the distance from the player takes noise of the game hall into consideration. Then, the length is reduced to 60 cm or less. In the present specification, Le and Re represent the original sounds Le and Re for the virtual ear speaker as well as the virtual ear speaker. Similarly, Ls and Rs represent the original sounds Ls and Rs for the rear virtual speakers, as well as the rear virtual speakers Ls and Rs.

  In any case, the placement position of each speaker is just a virtual placement, and in reality, the virtual sound SL converted from the left and right speakers TL and TR on the front upper side as shown in (Formula 1) and (Formula 5). The sound of', SR' is emitted. Here, the positions of the left and right speakers TL and TR that emit the virtual sound are preferably such that the elevation angle from the ear position of the player of average height is about 20 to 30°.

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

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the front speakers that realize the virtual surround effect are limited to only the upper speakers TL and TR, the transfer functions F1 to F4 for the cancellation process are the virtual speakers Le and Re near the ear. It is shared by the rear virtual speakers Ls and Rs.

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

  Further, the lower side of FIG. 13C shows a digital filter that generates virtual sounds for the virtual speakers Le and Re near the ear, and corresponds to the original sound (GL, GR)=(Le, Re) in (Equation 1). The processing and the cancellation processing of (Equation 5) for the virtual sounds SL′ and SR′ are realized. As described above, with respect to the near-ear speakers Le and Re, when the distance to the ears is divisible, the calculation by the transfer functions LL', LR', RL', and RR' becomes unnecessary.

  By the way, FIG. 13B illustrates a circuit configuration around the virtual surround unit VS of FIG. 13C. As shown in the figure, in the present embodiment, when the surround operation is designated to one of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to 31 (surround designation), the phrase reproduction channel CHn is changed from the normal configuration shown in FIG. 8 to that shown in FIG. The circuit configuration is switched to.

  As shown in FIG. 13B, in the surround-designated phrase reproduction channel CHx, the output of the decoder is transmitted to the upper and lower pan pots after passing through the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume V2. Then, after the volume ratio between the real speakers TL and TR and the rear virtual speakers Ls and Rs is panpot-processed, the left and right volume ratios of the real speaker and the rear virtual speaker are panpot-processed to four types, respectively. It becomes the sound signal of. Specifically, front signals Lf and Rf transmitted to the real speakers TL and TR and rear signals Ls and Rs supplied to the virtual surround unit VS are generated. Here, the rear signals Ls and Rs are none other than the original sounds Ls and Rs for the rear virtual speaker.

  After the volume of the output of the secondary volume V2 is set by the ear gain unit EV, the left and right volume ratios of the ear virtual speakers Le and Re are panpoted to generate the original sounds Le and Re for the ear speakers. To be done. When the ear gain unit EV is not used, the circuit configuration is as shown by the broken line, and the rear outputs of the front and rear pan pots become the output of the ear gain unit EV.

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

By the way, in the configuration of FIG. 13B, the panpot ratio of each panpot portion is the same as that described above. That is, not only can +3 dB: -∞ dB to -∞ dB: +3 dB be set, but +0 dB: -∞ dB (only one sound output), -∞ dB: +0 dB (only the other sound output), -∞ dB: -∞. It is also possible to set dB (both are muted). Therefore, in this embodiment, the four original sounds Ls, Rs, Le, and Re are set to 0 dB or −∞ dB, respectively. Then, by appropriately combining the panpot ratios, it is possible to produce sound effects for 2 ⁴ =16 different virtual sounds.

  Explaining a typical example, with the forward signals Lf and Rf transmitted to the real speakers TL and TR set to the muffling level (−∞ dB: −∞ dB), the original sounds Ls and Rs for the rear virtual speakers have the same level ( If the original sound Ls, Rs for the virtual speaker at the ear is set to the muffling level (-∞ dB: -∞ dB) while being set to 0 dB: 0 dB), the effect sound can be heard only from behind the player, and the player can hear the effect sound. It will have an extremely strong impact.

  On the contrary, if the original sounds Ls and Rs for the rear virtual speaker are set to the mute level (-∞ dB: -∞ dB) and the original sounds Ls and Rs for the virtual speaker at the ear are set to the same level (0 dB:0 dB), the player The effect sound can be heard only from the ears of the player, and in this case also, the player can be given an extremely strong impact. In this case, the effect of the virtual sound can be enhanced by setting the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channels CHn other than the surround-designated phrase reproduction channel CHx to the minimum (masking). In this case, the secondary volume V3 of the phrase reproduction channel CHx may be further set to the minimum.

  It is also possible to emit sound only on the left side of the back surface, emit sound only on the right side of the back surface, emit sound only on the left side of the ear, emit sound on the right side of the ear, emit sound only on the left speaker TL, and emit sound only on the right speaker TR. , It is possible to greatly increase the variation of voice production. Note that the panpot setting for realizing this operation is very complicated, but since the simple access controller SAC and the sequencer SQ are made to function in this embodiment, the panpot setting process is extremely simplified. .. As described above, the use of the sequencer SQ allows the CPU to set the panpot effects over time, which have different durations set appropriately, all at once.

  Since the circuit configuration for easily realizing the advanced voice effect has been described above in detail, the operation of the effect control unit 22 will be described next, focusing on the part characteristic of the present embodiment among the voice effect operations. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a characteristic part of the operation content of the effect control unit 22. The operation of the effect control unit 22 is, after the effect control CPU 40 is reset, a main process executed in an endless loop (FIG. 14A) and a timer interrupt process activated every 1 mS (FIG. 14B). ), a reception interrupt process (not shown) for receiving a control command transmitted by the main control unit 21, and a reproduction completion interrupt process (FIG. 14C) activated by an interrupt signal received from the voice processor 42. Will be realized in.

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

  Next, the main processing shown in FIG. 14A will be described. After the CPU is reset, the effect control CPU first performs an appropriate initial setting operation for the RAM work area and the internal circuits of the one-chip microcomputer 40 and the voice processor 42. Is executed (ST10). As described above, the initial setting operation of the voice processor 42 is completed by setting a predetermined SAC number in the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control, so that the control load of the effect control CPU is significantly reduced. .

  Next, it waits until the interrupt counter, which is updated every 1 ms in the timer interrupt process, reaches 16 (ST11), and when the interrupt counter reaches 16, the interrupt counter is cleared to zero (ST12) and steps ST12 to ST19. Executes the loop process of.

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

  Next, it is determined whether or not the non-gaming state continues for a predetermined time, and if the game operation is not recognized, the demo process is executed based on a predetermined demo scenario (ST14). Subsequently, a switch input process for determining the setting switch SET operated by the staff member or the pressing operation of the chance button 11 operated by the player is executed (ST15). If this timing is the button chance state, the chance scenario of the button chance game is specified, and the chance game is started based on the scenario.

  Next, a command analysis process for analyzing the control command CMD acquired by the reception interrupt process is executed (ST16). When a predetermined control command (variation pattern command) is received, an effect lottery for determining specific effect contents is executed, and a series of effect scenarios based on the result of the determination are performed. The variation effect is started (ST16).

  A series of variable effects are performed synchronously in synchronization with an image effect using the display device DS, a lamp effect for blinking a lamp, and an audio effect using a speaker, and a character effect effect is generated as necessary. Is added. Therefore, in the effect scenario that specifies the series of fluctuating motions, the specific contents of various effects are defined together with the execution start time and the execution duration time. Note that the image effect, the lamp effect, and the sound effect are synchronously executed based on a predetermined scenario also in the error scenario, the demo scenario, and the chance scenario described above.

  In the present embodiment, one or a plurality of main scenario tables Mj that specify a series of fluctuating effects are prepared for the effect scenario, the error scenario, the demo scenario, and the chance scenario. The scenario information (sub-scenario number) specifying the effect content and the execution duration of the effect are described. Note that, for the sake of convenience, the description about the lamp effect and the motor effect is omitted in the main scenario table Mj in FIG. 15B, as described above.

  In any case, when the error notification, the demonstration effect, the button effect, and the variable effect are executed, it is necessary to make the contents proceed with the passage of time, so the scenario update processing for that is executed next. (ST17). Since the scenario update process is executed every 16 ms, when the necessary switching timing is reached, the process for specifying the effect content to be executed next is executed. Specifically, the reference position in the main scenario table Mj or the sub-scenario table Sk is updated for the scenario being executed.

  This point will be described with respect to the audio effect. The audio effect is executed by the audio processor 42 based on the audio command SND received from the effect control CPU 40. That is, the voice effect is executed by the voice processor 42 reproducing a predetermined unit effect specified by the voice command SND at a predetermined volume. Therefore, when the switching timing of the voice effect is reached, the effect control CPU 40 will transmit a new unit effect and a voice command for specifying the reproduction volume thereof to the voice processor, and the series of the processes other than the scenario update process. Not (ST17).

  When the scenario updating process having the above contents is completed, a fade process is then executed (ST18). Here, the fade process means a volume changing process for changing the volume of the voice effect being executed. Typically, with respect to the BGM sound and the effect sound (preliminary sound) that are duplicately reproduced, mutual volume adjustment is performed. For example, (1) in order to reproduce a predetermined notice sound, the volume of the BGM sound being reproduced is suppressed, and (2) another notice sound of high importance (reliability) is superimposed on the notice sound being reproduced. The operation corresponds to, for example, suppressing the volume of the notice sound being reproduced for reproduction, and (3) suppressing the volume of BGM sound and effect sound for error notification.

  It should be noted that the mode of volume adjustment includes not only an instant operation of changing the target volume at a stroke, but also a fade-in operation and a fade-out operation of changing the volume in stages. In any case, the phrase control channel CHn and the voice command SND for specifying the playback volume on the playback channel CHn are written by the effect control CPU 40 in a predetermined voice control register 51 (RGi) of the voice processor 42. To be done.

  The reproduction volume is specified by the primary volume value V1 or the secondary volume value Vs, but the reproduction volume of the BGM sound and the notice sounds SE1 and SE2 is the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3) in both the instantaneous operation and the fade operation. ), the reproduction volume of the error notification sound is specified by the volume setting values for the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs. The volume setting value is appropriately set, but at the time of error notification, the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3) of the phrase reproduction channel CH29 are set to the maximum values, while the other phrase reproduction channels CH0 to 28 are set. , CH30-31 primary volume V1 is set to the minimum value. As described above, these operations are executed by the simple access controller SAC and the sequencer SQ.

  When the fade process (ST18) having the above contents is completed, other processes are executed and then the process proceeds to step ST11. It should be noted that other processing includes update processing of the lamp drive data SDATA0 to SDATA2 serially transmitted from the serial port SI, update processing of random number values for effect lottery, and the like.

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

  Here, the production scenario table is roughly divided into a main scenario table Mj (FIG. 15B) and a sub-scenario table Sk (FIG. 15C) specified by the main scenario table Mj. In the fluctuating effect, a plurality of main scenarios are generally in parallel during the effect, and as a result, the effect control CPU 40 causes a plurality of main scenario tables Mj to Mx and a plurality of corresponding main scenario tables Mj to Mx. Based on the sub-scenario tables Sk to Sy, the sound effects are to be multiplexed. In the present embodiment, the scenario number and the scenario table have a one-to-one correspondence, so in the following description, the main scenario table Mj is identified with the main scenario number mcNo and the main scenario, and the sub-scenario table Sk is referred to. , Sub scenario number scNo and sub scenario may be equated.

  Based on the above schematic description, the voice effect for implementing the effect scenario (see ST16) will be described in more detail. As described above, in the present embodiment, the selection operation for properly selecting the empty channel CHn of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 of the audio processor 42, the plurality of main scenario tables Mj to Mx, and the plurality of sub scenarios. Appropriate reference operation for the scenario tables Sk to Sy is required. Therefore, in order to facilitate these operations, in this embodiment, a scenario progress table INFO_TBL as shown in FIG. 14D and a used CH management table PlayNow_TBL as shown in FIG. 14E are provided. It should be noted that FIG. 14E also shows the use categories (SE, PAN, VS) of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 during the normal game. As described with reference to FIG. 10, in the present embodiment, the use categories of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 are variable, and are different from the illustrated use categories during the probability change or the big hit.

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

  Here, (1) main scenario number mcNo is number information that identifies the main scenario table Mj, (2) scenario timer scTm is time information that manages the progress of the effect scenario identified by the main scenario number mcNo, (3 ) The main scenario execution line mcIx is line information that identifies the reference row of the main scenario table Mj, (4) the sub-scenario execution line scIx is line information that identifies the reference row of the sub-scenario table Sk, and (5) the waiting time delay. Is a delay time from the writing of the main scenario number mcNo to the progress management channel MCHm until the execution of the production scenario of the main scenario number mcNo is started, and the production start timing is specified. The scenario timer scTm and the delay time delay are time information with 16 mS as one unit.

  For example, the registration information of the progress management channel MCH0 illustrated in FIG. 14D means that the main scenario M10 is started 60*16 mS after the information is registered in the progress management channel MCH0. Further, according to the registration information of the progress management channel MCH1, the main scenario M20 is started immediately after the information is registered in the progress management channel MCH1. Then, the scenario registration processing executed in the processing of steps ST13, ST14, ST15, and ST16 means writing the main scenario number mcNo and the waiting time delay to any of the progress management channels MCHm in the empty state. .. Further, in this scenario registration processing, initial values are written in the scenario timer scTm, the main scenario execution line mcIx, and the sub-scenario execution line scIx, but these values are appropriately updated in the scenario update processing (ST17).

  As shown in FIG. 14E, the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL is a management table for managing the usage states of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 of the audio processor 42, and in this embodiment, regarding the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29, It stores the status of "playing", "stopped", or "paused". These pieces of information can be grasped by reading the status flag value from the predetermined voice control register 51 (RGi) of the voice processor 42, but in the present embodiment, for "reproducing" and "temporarily stopped" It is set based on the program control of the control CPU 40. Therefore, in this embodiment, there is no problem of a time delay from the issue of the voice command SND for starting the reproduction or the pause to the voice processor 42 until the voice processor 42 actually reacts.

  This point is that in the present embodiment, 64 progress management channels MCHm of the scenario progress table INFO_TBL are provided (m=0 to 63), and voice commands SND required for analysis processing in each progress management channel MCHm are continuously transmitted. Especially important. That is, prior to the transmission of the voice command SND, the voice processor 42 is accessed to check the availability of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 from the status flag. If the phrase reproduction specified by the voice command SND issued immediately before is reproduced. In many cases, the channel CHn still maintains the “stopped” state, so that there is a possibility that the phrase playback channel CHn designated immediately before may be designated redundantly, and this causes the previous unit effect to disappear. It will be.

  On the other hand, the information of "stopped" in the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL is updated based on the reproduction completion interrupt processing shown in FIG. 14(c). That is, when the effect control CPU 40 receives the interrupt signal from the audio processor 42, the effect control CPU 40 accesses a predetermined audio control register RGi of the audio processor 42 to specify the phrase reproduction channel CHn for which reproduction has been completed (ST25). Next, for the phrase reproduction channel CHn that has been reproduced, the data of the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL is rewritten from "reproducing" to "stopped" (ST26).

  Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the latest state of the phrase reproduction channel CHn that can be used from time to time can be grasped in real time, and optimum phrase reproduction control can be realized. That is, if the vacant channel CHn is not properly grasped, for example, during the normal game, in the upper channel SE1 (CH2 to CH7) where the number of channels (=6) is limited, it is necessary to avoid the execution of unit effects that should be simultaneously executed. However, in the present embodiment, the upper channel SE1 can be effectively used and up to six unit effects can be appropriately executed at the same time. As described above, in the present embodiment, the unit effect is a set of effect sounds and BGM sounds specified by one phrase number NUM.

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

  On the other hand, when a significant main scenario number mcNo is described in the m-th progress management channel MCHm, the value of the waiting time delay described in the progress management channel MCHm is determined (ST32). As described above, the value of the waiting time delay means the delay time from the writing of the main scenario number mcNo to the progress management channel MCHm until the start of the execution scenario of the main scenario number mcNo. .. Therefore, when the waiting time delay≠0, the waiting time delay is decremented (−1) and the processing is ended (ST33).

  On the contrary, if the waiting time delay=0, the reference line specified by the main scenario execution line mcIx is referred to in the main scenario table Mj corresponding to the main scenario number mcNo described in the progress management channel MCHm (ST34). ). As illustrated in FIG. 15B, in the main scenario table Mj, one or more sub-scenario numbers scNo that realize the main scenario Mj and the execution duration of each sub-scenario are described. Then, the main scenario execution line mcIx specifies the reference line, and the execution duration is managed by the progress of the scenario timer scTm updated every 16 mS.

  For example, the main scenario of the main scenario number M01 executes 1500*16 mS of the sub scenario of the sub scenario number S02, then 500*16 mS of the sub scenario of the sub scenario number S20, and finally, the sub scenario of the sub scenario number S21. 2000*16 mS to end the processing. D_SEEND means the end of data. In addition, instead of the end data, a loop designation such as D_SELOP+0 may be described. In this case, jump to the jump line indicated by + or later (the first line is 0 in the illustrated example). The process following the jump line will be repeated.

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

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

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

  On the other hand, at the timing of the third row of the sub-scenario table Sk (=001) shown in FIG. 18B or the second row or the third row of the sub-scenario table Sk (=002) shown in FIG. The new unit effect is not started, and the volume of the unit effect that has been executed up to that point changes.

  Returning to FIG. 15(c) and continuing the description, the sub-scenario table Sk of the present embodiment shows that (1) the phrase number NUM that specifies the unit effect and (2) the unit effect for the reproduction mode information of the unit effect. Are stored separately according to the type. Here, the type of unit effect is whether the unit type is BGM sound, effect sound SE1, effect sound SE2, advanced effect sound PAN, virtual sound VS, error notification sound, or operation valid sound. There are 8 types of winning sounds, and the sub-scenario table Sk is divided into 8 sections corresponding to the number of types (=8), and the section of sound control information is added to this, and 9 sections as a whole. (See FIGS. 18B and 18C). As described above, the phrase reproduction channel CHn of the voice processor 42 used to reproduce the BGM sound, the error notification sound, the operation valid sound, and the winning sound is fixedly defined in advance. .. On the other hand, the high-order effect sound SE1, the low-order effect sound SE2, the advanced effect sound PAN, and the virtual sound VS are arbitrarily selected from the empty phrase reproduction channel CHn.

  When confirming more specifically with reference to FIGS. 15B and 15C, the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S01 is first selected in the effect scenario specified by the main scenario number M02. Then, in the sub-scenario of sub-scenario number S01, the sound effect on the first line is immediately started, and the sound effect is changed to the sound effect on the second line at the timing of scenario timer scTm=1000, and further at the timing of scenario timer scTm=1500. The voice effect on the third line is started. When the voice effect specified by the information on the third line ends, the process of sub-scenario S01 ends. In the above description, the start of the voice effect mainly means that the unit effect described in the corresponding row of the sub-scenario table Sk is newly started, but FIG. 18(b) and FIG. 18(c). As can be seen from the above, the start of the volume transition operation of the unit effect being executed is also included.

  In any case, after starting the audio effect on the third line of the sub-scenario S01, the process returns to the main scenario table M02 of FIG. 15B, and the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S25 at the timing of the scenario timer scTm=3000. Is selected, and the execution duration of 1000*16 ms is required to execute the voice effect of the sub-scenario number S25. The voice effect specified in the third line of the sub-scenario S01 automatically ends when the reproduction time of the unit effect expires or the volume transition operation ends.

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

  Then, if the data is the final data D_SEEND, it means that the execution of the main scenario described in the progress management channel MCHm is completed, and thus it is described in the progress management channel MCHm (see FIG. 14B). The main scenario number mcNo is deleted, and the scenario update processing ends (ST36). Therefore, the progress management channel MCHm used until then is released for the other main scenario started thereafter, and the scenario timer scTm, by the setting process of the initial data at the time of new scenario registration. The sub-scenario execution line scIx and the main scenario execution line mcIx are cleared.

  Since the present embodiment is configured as described above, in the case of a voice effect in which a unit effect is repeated in an invisible loop, such as an error notification sound or an operation valid sound (FIGS. 20 to 21). , The execution duration of the main scenario is set to be extremely short. Therefore, the main scenario number mcNo of this type of unit effect is quickly deleted from the progress management channel MCHm (see FIG. 14B) (see ST36). Then, the sound effect that is repeated in the invisible loop corresponds to the start of another unit effect or the execution of the silence process on the same phrase reproduction channels CH27 and CH29. finish.

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

  Next, the scenario timer scTm is updated by +1 (ST38), and it is determined whether the updated value of the scenario timer scTm is equal to or longer than the duration time described in the main scenario table Mj (ST39). When the scenario timer scTm≧duration, the main scenario execution line mcIx is incremented by 1 and updated (ST40).

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

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

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

  Here, if the storage data at that address is the end data D_SEEND, the processing is ended as it is. On the other hand, if it is not the end data D_SEEND but the start time defining the start timing, that value is compared with the scenario timer scTm (ST52). If the scenario timer scTm≧start time, the phrase reproduction channel CHn of the voice processor 42 is designated, and voice command output processing for transmitting an appropriate voice command SND is executed (ST53). As shown in FIG. 15C, the sub-scenario table Sk stores a phrase number NUM that specifies a unit effect, a reproduction volume value (secondary volume Vs) of the unit effect, and the like.

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

  The voice command output process executed in step ST53 is as shown in FIG. 16(b), and (1) a voice command SND that specifies a unit effect for which reproduction is to be newly started, or (2) that is being executed. A voice command SND for changing the voice of the unit effect will be transmitted. When the voice command output process (ST53) is normally completed, the sub-scenario execution line scIx is updated and the sub-scenario update process is completed (ST54). Note that, when no vacant channel is detected and invalid data NULL is returned, the sub-scenario execution line scIx remains the original value.

  Next, the voice command output process (ST53) shown in FIG. 16B will be described. In the voice command output process, first, it is determined whether the scenario reproduction channel CHn specified in the sub-scenario table Sk is a fixed channel (ST55). As described above, the BGM sound, the error notification sound, the operation valid sound, and the winning sound use the phrase reproduction channel CHn defined in advance. The phrase reproduction channels CHn to be designated by the command SND are determined as CH0+CH1, CH28, CH27, CH28, respectively (ST56).

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

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

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step ST55 that the scenario reproduction channel CHn specified in the sub-scenario table Sk is not a fixed channel, the processes in steps ST56 to ST57 are skipped and the corresponding row in the sub-scenario table Sk is skipped. , It is determined whether or not data regarding effect sounds SE1/SE2/PAN/VS is described (ST58). Note that, for example, as in the third line of the sub-scenario Sk (=001) in FIG. 18B, there is no data regarding effect sounds SE1/SE2/PAN/VS, and only data regarding sound control is described. There are also cases.

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

  As shown in FIG. 17A, in the reproduction CH detection process (ST59), a search range is selected depending on whether the reproduction of the effect sound SE1, the reproduction of the effect sound SE2, the reproduction of the advanced effect sound PAN, or the reproduction of the virtual sound VS. Is different. That is, in the present embodiment, the use category (SE, PAN, VS) of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 is variable, the usable phrase reproduction channels are different depending on the game state, and the initial state is changed according to the game state. The value CH and the final CH are defined.

  For example, when the game state is a normal game, when the effect sound SE1 is reproduced, it is initialized as setting CH=CH2, and when it is effect sound SE2, it is initialized as setting CH=CH8. (ST70). Then, in the scenario reproduction channels CH2 to CH7 or the scenario reproduction channels CH8 to CH21, respectively, an available channel is searched in the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL.

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

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

  Returning to FIG. 16B, continuing the description of the voice command output process (ST53), if an empty channel CHn is detected for the effect sounds SE1/SE2/PAN/VS, the phrase reproduction channel CHn is used. Then, the necessary voice command SND is transmitted to the voice processor 42 in order to start the reproduction of the effect sound SE1/SE2/PAN/VS which is a new unit effect. As shown in FIG. 16C, the voice command SND has a plural byte length obtained by combining the register number and the set value of the voice control register RGi of the voice processor 42. When the simple access controller SAC or the sequencer SQ is used, it is as shown in FIG.

  The set values for the reproduction of the effect sounds SE1/SE2/PAN/VS require the phrase number NUM and the secondary volume Vs of the effect sounds SE1/SE2/PAN/VS as essential values, and if necessary, the upper, lower, left, and right Bread pot setting values are added. It should be noted that in the present embodiment, all phrase reproduction channels that may be used can be used to determine the operating state of the phrase reproduction channel CHn of the audio processor 42, that is, which of the "stopped", "temporarily stopped", and "reproducing" states. Understanding of CHn (n=0 to 29) (see FIG. 14(e)).

  When such step ST60 is completed, it is next determined whether or not the relevant row of the sub-scenario table Sk contains data regarding sound control. Then, when the data related to the sound control is described, the sound control process of transmitting a voice command necessary to execute the volume transition operation is executed (ST62). The operation contents of the sound control process in step ST62 are as shown in FIGS. 17B and 17C, and will be described later.

  Further, FIG. 18A exemplifies data relating to sound control, and in this embodiment, sound control data having a 4-byte (Bit31-Bit0) structure is used. First, the least significant 3 bits (Bit2-Bit0) indicate the transition time from the start to the end of the volume transition operation by a numerical value of 1 to 4, and the transition times are 0.5 seconds, 1 second, and 1. It means 5 seconds, 2 seconds. Next, the lower 4 bits (Bit19-Bit16) of the third byte specify the volume target value of the secondary volume Vs in four steps from the minimum value (0x00) to the maximum value (0x80). In the sound control data, 13 bits (Bit15-Bit3) composed of the second byte and the upper byte of 1 byte indicate the phrase number NUM (000H to 1FFFH). In this embodiment, the volume transition operation is executed for the two secondary volumes Vs in the state of V2=V3, as described above.

  In the upper 4 bits (Bit23-Bit20) of the 3rd byte, the phrase reproduction channel CHn whose volume is to be changed is CH0 to CH1 of BGM sound, phrase reproduction channel for effect sound SE1, or effect sound SE2. Or the phrase reproduction channel for the advanced effect sound PAN, the phrase reproduction channel for the virtual sound VS, all the phrase reproduction channels (CH2 to CH26), or the unit effect of a predetermined phrase number NUM is reproduced. It indicates whether or not the phrase reproduction channel CHn is present. As described above, the phrase reproduction channel CHn of the effect sounds SE1/SE2/PAN/VS is variable, and the phrase number NUM is specified by 13 bits of Bit15 to Bit3 of the sound control data.

  Next, the 4th byte (Bit31-Bit24) of the sound control data indicates the control type of the volume change. Specifically, the fade operation for transitioning the secondary volume value Vs or the secondary volume value at once. It is used as information such as an instantaneous operation of transition and how much the primary volume value V1 is set.

  Regarding the sound control data, the sub-scenario table Sk (=001) of FIG. 18B will be described. At the timing of the start time zero, the volume target value of the secondary volume Vs of the BGM sound (BG_T) is 0x20 (V20). ) Is performed in 0.5 seconds (S05). In addition, the registration data in the SE1 column indicates that “a unit effect of phrase number NUM=0001 is stereo-reproduced at the level of the secondary volume Vs=0x80”, and eventually, at the timing of the start time zero, While suppressing the BGM sound quickly, the unit effect of the phrase number NUM=0001 is started at the maximum volume (see FIG. 18(d)).

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

  On the other hand, in the sub-scenario table Sk (=002) of FIG. 18C, the primary volume V1 of the BGM sound (BG_T) is instantaneously changed to 0x00 (SV00) and the phrase reproduction channel CH2 It is stipulated that the primary volume V1 of CH7 (YK1_T) be instantaneously changed to 0x00 (SV00). Note that the registration data in the SE2 column indicates that "the unit effect of phrase number NUM=0010 should be stereo-reproduced at the level of the secondary volume Vs=0x80." The effect sound SE1 and the BGM sound are quickly suppressed, and the unit effect of the phrase number NUM=0010 is started at the maximum volume (see FIG. 18(e)).

  Then, after that, the primary volume V1 of the BGM sound (BG_T) and the phrase reproduction channels CH2 to CH7 (YK1_T) is instantaneously changed to 0x80 (V80) at the timing of the start time 5000*16 mS (Fig. 18(e. )reference). Although the fade operation is not executed for the primary volume V1 in this embodiment, it is not particularly limited, and it is also preferable to provide the fade operation for the primary volume V1.

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

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

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

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

  Based on the above, the sound control process (ST62) will be described. The sound control process is divided into a non-fade process shown in FIG. 17B and a fade initial setting process shown in FIG. 17C. Here, the non-fade processing is an instantaneous setting processing that does not involve a fade operation, and realizes the set values SVOL, SVO8, SVO0, SVO2, SVO4, SVO8E, SVO0E in the sound control data of FIG. 18(a). This is a process for doing.

  If the 4th byte data (see FIG. 18A) in the sound control column of the sub-scenario table Sk is the set value SVOL, SVO8, SVO0, SVO2, SVO4, SVO8E, SVO0E, etc. The volume control target (BG_T, YK1_T, YK2_T, YKA_T, FRZ) is specified based on the upper data of the 3rd byte of the column, and the phrase playback channel CHn to be the volume change target and the voice command SND specifying the volume value are specified. Is generated and transmitted to the voice processor 2 (ST80).

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

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

  By the way, in the present embodiment, not only the volume target value is specified, but also the volume deviation direction (±) is specified by comparing this volume target value with the current volume value. It is possible to realize a smooth volume transition from.

  That is, in a configuration in which only the target value is simply set without making the current volume value VOL a problem, a one-way transition operation from the predetermined reference value (MIN value or MAX value) to the target value is performed. For example, when the current value is the MIN value and the reference value is the MAX value, there is an inconvenience that an instantaneous shift of MIN→MAX from zero to the maximum volume occurs. On the other hand, when the current value is the MAX value and the reference value is the MIN value, there is an unnatural feeling that the volume shift is started after the momentary mute that changes from MAX to MIN occurs, but in the present embodiment, Inconvenience does not occur.

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

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

  The actual fade processing is as shown in FIG. 17D, and the update cycle WD is not zero for all the phrase reproduction channels CHn managed by the volume management table VL_TBL of FIG. 19C. It is executed (ST90).

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

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

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

  In the present embodiment, it is also possible to specify a fade operation for a specific unit effect, as shown in the control object FRZ at the upper third byte in the sound control data of FIG. 18(a). The specific unit effect is specified by the phrase number NUM having a length of 13 bits. However, when the fade operation of the specific unit effect is specified, in the present embodiment, a predetermined inquiry command SND is sent to the audio processor 42. By transmitting, the phrase reproduction channel that is reproducing the unit effect is specified.

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

  However, in this embodiment, since the phrase reproduction channel CHn is specified and the phrase number NUM is transmitted (see ST57 and ST60 in FIG. 16), the relationship between the phrase reproduction channel CHn and the phrase number NUM is determined at this timing. A method of storing may be adopted, and in this case, transmission of the inquiry command becomes unnecessary.

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

  In this case, at the beginning of the scenario update process (ST17), as shown in the reception process (read data process) of FIG. 5C, the voice processor 42 is accessed to refer to a predetermined status flag, The used CH management table PlayNow_TBL may be updated to the latest value. Then, in this modified example, during one processing unit time (16 mS), the audio processor 42 is thereafter accessed and the predetermined status flag is not checked. Therefore, after that, the phrase playback channel that has changed from "playing" to "stopped" during one processing unit time cannot be used, but there is an advantage that an interrupt processing program is not required.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, in the sub-scenario table Sk, the secondary volume values V2 and V3 defining the reproduction volume are set at the start of phrase reproduction, corresponding to the setting of the phrase number. )), it is also preferable to adopt a configuration in which this volume setting process can be omitted. That is, since the volume setting value at the beginning of phrase reproduction is usually a fixed level (maximum value 80H), if the volume is set to the maximum level in the refresh process that operates regularly, the volume setting at the beginning of phrase reproduction is set. Can be omitted. For safety, it goes without saying that the volume may be set again at the start of phrase reproduction.

  FIG. 20B is a diagram for explaining the refresh process A, which functions when the start of the changing operation is not in the error notification and not in the special notice presentation. As shown in the figure, in the refresh process A, the primary volume V1 and the secondary volumes V2 and V3 are set to the maximum values for all the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29. Therefore, even if the volume setting value is set to any value in the pan operation or the phase operation during the changing operation before that, all the volume values are reset to fixed values at the start of the change.

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

  On the other hand, when the error notification is being performed or the special notice production is being performed, the refresh process A is skipped, so that the error notifying operation and the notice operation are not adversely affected. Here, the special notice effect means an operation of intentionally muting (masking) such as a blackout effect in which the display screen goes dark to give a notice of the big hit state. In such a special notice effect, the notice effect is enhanced by masking the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 to 00H (see FIG. 20(e)).

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

  Corresponding to this operation, a unit effect for error notification is specified and specified in the phrase reproduction channel CH29 via the sub-scenario table Sk (see FIG. 15(c)) by the silent loop designation. The silent loop error notification sound is silenced on the phrase reproduction channel CH29 based on the reception of the error cancellation command, and correspondingly, the primary volume of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH28 is set to the specified value ( 80H). These operations of starting and ending the error notification sound are realized by utilizing the simple access controller SAC, as in the operations of FIG. 20(d) and FIG. 20(e).

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

  On the other hand, in the models B and C, at the start of fluctuation, it is determined whether or not some BGM sound is being reproduced in the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1 by referring to the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL (FIG. 14(e)). It Then, when the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1 are stopped, that is, when the BGM sound being reproduced does not exist, the main scenario Mj for the new BGM sound is registered in the scenario progress table INFO_TBL as in the model A. (FIG.14(d)).

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

  The case where the reproduction of the BGM0 or BGM1 is newly started in the model B or the model C has been described above. However, if some BGM sound is being reproduced in the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1, nothing is done. This is because, as described above, in the models B and C, the BGM sound is repeatedly endlessly reproduced by the infinite loop designation in the sub-scenario table Sk (FIG. 15B).

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

  As described above, in the model B and the model C, the same BGM sound is reproduced endlessly as long as the player continues to play the game, but in the model C, the phase-out operation is executed from a timing slightly earlier than the fluctuation stop. The BGM sound is muted when the fluctuation stops. Since the reproduction of the BGM sound is continued even in this mute state, the sound emission of the BGM sound is restarted based on the refresh process A (FIG. 20(b)) executed at the start of the next fluctuation.

  Although the models A to C have been described above, the refresh process A may be executed at a time other than when the fluctuation starts. The execution timing of the refresh process A in the model A is (1) when the fluctuation starts, (2) when the demo command is received, (3) a predetermined time after the demo command is received, and (4) when a further time elapses and the demo movie starts. The timing may be, (5) after a predetermined time has elapsed, or the like. However, in the models B and C, when the demo command is received (2), the BGM sound may be continuously reproduced with or without sound. Therefore, the timing of (1) and (3) to (5) Then, the refresh process A is executed.

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

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

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

  First, the winning sound reproduced on the phrase reproduction channel CH28 will be described. The winning sound is a sound effect that indicates that the game ball has won the symbol starting port 15, and if the winning action is in the course of the changing operation, the number of holding balls displayed on the display device increases in response to this winning action. Is configured to. In addition, the number of reserved balls is the number of game balls that are won during the variation operation, and means the number of waits for the big hit lottery process. The number of reserved balls is transmitted from the main control unit 21 to the effect control unit 22. Specified by the pending number command CMD.

  The playing of the winning sound and the increase in the number of holding balls have the significance of allowing the player to confirm the winning, but since the winning of the playing ball occurs randomly regardless of the progress of the performance operation, the winning sound is not released. In some cases, the display of the sound and the number of holding balls may interfere with the production operation (sound production). For example, in the case of a reach image effect that wants to use a wide range of the display screen, the display area of the number of reserved balls is an obstacle, and in the case of wanting to emit a special effect sound corresponding to the reach image effect, Sometimes the BGM sound gets in the way.

  FIGS. 21(a) to 21(c) exemplify such an operation state of the reach effect. During the predetermined reach effect, the display area of the number of reserved balls is erased (holding non-display period). , BMG sound is muted (FIG. 21(a)), only the effect sounds SE1 and SE2 are emitted via the effect channel SE (FIG. 21(b) FIG. 21(c)). The reason why such control is adopted is that the BGM sound is intentionally muted so as to concentrate on the effect sounds SE1 and SE2.

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

  In this way, in this embodiment, since the masking process corresponding to the hold non-display period is executed, the player can concentrate on the effect sounds SE1 and SE2 of the effect channel SE. Further, since the confirmed phrase reproduction channels (CH0, CH1, CH28) are used for the reproduction of the BMG sound and the winning sound, it is not necessary to search for the phrase reproduction channel to be masked during the mask operation, and the control load increases. Never.

  In the illustrated example, the winning sound masking process is canceled at the end of the hold non-display period. Therefore, after that, it is possible to confirm the increase in the number of holding balls on the display device and listen to the new winning sound. it can. On the other hand, in the illustrated example, the masking process of the BGM sound is continued until the fluctuation stops, but the primary volume V1 is restored to the specified level by the refreshing process (FIG. 20) executed at an appropriate timing, so that there is no problem. Does not happen.

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

  Although not particularly limited, the main scenario 1 is composed of two main scenarios 1 and 2. Specifically, as shown in Table 2, the sub-scenario 1 for identifying the sound effect 1 "Pune!!" that is generated in response to the appearance of the button image on the display device and the operation valid period after that are shown. It is composed of a sub-scenario 2 for specifying the repeated sound effect 2 “Picon, Picon, Picon,... ”. Note that the sound effect 2 is repeated in an infinite loop by being designated as a loop.

  On the other hand, the main scenario 2 is composed of a sound effect 3 that is executed by pressing the chance button 11 and a sub-scenario 3 that specifies the silence processing. Here, the sound effect 3 means a sound effect executed in the lower channel SE2 in response to the pressing of the button. For the sake of convenience, in FIGS. 21C and 21D, the same voice effect is executed after the start of variation and during the reach effect, but this is merely a description for convenience, and actually, Characteristic voice effects according to each phase are executed. Further, during the reach effect, the voice effect A up to that point is configured to end in response to the start of the main scenario 1.

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

  In other words, the silence processing of sub-scenario 3 is sufficient if the phrase number NUMy of the silence data for an extremely short time (for example, 10 mS) is overwritten on the voice control register RGi that specifies the playback phrase number NUM of the phrase playback channel CH27. By this overwriting operation, the phrase number NUMx of the sound effect 2 disappears, so no matter how quickly the silent sound reproduction ends, there is no possibility that the reproduction of the sound effect 2 will resume thereafter. Note that this point is the same in the case of the process of muting the BGM sound in the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH1 ((2) and (3) of FIG. 20) and the process of non-rooting the error notification sound in the phrase reproduction channel CH29. ..

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the reproduction processing of the operation valid sound is always executed by the phrase reproduction channel CH27, (1) the mask processing for setting the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channel CH27 to 00H or (2) It is also possible to forcibly terminate the phrase reproduction operation of the phrase reproduction channel CH27. However, in the former case, it is preferable to restore the primary volume V1 to 80H after a predetermined time. In either case, the main scenario 1 that indirectly specifies the repeated sound emission operation of the sound effect 2 "Pikon" (via the sub-scenario 2) is the progress management after 300*16 mS from the start of the repeated sound emission operation. It is erased from the channel MCHm (ST36 in FIG. 15).

  By the way, in addition to the above-described embodiment, it is also preferable to execute a voice effect linked with an image effect or a character effect as the notice effect. FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating such a notice effect. The number and types of notice images drawn on the front side of the background image, an accessory that moves on the front side of the background image, and the volume of the BGM sound. FIG.

  In this embodiment, the reliability of the notice effect corresponds to the remaining area of the background image, the presence/absence of a character, and the presence/absence of movement of the character. Specifically, (1) the notice effect image is enlarged, the smaller the background image area, and (2) the more prominent the feature, the higher the reliability is. , BGM sound is reduced to emphasize the value of notice production. The reliability means that the lottery result of the big hit lottery may be in a winning state.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically showing an example of specific effect contents, and shows a notice effect that is displayed together with the background image so as to be superimposed on the background image. Note that the vertical direction indicates the difference in reliability, and the notice effect 1 having a low degree of reliability to the notice effect 9 having a high degree of reliability are sequentially illustrated in the vertical direction. Further, the horizontal direction shows the advanced type of the notice production, and if the notice production shifts to the right side, the reliability is improved accordingly.

  In this example, the notice effect that the high school girl takes various actions is illustrated, but in the notice effect 1, one high school girl gives a message in the speech balloon part, and then, as a development, another girl The high school students will write a message in a separate balloon.

  Further, in the notice production 2, the high school girl turns around (STEP2) when starting from the preparation OK state (STEP1) and progressing from STEP1 to STEP2, and further notices that another high school girl meets when developing to STEP3. .. The advance notice effect of the present embodiment increases in reliability as it develops, but the volume of the BGM sound is suppressed correspondingly to the reduction in the area of the background image.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the BGM sound is reproduced on the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1 which are the dedicated channels, so that the primary volume V1 is varied to control the volume appropriately. Unlike the fade effect in which the secondary volumes V2 and V3 are integrally controlled, in the present embodiment, since the volume suppression control during the notice effect uses the primary volume V1, even if the volume is finely controlled at a short timing, The control burden does not increase particularly.

  Then, since the number of notice characters increases or the size of the notice characters increases, the BGM sound is reduced in response to the background image being hidden, so that the effect of the advanced notice effect is further enhanced. However, only the BGM sounds of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1 are suppressed, and the other effect sounds are emitted at an appropriate volume corresponding to the notice effect.

  Next, in the notice effect 3, although the flash is emitted from the four corners to the character in the center, the background image is almost hidden, so that the volume of the BGM sound is controlled to be lower than that in the notice effect 2. The same applies hereinafter, and in the notice effects 4 to 6, the high reliability is suggested by the color of the notice image displayed and the type of the mini-character displayed in duplicate of the notice image. Corresponding to the hiding of the image, the BGM sound is muted, further muted as it evolves, and muted when the background image is completely hidden. In the notice production 5 and the notice production 6, there is a possibility that the notice production is developed to the right side in response to the player pressing the chance button in the button chance state.

  Further, in the highly noticeable presentation effect 7, the display frame located on the left side of the liquid crystal front screen starts to emit light, and, for example, the character “ring” starts lighting or blinking. Then, in the notice effect 8 in which the reliability is increased, a character (movable object) appears in the center, and the character “7” is lit. Then, in the notice production 9 having the highest degree of reliability, an eerie character appears in the center of the pitch-black screen after the display screen suddenly goes dark (dark notice).

  Then, in the notice productions 7 to 9 having the extremely high reliability, the BGM sound is silenced, while the sound effect corresponding to the notice image is emitted in the production channel SE. .. For example, when the remaining date and time until the fateful day is 7 days, a moving sound (such as Dokundokun) that stirs a feeling of tension in response to the movement of a movable object is reproduced while gradually increasing the volume ( Phase operation). It should be noted that, at the time of the dark notice, the reproduced sounds of all the phrase reproduction channels CHi are muted in response to the disappearance of the entire screen.

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

  Specifically, in this embodiment, the set value Vi is set to less than 80H at the attenuation rate of 20*Log (Vi/128). Therefore, the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1 can be suppressed to 128 arbitrary levels from −0.07 dB to −∞ dB (silence) depending on the reliability at the time of notice production. .. However, in reality, the suppression level (attenuation rate) is -6 dB or less. Further, in the present embodiment, all the reproduced sounds are muted in response to the disappearance of the screen of the display device at the time of the dark notice, but this muting processing is performed by the primary volume V1 for all phrase reproduction channels CHi. Is set to the minimum value (−∞ dB), so that the silence control is easy.

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

  For example, in the multiple voice effect described with reference to FIG. 9, the phrase reproduction channels of 8 channels (CH14 to CH21) are used, but the number of original sound data (that is, the number of phrase numbers) for realizing the multiple voice effect is not particularly limited. It is also possible to use the same number of phrase playback channels.

  FIG. 23 shows a case where five phrase reproduction channels are used in correspondence with the five phrase numbers NUMa to NUMe, and vocal voice, guitar sound, bass sound, left chorus sound, and right chorus sound are Each phrase is reproduced on a different phrase reproduction channel (CH14, CH16, CH18, CH20, CH21).

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

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

  On the other hand, in the phrase playback channel CH18, the upper and lower pans are set to 0 dB:0 dB, and the two left and right pans are set to -∞ dB:0 dB, so that the upper speaker and the middle speaker are from the right speaker only. A bass sound is emitted (see FIG. 23(c)).

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

  However, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 9, in the embodiment of FIG. 23, the above pan ratio setting processing is executed via the simple access controller SAC, not via the sequencer SQ. In the present embodiment, since the four simple access controllers SAC0 to SAC3 are included, setting the upper and lower pan ratios and the left and right pan ratios of CH14, CH16, CH18, CH20, and CH21 by simultaneously operating SAC0 to SAC3. Can be finished at the same timing. Therefore, in particular, the music performance can be started synchronously without using the off-trigger function of the sequencer SQ.

  Although various examples have been described above, the specific description does not limit the present invention in any way. That is, the voice control method illustrated in the embodiment can be suitably applied not only to the ball game machine but also to other game machines such as a rotating body game machine.

GM gaming machine CHn reproduction channel 42 voice synthesis means RGi voice control register RGj1 voice control register 22 effect control means 43 data storage means SAC first setting controller

Claims (3)

Based on the original sound data stored in the data storage means, a plurality of reproduction channels for reproducing the unit effect, a plurality of audio control registers capable of storing operation parameters defining the reproduction operation of each reproduction channel, and the data storage means. Voice synthesis means having a plurality of setting controllers (SQ0 to SQn) capable of reading out a group of control data stored in and executing the setting operation to the voice control register in parallel,
By setting a predetermined operation parameter directly in a predetermined voice control register or by setting it in a voice synthesizing means, the operation of one or a plurality of reproduction channels is controlled, and a voice by one or a plurality of unit effects is produced. A game machine provided with a production control means for realizing production,
The group of control data is configured such that a register address for identifying a voice control register and a set value for the voice control register are associated with each other, terminated with a predetermined termination code, and identified with one identification number. Along with, when specifying a predetermined voice effect, it is divided into a plurality of sets of control data groups separated by a predetermined intermediate termination code,
At the time of the predetermined voice effect, based on the one identification number set in a predetermined voice control register, the group of control data divided into a plurality of control data groups is specified,
Setting the controller to execute the setting operation (SQi), when Ru finish setting operation based on the preceding control data group, after a predetermined waiting time specified based on the control of the presentation controller, the intermediate termination code A gaming machine configured to start a setting operation based on a subsequent control data group. Since a predetermined start instruction corresponding to a predetermined special voice effect is set in a predetermined voice control register, a predetermined setting controller (SQj) causes Is configured to perform a specified set of configuration actions,
The start instruction set corresponding to the special voice effect includes N identification numbers that specify a plurality of N sets of setting operations,
The standby time until the start of each set operation relating to the group of control data identified by each identification number is configured to be settable to the predetermined setting controller (SQj). The game machine described.   The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein setting operations for a plurality of setting controllers may be simultaneously executed in response to the end of a specific voice effect.