JP6998980B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

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

A ball game machine such as a pachinko machine is equipped with a symbol start opening provided on the game board, a symbol display unit that displays a series of symbol variation modes by a plurality of display symbols, and a large winning opening for opening and closing the opening / closing plate. It is composed of. Then, when the detection switch provided at the symbol start port detects the passage of the game ball, the winning state is set, and after the game ball is paid out as the prize ball, the displayed symbol is changed for a predetermined time on the symbol display unit. After that, when the symbol is stopped in a predetermined mode such as 7, 7, 7, a big hit state is reached, and the big winning opening is repeatedly opened to generate a game state advantageous to the player.

Whether or not to generate such a game state is determined by a big hit lottery executed on the condition that the game ball wins at the symbol start opening, and the above symbol variation operation is based on this lottery result. It has become a thing. For example, when the lottery result is in the winning state, an effect 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 a lost state, and in this case, the player pays close attention to the transition of the production operation while strongly paying attention to the big hit state. Then, if the predetermined symbols are aligned on the stop line at the end of the symbol variation operation, the player is guaranteed to be in the big hit state.

The above-mentioned effect operation is centered on the image effect on the liquid crystal display device, and 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. Will be done.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-151153 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-144066 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-144065 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-144864 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-144063 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-144062 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-144061

The above-mentioned voice effect is generally realized by transmitting a voice command from the host CPU to the voice processor and setting an appropriate operation parameter (set value) (Patent Documents 1 to 7). And, this setting value includes the primary volume and the secondary volume which regulates the volume of the production sound which a voice processor plays, and by changing these intrictly, a novel phase operation and a pan operation are realized. You can also do it.

Here, for example, in order to realize a novel advance notice effect, a configuration that can easily realize an operation of changing each volume in various ways is desired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of easily realizing various volume changes .

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention comprises a voice synthesis means provided with a plurality of reproduction channels for reproducing a predetermined unit effect by voice based on a group of original sound data, and one or a plurality of unit effects. By setting an operation parameter that defines a unit effect and its reproduction volume in a predetermined control register of the audio synthesis means in response to the start and progress of a series of audio effects, a predetermined reproduction channel reproduction operation can be performed. A gaming machine provided with an effect control means to be realized, the effect control means includes a scenario storage means for storing predetermined effect information for realizing a series of voice effects, and a reproduction of the voice synthesis means. For each channel, one or a plurality of volume management means for volatilely storing management data for managing the playback volume for each playback channel and transition management means for defining a volume transition mode regarding a stepwise change in volume are provided. When the reproduction volume of the unit effect is changed, the reference position of the volume control means is referred to, and an appropriate timing is obtained based on the type 1 or type 2 management data described in the reference position. The volume management means is configured to change the playback volume with reference to the transition management means, and the volume change timing and the volume increase / decrease direction correspond to the playback channel in which the volume should be changed stepwise. The first type of management data that can specify the above is stored prior to the change of the playback volume, while its operation corresponds to the playback channel in which the volume should be changed instantly without referring to the transition management means. The second kind of management data that defines the above is stored.

As described above, according to the gaming machine of the present invention, various volume changes can be easily realized.

It is a perspective view which shows the pachinko machine of this Example. It is a schematic front view of the game board of this embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the whole circuit composition of this Example. It is a drawing explaining the circuit structure and circuit operation of a power supply board. It is a block diagram which shows the circuit structure of an effect control part. It is a drawing explaining the internal structure and an output signal of a voice processor. It is a drawing explaining the operation of a sequencer. It is a drawing which shows the internal structure of a voice processor in detail. It is a figure explaining the panpot setting of a phrase reproduction channel by a sequencer. It is a drawing explaining that the phrase reproduction channel is used properly according to a game state. It is a drawing explaining the principle of virtual surround. It is a drawing explaining the transfer function from the front sound and the back sound to the ear. It is a drawing explaining the structure of a virtual surround part and a remix part. It is a flowchart explaining the operation content of a production control unit. It is a flowchart explaining the scenario update process which constitutes the main process of an effect control part. It is a flowchart explaining the sub-scenario update process which constitutes the scenario update process. It is a flowchart explaining a part of a sub-scenario update process and a main process. It is a drawing for demonstrating the operation contents by a sub-scenario update process. It is a drawing for demonstrating a fade operation. It is a drawing explaining a refresh operation and a mask operation. It is a drawing explaining the winning sound and the button operation effective sound. It is a drawing explaining the volume suppression operation at the time of a notice production. It is a drawing explaining the transformation composition which realizes multiple performances.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on examples. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the pachinko machine GM of this embodiment. This pachinko machine GM consists of a rectangular frame-shaped wooden outer frame 1 that is detachably attached to an island structure and a front frame 3 that is pivotally attached so as 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 not from the back side but from the front side, and a glass door 6 and a front plate 7 are pivotally attached to the front side thereof so as to be openable and closable.

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

The two speakers (TL, TR) located in the upper position and the two speakers (ML, MR) located in the middle position each output the left and right sounds recognized by the player, but when necessary, as appropriate. We are performing a great bread pot production. 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, (1) a P1 effect in which the warning sound moves from left to right or from right to left, and (2) from top to bottom or down. 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 upward in the tilt direction, (4) Warning sound in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. 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, a volume switch VSW that allows the player to adjust the volume of the effect sound is arranged. This volume switch VSW is a direction key having + contacts and-contacts on the left and right, and enables volume adjustment in 10 steps, for example. This operation for adjusting the volume is permitted only during the production standby when the audio production is not executed, but the confirmation effect sound is output and the setting level is displayed in response to the operation of the volume switch VSW. It is designed to be displayed on the screen.

In this embodiment, the volume output from each speaker (TL, TR, ML, MR, BTM) is the total value (V1) of the primary volume V1, the secondary volume Vs (= V2, V3), and the total volume TV. * Vs * TV), but the set value of the volume switch VSW artificially specified by the staff or the player is reflected in the total volume value TV in 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 seems to have left the gaming machine.

In addition, even during the game, if 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 loud abnormal notification sound is produced. Is output. Therefore, it is not possible to continue illegal activities in silence. At this abnormality notification timing, the primary volume value V1 for the effect sound other than the abnormality notification sound is masked to the lowest level.

As will be described later with respect to FIG. 8, the primary volume V1 can be set for each phrase reproduction channel CHn (FIG. 8) that decodes and reproduces various audio compressed data, but normally, all phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 are set. Is set to the specified level (highest level). However, during mask processing such as during a blackout effect that darkens the display screen, muffling is realized by changing the primary volume V1 to the lowest level in all phrase reproduction channels CHn. At the time of mask processing, the value of the secondary volume Vs maintains the previous level.

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. I'm changing. Therefore, it is possible to emit only the abnormality notification sound without being disturbed by the production sound. The value of the secondary volume Vs for the voice effect other than the abnormal notification sound maintains the previous level.

As described above, in this embodiment, only the primary volume V1 is changed while 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 arts 1 to 7, which are necessary.

Further, the secondary volume value Vs (= V2, V3) is set by software in order to realize an appropriate audio effect in the advance notice effect accompanied by the panpot operation and other audio effects. Therefore, the volume of each speaker (TL, TR, ML, MR, BTM) during audio production normally reflects the set value of the secondary volume value Vs (= V2, V3) exclusively to 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 a value corresponding to the set value of the staff or the player.

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

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

A chance button 11 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the upper plate 8. The chance button 11 is provided at a position where it can be operated 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 does not function normally, but when the game state becomes the button chance state, the built-in lamp is turned on and the operation is possible. The button chance state is a game state provided as needed.

On the right side of the upper plate 8, an operation panel 12 for ball lending operation for a card-type ball lending machine is provided, a frequency display unit that displays the remaining amount of the card as a three-digit number, and a game ball for a predetermined amount. 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 in the substantially center thereof. Four speakers (TL, TR, ML, MR) are arranged inside the glass door 6 corresponding to the four vertices of the central opening HO, and a bass speaker BTM is located at the lower right of the central opening HO. Have been placed. It should be noted that these speakers are virtually shown in FIG.

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

In the game area where the game ball falls and moves, a symbol start opening 15, a large winning opening 16, a normal winning opening 17, and a gate 18 are arranged. 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 start opening 15, it is assumed that the game ball has won a prize, and a series of image effects accompanied by a variable motion of the special symbol are started on the special symbol display units Da to Dc. Further, in response to this image effect, a sound effect accompanied by background music and effect sound, and a lamp effect in which the lamp blinks are executed.

The symbol start port 15 is configured to be opened and closed by an electric tulip provided with a pair of left and right opening / closing claws 15a, and when the stop symbol after the change of the normal symbol display unit 19 hits and displays the symbol, a predetermined time However, the opening / closing claws 15a are opened until a predetermined number of game balls are detected.

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

The large winning opening 16 is configured to have an opening / closing plate 16a that advances and retreats in the front-rear direction. The operation of the big winning opening 16 is not particularly limited, but in a typical big hit state, a predetermined time elapses or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of games are played after the opening / closing plate 16a of the big winning opening 16 is opened. When the ball wins, the opening / closing plate 16a closes. Such an operation is continued up to, for example, 15 times, and is controlled in a state advantageous to the player. If the stop symbol after the change of the special symbol display units Da to Dc is a specific symbol among the special symbols, there is a privilege that the game after the end of the special game is in a high probability state (probability change state). Granted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an overall circuit configuration of the pachinko machine GM that realizes each of the above operations. As shown in the figure, this pachinko machine GM has a power supply board 20 that receives AC24V and outputs various DC voltages and power supply abnormality signals ABN1 and ABN2, a main control board 21 that centrally handles game control operation, and a main control. An effect control board 22 that executes a lamp effect and a voice 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. , The payout control board 24 that controls the payout motor M based on the control command CMD received from the main control board 21 to pay out the game ball, and the launch control board 25 that launches the game ball in response to the operation of the player. And, it is mainly composed.

The control command CMD output from the main control board 21 is transmitted to the effect control board 22 without going through the relay board, but the control command CMD'output from the effect control board 22 goes through the image interface board 28. Is transmitted to the image control board 23. Further, the control command CMD "output by the main control board 21 is transmitted to the payout control board 24 via the main board relay board 32. The control commands CMD, CMD', CMD" are all 16-bit length. However, the control commands related to the main control board 21 and the payout control board 24 are transmitted in parallel in two times every 8-bit length. On the other hand, the control command CMD'transmitted from the effect control board 22 to the image control board 23 is collectively transmitted in parallel with a 16-bit length. Therefore, even when the advance notice effect including the movable advance notice effect is diversified and a large number of control commands are continuously transmitted and received, the processing can be completed quickly and the other control operations are not hindered.

In this embodiment, the image interface board 28 and the image control board 23 are directly connected to a male connector and a female connector without going 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 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, in this specification, the main control unit 21 and the effect control unit 22 are functionally generically referred to as the circuits mounted on the control boards 21 to 24 and the interface board 28, and the operations realized by the circuits. , 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 unit 23. The effect control unit 22, the image control unit 23, and the payout control unit 24 are all or part of the sub control unit.

Further, the pachinko machine GM is roughly classified 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 GM 1 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 outside thereof. It is fixedly installed in. On the other hand, the board-side member GM2 is replaced in response to the model change, and a new board-side member GM2 is attached to the frame-side member GM1 instead of the original board-side member. All except the frame-side member GM1 are board-side members GM2.

As shown in the broken line frame in FIG. 3, the frame-side member GM 1 includes a power supply board 20, a payout control board 24, a launch control board 25, a frame relay board 35, and a lamp drive board 36. Each of these circuit boards is fixed in place on the front frame 3.

A plurality of LEDs are connected to the lamp drive board 36, and the drive data SDAT that drives these LED groups passes through the effect control board 22 → the frame relay board 34 → the frame relay board 35 as a serial signal. , Is transmitted to a plurality of LED drivers mounted on the lamp drive board 36.

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

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 includes a bridge-type rectifier circuit 61 that full-wave rectifies AC24V received from the outside, a power factor improving circuit 62 that receives the output of the rectifier circuit 61, and a power factor improving circuit 62. The inrush current prevention circuit 63 that suppresses the transient current of the rectifier circuit, the four DC-DC converters RG1 to RG4 and their accessory circuits, the AC power supply cutoff, and the AC monitoring circuit 64 that monitors abnormalities in the DC output voltage. It is configured to have.

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

The power factor control circuit PFC complementarily controls ON / OFF of the transistors Q1 and Q2 to allow a low-amplitude sawtooth wave-shaped charge / discharge current to flow through 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 to the smoothing capacitor C1 when the transistor Q2 is ON (Q1 is OFF), so that the AC24V power supply line is used. The input current of is improved in a substantially sine and cosine 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 a bias element (ZD1, R1, R2) that defines the gate voltage of the transistor Q3. , C2) and. As shown in the figure, since the Zener diode ZD1 is included in the bias element, in the transition state until the Zener diode ZD1 yields and operates ON, the bias voltage is not applied to the gate terminal and the transistor Q3 is turned OFF. ..

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 improvement circuit 62 → thermista TH → the rectifier circuit 61, and the transient current (inrush current) at the time of power on. Is optimally limited by the thermista TH.

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

The four converters RG1 to RG4 operate by receiving a DC input terminal Vin of the same level of DC voltage (DC35V) and function with passive elements (R, L, C) (not shown) to provide a drop level DC. It outputs a voltage (12V or 5V). That is, the converter RG1 and the converter RG2 each generate 12V and output it 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 the main. 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 types of DC voltages (35V, 12V, 5V), and each of the control boards 20, 21 and 22 receiving the distribution of these DC voltages is required. A configuration is adopted in which one or a plurality of power supply voltages of the drop level are generated according to the above, and there is no waste in the configuration of the power supply circuit of the game machine as a whole.

A DC5V backup power supply BAK 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 retains the data of the built-in RAM of the one-chip microcomputer of the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 24 even after the AC power supply 24V is cut off due to the closing of business or a power failure. be.

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

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

By the way, in the power supply board 20 of this embodiment, the power supply reset signal indicating that the AC power is turned on 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. However, each control board 21, 24, 22 generates a power supply reset signal based on the distributed DC voltage (5V, 12V). Therefore, there is no possibility that the CPU is abnormally reset due to noise superimposed on the signal line that transmits the power reset signal from the power supply board to each control board.

Since the power supply board 20 has been described above, 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. Received with ABN1. On the other hand, the payout control board 24 is directly connected to the power supply board 20 without going through a relay board, and receives the same power supply abnormality signal ABN2 and backup power supply BAK as those received by the main control unit 21 with three types of DC voltage DC35V. , DC12V, DC5V and received directly.

In this embodiment, the RAM clear signal CLR is generated by the main control unit 21 and transmitted to the one-chip microcomputers of the main control unit 21 and the payout control unit 24. Here, the RAM clear signal CLR is a signal for determining whether or not to initialize the entire area of the built-in RAM of the one-chip microcomputers of the control units 21 and 24, and the initialization switch SW operated by the staff is turned on. It has a value corresponding to the / OFF state.

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

Further, the main control unit 21 is connected to each game component of the game board 5 via the game board relay board 31. Then, while receiving the switch signal of the detection switch built in each of the winning openings 16 to 18 on the game board, it drives solenoids such as electric tulips. The solenoids and the detection switch are configured to operate at the power supply voltage VB (12V) distributed from the main control unit 21. Further, each switch signal indicating the winning state of the symbol start port 15 is converted into a TTL level or CMOS level switch signal by an interface IC operating at a power supply voltage VB (12V) and a power supply voltage Vcc (5V). After that, 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 SDAT (serial signal) to the LED driver mounted on the lamp drive board 29 and the lamp / motor drive board 30. Although not particularly limited, the LED driver mounted on the lamp drive board 29 and the lamp / motor drive board 30 has the same configuration as the LED driver mounted on the lamp drive board 36.

Further, in this 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 a serial signal similar to the lamp drive data, and even if the number of effect motors is increased in order to enrich the effect content, the number of wiring cables does not increase and the device configuration is simplified. ..

The effect control unit 23 receives three types of DC voltage (12V, 5V, 32V) from the power supply board 20, and the DC voltage 32V is directly transferred to the lamp / motor drive board 30 to drive the effect motor or the like. It is utilized as. On the other hand, the DC voltage 5V is utilized as the power supply voltage of various digital circuits of the effect control board 22, and the DC voltage 12V is used as the power supply voltage of 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 FIGS. 3 and 5, the effect control unit 22 gives the image control unit 23 a control command CMD'and a strobe signal STB', two types of DC voltages (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 control unit 23 resets the power supply of various semiconductor IC elements based on the system reset signal SYS received from the effect control unit 22, and drives the display device DS based on the control command CMD'received from the effect control unit 22. And perform various image productions. 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). (See FIG. 5).

Subsequently, 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 may be referred to as a one-chip microcomputer 40 (hereinafter referred to as an effect control CPU 40) that executes processing such as voice effect, lamp effect, advance notice effect by an effect movable body, and data transfer. The audio signal is reproduced based on the instructions of the control memory (flash memory) 41 for storing the control program of the effect control CPU 40 and various effect data, and the effect control CPU 40 set in the built-in registers RG0 to RGn. A voice processor (voice synthesis circuit) 42 for output, a voice memory 43 for storing compressed voice data which is the original data of the voice signal to be reproduced, a digital amplifier 46 for receiving the voice signal output from the voice processor 42, and a digital amplifier 46. It is configured to have.

Further, the effect control unit 23 includes a power supply circuit composed of 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 generate a one-chip microcomputer 40 and a control memory. It is the power supply voltage of 41, the voice processor 42, and the voice memory 43. Therefore, there is virtually no possibility that the voltage of only a part of 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 a local outage. 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 parameters (set values set by the voice command SND) received from the effect control CPU 40 in the built-in registers (voice control registers) RG0 to RGn. The necessary audio signal is reproduced and output. 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, 1 Gbit (= ²²⁶ * 16) of data can be stored in the voice memory 43.

In the case of this embodiment, the compressed audio data stored in the audio memory 43 is phrase compressed data specified by a 13-bit length phrase number NUM (000H to 1FFFH), and is one song of a series of background music. Minutes (BGM), a set of directing sounds (notice sounds), etc. are stored up to 8192 types (= 2 ¹³ ), each corresponding to the phrase number NUM. The phrase number NUM is specified by a 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 production sounds specified by one phrase number NUM may be particularly referred to as "unit production". In this sense, one song (BGM sound) of a series of background music is also a kind of "unit production", and it starts with a prize at the symbol start opening of the game ball, and ends by notifying the result of the lottery. The audio 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 to transmit a set value of 1 byte length to a voice control register (RGi) of any one of a large number of voice control registers RG0 to RGn built in the voice processor 42, or continuously. It is used for Block Write applications that transmit N set values in a group to a series of N voice control registers (RGi ...).

Further, the voice command SND of this embodiment is used not only for a Write use for writing a set value such as a phrase number NUM, but also for a Read use for reading status information STS (error information, etc.) from a predetermined voice control register RGi. .. Note that FIG. 6 shows the relationship between the effect control CPU 40 and the voice control registers 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. Then, in this embodiment, a large number of voice control registers (RG0 to RGn) are secured by dividing into seven register banks BN0 to BN6. That is, since the register banks BN0 to BN6 are divided into seven, the total number of voice control registers RGi is, in principle, a maximum of 7 × 256.

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 in the voice control register (register address = FDH) for bank setting by the preceding voice command SND. Above, the voice control register RGi belonging to the register bank BNj is specified by a register address having a length of 1 byte.

By the way, in the operation of setting the set value in 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 used. ) Or Sequence Code can be specified to complete a series of setting operations for a 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) and 16 sequencer SQ (Sequencer) as shown in FIG. 6 (b). ..

Explaining from the SAC (Simple Access Code) data for operating the simple access controller SAC, the SAC data is the register address (1 byte) of the voice control register RGi and the set value (1 byte) in the voice control register RGi. It is a data group of a maximum of 512 sets (= 1024 bytes) corresponding to the above, and means an aggregate terminated by a SAC end code (FFFFH) (see FIG. 6 (b)).

In the case of this embodiment, a maximum of 8192 types (= 213) of such SAC data can be provided, and the CPU sets a ¹³ -bit length SAC number to the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control (FIG. 6 (b). By writing in)), the simple access controller SAC can be made to function. The simple access controller SAC that has started the function reads a group of SAC data specified by the SAC number in order from the voice memory 43, and sets the setting value indicated by the SAC data in the voice control register RGi indicated by the SAC data. become.

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

Next, a sequence code for making the sequencer SQ function will be described. Similar to 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) of the voice control register RGi correspond to each other (FIG. 6 (FIG. 6). b) See). However, unlike the SAC data, the sequence code can specify a plurality of operation steps (plurality of sequence steps) that can be intermittently executed after a predetermined waiting time.

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

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

In this embodiment, only the necessary sets of such SAC data and sequence codes are stored in advance in the voice memory 43, and a group of SAC data and a group of sequence codes are specified by SAC numbers and sequence code numbers. To. Therefore, in the case of this embodiment, the voice command SND for Write is not only the case of defining the direct setting operation to the voice control register RGi, but also the indirect setting operation via the simple access controller SAC or the sequencer SQ. Is also included in the case of specifying.

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 use parallel signal lines (data buses) CD0 to CD7 capable of transmitting and receiving 1-byte data, and operation management data. 2-bit length operation management data lines (address bus) A0 to A1 that can be transmitted, 2-bit length control signal lines WR and RD that can control read / write operations, and a chip that selects the voice 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 built in the one-chip microcomputer 40, and the operation management data lines A0 to A1 are realized by the address bus of the effect control CPU 40. The voice processor 42 is assigned three port number PORTs in which the upper 6 bits are common and the lower 2 bits are 00, 01, and 10, and the effect control CPU 40 assigns I to these port number PORTs. In either case, the circuit is configured so that the chip select signal CS becomes the active level when the / OREAD instruction or the I / OVERITE instruction is executed.

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

That is, if the address data A0 to A1 are [00], the data CD0 to CD7 of the data bus at that timing are evaluated as register addresses, while if the address data A0 to A1 are [01], the data CD0 to CD7 are evaluated. The data CD0 to CD7 of the timing data bus serve as write data or read data. The read data is when the I / OREAD instruction is executed, and the write data is when the I / OVERITE instruction is executed.

Therefore, the transmission operation of the voice command SND for writing the predetermined set value to the predetermined voice control registers RGi and RGj is as shown in the time chart of FIG. 5 (b), and the lower 2 of the port number PORT of the voice processor 42. It 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]. By changing to [Data written to register RGi], a predetermined voice command SND transmission operation is realized.

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

The voice command transmitted in this way is subsequently activated inside the voice processor 42 as long as there is no communication abnormality. However, if a communication abnormality is found, such as data of multiple byte lengths not matching each other, the voice command SND will not be effective. Then, the error flag of the voice control register RGn is set, and this error flag (status information STS) is an I / OREAD in which the operation management data A0 to A1 of the address bus is changed from [01] to [10]. It can be received by executing an instruction (see FIG. 5 (d)).

As described above, in this embodiment, in the final cycle in which the operation management data A0 to A1 are changed in the order of [00] → [01] → ... [01] → [10], error information (abnormality) having a plurality of bit lengths is used. When can get FFH). 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 surely eliminate the unnaturalness that the audio production is suddenly interrupted.

On the other hand, the data reading operation by the I / OREAD operation is as shown in the time chart of FIG. , I / OREAD instructions are executed continuously. If the read data has a length of a plurality of bytes, the I / OREAD instructions are continued for the required number of bytes.

Specifically, first, as an 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 that stores the operation status etc. (1 byte length)] is output. Next, if an I / OREAD instruction is executed for the port number PORT in which the lower 2 bits A0 to A1 of the address data are [01], necessary data such as operation status can be acquired from a predetermined voice control register. Can be done.

The audio reproduced by the audio processor 42 having the above configuration is transmitted to the digital amplifiers 46a and 46b in the form of 5-bit signals (SCLK, LRO, SD0, SD1, SD2) as digital audio signals of the audio processor 42. 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 speakers TL, TR, ML, and MR arranged almost aligned with each other.

Next, another circuit configuration of the effect control unit 22 will be described with reference to FIG. First, a 4-bit length switch signal is supplied to the one-chip microcomputer 40 from a setting switch SET operated by a staff member. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the one-chip microcomputer 40 has a plurality of parallel input / output port PIOs (Pi + Pi'+ Po + Po') and a plurality of serial output ports SI. More specifically, the serial output port SI includes three-channel serial ports (S0 to S2), and is used for a plurality of LED drivers mounted on the lamp drive boards 36, 29, and 30, respectively. 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 luminance data (ramp drive data) for adjusting the luminance of each LED by PWM control (pulse width modulation), but drive the effect motors M1 to Mn. Motor drive data is also included.

Further, the parallel output port Po'outputs operation permission signals ENABLE0 to ENABLE2 having a length of 3 bits to the lamp drive boards 36, 29, 30 and LED drivers mounted on the lamp drive boards 36, 29, 30. Has started the operation based on any of the operation permission signals ENABLE0 to ENABLE2. Further, from the output port Po', a MUTE signal for muting the output of the digital amplifiers 46a and 46b is output. 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 effect control board 22 includes 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 output signals. 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 by 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 SDAT1, the clock signal CK1, and the operation permission signal ENABLE1 output by the one-chip microcomputer 40 to the LED driver of the lamp drive board 29, and the output buffer 49 is a lamp. The drive data SDAT2, 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 drive board 29 drives the LED group of the first channel, and the LED driver of the lamp / motor drive 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 input from the command output port Po. The control command CMD'and the strobe signal STB' are output via the control command CMD'.

Specifically, in the input port Pi, 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. It is converted into the logic level to be used and 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 receive interrupt process.

The control command CMD acquired by the one-chip microcomputer 40 of the effect control unit 22 includes (1) abnormality notification and other notification control commands, as well as (2) various production operations caused by winning a prize at the symbol start port. Overview A control command to specify (variation pattern command) and a control command to specify the symbol type (symbol specification command) are included. Here, the outline of the effect operation specified by the variation pattern command includes the total time of the effect from the start of the effect to the end of the effect, and the winning / failing result in the jackpot lottery.

In addition, the symbol designation command includes information for specifying the information regarding the jackpot type (15R probability variation, 2R probability variation, 15R normal, 2R normal, etc.) in the case of a jackpot according to the result of the jackpot lottery. In some cases, information that identifies the loss is included. The outline of the effect operation specified by the variation pattern command includes the total time of the effect from the start of the effect to the end of the effect, and the winning / fail result in the big hit lottery. In addition to these, the variable pattern command may be used to specify the presence or absence of the reach effect and the advance notice effect, but even in this case, the specific content of the effect content is not specified.

Therefore, when the effect control unit 22 (one-chip microcomputer 40) acquires the variation pattern command, the effect lottery is performed thereafter, and the effect outline of the variation effect specified by the acquired variation pattern command is embodied. For example, with respect to the reach effect and the advance notice effect, a series of variable effects are specified by determining the specific contents. Then, according to the determined specific game content, the lamp effect by blinking the LED group and the preparation operation of the sound effect by the speaker are performed, and the image control unit 23 is synchronized with the effect operation by the lamp and the speaker. Outputs the control command (effect command) CMD'related to the image effect.

In this embodiment, a plurality of main scenario tables Mj (see FIG. 15B) are prepared corresponding to a series of variable effect types, and based on the result of the effect lottery, a plurality of main scenario tables Mj are prepared. Any one or more is specified. For example, a main scenario table M0 that realizes a series of variable effects and a main scenario table Mx, My, ... That realizes one or a plurality of advance notice effects that function at appropriate timings are specified. It is not necessary to specify all the main scenario tables Mj when the variable pattern command is received. For example, when the symbol designation command is received, one or a plurality of main scenario tables Mj are specified corresponding to the symbols specified by the command. It may be specified.

In any case, the main scenario table Mj describes the scenario information for specifying the effect contents of the audio effect, the lamp effect, and the motor effect to be executed in relation to each other, and the execution duration of the effect. However, in the main scenario table Mj of FIG. 15B, the description regarding the lamp effect and the motor effect is omitted for convenience.

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

By the way, in order to realize an image effect synchronized with the effect operation of the effect control unit 22, the effect control unit 22 has a 16-bit length together with a strobe signal (interrupt signal) STB'for the image control unit 23 through the command output port Po. The control command CMD'is output toward 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 a 16-bit length control command CMD'and a 1-bit length interrupt signal STB' are output 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 at the logic level corresponding to the power supply voltage of 3.3 V of the one-chip microcomputer 40.

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

As shown in FIG. 6A, the voice processor 42 includes a large number of voice control registers 51 (RG0 to RGn) accessed from the effect control CPU 40, a sound control module 52 that comprehensively controls the voice reproduction operation, and voice. A main generator 53 that decodes the phrase compressed data read from the memory 43 and mixes the decoded data of a plurality of phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 at an appropriate volume ratio, and a digital filter process realizes desired frequency characteristics. Generates 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, and SD2 for serial transmission. It is configured to include a digital IF unit 55.

As shown in the figure, the main generator 53 includes a decoder 60 that is divided into playback channels CH0 to CH31 and reproduces compressed data, volumes V1 to V3 that adjust the volume, and a channel mix unit 61 that mixes the reproduced sound of the decoder 60. It is configured to have a virtual surround unit VS that generates a virtual sound in which the sound emission position of the reproduced sound is changed to the back side or the ear side, and a remix unit RM that executes the 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). It is composed of. 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 the predetermined voice control register RGi. is doing.

FIG. 6B is a drawing illustrating this relationship, and the voice memory 43 stores a maximum of 8192 types of sequence codes and a maximum of 8192 types of SAC data groups. The sequence code and the SAC data are specified by the sequence code number and the SAC number having a length of ¹³ bits, respectively, and have a relationship of 8192 = 213.

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

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

On the other hand, when the effect control CPU 40 writes the sequence code number and its attached information to 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 SQi starts the function and writes the set of setting data specified by the sequence code to the set of voice control registers specified by the sequence code.

Here, in the voice control register RGj2, a plurality of (up to 8) sequence code numbers and loop information for the production of each sequence code number can be input to any sequencer SQi. Therefore, for example, when n + 1 sequence code numbers (X0, X1, ..., Xn) are specified for the sequencer SQi, the sequence code number X0 is set as shown in FIG. 7 (a). Operation → Setting operation of sequence code number X1 → ... The setting operation of sequence code number Xn is executed in order, and the voice effect corresponding to the setting operation is executed.

Further, since loop information such as the number of repetitions can be specified for each sequence code number, the voice effect specified by the sequence code number is repeated a predetermined number of times and then specified by the next sequence code number. It can be migrated (Fig. 7 (a)).

As described above, the data to be set in the sequencer SQi is diverse, and it is necessary to appropriately set these sequence code numbers and accompanying data in the voice control register RGj2 for sequencer control. Therefore, in this embodiment, the entire sequence code number and accompanying data are divided in 1-byte units, and the divided 1-byte data and the register address of the sequencer control register RGj2 in which the 1-byte data should be set are used. , Are secured in the voice memory 43 as a set of SAC data (hereinafter, this is referred to as sequencer activation SAC data).

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

By the way, as described above with respect 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, in the end, 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 standby time can be set for each sequencer, the first sequence step (writing operation of a group of setting data) is started after the standby time indicated by the CPU and is executed until the step end code (FFFEH). Then, after the waiting time, the next group of setting data is written to the group of voice control registers. 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 steps following the sequencer is set. By doing so, the waiting time for each sequence step can be set arbitrarily.

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 in response to the start of the operation of the sequencer, and (2) the first setting. After the waiting 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 sound after the waiting time Δ2 from the second setting operation is executed. After executing the third setting operation (including the setting of Δ3) to be realized, the sequence setting operation that returns to the sound emitting operation of the first left speaker after the waiting time Δ3 becomes possible. Note that FIG. 7B is shown as Δ1 = Δ2 = Δ3 for convenience.

To specifically confirm the panpot ratio VL: VR, (1) the sound emitted only from the left speaker can be obtained by setting the left and right panpot ratio VL: VR to 0: -∞ dB, and (2) only the right speaker. For sound emission, set the left and right panpot ratio VL: VR to -∞: 0 dB, and (3) set the left and right speaker equal ratio sound and the left and right panpot ratio VL: VR to 0: 0 dB. It is realized by. Here, the panpot ratio VL: VR is, for example, VL = 20 * Log (SQR (2) * Cos (π / 2 * VL / 128)) and VR = 20 * Log (SQR (2) * Sin (. Given by π / 2 * VR / 128)), 0 dB: 0 dB means 1: 1 and -∞ dB means mute. Also, Log is a logarithm with 10 as the base, and SQR (2) means the square root of 2. In any case, it is very complicated to realize such an irregular volume setting by an individual voice command SND, but in this 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 start setting operations all at once under predetermined conditions. As a predetermined condition, an "off-trigger function" in which the trigger condition is the end of a specific reproduced sound can be exemplified.

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

Next, the internal configuration of the main generator 53 will be 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, and a primary volume V1 and a secondary volume Vs (= V2, V3). V4), a channel volume unit that has a panpot unit and can adjust the audio volume and volume balance, a channel mix unit 61 that mixes the audio of 32 phrase reproduction channels (CH0 to CH31), and a virtual surround unit. It is configured to have a VS and a remix 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), and these 6 types (32 x 6 in total) are output. Is mixed by the channel mix unit 61 and the remix unit RM, and is output as a mixed L0 signal, a mixed R0 signal, a mixed R1 signal, a mixed L1 signal, a mixed SUB0 signal, and a mixed SUB1 signal.

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

The mixed L0 signal and the mixed R0 signal are each digitally amplified by the digital amplifier 46b and then supplied to the upper left and right speakers TL and TR, and the mixed L1 signal and the mixed R1 signal are also digital, respectively. After class D amplification by the amplifier 46b, it is supplied to the speakers ML and MR on the left and right sides of the central part. 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 6-channel signals L0, R0, R1, L1, SUB0, and SUB1 are all PCM data in the process of passing through the main generator 53 → effect unit 54 → total volume TV → digital IF unit 55, and are all digital amplifiers. It becomes an analog signal by passing through 46a and 46b. Further, the 6-channel signals L0, R0, L1, R1, SUB0, and SUB1 are combined into the 3-channel audio serial signals SO0 to SD2 and transmitted to the digital amplifiers 46a and 46b. However, the fact that the signal SUB1 is not used is as described above, and the signal SUB1 is transmitted indiscriminately.

As schematically described above, the voice control register 51 (RGi) of the voice processor 42 is a write register that the effect control CPU 40 writes in order to make the voice processor 42 function as intended, and an operation of the voice processor 42. In order to grasp the state, it is divided into a read register to be read processed by the effect control CPU 40.

The data written to the write register includes (1) the phrase number NUM that specifies the unit effect of the BGM sound to be reproduced and the effect sound, (2) the volume (V1, V2, V3) instruction of the reproduced sound, and (3). Loop instructions that specify the number of playbacks, (4) operation instructions such as start and pause playback, (5) panpot ratio instructions that are the volume balance of the upper and lower speakers and left and right speakers, (6) final volume (TV) Instructions etc. are included. Here, the effect sound includes a warning sound that announces with a predetermined reliability (≦ 100%) that there is a possibility of shifting to the jackpot state during a series of variable operations.

Further, (1) phrase number NUM designation, (2) volume (V1, V2, V3) instruction, (3) loop instruction, (4) operation instruction, and (5) panpot instruction are all of the decoder 60. It is configured to be performed by designating the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31. Therefore, up to 32 types of phrase compressed data corresponding to the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 are simultaneously and independently reproduced based on the above instructions (1) to (5), respectively, and the channel mix unit 61 and the replay. It will be mixed and output by the mix unit RM.

In this embodiment, the volume transition operation for gradually transitioning the volume value of the audio signal is realized by software as CPU processing, and the primary volume V1, the secondary volume V2, V3, and the total volume TV are realized. Volume transition operation is possible for. However, in this 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 input / output ratio of the signal to the set value Vi of the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3, V4) is 20 * Log (Vi / 128), and in this embodiment, the signal input / output ratio is 20 * Log (Vi / 128). By limiting the set value Vi to 0 ≦ Vi ≦ 128, the input / output ratio actually means the attenuation ratio, and the attenuation ratio is −∞ dB or more and 0 dB or less. Here, Log is a logarithm with 10 as the base.

Then, at the time of the transition operation of the secondary volumes V2 and V3, the two secondary volumes V2 and V3 are always set to the same value in all the phrase reproduction channels CHn for audio production. Therefore, when the volume of the upper or middle speaker is gradually increased or decreased, the volume of the lower speaker also follows the volume, 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 the indicated value described in the sub-scenario table Sk described later, (1) the target value which is the final volume value, and (2) the transition speed until the target value is reached. Is first specified, and the volume indicated values of the secondary volumes V2 and V3 are changed stepwise.

In this embodiment, not only the fade-out operation and the fade-in operation, but also the operation in which the pan (localization) suddenly changes up / down / left / right and the pan is slowly displaced in the left / right panpot and the up / down panpot in the panpot production. All volume transition operations, including operations, are realized by software processing by the effect control CPU 40. Since the volume transition during the panpot operation is realized by the transition of the left / right panpot ratio and the transition of the upper / lower panpot ratio, the secondary volume V2 does not change, and therefore the panpot operation. The two secondary volumes V2 and V3, including the time, have the same value.

In any case, in order to realize the volume transition operation at an appropriate speed in the left and right pan pots and the upper and lower pan pots, the control load of the CPU increases. However, in this embodiment, by using the sequencer SQ (FIG. 6 (b)), a gradual transition of the volume ratio is realized by a gradual change of the panpot ratio. FIG. 7C illustrates the operation realized by the sequencer SQ, and the panpot ratio is illustrated in dB.

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

As shown in FIGS. 7 (b) and 9 (b), a volume ratio of + 0 dB: −∞ dB (sounding only on one side) or −∞ dB: +0 dB (sounding only on the other side) is also possible. Further, if necessary, -∞ dB: -∞ dB (both are muted) can be set. Therefore, by setting the pan setting of the up, down, 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 muted. It is possible to create a gaming state in which only BTM emits sound. In any case, in this embodiment, a simple access controller SAC or a sequencer SQ is used as needed to easily realize a complicated and advanced voice production.

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

The operation parameters include, first, (1) the phrase number NUMa of the vocal sound set by the sequencer SQ0, (2) the phrase number NUMb of the guitar sound set by the sequencer SQ1, and (3) the bass sound set by the sequencer SQ2. NUMc, (4) the phrase number NUMd 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 composition, 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). ). To explain an example thereof, for example, the sequencer SQ0 is set to reproduce the vocal sound of the phrase number NUMa on the phrase reproduction channels CH14 and CH15, and the panpot ratio of the phrase reproduction channel CH14 is set as shown in the figure. , The sound is emitted from the upper left and right speakers and the lower bass speaker. The primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3) are the same as the set values 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, when the panpot ratio is confirmed, the volume of the central 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, the volume of the left and right speakers is set to the same level by setting the left and right panpot ratio to 0 dB: 0 dB. Although the left-right panpot ratio is set to -∞ dB: -∞ dB for the central speaker, this setting may be omitted.

For other phrase playback channels CH15 to CH21, by appropriately setting the panpot ratio of the upper and lower panpots and the left and right panpots,
Playback sound of CH14 (vocal sound) → Sound is emitted to the upper left and right speakers TL and TR,
CH15 playback sound (vocal sound) → Sound emitted to the central left and right speakers ML and MR,
Playback sound of CH16 (guitar sound) → Sound is emitted to the upper left speaker TL,
CH17 playback sound (guitar sound) → Sound emitted to the central left speaker ML,
Playback sound of CH18 (bass sound) → Sound is emitted to the upper right speaker TR,
Playback sound of CH19 (bass sound) → Sound is emitted to the central right speaker MR,
CH20 playback sound (chorus left sound) → Sound emitted to the central left speaker ML,
The operation of the reproduced 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 significance level, all the mixed sounds are emitted from the lower speaker BTN.

Such music performance is preferably utilized for the purpose of effectively enlivening the player who is hitting the jackpot. In this way, setting the panpot ratio is complicated in order to realize music performance, but in this embodiment, by utilizing the sequencer SQi and the simple access controller SAC, the control load of the CPU is suppressed and the altitude is complicated. Realizes a high-quality audio production.

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

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. Is designed to use the decoder of the phrase reproduction channel CH29. Further, a decoder in an empty state of any of the 25 phrase reproduction channels CH2 to CH26 is used to reproduce the effect sound that realizes the advance notice effect.

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

In this embodiment, the production content is relatively uniform, and the dedicated phrase reproduction channels CH27 and CH28 are secured for the operation effective sound and the winning sound that do not occur frequently, so that the voice control can be further performed. We are trying to make it easier. Although the phrase reproduction channels CH30 to 31 are used for manufacturing inspection purposes, the description thereof will be omitted because they are not related to the gist of the present invention.

As described above, in this embodiment, the phrase reproduction channel to be used is fixed for the error notification sound, the operation effective sound, and the winning sound whose frequency of occurrence is low and the voice pattern is almost standardized. ing. On the other hand, when executing a preview effect, etc., it is necessary to combine multiple types of voices (unit effect specified by the phrase number NUM) in multiple ways, so among the remaining 25 phrase reproduction channels CH2 to CH26, At that time, the available decoder is selectively used.

However, in order to facilitate the search process of the available decoder and to realize a program configuration that can be used for general purposes regardless of the model change, in this embodiment, 25 phrase reproduction channels CH2 to CH26 are used ( 1) Sound effect channel SE that mainly reproduces the warning sound, (2) Advanced production channel PAN that realizes advanced audio production including panpot production, and (3) Plays the production sound that should be converted to virtual sound. It is divided into the virtual channel VS and the virtual channel VS. As will be described later, in the virtual channel VS, a variable sound image effect is executed by a virtual sound whose sound image is localized on the back surface or the ear of the player.

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

In addition, during the probabilistic movement in which the player is excited, the altitude production channel PAN is increased to CH18 to CH23 in order to realize a voice production that further excites the player, and during the big hit, the altitude is advanced to realize a more flashy voice production. The production channel PAN is increased to CH14 to CH23. Therefore, during the big hit, it is possible to realize a large number of musical instrument performances and a maximum of 10 channels of multiplex audio production (duplicate reproduction of 10 types of phrase compressed data) in which vocal audio is individually reproduced. The effect of FIG. 9 described above is a multiplex sound effect of 8 channels (CH14 to CH21).

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

On the other hand, the 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 sequencer control, and the sequence code number and the attached data are used as 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 and sets the operation parameters as needed (direct setting), but the advanced effect channel PAN and the virtual channel VS are configured so that there is no opportunity for direct setting. It is preferable to do so. With such a configuration, it is effective for a plurality of people to share and build a game control program in the development of a game machine.

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

That is, in this embodiment, the volume values of the upper channel SE1 are collectively increased and conversely, the volume values of the lower channel SE2 are collectively decreased as necessary, so that a plurality of time-overlapping advance notice effects are produced. Is being played effectively. Further, by suppressing the volume of the BGM sound as needed, it is possible to prevent the production sound from being overheard. In the following description, the effect sound reproduced on the upper channel SE1 is expressed as the warning sound SE1 or the effect sound SE1, and the effect sound reproduced on the lower channel SE2 is expressed as the advance sound SE2 or the effect sound SE2. Sometimes.

Now, returning to FIG. 6 and continuing the explanation of the internal configuration of the audio processor 42, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 7, the output signals of the 6 channels of the channel mix 61 (mixed L0, mixed R0, mixed). L1, mixed R1, mixed SUB0, mixed SUB1) are supplied to the total volume unit TV after being digitally filtered based on the operation parameters specified in the predetermined voice control register 51 (RGi) in the effect unit 54. , Total volume value Amplified based on TV.

The total volume value TV is defined by an operation parameter written in the corresponding voice control register 51 (RGi), and this operation parameter is operated by a staff member in principle in this embodiment as described above. 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 (however, during the audio effect standby), the total volume TV is defined based on the set value.

Hereinafter, conceptually confirmed, 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 product of the total volume TV based on the player's intention. As specified in, all 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 becomes the minimum value regardless of the intention of the staff or the player. And since the secondary volume Vs becomes the highest level, the alarm sound (abnormal notification sound) at the time of illegal act cannot be concealed by the operation of the volume switch VSW or the like.

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

Specifically, the total volume TV is a total of three TVs 0, which sets the volume of the mixed L0 and R0, TV1 which sets the volume of the mixed L1 and the mixed R1, and TV2 which sets the volume of the mixed SUB0. By setting the setting value (VL <256) shown in Table 1 in the voice control register RGi for volume setting, the input / output ratio can be set to, for example, 20 * Log (VL / 128) dB.

However, in this embodiment, the CPU operates the simple access controller SAC without directly accessing the voice control register RGi for volume setting to complete the volume setting. Specifically, since there are eight setting levels including the zero level, eight types of SAC data (SACV0 to SACV7) are prepared in the voice memory 43 in response to this, and the CPU By setting the SAC number in the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control at a necessary timing, the setting processing 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 defined to have a higher level than the middle speaker (TV0> TV1), and the lower speaker is defined to have a higher level than the upper speaker (TV2> TV0). .. Further, since TV0 ≧ TV1 and TV2 ≧ TV0 at all stages, the optimum volume balance is maintained in the positional relationship with the player's ear.

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

The audio signals (mixed L0, mixed R0, mixed L1, mixed R1, mixed SUB0, mixed SUB1) that have passed through the total volume unit TV having such significance are stored in the output buffer BUF and are stored in the output buffer BUF, based on the digital IF unit 55. It is converted into 3-channel serial signals SD0, SD1 and SD2. As described above, the serial signals SD0 and SD1 are serial signals that specify PCM data related to the stereo signals R and L that drive the left and right speakers TR, TL, MR, and ML arranged in the upper and middle parts of the gaming machine. The serial signal SD2 is a serial signal that specifies PCM data related to a monaural signal that drives a bass speaker arranged in the lower part of the game machine. Then, these serial signals SD0, SD1 and SD2 are output together with the channel control signal (word clock signal) LRO in synchronization with the bit clock signal BCO (FIG. 8).

Finally, the virtual surround unit VS and the remix unit RM located in the subsequent stage of the channel mix 61 (FIG. 8) will be described. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the impulse response h (n) at the positions of the right ear and the left ear when the impulse sound sources FR and BR are emitted from the front or the rear (FIGS. 11 (a1) and 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 attenuation is less than that of the transmitted sound wave, the impulse response h (n) at the right ear position appears at an early high level (see FIG. 11 (a1)). When the sound is emitted from the left front of the symmetrical position indicated by the broken line, the impulse response at the left and right ear positions is reversed.

This relationship is the same when the sound is emitted from the impulse sound source BR on the right rear side as shown in FIG. 11 (b), and the impulse response h (n) at the right ear position becomes high level at an early stage (FIG. 11). 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. Then, it is said that a human can recognize that the sound source BR is located on the rear right side or the rear left side based on the difference in volume between the left and right and the difference in arrival time.

By the way, by convolving the impulse response h (n) measured by the measuring instrument with the input x (n), the output y (n) can be calculated as y (n) = Σx (k) * h (n−k). 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 previous equation. Then, by constructing a digital filter (for example, an FIR filter) corresponding to Y (z) = H (z) * X (z), it is possible to realize an acoustic effect on the left ear and the right ear.

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

In addition, in FIG. 11 (a2) and FIG. 11 (b2), the transfer function G (z) to the left and right ears is converted into the frequency domain from the relationship of z = exp (j2πft), and the transfer function It shows the frequency characteristics. In short, if the correctly specified transfer function H (z) is processed, the input / output will be given the frequency characteristics shown in the figure.

Hereinafter, to continue the explanation based on FIG. 12, as described above, the transfer functions _LL and LR at the left and right ear positions are specified based on the impulse response to the impulse sound source SPL from the left rear position shown in FIG. can do. Similarly, the transfer functions RL and _RR at the left and right ear positions can be specified based on the impulse response to the impulse sound source SPR from the right rear position.

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

However, in the case of a game machine, only the sound emitted from the speakers _SPL and _SPR from the front can be realized, so if the virtual sounds SL and SR are emitted from the front as they are, the sound is transmitted 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 in advance, and in this embodiment, the four transfer functions F1, F2, F3, F4 are based on the impulse response to the impulse sound source from the left and right front positions. Is specified, and an appropriate cancellation operation is performed to eliminate the influence of the transfer functions F1, F2, F3, and F4.

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

Since the principle of the virtual surround unit VS of the embodiment has been described above, it will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 13A is a drawing showing a virtual arrangement position of a virtual speaker realized by the virtual surround unit VS of the embodiment.

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

In any case, the arrangement position of each speaker is only a virtual arrangement, 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 (Equation 1) and (Equation 5). ', SR' is emitted. Here, it is desirable that the left and right speakers TL and TR that emit virtual sounds have an elevation angle of about 20 to 30 ° from the ear position of a player of average height.

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 their virtual placement positions are different. However, if the distance between the ear speakers Le and Re and the ear is divisible, the transfer functions LL, LR, RL and RR for the ear speakers Le and Re become unnecessary.

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

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

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

By the way, FIG. 13 (b) illustrates the circuit configuration around the virtual surround unit VS of FIG. 13 (c). As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, when the surround operation is specified for any 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 FIG. 13 (b). It is designed to switch to the circuit configuration of.

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 panpots after passing through the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume V2. Then, after the volume ratios of the real speakers TL and TR and the rear virtual speakers Ls and Rs are panpot-processed, the left and right volume ratios of the real speaker and the rear virtual speaker are panpot-processed, respectively, for four types. It becomes the voice signal of. Specifically, the front signals Lf and Rf transmitted to the actual speakers TL and TR and the 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.

Further, for the output of the secondary volume V2, after the volume volume is set by the ear gain portion EV, the left-right volume ratio is panpot-processed for the ear virtual speakers Le and Re, and the original sounds Le and Re for the ear speakers are generated. Will be done. When the ear gain portion EV is not used, the circuit configuration is as shown by the broken line, and the rear output of the front and rear panpot portions is the output of the ear gain portion EV.

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

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 it be set from + 3 dB: -∞ dB to -∞ dB: + 3 dB, but also + 0 dB: -∞ dB (only one sound is emitted), -∞ dB: + 0 dB (only the other sound is emitted), and -∞ dB: -∞. It is also possible to set dB (both are muted). Therefore, in this embodiment, the four types of original sounds Ls, Rs, Le, and Re are set to 0 dB or −∞ dB, respectively. Then, by appropriately combining ^each panpot ratio, it is possible to produce audio for 24 = 16 virtual sounds.

To explain a typical example, the original sounds Ls and Rs for the rear virtual speaker are set to the same level (-∞ dB: -∞ dB) while the forward signals Lf and Rf transmitted to the actual speakers TL and TR are set to the mute level (-∞ dB: -∞ dB). If the original sounds Ls and Rs for the virtual speaker near the ear are set to the muffling level (-∞ dB: -∞ dB), the production sound can be heard only from behind the player, and the player can hear the effect sound. It will have an extremely strong impact.

Conversely, if the original sounds Ls and Rs for the rear virtual speaker are set to the mute level (-∞ dB: -∞ dB) and the original sounds Ls and Rs for the ear virtual speaker are set to the same level (0 dB: 0 dB), the player The production sound can be heard only from the ear of the player, and in this case as well, the player can have 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 channel CHn other than the phrase reproduction channel CHx specified in surround to the minimum (mask processing). 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, only on the right side of the back, only on the left side of the ear, only on the right side of the ear, only on the left speaker TL, and only on the right speaker TR. , The variation of sound production can be greatly increased. The panpot setting for realizing this operation is very complicated, but in this embodiment, since the simple access controller SAC and the sequencer SQ are operated, the panpot setting process is extremely simplified. .. As described above, by using the sequencer SQ, the CPU can set the panpot effect over time with different durations appropriately set at once.

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

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

Next, to explain the main process shown in FIG. 14A, after the CPU is reset, the effect control CPU first performs appropriate initial setting operations for the RAM work area and the internal circuits of the one-chip microcomputer 40 and the voice processor 42. Is executed (ST10). Next, the timer interrupt process waits for the interrupt counter updated every 1 ms to reach 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 processing of.

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

Next, it is determined whether or not the non-gaming state continues for a predetermined time, and if the gaming operation is not recognized, the demo process is executed based on the predetermined demo scenario (ST14). Subsequently, a switch input process for determining the pressing operation of the setting switch SET operated by the staff and the chance button 11 operated by the player is executed (ST15). Then, 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 in the receive interrupt process is executed (ST16). Then, when a predetermined control command (variation pattern command) is received, a production lottery for determining a specific production content is executed, and a series of production scenarios are specified based on the determination result. The variable effect is started (ST16).

In the series of variable effects, the image effect using the display device DS, the lamp effect that blinks the lamp, and the voice effect using the speaker are performed in synchronization with each other, and the accessory effect is performed as needed. Will be added. Therefore, in the effect scenario that specifies these series of variable motions, the specific contents of various effects are defined together with the execution start time and the execution duration. The fact that the image effect, the lamp effect, and the sound effect are synchronously executed based on the predetermined scenario is the same for the error scenario, the demo scenario, and the chance scenario described above.

Then, in this embodiment, one or a plurality of main scenario tables Mj for specifying a series of variable effects are prepared for the production scenario, the error scenario, the demo scenario, and the chance scenario, and the main scenario table Mj has each of them. The scenario information (sub-scenario number) that specifies the effect content and the execution duration of the effect are described. As described above, for convenience, the main scenario table Mj in FIG. 15B omits the description of the lamp effect and the motor effect.

In any case, when error notification, demo effect, button effect, and variable effect are executed, the contents need to be advanced with the passage of time, so the scenario update process for that purpose is executed next. (ST17). Since the scenario update process is executed every 16 ms, when the required switching timing is reached, the process for specifying the effect content to be executed next is executed. Specifically, the reference positions of the main scenario table Mj and the sub-scenario table Sk are updated for the running scenario.

Explaining this point with respect to the voice effect, the voice effect is executed based on the voice command SND received by the voice processor 42 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 transmits a new unit effect and a voice command for specifying the playback volume to the voice processor, and the series of processes is other than the scenario update process. It does not become (ST17).

When the scenario update process having the above contents is completed, the fade process is next executed (ST18). Here, the fade process means a volume change process for changing the volume of the sound effect being executed. Typically, the volume of the BGM sound and the effect sound (preliminary sound) to be reproduced in duplicate are adjusted to each other. For example, (1) the volume of the BGM sound being played is suppressed in order to reproduce a predetermined warning sound, and (2) another warning sound having a high importance (reliability) is superimposed on the warning sound being played. For playback, the volume of the warning sound during playback is suppressed, and (3) the volume of the BGM sound or the production sound is suppressed for error notification.

The mode of volume adjustment includes not only an instantaneous operation of changing the target volume at once, but also a fade-in operation and a fade-out operation of changing the volume in stages. In either case, the effect control CPU 40 writes the phrase reproduction channel CHn and the voice command SND for specifying the reproduction volume in the reproduction channel CHn into a predetermined voice control register 51 (RGi) of the voice processor 42. Will be done.

The playback volume is specified by the primary volume value V1 or the secondary volume value Vs, but the playback volume of the BGM sound and the warning sounds SE1 and SE2 is the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3) for both the instantaneous operation and the fade operation. ) Is specified, and 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 set appropriately, 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.

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

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

Here, the production scenario table is roughly classified into a main scenario table Mj (FIG. 15 (b)) and a sub-scenario table Sk (FIG. 15 (c)) specified by the main scenario table Mj, but in a series. In the variable effect of, it is general that a plurality of main scenarios are in a parallel running state during the effect, and as a result, the effect control CPU 40 includes a plurality of main scenario tables Mj to Mx and a plurality of corresponding main scenarios. Based on the sub-scenario tables Sk to Sy, the voice effect will be advanced in multiple ways. In this embodiment, the scenario number and the scenario table have a one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, in the following explanation, the main scenario table Mj is equated with the main scenario number mcNo and the main scenario, and the sub-scenario table Sk is used. , May be equated with sub-scenario number scNo or sub-scenario.

Based on the above schematic explanation, the audio production that realizes the production scenario (see ST16) will be described in more detail. As described above, in this embodiment, a selection operation for appropriately selecting an empty channel CHn of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 of the voice processor 42, a plurality of main scenario tables Mj to Mx, and a plurality of subs are performed. Appropriate reference operation for the scenario tables Sk to Sy is required. Therefore, in order to facilitate these operations, in this embodiment, the scenario progress table INFO_TBL as shown in FIG. 14 (d) and the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL shown in FIG. 14 (e) are provided. Note that FIG. 14 (e) also shows the usage categories (SE, PAN, VS) of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 during the normal game. As described with respect to FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the usage classification of each phrase reproduction channel CH0 to CH29 is variable, and is different from the usage classification shown in the figure during probabilistic change or big hit.

As shown in FIG. 14D, the scenario progress table INFO_TBL is a variable value for advancing the production 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 two-dimensional array that can be rewritten. 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. It includes a timer scTm, (3) main scenario execution line mcIx, (4) sub-scenario execution line scIx, and (5) wait time delay.

Here, (1) the main scenario number mcNo is the number information for specifying the main scenario table Mj, and (2) the scenario timer scTm is the time information for managing the progress of the production scenario specified by the main scenario number mcNo, (3). ) The main scenario execution line mcIx is the line information that specifies the reference line of the main scenario table Mj, (4) the sub-scenario execution line scIx is the line information that specifies the reference line of the sub-scenario table Sk, and (5) the waiting time delay. Is the delay time from when the main scenario number mcNo is written to the progress management channel MCHm until the execution of the effect scenario of the main scenario number mcNo is started, and the effect 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 exemplified 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. The scenario registration process executed in the processes of steps ST13, ST14, ST15, and ST16 means that the main scenario number mcNo and the waiting time delay are written in any of the progress management channels MCHm in the free state. .. Further, in this scenario registration process, initial values are written in the scenario timer scTm, the main scenario execution line mcIx, and the sub-scenario execution line scIx, and these values are appropriately updated in the scenario update process (ST17).

As shown in FIG. 14 (e), the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL is a management table that manages the usage status of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH31 of the voice processor 42. In this embodiment, the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 are used. It remembers which state is "playing", "stopping", or "pausing". These 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 this embodiment, "playing" and "pausing" are produced. 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 issuing the voice command SND for starting or pausing playback to the voice processor 42 until the voice processor 42 actually reacts.

In this embodiment, 64 channels (m = 0 to 63) of the progress management channel MCHm of the scenario progress table INFO_TBL are provided, and the voice command SND required for the analysis processing in each progress management channel MCHm is continuously transmitted. Of particular importance. That is, if the voice processor 42 is accessed prior to the transmission of the voice command SND and the availability of the phrase playback channels CH0 to CH29 is checked from the status flag, the phrase playback specified by the voice command SND issued immediately before is performed. In many cases, the channel CHn is still "stopped", so that the phrase reproduction channel CHn specified immediately before may be specified in duplicate, which eliminates the previous unit effect. 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 an interrupt signal from the voice processor 42, the effect control CPU 40 accesses a predetermined voice control register RGi of the voice processor 42 to specify the phrase reproduction channel CHn that has finished reproduction (ST25). Next, the data in the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL is rewritten from "playing" to "stopping" for the phrase playback channel CHn that has finished playing (ST26).

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

Subsequently, the scenario update process (ST17) will be further described with reference to FIG. In this scenario update process, the processes of steps ST31 to ST43 are executed for all the progress management channels MCHm (m = 0 to 63) of the scenario progress table INFO_TBL, and the necessary voice command SNDs are sequentially sent to the voice processor 42. I'm sending. In order to realize such an operation, in the scenario update process, first, it is determined whether or not a significant main scenario number mcNo is described in the specific progress management channel MCHm in the scenario progress table INFO_TBL (ST31). .. Then, if a significant main scenario number mcNo is not described in the m-th progress management channel MCHm, the process jumps to step ST44 to determine the next m + 1th 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 explained above, the value of the waiting time delay means the delay time from the time when the main scenario number mcNo is written to the progress management channel MCHm until the execution of the production scenario of the main scenario number mcNo is started. .. Therefore, when the waiting time delay ≠ 0, the waiting time delay is decremented (-1) and the processing is completed (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, the main scenario table Mj describes one or more sub-scenario numbers scNo that realize the main scenario Mj, and the execution duration of each sub-scenario. Then, the main scenario execution line mcIx identifies the reference line, and the execution duration is managed by the progress of the scenario timer scTm, which is updated every 16 mS.

For example, in the main scenario of the main scenario number M01, the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S02 is executed 1500 * 16 mS, the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S20 is executed 500 * 16 mS, and finally the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S21. 2000 * 16mS is executed to finish the process. Note that D_SEEND means the end of data. In addition, instead of the end data, a loop specification such as D_SELOP + 0 may be described. In this case, jump to the jump line indicated after + (the first line is 0 in the illustrated example). The process below 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 for 3000 * 16 mS, the sub-scenario of the sub-scenario number S25 is executed for 1000 * 16 mS, and finally, the sub-scenario number. The sub-scenario of S26 is executed for 1000 * 16mS to finish the process.

The sub-scenario table Sk specified by the main scenario table Mj is as illustrated in FIGS. 15 (c), 18 (b), and 18 (c), and has a plurality of rows managed by the sub-scenario execution line scIx. The specific content of the audio effect is 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) the phrase number NUM that specifies the unit effect, (2) the reproduction mode information that specifies the reproduction mode, and (3) the fade shift or the momentary occurrence that occurs in the middle of the audio production. All or part of the volume transition mode (sound control information) such as deviation is specified. 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. 18 (b) and the second row of the sub-scenario table Sk (= 002) shown in FIG. 18 (c). In addition, when a new unit effect is started, (1) phrase number NUM and (2) reproduction mode information are indispensably stored. Then, when the volume of another unit effect is changed according to 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. 18 (b) and the second and third rows of the sub-scenario table Sk (= 002) shown in FIG. 18 (c), No new unit effect is started, and the volume of the unit effect that has been executed up to that point changes.

Returning to FIG. 15 (c), the sub-scenario table Sk of the present embodiment has (1) the phrase number NUM that specifies the unit effect, and (2) the reproduction mode information of the unit effect, the unit effect. It is stored separately according to the type of. 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 effective sound. There are 8 types of winning sounds, and the sub-scenario table Sk is divided into 8 sections corresponding to the number of types (= 8), and 9 sections are added as a whole by adding the sound control information section. (See FIGS. 18 (b) and 18 (c)). 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 effective sound, and the winning sound is fixedly defined in advance. .. On the other hand, the upper effect sound SE1, the lower effect sound SE2, the advanced effect sound PAN, and the virtual sound VS are arbitrarily selected from the empty phrase reproduction channel CHn.

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

In any case, after starting the audio production of 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 is returned at the timing of the scenario timer scTm = 3000. Is selected, the execution duration of 1000 * 16 ms is required, and the audio effect of the sub-scenario number S25 is executed. The audio 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 process of step ST34 or less 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, the data in the reference row is then determined (ST35).

If the data is the final data D_SEEND, it means that the execution of the main scenario described in the progress management channel MCHm is completed, so that it is described in the progress management channel MCHm (see FIG. 14B). The main scenario number mcNo is deleted and the scenario update process is completed (ST36). Therefore, the progress management channel MCHm that has been used until then has been released for other main scenarios that will be started after that, and the scenario timer scTm, by the initial data setting process when registering a new scenario, The sub-scenario execution line scIx and the main scenario execution line mcIx are cleared.

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

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

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

Then, the information specified by the updated main scenario execution line mcIx is determined (ST41), and if the information is the loop specification indicated by "D_SELOP + jump destination", the main scenario execution line mcIx is set to the jump destination. Change to a line (ST42). In any case, the fact 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. Therefore, 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 the execution of the next sub-scenario.

Since the processing of steps ST31 to ST43 described above is the processing for the mth progress management channel MCHm (m = 0 to 63), next, the same processing is performed for the m + 1th progress management channel MCHm + 1. The process is transferred to step ST31 (ST43). Then, when the processing for all 64 channels is completed, the scenario update processing (ST17) is completed.

Subsequently, the sub-scenario update process in step ST37 will be described with reference to FIG. 16 (a). As explained earlier, the sub-scenario update process specified 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. It starts 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. 14 (d)) is acquired (ST50).

Here, if the stored data at that address is the end data D_SEEND, the process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the start time specifies the start timing instead of the end data D_SEEND, the value is compared with the scenario timer scTm (ST52). Then, if the scenario timer scTm ≧ start time, the phrase reproduction channel CHn of the voice processor 42 is designated, and the voice command output process for transmitting an appropriate voice command SND is executed (ST53). As shown in FIG. 15C, the sub-scenario table Sk stores the phrase number NUM that specifies the unit effect, the reproduction volume value (secondary volume Vs) of the unit effect, and the like.

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

The voice command output process executed in step ST53 is as shown in FIG. 16 (b), and is (1) a voice command SND that specifies a unit effect to newly start playback, or (2) being executed. A voice command SND for changing the voice of the unit effect will be transmitted. Then, when such a 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). If no free channel is detected and invalid data NULL is returned, the subscenario execution line scIx remains at the original value.

Subsequently, the voice command output process (ST53) shown in FIG. 16B will be described. In the voice command output process, first, it is determined whether or not the scenario reproduction channel CHn specified in the sub-scenario table Sk is a fixed channel (ST55). As described above, the BGM sound, the error notification sound, the operation effective sound, and the winning sound use the predetermined phrase reproduction channel CHn, so if it is a voice command output process related to any of these voices, the voice is used. The phrase reproduction channels CHn to be specified by the command SND are determined to be CH0 + CH1, CH28, CH27, and CH28, respectively (ST56).

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

Since each set value needs to be set for each phrase 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 or the sequencer SQ. In such a case, the voice command SND that sets the SAC number and the attached data that defines the operation of the SAC (Simple Access Controller) is transmitted to the voice control register RGj1 for SAC control, or the sequencer control register. A voice command SND for setting a sequence code number and attached data defining the operation of the sequencer SQ is transmitted to RGj2.

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

Then, when the data related to the effect sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS is described in the corresponding row of the sub-scenario table Sk, 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 process (ST59) is as shown in FIG. 11A, and searches the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL shown in FIG. 14E in order to detect an empty phrase reproduction channel CHn. .. As the return value of the reproduction CH detection process (ST59), the empty phrase reproduction channel CHn is returned, and if there is no empty channel, invalid data NULL is returned.

As shown in FIG. 17A, in the reproduction CH detection process (ST59), the search range is determined by whether the effect sound SE1 is reproduced, the effect sound SE2 is reproduced, the advanced effect sound PAN is reproduced, or the virtual sound VS is reproduced. Is different. That is, in this embodiment, the usage categories (SE, PAN, VS) of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 are variable, the usable phrase reproduction channels differ depending on the game state, and the initial stage is changed according to the game state. The value CH and the final CH are specified.

For example, if the gaming state is during a normal game, when the effect sound SE1 is reproduced, the initial setting is set as setting CH = CH2, and when the effect sound SE2 is used, the initial setting is set as setting CH = CH8. (ST70). Then, a free channel is searched for in the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL within the range of the scenario reproduction channels CH2 to CH7 or the scenario reproduction channels CH8 to CH21, respectively.

In the reproduction CH detection process (ST59), when the effect sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS to be reproduced is a stereo sound, two continuous channels starting from an even number 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 "playing" (ST77).

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

Returning to FIG. 16B and continuing the explanation of the voice command output process (ST53), if an empty channel CHn is detected for the effect sound 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. 16 (c), the voice command SND is a plurality of bytes in length in which the register number and the set value of the voice control register RGi of the voice processor 42 are combined. When the simple access controller SAC or the sequencer SQ is used, it is as shown in FIG. 16 (d).

The setting values for the reproduction of the production sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS are the phrase number NUM and the secondary volume Vs of the production sound SE1 / SE2 / PAN / VS as essential values, and if necessary, up, down, left and right. Panpot setting values etc. are added. In this embodiment, the operating state of the phrase reproduction channel CHn of the audio processor 42, that is, any of the "stopped", "paused", and "playing" states, can be used for all the phrase reproduction channels. We are aware of CHn (n = 0 to 29) (see FIG. 14 (e)).

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

Further, FIG. 18A exemplifies data related to sound control, and in this embodiment, it is sound control data having a 4-byte (Bit31-Bit0) configuration. First, the lowest 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 time is 0.5 seconds, 1 second, and 1. It means 5 seconds and 2 seconds. Next, the lower 4 bits (Bit19-Bit16) of the 3rd byte specify the volume target value of the secondary volume Vs in 4 steps from the minimum value (0x00) to the maximum value (0x80). In the sound control data, the 13 bits (Bit15-Bit3) composed of the second byte and the upper byte of the first byte indicate the phrase number NUM (000H to 1FFFH). In this embodiment, the volume transition operation is executed in the state of V2 = V3 for the two secondary volumes Vs 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 the BGM sound, the phrase reproduction channel for the production sound SE1, or the production sound SE2. Phrase playback channel, phrase playback channel for advanced production sound PAN, phrase playback channel for virtual sound VS, all phrase playback channels (CH2-CH26), or unit production of a predetermined phrase number NUM is played. Indicates whether the phrase playback channel is CHn. As described above, the phrase reproduction channel CHn of the effect sound 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 the instantaneous operation to make a transition and how much the primary volume value V1 is set.

Explaining the sub-scenario table Sk (= 001) of FIG. 18B with respect to this sound control data, the volume target value of the secondary volume Vs is set to 0x20 (V20) for the BGM sound (BG_T) at the timing of the start time zero. ) Is specified to be executed in 0.5 seconds (S05). The registered data in the SE1 column indicates that "the unit effect of the phrase number NUM = 0001 should be reproduced in stereo at the level of the secondary volume Vs = 0x80". While quickly suppressing the BGM sound, the unit production of the phrase number NUM = 0001 will be started at the highest volume (see FIG. 18 (d)).

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

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

Then, at the timing of the start time of 5000 * 16 mS, 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) (FIG. 18 (e)). )reference). Although the fade operation is not executed for the primary volume V1 in this embodiment, the fade operation 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 as illustrated in FIG. 18 (d), a voice command in which the set value Vs (V2 = V3) of the secondary volume is changed stepwise is transmitted in chronological order. There is a need. Therefore, in this embodiment, the fade control table FDTBL shown in FIG. 19 (a), the update cycle table shown in FIG. 19 (b), and the volume variable VOL management table shown in FIG. 19 (c) 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. 19 (c)) is rewritably arranged in the RAM.

The management table VL_TBL (FIG. 19 (c)) 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. It is a volume management table to be performed, and is initially set corresponding to the transmission process of step ST57 and step 60 in the voice command output process (ST53). 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 the fade operation is performed, but zero is set when the fade operation is not executed. Has been done.

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

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

Based on the above, the sound control process (ST62) will be described. This sound control process is divided into a non-fade process shown in FIG. 17 (b) and a fade initial setting process shown in FIG. 17 (c). Here, the non-fade process is an instantaneous setting process that does not involve a fade operation, and the set values SVOL, SVO8, SVO0, SVO2, SVO4, SVO8E, SVO0E, etc. in the sound control data of FIG. It is a process to do.

If the data in the 4th byte of the sound control column in the sub-scenario table Sk (see FIG. 18A) is the set value SVOL, SVO8, SVO0, SVO2, SVO4, SVO8E, SVO0E, etc., the sound control Based on the upper data of the 3rd byte of the column, the volume control target (BG_T, YK1_T, YK2_T, YKA_T, FRZ) is specified, the phrase playback channel CHn for which the volume is changed, and the voice command SND that specifies the volume value. Is generated and transmitted to the voice processor 42 ( ST80).

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

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

By the way, in this embodiment, not only the volume target value is specified, but also the volume target value is compared with the current volume value to specify the volume shift direction (±), so that the current value is specified. 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 considering the current volume value VOL, the transition operation is one-way from the predetermined reference value (MIN value or MAX value) to the target value. For example, when the current value is the MIN value and the target 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 close to the MAX value and the target value is close to the MIN value, an unnatural effect occurs in which the volume shift is started after the momentary muffling that changes from MAX to MIN occurs. None of the inconveniences occur.

After the processing of step ST82 having the above meaning is completed, refer to the update cycle table of FIG. 19B based on the transition time (Bit2-Bit0) specified by the sound control data of the sub-scenario table Sk. , The update cycle WD is specified, and this is described together with the volume transition direction in the corresponding column of the volume management table VL_TBL in FIG. 19 (c) (ST83). Further, the column pointer j of the fade control table FDTBL is initially set to zero, and the control variable B is initially set to the value of the update cycle WD (ST83). The initially set values of the column pointer j and the control variable B are also stored in the corresponding columns of the volume management table VL_TBL (ST83).

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

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

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

Next, the voice command SND that changes the volume value VOL (VOL ← VOL ± Δ) and specifies 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 indicates the final column of the fade control table FDTBL, the update cycle WD of the volume management table VL_TBL is indicated. Set the storage field of to zero (ST97). As a result, after that, the volume transition process relating to 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 initially set 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. 19 (c) (ST99).

In this embodiment, as shown in the control target FRZ higher than the third byte in the sound control data of FIG. 18A, it is also possible to specify a fade operation for a specific unit effect. 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 this embodiment, the voice processor 42 receives a predetermined inquiry command SND. By transmitting, the phrase playback channel that is playing the unit effect is specified.

The inquiry command is transmitted by the write operation of the voice command SND that specifies the phrase reproduction channel CHn (see FIG. 5B), and then the reception process of the voice command SND that specifies the predetermined voice control register RGi. By executing (the read data processing of FIG. 5C), the phrase reproduction channel that reproduces the unit effect 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. It is also possible to take a method of memorizing it, and in this case, it is not necessary to send an inquiry command.

Although the examples have been described in detail above, the specific description contents are not particularly limited to the present invention. For example, in the embodiment, the reproduction completion interrupt process is provided (FIG. 14 (c)), but it is also preferable to omit this in consideration of the control load.

In this case, at the beginning of the scenario update process (ST17), as shown in the receive process (read data process) of FIG. 5C, the voice processor 42 is accessed and a predetermined status flag is referred to. The used CH management table PlayNow_TBL should be updated to the latest value. Then, in this modification, the voice processor 42 is not accessed and the predetermined status flag is not checked during the one processing unit time (16 mS). Therefore, after that, the phrase reproduction channel that has changed from "playing" to "stopping" 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 embodiment, in the sub-scenario table Sk, the secondary volume values V2 and V3 that define the playback volume are set corresponding to the setting of the phrase number at the start of phrase playback (FIG. 15 (c). )), It is also preferable to adopt a configuration in which the processing of this volume setting can be omitted. That is, since the volume setting value at the start of phrase playback is usually a fixed level (maximum value 80H), if the volume is set to the maximum level in the refresh process that operates periodically, the volume setting at the start of phrase playback is performed. Can be omitted. Of course, for safety, the volume may be set again at the start of phrase playback.

FIG. 20B is a drawing for explaining the refresh process A, and functions when the start of the variable operation is not during the error notification and during the special notice effect. 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, no matter what value the volume setting value is set in the pan operation or phase operation during the fluctuation operation before that, all the volume values are reset to the fixed value at the start of the fluctuation.

In addition to the refresh processing of the volumes V1, V2, and V3, it is desirable to set the panpot ratio to 0 dB: 0 dB for all phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29. 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 processes is prepared in advance in the voice memory 43, and the voice command SND at the start of fluctuation is prepared. This 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 warning effect is being performed, the refresh process A is skipped, so that the error notification operation and the warning operation are not adversely affected. Here, the special notice effect means an operation of intentionally muting (mask processing) such as a blackout effect in which the display screen goes dark to announce the invitation of a big hit state. In such a special notice effect, the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29 is masked to 00H (see FIG. 20E) to enhance the notice effect.

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

Corresponding to this operation, the phrase reproduction channel CH29 is specified as a unit effect for error notification by designating an invisible loop via the sub-scenario table Sk (see FIG. 15C). The silent loop-shaped error notification sound is silenced on the phrase reproduction channel CH29 based on the reception of the error release command, and the primary volume of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH28 is set to the specified value (corresponding to this). It is returned to 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 FIGS. 20 (d) and 20 (e).

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

On the other hand, in model B and model C, at the start of fluctuation, it is determined whether or not some BGM sound is being played on the phrase playback channels CH0 and CH1 by referring to the used CH management table PlayNow_TBL (FIG. 14 (e)). To. Then, when the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1 are stopped, that is, when there is no BGM sound being reproduced, 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)).

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

The case where the reproduction of BGM0 or BGM1 is newly started in the model B or the model C has been described above, but if any BGM sound is being reproduced on 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 designating an infinite loop in the sub-scenario table Sk (FIG. 15 (b)).

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

In this way, in model B and model C, the same BGM sound is played endlessly as long as the player continues the game, but in 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 is stopped. 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 other than at the start of fluctuation. 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) the demo movie starts after a further time has elapsed. The timing of the demonstration, (5) after a predetermined time has elapsed, and the like can be considered. However, in the models B and C, (2) when the demo command is received, the reproduction of the BGM sound may continue with or without sound, so the timings of (1) and (3) to (5) Then, the refresh process A is executed.

It is also preferable to execute the refresh process B (see FIG. 20 (c)) which is different from the refresh process A. In the refresh process B, the primary volume V1 is set to 80H for all the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH29. As the execution timing of such refresh process B, the above-mentioned (2), (3), (4), and (5) can be considered. Since there is no possibility that the secondary volumes V2 and V3 will 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, it is possible to repeat the necessary refresh operation and mask operation at the necessary timing without imposing a control burden on the CPU.

Next, in this embodiment, for the sound effect channel SE, the advanced effect channel PAN, and the virtual channel VS, the placement channel is variably set, whereas the operation effective sound of the chance button and the winning sound of the game ball are set. Explains the significance of using a dedicated phrase playback channel. FIG. 21 is a time chart showing a mask process for appropriately muting the winning sound and the operation effective sound.

First, the winning sound reproduced on the phrase reproduction channel CH28 will be described. The winning sound is a sound effect indicating that the game ball has won the symbol start opening 15, and if the winning is during the variable motion execution, the number of reserved balls displayed on the display device increases in response to this winning. It is configured to do. The number of reserved balls is the number of game balls that have won a prize during the execution of the variable operation, and means the number of waiting balls 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. The number of pending commands to be specified by the command CMD.

The release of the winning sound and the increase in the number of reserved balls are significant so that the player can confirm the winning, but since the winning of the game ball occurs randomly regardless of the progress of the production operation, the winning sound is released. The display of the sound and the number of reserved balls may rather interfere with the production operation (voice 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 if it is desired to emit a special effect sound corresponding to the above-mentioned reach image effect, the display area is obstructed. BGM sounds can get in the way.

21 (a) to 21 (c) exemplify the operation state of such a reach effect, and during a predetermined reach effect, the display area of the number of reserved balls is erased and the display area of the number of reserved balls is erased (holding non-display period). In a state where the BMG sound is muted (FIG. 21 (a)), only the effect sounds SE1 and SE2 are emitted via the effect channel SE (FIG. 21 (b) and FIG. 21 (c)). The reason for adopting such control is that the BGM sound is intentionally muted so that the production sounds SE1 and SE2 can be concentrated.

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

As described above, in this embodiment, since the mask processing 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 fixed 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. There is no such thing.

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

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

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 specifying the sound effect 1 "Pune !!" generated in response to the appearance of the button image on the display device and the operation validity period after that are shown. It is composed of a sub-scenario 2 that specifies a repeated sound effect 2 "picon, picon, picon, ...". The sound effect 2 is repeated in an infinite loop by designating a loop.

On the other hand, the main scenario 2 is composed of a sound effect 3 executed by pressing the chance button 11 and a sub-scenario 3 that specifies the silence processing. Here, the sound effect 3 means a voice effect executed on the lower channel SE2 in response to the button press. For convenience, in FIGS. 21 (c) and 21 (d), the same audio effect is executed after the start of the fluctuation and during the reach effect, but this is just for convenience and is actually described. Characteristic audio effects are performed according to each aspect. Further, during the reach effect, the audio 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 voice by interposing the sub-scenario 1 to the sub-scenario 3. However, since it is fixed to play the operation effective sound of the button operation on the phrase reproduction channel CH27, there is no need to search for an empty channel, and the new phrase number NUM is set to the predetermined voice. The audio effect can be easily switched by simply overwriting the control register RGi.

That is, the silence processing of the sub-scenario 3 only needs to overwrite the phrase number NUMy of the silence data for an extremely short time (for example, 10 mS) with the voice control register RGi that specifies the reproduction phrase number NUM of the phrase reproduction channel CH27. Since the phrase number NUMx of the sound effect 2 disappears by this overwrite operation, there is no possibility that the reproduction of the sound effect 2 will be restored after that, no matter how short the silent reproduction is completed. This point is the same in the case of the process of silencing the BGM sound in the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH1 ((2) (3) in FIG. 20) and the process of derooting the error notification sound in the phrase reproduction channel CH29. ..

Further, in this embodiment, since the reproduction process of the operation effective sound is always executed on the phrase reproduction channel CH27, (1) a mask process for setting the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channel CH27 to 00H, or (2). The phrase reproduction operation of the phrase reproduction channel CH27 may be forcibly terminated. 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 repetitive sound emission operation of the sound effect 2 "picon" (via sub-scenario 2) manages the progress 300 * 16 mS after the start of the repetitive sound emission operation. It is erased from the channel MCHm (ST36 in FIG. 15).

By the way, in addition to the above embodiment, it is also preferable to execute a voice effect linked with an image effect or an accessory effect for the advance notice effect. FIG. 22 is a drawing illustrating such a notice effect, and shows the number and types of the notice images drawn on the front side of the background image, the accessory movable on the front side of the background image, and the volume of the BGM sound. Is shown as an example of associating.

In this embodiment, the reliability of the advance notice effect corresponds to the remaining area of the background image, the presence / absence of the appearance of the accessory, and the presence / absence of movement. Specifically, (1) the notice effect image is enlarged and the background image area is small, and (2) the more conspicuous the accessory is, the higher the reliability is configured, corresponding to the high reliability. , The value of the notice production is emphasized by reducing the BGM sound. The reliability means that the lottery result of the big hit lottery may be in the winning state.

FIG. 22 schematically shows an example of a specific effect content, and shows a preview effect displayed on the background image together with the background image. It should be noted that the vertical direction indicates the difference in reliability, and the notice effect 1 with low reliability and the notice effect 9 with high reliability are shown in order in the vertical direction. Further, the horizontal direction indicates an advanced type of the advance notice effect, and if the advance notice effect shifts to the right side, the reliability is improved by that amount.

In this example, a notice effect in which a high school girl takes various actions is illustrated, but in the notice effect 1, one high school girl gives a message in the balloon part, and then, progressively, another girl. High school students are supposed to write a message in another balloon.

In addition, in the notice production 2, it starts from the preparation OK state (STEP1), and when it develops from STEP1 to STEP2, the high school girl turns around (STEP2), and when it further develops to STEP3, it is a notice production to meet another high school girl. .. The reliability of the preview effect of this embodiment increases with each development, but the volume of the BGM sound is suppressed in response to the decrease in the area of the background image by that amount.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the BGM sound is reproduced on the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1 which are dedicated channels, the primary volume V1 is varied to control the volume to an appropriate level. Unlike the fade effect that integrally controls the secondary volumes V2 and V3, in this embodiment, the primary volume V1 is used for the volume suppression control at the time of the advance notice effect, so that even if the volume is finely controlled at a short timing, The control burden does not increase in particular.

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

Next, in the advance notice effect 3, flashes are emitted from the four corners to the central character, but since the background image is almost hidden, the volume of the BGM sound is controlled to be lower than that of the advance notice effect 2. The same applies to the following, and in the advance notice effect 4 to the advance notice effect 6, the color of the displayed advance notice image and the type of the mini character to be duplicated in the advance notice image suggest a high degree of reliability. The BGM sound is muted in response to the hiding of the image, further muted as it develops, and muted when the background image is completely hidden. In addition, in the advance notice effect 5 and the advance notice effect 6, there is a possibility that the advance notice effect will be developed to the right side in response to the button chance state and the player pressing the chance button.

Further, in the more reliable advance notice 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 to light or blink. Then, in the advance notice effect 8 in which the reliability is increased, an accessory (movable object) appears in the center, and the character "7" is lit. Then, in the notice effect 9 having the highest reliability, after the display screen suddenly goes dark (blackout notice), an eerie character appears in the center of the pitch-black screen.

In these highly reliable notice effects 7 to 9, the BGM sound is silenced, while the sound effect corresponding to the notice image is emitted on the effect channel SE. .. For example, if the remaining date and time until the fateful day is 7 days, a movable sound (such as Dokun Dokun) that incites a sense of urgency is played while gradually increasing the volume in response to the movement of moving objects. Phase operation). At the time of the blackout notice, the playback sound of all the phrase playback channels CHi is silenced in response to the disappearance of the entire screen.

The volume of the above-mentioned movable sound and the volume of the sound effect corresponding to the movement of the appearing character are set by appropriately controlling the secondary volumes V2 and V3 of the effect channel SE in any of the preview effects. On the other hand, the reduction or silence of the BGM sound is executed by the primary volume V1 of the phrase reproduction channels CH0 and CH1, so that the control is easy. That is, the volume of the BGM sound can be suppressed only by changing the set value of the primary volume V1, and the suppressed volume can be easily returned to the original level when the advance notice effect is completed.

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 an arbitrary level of 128 steps from −0.07 dB to −∞ dB (silence) depending on the reliability at the time of the advance notice production. .. However, in reality, the suppression level (attenuation factor) is set to -6 dB or less.

Further, in this embodiment, all the reproduced sounds are silenced in response to the disappearance of the screen of the display device at the time of the blackout notice, but this silence processing is performed on the primary volume V1 for all the phrase reproduction channels CHi. Is realized by setting (-∞ dB) to the minimum value, so silence control is also easy.

Although various examples have been described in detail above, none of the specific contents thereof is particularly limited to the present invention.

For example, in the multiplex sound effect described with reference to FIG. 9, eight channels (CH14 to CH21) of phrase reproduction channels are used, but the number of original sound data (that is, the number of phrase numbers) that realizes the multiplex sound effect is not particularly limited. And, the same number of phrase playback channels may be used.

FIG. 23 shows a case where five phrase reproduction channels are used corresponding to five phrase numbers NUMa to NUMe, and vocal sound, guitar sound, bass sound, left chorus sound, and right chorus sound are used. Each is reproduced on different phrase reproduction channels (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 vocal sound is emitted only from the upper left and right speakers ( See FIG. 23 (c)).

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 both set to 0 dB: -∞ dB. Sound is emitted (see FIG. 23 (c)).

On the contrary, in the phrase reproduction channel CH18, the upper and lower pans are set to 0 dB: 0 dB, and the two left and right pans are both set to -∞ dB: 0 dB. The bass sound is emitted (see FIG. 23 (c)).

For the other phrase reproduction channels CH20 and CH21, the upper and lower pans and the left and right pans are appropriately set to realize the multiple musical performances shown in FIG. 23 (c). Since the primary volume V1 and the secondary volume Vs (V2, V3) are each maintained at a specified value (for example, 0 dB), the sound of all parts is collectively output from the lower speaker, and this point is a point. This is the same as in the case of the embodiment of FIG.

However, unlike the embodiment of FIG. 9, in the embodiment of FIG. 23, the pan ratio setting process described above is executed not via the sequencer SQ but via the simple access controller SAC. In this embodiment, since four simple access controllers SAC0 to SAC3 are provided, the vertical pan ratio and the horizontal pan ratio of CH14, CH16, CH18, CH20, and CH21 can be set by simultaneously functioning 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 contents are not limited to the present invention. That is, the voice control method exemplified in the examples can be suitably applied not only to the ball gaming machine but also to other gaming machines such as a spinning machine.

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

Claims (1)

A voice synthesis means provided with a plurality of playback channels for reproducing a predetermined unit effect by voice based on a group of original sound data, and a voice synthesis means.
By setting an operation parameter that defines the unit effect and its playback volume in a predetermined control register of the voice synthesis means in response to the start or progress of a series of voice effects composed of one or more unit effects. , A gaming machine provided with an effect control means for realizing a reproduction operation of a predetermined reproduction channel.
The effect control means includes
A scenario storage means for storing predetermined production information for realizing a series of voice effects, and a volume management means for volatilely storing management data for managing the playback volume for each playback channel of the playback channel of the voice synthesis means. And a transition management means that defines a volume transition mode with respect to a stepwise change in volume .
When changing the playback volume of one or more unit effects, the reference position of the volume control means is referred to, and based on the type 1 or type 2 management data described in the reference position, It is configured to change the playback volume at an appropriate timing,
The volume management means is the first type of management data capable of specifying the volume change timing and the volume increase / decrease direction corresponding to the reproduction channel in which the volume should be changed stepwise with reference to the transition management means. However, while the playback volume is stored prior to the change, the second type of management data that regulates the operation corresponding to the playback channel in which the volume should be changed instantly without referring to the transition management means is stored. A gaming machine characterized by being memorized.

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