JP7084438B2 - Pachinko machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

In gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko gaming machines, directing sounds are output from speakers to liven up the game. As this type of gaming machine, a gaming machine provided with a plurality of speakers is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-313165

By the way, until now, when trying to improve the sound quality of a gaming machine provided with a plurality of speakers, there has been a problem that the configuration of the gaming machine becomes complicated.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine having a simple configuration and excellent sound quality.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a first speaker capable of outputting a directing sound and a first speaker.
A second speaker installed below the first speaker and capable of outputting a directing sound,
It is equipped with a staging sound control unit that executes processing related to the staging sound output from the speaker.
The first speaker and the second speaker are similar speakers, and are the same speakers.
The staging sound control unit
Regarding the effect sound to be output to the first speaker so that the effect sound output to the first speaker has a larger attenuation amount of the component in the predetermined frequency band than the effect sound output to the second speaker. It is characterized in that the process related to the output of the effect sound is executed in a state where the frequency response and the frequency response of the effect sound to be output to the second speaker are different.

According to the present invention, the first speaker and the second speaker can be the same speaker, and the configuration of the gaming machine can be simplified. Further, this can reduce the cost of member management and inventory management. In addition, by making the frequency response of the effect sound control unit different between the first speaker and the second speaker, the sound is segregated between the first speaker and the second speaker even though the same speaker is used. You can make the production sound clear. In addition, the load on each speaker can be reduced by segregating the sounds.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, sound quality can be improved with a simple configuration.

It is a perspective view which shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. The same is a perspective view with the front door open. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the gaming machine. It is a block diagram which shows the schematic structure of the staging sound control unit. It is a figure for demonstrating the frequency response of the staging sound control unit in the same frequency response inconsistency state. It is the figure which shows the volume setting table. It is a front view which shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the frequency response of the staging sound control part about the upper speaker. It is a figure for demonstrating the frequency response of the staging sound control part about the upper speaker. It is a figure for demonstrating the frequency response of the staging sound control part about the upper speaker. It is a front view which shows an example of the gaming machine which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is the figure which looked at the game board from the front side.

(First Embodiment)
Hereinafter, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment will be described by taking the case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is one of the gaming machines as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the slot machine but is applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines. May be done. Further, in the following description, basically, "front and back" means "front" on the player side and "rear" on the slot machine side when the player is on the front side of the slot machine, and "up and down". Means "upper" on the upper surface side of the slot machine, "lower" on the lower surface side, and "left and right" means "left" on the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine, and "right" on the right hand side. do.

First, a schematic configuration of the slot machine X to which the invention is applied will be described.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine X. The slot machine X includes a housing 10, which comprises a bottom plate, left and right side plates, a top plate, and a back plate, and has a front opening that opens to the front side of the housing 10. It is formed in a shape. Further, on the front surface of the housing 10, a front door 12 for opening and closing the front opening of the housing 10 is provided, and the front door 12 closes the upper portion of the opening so as to be openable and closable. A door 30 and a lower door 40 that closes the lower part of the opening so as to be openable and closable are provided. The front door 12 may be an integral structure that does not divide the upper door 30 and the lower door 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, at the lower part of the housing 10, a power supply unit 14 having a built-in power supply device for supplying electric power to each component, and a hopper unit 16 as a payout device for storing medals and paying out medals. A cash box 18 or the like is provided in which medals are sent out from the hopper unit 16 when the amount of medals in the hopper unit 16 becomes a predetermined amount or more. Further, the power supply unit 14 includes a power supply switch, and when the power supply switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 14 to each component. It should be noted that power may be supplied to some parts even when the power supply unit 14 is in the OFF state.

Further, a reel unit 20, a main control board 70 (main control device), a sub control board 72 (sub control device), and the like are provided in the housing 10. The reel unit 20 includes three rotating reels (first reel 20a, second reel 20b, third reel 20c) displaying a plurality of symbols around them, and a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 20a to 20c. ) And an index sensor provided corresponding to each reel 20a to 20c. Each index sensor is adapted to detect the edge of a semicircular index attached to the inside of each reel 20a to 20c. Then, the stop control of the reels 20a to 20c is performed based on the detection information by the index sensor.

As shown in FIG. 1, a display window 31 is provided in the lower center of the upper door 30, and three reels 20a to 20c are provided in a horizontal row behind the display window 31. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 20a to 20c, and when the reels 20a to 20c are stopped, three symbols are displayed per reel through the display window 31. The display window 31 is provided with an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage as display positions for visually recognizing the symbols of the reels 20a to 20c, and an effective line is set by the combination of the display positions of the reels 20a to 20c. There is. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the number of medals (specified number of medals) required for one game is set to three, and when the specified number of medals are inserted, the reels 20a to 20c The valid line composed of the middle row is activated. In addition, each reel 20a to 20c starts to rotate with the start of the game, and the winning combination lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations is won or lost (unwinned). Next, when the reels 20a to 20c are stopped, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the valid line, this winning combination becomes a prize, and the process corresponding to the winning combination (the winning combination). Winning process) is executed. That is, whether or not the winning combination has won is displayed by the combination of the symbols displayed through the display window 31 when the reels 20a to 20c are stopped.

Further, in the upper center of the upper door 30, a display window 32 is provided above the display window 31. A liquid crystal display 34 (image display device) is provided behind the display window 32. The liquid crystal display 34 displays various images (images) for assisting the game and enlivening the game. Further, the upper door 30 and the lower door 40 are provided with a plurality of speakers 100. From the speaker 100, various production sounds (music, sound effects, voices, etc.) for assisting the game and enlivening the game are output. Further, the front door 12 is provided with a plurality of lighting devices 38 for performing notification, directing, and the like.

Further, an effect panel 61 for performing notification and an effect is provided on both the left and right sides of the display window 31, and an effect button (effect operation unit) 62 is provided on the effect panel 61 on the right side. The effect button 62 is pressed and operated by the player, and when pressed, the mode of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, for example, which can be seen through the display window 32, is changed, and the player can play the game. It is intended to raise awareness of participation and enhance interest. For example, the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 can be selected in conjunction with the operation of the effect button 62. The arrangement of the effect button 62 is not limited to this, and may be provided at a position where the player can press the button 62.

Further, the upper door 30 is rotatably connected to the housing 10 via a hinge to open and close the upper part of the opening of the housing 10. Further, the lower door 40 is rotatably connected to the housing 10 via a hinge to open and close the lower part of the opening of the housing 10.
The slot machine X has a separate housing type structure, and when the model is replaced, the housing 10, the lower door 40, the power supply unit 14 in the housing 10, the hopper unit 16 and the like are used in the game store. The upper door 30, the reel unit 20, and the like can be replaced while they are still attached to the island equipment. Further, the slot machine X is not limited to the separate housing type, and the entire slot machine may be replaced when the model is replaced.

Further, an engaging portion is provided at the lower end of the upper door 30 so as to be rearward from the front surface of the lower door 40 and protrude below the upper end of the lower door 40, and the upper door 30 is in a state where the lower door 40 is closed. It has a structure that cannot be opened.

Further, at the lower part of the lower door 40, a medal payout port for ejecting medals from the inside of the slot machine X and a medal tray 43 for storing the medals ejected from the medal payout port are formed. .. Further, an operation unit 50 for operating the slot machine X is provided on the upper part of the lower door 40, and a liquid crystal display panel 45 is attached between the operation unit 50 and the medal tray 43.

The operation unit 50 has a settlement button 52 for paying out credited medals, a start lever 53 for starting a game, and three stop buttons 54 for stopping the rotation of each of the three reels 20a to 20c. , Medal insertion slot 42 for inserting medals, Reject button 55 for clearing medal jams that occur in the medal passage below the medal insertion slot 42, MAX operated when betting the maximum number of 3 medals. In addition to the bet button 56 (bet button) and the like, an effect operation unit 57 for selecting a game effect and the like, and a display unit 58 are also provided. The effect operation unit 57 is arranged substantially in the center of the operation unit 50 in the width direction (left-right direction), and the display unit 58 is arranged on the right side of the medal insertion slot 42 and the reject button 55. The effect operation unit 57 has a cross key for selecting an effect, a decision button, a cancel button, and the like.

Here, the basic flow of the game in the gaming machine of the present embodiment will be described. When the player presses the MAX bet button 56, the credited medal is inserted (bet) and the game can be started. Then, when the player presses the start lever 53 as an operation to start the game, the reels 20a to 20c start to rotate, and when the rotation speed of the reels 20a to 20c rises to a predetermined speed, the stop button 54 is pressed. The operation is in a valid state. After that, when the player presses the stop button 54 at an arbitrary timing, each reel 20a to 20c is stopped. Then, when all the reels 20a to 20c are stopped, a process of paying out medals, a process of making the game startable again without consuming new medals, and the like are performed according to the result of the game. The game of times ends.

Further, the effect button 62 is used to notify the player of something that is pleasing to the player, such as hitting a bonus or deciding to shift to a state that is advantageous to the player, or for the player. At a predetermined timing such as a game place of the game, the pressing operation for changing the mode of the effect becomes effective. Then, when the effect button 62 is pressed while the pressing operation is valid, the mode of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 changes, or the movable accessory moves, and the mode of the effect changes. do.

The slot machine X is controlled by a main control board (main control device) 70 and a sub control board (sub control device) 72. As shown in FIG. 3, the main control board 70 includes a bet button 56 including a MAX bet button, a start lever 53, a stop button 54, a medal sensor 89 that detects the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 42, and a settlement button. In response to the input signal from the input means such as 52, various calculations for executing the game are performed, and the output means such as the reels 20a, 20b, 20c and the hopper unit 16 are controlled based on the calculation result. Further, the sub control board 72 receives a signal (command) sent from the main control board 70, performs various calculations for executing the effect, and based on the calculation results, the liquid crystal display 34, the speaker 100, and the lighting. It controls a device for directing such as the device 38. Further, the sub-control board 72 receives input signals from input means such as the effect button 62 and the effect operation unit 57, performs various calculations related to the effect, advances the effect, and changes the settings related to the effect. Or something. That is, the sub-control board 72 controls the effect.

The main control board 70 and the sub control board 72 are electrically connected to each other, and various information (commands) such as information indicating the game state can be transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 72. Information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 72 to the main control board 70.
Further, the functions of each board such as the main control board 70 and the sub control board 72 are preliminarily applied to various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, hardware such as information storage media such as ROM and RAM, ROM and the like. It is realized by software consisting of a predetermined program stored.

The sub-control board 72 mainly controls each effect such as during a game or during standby. The sub-control board 72 includes an effect control unit 74, an effect sound control unit 76, a storage unit 78, and an amplifier group 112. In the present embodiment, the staging control unit 74 and the staging sound control unit 76 are configured by one circuit (for example, one package or one chip), and are also configured as a functional block of this circuit.

As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine of the present embodiment has two speakers (upper speakers 100a and 100b) provided on the upper door 30 and two speakers (lower speakers 100c and 100d) provided on the lower door 40. ) And. That is, the front door 12 is provided with upper speakers 100a and 100b and lower speakers 100c and 100d arranged below the upper speakers 100a and 100b. Further, the two upper speakers 100a and 100b are arranged apart from each other on the left and right, and are arranged at substantially the same position (height) from each other in the vertical direction. Further, the two lower speakers 100c and 100d are arranged apart from each other on the left and right, and are arranged at substantially the same position (height) from each other in the vertical direction. In addition, in this specification, substantially the same (substantially the same) includes the case of the same (the same). Further, substantially the same position for speakers similar to each other means that the positions of the centers in a predetermined direction are substantially the same. That is, the gaming machine of the present embodiment has a speaker 100a whose relative position between the four speakers is the upper left, a speaker 100b which is the upper right, a speaker 100c which is the lower left, and a speaker 100d which is the lower right. It has two speakers. In other words, when viewed from the player when playing a game, there are four speakers, a speaker 100a located in the upper left, a speaker 100b located in the upper right, a speaker 100c located in the lower left, and a speaker 100d located in the lower right. Have. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, a speaker 100e is provided inside the housing 10. Further, the speaker 100e is a woofer.

The two upper speakers 100a and 100b and the two lower speakers 100c and 100d are all speakers having the same specifications (speakers having the same model number). In other words, the four speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d have the same reproducible frequency band (reproduction frequency band: frequency characteristic). In other words, the four speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d have the same frequency characteristics of the output sound pressure level. Further, the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d are full-range speakers. The reproduction frequency band of the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d is 210 Hz to 20 kHz. The speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d preferably include a band of 300 Hz to 8 kHz in the reproduction frequency band and can reproduce the sound in the band, and the band of 300 Hz to 16 kHz is included in the reproduction frequency band. , It is more preferable that the sound in the band can be reproduced.
The speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d (for example, the upper speakers 100a, 100b and the lower speakers 100c, 100d) may be similar speakers to each other. Here, the same means that the speakers have different model numbers, but the specifications are exactly the same (it is desirable that the tolerance range described in the spec sheet (data sheet) is also completely the same) or almost the same. Same (reproduction frequency band is the same or substantially the same (for example, the difference in the lower limit frequency of the reproduction frequency band is 10 Hz or less, more preferably 5 Hz or less, and the difference in the upper limit frequency of the reproduction frequency band is 2 kHz or less, more preferably 1 kHz or less). ) And the case where the speakers have the same model number. Further, the same specifications (including both cases where the model numbers are the same and cases where they are different) can be said to be the same specifications or common specifications.

The reproduction frequency band of the speaker 100e is 128 Hz to 5 kHz. The reproduction frequency band of the speaker 100e may be, for example, 55 Hz to 1 kHz. It is preferable that the speaker 100e includes a band of 200 Hz to 800 Hz in the reproduction frequency band and can reproduce the sound in the band.

The staging sound control unit 76 can control the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e via the amplifiers 113, 114, 115 constituting the amplifier group 112. Further, the amplifiers 113, 114, 115 convert the signal output from the effect sound control unit 76 from a digital signal to an analog signal, and amplify the analog signal to drive the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e. It is possible to do. In other words, the amplifiers 113, 114, 115 function as a DAC (digital-to-analog conversion unit) and also as an amplifier (for example, a class D amplifier). Further, the amplifiers 113, 114, and 115 are each composed of one circuit (for example, one package or one chip). Therefore, the plurality of amplifiers 113, 114, 115 and the effect sound control unit 76 are composed of different parts (electronic parts such as integrated circuits in a broad sense, and chip parts provided in an integrated circuit in a narrow sense). .. Specifically, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the staging control unit 74 and the staging sound control unit 76 are composed of the main IC (staging control IC) of the sub control board 72, while the amplifiers 113 and 114, Each of the 115 is composed of an amplifier IC that is separate from the effect control IC, and the plurality of amplifiers 113, 114, 115 and the effect sound control unit 76 are different ICs from each other. Further, the amplifiers 113, 114, and 115 are all ICs having the same specifications (ICs having the same model number).

As shown in FIG. 4, the staging sound control unit 76 includes a decoder unit 150, a first volume control unit 151, a second volume control unit 153, an equalizer unit (frequency characteristic control unit) 155, and a third volume control. It has a unit 157 and an audio output unit 159. Further, the staging sound control unit 76 has a plurality of tracks (for example, a total of 40 tracks 1 to 40) and a plurality of tracks (for example, a total of 8 channels CH1 to CH8 (CH7 and CH8 are not shown)). Has a channel with. Here, the track is an execution unit for reproducing each effect sound (phrase data) stored in the effect sound storage unit (ROM) 160 of the storage unit 78, and the channel is the effect sound data of the effect sound control unit 76. It is an output unit. The staging sound control unit 76 synthesizes and outputs the staging sound (output of each track) reproduced in each track in each channel.
The staging sound storage unit 160 stores, for example, a series of background music (BGM), warning sounds, sound effects, and staging sounds such as character dialogue sounds.

In the following, the volume setting values will be set to 256 levels from "0" to "255", the volume "0" will be described as silence, and the volume "255" will be described as the maximum volume, but each setting value and the number of levels are particularly limited. It's not something to do.

The decoder unit 150 can independently perform decoding processing for each track. As a result, the staging sound control unit 76 can simultaneously reproduce up to 40 staging sounds (staging sounds read from the staging sound storage unit 160). The effect sound of each track decoded by the decoder unit 150 is input to the first volume control unit 151.

The first volume control unit 151 can adjust the volume for each track. Further, the first volume control unit 151 can adjust the volume of each track for each output destination channel. That is, for example, when the BGM is played on track 1 and the character's dialogue sound is reproduced on track 2, the volume of the BGM reproduced on track 1 is set to "100", and the dialogue of the character reproduced on track 2 is set. It is possible to make the volume setting different for each track, such as setting the volume of the sound to "150". Further, for example, the BGM played on the track 1 is output as the volume "100" for the channel CH1 and the volume is output as the volume "50" for the channel CH2, and the volume setting is set for each output destination channel. It is possible to make it different.

The reproduced sound in each track is output to each channel at a volume corresponding to the setting of the first volume control unit 151, and is synthesized (superimposed) in each channel. That is, in each channel, a production sound (composite production sound) obtained by synthesizing the production sound of each track is handled. Then, the effect sound (synthesized effect sound) of each channel obtained by synthesizing the output of the first volume control unit 151 is input to the second volume control unit 153.

The second volume control unit 153 can adjust the volume for each channel. Then, the composite production sound of each channel whose volume is adjusted by the second volume control unit 153 is input to the equalizer unit 155.

The equalizer unit 155 can realize a desired frequency characteristic for each channel. Specifically, the equalizer unit 155 can strengthen or weaken a predetermined frequency band of the synthetic effect sound according to the setting. In other words, the equalizer unit 155 can increase or decrease the volume (sound pressure level) for each frequency band for the synthetic effect sound. In other words, the equalizer unit 155 can set how much the input / output gain is for each frequency band of the synthetic effect sound. Further, it can be said that the equalizer unit 155 functions as a filter circuit (digital filter). That is, the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, and the third volume control unit 157 indicate the entire frequency band (at least the audible band or the reproduction frequency band of the corresponding speaker 100) for the production sound of each track or each channel. While the volume (gain) of the whole) is uniformly increased or decreased, the equalizer unit 155 may increase or decrease the volume (gain) of a predetermined band included in the audible band (reproduction frequency band of the speaker 100). It is possible.

The synthetic production sound of each channel that has passed through the equalizer unit 155 is input to the third volume control unit 157. The third volume control unit 157 can uniformly adjust the volume for all channels. That is, the volume of all channels is uniformly increased or decreased according to the setting of the third volume control unit 157.

The audio output unit 159 is configured to be capable of outputting, for example, a bit clock signal BCLK, a word clock signal LRCLK, and a serial data signal SDAT conforming to the I2S (Inter-IC Sound) standard. The audio output unit 159 outputs the synthetic production sound of each channel output from the third volume control unit 157 in a method conforming to the I2S standard. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is possible to output a plurality of serial data signals SDATA including the first serial data signal SDATA1, the second serial data signal SDATA2, and the third serial data signal SDATA3. The first serial data signal SDATA1 includes data of the combined effect sound of channel CH1 and channel CH2, and the second serial data signal SDATA2 contains data of the combined effect sound of channel CH3 and channel CH4. The third serial data signal SDAT3 includes data of the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH5 and the channel CH6.

The bit clock signal BCLK, the word clock signal LRCLK, and the serial data signal SDAT output from the audio output unit 159 are input to the amplifier group 112 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the bit clock signal BCLK, the word clock signal LRCLK and the first serial data signal SDATA1 are input to the amplifier 113, and the bit clock signal BCLK, the word clock signal LRCLK and the second serial data signal SDATA2 are sent to the amplifier 114. The bit clock signal BCLK, the word clock signal LRCLK, and the third serial data signal SDATA3 are input to the amplifier 115.

The amplifier 113 drives the speaker 100a and the speaker 100b based on the first serial data signal SDAT1 sent from the effect sound control unit 76, and outputs sound. The word clock signal LRCLK and the first serial data signal SDATA1 are synchronized, and when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level, the first serial data signal SDATA1 including the data of the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH1 is transmitted. When the word clock signal LRCLK is at the High level, the first serial data signal SDATA1 including the data of the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH2 is transmitted. The amplifier 113 causes the speaker 100a to output a production sound based on the first serial data signal SDAT1 input when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level. Further, the amplifier 113 causes the speaker 100b to output an effect sound based on the first serial data signal SDAT1 input when the word clock signal LRCLK is high level. Therefore, the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH1 is output from the speaker 100a, and the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH2 is output from the speaker 100b.

The amplifier 114 drives the speaker 100c and the speaker 100d based on the second serial data signal SDAT2 sent from the effect sound control unit 76, and outputs sound. The word clock signal LRCLK and the second serial data signal SDATA2 are synchronized, and when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level, the second serial data signal SDATA2 including the data of the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH3 is transmitted. When the word clock signal LRCLK is at the High level, the second serial data signal SDATA2 including the data of the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH4 is transmitted. The amplifier 114 causes the speaker 100c to output a production sound based on the second serial data signal SDAT2 input when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level. Further, the amplifier 114 causes the speaker 100d to output a production sound based on the second serial data signal SDAT2 input when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the High level. Therefore, the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH3 is output from the speaker 100c, and the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH4 is output from the speaker 100d.

The amplifier 115 drives the speaker 100e based on the third serial data signal SDAT3 sent from the effect sound control unit 76, and outputs sound. The word clock signal LRCLK and the third serial data signal SDATA3 are synchronized, and when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level, the third serial data signal SDATA3 including the data of the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH5 is transmitted. When the word clock signal LRCLK is at the High level, the third serial data signal SDATA3 including the data of the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH6 is transmitted. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the same synthetic effect sound is generated on the channel CH5 and the channel CH6, and when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level and when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the High level. As a result, the third serial data signal SDAT3 includes the same synthetic effect sound data. Further, the amplifier 115 has an output terminal OUT1 capable of outputting the combined effect sound of the channel CH5 and an output terminal OUT2 capable of outputting the combined effect sound of the channel CH6, and the output terminal OUT1 and the output terminal OUT2 are It is coupled and connected to the speaker 100e. That is, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is based on the third serial data signal SDAT3 transmitted when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the Low level and the third serial data signal SDAT3 transmitted when the word clock signal LRCLK is at the High level. The speaker 100e is driven. In other words, the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH5 and the synthetic effect sound of the channel CH6 are output from the speaker 100e.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the frequency response (transfer function) of the effect sound control unit 76 is controlled by the equalizer unit 155 as the frequency characteristic control unit. That is, the frequency response in the system (directing sound control unit 76) from the input of the decoder unit 150 to the output of the audio output unit 159 (or the DAC input of the amplifiers 113, 114, 115) is determined by the setting of the equalizer unit 155. By changing the setting of the equalizer unit 155, it is possible to change the frequency response of the effect sound input to each track and output from the audio output unit 159.
Strictly speaking, the gain (sound pressure level: volume) in the frequency response of the effect sound control unit 76 is set according to the volume setting of the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, or the third volume control unit 157. In addition to the change, the effect sound control unit 76 may be able to change the phase of the effect sound of each track or channel, so that the frequency response of the effect sound control unit 76 is determined only by the setting of the equalizer unit 155. is not. However, in the present specification, the frequency response (frequency characteristic) of the effect sound control unit 76 basically means the frequency response (frequency characteristic) set by the equalizer unit 155. In other words, the frequency response (frequency characteristic) of the effect sound control unit 76 is the set value (volume setting) of the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, and the third volume control unit 157 fixed to a predetermined value. The frequency response (frequency characteristic) of the effect sound input to the decoder unit 150 and output from the audio output unit 159 when the reference value of the gain of the frequency response (frequency characteristic) is set to a predetermined value. Specifically, it means the relationship between frequency and gain. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the frequency characteristic of the effect sound changes according to the frequency response (frequency characteristic) of the effect sound control unit 76.

The effect sound control unit 76 directs the setting of the equalizer unit 155 (frequency response setting) and the setting of the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, and the third volume control unit 157 (volume setting). It is possible to change by rewriting the setting of the register (internal register of the staging control IC) possessed by the sound control unit 76. Further, the effect sound control unit 76 sets the effect sound output from each speaker 100 and the equalizer unit 155 (frequency response setting) according to the effect determined by the effect control unit 74 based on the command from the main control board 70. ), The settings of the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, and the third volume control unit 157 are determined, and the output of the effect sound is controlled. The setting of the third volume control unit 157 may be determined according to the state of the volume change switch (not shown) provided on the sub control board 72. Further, the settings of the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, or the third volume control unit 157 may be changed based on the operation on the staging operation unit 57.

It should be noted that a part or all of the effect sound control unit 76 may be provided in the amplifiers 113, 114, 115, or a part or all of the amplifier 113, 114, 115 may be provided in the effect sound control unit 76. good. In other words, a part or all of the effect sound control unit 76 may be composed of an amplifier IC, or a part or all of the amplifiers 113, 114, 115 may be composed of an effect control IC. For example, the amplifier IC may have a function of controlling the frequency characteristic of the effect sound (equalizer unit 155, etc.), and may have a function of controlling the volume of the effect sound (first volume control unit 151, second volume). It may have a control unit 153, a third volume control unit 157, etc.). In other words, the staging sound control unit 76 may be composed of a plurality of ICs.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the effect sound control unit 76 basically has different frequency response settings (equalizer settings) between the channels CH1 and CH2 and the channels CH3 and CH4, and the upper speakers 100a and 100b. The way the frequency characteristics change is different between the production sound output from (channel CH1 and CH2 production sound) and the production sound output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d (channel CH3 and CH4 production sound). , The frequency response for each channel is set. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the specific effect is executed, the effect sound control unit 76 has the same frequency response setting (equalizer setting) for the channels CH1 and CH2 and the channels CH3 and CH4. The frequency characteristics change between the effect sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b (effect sound of channels CH1 and CH2) and the effect sound output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d (effect sound of channels CH3 and CH4). The frequency response for each channel is set so that the method is the same. That is, the effect sound control unit 76 has different frequency responses according to the output destination speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, regardless of the frequency response inconsistency state and the output destination speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d. It is possible to set the same frequency response and the same frequency response.

Specifically, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the main control board 70 has an effect state control unit (not shown), and the effect state control unit includes a normal effect state, a chance effect state, and an AT effect state (assist). Performs the effect state transition process of shifting the effect state between a plurality of types of effect states including the time effect state: instruction effect state). The staging state transition process may be executed by the staging control unit 74. Then, the effect sound control unit 76 sets the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d in a state where the frequency response settings are different between the channels CH1 and CH2 and the channels CH3 and CH4 in the normal effect state and the AT effect state. The used effect sound is output, and at the time of a specific effect in the chance effect state, the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d are set in the same frequency response setting for the channels CH1 and CH2 and the channels CH3 and CH4. Outputs the production sound using. In other words, the effect sound control unit 76 makes the frequency response different according to the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d at the time of a specific effect, and the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d except at the time of a specific effect. Regardless of, the frequency response is the same. Here, the specific effect is an effect of changing the sound image localization in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, which will be described in detail later.

The normal effect state is an effect state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of effect states. In the normal staging state, there is a probability that the navigation effect (instruction effect) that notifies the batting order for winning a specific role and assists the winning of a specific role is not executed, or that the navigation effect is executed is another effect. It is set lower than the state. In the normal staging state, a lottery (CZ lottery) for determining whether or not to shift to the chance staging state is performed at a predetermined opportunity, and when the transition to the chance staging state is determined based on the CZ lottery, the staging state control unit. Shifts the production state to the chance production state. Further, the chance effect state is an effect state in which the transition probability to the AT effect state is set higher than the normal effect state. The chance production state is a production state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal production state. In the chance effect state, a lottery (AT lottery) for deciding whether or not to shift to the AT effect state is performed at a predetermined opportunity, and when the transition to the AT effect state is determined based on the AT lottery, the effect state control unit The production state is shifted to the AT production state. Further, the AT effect state is an effect state in which the navigation effect is executed, and the probability that the navigation effect is executed is set higher than that in the normal effect state and the chance effect state. The AT production state is a production state that is more advantageous to the player than the chance production state. When a predetermined end condition is satisfied in the AT effect state (for example, when a predetermined number of games are executed), the effect state control unit shifts the effect state to the normal effect state.
As the transition condition of the effect state, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are set, the staging state may be shifted by satisfying one of the plurality of predetermined conditions, and the plurality or all of the plurality of predetermined conditions may be set. The production state may be changed based on the establishment.

In the state where the frequency response is not the same, the frequency bands of the output sound are different between the upper speakers 100a and 100b and the lower speakers 100c and 100d. Specifically, relatively high frequency sounds are output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b, and relatively low frequency sounds are output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d. FIG. 5 shows an example of the frequency response of the effect sound control unit 76 in a state where the frequency response is not uniform. As shown in FIG. 5, in the effect sound control unit 76, the gain setting on the low frequency side of the upper speakers 100a and 100b is smaller than the gain setting on the high frequency side, and the effect is output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b. Regarding the sound, the low frequency side component (for example, the sound of 2 kHz or less (or less than)) is attenuated as compared with the high frequency side component (for example, the sound of more than 2 kHz (or more)). Further, in the effect sound control unit 76, the gain setting on the high frequency side of the lower speakers 100c and 100d is smaller than the gain setting on the low frequency side, and the effect sound output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d has a high frequency. The side component (for example, sound above (or above) 2 kHz) is attenuated as compared with the component on the low frequency side (for example, sound above (or below) 2 kHz). Further, the gain setting for the effect sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b is a predetermined frequency band (first frequency band: 1st frequency band) on the relatively low frequency side as compared with the gain setting for the effect sound output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d. For example, the gain in the band of 1 kHz to 2 kHz) is set low. Further, the gain setting for the effect sound output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d is a predetermined frequency band (second frequency band: 2nd frequency band) on the relatively high frequency side as compared with the gain setting for the effect sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b. For example, the gain in the band of 2 kHz to 4 kHz) is set low. Further, the effect sound control unit 76 performs high-pass filter processing for the effect sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b by cutting the component on the low frequency side and passing the component on the high frequency side, and from the lower speakers 100c and 100d. It can be said that the output sound is subjected to a low-pass filter process that cuts the components on the high frequency side and passes the components on the low frequency side.

That is, the sound having a relatively high frequency (for example, 2 kHz or more) is output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b more than the sound having a relatively low frequency (for example, 2 kHz or less), and the sound from the lower speakers 100c and 100d is compared. A sound having a relatively low frequency (for example, 2 kHz or less) is output larger than a sound having a relatively high frequency (for example, 2 kHz or more). In other words, the upper speakers 100a and 100b are in charge of reproducing relatively high frequency sounds, and the lower speakers 100c and 100d are in charge of reproducing relatively low frequency sounds.

The crossover frequency, in other words, the frequency at which the charge of the upper speakers 100a and 100b and the charge of the lower speakers 100c and 100d are switched, in other words, the gain of the frequency response for the upper speakers 100a and 100b and the lower speakers 100c and 100d. The frequency at which the gain matches the frequency (frequency at which the frequency characteristics intersect) may be set within the range of 800 Hz to 5 kHz, and more preferably set within the range of 1 kHz to 3 kHz.

The volume of the relatively low frequency (for example, 1 kHz or less) sound (sound in charge of the lower speakers 100c, 100d) output from the lower speakers 100c, 100d is a relatively high frequency output from the upper speakers 100a, 100b. The volume of the sound (for example, 3 kHz or more) (the sound in charge of the upper speakers 100a and 100b) may be the same as or close to the volume. The upper speakers 100a and 100b may be in charge of reproducing relatively low frequency sounds, and the lower speakers 100c and 100d may be in charge of reproducing relatively high frequency sounds, but the upper speakers 100a and 100b may be in charge of reproducing relatively high frequency sounds. It is preferable that the lower speakers 100c and 100d are in charge of reproducing the relatively high frequency sound and the lower speakers 100c and 100d are in charge of reproducing the relatively low frequency sound so that the player does not feel uncomfortable.

In the same frequency response state, the effect sound control unit 76 controls the volume of the effect sound output from each of the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d, so that the sound image localization (sound is produced) of the sound output from the gaming machine. The position that the player feels when it is out) is changed. In other words, the staging sound control unit 76 sets the equalizer unit 155 for each speaker 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d to be the same when executing the staging that changes the sound image localization, and then each speaker 100a, 100b. , 100c, The volume of the effect sound output from 100d is changed, and the sound image localization is changed.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the effect sound control unit 76 notifies whether or not to shift to a state advantageous for the player (for example, an AT effect state (assist time effect state) or a so-called bonus state). In addition, the process of changing the sound image localization is executed. Specifically, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, in the game of notifying the player whether or not to shift to an advantageous state, it is deterministic to the player whether or not the staging control unit 74 shifts to an advantageous state. Immediately before notifying the speaker 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, a specific effect sound (specific sound) is output. That is, it can be said that the specific sound is a staging sound that excites the notification regarding the granting of the privilege (privilege advantageous to the player). In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, this specific sound is output while changing the sound image localization. For example, if the specific sound is a cracking sound (sound effect) called "pakin", the sound image localization is changed so that the source of this "pakin" sound seems to be moving. ..
The output of the specific sound is performed, for example, when the effect control unit 74 displays an image instructing the pressing of the effect button 62 on the liquid crystal display 34 in a game for notifying whether or not the state shifts to an advantageous state. This may be the case, and it may be performed when the effect button 62 is pressed after the display.

When changing the sound image localization, that is, when performing a specific effect, the effect sound control unit 76 is based on the volume setting table stored in the volume setting table storage unit (ROM) 162 of the storage unit 78 for each speaker. The volume of the effect sound is set for 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, and the effect sound is output from each speaker 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d at a volume corresponding to the setting.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the volume setting table, the volume for each speaker 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d for each frame is set. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the staging sound control unit 76 changes the volume setting of the first volume control unit 151 for the track that reproduces the specific sound based on the volume setting table.

The reproduction of a specific sound will be described in more detail. The staging sound control unit 76 reproduces the specific sound on a predetermined track (for example, track 3) in the game of notifying whether or not the state shifts to an advantageous state. Further, the staging sound control unit 76 sets the output volume to the channel CN1 and the channel CN2 for the track 3 so that the output volumes of the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d are as specified in the volume setting table. Volume setting of the first volume control unit 151 so that at least one of the output volume to the channel CN3, the output volume to the channel CN3, and the output volume to the channel CN4 is different from the other volume values. To decide. Specifically, in the frame 0, the effect sound control unit 76 sets the output volume to the channel CN1 to “255” and the output volume to the channel CN2 to “200” for the track 3, and outputs the output to the channel CN4. The first volume control unit 151 is set so that the volume becomes "150" and the output volume to the channel CN3 becomes "100". Further, in the frame 1, for the track 3, the output volume to the channel CN1 becomes "200", the output volume to the channel CN2 becomes "255", the output volume to the channel CN4 becomes "200", and the output to the channel CN3. The first volume control unit 151 is set so that the output volume of is "150". Further, in the frame 2, for the track 3, the output volume to the channel CN1 becomes "150", the output volume to the channel CN2 becomes "200", the output volume to the channel CN4 becomes "255", and the output to the channel CN3. The first volume control unit 151 is set so that the output volume of is "200". After that, the staging sound control unit 76 sets the first volume control unit 151 for each frame as defined in the volume setting table of FIG.

By changing the volume setting of the first volume control unit 151 in this way, the sound image localization of the specific sound reproduced on the track 3 changes. Specifically, since the player feels that the effect sound is emitted from the direction of the loud speaker, the frame 0 feels that the specific sound is emitted from the direction of the upper left speaker 100a, and the frame 1 Then, it feels as if a specific sound is emitted from the direction of the upper right speaker 100b, in the frame 2, it feels as if a specific sound is emitted from the direction of the lower right speaker 100d, and in the frame 3, the lower right speaker 100c is emitted. I feel that a specific sound is coming from the direction of. Therefore, by changing the volume setting according to the volume setting table of FIG. 6, it is felt that the specific sound of "pakin" makes one round in the clockwise rotation. Further, by repeating the frames 0 to 10 of the volume setting table, it is possible to rotate the specific sound clockwise.

Further, in the volume setting table of FIG. 6, the volume is set to gradually increase when the volume is increased for each of the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d, and the volume is gradually decreased when the volume is decreased. It is set to do. That is, the fade-in processing is performed on the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d whose sound image localization is approaching, and the fade-out processing is performed on the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d whose sound image localization is far away.

It should be noted that the frames 0 to 10 described here are set for convenience in order to explain the order of changing the volume settings for each speaker, and the numbers merely indicate the order over time. .. In other words, the number of time intervals between the frames shown here may be appropriately determined according to the desired effect.

Further, here, by adjusting the volume setting of the first volume control unit 151, the output volumes of the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d are made different, but the volume setting of the second volume control unit 153 and the equalizer are used. The gain setting of the unit 155 may be adjusted so that the output volumes of the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d are different. Further, among the first volume control unit 151, the second volume control unit 153, and the equalizer unit 155, a plurality of settings may be adjusted to make the output volumes of the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d different. .. For example, the volume of channel CN1 in frame 0 becomes "255", the volume of channel CN2 becomes "200", the volume of channel CN4 becomes "150", the volume of channel CN3 becomes "100", and the volume of channel CN1 becomes "100". The output volume to channel CN1 becomes "200", the output volume to channel CN2 becomes "255", the output volume to channel CN4 becomes "200", and the output volume to channel CN3 becomes "150". , The volume setting for each channel may be changed in the second volume control unit 153. That is, the staging sound control unit 76 processes the staging sound that changes the sound image localization so that the output volume of each speaker 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d corresponds to the set value of the volume setting table. All you need is.

Further, the sound image localization may be changed in track units or channel units. That is, for example, the BGM is reproduced on the track 1, the sound effect is reproduced on the track 3, and the BGM and the sound effect are combined in the channels CN1 to CN4, and the effects are produced from the respective speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d. When the sound and the BGM are output, the sound image localization of only the sound effect may be changed, or the sound image localization of both the BGM and the sound effect may be changed. Further, the mode of change in the sound image localization between the BGM and the sound effect may be different. In other words, the mode of changing the volume setting may be different for each track.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, while the sound image localization of a predetermined effect sound (specific sound) is changed, the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and the effect sounds other than the effect sound that changes the sound image localization are used. It is designed not to output from 100d. Further, the sound is not output from the speaker 100e (woofer (bass speaker)) while the sound image localization of the predetermined effect sound (specific sound) is changed. Further, while the gaming machine of the present embodiment changes the sound image localization of a predetermined effect sound (specific sound), no effect sound other than the effect sound changing the sound image localization is output from any speaker. It has become like. A tweeter (for example, a high-pitched sound speaker 100f, 100g (see FIG. 7) having a reproduction frequency band of 2 kHz to 20 kHz) may be separately provided in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, but even in this case, the tweeter may be separately provided. It is preferable not to output the sound from the tweeter while the sound image localization of the predetermined effect sound (specific sound) is changed. In this way, by minimizing the output of the staging sound other than the staging sound that changes the sound image localization, it is possible to enhance the staging effect due to the change in the sound image localization. However, while the sound image localization of a predetermined production sound (specific sound) is being changed, production sounds other than the production sound that changes the sound image localization are also output from the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e, a tweeter, or the like. You may do it.

The gaming machine of the present embodiment has a first speaker (upper speakers 100a, 100b) capable of outputting a directing sound, and a second speaker (lower speaker 100c, 100b, which is installed below the first speaker and capable of outputting a directing sound. The first speaker and the second speaker are speakers having the same specifications, and the effect sound control unit 76 includes a 100d) and an effect sound control unit 76 that executes processing related to the effect sound output from the speaker 100. The effect sound output to the first speaker is output to the first speaker so that the attenuation amount of the component in the predetermined frequency band (for example, 2 kHz or less) is larger than that of the effect sound output to the second speaker. The process related to the output of the effect sound is executed in a state where the frequency response for the sound and the frequency response for the effect sound to be output to the second speaker are different. In this way, by using the first speaker and the second speaker as speakers having the same specifications, the configuration of the gaming machine can be simplified. Further, this can reduce the cost of member management and inventory management. Further, since the frequency response of the effect sound control unit 76 is different between the first speaker and the second speaker, the sound lives in the first speaker and the second speaker even though the same speaker is used. It can be divided so that the production sound can be heard clearly. In addition, the load on each speaker can be reduced by segregating the sounds.

Further, in the normal state, the sound can be cleared as the frequency response is inconsistent, and in the specific effect, the sound image localization can be changed as the frequency response is the same. Further, when performing an effect of changing the sound image localization, since the frequency response is in the same state, it is possible to change the sound image localization only by adjusting the output volume of each speaker.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The main difference between the gaming machine of the present embodiment and the gaming machine of the first embodiment is the configuration of the upper speakers 100a and 100b and the lower speakers 100c and 100d and the frequency response of the effect sound control unit 76. Hereinafter, this point will be described, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified by adding the same reference numerals to the same configurations as those of the first embodiment.

The liquid crystal display 34 of the present embodiment is adapted to display images for various effects on the display area (display surface) 200. Further, the display area 200 has a first display area 200a and a second display area 200b. The first display area 200a is formed in a horizontally long rectangular shape in a substantially lower half in the front view of the liquid crystal display 34. The liquid crystal display 34 is a transmissive liquid crystal display, and the member behind the first display area 200a can be made visible.

Behind the first display area 200a, a reel unit 20 is arranged so that a part thereof can be visually recognized via the first display area 200a. Then, when the reels 20a to 20c are stopped, three consecutive symbols are displayed per reel via the first display area 200a. Further, the first display area 200a is provided with upper, middle, and lower stages as display positions for visually recognizing the symbols of the reels 20a to 20c, and is an effective line depending on the combination of the display positions of the reels 20a to 20c. Is set.

The first display area 200a has a plurality of states including a transparent state and a state in which the effect image is displayed. Then, when the first display area 200a is transparent, the symbols of the reels 20a to 20c are visible. Further, in the state where the first display area 200a displays the effect image, the effect image is displayed in front of the reels 20a to 20c. In the state where the first display area 200a displays the effect image, the symbols of the reels 20a to 20c may be visible (easy to see) or invisible (difficult to see). As described above, the first display area 200a is an area in which the symbols of the reels 20a to 20c can be visually recognized and an image for staging can be displayed.

The second display area 200b is a portion of the display area 200 of the liquid crystal display 34 excluding the first display area 200a. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the second display area 200b is a wide rectangular area above the first display area 200a. It is composed of a narrow horizontally long rectangular area below the first display area 200a and a narrow vertically long rectangular area on the left and right sides of the first display area 200a. That is, the second display area 200b is arranged so as to surround the first display area 200a. The second display area 200b can display an image for staging, and can also display one cohesive image over the second display area 200b and the first display area 200a. Further, the second display area 200b does not have a transparent state, and it is not possible to make it visible through a member behind it. However, the second display area 200b may also have a transparent state. In other words, the entire display area 200 may be the first display area 200a.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the two upper speakers 100a and 100b and the two lower speakers 100c and 100d are speakers having different specifications (speakers having different model numbers). In other words, the reproduction frequency band (frequency characteristic) is different between the upper speakers 100a and 100b and the lower speakers 100c and 100d. Further, in other words, the four speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d have different frequency characteristics of the output sound pressure level. Further, the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d are full-range speakers.

Further, the gaming machine of the present embodiment has two tweeters 100f and 100g provided on the upper door 30. Further, the tweeters 100f and 100g are arranged above the upper speakers 100a and 100b. Further, the two tweeters 100f and 100g are arranged apart from each other on the left and right, and are arranged at substantially the same position (height) from each other in the vertical direction.

Further, the tweeter and the upper speaker (specifically, the tweeter 100f and the upper speaker 100a, or the tweeter 100g and the upper speaker 100b) arranged on the same side in the left-right direction are arranged in the same linear direction in the vertical direction. ing. In other words, the tweeter 100f and the upper speaker 100a or the tweeter 100g and the upper speaker 100b have a common position in the left-right direction (at least a part thereof). Further, the tweeter 100f and the upper speaker 100a or the tweeter 100g and the upper speaker 100b have a common position in the front-rear direction (at least a part thereof). In other words, the tweeter 100f and the upper speaker 100a or the tweeter 100g and the upper speaker 100b have substantially the same center positions in the left-right direction. Further, the tweeter 100f and the upper speaker 100a or the tweeter 100g and the upper speaker 100b have substantially the same positions in the front-rear direction of the front surface of the speaker (the front surface of the speaker is flush with each other). As a result, the sound output from the tweeters 100f and 100g and the sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b are difficult to separate from each other in terms of hearing of the player (easy to hear as a unit), and a sound with less discomfort can be realized. Further, it is preferable that the tweeter 100f and the upper speaker 100a or the tweeter 100g and the upper speaker 100b are arranged so that the distance in the vertical direction is as close as possible. Specifically, the distance between the tweeter 100f and the upper speaker 100a or the tweeter 100g and the upper speaker 100b is the diameter of either speaker (diameter or longitudinal length (for example, longitudinal length of the upper speakers 100a, 100b). It may be shorter than the above), or the speakers may be in contact with each other.
The tweeter and the upper speaker arranged on the same side in the left-right direction may be arranged at different positions in the front-rear direction. That is, the two upper speakers 100a and 100b are arranged at substantially the same positions in the vertical direction, and the two tweeters 100f and 100g are arranged at substantially the same positions in the vertical direction. The position of the center in the direction is substantially the same, the position of the center of the tweeter 100g and the upper speaker 100b in the left-right direction is substantially the same, and the position of the tweeter 100f and the upper speaker 100a in the front-rear direction (position in the front-rear direction of the front of the speaker). May be different, and the position in the front-rear direction (position in the front-rear direction of the front surface of the speaker) of the tweeter 100g and the upper speaker 100b may be different. In this way, when the tweeters 100f, 100g and the upper speakers 100a, 100b are placed at different positions in the front-rear direction, the tweeter 100f and the upper speaker 100a or the tweeter 100g and the upper speaker 100b should be as close to each other as possible in the front-rear direction. It is preferable to place it in. Specifically, the distance between the tweeter 100f and the upper speaker 100a or the tweeter 100g and the upper speaker 100b may be shorter than the length in the front-rear direction of either speaker, or the speakers come into contact with each other. May be.

The reproduction frequency band of the upper speakers 100a and 100b is 240 Hz to 10 kHz. The reproduction frequency band of the lower speakers 100c and 100d is 100 Hz to 8 kHz. The reproduction frequency band of the tweeters 100f and 100g is 2 kHz to 20 kHz. That is, the lower speakers 100c and 100d can reproduce sounds having a lower frequency than the upper speakers 100a and 100b. Further, the upper speakers 100a and 100b can reproduce sounds having a higher frequency than the lower speakers 100c and 100d. Further, the tweeters 100f and 100g can reproduce sounds having higher frequencies than the upper speakers 100a and 100b and the lower speakers 100c and 100d.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the frequency bands of the output sound are different between the upper speakers 100a and 100b and the lower speakers 100c and 100d. Specifically, relatively high frequency sounds are output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b, and relatively low frequency sounds are output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d. FIG. 8 shows an example of the frequency response of the effect sound control unit 76 for the effect sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b in the gaming machine of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in the effect sound control unit 76, for the upper speakers 100a and 100b, the gain setting on the low frequency side is smaller than the gain setting on the high frequency side, and the component on the low frequency side (for example, 800 kHz). The following components) are attenuated as compared with the high frequency side (for example, components of 800 kHz or higher). That is, the staging sound control unit 76 performs high-pass filter processing for the staging sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b by cutting the component on the low frequency side and passing the component on the high frequency side. In other words, the staging sound control unit 76 (equalizer unit 155) functions as a filter circuit, specifically, a high-pass filter. In the example of FIG. 8, the cutoff frequency of the high-pass filter is set to 800 Hz (1 kHz or less). In addition, peaking is set in this filter circuit (high-pass filter). Specifically, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the effect sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b is subjected to peaking processing centering on a predetermined frequency in the band of 2 kHz to 10 kHz, and a part of the high frequency component (the predetermined). The frequency component) is cut (attenuated).

9 and 10 show other examples of the frequency response of the effect sound control unit 76 for the effect sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b. The frequency response may be set as in each of the examples (a) to (e). In each of the examples shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the effect sound control unit 76 (equalizer unit 155) functions as a filter circuit, specifically, a high-pass filter. As in each of the examples shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, not only one peaking but a plurality of peaking may be provided. Further, the frequency characteristics (gain) other than the peaking portion on the high frequency side do not have to be flat.

Further, the gain setting for the effect sound output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d is a predetermined frequency band on the relatively low frequency side (for example, a band of 800 Hz or less) as compared with the gain setting for the effect sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b. ) Is set high. That is, the effect sound control unit 76 (equalizer unit 155) can output the frequency response for the effect sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b more than the frequency response for the effect sound output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d. The lower limit (minimum frequency) of the frequency is set high. In other words, the effect sound control unit 76 directs the effect so that the lower limit of the frequency of the effect sound output to the upper speakers 100a and 100b is higher than the lower limit of the frequency of the effect sound output to the lower speaker 100c. Changes the frequency characteristics of sound. In other words, the lower speakers 100c and 100d are designed to output sounds having a lower frequency than the upper speakers 100a and 100b. Further, the effect sound control unit 76 (equalizer unit 155) can output the frequency response of the effect sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b more than the frequency response of the effect sound output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d. The upper limit (maximum frequency) of the frequency is set high or equivalent. In other words, the effect sound control unit 76 is such that the upper limit value of the frequency of the effect sound output to the lower speakers 100c and 100d is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the frequency of the effect sound output to the upper speakers 100a and 100b. Change the frequency characteristics of. In other words, the upper speakers 100a and 100b are designed to output sounds having a higher frequency than the lower speakers 100c and 100d.
The staging sound output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d may not be subjected to the peaking process, and the peaking points may be smaller than the staging sound output from the upper speakers 100a and 100b. Further, when the upper limit of the frequency that can be output for the lower speakers 100c and 100d is set relatively high (for example, 2 kHz or more), the effect sound output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d is in the band of 2 kHz to 10 kHz. The speaker may be subjected to the peaking process centering on the predetermined frequency to cut (attenuate) a part of the high frequency component (the component of the predetermined frequency).

The gaming machine of the present embodiment has a first speaker (upper speakers 100a, 100b) capable of outputting a directing sound, and a second speaker (lower speaker 100c, 100b, which is installed below the first speaker and capable of outputting a directing sound. 100d) and an effect sound control unit 76 that executes processing related to the effect sound output from the speaker, and the first speaker and the second speaker are speakers having different reproducible frequency bands, and the effect sound control unit. 76 is a process of changing the frequency characteristics of the effect sound so that the lower limit of the frequency of the effect sound output to the first speaker is higher than the lower limit of the frequency of the effect sound output to the second speaker. , The process of changing the frequency characteristic of the effect sound so that the upper limit value of the frequency of the effect sound output to the second speaker is equal to or less than the upper limit value of the frequency of the effect sound output to the first speaker is executed. In this way, by making the frequency response of the effect sound control unit 76 different between the first speaker and the second speaker, the sound is segregated between the first speaker and the second speaker, and the load of each speaker is reduced. can do. That is, when trying to output sound in a wide band for one speaker, the load on the speaker becomes too high, and the temperature of the speaker rises too much. This can be solved. can. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, since the effect sound output from the first speaker is partially cut by performing peaking processing, the load of the first speaker in charge of the mid to high range is further increased. Can be mitigated. The effect of suppressing heat generation of these speakers is particularly effective in a movable accessory (acting member moved by a motor or the like) driven by a motor or the like, or a game machine having a transmissive liquid crystal display or the like and having a large amount of heat generation. It is possible to effectively prevent the failure of the speaker. In addition, it is possible to make the staging sound clear by separating the sounds.

The effect sound control unit 76 changes the frequency characteristics of the effect sound so that the lower limit value of the frequency of the effect sound output to the first speaker is equal to or higher than the lower limit value of the frequency of the effect sound output to the second speaker. The process of changing the frequency characteristics of the effect sound so that the upper limit of the frequency of the effect sound output to the second speaker is less than the upper limit of the frequency of the effect sound output to the first speaker. You may do it. Even with such a configuration, the sound can be segregated between the first speaker and the second speaker to reduce the load on each speaker, and the staging sound can be heard clearly.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. Although the pachinko gaming machine, which is one of the gaming machines, will be described in the third embodiment, other gaming machines may be used. The gaming machine of the present embodiment also has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first and second embodiments in the configuration related to the output of the staging sound, and thus is the same as that of the first and second embodiments. The description of the configuration will be omitted or simplified by adding the same reference numerals.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the pachinko gaming machine Y according to the present embodiment. The gaming machine of the present embodiment plays a game using a gaming ball (game medium) lent out from the gaming field, and is provided with an outer frame 502 forming an outer surface of the gaming machine and inside the gaming machine. , The game board 506 that forms the game area 504 in which the game ball moves, the glass unit 508 that makes the game board 506 visible and inaccessible to the player, and the front frame (front door) to which the glass unit 508 is attached. ) 510 is provided.

The part of the front frame 510 that surrounds the glass unit 508 is made of a translucent material that transmits light, and inside the part made of the translucent material, there is a directing light for enlivening the game. A plurality of lighting devices 512 are provided to output the light.

A substantially square box-shaped design member 511 that is long in the left-right direction is provided on the upper portion of the front frame 510. Further, the length of the design member 511 in the left-right direction is more than half the length of the front frame 510 in the left-right direction. Further, the design member 511 is arranged so as to project forward so that the front surface thereof is located in front of the game area 504 and the glass unit 508.

The design member 511 includes an LED substrate for lighting (not shown) provided inside the design member 511 and an exterior member covering the LED substrate (not shown), and a space for accommodating the LED substrate is secured inside the exterior member. There is. Further, a logo indicating a model name or the like is attached to a portion constituting the front surface of the design member 511 of the exterior member, and the logo is illuminated by the LED substrate provided inside. That is, the design member 511 is a lighting device.

Further, the front frame 510 is provided with a plurality of speakers 100 for outputting a production sound or the like for enlivening the game.

An upper plate 516 for storing the game ball is provided in the lower center of the front frame 510, and the left part of the inner side surface of the upper plate 516 is for paying out the game ball from the gaming machine to the player. There is a payout exit. A grip unit 520 is provided on the lower right side of the front frame 510, and when the player operates the grip unit 520 to rotate clockwise toward the gaming machine, the grip unit 520 is provided inside the gaming machine (not shown). The launching device is activated so that the gaming ball is launched into the gaming area 504. The launching device of the present embodiment can launch 99 game balls per minute (1.65 per second).

On the right side of the inner side surface of the upper plate 516, a supply port for supplying the game ball from the upper plate 516 to the launching device is provided. Further, below the upper plate 516, a lower plate 524 for storing a surplus game ball when the game ball cannot be stored in the upper plate 516 is provided.

An effect operation unit 62 is provided on the front side of the edge portion of the upper plate 516, and when the player operates the effect operation unit 62, the effect performed by the gaming machine changes. In detail, the staging operation unit 62 has a push button switch and a rotary lever, and can detect an operation of pressing the staging operation unit 62 and an operation of rotating the staging operation unit 62. There is.

FIG. 12 is a front view showing the external configuration of the game board 506 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12, the game board 506 is provided with an outer rail 528 in a circular shape, and the area surrounded by the outer rail 528 is a game area 504 in which the game ball moves. Further, at the left end of the game area 504, an inner rail 530 is provided in an arc shape along the outer rail 528, and the outer rail 528 and the inner rail 530 are provided below the game board 506 and are not shown. The game ball launched from the launcher is guided to the game area 504.

At the center of the game board 506, a liquid crystal display 34 for displaying an effect image or the like for enlivening the game, and an effect unit 536 including a display frame 534 formed so as to surround the liquid crystal display 34 are provided. The display frame 534 is provided with a design member 538.

In the present embodiment, the game ball cannot pass through the front side of the liquid crystal display 34, and the game ball launched from the launcher passes through the game area 504 on the left side or the game area 504 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 34. It is designed to fall. A large number of game nails (not shown) are struck in the game area 504 so as to intersect the surface of the game board 506, and the movement direction of the game ball moving in the game area 504 is randomly changed. ..

An opening 540 through which a game ball falling through the game area 504 on the left side of the liquid crystal display 34 can pass is formed in the left portion of the display frame 534, and the game ball passing through the opening 540 is provided in the display frame 534. It passes through the passage 542 and falls to the stage 544 provided below the liquid crystal display 34. The upper surface of the stage 544 has a smooth curved surface, and a gap is formed between the stage 544 and the glass unit 508 so that the game ball can fall downward from the stage 544, and the game ball falls from the passage 542 onto the stage 544. The game ball moves back and forth on the stage 544 from side to side, and then falls downward from the vicinity of the center of the stage 544.

A first start winning opening 546 is provided below the central portion of the stage 544.
Further, a passage gate 548 is provided in the game area 504 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 34. Further, a second starting winning opening 550 is provided below the passing gate 548. The second start winning opening 550 is in a reduced state in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the second starting winning opening 550 (a state in which entry is not assisted / a non-assisted state) and an enlarged state in which the game ball is easy to enter (assists entry). An ordinary accessory 552 provided with an auxiliary member that can operate between the state and the auxiliary state) is provided.

In the game area 504 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 34, a large winning opening 554 is provided below the second starting winning opening 550. The large winning opening 554 is provided with a special accessory 556 including a movable member that closes the large winning opening 554. The special accessory 556 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the large winning opening 554 and an open state in which the game ball can enter the large winning opening 554 (FIG. 12). Indicates a closed state). The special accessory 556 is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition in a special gaming state that starts when a big hit is won.

Below the grand prize opening 554, a grand prize passage 558 is provided downward. At the lower end of the grand prize passage 558, a normal entrance 562 is provided. Further, below the large winning passage 558, a specific passage 565 is provided so as to branch downward from the middle of the large winning passage 558. The specific passage 565 is provided with a specific accessory 566 including a movable member that closes the specific passage 565. The specific accessory 566 is configured to be operable between a closed state in which the game ball cannot enter the specific passage 565 and an open state in which the game ball can enter the specific passage 565 (FIG. 12 is a closed state). Shows). The specific accessory 566 is controlled to be in an open state under a predetermined condition in a special gaming state. A specific entrance 568 is provided at the lower end of the specific passage 565. Further, at the lowermost portion of the game area 504, an out port 569 is provided to collect the game ball that has fallen in the game area 504 without entering any of the winning openings inside the game machine.

The launching device for the game ball is configured to change the firing output of the game ball by adjusting the rotation amount of the grip unit 520 shown in FIG. 11, and when the rotation amount of the grip unit 520 is small, the liquid crystal display is used. The game ball is launched so that the game ball falls in the game area 504 on the left side of the display 34, and when the amount of rotation of the grip unit 520 is large, the game ball falls in the game area 504 on the right side of the liquid crystal display 34. A game ball is fired.

The player adjusts the amount of rotation of the grip unit 520 according to the game situation, and the game ball drops the game area 504 on the left side, or passes through the opening 540, the passage 542, and the stage 544, and the first start winning opening. The game ball is fired to enter 546 (left-handed), the game ball falls in the game area 504 on the right side, and the game ball passes through the passage gate 548, or at the second start winning opening 550. The game ball is fired so that the game ball enters or the game ball enters the large winning opening 554 (right-handed).

A state display unit 570 is provided on the lower right side of the game board 506 and outside the game area 504 to indicate various states of the game machine by turning on and off a lamp or the like. The gaming machine of the present embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main control board 70 and a sub control board 72. The functions of each board such as the main control board 70 and the sub control board 72 are hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of information storage medium), or RAM. It is realized by software consisting of a given program stored in advance in hardware or ROM.

The main control board 70 receives input signals from input means (first start winning opening sensor, passing gate sensor, second starting winning opening sensor, large winning opening sensor, normal entrance / exit sensor, specific passage sensor, payout sensor, etc.). In response to this, various calculations are performed to execute the game, and based on the calculation results, output means (status display drive device, ordinary accessory drive device, special accessory drive device, specific accessory drive device, payout device, etc.) ) Operation control.

The sub-control board 72 receives a signal (command) sent from the main control board 70 and an input signal from an input means such as the effect operation unit 62, and executes an effect according to the progress of the game. Various calculations are performed, and the effect device (liquid crystal display 34, speaker 100, etc.) is controlled based on the calculation results.

As shown in FIG. 11, the gaming machine of the present embodiment has two speakers (upper speakers 100a and 100b) provided on the upper part of the front frame 510 and two speakers (lower part) provided on the lower part of the front frame 510. It has speakers 100c, 100d). That is, the front frame 510 is provided with upper speakers 100a and 100b and lower speakers 100c and 100d arranged below the upper speakers 100a and 100b. The upper speakers 100a and 100b are arranged inside in the left-right direction with respect to the lower speakers 100c and 100d. Further, a speaker 100e is provided on the lower outer side (so-called curtain plate portion) of the front frame 510. Further, the speaker 100e is a woofer. Further, the speaker 100h is provided at a position above the speaker 100e and below the lower speakers 100c and 100d.
In FIG. 11, the upper speakers 100a and 100b are hidden behind the front surface of the design member 511. The upper speakers 100a and 100b may be provided inside the design member 511.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, as in the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the two upper speakers 100a and 100b and the two lower speakers 100c and 100d are all speakers of the same model (speakers of the same model number). It has become. In other words, the four speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d have the same reproduction frequency band (frequency characteristics). In other words, the four speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d have the same frequency characteristics of the output sound pressure level. Further, the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d are full-range speakers. The reproduction frequency band of the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d is 210 Hz to 20 kHz. The reproduction frequency band of the speaker 100e is 100 Hz to 4 kHz. The reproduction frequency band of the speaker 100h is 160 Hz to 20 kHz.

The two upper speakers 100a and 100b and the two lower speakers 100c and 100d may be used as speakers having different specifications (speakers having different model numbers). For example, the reproduction frequency band of the upper speaker 100e may be 90 Hz to 16 kHz, and the reproduction frequency band of the lower speaker 100e may be 200 Hz to 20 kHz, and vice versa.

The control related to the effect sound output from the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e (control by the effect sound control unit 76 and the amplifiers 113, 114, 115) is the gaming machine of the first embodiment or the second embodiment. It may be performed in the same manner as the game machine of the form. The output of the effect sound from the speaker 100i may be performed by using the remaining channels (for example, channels CN7 and CN8) of the effect sound control unit 76 and by separately providing an amplifier IC. Further, the frequency response (setting of the effect sound control unit 76 (equalizer unit 155)) for the effect sound output from the speaker 100i is set to be the same as any one of the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e. It may be set differently from any of them.

(Movable speaker)
In the gaming machine of the first to third embodiments, the speaker 100 is movable (physically moves) so that the angle or position of the speaker changes when a specific effect is executed (in a specific effect state). A type speaker may be adopted. Specifically, the movable speaker may be such that the direction in which the speaker faces changes (the angle of the speaker with respect to a horizontal plane or a vertical plane changes), for example, to face the player side at the time of a specific effect. It may move up and down, left and right, front and back, etc. at the time of a specific effect. The staging sound control unit 76 controls to move the movable speaker at a specific time.

For example, two movable speakers may be provided above the upper speakers 100a and 100b (upper part of the upper door 30 and the front frame 510) so as to be separated from each other on the left and right sides. Further, one or a plurality of speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d, 100e (for example, upper speakers 100a, 100b) may be used as a movable speaker.

Further, the control related to the effect sound output from the movable speaker (control by the effect sound control unit 76 and the amplifiers 113, 114, 115) is the gaming machine of the first embodiment, the gaming machine of the second embodiment, or the gaming machine of the second embodiment. It may be performed in the same manner as the control for any one of the speakers 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d and 100e in the gaming machine of the third embodiment. In other words, the frequency response (setting of the effect sound control unit 76 (equalizer unit 155)) for the effect sound output from the movable speaker is, for example, from the upper speaker 100a in the gaming machine of the first to third embodiments. It may be set in the same manner as the frequency response for the effect sound to be output, or may be set in the same manner as the frequency response for the effect sound output from the lower speaker 100b. Further, the setting of the effect sound control unit 76 (equalizer unit 155) is set so that the frequency of the effect sound output from the movable speaker is from the lower limit value of the frequency of the effect sound output from the lower speakers 100c and 100d to the upper speaker 100a. It may be in the range up to the upper limit value of the frequency of the effect sound output from 100b. In other words, the movable speaker may reproduce the sound in the same frequency band as the upper speakers 100a and 100b, may reproduce the sound in the same frequency band as the lower speakers 100c and 100d, and may reproduce the sound in the same frequency band as the lower speakers 100c and 100d. Sound from the lower limit of the frequency band reproduced by 100c and 100d to the upper limit of the frequency band reproduced by the upper speakers 100a and 100b may be reproduced.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist thereof. Further, the above-mentioned control operation can be applied to other gaming machines such as medalless gaming machines. The present invention can be applied to a gaming machine, and the gaming machine includes a slot machine, a pachinko gaming machine, a medalless gaming machine, and the like.

It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, any combination of embodiments can be freely combined, any component of each embodiment can be modified, or any component can be omitted in each embodiment. ..

72 Sub-control board 74 Staging control unit 76 Staging sound control unit 100a, 100b Upper speaker (first speaker)
100c, 100d lower speaker (second speaker)
100e, 100f, 100g, 100i speaker

Claims (1)

The first speaker that can output the production sound and
A second speaker installed below the first speaker and capable of outputting a directing sound,
It is equipped with a staging sound control unit that executes processing related to the staging sound output from the speaker.
The first speaker and the second speaker are
Whether the speakers have the same playback frequency band
The speaker has a difference in the lower limit frequency of the reproduction frequency band of 10 Hz or less and a difference in the upper limit frequency of the reproduction frequency band of 2 kHz or less, or
A speaker whose reproduction frequency band includes a band of at least 300 Hz to 8 kHz.
The staging sound control unit
Regarding the effect sound to be output to the first speaker so that the effect sound output to the first speaker has a larger attenuation amount of the component in the predetermined frequency band than the effect sound output to the second speaker. A gaming machine characterized in that processing related to the output of a production sound is executed in a state where the frequency response and the frequency response of the production sound to be output to the second speaker are different.

Images