JP7134821B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko game machine.

A game machine that executes a gradual reduction notice effect for gradually decreasing a predetermined number displayed on a liquid crystal display device, and reduces the volume of sound output from a speaker when the gradual decrease notice effect is executed. has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2018-27226 A

However, in the gaming machine described in Patent Literature 1, there is room for improvement in controlling the sound volume when the gradual reduction notice effect is not being executed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of suppressing a decline in interest in gaming.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention is
Specific effect executing means (for example, effect control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a specific effect (for example, dialogue announcement effect, etc.);
audio data output means capable of outputting audio data (for example, audio control board 13, etc.);
sound output means (for example, speakers 8L, 8R, etc.) capable of outputting sound corresponding to the audio data output by the audio data output means;
with
The sound output means is
A predetermined sound (for example, BGM sound, etc.), which is BGM containing sound, can be output (for example, FIGS. 8-1, 8-2, 8-5, 8-8, etc.),
In the specific effect, a first dialogue sound (for example, first dialogue sound) is output as a production sound, and a second dialogue sound is output as a production sound when a predetermined period (for example, a blank period) has passed since the output of the first dialogue sound. It is possible to start outputting dialogue sounds (eg, second dialogue sounds, etc.) (eg, FIGS. 8-2, 8-5, 8-8, etc.),
The output of the predetermined sound can be limited at least when the first dialogue sound is being output and when the second dialogue sound is being output (for example, FIGS. 8-2, 8-4, 8 -5, 8-8, etc.),
The audio data output means outputs a special sound (for example, a dummy sound) when audio data indicating the first dialogue sound and the second dialogue sound, which are effects sounds different from the predetermined sound, is not output during the predetermined period of time. etc.) can be output (for example, FIGS. 8-5, 8-8, etc.),
When the sound data indicating the special sound is being output by the sound data output means, the sound output means can limit the output of the predetermined sound (for example, FIGS. 8-4, 8-5, 8-8 Such),
The special sound is a sound that is difficult or impossible for the player to recognize, and is a sound that is not related to the specific effect being executed.
It is characterized by
(1) In order to achieve the above object, another game machine according to the present invention is
Specific effect executing means (for example, effect control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a specific effect (for example, dialogue announcement effect, etc.);
audio data output means capable of outputting audio data (for example, audio control board 13, etc.);
sound output means (for example, speakers 8L, 8R, etc.) capable of outputting sound corresponding to the audio data output by the audio data output means;
with
The sound output means is
A predetermined sound (for example, BGM sound, etc.) can be output (for example, FIGS. 8-1, 8-2, 8-5, 8-8, etc.),
In the specific effect, the first sound (for example, the first dialogue sound) is output as the effect sound, and when a predetermined period (such as a blank period) has passed since the output of the first sound, the second sound ( For example, the second dialogue voice, etc.) can be started to be output (eg, FIGS. 8-2, 8-5, 8-8, etc.),
The output of the predetermined sound can be restricted at least when the first sound is being output and when the second sound is being output (for example, FIGS. 8-2, 8-4, 8-5 , 8-8, etc.),
The audio data output means outputs a special sound (for example, a dummy sound) when the audio data indicating the first sound and the second sound, which are effects sounds different from the predetermined sound, is not output during the predetermined period. It is possible to output audio data indicating
When the sound data indicating the special sound is being output by the sound data output means, the sound output means can limit the output of the predetermined sound (for example, FIGS. 8-4, 8-5, 8-8 Such),
The special sound is a sound that is difficult or impossible for the player to recognize, and is a sound that is not related to the specific effect being executed.
It is characterized by
According to such a configuration, the output of the predetermined sound is restricted when the first sound is being output and when the second sound is being output, and after the output of the first sound is finished, the output of the predetermined sound is restricted. The output of the predetermined sound is restricted in a predetermined period until the output of the second sound is started, and the deterioration of the performance effect of the specific performance by the predetermined sound is suppressed, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the game interest.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
The audio data output means is
The audio data representing the first sound and the audio data representing the second sound can be output using a first channel (eg, playback channel 0, etc.) (eg, FIG. 8-4, etc.),
The audio data representing the special sound can be output using a second channel (eg, playback channel 1, etc.) different from the first channel (eg, FIG. 8-4, etc.),
It is possible to output audio data indicating the special sound during the period from the start of the output of the first sound to the end of the output of the second sound (for example, FIG. 8-5),
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, the predetermined sound is output during the period from the start of the output of the first sound to the end of the output of the second sound, which includes the predetermined period during which the audio data indicating the special sound is output. It is possible to suppress the loss of interest in the game by restricting the performance effect of the specific performance from being spoiled by the predetermined sound.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) above,
The audio data output means is
not outputting audio data indicating the special sound during the period in which the first sound is being output (for example, FIG. 8-8);
not outputting audio data indicating the special sound during the period when the second sound is being output (for example, FIG. 8-8);
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, when the first sound is being output and when the second sound is being output, the output of the predetermined sound is restricted, and the audio data representing the special sound is output. By restricting the output of the predetermined sound during the predetermined period of time when the game is played, it is possible to prevent the performance effect of the specific performance from being spoiled by the predetermined sound, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

(4) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (3) above,
When the sound data indicating the special sound is being output by the sound data output means, the sound output means does not output the special sound (for example, FIGS. 8-4, 8-5, etc.);
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the performance effect of the specific performance from being spoiled by the predetermined sound without outputting the special sound, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

(5) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (3) above,
When the sound data indicating the special sound is being output by the sound data output means, the sound output means outputs the special sound (for example, FIGS. 8-7, 8-8, etc.),
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, while outputting the special sound, it is possible to prevent the performance effect of the specific performance from being spoiled by the predetermined sound, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

(6) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (5) above,
The special sound is a non-audible sound (such as ultrasonic waves) that is difficult or impossible for the player to recognize.
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to make it difficult or impossible for the player to recognize the special sound, and to suppress the deterioration of the performance effect of the specific performance by the special sound, thereby suppressing the decline in the interest in the game.

(7) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (6) above,
Judgment means capable of judging whether or not sound data different from silence data corresponding to a silence state in which at least the first sound and the second sound are not output is included in the sound data (for example, the processing of step 068AKS104 It further includes a production control CPU 120 etc. to be executed,
When the determination means determines that the voice data output by the voice data output means does not contain the voice data, the output of the predetermined sound is not limited (for example, the processing of steps 068AKS106 and 068AKS108 is executed. production control CPU 120 etc.),
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, the output of the predetermined sound is limited based on the determination that the sound data does not contain the voice data during the predetermined period in which neither the first sound nor the second sound is output. In addition, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance effect of the specific performance by the predetermined sound, and suppress the deterioration of the game interest.

(8) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (7) above,
Continuing to limit the output of the predetermined sound until the first period (for example, the end period, etc.) has elapsed after the output of the second sound is finished (for example, FIGS. 8-5, 8-8, etc.);
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the lingering sound of the specific effect due to the predetermined sound, thereby suppressing the decline in the interest in the game.

(9) In any of the gaming machines (1) to (8) above,
Starting the restriction of the output of the predetermined sound from a second period (for example, an introduction period, etc.) before the timing at which the output of the first sound is started (for example, FIGS. 8-5, 8-8, etc.),
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to limit the output of the predetermined sound in a manner adapted to the specific effect, thereby suppressing the decline in the interest in the game.

It is a front view of the pachinko game machine in this embodiment. It is a configuration diagram showing various control boards and the like mounted in the pachinko game machine. It is a flow chart which shows an example of game control main processing. It is a flow chart showing an example of timer interrupt processing for game control. It is a flow chart which shows an example of special design process processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of production control main processing. It is a flow chart which shows an example of production control process processing. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing changes in the volume of dialogue voice and BGM voice during execution of ducking processing according to the first embodiment of the characteristic portion 068AK; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing changes in the volume of the dialogue sound and the BGM sound when the ducking process is executed when the first dialogue sound and the second dialogue sound are output in the dialogue preview effect according to the first embodiment of the characteristic part 068AK; . FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an audio control board according to the first embodiment of the characteristic part 068AK; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing correspondence relationships between types of audio data and reproduction channels used for outputting the audio data according to the first embodiment of the characteristic part 068AK; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing changes in the volume of dialogue voice and BGM voice when ducking processing is executed when dummy voice data according to the first embodiment of the feature part 068AK is output; FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of ducking setting processing according to the first embodiment of the characteristic part 068AK; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing correspondence relationships between types of audio data and reproduction channels used for outputting audio data according to the second embodiment of the characteristic part 068AK; FIG. 12 is a diagram showing changes in the volume of dialog voice and BGM voice during execution of the ducking process when dialog voice/dummy voice data is output according to the second embodiment of the characteristic portion 068AK;

(Basic explanation)
First, the basic configuration and control of the pachinko game machine 1 (also the configuration and control of a general pachinko game machine) will be described.

(Structure of pachinko machine 1, etc.)
FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko game machine 1, showing the arrangement layout of the main members. A pachinko game machine (game machine) 1 is roughly composed of a game board (gauge board) 2 forming a game board surface and a game machine frame (underframe) 3 supporting and fixing the game board 2 . A game area is formed in the game board 2, and a game ball as a game medium is shot from a predetermined ball shooting device and hit into the game area.

At a predetermined position of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, on the right side of the game area), a variable display (also called a special game) of special symbols (also called special symbols) as a plurality of types of special identification information is displayed. A first special symbol display device 4A and a second special symbol display device 4B are provided. Each of these consists of a 7-segment LED or the like. The special symbols are represented by numbers indicating "0" to "9" and lighting patterns such as "-". The special symbol may include a pattern in which all LEDs are turned off.

The "variable display" of special symbols means, for example, that a plurality of types of special symbols are variably displayed (the same applies to other symbols described later). Variations include updating display of a plurality of patterns, scrolling display of a plurality of patterns, deformation of one or more patterns, enlargement/reduction of one or more patterns, and the like. In the variation of special symbols and normal symbols, which will be described later, a plurality of types of special symbols or normal symbols are updated and displayed. In the variation of decorative patterns, which will be described later, a plurality of types of decorative patterns are scrolled or updated, and one or more decorative patterns are deformed or enlarged/reduced. Note that the variation also includes a mode in which a certain symbol is displayed blinking. At the end of the variable display, a predetermined special symbol is stopped and displayed (also referred to as derivation or derivation display) as a display result (the same applies to variable display of other symbols to be described later). Variable display may be expressed as variable display or variation.

The special symbols variably displayed on the first special symbol display device 4A are also called "first special symbols", and the special symbols variably displayed on the second special symbol display device 4B are also called "second special symbols". Also, a special game using the first special game is called a "first special game", and a special game using the second special game is called a "second special game". In addition, the number of special symbol display devices that variably display the special symbols may be one.

An image display device 5 is provided near the center of the game area on the game board 2 . The image display device 5 is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display) or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence), and displays various effects images. The image display device 5 may be composed of a projector and a screen. Various effect images are displayed on the image display device 5 .

For example, on the screen of the image display device 5, in synchronism with the first special game and the second special game, a plurality of types of decorative patterns (such as patterns showing numbers) as decoration identification information different from the special patterns. variable display is performed. Here, in synchronization with the first special game or the second special game, decorative patterns are variably displayed (for example, up and down direction scroll display and update display). In addition, the variable display of the special figure game and the decorative pattern that are executed in synchronism is generically called simply variable display.

A display area may be provided on the screen of the image display device 5 for displaying suspended display corresponding to the variable display whose execution is suspended and active display corresponding to the variable display being executed. Suspended display and active display are also collectively referred to as variable display corresponding display corresponding to variable display.

The number of variable representations that are reserved is also referred to as the number of reserved memories. The reserved memory number corresponding to the first special game is also referred to as the first reserved memory number, and the reserved memory number corresponding to the second special game is also referred to as the second reserved memory number. The sum of the first reserved memory count and the second reserved memory count is also referred to as the total reserved memory count.

In addition, at a predetermined position of the game board 2, a first suspension display 25A and a second suspension display 25B each including a plurality of LEDs are provided. , the number of first reserved memories is displayed, and the second reserved display 25B displays the number of second reserved memories according to the number of lit LEDs.

Below the image display device 5, a winning ball device 6A and a variable winning ball device 6B are provided.

Winning ball device 6A, for example, forms a first starting winning opening that is kept in a constant open state in which game balls can enter, for example, by a predetermined ball receiving member. When a game ball enters the first start winning hole, a predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls are paid out, and the first special game can be started.

The variable winning ball device 6B (ordinary electric accessory) forms a second starting winning hole that changes between a closed state and an open state by a solenoid 81 (see FIG. 2). The variable winning ball device 6B is provided with, for example, an electric tulip-shaped accessory having a pair of movable winglets. comes close to the winning ball device 6A, and the closed state in which the game balls do not enter the second starting winning opening (also referred to as the second starting winning opening being closed). On the other hand, the variable winning ball device 6B is in an open state in which the game ball can enter the second start winning opening (second start It is also said that the prize-winning mouth is open.). When the game ball enters the second start winning hole, a predetermined number (for example, three) of prize balls are paid out, and the second special game can be started. Note that the variable winning ball device 6B may be any device that changes between a closed state and an open state, and is not limited to a device provided with an electric tulip-shaped accessory.

At predetermined positions of the game board 2 (in the example shown in FIG. 1, four positions on the left and right sides of the game area), there are provided general winning holes 10 which are always kept open by predetermined ball receiving members. In this case, when the player enters one of the general winning openings 10, a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls are paid out as prize balls.

Below the winning ball device 6A and the variable winning ball device 6B, a special variable winning ball device 7 having a large winning hole is provided. The special variable winning ball device 7 is provided with a large winning opening door that is driven to open and close by a solenoid 82 (see FIG. 2), and the special winning opening as a specific area that changes between an open state and a closed state by the large winning opening door. Form.

As an example, in the special variable winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the big winning door (for the special electric accessory) is in the OFF state, the big winning door closes the big winning door, and the game ball is pushed out. You will not be able to enter (pass through) the prize gate. On the other hand, in the special variable prize winning ball device 7, when the solenoid 82 for the special prize winning port door is in the ON state, the special prize winning port door opens the big prize winning port, making it easier for the game ball to enter the big prize winning port. Become.

When game balls enter the big winning hole, a predetermined number (for example, 14) of game balls are paid out as prize balls. When the game balls enter the big winning hole, more prize balls are paid out than when the game balls enter the first starting winning hole, the second starting winning hole and the general winning hole 10, for example.

Entering a game ball into each winning hole including the general winning hole 10 is also called "winning". In particular, winning a prize in a starting opening (first starting winning opening, second starting winning opening) is also referred to as starting winning.

A normal symbol display 20 is provided at a predetermined position of the game board 2 (the left side of the game area in the example shown in FIG. 1). As an example, the normal symbol display device 20 is composed of a 7-segment LED or the like, and performs variable display of normal symbols as a plurality of types of normal identification information different from special symbols. The normal symbols are represented by numbers indicating "0" to "9", lighting patterns such as "-", and the like. The normal pattern may include a pattern in which all the LEDs are turned off. Such a variable display of normal patterns is also called a normal pattern game.

A passage gate 41 through which game balls can pass is provided on the left side of the image display device 5 . Based on the game ball passing through the passage gate 41, the normal game is executed.

Above the normal pattern display 20, a normal pattern holding display 25C is provided. The general pattern suspension display 25C includes, for example, four LEDs, and displays the normal pattern suspension storage number, which is the number of general pattern games whose execution is suspended, by the number of lit LEDs.

The surface of the game board 2 is provided with, in addition to the above structure, a windmill for changing the flowing direction and speed of the game ball and a large number of obstacle nails. At the bottom of the game area, an out port is provided for taking in game balls that have not entered any of the winning ports.

Speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting sound effects and the like are provided at the left and right upper positions of the game machine frame 3, and a game effect lamp 9 for game effects is provided at the periphery of the game area. ing. The game effect lamp 9 includes an LED.

At a predetermined position (not shown in FIG. 1) of the game board 2, a movable body 32 that operates according to the performance is provided.

A ball hitting operation handle (operation knob) 30 operated by a player or the like to shoot a game ball toward the game area from the ball shooting device is provided at the lower right portion of the game machine frame 3 .

At a predetermined position of the game machine frame 3 below the game area, game balls paid out as prize balls and game balls lent from a predetermined ball lending machine are held (stored) so as to be supplied to the ball shooting device. ) is provided with a batted ball supply plate (upper plate). Below the upper plate, there is provided a batted ball supply plate (lower plate) from which prize balls are dispensed when the upper plate is full.

A stick controller 31A that can be held and tilted by a player is attached to a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area. The stick controller 31A is provided with a trigger button that can be pressed by the player. An operation on the stick controller 31A is detected by a controller sensor unit 35A (see FIG. 2).

At a predetermined position of the gaming machine frame 3 below the game area, there is provided a push button 31B that allows the player to perform a predetermined instruction operation such as a pressing operation. An operation on the push button 31B is detected by a push sensor 35B (see FIG. 2).

The pachinko game machine 1 is provided with a stick controller 31A and a push button 31B as detection means for detecting actions (operations, etc.) of the player, but detection means other than these may be provided.

(Overview of Game Progress)
A game ball is shot toward a game area by a player's rotating operation of a ball-hitting operation handle 30 provided in the pachinko game machine 1 . When the game ball passes through the passage gate 41, the normal pattern display device 20 starts the normal pattern game. In addition, when the game ball passes through the passage gate 41 during the period during the execution of the previous normal game (when the game ball passes through the passage gate 41 but the normal game based on the passage cannot be executed immediately) , the normal game based on the passage is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In this normal pattern game, if a specific normal pattern (normal pattern per pattern) is stopped and displayed, the display result of the normal pattern becomes "normal pattern per pattern". On the other hand, if a normal pattern (normal pattern losing pattern) other than the normal pattern per pattern is stop-displayed as the determined normal pattern, the display result of the normal pattern becomes "normal pattern losing". When it comes to "normal game", the variable winning ball device 6B is opened for a predetermined period of time and the opening control is performed (the second start winning opening is opened).

When a game ball enters the first starting winning hole formed in the winning ball device 6A, the first special symbol game by the first special symbol display device 4A is started.

When the game ball enters the second starting winning hole formed in the variable winning ball device 6B, the second special symbol game by the second special symbol display device 4B is started.

In addition, when the game ball enters (wins) the start winning opening during the period during which the special game is running, or during the period when it is controlled to the big win game state or the small win game state described later (although the start win has occurred If the special game based on the starting prize cannot be executed immediately), the execution of the special game based on the entry is suspended up to a predetermined upper limit number (for example, 4).

In the special symbol game, if a specific special symbol (a big hit symbol, for example, "7", the actual symbol differs depending on the type of the big hit described below) is stopped and displayed as a fixed special symbol, it becomes a "big win" and a big winning symbol. If a predetermined special symbol (a small winning symbol, for example, "2") different from the symbol is stop-displayed, it becomes a "small winning". Also, if a special symbol (losing symbol, for example, "-") different from the big-hit symbol or the small-hit symbol is stop-displayed, it becomes "losing".

After the display result in the special game becomes "big win", the game is controlled to a big win game state as an advantageous state for the player. After the display result in the special game becomes "minor win", it is controlled to the small win game state.

In the jackpot game state, the jackpot formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined manner. The open state is the timing of the elapse of a predetermined period (for example, 29 seconds or 1.8 seconds) and the timing until the number of game balls entering the big winning opening reaches a predetermined number (for example, 9). It will continue until whichever comes first. The predetermined period is an upper limit period during which the big winning slot can be opened in one round, and is hereinafter also referred to as an upper limit opening period. One cycle in which the big winning opening is opened in this way is called a round (round game). In the jackpot game state, the round can be repeatedly executed until it reaches a predetermined upper limit number of times (15 times or 2 times).

In the jackpot game state, the player can get a prize ball by entering the game ball into the big winning hole. Therefore, the jackpot gaming state is an advantageous state for the player. The larger the number of rounds in the jackpot game state and the longer the upper limit period of opening, the more advantageous the player is.

In addition, a jackpot type is set in the "jackpot". For example, a plurality of types of opening modes (number of rounds and upper limit period of opening) of the big winning opening and game states after the jackpot game state (normal state, time saving state, variable probability state, etc. described later) are prepared, and the jackpot is obtained according to these. type is set. As the jackpot type, there may be provided a jackpot type in which a large number of prize balls can be obtained, and a jackpot type in which a small number of prize balls or almost no prize balls can be obtained.

In the small winning game state, the big winning opening formed by the special variable winning ball device 7 is opened in a predetermined opening mode. For example, in the small winning game state, the same opening mode as the big winning game state when some jackpot types etc.), the big prize opening is opened. In addition, you may provide a small-hit classification also in a "small-hit" like a big-hit classification.

After the jackpot game state is finished, depending on the jackpot type, it may be controlled to a time-saving state or a variable probability state.

In the time saving state, the control (time saving control) that shortens the average special figure fluctuation time (period of varying the special figure) than the normal state is executed. In the time-saving state, by shortening the average normal figure fluctuation time (the period during which the normal figure is changed) than in the normal state, and by improving the probability of becoming a "normal figure hit" in the general figure game than in the normal state, etc. Control (high opening control, high base control) that makes it easier for game balls to enter the second start winning opening is also executed. Since the time-saving state is a state in which the variation efficiency of the special symbols (especially the second special symbols) is improved, it is an advantageous state for the player.

In the variable probability state (probability variable state), in addition to the time-saving control, the variable probability control in which the probability that the display result is a "jackpot" is higher than in the normal state is executed. The variable probability state is a state in which the variation efficiency of the special symbols is improved, and in addition, a "big hit" is likely to occur, so it is a further advantageous state for the player.

The time saving state and the variable probability state are continued until one of the end conditions such as execution of the special game for a predetermined number of times and start of the next big win game state is established first. The end condition that the special figure game of a predetermined number of times has been executed is also referred to as a number cut (number cut time reduction, number cut probability variable, etc.).

The normal state means a game state other than a special state such as an advantageous state such as a jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player, a time saving state, a variable probability state, etc., and the display result in the normal game is "normal game". The pachinko gaming machine 1, such as the probability and the probability that the display result in the special game will be a "jackpot", returns to the initial setting state of the pachinko gaming machine 1 (for example, when the system is reset, a predetermined return after power-on) It is the state controlled in the same way as when processing is not executed).

The state in which probability variable control is executed is also called a high probability state, and the state in which probability variable control is not executed is also called a low probability state. A state in which time-saving control is performed is also referred to as a high-based state, and a state in which time-saving control is not performed is also referred to as a low-based state. Combining these, the short-time state is also called a low-probability-high base state, the probability-variable state is a high-probability-high base state, and the normal state is a low-probability-low base state. The high probability state and the low base state are also referred to as the high probability low base state.

After the small win game state is over, the game state is not changed, and the game state before the display result of the special figure game becomes "small win" is continuously controlled (however, "small win" occurs). If the special game at the time is the special game for the predetermined number of times in the above cut, the game state is naturally changed). In addition, there may not be a "small hit" as a display result of a special figure game.

In addition, the game state may change based on the fact that the game ball has passed through a specific area (for example, a specific area within the big winning opening) during the jackpot game state. For example, when the game ball passes through the specific area, it may be controlled to the probability variable state after the big hit game state.

(Progress of production, etc.)
In the pachinko gaming machine 1, various effects (effects such as notifying the progress of the game and exciting the game) are executed according to the progress of the game. The production will be described below. The effect is performed by displaying various effect images on the image display device 5. In addition to or instead of the display, sound output from the speakers 8L and 8R and/or the game effect lamp 9 It may be performed by turning on/off, operation of the movable body 32, or the like.

As an effect executed according to the progress of the game, the first special game or the second In response to the start of the 2 special figure game, the variable display of the decoration pattern is started. At the timing when the display result (also called fixed special pattern) is stopped and displayed in the first special game or the second special game, a fixed decorative pattern (combination of three decorative patterns), which is the display result of variable display of decorative patterns, is displayed. ) is also stopped (derived).

During the period from the start of the variable display of the decorative design to the end of the variable display, the variable display of the decorative design may be in a predetermined ready-to-win state (ready-to-win state is established). Here, the ready-to-win mode means that when the decorative symbols stopped and displayed on the screen of the image display device 5 constitute a part of the jackpot combination described later, the decorative symbols that are not stopped and displayed are displayed in a variable manner. It is the aspect that is continuing.

Further, a ready-to-win effect is executed in response to the above-described ready-to-win mode during the variable display of decorative symbols. In the pachinko gaming machine 1, the ratio of the display result (the display result of the special game or the display result of the variable display of the decoration pattern) to the "big win" (also called the "big win reliability" or "big win expectation") depends on the performance mode. A plurality of different types of ready-to-win effects are executed. The ready-to-win performance includes, for example, a normal reach and a super-to-win with higher reliability than the normal reach.

When the display result of the special game is a "big hit", a fixed decorative pattern that is a predetermined big hit combination is derived as a display result of the variable display of decorative patterns on the screen of the image display device 5 (decoration The display result of the variable display of the pattern becomes a "jackpot"). As an example, the same decoration patterns (for example, "7" etc.) are stop-displayed together on predetermined effective lines in the "left", "middle" and "right" decoration pattern display areas 5L, 5C and 5R. .

In the case of a ``variable probability big hit'' controlled to a variable probability state after the end of the big win game state, odd decorative patterns (for example, "7" etc.) are stopped and displayed together, and the variable probability state is entered after the end of the big win game state. In the case of an uncontrolled "non-probability variable jackpot (normal jackpot)", even-numbered decorative symbols (for example, "6") may be stopped and displayed together. In this case, odd-numbered decorative patterns are also called probability variable patterns and even-numbered decorative patterns are also called non-probable variable patterns (normal patterns). After becoming a ready-to-win mode with non-probability variation symbols, a promotion performance may be executed to finally become a "probability variation big hit".

When the display result of the special figure game is "small hit", on the screen of the image display device 5, as a display result of the variable display of decorative patterns, a fixed decorative pattern (for example, " 1, 3, 5", etc.) are derived (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes a "minor hit"). As an example, decoration symbols constituting a chance eye are stopped and displayed on predetermined effective lines in the “left”, “middle” and “right” decoration symbol display areas 5L, 5C and 5R. In addition, when the display result of the special game is a "big hit" of some jackpot types (jackpot types in the same manner as the small win game state), and when it becomes a "minor hit" , a common fixed decoration pattern may be derived and displayed.

If the display result of the special game is "Loss", the variable display mode of the decorative pattern does not become the ready-to-win mode, and the fixed decorative pattern of the non-reach combination (" Also referred to as "non-reach loss".) may be stopped (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern becomes "non-reach loss"). In addition, when the display result is "losing", after the mode of variable display of the decorative pattern becomes the ready-to-win mode, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern is a predetermined ready-to-win combination ("reach losing") that is not a big hit combination. (Also called) fixed decorative pattern is displayed stop (the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern is "reach lost").

The effects that can be executed by the pachinko gaming machine 1 include displaying the variable display corresponding display (suspended display and active display). In addition, as other effects, for example, a notice effect for notifying the reliability of the big hit is executed during the variable display of the decorative symbols. The notice effect includes a notice effect for notifying the reliability of the big win in the variable display during execution and a pre-reading notice effect for notifying the reliability of the big win in the variable display before execution (variable display whose execution is suspended). As the pre-reading advance notice effect, an effect of changing the display mode of the display corresponding to the variable display (suspended display or active display) to a mode different from normal may be executed.

Also, in the image display device 5, the decorative patterns are temporarily stopped during the variable display of the decorative patterns, and then the variable display is restarted, so that one variable display is simulated as a plurality of variable displays. A pseudo continuous effect may be executed.

During the big winning game state, the performance during the big winning is executed to report the big winning game state. As the effect during the big win, the effect of notifying the number of rounds or the promotion effect indicating that the value of the big win game state is improved may be executed. Also, during the small-hit game state, an effect during the small-hit game for notifying the small-hit game state is executed. It should be noted that during the small winning game state, some of the jackpot types (jackpot types in the jackpot game state in the same manner as the small hit game state, for example, the jackpot type in the subsequent game state high probability state) jackpot game By executing a common performance in both states, the player may not know whether the current state is a small win game state or a big win game state. In such a case, by executing a common performance after the end of the small winning game state and after the end of the big winning game state, it is made impossible to distinguish whether the state is a high probability state or a low probability state. may

Further, for example, when a special game or the like is not being executed, a demonstration (demonstration) image is displayed on the image display device 5 (customer waiting demonstration effect is executed).

(Substrate configuration)
The pachinko game machine 1 is equipped with a main board 11, an effect control board 12, a sound control board 13, a lamp control board 14, a relay board 15, etc., as shown in FIG. In addition, various boards such as a payout control board, an information terminal board, a launch control board, and a power supply board are arranged on the back surface of the pachinko game machine 1 .

The main board 11 is a control board on the main side, and the progress of the above-mentioned games in the pachinko gaming machine 1 (execution of a special game (including management of suspension), execution of a general-purpose game (including management of suspension), jackpot game state, small hit game state, game state, etc.) has a function to control. The main board 11 has a game control microcomputer 100, a switch circuit 110, a solenoid circuit 111, and the like.

The game control microcomputer 100 mounted on the main board 11 is, for example, a one-chip microcomputer, and includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 101, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 103. , a random number circuit 104 and an I/O (Input/Output port) 105 .

The CPU 103 executes a program stored in the ROM 101 to perform processing for controlling the progress of the game (processing for realizing the functions of the main substrate 11). At this time, various data stored in the ROM 101 (variation patterns described later, effect control commands described later, data such as various tables referred to when making various decisions described later) are used, and the RAM 102 is used as the main memory. . The RAM 102 is a backup RAM that retains stored contents for a predetermined period of time even if the power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is stopped in part or in its entirety. All or part of the program stored in the ROM 101 may be developed in the RAM 102 and executed on the RAM 102 .

The random number circuit 104 counts updatably numerical data representing various random numbers (game random numbers) used to control the progress of the game. The game random numbers may be updated (updated by software) when the CPU 103 executes a predetermined computer program.

The I/O 105 includes, for example, an input port to which various signals (detection signals to be described later) are input, various signals (first special symbol display device 4A, second special symbol display device 4B, normal symbol display device 20, first reservation It includes an output port for transmitting a signal for controlling (driving) the indicator 25A, the second hold indicator 25B, the normal figure hold indicator 25C, and a solenoid drive signal).

The switch circuit 110 receives detection signals from various switches (gate switch 21, starting switch (first starting switch 22A and second starting switch 22B), count switch 23) for detecting game balls A detection signal indicating that the switch has been turned on by entering) is captured and transmitted to the game control microcomputer 100. The transmission of the detection signal means that the passage or entry of the game ball has been detected.

Solenoid circuit 111, a solenoid drive signal from the game control microcomputer 100 (for example, a signal to turn on the solenoid 81 and the solenoid 82), to the solenoid 81 for normal electric accessories and the solenoid 82 for the big winning entrance door transmit.

The main board 11 (game control microcomputer 100), as part of the control of the progress of the game, produces a production control command (a command to specify (notify) the progress of the game, etc.) according to the progress of the game. 12. The effect control command output from the main board 11 is relayed by the relay board 15 and supplied to the effect control board 12. - 特許庁The effect control command includes, for example, various determination results on the main board 11 (for example, the display result of the special game (including the jackpot type), the variation pattern used when executing the special game (details will be described later). )), game status (for example, start and end of variable display, opening status of big winning slots, occurrence of winning, number of reserved memories, game status), commands specifying error occurrence, and the like.

The effect control board 12 is a sub-side control board independent of the main board 11, receives the effect control command, and produces effects based on the received effect control command (various effects according to the progress of the game, (including various notifications such as driving of the movable body 32, error notification, power failure recovery notification, etc.).

The performance control board 12 is equipped with a performance control CPU 120, a ROM 121, a RAM 122, a display control section 123, a random number circuit 124, and an I/O 125.

The effect control CPU 120 executes a program stored in the ROM 121 to execute a process for executing the effect together with the display control unit 123 (a process for realizing the above function of the effect control board 12, and the effect to be executed (including the decision, etc.). At this time, various data (data such as various tables) stored in the ROM 121 are used, and the RAM 122 is used as a main memory.

The effect control CPU 120 displays the execution of the effect based on the detection signal from the controller sensor unit 35A and the push sensor 35B (a signal that is output when an operation by the player is detected and appropriately indicates the operation content). The controller 123 may also be instructed.

The display control unit 123 includes a VDP (Video Display Processor), a CGROM (Character Generator ROM), a VRAM (Video RAM), etc., and executes an effect based on an effect execution instruction from the effect control CPU 120 .

The display control unit 123 causes the image display device 5 to display a performance image by supplying a video signal corresponding to the performance to be executed to the image display device 5 based on the performance execution instruction from the performance control CPU 120 . The display control unit 123 further supplies a sound designation signal (a signal designating the sound to be output) to the sound control board 13 in order to output sound synchronized with the display of the effect image and turn on/off the game effect lamp 9 . Also, it supplies a lamp signal (a signal specifying the lighting/extinguishing mode of the lamp) to the lamp control board 14 . Further, the display control unit 123 supplies a signal for operating the movable body 32 to the movable body 32 or a driving circuit for driving the movable body 32 .

The audio control board 13 is equipped with various circuits for driving the speakers 8L and 8R, drives the speakers 8L and 8R based on the sound designation signal, and outputs the sound designated by the sound designation signal from the speakers 8L and 8R. Let

The lamp control board 14 is equipped with various circuits for driving the game effect lamp 9, drives the game effect lamp 9 based on the lamp signal, and turns on/off the game effect lamp 9 in a manner specified by the lamp signal. do. In this manner, the display control unit 123 controls sound output and lighting/extinguishing of the lamp.

The effect control CPU 120 executes voice output, lamp lighting/extinguishing control (supply of sound designation signals and lamp signals, etc.), and control of the movable body 32 (supply of signals for operating the movable body 32, etc.). You may do so.

The random number circuit 124 counts updatably numerical data indicating various random numbers (random numbers for effects) used for executing various effects. The effect random number may be updated by effect control CPU 120 executing a predetermined computer program (updated by software).

I / O 125 mounted on the production control board 12 has an input port for taking in production control commands transmitted from, for example, the main board 11, and various signals (video signal, sound designation signal, lamp signal). and an output port of

Boards other than the main board 11, such as the effect control board 12, the sound control board 13, and the lamp control board 14, are also called sub-boards. A plurality of sub-boards may be provided for each function as in the pachinko game machine 1, or one sub-board may be configured to have a plurality of functions.

(motion)
Next, the operation (action) of the pachinko game machine 1 will be described.

(Major operations of the main substrate 11)
First, main operations in the main board 11 will be described. When power supply to the pachinko game machine 1 is started, the game control microcomputer 100 is activated, and the CPU 103 executes the game control main process. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing game control main processing executed by the CPU 103 on the main substrate 11. As shown in FIG.

In the game control main process shown in FIG. 3, the CPU 103 first sets interrupt prohibition (step S1). Subsequently, necessary initial settings are performed (step S2). Initial settings include stack pointer setting, internal device register setting (CTC (counter/timer circuit), parallel input/output port, etc.), setting to make RAM 102 accessible, and the like.

Next, it is determined whether or not the output signal from the clear switch is ON (step S3). The clear switch is mounted, for example, on the power board. When the clear switch is turned on and the power is turned on, an output signal (clear signal) is input to the game control microcomputer 100 through the input port. If the output signal from the clear switch is ON (step S3; Yes), initialization processing (step S8) is executed. In the initialization processing, the CPU 103 performs RAM clear processing for clearing flags, counters, and buffers stored in the RAM 102, and sets initial values in the work area.

Moreover, CPU103 transmits the production|presentation control command which instruct|indicates initialization to the production|presentation control board 12 (step S9). When the effect control CPU 120 receives the effect control command, for example, the image display device 5 displays a screen for notifying that the control of the gaming machine has been initialized.

If the output signal from the clear switch is not ON (step S3; No), it is determined whether backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (backup RAM) (step S4). When the power supply to the pachinko gaming machine 1 is stopped due to an unexpected power failure or the like (power failure), the CPU 103 executes the power supply stop processing immediately before the pachinko game machine 1 becomes inoperable due to the stoppage of the power supply. In this process when the power supply is stopped, a process of turning on a backup flag indicating that data is to be backed up in the RAM 102, a data protection process of the RAM 102, and the like are executed. Data protection processing includes adding an error detection code (checksum, parity bit, etc.) and backing up various data. The data to be backed up includes not only various data (including various flags, states of various timers, etc.) for progressing the game, but also the states of the backup flags and error detection codes. In step S4, it is determined whether or not the backup flag is ON. If the backup flag is off and backup data is not stored in the RAM 102 (step S4; No), an initialization process (step S8) is executed.

If backup data is stored in the RAM 102 (step S4; Yes), the CPU 103 checks the backed up data (using an error detection code) to determine whether the data is normal (step S5). In step S5, for example, it is determined whether or not the data in the RAM 102 matches the data when the power supply was stopped, using a parity bit or a checksum. If it is determined that they match, it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal.

If it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is not normal (step S5; No), the internal state cannot be returned to the state when the power supply was stopped, so initialization processing (step S8) is executed.

When it is determined that the data in the RAM 102 is normal (step S5; Yes), the CPU 103 performs recovery processing (step S6) to return the internal state of the main board 11 to the state when the power supply was stopped. In the recovery process, the CPU 103 sets the work area based on the contents stored in the RAM 102 (the contents of the backed up data). As a result, the game state at the time of stopping the power supply is restored, and when the special symbols are fluctuating, the fluctuation of the special symbols is resumed from the state before restoration by executing the game control timer interrupt process described later. will be

And CPU103 transmits the production|presentation control command which instruct|indicates restoration from a power failure to the production|presentation control board 12 (step S7). In accordance with this, an effect control command that specifies the game state before the power outage that is backed up, and if the special game is being executed, the effect control that specifies the display result of the special game that is being executed You may make it transmit a command. These commands can use the same commands as the commands set for transmission in the special symbol process described later. When the effect control CPU 120 receives the effect control command specifying the restoration time from the power failure, for example, the image display device 5 notifies that the power failure has been restored or is being restored from the power failure. Display the screen for The effect control CPU 120 may perform appropriate screen display based on the effect control command.

After completing the recovery process or the initialization process and transmitting the effect control command to the effect control board 12, the CPU 103 executes the random number circuit setting process for initializing the random number circuit 104 (step S10). Then, the register of the CTC built in the game control microcomputer 100 is set so that the timer interrupt is periodically applied every predetermined time (for example, 2 ms) (step S11), and the interrupt is permitted (step S12 ). After that, loop processing is entered. Thereafter, an interrupt request signal is sent from the CTC to the CPU 103 at predetermined time intervals (for example, 2 ms), and the CPU 103 can periodically execute timer interrupt processing.

When the CPU 103 that has executed such game control main processing receives an interrupt request signal from the CTC and accepts the interrupt request, it executes the game control timer interrupt processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the timer interrupt process for game control shown in FIG. 4 is started, the CPU 103 first executes a predetermined switch process, thereby, through the switch circuit 110, the gate switch 21, the first start port switch 22A, and the second start port. It is determined whether or not detection signals have been received from various switches such as the switch 22B and the count switch 23 (step S21). Subsequently, by executing predetermined main-side error processing, an abnormality diagnosis of the pachinko game machine 1 is performed, and a warning can be generated if necessary according to the diagnosis result (step S22). After that, by executing a predetermined information output process, for example, jackpot information (information indicating the number of occurrences of jackpots, etc.), start information (start Data such as information indicating the number of wins, etc.), probability change information (information indicating the number of times the odd state has occurred, etc.) is output (step S23).

Following the information output process, a game random number update process for updating at least part of the game random numbers used on the main board 11 side by software is executed (step S24). After that, the CPU 103 executes a special symbol process (step S25). CPU103 by executing the special symbol process processing for each timer interrupt, management of execution and suspension of the special symbol game, control of the big hit game state and small hit game state, control of the game state, etc. are realized (details later).

Following the special symbol process, the normal symbol process is executed (step S26). By the CPU 103 executing normal symbol process processing for each timer interrupt, management of execution and suspension of the normal symbol game based on the detection signal from the gate switch 21 (based on the game ball passing through the passage gate 41), It is possible to control the opening of the variable winning ball device 6B based on the "normal game hit". The execution of the normal pattern game is performed by driving the normal pattern display device 20, and the normal pattern reservation number is displayed by lighting the normal pattern reservation display device 25C.

After executing the normal symbol process processing, as part of the game control timer interrupt processing, processing when power failure occurs, processing for paying out prize balls, and the like may be performed. After that, the CPU 103 executes command control processing (step S27). The CPU 103 may transmit and set an effect control command in each of the processes described above. In the command control process of step S27, a process of transmitting the effect control command set for transmission to the sub-side control board such as the effect control board 12 is performed. After executing the command control process, after permitting the interrupt, the game control timer interrupt process is terminated.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of the process executed in step S25 shown in FIG. 4 as the special symbol process process. In this special symbol process process, the CPU 103 first executes a starting winning determination process (step S101).

In the starting winning determination process, the occurrence of starting winning is detected, and the process of storing the pending information in a predetermined area of the RAM 102 and updating the pending storage number is executed. When a starting prize is generated, a random number value for determining the display result (including the jackpot type) and the variation pattern is extracted and stored as pending information. Further, based on the extracted random number value, a process of prefetching and judging a display result or a variation pattern may be executed. After storing the pending information and the number of pending memories, the transmission setting for transmitting the effect control command for designating the determination result such as the generation of the start winning, the number of pending memories, and the prefetch determination to the effect control board 12 is performed. . The effect control command at the time of starting winning thus set to be transmitted is transmitted from the main board 11 to the effect control board 12 by, for example, executing the command control process of step S27 shown in FIG. is transmitted to

After executing the starting prize determination process in S101, the CPU 103 selects and executes one of the processes of steps S110 to S120 according to the value of the special figure process flag provided in the RAM102. In addition, in each process (steps S110 to S120) of the special symbol process process, transmission setting for transmitting the effect control command corresponding to each process to the effect control board 12 is performed.

The special symbol normal process of step S110 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "0" (initial value). In this special symbol normal process, it is determined whether or not to start the first special symbol game or the second special symbol game based on the presence or absence of pending information. In addition, in the special symbol normal processing, based on the random number value for determining the display result, whether or not the display result of the special symbol or the decorative symbol is a "big hit" or "small hit", and the type of the big hit in the case of "big hit". is determined (predetermined) before the display result is derived and displayed. Furthermore, in the special symbol normal process, a fixed special symbol (any one of a big hit symbol, a small winning symbol, or a losing symbol) to be stopped and displayed in the special symbol game is set according to the determined display result. After that, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "1", and the special symbol normal process ends. In addition, the special figure game using the second special figure may be executed with priority over the special figure game using the first special figure (also called special figure 2 priority digestion). Also, the winning order of the game balls to the first start winning opening and the second starting winning opening may be stored, and the condition for starting the special game may be established in the order of winning (also called winning order).

When making various decisions based on random numbers, various tables stored in the ROM 101 (tables in which decision values to be compared with random numbers are assigned to decision results) are referred to. Other decisions on the main board 11 and various decisions on the effect control board 12 are the same. Various tables are stored in the ROM 121 of the effect control board 12 .

The variation pattern setting process of step S111 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "1". In this variation pattern setting process, one of a plurality of variation patterns is selected using random numbers for determining the variation pattern based on the result of pre-determination as to whether the display result is a "big hit" or a "small hit." including the process of determining In the variation pattern setting process, when the variation pattern is determined, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "2", and the variation pattern setting process ends.

The variation pattern is the execution time of the special game (special figure fluctuation time) (also the execution time of variable display of decorative patterns), the form of variable display of decorative patterns (whether or not there is a reach, etc.), and the variable display of decorative patterns. It specifies the content of the production (type of reach production, etc.), and is also called a variable display pattern.

The special symbol variation process of step S112 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "2". This special symbol variation processing includes a process of setting for varying the special symbols in the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B, and the elapsed time after the special symbol starts to vary. It includes processing to measure Also, it is determined whether or not the measured elapsed time has reached the special figure variation time corresponding to the variation pattern. Then, when the elapsed time from the start of the special symbol variation reaches the special symbol variation time, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated to "3", and the special symbol variation processing ends.

The special symbol stop processing of step S113 is executed when the value of the special symbol process flag is "3". In this special symbol stop processing, the first special symbol display device 4A and the second special symbol display device 4B stop the variation of the special symbol, and stop display (derivate) the fixed special symbol which is the display result of the special symbol. It includes a process to set for Then, when the display result is "big hit", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "4". On the other hand, when the big hit flag is off and the display result is "small hit", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "8". Moreover, when the display result is "losing", the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0". When the display result is "small hit" or "losing", when it is controlled to the time saving state or the probability variable state, and when the end of the number cut is established, the game state is also updated. When the value of the special figure process flag is updated, the special symbol stop processing ends.

The jackpot opening preprocessing of step S114 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "4". This jackpot opening pre-processing includes processing for making settings for starting the execution of the round in the jackpot game state and opening the jackpot, based on the fact that the display result is "jackpot". is When opening the big winning opening, a process of supplying a solenoid driving signal to the solenoid 82 for the big winning opening door is executed. At this time, for example, an upper limit opening period for opening the big winning opening and an upper limit execution number of rounds are set according to the type of the jackpot. When these settings are completed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "5", and the big hit opening pretreatment is completed.

The process during jackpot opening of step S115 is performed when the value of a special figure process flag is "5". In this process during the opening of the big win, there is a process of measuring the elapsed time from opening the big winning hole, and based on the measured elapsed time and the number of game balls detected by the count switch 23, the big winning hole is counted. It includes processing for determining whether or not it is time to return from the open state to the closed state. Then, when returning the large winning opening to the closed state, after executing processing such as stopping the supply of the solenoid drive signal to the solenoid 82 for the large winning opening door, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "6", The process during jackpot opening is terminated.

The jackpot opening post-processing of step S116 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "6". This jackpot opening post-processing includes processing for determining whether or not the number of executions of rounds in which the jackpot is opened has reached a set upper limit number of executions, and processing for judging whether or not the number of executions of rounds in which the jackpot is opened has reached a set upper limit number of executions. It includes processing to make settings for terminating . Then, when the number of executions of the round has not reached the upper limit number of executions, the value of the special process flag is updated to "5", while when the number of executions of the round reaches the upper limit number of executions, the special process flag The value is updated to "7". When the value of the special figure process flag is updated, the jackpot release post-processing ends.

The jackpot end processing of step S117 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "7". This jackpot end processing includes a process of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to a period in which an ending production is executed as a production operation for notifying the end of the jackpot game state, and a probability change corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state. It includes processing for performing various settings for starting control and time saving control. When such setting is performed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0", and the jackpot ending process ends.

Small hit opening pretreatment of step S118 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "8". This small hit opening pre-processing includes a process of setting to open the big winning opening in the small win game state based on the display result being "small win". At this time, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "9", and the small hit opening preprocessing ends.

Small hit during opening processing of step S119 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "9". In this process during opening of the small prize, there is a process of measuring the elapsed time from opening the big winning opening, and the timing of returning the big winning opening from the open state to the closed state based on the measured elapsed time. It includes processing for determining whether or not When the big winning opening is returned to the closed state and the end timing of the small winning game state comes, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "10", and the small winning open processing is ended.

Small hit end processing of step S120 is executed when the value of the special figure process flag is "10". This small-hit end processing includes processing of waiting until a waiting time corresponding to the period in which the performance operation for informing the end of the small-hit game state is executed elapses. Here, when the small winning game state ends, the game state in the pachinko game machine 1 before entering the small winning game state is continued. When the waiting time at the end of the small winning game state has passed, the value of the special figure process flag is updated to "0", and the small winning end processing ends.

(Major operations of production control board 12)
Next, main operations in the effect control board 12 will be described. In the effect control board 12, when the power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply board or the like, the effect control CPU 120 is activated, and the effect control main processing as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 is executed. When the production control main processing shown in FIG. Perform register setting of the mounted CTC (counter/timer circuit). Also, an initial operation control process is executed (step S72). In the initial motion control process, control for initial motion of the movable body 32, such as control for driving the movable body 32 to return it to the initial position and control for confirming a predetermined motion, is executed.

After that, it is determined whether or not the timer interrupt flag is turned on (step S73). The timer interrupt flag is set to ON every time a predetermined time (for example, 2 milliseconds) elapses based on, for example, the CTC register setting. At this time, if the timer interrupt flag is off (step S73; No), the process of step S73 is repeated and waits.

Also, on the side of the effect control board 12, an interrupt for receiving the effect control command from the main board 11 is generated in addition to the timer interrupt that occurs each time a predetermined time elapses. This interrupt is an interrupt generated when, for example, the effect control INT signal from the main substrate 11 is turned on. When an interrupt occurs due to the effect control INT signal being turned on, the effect control CPU 120 automatically sets interrupt prohibition, but when using a CPU that does not automatically enter an interrupt prohibition state, interrupt It is desirable to issue a prohibition instruction (DI instruction). The effect control CPU 120 executes, for example, a predetermined command reception interrupt process in response to the interruption caused by the effect control INT signal being turned on. In this command reception interrupt process, the effect control command is taken in from a predetermined input port for receiving the control signal transmitted from the main board 11 via the relay board 15 among the input ports included in the I/O 125 . The effect control command taken in at this time is stored in the effect control command reception buffer provided in the RAM 122, for example. After that, the effect control CPU 120 ends the command reception interrupt process after setting the interrupt permission.

If the timer interrupt flag is ON at step S73 (step S73; Yes), the timer interrupt flag is cleared to be turned off (step S74), and command analysis processing is executed (step S75). In the command analysis process, for example, after reading various effect control commands that are transmitted from the game control microcomputer 100 of the main board 11 and stored in the effect control command reception buffer, the read effect control command Corresponding settings and controls are performed. For example, the read production control command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122, or the read production control command is stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 so that the content specified by the production control command can be confirmed by the production control process processing or the like. It turns on the provided reception flag. Further, when the effect control command specifies the game state, the display control unit 123 may be instructed to display a background corresponding to the game state.

After executing the command analysis process in step S75, the effect control process process is executed (step S76). In the effect control process processing, for example, the display operation of the effect image in the display area of the image display device 5, the sound output operation from the speakers 8L and 8R, the lighting operation of the decorative light emitters such as the game effect lamp 9 and the decorative LED, and the movable body 32 Control to operate various production devices such as driving operation of is performed. Further, determination, determination, setting, and the like are performed according to the effect control command and the like transmitted from the main substrate 11 regarding the control contents of the effect operation using various effect devices.

Random number update processing for production|presentation is performed following the production|presentation control process processing of step S76 (step S77), and at least one part of the random number for production|presentation used by the production|presentation control board 12 side is updated by software. After that, the process returns to step S73. Other processing may be performed before returning to the processing of step S73.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of processing executed in step S76 of FIG. 6 as the effect control process processing. In the effect control process shown in FIG. 7, the effect control CPU 120 first executes a pre-reading notice setting process (step S161). In the pre-reading notice setting process, for example, based on the effect control command at the time of start winning transmitted from the main substrate 11, determination, determination, setting, etc. for executing the pre-reading notice effect are performed. Also, a process for displaying a pending display is executed based on the number of pending memories specified from the effect control command.

After executing the process of step S161, the effect control CPU 120 selects and executes one of the processes of steps S170 to S177 as described below according to the value of the effect process flag provided in the RAM 122, for example.

The variable display start waiting process in step S170 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "0" (initial value). This variable display start waiting process is a process of determining whether or not to start variable display of decorative patterns on the image display device 5 based on whether or not a command designating the start of variable display has been received from the main substrate 11. and so on. When it is determined to start the variable display of the decoration pattern on the image display device 5, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "1", and the variable display start waiting process is terminated.

The variable display start setting process in step S171 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "1". In this variable display start setting process, based on the display result and the variation pattern specified by the effect control command, the display result of the variable display of the decorative pattern (determined decorative pattern), the form of the variable display of the decorative pattern, the ready-to-win effect, and various other Whether or not to execute various effects such as advance notice effects, its mode, execution start timing, etc. are determined. Then, an effect control pattern (collection of control data for instructing the display control unit 123 to execute the effect) reflecting the determination result or the like is set. After that, based on the set effect control pattern, the display control unit 123 is instructed to start execution of variable display of decorative symbols, the value of the effect process flag is updated to "2", and the variable display start setting process is terminated. The display control unit 123 causes the image display device 5 to start variable display of the decorative design in response to an instruction to start execution of variable display of the decorative design.

The effect process during variable display in step S172 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "2". In this variable display effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 instructs the display control unit 123 to display the effect image based on the effect control pattern set in step S171 on the display screen of the image display device 5. , driving the movable body 32, outputting voices and sound effects from the speakers 8L and 8R by outputting commands (sound effect signals) to the voice control board 13, and outputting commands (illumination signals) to the lamp control board 14. Various effects are controlled during the variable display of decorative patterns, such as turning on/off/blinking the game effect lamp 9 and decorative LEDs by output. After performing such effect control, for example, an end code indicating the end of the variable display of the decorative pattern is read from the effect control pattern, or a command designating to stop display of the fixed decorative pattern is received from the main board 11. Corresponding to the fact that the player has done so, the fixed decoration pattern which becomes the display result of the decoration pattern is stopped and displayed. When the fixed decoration pattern is stopped and displayed, the value of the production process flag is updated to "3", and the production process during variable display ends.

The special figure per waiting process of step S173 is a process executed when the value of the production process flag is "3". In this special figure hit waiting process, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not an effect control command designating the start of the big hit game state or the small hit game state is received from the main substrate 11 . Then, when receiving the production control command designating the start of the jackpot game state or the small hit game state, if the command designates the start of the jackpot game state, the value of the production process flag is set to "6". ”. On the other hand, if the command designates the start of the small-hit game state, the value of the production process flag is updated to "4", which is the value corresponding to the small-hit production process. Also, when the waiting time for receiving the command has passed without receiving a command designating the start of the big win game state or the small win game state, it is determined that the display result in the special figure game was "losing". Then, the value of the production process flag is updated to "0" which is the initial value. When the value of the production process flag is updated, the special figure per waiting process is terminated.

The production process during the small hit of step S174 is a process executed when the value of the production control process flag is "4". In this small-hit mid-performance process, the performance control CPU 120 sets, for example, a performance control pattern corresponding to the performance content in the small-hit game state, and executes various performance controls in the small-hit game state based on the set content. . Further, in the small-hit middle production process, for example, in response to receiving a command designating to end the small-hit game state from the main board 11, the value of the production process flag is set to a value corresponding to the small-hit end production. It is updated to a certain "5", and the effect processing during the small hit is ended.

The small hit end production process of step S175 is a process executed when the value of the production control process flag is "5". In this small hit end effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, an effect control pattern corresponding to the end of the small win game state, etc., and various effect control at the end of the small win game state based on the setting content. to run. Thereafter, the value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value of "0", and the small winning end effect process is terminated.

The effect process during the big hit in step S176 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "6". In this big-hit production process, the production control CPU 120 sets, for example, production control patterns corresponding to the production contents in the big-hit game state, and executes various production controls in the big-hit game state based on the set contents. Also, in the big-hit production process, for example, in response to receiving a command designating to end the big-hit game state from the main board 11, the value of the production control process flag is changed to a value corresponding to the ending production process. 7", and the effect processing during the big hit is finished.

The ending effect process of step S177 is a process executed when the value of the effect process flag is "7". In this ending effect processing, the effect control CPU 120 sets, for example, effect control patterns corresponding to the end of the jackpot game state, etc., and controls various effects of the ending effect at the end of the jackpot game state based on the set contents. Run. After that, the value of the effect process flag is updated to the initial value of "0", and the ending effect process is terminated.

(Modified example of basic explanation)
The present invention is not limited to the pachinko game machine 1 described in the basic description above, and various modifications and applications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The pachinko gaming machine 1 described in the above basic description is a payout type gaming machine that pays out a predetermined number of game media as prizes based on the occurrence of winning, but the game media are enclosed and points are awarded based on the occurrence of winning. It may be an enclosed game machine.

Only one type of pattern (for example, a symbol indicating "-") is displayed during the variable display of the special pattern, and the variable display may be performed by repeating the display and extinguishing of the relevant pattern. Further, even if the pattern is displayed during the variable display, the pattern may not be displayed when the variable display is stopped (the symbol indicating "-" may not be displayed as a display result).

In the above basic explanation, the pachinko gaming machine 1 is shown as the gaming machine, but medals are inserted to set a predetermined number of bets. A slot machine capable of executing a game (for example, a big bonus , regular bonus, RT, AT, ART, and CZ (hereinafter referred to as a slot machine equipped with one or more bonuses, etc.).

The program and data for realizing the present invention are not limited to being distributed/provided on a detachable recording medium to a computer device or the like included in the pachinko game machine 1. It may be distributed by being installed in a storage device possessed by the software. Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention can be distributed by being downloaded from another device on the network connected via a communication line or the like by providing a communication processing unit. I don't mind.

The game can be executed not only by inserting a detachable recording medium, but also by temporarily storing the program and data downloaded via a communication line in an internal memory or the like. Alternatively, it may be directly executed using hardware resources of other devices on a network connected via a communication line or the like. Furthermore, the game may be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

In this specification, expressions for comparing various ratios such as the execution ratio of effects (expressions such as “high”, “low”, “different”) indicate that one is a ratio of “0%”. may contain. For example, the ratio of one is "0%" and the other is "100%" or less than "100%".

(Description on Characteristic Portion 068AK)
The characteristic portion 068AK will be described below.

(First embodiment)
In the characteristic portion 068AK, the speakers 8L and 8R as sound output means are configured to be capable of outputting BGM sounds indicating BGM (Background Music). In the present embodiment, BGM sound as a predetermined sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R at a preset first volume during the period in which the variable display is performed.

The characterizing part 068AK is configured to be able to execute a dialogue announcement effect suggesting that the display result of the variable display being executed is "big win" and that the player may be controlled to a big win game state as an advantageous state. there is In the dialogue announcement effect as the specific effect, the dialogue sound indicating the character's dialogue is output from the speakers 8L and 8R at a preset second volume. In this embodiment, the first volume is lower than the second volume.

The characteristic part 068AK is configured to be capable of executing a ducking process for limiting the output of the BGM sound when the dialogue sound is output while the BGM sound is being output.

FIG. 8-1 shows changes in the volume of dialogue voice and BGM voice during execution of the ducking process with respect to the characteristic portion 068AK.

As shown in FIG. 8-1, in this embodiment, when dialogue sound is output at the second volume V2, the ducking process is executed, the volume of the BGM sound is controlled to "0", and the speaker 8L is turned on. , 8R stops outputting the BGM sound (does not output the BGM sound), thereby limiting the output of the BGM sound.

In the characteristic part 068AK, by executing the ducking process when the dialogue sound is output in a state where the BGM sound is being output, the dialogue sound becomes difficult to hear because it is disturbed by the BGM sound, and the production effect of the dialogue announcement production is improved. It suppresses the decline and suppresses the decline in gaming interest. In other words, by executing the ducking process, the lines are made easier to hear, the effect of the line announcement effect is improved, and the amusement of the game is improved.

As shown in FIG. 8-1, when the ducking process ends, the volume of the BGM sound controlled to "0" in the ducking process is changed to the first volume V1 which is the volume of the BGM sound when the ducking process is not executed. By controlling to , control for ending (releasing) the restriction on the output of the BGM sound is performed.

In the present embodiment, in the dialogue announcement effect, the first dialogue sound and the second dialogue sound as dialogue sounds are output from the speakers 8L and 8R at the second volume V2. Specifically, in the dialogue announcement effect, the first dialogue sound as the first sound is output, and a preset blank period (for example, 6 seconds) has passed after the output of the first dialogue sound is completed. After that, the second dialogue voice is output as the second sound. During the blank period as the predetermined period, no dialogue sound is output.

FIG. 8-2 shows changes in the volumes of the dialogue sound and the BGM sound during the execution of the ducking process when the first dialogue sound and the second dialogue sound are output in the dialogue preview effect with respect to the characteristic portion 068AK.

FIG. 8-2 shows a case in which the ducking process is executed when the first dialogue sound is output and when the second dialogue sound is output, while the ducking process is not executed during the blank period. It shows the transition of the volume of the BGM sound. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8-2, in the blank period from the end of the output of the first dialogue sound to the start of the output of the second dialogue sound (during execution of the dialogue announcement effect), the BGM sound There is a risk that the restriction will end, and the effect of the dialogue announcement effect will be impaired by the BGM sound. That is, in this case, in the dialog preview effect, after the first dialog sound is output, the BGM sound is output, and then the second dialog sound is output. There is a risk that the performance will be natural.

For this reason, in the characteristic portion 068AK, although details will be described later, the ducking process is executed when the first dialogue sound is output and when the second dialogue sound is output. By executing the processing, it is possible to prevent the performance effect of the speech announcement performance from being spoiled by the BGM sound, and to suppress the decrease in the interest in the game.

FIG. 8-3 is a configuration diagram showing the audio control board 13 with respect to the characteristic portion 068AK.

In this embodiment, the effect control CPU 120 directly controls the audio control board 13 without going through the display control unit 123 . The audio control board 13 as audio data output means outputs audio data for outputting audio to the speakers 8L and 8R and controls (drives) the speakers 8L and 8R under the control of the effect control CPU 120. The speakers 8L and 8R output sounds according to the audio data output by the audio control board 13 under the control of the audio control board 13. FIG.

The audio control board 13 includes an audio data ROM 131 , a decoder 132 and an output I/F (interface) 133 . Although illustration is omitted, the audio control board 13 includes various circuits for outputting sounds such as a sound source circuit for generating various sounds and a timing generation circuit for generating a clock signal for determining processing timing. ing.

The audio data ROM 131 stores compressed audio data for outputting various sounds that can be output by the speakers 8L and 8R. The pachinko machine 1 acquires each sound data generated by an external information processing device (for example, a PC (Personal Computer), etc.) from the external information processing device, and stores it in advance in the sound data ROM 131 in a compressed state. there is

Sound data for outputting one sound includes at least sound data indicating the one sound as sound data (indicating sound) corresponding to a sound state in which sound is output. As will be described later, in the present embodiment, part of the audio data stored in the audio data ROM 131 includes voiced data and silent data corresponding to a silent state in which no sound is output (no sound). contains. In the silent state, at least the first dialogue sound, the second dialogue sound, the BGM sound and the later-described dummy sound are not output.

In the present embodiment, the audio data ROM 131 stores dialogue audio data, which is audio data for outputting first dialogue audio and second dialogue audio as dialogue audio, and BGM, which is audio data for outputting BGM audio. At least audio data and BGM audio data, which is audio data for outputting dummy audio, are stored. The audio data ROM 131 can output the audio data together with the speakers 8L and 8R. It stores voice data for outputting a warning sound, etc.).

A dummy sound as a special sound is an inaudible sound that is difficult or impossible for a player to recognize. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the dummy sound is an ultrasonic wave as inaudible sound. Ultrasound is sound having a frequency higher than the human audible range (sound having a frequency higher than 16 kHz to 20 kHz, which is the upper limit of the frequency of sound that can be heard by the human ear). In this embodiment, the frequency of the dummy voice is 25 kHz.

The decoder 132 reads the compressed audio data from the audio data ROM 131 and decodes (decodes, decompresses) the read audio data under the control of the effect control CPU 120 . Decoder 132 outputs the decoded audio data using the playback channel. In this embodiment, the decoder 132 has 32 reproduction channels (reproduction channel 0 to reproduction channel 31). The audio control board 13 controls the volume of each reproduction channel (the volume of audio data output using each reproduction channel) by outputting a command to each reproduction channel according to the control by the performance control CPU 120. do.

The output I/F 133 mixes the audio data output from each reproduction channel of the decoder 132, converts the mixed audio data into analog audio data, amplifies the analog audio data, and outputs the amplified analog audio data to the speaker. Output to 8L and 8R.

FIG. 8-4(a) shows the correspondence relationship between the type of audio data and the reproduction channel used for outputting the audio data with respect to the characteristic portion 068AK.

As shown in FIG. 8-4(a), dialogue audio data is output using playback channel 0 as the first channel, and dummy audio data is output using playback channel 1 as the second channel. be done. BGM audio data is output using reproduction channel 2 and reproduction channel 3 . In the present embodiment, playback channel 2 and playback channel 3 are paired, and by outputting BGM audio data using playback channel 2 and playback channel 3, BGM audio can be output as stereo audio. In the present embodiment, when dialogue audio data is output using reproduction channel 0 as a single reproduction channel, the first dialogue audio and the second dialogue audio as dialogue audio are reproduced from the dialogue audio data By outputting from both the speaker 8L and the speaker 8R based on the above, the player recognizes the first dialogue sound and the second dialogue sound as stereo sound.

A plurality of audio data output using different playback channels can be output simultaneously. For example, dialogue audio data output using playback channel 0, dummy audio data output using playback channel 1, and BGM audio data output using playback channels 2 and 3. , can be output simultaneously. With such a configuration, it is possible to output various sounds in which a plurality of sounds are mixed. Further, by fixing the reproduction channel used for outputting audio data according to the type of audio data, it is possible to prevent the sounds from interfering with each other.

FIG. 8-4(b) is a schematic diagram showing volume control of each playback channel with respect to the characteristic portion 068AK.

As shown in FIG. 8-4(b), the audio control board 13 executes the ducking process when dialogue audio data is output using the playback channel 0 according to the control by the effect control CPU 120. By outputting the second audio output command to reproduction channel 0 regardless of whether it is the ducking period or not, the volume of reproduction channel 0 is controlled to the second volume V2, and the first dialogue sound and the second dialogue sound are output. The sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R at the second volume V2.

The audio control board 13, under the control of the effect control CPU 120, sends a mute command to the reproduction channel 1 when the dummy audio data is being output using the reproduction channel 1, regardless of whether it is a ducking period or not. By outputting, the volume of the reproduction channel 1 is controlled to "0", and the dummy sound output by the speakers 8L and 8R is stopped.

The audio control board 13 controls the volume of the reproduction channel 2 and the reproduction channel 3 to "0" by outputting a mute command to the reproduction channel 2 and the reproduction channel 3 in the ducking period according to the control by the effect control CPU 120. , stops outputting the BGM sound from the speakers 8L and 8R.

On the other hand, the audio control board 13, under the control of the effect control CPU 120, outputs the first audio output command to the reproduction channel during the period when the BGM audio data other than the ducking period is being output using the reproduction channel 2 and the reproduction channel 3. 2 and reproduction channel 3, the volume of reproduction channel 2 and reproduction channel 3 is controlled to the first volume V1, and the BGM sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R at the first volume V1.

FIG. 8-5 shows changes in the volume of dialogue voices and BGM voices when the ducking process is executed when dummy voice data is output with respect to the characteristic portion 068AK.

As shown in FIG. 8-5, the dialogue audio data output using playback channel 0 includes audio data representing the first dialogue audio and audio data representing the second dialogue audio as sound data. .

As described above, the audio control board 13 controls the volume of the reproduction channel 0 to the second volume V2 when the dialogue audio data is output using the reproduction channel 0. FIG. With this configuration, when the decoder 132 outputs the audio data representing the first line sound using the playback channel 0, the speakers 8L and 8R output the first line sound at the second volume V2. , the speakers 8L and 8R output the second speech sound at the second volume V2 when the audio data representing the second speech speech is output by the decoder 132 using the reproduction channel 0.

The dialogue voice data is generated during a period in which neither the first dialogue voice nor the second dialogue voice is output, including a blank period (the period during which neither the voice data indicating the first voice voice nor the voice data indicating the second voice voice is output). Sound data to be output includes silent data. When silence data is output by decoder 132 using playback channel 0, speakers 8L and 8R output no sound.

The dummy audio data output using the reproduction channel 1 includes audio data representing dummy audio as sound data. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8-5, the period from the start of the output of the first line voice including the blank period until the end of the output of the second line voice (the voice indicating the first line voice) During the period from the start of data output until the end of output of audio data representing the second line audio, audio data representing the dummy audio is output. The dummy voice data includes silence data as voice data output during a period other than the period from the start of the output of the first line voice including the blank period until the end of the output of the second line voice.

As described above, the audio control board 13 controls the volume of the reproduction channel 1 to "0" when the dummy audio data is output using the reproduction channel 1, and outputs the dummy audio from the speakers 8L and 8R. Stop the output. That is, while the audio control board 13 is outputting audio data representing dummy audio, the speakers 8L and 8R do not output the dummy audio.

The BGM audio data output using reproduction channel 2 and reproduction channel 3 contain audio data indicating BGM audio as sound data, but do not contain silence data.

In the characteristic part 068AK, the ducking process is executed in the sound period in which the sound data output by the sound control board 13 using the reproduction channel 0 and the reproduction channel 1 includes the sound data, and the BGM sound is output. On the other hand, during a silent period in which the audio data output by the audio control board 13 using the reproduction channel 0 and the reproduction channel 1 does not contain sound data, the ducking process is not executed and the BGM sound is output. No restrictions.

That is, during the sound period, at least one of the audio data output by the audio control board 13 using the reproduction channel 0 and the audio data output by the audio control board 13 using the reproduction channel 1 is sound data. is the period. On the other hand, in the silent period, both the audio data output by the audio control board 13 using the reproduction channel 0 and the audio data output by the audio control board 13 using the reproduction channel 1 are silent data. period.

A period during which the audio data indicating the first line voice as sound data is output using the reproduction channel 0, and the reproduction channel 0 is used for the sound data indicating the second line sound as the voice data. The periods and are sound periods, and the ducking process is executed in these periods. That is, the ducking process is executed when the first line sound is being output and when the second line sound is being output, and the output of the BGM sound is restricted. A period during which audio data indicating dummy audio as sound data is output using the reproduction channel 1 is a sound period, during which ducking processing is performed and output of BGM sound is restricted. As described above, in the characteristic portion 068AK, audio data representing dummy audio is output during the blank period. According to such a configuration, the output of the BGM sound is restricted when the first line sound is being output and when the second line sound is being output, and the output of the first line sound is finished. The output of the BGM voice is restricted in the blank period from the start of the play until the output of the second speech voice is started, and the deterioration of the performance effect of the speech advance notice presentation by the BGM voice is suppressed to reduce the interest in the game. can be suppressed.

As described above, when the audio control board 13 is outputting audio data representing dummy audio, the speakers 8L and 8R do not output the dummy audio. According to such a configuration, since the dummy sound is not output, it is possible to prevent the performance effect of the speech announcement effect from being spoiled by the dummy sound, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

Note that, as described above, the dummy sound is non-audible sound. According to such a configuration, it is difficult or impossible for the player to recognize the dummy sound. Also in the above, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the game interest by suppressing the performance effect of the speech announcement performance from being spoiled by the dummy sound.

In the present embodiment, as described above, during the period from the start of the output of the first line voice including the blank period until the end of the output of the second line voice, the voice data representing the dummy voice is output, Ducking processing is executed in this period as the sound period. According to such a configuration, the BGM sound is output during the period from the start of the output of the first line sound to the end of the output of the second line sound including the blank period in which the sound data representing the dummy sound is output. By limiting the output, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance effect of the speech announcement performance by the BGM sound, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

In the characteristic part 068AK, the ducking process is started before the start of the sound period by a preset introduction period (for example, 3 seconds), and the restriction of the output of the BGM sound is started. According to such a configuration, it is possible to limit the output of the BGM sound in a manner in accordance with the speech announcement effect, thereby suppressing the decline in the interest in the game.

In the present embodiment, as the second period, rather than the timing at which the output of the first dialogue voice is started (the timing at which the output of audio data indicating the first dialogue voice is started) as the timing at which the sound period starts The ducking process is started from before the introduction period of , and the restriction on the output of the BGM sound is started.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8-5, the control for gradually decreasing the volume of the BGM sound from the first volume V1 is applied to the first line as the timing at which the sound period starts. The sound output is started at the timing before the introduction period, and the volume of the BGM sound is controlled to "0" at the timing when the sound period is started.

In the characteristic part 068AK, the ducking process is continued until a preset end period (for example, 3 seconds) elapses after the end of the sound period, and the restriction on the output of the BGM sound is continued. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the BGM sound from spoiling the lingering effect of the dialogue announcement effect, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

In the present embodiment, the end period as the first period extends from the timing at which the output of the second speech voice ends (the timing at which the output of the audio data representing the second speech voice ends) as the timing at which the sound period ends. The ducking process continues until the time elapses, and the output of the BGM sound continues to be restricted.

Specifically, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8-5, the control for gradually increasing the volume of the BGM sound from "0" is performed at the timing of the end of the sound period of the second dialogue sound. It starts at the timing when the output ends, and at the timing when the end period has passed from the timing when the output of the second speech voice ends, the volume of the BGM voice is controlled to the first volume V1, and the restriction on the output of the BGM voice ends.

As described above, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8-5, as a ducking period, after the end of the sound period from the timing before the introduction period before the start of the sound period, The period until the end period has passed (the period from the timing before the start of the output of the first line voice by the introductory period to the timing after the second line voice output ends and the end period has passed) , the ducking process is executed to limit the output of the BGM sound.

FIG. 8-6 is a flow chart showing an example of the ducking setting process regarding the characteristic portion 068AK.

In this embodiment, the ducking setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8-6 is executed in the variable display start setting process of step S171. In the variable display start setting process, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not to execute the speech announcement effect prior to executing the ducking setting process, and stores the determination result in a predetermined area of the RAM 122 in advance.

Specifically, the effect control CPU 120 refers to an execution determination table prepared in advance, and determines whether or not to execute the dialogue announcement effect depending on whether or not the display result of the variable display is a "big hit". do. The display result of the variable display may be specified based on the variable display result notification command, which is transmitted from the main board 11 and indicates the display result of the variable display. In the present embodiment, when the display result of the variable display is "big hit", it is decided to execute the dialogue announcement performance at a higher rate than when the display result of the variable display is other than "big hit". Therefore, when the speech announcement effect is executed, the big win expectation is higher than when the speech announcement effect is not executed (controlled to the big win game state at a high rate). According to such a configuration, it is possible to make the player pay attention to whether or not the speech announcement effect is executed, thereby improving the game interest.

In the variable display start setting process, when it is decided to execute the dialog preview effect, the execution setting of the dialog preview effect is performed, and the dialog preview effect period during which the dialog preview effect is executed, the effect mode of the dialog preview effect, etc. are set. be done.

When the ducking setting process shown in the flow chart of FIG. 8-6 is started, the effect control CPU 120 first determines whether or not it is determined in the variable display start setting process that the speech announcement effect is to be executed (step 068AKS101). When it is determined that execution of the dialog preview effect is not decided (step 068AKS101; No), the effect control CPU 120 determines not to execute the ducking process (step 068AKS108).

On the other hand, when it is determined in the variable display start setting process that the speech advance notice effect is to be executed (step 068AKS101; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 controls the audio control board 13 to use the reproduction channel 0 and the reproduction channel 1. The voice data to be output at step 068 is obtained from the voice data ROM 131 (step 068AKS102). Specifically, in the process of step 068AKS102, the effect control CPU 120 controls the audio control board 13 to output dialogue audio data using reproduction channel 0 and dummy audio data output using reproduction channel 1. voice data are obtained from the voice data ROM 131 .

The effect control CPU 120 detects silence data and sound data from the audio data output using the reproduction channel 0 and the reproduction channel 1 acquired at step 068AKS102 (step 068AKS103). Specifically, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not the amplitude indicated by the audio data is equal to or greater than a predetermined determination threshold value in the process of step 068AKS103, and it is determined that the amplitude is greater than or equal to the determination threshold value. Voice data is detected as voice data, and voice data determined to exhibit an amplitude smaller than a determination threshold value is detected as silent data. The determination threshold is set in advance by an arbitrary method such as an experiment.

In the processing of step 068AKS103, as shown in FIG. is detected as voice data, and voice data output during a period in which neither the first line voice nor the second line voice including a blank period is output is detected as silent data. do. That is, in the present embodiment, the first and second speech sounds have amplitudes equal to or greater than the determination threshold. Further, in the processing of step 068AKS103, as shown in FIG. 8-5, audio data representing dummy audio is detected as active data from dummy audio data output using reproduction channel 1, and a blank period is detected. A case will be described using an example in which voice data output during a period other than the period from the start of the output of the first line voice containing . That is, in this embodiment, the dummy voice has an amplitude equal to or greater than the determination threshold.

Returning to FIG. 8-6, after executing the process of step 068AKS103, the effect control CPU 120 detects the silent period and the sound period based on the detection result of the silent data and the sound data in the process of step 068AKS103 ( step 068 AKS 104).

Specifically, in the process of step 068AKS104, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether speech data and dummy audio data output using reproduction channel 0 and reproduction channel 1 in one period contain sound data. If it is determined that voice data is included, the one period is detected as a voice period, and if it is determined that voice data is not included, the one period is detected as a silent period. To detect.

As described above, the ducking process is performed during the sound period and the output of the BGM sound is restricted, while the ducking process is not performed during the silent period and the output of the BGM sound is not restricted. That is, when it is determined that sound data is not included in audio data output using reproduction channel 0 and reproduction channel 1 in one period, and the one period is detected as a silent period, the BGM Do not limit audio output. As described above, in the present embodiment, audio data representing dummy audio as voiced data is output using reproduction channel 1 in the blank period.

According to such a configuration, neither the audio data indicating the first line sound nor the audio data indicating the second line sound is output, and in the blank period in which neither the first line sound nor the second line sound is output. , BGM audio output is not restricted (ducking processing is not executed) based on the fact that it is determined that audio data output using playback channel 0 and playback channel 1 does not contain sound data. , BGM sound can be prevented from impairing the production effect of the dialogue announcement production, and the deterioration of the interest in the game can be suppressed.

More specifically, in the process of step 068AKS104, the effect control CPU 120 outputs dialogue voice data using reproduction channel 0 in one period and output using reproduction channel 1 in the one period. It is determined whether at least one of the dummy voice data and the dummy voice data is voice data, and when it is determined that at least one of them is voice data, the one period is detected as a voice period, and both When it is determined to be silent data, the one period is detected as a silent period.

In the present embodiment, in the processing of step 068AKS104, as shown in FIG. 8-5, the period from the start of the output of the first line voice to the end of the output of the second line voice is detected as the sound period. A period other than this period is detected as a silent period.

Returning to FIG. 8-6, after executing the processing of step 068AKS104, the effect control CPU 120 determines whether or not at least one sound period is detected in the processing of step 068AKS104 (step 068AKS105). When it is determined that the sound period is not detected in the process of step 068AKS104 (step 068AKS105; No), the effect control CPU 120 determines not to execute the ducking process (step 068AKS108).

On the other hand, when it is determined that at least one or more sound periods have been detected in the process of step 068AKS104 (step 068AKS105; Yes), the effect control CPU 120 sets execution of the ducking process, and detects in the process of step 068AKS104. The detected silent period is set as a period during which the ducking process is not executed, and the ducking period is set according to the sound period detected in the process of step 068AKS104 (step 068AKS106). Specifically, in the process of step 068AKS106, the effect control CPU 120 ends after the sound period ends from the timing before the sound period starts by the introduction period, as shown in FIG. 8-5. The period until the timing when the period has passed is set as the ducking period.

Returning to FIG. 8-6, when it is determined that no sound period is detected in the process of step 068AKS104 (step 068AKS105; No), it is determined not to execute the ducking process (step 068AKS108), and at least one or more is detected in the process of step 068AKS104 (step 068AKS105; Yes), the silent period detected in the process of step 068AKS104 is set as a period during which the ducking process is not executed ( Step 068 (AKS106), the ducking process is not executed during the silent period, and the output of the BGM sound is not restricted.

After executing the process of step 068AKS106 or after executing the process of step 068AKS108, the effect control CPU 120 stores the determination result in a predetermined area of the RAM 122, for example (step 068AKS107), and ends the ducking setting process.

In the effect process during variable display in step S172, the dialogue announcement effect is executed and the ducking process is executed based on the determination in the variable display start setting process in step S171. That is, in the effect processing during variable display, when it is determined that it is the dialogue advance notice effect period set in the variable display start setting process, the control for executing the dialogue notice effect is executed, and the effect set in the ducking setting process is executed. The ducking process is performed when it is determined that it is the ducking period.

As described above, in the characteristic portion 068AK, the ducking process is performed when the first dialogue sound (first sound) is output and when the second dialogue sound (second sound) is output. is executed, and the output of BGM sound (predetermined sound) is restricted. In addition, in the characteristic portion 068AK, ducking processing is executed when audio data representing dummy audio (special audio) as sound data is being output using reproduction channel 1, and the output of BGM audio is restricted. be. Further, in the characteristic portion 068AK, during a blank period (predetermined period) from the end of the output of the first line sound until the start of the output of the second line sound, the sound data representing the dummy sound is output. According to such a configuration, the output of the BGM sound is restricted when the first line sound is being output and when the second line sound is being output, and the BGM sound is not output during the blank period. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the game interest by suppressing the performance effect of the speech announcement performance (specific performance) from being spoiled by the BGM sound.

Characteristic portion 068AK outputs audio data representing dummy audio during a period from the start of output of the first dialogue audio including the blank period to the end of the output of the second dialogue audio. According to such a configuration, the BGM sound is output during the period from the start of the output of the first line sound to the end of the output of the second line sound including the blank period in which the sound data representing the dummy sound is output. By limiting the output, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance effect of the speech announcement performance by the BGM sound, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

In the characteristic part 068AK, the speakers 8L and 8R do not output the dummy sound while the sound control board 13 is outputting the sound data representing the dummy sound. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the performance effect of the speech announcement effect from being spoiled by the dummy sound without outputting the dummy sound, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

At feature 068AK, the dummy sound is a non-audible sound that is difficult or impossible for the player to perceive. According to such a configuration, it is possible to make it difficult or impossible for the player to recognize the dummy voice, and it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance effect of the dialogue announcement performance by the dummy sound, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game. .

In the characteristic part 068AK, when it is determined that the voice data output using the reproduction channel 0 and the reproduction channel 1 in one period does not contain sound data, and the one period is detected as a silent period. Also, the output of BGM sound is not restricted. Further, in the characteristic portion 068AK, in the present embodiment, audio data indicating dummy audio as sound data is output using reproduction channel 1 in the blank period. According to such a configuration, neither the audio data indicating the first line sound nor the audio data indicating the second line sound is output, and in the blank period in which neither the first line sound nor the second line sound is output. , BGM audio output is not restricted (ducking processing is not executed) based on the fact that it is determined that audio data output using playback channel 0 and playback channel 1 does not contain sound data. , BGM sound can be prevented from impairing the production effect of the dialogue announcement production, and the deterioration of the interest in the game can be suppressed.

In the characteristic part 068AK, the ducking process is continued until the end period (first period) elapses from the timing when the output of the second line sound is finished as the timing when the sound period is finished, and the output of the BGM sound is continued to be restricted. do. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the BGM sound from spoiling the lingering effect of the dialogue announcement effect, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

In the characteristic part 068AK, the ducking process is started from the introduction period (second period) before the timing at which the output of the first line sound is started as the timing at which the sound period is started, and the output of the BGM sound is restricted. to start. According to such a configuration, it is possible to limit the output of the BGM sound in a manner in accordance with the speech announcement effect, thereby suppressing the decline in the interest in the game.

In the first embodiment described above, it is assumed that the audio data representing the dummy voice is output during the period from the start of the output of the first line voice until the end of the output of the second line voice. However, this is only an example, and it is possible to output audio data representing a dummy voice during any period including at least the period from the start of the output of the first line voice to the end of the output of the second line voice. can be done. For example, the output of the audio data indicating the dummy voice is started before the timing when the output of the first line sound is started, and the output of the second line sound is completed after the output of the first line sound is started. The audio data representing the dummy voice may be output during the period , and the audio data representing the dummy voice may be continued to be output until a predetermined period elapses after the output of the second line voice is completed.

In the above-described first embodiment, the dummy sound is described as non-audible sound. However, this is only an example, and the dummy sound may be an audible sound that is recognizable (easily recognizable) by the player. In this case, it is preferable to set the volume of reproduction channel 1 to "0" and stop the output of the dummy sound at least while the audio data representing the dummy sound is being output using reproduction channel 1. According to such a configuration, when the audio data indicating the audible sound as the dummy sound is being output using the reproduction channel 1, the dummy sound is not output, and the effect of the dialogue announcement effect is produced by the dummy sound. It is possible to suppress the damage and suppress the decline in the game interest.

In the first embodiment, when the audio data representing the dummy audio is being output using the reproduction channel 1, the volume of the reproduction channel 1 is set to "0" and the output of the dummy audio is stopped. described as being. However, this is only an example, and during the period when audio data representing dummy audio is being output using reproduction channel 1, the volume of reproduction channel 1 is set to a volume higher than "0" (eg, first volume V1, 2 (volume V2, etc.) may be set to output a dummy sound. In this case, the dummy sound is preferably non-audible sound. According to such a configuration, even if the dummy sound is output, it is difficult or impossible for the player to recognize the dummy sound, so that it is possible to prevent the dummy sound from impairing the performance effect of the dialog announcement effect. As a result, it is possible to suppress the decrease in interest in the game.

In the first embodiment described above, it is assumed that the dialogue voice data is output using reproduction channel 0 as a single reproduction channel. However, this is only an example, and the dialogue sound may be output as stereo sound by outputting the dialogue sound data using two paired reproduction channels. For example, dummy audio data may be output using a playback channel other than playback channel 1 (for example, playback channel 4), while dialog audio data may be output using paired playback channels 0 and 1. can be Alternatively, in the form of outputting dummy audio data using reproduction channel 1, dialogue audio data is output using reproduction channel 0 and reproduction channel 1 paired during a period in which no dummy audio data is output. You may do so.

By outputting dummy audio data using two playback channels that form a pair, the dummy audio may be output as stereo audio. For example, by outputting dialogue audio data using reproduction channel 0 and reproduction channel 1 that are paired, the dialogue audio is output as stereo sound, and two reproduction channels that are paired (for example, reproduction channel 4 and By outputting dummy audio data using the reproduction channel 5), the dummy audio may be output as stereo audio.

In the first embodiment, when the dialogue audio data is output using the reproduction channel 0 as a single reproduction channel, the first dialogue audio and the second dialogue audio as the dialogue audio are It has been described that the player recognizes the first and second dialogue sounds as stereo sounds by outputting them from both the speaker 8L and the speaker 8R based on the dialogue sound data. However, this is only an example, and the dialogue sound is output from only one of the speaker 8L and the speaker 8R based on the dialogue sound data output using the reproduction channel 0 as a single reproduction channel. By doing so, the dialogue sound may be output as a monaural sound.

(Second embodiment)
In the first embodiment described above, it is assumed that the audio data representing the dummy voice is output during the period from the start of the output of the first line voice including the blank period until the end of the output of the second line voice. did. However, this is only an example, and the dummy sound can be output during any period including at least the blank period. In the following, the feature part 068AK according to the second embodiment, in which the audio data representing the dummy audio is output during the blank period, but the audio data representing the dummy audio is not output during the period other than the blank period, will be described in the first embodiment. The description will focus on the difference from the characteristic portion 068AK according to the form of .

FIG. 8-7(a) shows the correspondence relationship between the type of audio data and the playback channel used to output the audio data with respect to the characteristic portion 068AK.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8-7(a), the decoder 132 outputs the BGM audio data using the reproduction channel 2 and the reproduction channel 3, and also outputs the BGM audio data stored in the audio data ROM 131. Dialog voice/dummy voice data is read, and the read voice/dummy voice data is output using reproduction channel 0 and reproduction channel 1. FIG.

The dialog voice/dummy voice data is voice data for outputting the first dialog voice and the second dialog voice as the dialog voice and the dummy voice. In the present embodiment, the dummy sound is ultrasound as inaudible sound. Further, in the present embodiment, reproduction channel 0 and reproduction channel 1 are paired, and by using reproduction channel 0 and reproduction channel 1 to output dialogue voice/dummy audio data, the first dialogue voice , the second dialogue sound and the dummy sound can be output as stereo sound.

FIG. 8-7(b) is a schematic diagram showing volume control of each playback channel with respect to the characteristic portion 068AK.

As shown in FIG. 8-7(b), the audio control board 13 follows the control of the effect control CPU 120, and when the dialogue audio/dummy audio data is output using the reproduction channel 0 and the reproduction channel 1, , by outputting the second audio output command to the reproduction channel 0 and the reproduction channel 1 regardless of whether it is the ducking period or not, the volume of the reproduction channel 0 and the reproduction channel 1 is controlled to the second volume V2, The first line sound, the second line sound, and the dummy sound are output from the speakers 8L and 8R at the second volume V2.

The audio control board 13 controls the volume of the reproduction channel 2 and the reproduction channel 3 to "0" by outputting a mute command to the reproduction channel 2 and the reproduction channel 3 in the ducking period according to the control by the effect control CPU 120. , stops outputting the BGM sound from the speakers 8L and 8R. On the other hand, the audio control board 13, under the control of the effect control CPU 120, outputs the first audio output command to the reproduction channel during the period when the BGM audio data other than the ducking period is being output using the reproduction channel 2 and the reproduction channel 3. 2 and reproduction channel 3, the volume of reproduction channel 2 and reproduction channel 3 is controlled to the first volume V1, and the BGM sound is output from the speakers 8L and 8R at the first volume V1.

FIG. 8-8 shows changes in the volume of speech and BGM voices during the ducking process when speech speech and dummy speech data are output with respect to the characteristic portion 068AK.

As shown in FIG. 8-8, dialogue voice/dummy audio data output using reproduction channel 0 and reproduction channel 1 includes audio data representing the first dialogue speech and second dialogue speech as sound data. It contains audio data indicating the dummy audio and audio data indicating the dummy audio.

Audio data representing dummy audio is output during the blank period, but is not output during periods other than the blank period. That is, a period in which the audio data indicating the first line voice is output and the first line voice is output, a period in which the audio data indicating the second line voice is output and the second line voice is output, does not output audio data representing dummy audio.

In the present embodiment, the period from the start of the output of the first line voice including the blank period to the end of the output of the second line voice is a sound period, during which the ducking process is performed, BGM audio output is restricted.

That is, a period during which audio data representing the first line voice as voice data is output, a period during which voice data representing the second line voice as voice data is output, and a dummy voice as the voice voice period are set. The blank period during which the audio data shown is output is both a sound period, and there is also a period from the start of the output of the first line sound to the end of the output of the second line sound including these periods. sound period.

According to such a configuration, the output of the BGM sound is restricted when the first line sound is being output and when the second line sound is being output, and the sound data representing the dummy sound is output. The output of the BGM sound is restricted in the blank period during which the game is played, and it is possible to prevent the BGM sound from impairing the performance effect of the dialogue announcement performance, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

As described above, the audio control board 13 sets the volume of the reproduction channel 0 and the reproduction channel 1 to the second volume V2 when the speech/dummy audio data is output using the reproduction channel 0 and the reproduction channel 1. to output the first dialogue sound, the second dialogue sound and the dummy sound to the speakers 8L and 8R at the second volume V2. That is, in the present embodiment, the speakers 8L and 8R output dummy sounds when audio data representing dummy sounds are being output. According to such a configuration, while outputting the dummy sound, the ducking process is executed to limit the output of the BGM sound, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the performance effect of the dialogue announcement performance by the BGM sound, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game. can suppress the decrease in

Note that, as described above, the dummy sound is non-audible sound. According to such a configuration, it is difficult or impossible for the player to recognize the dummy sound, and even in a state where the dummy sound is being output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the effect of the dialogue announcement effect is produced by the dummy sound. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the game interest by suppressing the loss of the game.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8-8, the timing at which the end period elapses after the end of the sound period from the timing before the start of the sound period as the ducking period by the introduction period. During the period up to , the ducking process is executed, and the output of the BGM sound is restricted.

As described above, in the characterizing portion 068AK according to the present embodiment, while outputting the audio data indicating the dummy audio during the blank period, the period during which the first dialogue audio is output and the second dialogue audio are output. The audio data representing the dummy audio is not output during and during the According to such a configuration, the output of the BGM sound is restricted when the first line sound is being output and when the second line sound is being output, and the sound data representing the dummy sound is output. The output of the BGM sound is restricted in the blank period during which the game is played, and it is possible to prevent the BGM sound from impairing the performance effect of the dialogue announcement performance, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

In the characteristic portion 068AK according to the present embodiment, the speakers 8L and 8R output dummy sounds when audio data indicating dummy sounds are being output. According to such a configuration, while outputting the dummy sound, the ducking process is executed to limit the output of the BGM sound, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the performance effect of the dialogue announcement performance by the BGM sound, thereby enhancing the enjoyment of the game. can suppress the decrease in

In the characterizing portion 068AK according to this embodiment, the dummy sound is non-audible sound. According to such a configuration, it is difficult or impossible for the player to recognize the dummy sound, and even in a state where the dummy sound is being output from the speakers 8L and 8R, the effect of the dialogue announcement effect is produced by the dummy sound. It is possible to suppress the deterioration of the game interest by suppressing the loss of the game.

In the above-described second embodiment, it is assumed that the audio data representing the first line voice, the audio data representing the second line voice, and the audio data representing the dummy voice are output using the same reproduction channel. did. However, this is only an example, and even if the audio data representing the first line voice, the audio data representing the second line voice, and the audio data representing the dummy voice are output using different reproduction channels, good.

In the second embodiment described above, it is assumed that the audio data representing the dummy audio is not output during periods other than the blank period. However, this is only an example, and audio data representing dummy audio may be output during periods other than the blank period when neither the first dialogue audio nor the second dialogue audio is output.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the pachinko game machine 1 does not have to have all the technical features shown in the above embodiment, and in order to solve at least one problem in the prior art, It may be provided with a part of the configuration.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the specific effect is the dialogue announcement effect, the first sound is the first dialogue sound, and the second sound is the second dialogue sound. However, this is only an example, and the specific effect may be any effect in which sounds are output by the speakers 8L and 8R, and the first sound and the second sound are arbitrary sounds output in the specific effect. It's okay. For example, the specific effect may be a fanfare effect for notifying that control to the jackpot game state is started, and the first sound and the second sound may be fanfare sounds output in the fanfare effect. .

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the dialogue forewarning effect has been described as an effect suggesting the possibility that the display result of the variable display during execution will be a "jackpot" and that the game state will be controlled to a jackpot game state. . However, this is only an example, and the announcement target of the speech announcement effect can be set arbitrarily. For example, the dialogue announcement effect may be a look-ahead announcement effect suggesting the possibility that the display result of the variable display that has not yet been executed will be a "big win" and that the game will be controlled to a big win game state. Alternatively, the dialogue announcement effect may be an effect suggesting the possibility that a pseudo-continuous effect will be executed.

In the first and second embodiments, the predetermined sound is the BGM sound. However, this is only an example, and the predetermined sound may be any sound different from the first sound and the second sound. For example, the predetermined sound may be a winning sound that notifies that the game ball has won (entered) the first starting winning opening or the second starting winning opening.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the BGM sound is output while the variable display is being performed. However, this is only an example, and the BGM sound can be output in any period. For example, the BGM sound may be output during the period during which the variable display is performed and during the period during which the big win game state is controlled. Incidentally, in the ducking setting process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8-6, when it is determined that the BGM sound will not be output during the dialogue announcement effect period, it may be determined not to execute the ducking process. According to such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the processing load by suppressing the execution of unnecessary ducking processing when the BGM sound is not output during the speech announcement effect period and there is no need to execute the ducking processing. . Specifically, whether or not the BGM sound is to be output during the dialogue notice effect period is determined by determining, based on the BGM sound data, whether or not the sound data representing the BGM sound is to be output during the dialogue notice effect period. Judge.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the first volume V1 as the volume of the BGM voice in the state where the ducking process is not being executed is lower than the second volume V2 as the volume of the dialog voice. . However, this is only an example, and the first volume V1 may be the same as the second volume V2 or may be higher than the second volume V2.

In the first and second embodiments, in the ducking process, the output of the BGM sound is restricted by controlling the volume of the BGM sound to "0" and stopping the output of the BGM sound from the speakers 8L and 8R. described as a thing. However, this is only an example, and in the ducking process, the output of BGM sounds can be restricted in any manner. For example, in the ducking process, the volume of the BGM sound is controlled to a limit volume lower than the first volume V1, which is the volume of the BGM sound in the state where the ducking process is not executed, and larger than "0" (BGM The output of the BGM sound may be restricted by outputting the sound at a limited volume. In this case, when the ducking process ends, the volume of the BGM sound controlled to the limited volume in the ducking process is controlled to the first volume V1, which is the volume of the BGM sound in the state where the ducking process is not executed. It is sufficient to perform control to end the limitation of the output of

It should be noted that the output of the BGM sound may be restricted in different manners depending on the type (drawing mode) of the speech announcement effect. For example, in the dialogue preview effect, the screen of the image display device 5 is turned black to make it difficult or impossible for the player to see the effect image displayed on the screen, so that the blackout effect can be executed, When the blackout effect is not executed in the dialogue advance notice effect, the output of the BGM sound is restricted by controlling the volume of the BGM sound to the limited sound volume, and when the blackout effect is executed in the dialogue advance notice effect, the BGM sound output is restricted. The output of the BGM sound may be restricted by controlling the volume to "0" and stopping the output of the BGM sound from the speakers 8L and 8R. According to such a configuration, it is possible to limit the output of the BGM sound in accordance with the type of dialogue announcement effect, thereby suppressing the decline in the interest in the game.

In the first and second embodiments, when the ducking process ends, the volume of the BGM sound is changed to the first volume V1, which is the volume of the BGM sound when the ducking process is not executed. described as ending the limit of output. However, this is only an example, and by changing the volume of the BGM sound when the ducking process is completed to a volume different from the volume of the BGM sound when the ducking process is not executed, the output of the BGM sound can be improved. Limitation may be terminated.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, it is assumed that the first dialogue sound and the second dialogue sound are output in the dialogue preview effect. However, this is only an example, and three or more dialogue sounds may be output in the dialogue announcement effect.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the effect control CPU 120 controls the sound control board 13 . However, this is only an example, and the display control unit 123 may control the audio control board 13 according to the control by the effect control CPU 120 .

In the first and second embodiments, the voice data ROM 132 stores voice data. However, this is only an example and the audio data can be stored on any device. For example, the audio data may be stored in the ROM 121 mounted on the production control board CPU 120, or may be stored in an external storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or flash memory.

In addition, in the first and second embodiments, the dummy sound is explained as being an ultrasonic wave as inaudible sound. However, this is just one example, and the dummy sound may be any non-audible sound that is difficult or impossible for the player to perceive. For example, the dummy sound may be infrasound as inaudible sound. Infrasound is sound having a frequency lower than the human audible range (sound having a frequency lower than 20 Hz (for example, 10 Hz), which is the lower limit of the frequency of sound audible to the human ear). Alternatively, the dummy sound may be an inaudible sound having a very low volume, which is lower than the lower limit of the volume audible to human ears. The lower limit of the sound volume audible to human ears may be determined by an arbitrary method such as an experiment. Specifically, BGM sound of extremely low volume as inaudible sound may be output as dummy sound. That is, the BGM sound and the dummy sound may be the same sound. Dummy sounds as inaudible sounds are not limited to sounds that are difficult or impossible for a player to recognize in a quiet environment (with little background noise), and are not limited to sounds that cannot be recognized by a player in a quiet environment. Although possible, the sound may have a volume that is difficult or impossible for the player to perceive in a noisy (high background noise) environment such as a game arcade.

In the first and second embodiments, the voice data for outputting the first line voice and the second line voice has been described as a single voice data. However, this is only an example, and the audio data for outputting the first line sound and the audio data for outputting the second line sound may be separate audio data.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the ducking process is started before the start of the sound period by the introduction period, and the restriction on the output of the BGM sound is started. However, this is merely an example, and the ducking process may be started at the timing when the sound period starts to limit the output of the BGM sound.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the control for gradually decreasing the volume of the BGM sound from the first volume V1 is started from the timing before the start of the sound period by the introduction period, It has been described that the volume of the BGM sound is controlled to "0" at the timing when the sound period is started. However, this is only an example, and the restriction of BGM sound output can be initiated in any manner. For example, control is performed to change the volume of the BGM voice from the first volume V1 to "0" (lower the volume of the BGM voice to "0" at once) at the timing before the start of the sound period by the introduction period. You can do it. Alternatively, the control for gradually decreasing the volume of the BGM sound from the first volume V1 is started from the timing before the start of the sound period by the introduction period, and the control is performed before the start of the sound period. The volume of the BGM sound may be controlled to "0" at the previous timing.

It should be noted that the restriction on the output of the BGM sound may be started in different manners depending on the type of dialogue announcement effect. For example, when the blackout effect is not executed in the dialog preview effect, the control to gradually decrease the volume of the BGM sound from the first volume V1 is performed from the timing before the start of the sound period by the introduction period. At the timing when the sound period starts, the volume of the BGM sound is controlled to "0", and when the blackout effect is executed in the dialog announcement effect, the introduction period is earlier than the sound period start time. Control may be performed to change the volume of the BGM sound from the first volume V1 to "0" at the timing just before. According to such a configuration, it is possible to start restricting the output of the BGM sound in accordance with the type of dialogue announcement effect, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

In the first and second embodiments described above, the ducking process is continued from the end of the sound period until the end period passes, and the restriction on the output of the BGM sound is continued. However, this is only an example, and the ducking process may be ended at the timing when the sound period ends, and the restriction on the output of the BGM sound may be ended.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the control for gradually increasing the volume of the BGM sound from "0" is started from the timing when the sound period ends, and the end period starts from the timing when the sound period ends. has passed, the volume of the BGM sound is controlled to the first volume V1, and the restriction on the output of the BGM sound is terminated. However, this is only an example, and the restriction on BGM audio output can be terminated in any manner. For example, the volume of the BGM sound is controlled to "0" from the timing when the sound period ends until the end period elapses, and the volume of the BGM sound is controlled to "0" at the timing when the end period elapses after the sound period ends. 0” to the first volume V1 (the volume of the BGM sound is increased to the first volume V1 at once), and the restriction on the output of the BGM sound may be terminated.

It should be noted that the restriction on the output of the BGM sound may be ended in different manners depending on the type of dialogue announcement effect. For example, when the blackout effect is not executed in the dialog preview effect, the control to gradually increase the volume of the BGM sound from "0" is started at the timing when the sound period ends, and from the timing when the sound period ends. At the timing when the termination period has passed, the volume of the BGM voice is controlled to the first volume V1 to end the restriction on the output of the BGM voice, and when the blackout effect is executed in the dialog announcement effect, the timing when the sound period ends. until the end period has passed, the volume of the BGM sound is controlled to "0", and the volume of the BGM sound is changed from "0" to the first volume V1 at the time when the end period has passed after the end of the sound period. may be set to end the restriction on the BGM output. According to such a configuration, it is possible to end the restriction on the output of the BGM sound according to the type of the speech announcement effect, thereby suppressing the decline in the interest in the game.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, it has been described that whether or not to execute the speech announcement effect is determined according to whether or not the display result of the variable display is a "big hit". However, this is only an example, and whether or not to execute the dialog forewarning effect can be determined by any method. For example, it may be determined whether or not to execute the speech announcement effect according to the variation pattern determined in the variation pattern setting process of step S111. The variation pattern may be specified based on a variation pattern specification command transmitted from the main board 11 and indicating the variation pattern determined in the variation pattern setting process. Specifically, when the display result of the variable display is "big win", it is determined to execute the dialog announcement effect at a higher rate than when the display result of the variable display is other than "big win", and the variable display is performed. Regardless of whether the display result is "big hit" or other than "big hit", when the variation pattern for executing the ready-to-win performance of super ready-to-win is indicated by the variation pattern specification command, the normal reach to win. It is decided to execute the dialog announcement effect at a higher rate than when the fluctuation pattern in which the reach effect is executed is shown, and when the fluctuation pattern in which the reach effect is executed as normal reach is shown, reach It may be decided to execute the dialogue forewarning effect at a higher rate than when a variation pattern in which the effect is not executed (variation pattern of "non-reach") is shown. According to such a configuration, it is possible to make the player pay attention to the variation pattern and improve the amusement of the game.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, it is determined whether or not the amplitude indicated by the audio data is equal to or greater than the determination threshold, and the audio data determined to indicate the amplitude equal to or greater than the determination threshold is detected as voiced data. On the other hand, the description has been given assuming that audio data determined to exhibit an amplitude smaller than the determination threshold is detected as silent data. However, this is only an example, and the spurt data and silence data can be detected by any method. For example, when generating voice data, information that can specify voiced data and silent data contained in the voice data is stored in the voice data, and based on the information, the voiced data and the voice data are converted from the voice data. Silent data may be detected.

(Description of means related to characteristic part 068AK)
(1) The game machine according to the characteristic part 068AK is
Specific effect executing means (for example, effect control CPU 120, etc.) capable of executing a specific effect (for example, dialogue announcement effect, etc.);
audio data output means capable of outputting audio data (for example, audio control board 13, etc.);
sound output means (for example, speakers 8L, 8R, etc.) capable of outputting sound corresponding to the audio data output by the audio data output means;
with
The sound output means is
A predetermined sound (for example, BGM sound, etc.) can be output (for example, FIGS. 8-1, 8-2, 8-5, 8-8, etc.),
In the specific effect, the first sound (e.g., first line voice, etc.) is output, and when a predetermined period (e.g., blank period, etc.) elapses from the output of the first sound, the second sound (e.g., second line voice, etc.) ) can start outputting (for example, Figures 8-2, 8-5, 8-8, etc.),
The output of the predetermined sound can be restricted at least when the first sound is being output and when the second sound is being output (for example, FIGS. 8-2, 8-4, 8-5 , 8-8, etc.),
The audio data output means is capable of outputting audio data representing a special sound (eg, dummy audio) during the predetermined period (eg, FIGS. 8-5, 8-8, etc.),
When the sound data indicating the special sound is being output by the sound data output means, the sound output means can limit the output of the predetermined sound (for example, FIGS. 8-4, 8-5 and 8-8). Such),
It is characterized by
According to such a configuration, the output of the predetermined sound is restricted when the first sound is being output and when the second sound is being output, and after the output of the first sound is finished, the output of the predetermined sound is restricted. The output of the predetermined sound is restricted in a predetermined period until the output of the second sound is started, and the deterioration of the performance effect of the specific performance by the predetermined sound is suppressed, thereby suppressing the deterioration of the game interest.

(2) In the gaming machine of (1) above relating to the characteristic portion 068AK,
The audio data output means is
The audio data representing the first sound and the audio data representing the second sound can be output using a first channel (eg, playback channel 0, etc.) (eg, FIG. 8-4, etc.),
The audio data representing the special sound can be output using a second channel (eg, playback channel 1, etc.) different from the first channel (eg, FIG. 8-4, etc.),
It is possible to output audio data indicating the special sound during the period from the start of the output of the first sound to the end of the output of the second sound (for example, FIG. 8-5),
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, the predetermined sound is output during the period from the start of the output of the first sound to the end of the output of the second sound, which includes the predetermined period during which the audio data indicating the special sound is output. It is possible to suppress the loss of interest in the game by restricting the performance effect of the specific performance from being spoiled by the predetermined sound.

(3) In the gaming machine of (1) above relating to the characteristic portion 068AK,
The audio data output means is
not outputting audio data indicating the special sound during the period in which the first sound is being output (for example, FIG. 8-8);
not outputting audio data indicating the special sound during the period when the second sound is being output (for example, FIG. 8-8);
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, when the first sound is being output and when the second sound is being output, the output of the predetermined sound is restricted, and the audio data representing the special sound is output. By restricting the output of the predetermined sound during the predetermined period of time when the game is played, it is possible to prevent the performance effect of the specific performance from being spoiled by the predetermined sound, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

(4) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above relating to the characteristic portion 068AK,
When the sound data indicating the special sound is being output by the sound data output means, the sound output means does not output the special sound (for example, FIGS. 8-4, 8-5, etc.);
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the performance effect of the specific performance from being spoiled by the predetermined sound without outputting the special sound, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

(5) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3) above relating to the characteristic portion 068AK,
When the sound data indicating the special sound is being output by the sound data output means, the sound output means outputs the special sound (for example, FIGS. 8-7, 8-8, etc.),
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, while outputting the special sound, it is possible to prevent the performance effect of the specific performance from being spoiled by the predetermined sound, thereby suppressing the decrease in the interest in the game.

(6) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (5) above relating to the characteristic portion 068AK,
The special sound is a non-audible sound (such as ultrasonic waves) that is difficult or impossible for the player to recognize.
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to make it difficult or impossible for the player to recognize the special sound, and to suppress the deterioration of the performance effect of the specific performance by the special sound, thereby suppressing the decline in the interest in the game.

(7) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (6) above relating to the characteristic portion 068AK,
Judgment means capable of judging whether or not sound data different from silence data corresponding to a silence state in which at least the first sound and the second sound are not output is included in the sound data (for example, the processing of step 068AKS104 It further includes a production control CPU 120 etc. to be executed,
When the determination means determines that the voice data output by the voice data output means does not contain the voice data, the output of the predetermined sound is not limited (for example, the processing of steps 068AKS106 and 068AKS108 is executed. production control CPU 120 etc.),
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, the output of the predetermined sound is limited based on the determination that the sound data does not contain the voice data during the predetermined period in which neither the first sound nor the second sound is output. In addition, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the performance effect of the specific performance by the predetermined sound, and suppress the deterioration of the game interest.

(8) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (7) above relating to the characteristic portion 068AK,
Continuing to limit the output of the predetermined sound until the first period (for example, the end period, etc.) has elapsed after the output of the second sound is finished (for example, FIGS. 8-5, 8-8, etc.);
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the lingering sound of the specific effect due to the predetermined sound, thereby suppressing the decline in the interest in the game.

(9) In the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (8) above relating to the characteristic portion 068AK,
Starting the restriction of the output of the predetermined sound from a second period (for example, an introduction period, etc.) before the timing at which the output of the first sound is started (for example, FIGS. 8-5, 8-8, etc.),
You may do so.
According to such a configuration, it is possible to limit the output of the predetermined sound in a manner adapted to the specific effect, thereby suppressing the decline in the interest in the game.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Pachinko game machine 11... Main board 12... Production control board 100... Game control microcomputer 120... Production control CPU

Claims (1)

a specific effect executing means capable of executing a specific effect;
audio data output means capable of outputting audio data;
sound output means capable of outputting sound corresponding to the audio data output by the audio data output means;
with
The sound output means is
capable of outputting a predetermined sound, which is BGM containing voice ,
In the specific effect, a first dialogue sound is output as a production sound, and a second dialogue sound can be started to be output as a production sound when a predetermined period has elapsed from the output of the first dialogue sound,
output of the predetermined sound can be limited at least when the first dialogue sound is being output and when the second dialogue sound is being output;
The audio data output means outputs audio data indicating a special sound when audio data indicating the first dialogue sound and the second dialogue sound, which are effects sounds different from the predetermined sound, is not output during the predetermined period. can be output, and
said sound output means is capable of limiting output of said predetermined sound when said sound data indicating said special sound is being output by said sound data output means;
The special sound is a sound that is difficult or impossible for the player to recognize, and is a sound that is not related to the specific effect being executed.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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