JP7164293B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

As a game machine, a game medium such as a game ball is shot into a game area by a shooting device, and when the game medium wins in a start winning area such as a winning opening provided in the game area, multiple types of identification information are variably displayed. and slot machines in which a predetermined number of bets is set and a plurality of types of identification information (for example, symbols) are variably displayed when a start operation is performed. In the gaming machine configured to be able to variably display the identification information in this way, when the display result of the variable display of the identification information on the variable display portion becomes a predetermined display result, a predetermined game value (for example, a jackpot) is displayed. state transitions, etc.) to the player.

In such a game machine, the phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH0 are used to designate phrase numbers for specifying BGM sounds and effect sounds to be reproduced, and to specify the volume (V1, V2) of the reproduced sounds.
A game machine is known in which CH15 is specified and the sounds of phrase reproduction channels CH0 to CH15 are mixed and output (eg, Patent Document 1).

JP 2016-193305 A

However, in a game machine that outputs BGM sounds and production sounds as in Patent Document 1, there are cases in which the BGM sounds and production sounds are output at various volumes, and data is prepared so as to correspond to output at various volumes. There is a problem that the amount of data becomes enormous when prepared.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing data for outputting sound.

(A) In a gaming machine where games are played,
sound output means for outputting sound;
a control means for controlling the game machine;
a sound control means having a plurality of channels and executing control to cause the sound output means to output an effect sound specified by sound data set for each of the plurality of channels;
The control means is capable of transmitting a plurality of types of commands to the sound control means,
Multiple commands
a first command that specifies sound data to be set for each of a plurality of channels and specifies the volume of the channel to which the sound data is set;
a second command that specifies only the volume of the plurality of channels;
The control means is
a first command for setting specific sound data for specifying the specific sound and specifying a maximum volume as the volume of the channel to which the specific sound data is set when the sound output means outputs the specific sound at a specific volume; to the sound control means, and after the first command, a second command specifying a specific volume as the volume of the channel to which the specific sound data is set,
When changing the volume of the sound being output from the sound output means, transmitting a second command specifying the changed volume as the volume of the channel to which the sound data of the sound being output is set,
The sound control means can set one of N types of volume as the volume of each of the plurality of channels,
The control means can specify one of M types of volume, which is less than N types, to the sound control means as the volume of each of the plurality of channels.
Other game machines are
In a gaming machine (for example, gaming machine 1) that performs a game,
sound output means for outputting sound (for example, speakers 53 and 54);
a control means (for example, a sub control unit 91) for controlling the game machine;
Based on the information (eg, the first command (commands 1 to 5) and the second command (commands 6 to 8) shown in FIG. 4) transmitted from the control means (eg, the sub-controller 91), the sound output means A sound control means (for example, a sound output circuit 94) that performs control to output sound from
The control means is
Which of a plurality of types of sounds (eg, BGM1, BGM2, BGM3, notice sound, dialogue) is to be output from the sound output means and the volume of the sound output from the sound output means (eg, maximum volume "255") ) and the volume of the sound output from the sound output means (eg, volume “255”, volume “100”, volume “0”). second information (for example, the second command shown in FIG. 4) to the sound control means,
Outputting a specific sound (for example, one of BGM1, BGM2, BGM3, notice sound, and dialogue) from the sound output means at a specific volume (for example, one of volume "255", volume "100", volume "0") 2nd information indicating the specific sound volume is sent to the sound control means after transmitting the first information indicating that the specific sound is to be output and the one volume to the sound control means. 5 for processing Sb2 and Sb3).
With this configuration, the amount of data to be prepared can be reduced.

One volume is the maximum volume (eg volume “255” shown in FIG. 4).
According to this configuration, it is possible to set the output of the specific sound so that the specific sound can be heard reliably.

The specific sound is a first specific sound (for example, one of BGM1, BGM2, BGM3, notice sound, and dialogue) and a second specific sound (for example, one of BGM1, BGM2, BGM3, notice sound, and dialogue, and the first specific sound other than) and
The control means supplies common second information to the sound control means when causing the sound output means to output the first specific sound at a specific volume and when causing the sound output means to output the second specific sound at a specific volume. (For example, the portion of transmitting the second command (commands 6 to 8) shown in FIG. 4 in the process of Sb3 in FIG. 5).
With this configuration, the amount of data to be prepared can be reduced.

The sound control means changes the volume of the sound output from the sound output means when the volume change condition is satisfied (for example, the blackout effect is executed) after starting to output one type of sound. including volume change control means for performing change control;
The volume change control means executes volume change control based on the second information from the control means (for example, the part that performs the processing of Sa3 in FIG. 6).
With this configuration, the amount of data to be prepared can be reduced.

The control means continuously transmits the first information and the second information without transmitting other information between the transmission of the first information and the transmission of the second information (for example, FIG. 5). Sb2 and S of
part for processing b3).
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent unintended information from being transmitted.

The second information indicates, as a specific volume, a specific number of types of volume that are smaller than the types of volume that can be set (for example, as shown in FIG. ).
With this configuration, the amount of data to be prepared can be reduced.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention
In a gaming machine (for example, gaming machine 1) that performs a game,
sound output means for outputting sound (for example, speakers 53 and 54);
a control means (for example, a sub control unit 91) for controlling the game machine;
Sound control means (for example, sound output circuit 9) that executes control to output sound from the sound output means
4) and
The control means controls a plurality of channels (for example, channel 0 to channel 1 shown in FIG. 3).
5), it is possible to set sound data that can specify the sound to be output from the sound output means and the volume of the sound to be output from the sound output means (for example, channel 0 to channel 4 shown in FIG. 3). The part where the sound data of the production sound and the volume of channel 0 to channel 15 can be set),
The sound control means causes the sound output means to output a sound specified from the sound data set for a plurality of channels according to the set volume (for example, the sound output circuit 94 is configured for channel 0 to channel 0 shown in FIG. 3). A speaker 53 outputs a sound effect specified from the sound data of the sound effect of 4.
, 54),
The control means includes a volume reduction control means ( For example, the part shown in FIG. 3, the part for processing Sa3 in FIG. 6, and the part for processing Sc2 in FIG. 7),
The volume reduction control means performs the volume reduction control by setting the volume after reduction to the channel for which sound data is set and by setting the volume after reduction for the channel for which sound data is not set ( For example, the part shown in FIG. 3, the part for processing Sa3 in FIG. 6, and the part shown in FIG.
(the part that performs the processing of Sc2).
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the sound from being output at an unintended volume and impairing the presentation effect.

The volume reduction control means executes volume reduction control to set the volume of the sound output from the sound output means to 0 (for example, the portion shown in FIG. 3, the portion performing the processing of Sa3 in FIG. 6, the processing of Sc2 in FIG. part).
According to this configuration, since the sound volume becomes 0, it is possible to prevent the player from recognizing the sound.

Display means (for example, liquid crystal display 51) for displaying effect images,
The predetermined condition is satisfied when the display means displays a specific image (for example, an image to be displayed when a blackout effect is executed) (for example, the portion shown in FIG. 3, the portion performing the processing of Sa3 in FIG. 6). .
According to this configuration, the sound volume can be lowered in conjunction with the display of the specific image, so the presentation effect can be enhanced.

The predetermined condition is met when a specific sound (for example, an error sound) is output from the sound output means (for example, the portion shown in FIG. 3, the portion performing the processing of Sc2 in FIG. 7).
According to this configuration, the volume reduction control can be executed so that the player can easily hear the specific sound.

The sound control means includes sound output stop control means for executing sound output stop control for stopping sound output from the sound output means when a stop condition is satisfied,
The sound output stop control means executes the sound output stop control for stopping output of sound for channels for which sound data is set and for channels for which sound data is not set.
According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent the output of unintended sound from impairing the performance effect.

The sound output means outputs a special sound when the special condition is satisfied,
the sound control means executes control to output sound from the sound output means based on sound data set for a specific channel;
The volume reduction control means executes volume reduction control for channels other than the specific channel.
According to this configuration, it is ensured that the special sound is output, and the establishment of the specific condition can be preferably notified.

It is a figure which shows the gaming machine which concerns on this Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of a game machine. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the effect sound and the volume for each channel; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining commands that a sub-controller transmits to an audio output circuit; FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing control contents of effect sound output processing; FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the details of volume reduction control processing; FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the control content of volume reduction control processing in the second embodiment. FIG.

[First embodiment]
[Configuration of game machine]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment includes a liquid crystal display 51 that displays images, and speakers 53 and 54 that output sounds such as effect sounds and error sounds. The game machine 1 executes an effect while playing a game. The effect is executed by displaying effect images from the liquid crystal display 51 and outputting effect sounds from the speakers 53 and 54 . An example of the effect using the liquid crystal display 51 is a blackout effect. The blackout effect is a effect in which an image (specific image) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 51 to make the effect image, effect pattern, background image, etc. invisible.

[Block Diagram]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG.
A game control board 40 and an effect control board 90 are provided. A game state is controlled by the game control board 40, and an effect corresponding to the game state is controlled by the effect control board 90. - 特許庁

The game control board 40 is composed of a microcomputer having a main CPU 41a, a ROM 41b, a RAM 41c, and an I/O port 41d. A main control unit 41 for direct or indirect control is mounted.

The production control board 90 is a sub-control unit 91 that is configured by a microcomputer having a sub CPU 91a, a ROM 91b, a RAM 91c, and an I/O port 91d and that controls production.
is installed. In other words, the sub-controller 91 controls the slot machine 1 by controlling the effects.

Effect devices such as a liquid crystal display 51 and speakers 53 and 54 are connected to the effect control board 90, and these effect devices are driven based on control by a sub-control section 91 mounted on the effect control board 90. It has become so.

In this embodiment, the main control unit 41 is connected to the sub control unit 91 via the parallel output port.
Send various commands to A command sent from the main control section 41 to the sub-control section 91 is sent only in one direction, and no command is sent from the sub-control section 91 to the main control section 41 .

Sub-control unit 91 receives a command transmitted from the game control board 40, performs various controls for effecting, directly or indirectly each part of the control circuit mounted on the effect control board 90 Control. The control circuit includes an audio output circuit 94 . Audio output circuit 94
executes control for outputting a sound effect from the speakers 53 and 54 according to a command from the sub-controller 91 and sound data and volume of the sound effect set for each of a plurality of channels. Specifically, when receiving a command from the sub-controller 91, the audio output circuit 94 reads the audio data and volume of the compressed effect sound from the ROM 91b, and decodes the read audio data and volume. , stretch). The audio output circuit 94 has 16 channels (channels 0 to 15) as audio output channels (in other words, reproduction channels), and is capable of simultaneously outputting 16 independent types of audio. Then, the audio output circuit 94 outputs, from the speakers 53 and 54, the effect sound specified from the audio data decoded by the plurality of channels according to the set volume. That is, the sub-controller 91 can set the sound data that can specify the effect sound and the volume of the sound to be output from the speakers 53 and 54 in each of the plurality of channels by the command to the sound output circuit 94 .

The volume of the effect sound output from the speakers 53 and 54 can be adjusted by setting the volume for each channel, and can be adjusted by controlling the attenuator included in the audio output circuit 94 . Each channel can be set to one of three types of volume, which will be described later. Also, the attenuator adjusts from maximum volume to minimum volume (i.e., mute).
can be adjusted to An attenuator is provided for each channel. Since volume data is 8 bits (1 byte), it can be set in 256 steps, but in this embodiment, it is settable in 3 steps. Thereby, the data for adjusting the volume can be reduced. The volume setting need not be limited to three stages, but it is preferable to set the volume so that the difference in volume increases as the volume increases. Thus, fine adjustment is possible when reducing the volume, but rough adjustment is possible when increasing the volume. Thereby, convenience can be improved.

[Sound effect type and volume for each channel]
As shown in FIG. 3, the audio output circuit 94 has 16 channels (channels 0 to 15) as output channels for sound effects, and can simultaneously output 16 independent types of sound effects. For each channel, it is possible to set the volume for each effect sound to be output. In this embodiment, the volume of the effect sound can be set from three levels. Specifically, volume "255", volume "1
00” and volume “0”, volume “255” is the maximum volume, and volume “0” is the minimum volume (ie, mute).

As shown in FIG. 3A, channel 0 is a channel for outputting BGM1. FIG. 3A shows an example in which the volume is set to "255" in channel 0. In FIG.
Channel 1 is a channel for outputting BGM2. FIG. 3A shows an example in which the volume is set to "255" in channel 1. In FIG. Channel 2 is a channel for outputting BGM3. FIG. 3A shows an example in which the volume is set to "255" in channel 2. In FIG. Channel 3 is a channel for outputting a warning sound. FIG. 3A shows an example in which the volume is set to "255" in channel 3. In FIG.
Channel 4 is a channel for outputting characters' words. FIG. 3A shows an example in which the volume is set to "255" for channel 4. In FIG. channel 5-1
5 is an unused channel. Channels 5 to 15 are not used, so the volume is not set for channels 5 to 15 either.

As shown in FIG. 3B, when the sub-control unit 91 executes the blackout effect,
By executing the volume reduction control and rewriting the volume data of each channel, the volume of each channel is set to volume "0". At this time, not only the channels 0 to 4 used,
The volumes of unused channels 5-15 are also set to "0".

In this way, when executing the blackout effect, the channels 0 to 4 being used
In addition, since the volume of unused channels 5 to 15 is also set to "0", it is possible to prevent the production sound from being output at an unintended volume and spoiling the production effect.

In addition, since volume reduction control is executed to set the volume to volume "0", the volume of the effect sound can be reliably prevented from being heard.

In addition, since the volume reduction control is executed when the blackout effect is executed, the effect of the effect can be enhanced in conjunction with the display of the specific image on the liquid crystal display 51 when the blackout effect is executed.

In this embodiment, when a special condition is established, a special sound is output from a specific channel, and even if a predetermined condition for executing volume reduction control is established for the specific channel, the volume reduction control is not performed. It is possible to control not to execute. For example, it is assumed that a predetermined condition for execution of volume reduction control is that a blackout effect is executed. In addition, the special conditions are that a game ball has won a prize in a starting winning hole in a pachinko game machine, that a stop switch for stopping spinning reels in a slot machine has been operated, and channel 6 is a specific channel. In addition, from channel 6, a starting winning sound is output when a game ball enters a starting winning hole in a pachinko game machine, and a stop switch for stopping spinning reels in a slot machine is output when the stop switch is operated. output the stop sound as a special sound. Then, when executing the blackout effect, the sub-control unit 91 sets the volume of the channels other than the channel 6 to "0" and sets the volume of the channel 6 so as not to decrease. As a result, the start winning sound and the stop sound are output even when the blackout effect is executed. By configuring in this way, since the output of the start winning sound and the stop sound, which are special sounds, is guaranteed, It is possible to suitably notify that the stop switch for stopping the reel inside has been operated.

[Commands for outputting sound effects]
FIG. 4 shows the types of commands sent from the sub-controller 91 to the audio output circuit 94 in order to output the effect sound from the speakers 53 and 54 . Commands 1 to 5 consist of data indicating which of a plurality of types of effect sound is to be output and data indicating the volume of the effect sound. Commands 6 to 8 consist only of data indicating the volume of the effect sound. Hereinafter, commands 1 to 5 may be referred to as first commands (corresponding to first information), and commands 6 to 8 may be referred to as second commands (corresponding to second information).

As shown in FIG. 4, command 1 is a command indicating that BGM1 is to be output at volume "255". Command 2 is a command indicating that BGM2 is to be output at volume "255". Command 3 is a command indicating that BGM3 is to be output at volume "255". Command 4 is a command indicating to output the warning sound at volume "255". Command 5 is a command indicating that the dialogue is to be output at a volume of "255". Command 6 is a command indicating only volume "255".
Command 7 is a command indicating only volume "100". Command 8 is a command indicating only volume "0".

The sub-controller 91 first transmits one of the commands 1 to 5 (that is, the first command) to the audio output circuit 94 . As a result, the sub-control unit 91 selects a specific sound output from the speakers 53 and 54 (that is, a specific sound) and one volume (volume "2
55”) to the audio output circuit 94. Next, the sub-controller 91 transmits one of commands 6 to 8 (that is, the second command) to the audio output circuit 94 . As a result, the volume of the effect sound to be output from the speakers 53 and 54 is instructed to the specific volume indicated by the second command. The audio output circuit 94 decodes the audio data and the volume to the channel corresponding to the designated specific effect sound upon receiving any one of the commands 1-5. Also, the audio output circuit 94
decodes the volume into the channel corresponding to the specific sound effect indicated when it receives any of commands 6-8. Thereby, the sub-controller 91 can set the data that can specify the effect sound and the volume of the sound output from the speakers 53 and 54 in each of the plurality of channels of the sound output circuit 94 . Then, the audio output circuit 94 selects one volume (volume "255 ”) outputs a specific sound effect. Next, when any one of commands 6 to 8 is received, a specific effect sound is output at a specific volume indicated by the received command (one of volume "255", volume "100", or volume "0"). do. Through such a series of controls, a specific effect sound is output at a specific volume. It should be noted that the volume will be reduced during the period from when one of commands 1 to 5 is received and the output of a specific effect sound is started to when one of commands 6 to 8 is received and one volume is changed to a specific volume. This period is such that the player cannot recognize the change. Therefore, the player hears from the beginning that the specific effect sound indicated by any one of the commands 1-5 has started to be output at the specific sound volume indicated by any one of the commands 6-8.

In this way, after transmitting commands 1 to 5 (first command) indicating which type of effect sound to output and one volume (maximum volume “255”), specific volume (volume “255”, volume “
100" or volume "0"), the effect sound is output at a specific volume by sending commands 6 to 8 (second command), so three types of specific volume commands are prepared for each effect sound. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of data prepared for outputting the effect sound.

In addition, since commands 1 to 5 (first command) indicate the volume "255" which is the maximum volume, it is possible to set the output of the effect sound so that the effect sound can be heard reliably.

In addition, since the volume is set using the common second commands 6 to 8 when outputting BGM1, BGM2, BGM3, notice sound, and dialogue, the data prepared for outputting effect sound can be reduced. .

Further, the sub-control unit 91 transmits a second command when the volume change condition is satisfied after starting to output one effect sound (one of BGM1, BGM2, BGM3, notice sound, and dialogue). Since control is performed to change the volume of the effect sound, data prepared for outputting the effect sound can be reduced.

In addition, the sub-control unit 91 continuously transmits any of the commands 1 to 5 and any of the commands 6 to 8 at one trigger (for example, operation of the start switch, shooting of the game ball, start of pattern fluctuation). , do not send different commands between any of commands 1-5 and any of commands 6-8. Thus, it is possible to prevent an unintended instruction from being given to the audio output circuit 94 .

Further, as described above, in the gaming machine 1, 256 types (steps) of sound volume can be set, but in the present embodiment, it is possible to set from among 3 types (steps). Therefore, the second
The command indicates three types of volume, which are smaller than the 256 types of volume that can be set, as the specific volume. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of data prepared for outputting the effect sound.

[Sound effect output processing]
Next, the effect sound output process executed in the timer interrupt process executed by the game machine 1 at regular time intervals (about 0.56 milliseconds in this embodiment) will be described.

As shown in FIG. 5, in the effect sound output process, first, it is determined whether or not the output start condition of the effect sound is satisfied (Sb1). If the condition for starting the output of the effect sound is not satisfied, the processing is terminated.

When the condition for starting the output of the effect sound is satisfied, the sub-control section 91 causes the sound output circuit 94 to output the first signal.
A command (one of commands 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 3) is transmitted (Sb2). When receiving the first command, the audio output circuit 94 decodes the audio data and the volume into a channel corresponding to the designated specific sound effects, and outputs the specific sound effects indicated by the first command to the first channel. Output from the speakers 53 and 54 at one volume (maximum volume "255") indicated by the command.

Next, the sub-controller 91 sends the second command (FIG. 3) to the audio output circuit 94.
any one of commands 6 to 8 shown in ) is transmitted (Sb3). When receiving the second command, the audio output circuit 94 decodes the volume of the channel corresponding to the indicated specific sound effect, and outputs the volume of the specific sound effect from the speakers 53 and 54 as indicated by the second command. change to a specific volume.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the effect sound is output at the specific volume by transmitting the first command indicating the specific sound effect and the first volume, and then transmitting the second command indicating the specific sound volume. Data to be prepared for outputting sound can be reduced.

[Volume reduction control process]
Next, the volume reduction control process executed in the timer interrupt process executed by the game machine 1 at regular time intervals (about 0.56 milliseconds in this embodiment) will be described.

As shown in FIG. 6, in the volume reduction control process, first, it is determined whether or not a game has started (Sa1). When it is determined that the game has not started, the process ends.

When it is determined that the game has started, it is determined whether or not execution of the blackout effect has started (Sa2). That is, it is determined whether or not a predetermined condition for executing the volume reduction control is established by starting execution of the blackout effect.

When execution of the blackout effect is started, the sub-control unit 91 transmits to the audio output circuit 94 a second command (command 8 shown in FIG. 3) that sets the volume of the output sound of the effect sound to 0. The volume of each channel is set to 0 (Sa3). That is, the audio output circuit 9
4 sets the volume of each channel to 0 when the second command sent by the sub-controller 91 is received. Each channel is not limited to channels 0 to 4 used for outputting sound effects, but also includes unused channels 5 to 15. The audio output circuit 94 outputs all channels 0 to 1
5 volume is set to "0".

When the output of the effect sound is started before the blackout effect is executed, the volume of the effect sound is changed by executing the blackout effect. Therefore, it can be said that the volume change condition is established when the blackout effect is executed.

[Second embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment will be described, but detailed descriptions of parts common to the first embodiment will be omitted. In the first embodiment, the predetermined condition for performing volume reduction control is execution of a blackout effect, but in the second embodiment, the predetermined condition for performing volume reduction control is that an error has occurred. It is an embodiment to do.
[Volume reduction control process]
In the second embodiment, the game machine 1 is operated at regular time intervals (about 0.56 milliseconds in this embodiment).
Volume reduction control processing that is executed in the timer interrupt processing that is executed each time will be described.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the volume reduction control process, it is determined whether or not an error has occurred (S
c1). If no error occurs, terminate the process. When an error occurs
The sub-controller 91 sets the volume of each channel to 0 by controlling the attenuator (Sc2). Each channel is not limited to channels 0 to 4 used for outputting sound effect, but also includes unused channels 5 to 15.
5 volume is set to "0" (see FIG. 3).

As described above, in the second embodiment, the sub-control unit 91 performs volume reduction control when an error occurs, and controls the attenuator to control the volume of each channel without rewriting the volume data of each channel. to volume "0". At this time, not only the volume of channels 0 to 4 being used but also the volume of unused channels 5 to 15 are set to "0".
When an error occurs, an error sound is output by execution of interrupt processing. Therefore,
In other words, the volume of each channel is set to volume "0" when an error sound is output.

In this way, when an error occurs (in other words, when an error sound is output), not only the volume of used channels 0-4, but also unused channels 5-15 are set to "0".
It is possible to prevent impairing the performance effect by outputting the performance sound with an unintended volume.

Further, when an error occurs and an error sound is output, a predetermined condition for executing volume reduction control is established, so control can be performed so that the error sound can be heard.

Note that in the present embodiment, it is possible to execute audio output stop control for stopping audio output when a condition for stopping audio output is satisfied. In this case, the output of the sound is stopped in the channel for which the sound data of the effect sound is set, and the output of the sound is also stopped for the channel in which the sound data is not set. For example, assume that the stop condition is that an error has occurred. Then, in the example of FIG. 3, when an error occurs, the sub-control unit 91 stops outputting the sound of channels 0 to 4 to which the effect sound is set, and also stops the output of the unused channels 5 to 15. Stops audio output. As a result, it is possible to prevent unintended sound from being output and impairing the presentation effect. It is preferable that an error that is a condition for stopping be an error that requires recovery from a power failure. That is, the output of the effect sound is stopped for an error requiring power interruption, and the effect sound is output at the initialized volume when the power is turned on again. As a result, volume reduction control is performed only for errors that can be recovered without power interruption, and volume reduction control does not need to be performed for errors that require recovery from power interruption, thereby simplifying the processing.

In addition, although the first embodiment and the second embodiment are described separately, it is possible to combine the respective embodiments. That is, it is possible to perform control according to the predetermined conditions that are established by setting the predetermined conditions to be execution of a blackout effect and occurrence of an error.

[Effect of this embodiment]
In this embodiment, when the volume reduction control is performed when a predetermined condition is established, the volume of the channel to which the sound effect is set is reduced, and the volume of the unused channel to which the sound effect is not set is also reduced. (in this example, the portion shown in FIG. 3, the portion performing the processing of Sa3 in FIG. 6, and the portion performing the processing of Sc2 in FIG. 7).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the performance effect from being spoiled by outputting the performance sound at an unintended volume.

In the present embodiment, volume reduction control is executed to set the volume to volume "0" (in this example, the portion shown in FIG. 3, the portion performing the processing of Sa3 in FIG. part)
.
Therefore, it is possible to ensure that the volume of the effect sound cannot be heard.

In the present embodiment, volume reduction control is executed when the blackout effect is executed (in this example, the portion shown in FIG. 3, the portion performing the processing of Sa3 in FIG. 6).
Therefore, the production effect can be enhanced in conjunction with the blackout production.

In this embodiment, the predetermined condition for executing the volume reduction control is met when an error sound, which is a specific sound, is output (in this example, the portion shown in FIG. 3, the processing of Sc2 in FIG. 7 is performed part).
Therefore, control can be performed so that an error sound can be heard.

In the present embodiment, it is possible to execute audio output stop control for stopping audio output when a condition for stopping audio output is satisfied.
Therefore, it is possible to prevent the performance effect from being spoiled by outputting the performance sound at an unintended volume.

In this embodiment, even if a predetermined condition for executing volume reduction control is satisfied for a specific channel, volume reduction control is not executed.
Therefore, it is ensured that the special sound is output, and the establishment of the specific condition can be suitably notified.

In this embodiment, after transmitting a first command (commands 1 to 5 in this example) indicating a specific effect sound and one volume (maximum volume “255”), a specific volume (volume “255”, volume "
100” or volume “0”) by transmitting a second command (commands 6 to 8 in this example) to output a specific effect sound at a specific volume (in this example, shown in FIG. 4) part,
5).
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of data prepared for outputting the effect sound.

In the present embodiment, one volume indicated by the first command (commands 1 to 5 in this example) is the maximum volume "255" (in this example, the portion shown in FIG. 4).
Therefore, it is possible to set the output of the effect sound so that the effect sound can be heard reliably.

In this embodiment, a first specific sound (in this example, one of BGM1, BGM2, BGM3, notice sound, and dialogue) and a second specific sound (in this example, BGM1, BGM2, BGM3, notice sound, and dialogue) Any other than the first specific sound) when outputting a common second command (
In this example, commands 6 to 8) are used to set the volume.
Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of data prepared for outputting the effect sound.

In this embodiment, when the volume change condition is satisfied after the output of one sound effect is started, the sub-control unit 91 transmits the second command to change the volume of one sound effect ( In this example, the part for processing Sa3 in FIG. 6).

In this embodiment, the first command and the second command are continuously transmitted without transmitting other commands between the transmission of the first command and the transmission of the second command (
In this example, the part for processing Sb2 and Sb3 in FIG. 5).
Therefore, it is possible to prevent an unintended instruction from being given to the audio output circuit 94 .

In the present embodiment, the second command indicates a specific number of types of volume, which are fewer than the types of volume that can be set, as the specific volume (in this example, as shown in FIG. 4, 256 levels can be set). The part that can be set to 3 levels of volume)
Therefore, data for adjusting the volume can be reduced.

[Modification]
Although the main embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. Modifications of the above embodiments applicable to the present invention will be described below.

[About game machines]
The above-described game machine 1 includes a plurality of variable display units that can variably display a plurality of types of identification information that can be identified by each of the variable display units. It may be a slot machine that derives a result and can generate a prize according to a display result combination that is a combination of display results of a plurality of variable display units. The gaming machine 1 described above may be a pachinko gaming machine that can be controlled to a jackpot game state that is advantageous to the player according to the result of the variable display of a plurality of types of identification information that can be individually identified.

[Predetermined conditions for executing volume reduction control]
In the above embodiment, execution of a blackout effect and occurrence of an error have been described as examples of satisfaction of a predetermined condition, but a predetermined condition different from the above embodiment may be set. For example, a freeze effect that delays the progress of the game is executed in the slot machine, and an operation sound indicating that a specific operation is performed in the slot machine and the pachinko game machine is output.

[Regarding sound control means]
In the above embodiment, the sound output circuit 94 included in the effect control board 90 was described as an example of the sound control means. may

[Regarding one volume in the first information]
In the above-described embodiment, the first command is used as the first information, and the maximum volume "255" is set as the first volume in the first command. You can set the volume to

[Regarding the specific volume in the second information]
In the above embodiment, the second command is taken as an example of the second information, and the second command sets three types of volume (volume "255", volume "100", volume "0") as one specific volume. As mentioned above, the specific sound volume is not limited to three types, and may be an arbitrarily set type of sound volume. For example, if volume data is 8 bits, 256 levels of volume may be set in the second command.

1 game machine, 51 liquid crystal display, 53, 54 speakers

Claims (1)

In gaming machines that play games,
sound output means for outputting sound;
a control means for controlling the game machine;
a sound control means having a plurality of channels and executing control to cause the sound output means to output an effect sound specified by sound data set for each of the plurality of channels;
The control means is capable of transmitting a plurality of types of commands to the sound control means,
Multiple commands
a first command that specifies sound data to be set for each of a plurality of channels and specifies the volume of the channel to which the sound data is set;
a second command that specifies only the volume of the plurality of channels;
The control means is
a first command for setting specific sound data for specifying the specific sound and specifying a maximum volume as the volume of the channel to which the specific sound data is set when the sound output means outputs the specific sound at a specific volume; to the sound control means, and after the first command, a second command specifying a specific volume as the volume of the channel to which the specific sound data is set,
When changing the volume of the sound being output from the sound output means, transmitting a second command specifying the changed volume as the volume of the channel to which the sound data of the sound being output is set,
The sound control means can set one of N types of volume as the volume of each of the plurality of channels,
The game machine, wherein the control means can designate one of M types of volume, which is less than N types, as the volume of each of the plurality of channels to the sound control means.

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