JP7816738B2 - Gaming device and program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming device and a program.

An amusement center has a gaming island where multiple gaming machines are installed, and above each gaming machine, there is installed a gaming device that displays information about the play on each gaming machine.
Among such gaming devices, there is known one that outputs voices and sound effects related to the progress of the game through earphones (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2011-030838 A

However, there was room for improvement in this type of system.

In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a gaming device installed in correspondence with a gaming machine, comprising: a storage means capable of storing sound information data corresponding to sound information that the gaming machine can output in relation to the progress of a game; an output means capable of outputting sound information based on the sound information data through a sound information reproduction means used by a player; and a timing identification means capable of identifying the timing at which the sound information should be output by the output means based on the sound information data, based on the operation of the gaming machine ; wherein the storage means stores sound information data corresponding to first sound information among the sound information that the gaming machine can output in relation to the progress of a game, but does not store sound information data corresponding to second sound information; and the output means is capable of outputting the first sound information when the timing identification means identifies the timing at which the first sound information should be output, and the first sound information is information regarding a setting value that can be selected by an attendant at an amusement facility to adjust the payout rate of the gaming machine .

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a gaming system including a gaming device according to a first embodiment. 3 is a block diagram showing game signals transmitted and received in the gaming system in the first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing the appearance of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine in the first embodiment. 3 is a state transition diagram showing the transition of the gaming state of the gaming machine in the first embodiment. FIG. 1A and 1B are a block diagram showing the control configuration of a gaming device according to a first embodiment and a schematic front view showing the appearance thereof; 4 is a diagram illustrating a sound information table in the first embodiment. 4 is a flowchart showing a sound output control process in the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine and gaming device in the second embodiment. 10 is a diagram showing a sound information table in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of the gaming machine and gaming device in the third embodiment. 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams showing the operating state of a movable part for transmitting sound information in the third embodiment. 13 is a diagram showing a sound information table in the third embodiment.

Preferred embodiments of the gaming device and program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of a gaming device and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming system S including a gaming device according to the first embodiment is composed of a gaming machine 1 and a plurality of devices.
The gaming machines 1 are installed in the gaming island, for example, by model and rental rate, and include pachinko machines that use gaming balls as gaming media, slot machines that use medals, and the like.
In this embodiment, a slot machine 1 will be described as an example of the gaming machine 1.

The multiple devices include, for example, a rental machine 80, a calling device 30, a base computer 40, an island computer 50, and a management device 60.
In addition to the devices shown in Figure 1, other devices are also installed, such as a counting device that can count gaming media, a prize exchange device that exchanges gaming media won on the gaming machine for specified prizes, and a gaming data display device that displays information useful to players that can be viewed at any time.
These devices each have a communication means and are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate data via a predetermined network (for example, a local area network).

There are various forms and types of gaming devices according to the present invention, but in this embodiment, the calling device 30 will be described as an example.
The calling device 30 of this embodiment is configured to be able to input game signals output from the gaming machine 1, and when it receives a sound output signal from among the game signals, it determines that a sound effect will be performed in the gaming machine 1, and based on the received sound output signal, it is able to output voice, sound effects, notification sounds, warning sounds, lines (voice), background music, music, etc. (hereinafter referred to as voice, etc.) stored in itself through the earphones 70.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming system S is configured so that a gaming signal output from a slot machine 1 is relayed through a calling device 30 to a machine computer 40 and an island computer 50 and input to a management device 60.
The game signals output from the slot machine 1 to the calling device 30 include the following signals.
The out signal is made up of a pulse train the number of which corresponds to the number of medals inserted into the slot machine 1, and is output at the timing when the start lever 3 is operated.
The safe signal is composed of a pulse train the number of which corresponds to the number of medals paid out from the slot machine 1, and is output at the timing when the symbols displayed on the reel 4 stop in a predetermined combination.
The big win signal is output during a bonus game of the slot machine 1.
In addition, as the game state of the slot machine 1, it is possible to set the reel stopping order to achieve a predetermined role, and to generate a state (for example, an AT state) in which a so-called push order navigation is executed, which notifies the player of the reel stopping order corresponding to the predetermined role determined in the internal lottery process, and a signal that can identify this game state can be output as a jackpot signal.
In addition, the game states of the slot machine 1 include a low probability state in which the probability of winning a specified lottery item in the internal lottery process (e.g., pseudo bonus state, CZ state) is low, and a high probability state in which the probability of winning is high, and a signal that can identify the game state can be output as a game signal.

Furthermore, the gaming signals output from the slot machine 1 to the calling device 30 include sound output signals.
The sound output signal is output from the slot machine 1 at the timing when sounds or the like are output from the speaker 9 in accordance with the progress of the game on the slot machine 1, and is output for a predetermined period of time.
Specifically, a sound output signal including a sound ID is generated by the signal generating unit 21 of the sub-control unit 20 described later, and the generated sound output signal is continuously output for a period determined for each sound ID.
By outputting such a sound output signal, the calling device 30 can produce sound effects that are linked to the play of the slot machine 1.

A lending machine 80 is provided adjacent to each slot machine 1 and can lend gaming media (medals) in exchange for cash (banknotes).It has a built-in card processing device (not shown) and enables the lending of gaming media based on the amount information stored on the membership card and visitor card.
Although not shown in the figure, the lending machine 80 is equipped with an input operation unit and a display unit, which allow various operations such as medal lending operations and card ejection operations to be performed, as well as displaying amount information and information on the medals held by the player.
Also, although not shown, a sales signal output from the lending machine 80 can be input to the calling device 30 as a gaming signal.

The call device 30 is installed in correspondence with the slot machine 1, and is a device that performs effects such as lighting or flashing lamps and outputting sounds based on the game signals output from the slot machine 1, and displays information about the game on the slot machine 1.
In addition, the call device 30 is a so-called call lamp that has the function of calling an attendant at the gaming facility by pressing the call button 38 when, for example, a player encounters some kind of trouble or inquiry with the slot machine 1.
The calling device 30 according to this embodiment will be described in detail later.

The machine computer 40 and the island computer 50 are information relay processing devices provided for each slot machine 1 and for each gaming machine island to which multiple slot machines 1 are attached, respectively, and relay information sent and received between the slot machine 1 and the management device 60.
The management device 60 is a data collection computer that receives game signals from the slot machine 1 via the machine computer 40 and the island computer 50 and compiles the data. It is usually installed in a location where it can be operated by the manager of the gaming facility, such as a management room behind the counter.

The earphones 70 are an example of sound information reproducing means, and are well-known earphones, and earphones owned by the player or earphones provided by the gaming facility can be used.
The earphone 70 according to this embodiment can be connected to the connection terminal 39 provided at the bottom of the calling device 30, and reproduces the audio data output from the calling device 30 as sound or the like.
By wearing the earphones 70 provided in the calling device 30 on both ears of the player, the player can hear sounds related to the progress of the game on the corresponding slot machine 1.
The earphone 70 is assumed to be a wired earphone that is connected to the connection terminal 39 by a wired cord and can receive audio data via a wired connection, but may also be a wireless earphone that can receive audio data wirelessly.
The sound information reproducing means is not limited to earphones that are inserted into the ears, but also includes, for example, headphones that are worn over the ears and bone conduction types that are worn without blocking the ears.
The slot machine 1 and the calling device 30 will be described in detail below.

[Slot Machine]
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the slot machine 1 is equipped with a front door 1a, a medal insertion slot 2, a bet button 2a, a medal selector 2b, a performance button 2c, a start lever 3, reels 4, a stop button 5, a display window 6, a medal payout device 7, a medal payout outlet 7b, a display 8, a speaker 9, a lamp 11, a navigation lamp 12, a favorable zone lamp 13, a probability setting device 14, an external output terminal 15, a drum unit 4d, a main control unit 10, and a sub-control unit 20.

The main control unit 10 and sub-control unit 20 are each equipped with a memory unit and a control unit, and are devices capable of various types of calculation processing and various types of control, and are included in the concept of a computer. Each memory unit is equipped with a storage device such as a semiconductor memory element that stores programs, data, etc. necessary for the operation of the slot machine 1. Each control unit is equipped with a CPU, etc. Each control unit realizes the various functions of this embodiment by appropriately reading and executing various programs, etc. stored in the respective memory unit.

The slot machine 1 according to this embodiment has almost the same configuration and functions as conventional slot machines, and the content and method of games using medals are also similar.
Therefore, in the following description, detailed descriptions of slot machines other than those related to the present invention will be omitted.

The main control unit 10 performs the lottery for winning roles and the progress of the game, while the sub-control unit 20 performs various presentation controls based on commands (control information) from the main control unit 10 .
The transmission of commands between the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20 is limited to one direction only, from the main control unit 10 to the sub-control unit 20, to prevent unauthorized input from the sub-control unit 20 to the main control unit 10.
The main control unit 10 transmits commands to the sub-control unit 20 according to the progress of the game on the slot machine 1. For example, the main control unit 10 transmits the results of various lotteries executed by the main control unit 10 and various information stored in the memory unit (e.g., setting values, game status) as commands at predetermined triggers.

As shown in Figure 4, the main control unit 10 is connected to the bet button 2a, medal selector 2b, start lever 3, stop button 5, drum unit 4d, medal payout device 7, advantageous zone lamp 13, probability setting device 14, external output terminal 15, and sub-control unit 20 via communication cables, and is able to control each device.

The probability setting device 14 can change the probability of receiving a bonus in multiple stages (for example, six stages), thereby changing the degree of advantage for the player in multiple stages.
The main control unit 10 stores one of the setting values in the storage unit based on the probability setting operation on the probability setting device 14 by an attendant at the gaming facility, and controls the probability of awarding a bonus based on the stored setting value. For example, setting 1 is the setting that is most disadvantageous to the player, and the higher the number, the more advantageous the setting is to the player, with setting 6 being the most advantageous to the player.
By changing the set values in the probability setting device 14, it is possible to directly or indirectly change the transition probability to one or all of the pseudo bonus state, CZ state, and AT state described below as a gaming state that is advantageous to the player, thereby changing the degree of advantage to the player (the ball payout rate of the slot machine 1) in multiple stages.

The external output terminal 15 outputs a game signal to the calling device 30 under the control of the main control unit 10 .
As shown in FIG. 2, the output game signals include an out signal, a safe signal, a big win signal, a sound output signal, and the like.

As shown in Figure 4, the sub-controller 20 is connected to the effect button 2c, speaker 9, display 8, lamp 11 and navigation lamp 12 via a communication cable and is capable of communicating with them.
The sub-controller 20 performs various performance processes by controlling each device based on commands output from the main controller 10. Specifically, it determines the content of the performance to be performed, and performs display control of the display device 8, sound control of the speaker 9, light emission control of the lamp 11 and various performance LEDs, and operation control of movable props (not shown) to perform visual and auditory performances.

The sub-control unit 20 stores, for example, sound data related to the game in the storage unit.
The sound data relating to the game is data corresponding to sound information (for example, voice, sound effects, notification sounds, warning sounds, lines (voice), background music, music) that is output in accordance with the progress of the game on the slot machine 1.
For example, data corresponding to sound information related to operations, sound information related to effects, and sound information related to setting values is stored.
Examples of sound information related to operation include the medal insertion sound that is output when a medal is inserted, the medal payout sound that is output when a medal is paid out, the start sound that is output when the start lever 3 is operated, the reel stop sound that is output when the stop button 5 is operated, and the push order navigation sound that outputs the order in which the stop button 5 is operated.
Examples of sound information related to the effects include special effects sounds that are output during various effects, jackpot sounds that are output when a jackpot occurs, stage transition sounds that are output when the game state changes, and background music and music that are output during each game state.
Examples of sound information related to setting values include a setting suggestion sound that is output when suggesting a setting value, a setting confirmation sound that is output when definitively announcing a setting value, a setting negation sound that is output when negatively announcing a setting value, and a high probability suggestion sound that suggests a high probability state.

The sub-control unit 20 includes a signal generating unit 21 that generates game signals related to effects.
When an effect using sound or the like is executed in the slot machine 1, the signal generating unit 21 generates a sound output signal that can identify the type of sound or the like to be executed.
Specifically, a sound output signal is generated at the timing when sound information related to effects is output from the speaker 9 in accordance with the progress of a game on the slot machine 1. At this time, the sound output signal is generated including information (sound ID) that can uniquely identify the type of sound to be output.
The sub-controller 20 then sends the generated sound output signal to the main controller 10 , so that the sound output signal is transmitted from the external output terminal 15 to the calling device 30 .

A guide portion (not shown) capable of holding at least a part of the cord (hereinafter referred to as the earphone cord) of the wired earphone 70 is provided on the side of the cabinet of the slot machine 1. The guide portion is also provided on the side of the reel 4 (display window 6).
The earphone cord connecting the earphone 70 and the connection terminal 39 may hang down between the front of the slot machine 1 and the player due to their positional relationship.
Therefore, by holding a portion of the earphone cord in the guide member, the earphone cord can be bridged between the earphone 70 and the connection terminal 39 via the guide member, and the earphone cord from the earphone 70 to the guide member can be prevented from dangling.
This prevents the earphone cord from interfering with the game.
For example, the earphone cord can be prevented from hanging down in front of the reel 4, so that the visibility of the reel 4 is not reduced.
In addition, the earphone cord can be prevented from getting tangled in the player's arm or hand when operating the operating means (start lever 3, etc.).
Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the earphone cord from being bothersome and reducing the fit of the earphone 70 .
The guide portion may be of any shape as long as it can hold at least a portion of the earphone cord. For example, it may be configured to wrap the earphone cord around a support rod or to secure the earphone cord with a clip.

Next, the flow of a game in the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the game on the slot machine 1 is executed in a plurality of game states, including a normal game state, a CZ state, a pseudo bonus state, and an AT state.
The main control unit 10 is capable of controlling a transition from one gaming state to another gaming state based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition.
In addition, a normal probability state and a high probability state are set in the normal game state, and in each game, the probability of transition to the pseudo bonus state is controlled to be higher in the high probability state than in the normal probability state.

During each game state (normal game state, CZ state, pseudo bonus state, AT state), various effects are generated that are mainly executed to increase the player's expectations.
For example, individual effects that are completed in one game and continuous effects that are executed over multiple games may occur.
During these effects, special sounds (special sounds during effects) that are not or are difficult to output during gameplay other than during the effects are output, thereby increasing the player's anticipation of transitioning to another game state (for example, pseudo-bonus state, AT state) and of receiving a bonus.

In addition, during each game state (normal game state, CZ state, pseudo bonus state, AT state), a presentation related to the setting value set in the probability setting device 14 (setting suggestion related presentation) occurs.
There are multiple setting suggestion related effects, such as effects that suggest whether the set value in the probability setting device 14 is odd or even, or high or low, effects that definitively notify the set value in the probability setting device 14, and effects that negatively notify the set value in the probability setting device 14.
During these effects, a predetermined setting suggestion related image is displayed and a setting suggestion related sound is output. For example, special sounds (setting suggestion sound, setting confirmation sound, setting denial sound) are output from the speaker 9, and the output special sounds allow the player to predict the setting value.
In this way, a wide variety of setting suggestion related sounds are emitted, so that important information for predicting the setting value can be provided to the player, thereby increasing the player's motivation to play.
In addition to outputs related to the set value, it is also possible to output sounds that suggest or confirm the current game state or the current probability state, and for example, it is possible to output a high probability suggestion sound that suggests that the state is in a high probability state.

In addition, the main control unit 10 is provided with a zone control means that can control the gaming zone to either a normal zone or an advantageous zone, apart from the above gaming state.
The normal zone is a game zone in which push order navigation is not executed, and begins when the next game starts after the advantageous zone ends, and ends when the conditions for transitioning to the advantageous zone are met.
In addition, when the main control unit 10 is initially in its state (when reset), it is controlled to the normal zone, and in the normal zone, the advantageous zone lamp 13 is controlled to be in the off state.
In addition, in the normal zone, when the conditions for transitioning to the advantageous zone are met, for example, when a predetermined role (for example, a bell role) is won in an internal lottery, it is determined that the player will transition to the advantageous zone.

The advantageous zone is a game zone in which push order navigation may be performed, and is a game zone that is more advantageous to the player than the normal zone because push order navigation may be performed.
In addition, the advantageous zone begins when the next game starts after the advantageous zone transition condition is met in the normal zone, and ends when a predetermined advantageous zone end condition is met.
The conditions for ending the advantageous zone are that the advantageous zone ends when a predetermined game state ends or when the advantageous zone limiter is reached, and the zone transitions to the normal zone.
The advantageous zone limiter is when either "the number of games in one advantageous zone (number of advantageous zone games) reaches an upper limit (for example, 3,000 games)" or "the number of coins won (the difference in number of coins) in one advantageous zone reaches an upper limit (for example, 2,400 coins)." Note that the above-mentioned advantageous zone end conditions are examples, and may include, for example, "the push order bell has been announced at least once,""the combination of symbols corresponding to the bonus role has stopped and been displayed," etc.
In addition, in the advantageous zone, the advantageous zone lamp 13 is controlled to be in a state where it can be turned on. However, this is not limited to this, and the advantageous zone lamp 13 may start to be turned on when the game state becomes such that the number of medals held by the player increases after the transition to the advantageous zone.
In addition, in the advantageous zone, the main control unit 10 operates as a counting means, counting the number of games played in the advantageous zone and the number of medals won in the advantageous zone, and storing these in the memory unit.

[Calling device]
Next, the calling device 30 constituting the gaming device of this embodiment will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, the calling device 30 is configured to include a communication unit 32 that receives game signals output from the slot machine 1 and transmits them to the machine computer 40, an input unit 33 that can be operated by an attendant at the gaming facility to input predetermined information, a memory unit 34 that stores programs and various data for executing the various functions of the calling device 30, a display unit 35 that is composed of an LCD display and displays game data and information related to the performance (images, videos), a light-emitting unit 36 that has multiple built-in LEDs and issues notifications related to the game using predetermined light-emitting patterns, a sound output unit 37 that can output sound, etc., a call button 38 that can be operated to call an attendant at the gaming facility, a connection terminal 39 to which sound information playback means can be connected, and a control unit 31 that is a computer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. and controls the entire device.

With this configuration, the calling device 30 according to this embodiment is able to calculate various game data for the slot machine 1 based on game signals received by the communication unit 32 and display the calculated game data on the display unit 35. It is also able to drive the light-emitting unit 36 and sound output unit 37 based on the received game signals to execute effects related to the game.

In addition to these basic operations, the calling device 30 according to this embodiment can output sounds and the like to the earphones 70 used by the player in conjunction with the progress of the game on the slot machine 1.
Specifically, sound data related to the game is stored in advance in the memory unit 34, and when a sound output signal output in accordance with the progress of the game on the slot machine 1 is received via the communication unit 32, the corresponding sound data is read from the memory unit 34 and output to the earphones 70.
This allows the player to listen to sounds related to the progress of the game on the slot machine 1 through the earphones 70.

The storage unit 34 stores a sound output control program and sound data.
The sound output control program is a program that enables the calling device 30 to realize a function of outputting sounds and the like through the earphones 70 in accordance with the progress of a game on the slot machine 1. Specifically, it incorporates modules that read the sound ID included in the sound output signal, extract sound data corresponding to the read sound ID, and control the output of the sound data.

The sound data is a part of the sound data related to the game stored in the sub-controller 20 (storage unit) of the slot machine 1 .
Specifically, sound data corresponding to sound information (first sound information) that can suggest that the player may benefit from the game is stored.
On the other hand, sound data corresponding to sound information (second sound information) that cannot suggest that the player may be beneficial in the game is not stored.

Examples of the first sound information include a start sound that is output when the start lever 3 is operated, a reel stop sound that is output when the stop button 5 is operated, a push order navigation sound that outputs the order in which the stop button 5 is operated, special effects sounds that are output while various effects are being executed, a jackpot occurrence sound that is output when a jackpot occurs, a setting suggestion sound that is output when a setting value is suggested, a setting confirmation sound that is output when a setting value is definitively announced, a setting negation sound that is output when a setting value is negatively announced, and a high probability suggestion sound that indicates a high probability state.

Examples of second sound information include the medal insertion sound that is output when a medal is inserted, the medal payout sound that is output when a medal is paid out, the loss confirmation sound that is output while each effect is being played, the demo sound that is output when the slot machine 1 is not in operation, and background music or music that is always output during normal play in each game state.

In this way, the memory unit 34 of the call device 30 stores sound data corresponding to the first sound information among the sound information that the slot machine 1 can output in relation to the progress of the game, but does not store sound data corresponding to the second sound information.
Therefore, sound data corresponding to the first sound information is output only when the timing for outputting the first sound information is identified in relation to the progress of the game on the slot machine 1.

The classification of the sound data corresponding to the first sound information and the sound data corresponding to the second sound information is not limited to the above, and any combination can be set.
For example, all sound information related to operations may be classified as first sound information, and all background music and music may be classified as second sound information. Also, sound data corresponding to sound information other than those listed above may be stored.

The sound data stored in the memory unit 34 can be input from the input unit 33 by an attendant or the like at the game center.
The input unit 33 is configured to be able to take in information recorded on a recording medium such as a USB memory, an SD card, or a memory card.
For example, a staff member at the game center can input sound data pre-recorded on a USB memory into the call device 30 by operating the input unit 33. The sound data input from the input unit 33 is stored in the memory unit 34.
Furthermore, when inputting sound data from the input unit 33, the staff at the game center may be able to select the sound data to be input from a predetermined screen.

The method of inputting sound data is not limited to manual input, but may also be distributed via a network.
For example, sound data can be stored in the management device 60, and the sound data can be distributed from the management device 60 to the calling device 30 via the network. In this case, the sound data can be distributed in response to a request from the calling device 30, or the sound data can be distributed automatically from the management device 60 at a predetermined timing.
Furthermore, in an amusement facility, multiple call devices 30 are connected via a network, so after inputting sound data into one call device 30, the sound data may be distributed to other call devices 30 corresponding to the same model of slot machine 1, for example.
Alternatively, sound data may be distributed from an external server located outside the gaming facility, which allows a large amount of sound data to be secured and allows the latest sound data to be quickly obtained from, for example, the gaming machine manufacturer that operates the external server.

In this way, the call device 30 stores sound data related to the effects of the slot machine 1 itself, so there is no need to send or receive large amounts of sound data from the slot machine 1, and the processing efficiency of output processing of audio, etc. can be improved.
Furthermore, since the calling device 30 stores only a portion of the sound data stored in the sub-controller 20 (storage unit) of the slot machine 1, the storage capacity of the storage unit 34 can be reduced.
Therefore, a large amount of other data for performance purposes (images, video data, programs, etc.) can be stored in the memory unit 34, making it possible to perform a variety of performances in the calling device 30.

(Sound information table)
The storage unit 34 stores a sound information table.
The sound information table is referred to when specifying the sound data to be output to the earphone 70 at the timing when a sound output signal is received from the slot machine 1 .
As shown in FIG. 7, the sound information table stores "sound IDs" that can uniquely identify sound data and "sound data" in association with each other.
Sound IDs are assigned numbers for each type of sound information, for example, and are classified and numbered as sound information related to operation (AXXX), sound information related to performance (BXXX), and sound information related to setting values (CXXX).
For example, sound ID "A101" is associated with "start sound A," sound ID "A102" is associated with "start sound B," sound ID "B101" is associated with "special sound A during performance," sound ID "B102" is associated with "special sound B during performance," sound ID "C101" is associated with "setting suggestion sound A," and sound ID "C102" is associated with "setting suggestion sound B."
Although detailed description is omitted, other sound data is also stored in association as shown in the figure.

In this way, by managing the sound ID and sound data in association with each other in the memory unit 34, the control unit 31 can read out the sound data corresponding to the sound ID contained in the sound output signal received from the slot machine 1 from the memory unit 34.
For example, when a presentation suggesting a setting value is executed in slot machine 1, sound ID "C101" is set in the sound output signal in signal generating unit 21 of slot machine 1, and control unit 31 can identify the sound data corresponding to sound ID "C101" by referring to the sound information table and output the sound data to earphone 70.

Next, the sound output control process performed by the control unit 31 will be described with reference to FIG.
The sound output control process is performed by the control unit 31 executing a sound output control program read from the storage unit 34 .
First, the control unit 31 determines whether or not the communication unit 32 has received a sound output signal from the slot machine 1 (S1).
When it is determined that a sound output signal has been received (S1: Yes), it is determined that the timing has come when sound or the like should be output to the earphone 70. In other words, the control unit 31 operates as a timing determination means and can determine the timing when sound information should be output based on the operation of the gaming machine (reception of the sound output signal).
Next, the sound ID included in the sound output signal is read, and sound data corresponding to the read sound ID is identified by referring to the sound information table (S2). The identified sound data is extracted from the storage unit 34 (S3). The control unit 31 operates as an output unit, and controls the sound data to be output to the earphone 70.
For example, when sound ID "B201" is read, sound data corresponding to "jackpot occurrence sound A" associated with sound ID "B201" can be played through earphone 70.
When multiple sound output signals are received, the audio corresponding to the sound output signals is output in the order they were received. For example, if another sound output signal is received while audio corresponding to a sound output signal is being output, the audio corresponding to the next sound output signal is output after the output of the previous audio has finished.

In this way, sounds according to the progress of the game on the slot machine 1 can be heard through the earphones 70, so the sounds from surrounding gaming machines are suppressed and the player can concentrate on the slot machine he or she is playing.
Furthermore, depending on the type of effect being executed, sound effects that suggest that the player may benefit may be output temporarily and suddenly, and such sound effects can be heard clearly through the earphones 70, allowing the player to quickly detect changes in the game.
Furthermore, since the earphones 70 are not connected to the slot machine 1 itself, there is no violation of the rule prohibiting the output of sound data directly from the slot machine 1 to an external device for security reasons, and it is possible to hear sounds accompanying the progress of the game on the slot machine 1 through the earphones 70.

Next, one aspect of the performance performed by the earphone 70 will be described.
The control unit 31 can determine the timing at which sound or the like should be output by receiving a sound output signal after a notification is made on the display 8 of the slot machine 1 to the earphone 70 to notify the output of sound or the like.
Specifically, when the sub-controller 20 outputs a sound output signal including a specific sound ID (for example, a special sound during a performance), the sub-controller 20 performs a lottery based on a predetermined probability of winning to determine whether or not to execute an expectation effect on the display 8. If the lottery is won, the sub-controller 20 displays, for example, "Focus on your earphones!" as an expectation effect on the display 8. Then, the sub-controller 20 outputs a sound output signal including the sound ID to the calling device 30.
Therefore, after the expectation level presentation is executed on the display device 8, the control unit 31 receives a sound output signal including the sound ID and outputs it to the earphone 70.
For example, after a message such as "Concentrate on your earphones!" is displayed on the display 8, background music (special sounds during the performance) is output temporarily and suddenly from the earphones 70 to indicate something that may be beneficial to the player (a suggestion of stocking in the AT state, a confirmation of breaking through the CZ state, a confirmation of transition to a pseudo bonus).
This allows the player to fully hear potentially useful sounds and the like through the earphones 70, allowing the player to quickly detect changes in the game and increase the interest of the game.

In addition, without being limited to this, when the sub-controller 20 outputs a sound output signal containing a specific sound ID (for example, the sound of a jackpot), it can also display a message such as "Take off your earphones!" on the display 8 as an expectation effect. In this case, by having the player take off their earphones, they can experience the sound coming from the gaming machine.

In addition, when the control unit 31 outputs sound data corresponding to the "push order navigation sound" to the earphone 70, it basically outputs all of the "right" sound, "left" sound, and "center" sound to both the left earphone and the right earphone.
Also, for example, when a specified condition is met (during a high probability state, when the stock of the AT state is confirmed, when the breakthrough of the CZ state is confirmed, when the transition to a pseudo bonus is confirmed, etc.), sound that matches the direction of the push order navigation is output to the left earphone and the right earphone.
Specifically, when outputting "left" sound, it is output only to the left earphone, when outputting "right" sound, it is output only to the right earphone, and when outputting "middle" sound, it is output to both the left earphone and the right earphone.

Furthermore, when the control unit 31 outputs sound data corresponding to the "special sound during effect" to the earphones 70, it outputs the sound by intentionally shifting the output timing of the left earphone and the right earphone (so-called virtual surround control). This makes it possible to execute an effect in which the sound is heard from behind the player.
Furthermore, the output volume to the earphone 70 is controlled to vary depending on the distance to the character displayed on the display 8 of the slot machine 1. For example, the lines of a character that appears close can be output at a louder volume, and the lines of a character that appears farther away can be output at a softer volume, thereby making the lines sound different.
This allows for a realistic presentation and makes the game more entertaining.
In this way, audio and other effects can be produced in a wide variety of ways through the earphones 70 in accordance with the various changing situations as the game is played, thereby making the game more entertaining.

In addition, in this embodiment, the sound data (sound data corresponding to the first sound information) stored in the call device 30 (memory unit 34) is assumed to have the same output format as the sound data stored in the slot machine 1 (sub-control unit 20 (memory unit)), but is not limited to this and may be sound data with a different output format.
For example, dedicated sounds (for example, chance increase warning sounds, character lines) that are not output from the speaker 9 of the slot machine 1 are output to the earphone 70. This makes it possible to surprise the player by outputting sounds that are different from the usual sounds, thereby increasing the player's interest.

Furthermore, the gaming device and program according to the first embodiment may also employ the following configurations.
In the above description, it is assumed that audio and the like is always output to the earphone 70, but this is not limiting, and it is also possible to select whether or not to output audio and the like.
For example, from a predetermined setting screen that can be operated by a player or amusement facility staff member, the player can select whether or not to use earphones 70, either "enabled" which allows output, or "disabled" which does not allow output.
It is also possible to set whether or not to output each type of sound information. For example, it is possible to set only sound information relating to setting values among the sound information relating to games to be output.
This allows the player to set it to "disabled," for example, if the player wants to enjoy predicting the setting value without relying on notifications about the setting value from the earphones 70, or if the player is aware of the setting value that has already been set.
Furthermore, for machines for which the staff at the amusement facility do not want players to easily guess the set values, they can set the setting to "disabled," which will prevent the set values from being announced through the earphones 70, thereby preventing the set values from being easily guessed.

In addition, it is possible to select whether to output sound from both the earphone 70 and the sound output unit 37 (built-in speaker), or from either one of them. Furthermore, it is also possible to set it for each type of sound. For example, among the sound information related to the game, sound information related to the setting value can be set to be output only from the earphone 70.
However, without being limited to this, when the earphone 70 is connected to the connection terminal 39, no sound may be output from the sound output unit 37.

The volume of the earphone 70 can also be adjusted.
For example, the calling device 30 is provided with a volume adjustment operation unit (not shown) that adjusts the volume output to the earphones 70, allowing the player to listen to the audio from the earphones 70 at a volume that suits their preferences.
Furthermore, the volume adjustment of the earphones 70 may be set only when the use/non-use setting of the earphones 70 is set to "enabled." In this case, if the use/non-use setting of the earphones 70 is not set to "enabled," the volume may be output at a threshold value set in advance by a staff member at the game center.
The volume of the earphones 70 may be adjusted from the display 8 of the slot machine 1 .

Furthermore, the sound etc. output to the earphone 70 is not limited to sound information related to games, and other sound information can also be output.
Another example of sound information is the in-game announcements that are broadcast within the game arcade, and the sound information of the in-game announcements is obtained from the management device 60 via the network.
For example, any information used within the gaming parlor may be used, such as announcements about the number of balls dispensed, announcements about available machines, background music played within the gaming parlor, emergency broadcasts, etc. Information obtained from outside the gaming parlor may also be used, such as sound information from radio or television, or sound information obtained via the Internet.
In this case, the other sound information may be output together with the sound information related to the game, or only one of them may be output. When both the other sound information and the sound information related to the game are output, it is preferable to suppress or turn off the volume of the sound information related to the game so that the other sound information is output with priority.
In addition, whether or not to output other sound information may be selectable from a predetermined setting screen that can be operated by the player. Furthermore, whether or not to output other sound information can be set for each type of other sound information. Note that, regardless of these settings, emergency broadcasts may always be output.

As described above, according to the gaming device and program of this embodiment, based on the operation of the slot machine 1 (for example, the transmission of a sound output signal), sound data related to the performance stored in the calling device 30 can be output to a sound information playback means (such as earphones 70) used by the player.
As a result, since the device itself stores sound data related to the presentation, it is possible to output sounds and the like related to the progress of play on the slot machine 1 without the need to send and receive large amounts of sound data from the slot machine 1, thereby improving the processing efficiency of the output processing of sounds and the like.
Furthermore, since the timing of outputting sound data is determined based on the operation of the slot machine 1 as the game progresses, it becomes possible to produce a sound effect that is linked to the progress of the game on the slot machine 1, thereby improving the entertainment value of the effect.

Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the gaming device and program according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the following description and drawings, parts having the same configurations and functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as appropriate, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 9, the slot machine 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a light-emitting portion 121 for transmitting sound information is provided.
Furthermore, the calling device 30 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a light receiving unit 131 is provided, as shown in FIG.
In the second embodiment, instead of transmitting the sound output signal in the first embodiment, the output timing of the sound, etc. and the content of the sound, etc. are transmitted by optical communication between the light-emitting unit 121 for transmitting sound information of the slot machine 1 and the light-receiving unit 131 of the calling device 30.

The light-emitting unit 121 for transmitting sound information is connected to the sub-control unit 20 so as to be able to communicate with the sub-control unit 20, and is controlled by the sub-control unit 20 to emit light at the timing when sounds or the like are output from the speaker 9 in accordance with the progress of the game on the slot machine 1. At this time, the light is emitted in a light-emitting pattern that allows the type of sound to be output to be uniquely identified.
The light-emitting unit 121 for transmitting sound information is provided on the top surface of the cabinet of the slot machine 1 and is arranged so as to be able to irradiate light toward the light-receiving unit 131 provided on the bottom surface of the calling device 30 .
In addition, the light-emitting unit 121 for transmitting sound information is equipped with multiple multi-color light-emitting LEDs (full-color LEDs) and an LED driver that controls the lighting and blinking of the LEDs, and the LED driver causes the LEDs to emit light in a predetermined lighting pattern in accordance with control commands from the sub-control unit 20.
In this embodiment, the case where two LEDs (121a, 121b) are provided will be described, but one or three or more LEDs may be provided.
Also, instead of the multicolor LED, three LEDs that respectively emit red, blue, and green light may be arranged close to each other.

A wide variety of light emission patterns can be realized by combining one or more of the LED light emission color, LED light intensity, LED light emission sequence, and the like.
The color of the LED light can be selected from, for example, "red,""blue," and "green."
The light intensity of the LED indicates the brightness of the LED, and is set in stages such as "high,""medium,""low," and "none (off)," any of which can be selected. However, this is not limiting, and it may be set in stages between 0 and 9, for example, and in this case, the LED lights up or flashes brighter (the light intensity increases) as the numerical value increases, and when the light intensity is set to "0," the LED is turned off.
The order of light emission of the LEDs can be selected from among a pattern in which the LED 121a and the LED 121b start emitting light at the same time, a pattern in which the LED 121a emits light first, and a pattern in which the LED 121b emits light first.

For example, when a presentation suggesting a setting value is executed in slot machine 1, and "setting suggestion sound A" is output, sub-control unit 20 causes LED 121a to emit light in a light pattern such as "LED 121a emits green light at a "large" light output, LED 121b emits red light at a "large" light output, and both start emitting light at the same time."
Furthermore, when the "setting suggestion sound B" is output, the sub-control unit 20 causes the LED 121a to emit green light at a "large" light intensity, the LED 121b to emit red light at a "medium" light intensity, and both to start emitting light at the same time.
The LEDs 121a and 121b continue to emit light for a predetermined period determined for each light emission pattern.
In this way, the LEDs 121a and 121b emit light based on a light emission pattern that allows the type of sound to be uniquely identified.

The light receiving unit 131 is capable of receiving light emitted from the light emitting unit 121 for transmitting sound information, and when it receives light, it is configured to be able to detect, for example, the color, light intensity, and emission sequence of the received light, and transmits a detection signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 31.

When the control unit 31 determines that a light emitting pattern has been received by receiving a detection signal, it determines that the timing has come when sound or the like should be output to the earphone 70. In other words, the control unit 31 operates as a timing determination means and can determine the timing when sound information should be output based on the operation of the gaming machine (output of a light emitting pattern).
Next, the sound data corresponding to the light emission pattern is identified by referring to the sound information table (FIG. 10) stored in the memory unit 34, and the identified sound data is extracted from the memory unit 34 and controlled so that the sound data is output to the earphone 70 only while light is being received.

As shown in FIG. 10, the sound information table according to this embodiment stores "light emission patterns" and "sound data" in association with each other.
For example, "start sound A" is associated with a light emission pattern in which "LED 121a emits red light at a "large" light intensity, LED 121b emits red light at a "large" light intensity, and both start emitting light at the same time," and "start sound B" is associated with a light emission pattern in which "LED 121a emits red light at a "large" light intensity, LED 121b emits red light at a "medium" light intensity, and both start emitting light at the same time."
Although detailed description is omitted, other sound data is also stored in association as shown in the figure.
The light emission pattern is not limited to the above, and any light emission mode and combination may be used. For example, it is possible to set the order in which each LED starts to emit light, or to have one LED emit multiple light colors in sequence.

As described above, according to the call device 30 of this embodiment, by storing light emission patterns and sound data in association with each other in the memory unit 34, the control unit 31 can read out from the memory unit 34 the sound data corresponding to the light emission pattern received based on the operation of the slot machine 1 (transmission of the light emission pattern), and output it to the sound information reproduction means (earphones 70, etc.) used by the player.
Therefore, the gaming device and program according to the second embodiment also have the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment.

[Third embodiment]
Next, a third embodiment of the gaming device and program according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
In the following description and drawings, parts having the same configurations and functions as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as appropriate, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the operating state of the sound information transmitting movable part 122, but for the sake of explanation, the configurations of the slot machine 1 and the calling device 30 are shown in a simplified form.

As shown in FIG. 11, the slot machine 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a sound information transmitting movable part 122 (movable member) is provided.
Furthermore, the calling device 30 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a contact detection unit 132 is provided, as shown in FIG.
In the third embodiment, instead of transmitting the sound output signal in the first embodiment, the output timing of the sound, etc. and the content of the sound, etc. are transmitted by detecting physical contact between the movable part 122 for transmitting sound information of the slot machine 1 and the contact detection part 132 of the call device 30.
In this embodiment, "contact" is not limited to actual contact between the sound information transmitting movable part 122 and the contact detection part 132, but also includes non-contact where the sound information transmitting movable part 122 and the contact detection part 132 are close to each other within a predetermined distance. In the following explanation, the case of non-contact (close proximity) will be described as an example.

The sound information transmitting movable unit 122 is communicably connected to the sub-control unit 20, and operates under the control of the sub-control unit 20 at the timing when sounds and the like are output from the speaker 9 in accordance with the progress of the game on the slot machine 1. At this time, it operates in an operation pattern that allows the type of sound to be output to be uniquely identified.
The sound information transmitting movable part 122 is provided on the top surface of the cabinet of the slot machine 1 and is positioned so that it can be displaced toward the contact detection part 132 provided on the bottom surface of the calling device 30 .

The movable part 122 for transmitting sound information is equipped with a drive part such as a motor (not shown) and a power transmission mechanism such as a cam, and the movable part 122 for transmitting sound information is configured to move vertically upward or vertically downward by the power transmitted from the drive part via the power transmission mechanism.
By such an operation, the movable part 122 for transmitting sound information can be positioned at the initial position (restoration position) (122b, 122d in Figure 12), an undetectable position where it is not detected by the contact detection part 132 (122c, 122e in Figure 12), or a detectable position where it is detected by the contact detection part 132 (122a in Figure 12).
In order to reduce the time loss from when the sound information transmitting movable part 122 starts to operate until contact is detected, the initial position (restored position) may be brought as close as possible to the detectable position.

The sound information transmitting movable unit 122 is made up of a plurality of movable units, and one or more of the movable units operate in a predetermined operation pattern in accordance with a control command from the sub-control unit 20 .
In this embodiment, the case where five movable parts (122a to 122e) are provided will be described, but four or less or six or more movable parts may be provided.

A wide variety of operation patterns can be realized by combining one or more of the sound information transmitting movable parts 122a to 122e.
For example, when a presentation suggesting a setting value is executed in the slot machine 1, if the "setting suggestion sound A" is output, the sub-control unit 20 operates only the movable unit 122c for transmitting sound information.
Furthermore, when the "setting suggestion sound B" is output, the sub-controller 20 operates the sound information transmitting movable parts 122c and 122d. In this case, the sound information transmitting movable parts 122c and 122d may start operating at the same time, or the operation start timing may be different for each movable part.
Furthermore, the sound information transmitting movable part 122 is configured to remain in a detectable position for a predetermined period determined for each operation pattern.
In this way, the sound information transmitting movable parts 122a to 122e operate according to an operation pattern that allows the type of sound to be output to be uniquely identified.

The contact detection unit 132 is capable of detecting the movable part 122 for transmitting sound information that is located at a detectable position, and is configured to be able to detect, for example, the type of the detected movable part 122a to 122e for transmitting sound information, the order of detection (operation), etc., and transmits a detection signal indicating the detection result to the control unit 31.
The contact detection unit 132 is provided with a sensor that detects an object, and in this embodiment, for example, a distance measurement sensor is provided.
The distance measuring sensor is a non-contact sensor that can detect an object without coming into contact with the object and can detect whether or not the object is present within a predetermined detection range. Specifically, the detection range of the distance measuring sensor is set to a short distance (several centimeters) on the side facing the movable part for transmitting sound information 122 below the calling device 30.
Therefore, when the sound information transmitting movable part 122 is moved to be located within the detection range (detectable position), the contact detection part 132 can detect that a contact has occurred.
The type of sensor is not limited to a distance measurement sensor, and any type of sensor can be used as long as it can detect that the movable part 122 for transmitting sound information has come into contact with the contact detection part 132, and well-known sensors such as a capacitance type or a resistive film type can be used.
In addition, in this embodiment, five contact detectors 132 (132a to 132e) are provided to correspond to the sound information transmitting movable parts 122, but the number is not limited to this and may be four or less or six or more.

When the control unit 31 determines that it has received an operation pattern by receiving a detection signal, it determines that the timing has come when sound or the like should be output to the earphone 70. In other words, the control unit 31 operates as a timing determination means and can determine the timing when sound information should be output based on the operation of the gaming machine (operation of the moving part).
Next, the sound data corresponding to the operation pattern is identified by referring to the sound information table (FIG. 13) stored in the memory unit 34, and the identified sound data is extracted from the memory unit 34 and controlled so that the sound data is output to the earphone 70 only while contact is detected.

As shown in FIG. 13, the sound information table according to this embodiment stores "movement patterns" and "sound data" in association with each other.
For example, "start sound A" is associated with the operation pattern "operating movable part 122a for transmitting sound information," and "start sound B" is associated with "operating movable parts 122a and 122b for transmitting sound information."
Although detailed description is omitted, other sound data is also stored in association as shown in the figure.
The operation patterns are not limited to those described above, and any operation modes and combinations may be used. For example, it is possible to set the detection (operation) order of each of the sound information transmitting movable parts 122a to 122e, or to operate one sound information transmitting movable part 122 multiple times.

As described above, according to the call device 30 of this embodiment, by storing operation patterns and sound data in association with each other in the memory unit 34, the control unit 31 can read out sound data corresponding to the operation pattern received based on the operation of the slot machine 1 (operation of the moving part) from the memory unit 34 and output it to a sound information playback means (such as earphones 70) used by the player.
Therefore, the gaming device and program according to the third embodiment also achieve the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments.

In the third embodiment, the following configurations can also be adopted.
The movable sound information transmitting part 122 may be configured to be movable not only vertically but also horizontally. In this case, for example, the movable sound information transmitting parts 122a to 122e may be arranged with the left and right ends of the top surface of the slot machine 1 cabinet as their initial positions (restore positions), and the contact detection part 132 may be arranged at a predetermined position where it can be detected when the movable sound information transmitting parts 122a to 122e move horizontally.
Furthermore, decorations such as lamps may be added to the sound information transmitting movable part 122. This allows the sound information transmitting movable part 122 to emit light appropriately in response to the action, thereby attracting the player's attention to the sound information transmitting movable part 122 and providing the player with a variety of effects.
Furthermore, a cover member may be provided to cover the sound information transmitting movable part 122. This makes it possible to prevent damage or destruction of the sound information transmitting movable part 122 due to tampering or fraud.

(Other embodiments)
Next, another embodiment will be described.
As configurations other than those of the first to third embodiments, the following configurations can also be adopted.
The slot machine 1 is provided with a speaker (sound output means) on the top of the cabinet that can output voices, etc. (sound information) toward the underside of the calling device 30, and a microphone (sound collection means) that collects the voices, etc. (sound information) output from the speaker on the underside of the calling device 30, and the voices, etc. collected by the microphone can be output through earphones 70 used by the player. In this case, it is preferable that the voices, etc. collected by the microphone be amplified by an amplifier and output to the earphones 70.
The microphone may also be configured to be movable so that it can be placed closer to the speaker provided on the top of the cabinet of the slot machine 1.
This allows the same sound and the like output from the speaker of the slot machine 1 to be output to the earphone 70 without storing sound data in the calling device 30.

If the earphones 70 used by connecting to the calling device 30 (connection terminal 39) are, for example, specific earphones 70 with a light-emitting unit loaned from an amusement facility, the control unit 31 operates as a light-emitting instruction means and transmits a light-emitting instruction signal to the earphones 70 to cause the light-emitting unit to emit light in accordance with the progress of play on the slot machine 1.
For example, the light-emitting unit is illuminated in connection with the occurrence of a special game state (e.g., pseudo-bonus state, CZ state, AT state) that is advantageous to the player. As a result, the sound that is output when a jackpot occurs (jackpot occurrence sound A, etc.) is output to the specific earphone 70, and the light-emitting unit is illuminated. In other words, the specific earphone 70 not only has an auditory function of transmitting sound, etc., but also a visual function of light, making it possible to create an effect that combines sound and light.
This makes an impact on nearby players, highlights the change in the state of the slot machine 1, and increases the players' interest in playing the game.

If the earphone 70 used by connecting to the calling device 30 is, for example, a wireless earphone, it is possible to output special sounds or the like to the wireless earphone in response to the player's actions.
For example, if a predetermined time has passed since the player left his seat, a sound urging caution can be output to the earphone 70.
Specifically, if the call button 38 also has the function of informing the player that they will be leaving the slot machine 1 for reasons such as a meal or a break, a voice prompting the player to "return to their seat and continue playing" is output to the earphones after a predetermined time has passed since the call button 38 was operated (for example, a long press).
In this case, it is necessary to store sound data related to the alert in the memory unit 34, and the distance between the calling device 30 and the wireless earphone must be within the communication range of wireless communication.

As explained above, in the present invention, a gaming device (call device 30) installed in correspondence with a gaming machine (slot machine 1) is configured to include: storage means (storage unit 34) capable of storing sound information data corresponding to sound information that the gaming machine can output in relation to the progress of a game; output means (main control unit 10) capable of outputting sound information based on the sound information data through sound information playback means (earphones 70) used by the player; and timing determination means (main control unit 10) capable of determining the timing at which the sound information should be output by the output means based on the sound information data, based on the operation of the gaming machine.

By having such a configuration, the gaming device of the present invention can output sound data related to the effects stored in itself to the earphone 70 based on the operation of the slot machine 1 (for example, transmission of a sound output signal, output of a light emitting pattern, operation of a moving part).
In this way, since sound data relating to effects is stored, there is no need to send and receive large amounts of sound data from the slot machine 1, and the processing efficiency of output processing of sound and the like can be improved.
Furthermore, since the timing of outputting sound data is determined based on the operation of the slot machine 1 as the game progresses, it becomes possible to produce a sound effect linked to the progress of the game on the slot machine 1, thereby improving the entertainment value of the effect.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses an amusement facility in which sound data sent from a gaming machine can be output to earphones via an intermediate board connected to the external connection terminal board of the gaming machine.
However, with this amusement facility, the amount of audio data output from the gaming machines was enormous, and it was necessary to install new signal lines in the gaming machines to accommodate such a large amount of data, which not only increased costs but was also not easy from a technical standpoint.
Furthermore, it was not easy to control the timing of outputting sound data resulting from the operation of the gaming machine.
In this way, the gaming device and program according to this embodiment can solve all or part of the problems that conventional gaming devices need to improve.

The above describes the gaming device and program of the present invention by showing preferred embodiments, but it goes without saying that the gaming device and program of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.
For example, in the above embodiment, the calling device 30 functions as a gaming device according to the present invention, but it may be any gaming device that is installed in correspondence with the gaming machine, and may be composed of a machine computer 40, a lending machine 80, an inter-machine display device arranged between gaming machines, an amusement center presentation device, a memory device, etc., or may be composed of a combination of all or some of these.
In the above embodiment, the sound information related to the game stored in the calling device 30 is different for each model of slot machine 1, but this is not limiting and common sound information may be stored. This allows common sounds to be output regardless of the model of slot machine 1, thereby increasing the versatility of the calling device 30.

1. Gaming machine (slot machine)
20 Sub-controller 121 Light-emitting unit for transmitting sound information 122 Movable unit for transmitting sound information 30 Calling device (game device)
31 Control unit (output means, timing specifying means, light emission instruction means)
34 Storage unit (storage means)
131 Light receiving unit 132 Contact detection unit 70 Earphone (sound information reproducing means)
S Gaming System

Claims (1)

In a gaming device installed in correspondence with a gaming machine,
a storage means for storing sound information data corresponding to sound information that can be output by the gaming machine in relation to the progress of a game;
an output means for outputting sound information based on the sound information data through a sound information reproducing means used by a player;
a timing specifying means for specifying a timing at which sound information should be output by the output means based on the sound information data, based on an operation of the gaming machine;
Equipped with
the storage means stores the sound information data corresponding to first sound information among the sound information that the gaming machine can output in relation to the progress of a game, but does not store the sound information data corresponding to second sound information;
the output means is capable of outputting the first sound information when the timing specifying means specifies the timing at which the first sound information should be output;
A gaming device, wherein the first sound information is information about a setting value that can be selected by an attendant at an amusement facility to adjust the payout rate of the gaming machine.