US20100234107A1 - Game machine - Google Patents
Game machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100234107A1 US20100234107A1 US12/160,443 US16044306A US2010234107A1 US 20100234107 A1 US20100234107 A1 US 20100234107A1 US 16044306 A US16044306 A US 16044306A US 2010234107 A1 US2010234107 A1 US 2010234107A1
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- Prior art keywords
- data
- specific
- effect pattern
- sound
- pattern data
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3202—Hardware aspects of a gaming system, e.g. components, construction, architecture thereof
- G07F17/3204—Player-machine interfaces
- G07F17/3211—Display means
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
- G07F17/00—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
- G07F17/32—Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for games, toys, sports, or amusements
- G07F17/3225—Data transfer within a gaming system, e.g. data sent between gaming machines and users
- G07F17/3227—Configuring a gaming machine, e.g. downloading personal settings, selecting working parameters
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislo gaming apparatus and a slot machine.
- Patent Document 1 There conventionally exists a gaming machine that has a microphone and generates and outputs an additional sub sound based upon an ambient sound recorded with the microphone and a gaming state (e.g., see Patent Document 1).
- a gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 since a sound amplifying an ambient sound is outputted or a suppression sound canceling the ambient sound is outputted in accordance with a gaming state, a player can feel vibrancy in a game parlor when the sound amplifying the ambient sound is outputted and also have a higher expectation by an effect sound emitted from the gaming machine when the sound canceling the ambient sound is outputted.
- Patent Document 1 JP-A No. 2005-131263
- the present invention was made in view of the foregoing problems, and has an object to provide a gaming machine that is capable of producing a new effect in which contents of a game on one gaming machine are reflected to another gaming machine or the like in a game parlor, and of enhancing vibrancy in the entire game parlor and expectation of a player who has not yet hit a jackpot.
- the present invention provides the following.
- a gaming machine provided with a speaker capable of outputting a sound that is inputted into an external device having a microphone and that enables the device to execute a specific effect when it is determined in the device that the sound includes a specific sound based upon specific data, the gaming machine including:
- an effect is executed based upon first effect pattern data not including specific data indicating a specific sound that triggers the external device to execute a specific effect, and as triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition (e.g. generation of a special game state, reach of payout number of game media or difference in number of the game media to a prescribed number, coming of prescribed time, passing of a prescribed period from start of a game or from play of a last game), second effect pattern data including the specific data indicating the specific sound is extracted.
- a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern is outputted from the speaker.
- the player playing a game on the gaming machine that has satisfied the prescribed condition can feel a sense of superiority.
- the external device having a microphone therein collects the sound, and it is thus unnecessary to perform a wiring operation such as connection between the gaming machines or between the gaming machines and a management device. As thus described, since it is configured so as to produce an effect through sounds, the cost and time taken for investment in facilities can be reduced.
- the first effect pattern data not including the specific data and the second effect pattern data including the specific data are stored and the first effect pattern data is changed to the second effect pattern data as triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, it is unnecessary to perform, on sound data, sound processing such as processing of amplifying an amplitude in a specific frequency band or processing of including a specific inaudible sound. Therefore, since the sound processing that may take time is not performed, it is possible to reduce deviation of output timing of a sound based upon the specific data.
- the present invention further provides the following.
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data showing a specific waveform that triggers the external device to execute a specific effect, and second effect pattern data including the specific data.
- first effect pattern data not including specific data showing a specific waveform that triggers the external device to execute a specific effect and second effect pattern data including the specific data are stored.
- the second effect pattern data including the specific data showing the specific waveform is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker.
- a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker is inputted into an external device having a microphone, it is determined in the device that part of a waveform shown by a sound signal outputted from the microphone includes a waveform identical or similar to the specific waveform, and a specific effect is executed. Therefore, according to the invention of (2), it is directly determined from the waveform whether or not the specific sound is included, thereby allowing prevention of malfunction.
- the present invention provides the following.
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform obtained by amplifying by a prescribed amount an amplitude in a specific frequency band of a waveform shown by sound data included in the first effect pattern data.
- first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data are stored, the specific data showing a waveform obtained by amplifying, by a prescribed amount, an amplitude in a specific frequency band of a waveform shown by sound data included in the first effect pattern data.
- the second effect pattern data including the specific data is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker.
- the present invention provides the following.
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound.
- first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound are stored.
- the second effect pattern data including the specific data is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker.
- a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker is inputted into an external device having a microphone, it is determined in the device that part of a waveform shown by the sound signal outputted from the microphone includes the waveform of the specific inaudible sound, and a specific effect is executed.
- the inaudible sound refers to a sound with a frequency of other than a generally human-recognizable range of 20 Hz to 20000 Hz, but it is not necessarily required to be a sound with a frequency of other than 20 Hz to 20000 Hz, depending upon a mode in which the sound is outputted.
- the inaudible sound includes a sound outputted in a human-unrecognizable mode, e.g. a mode as seen in the case where a sound cannot be recognized by a human when outputted at a low volume after output of a sound at a high volume.
- the present invention provides the following.
- the gaming machine described in the above (2) further including a second memory that stores identification data for identifying a gaming machine installed in a game parlor, wherein
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to the identification data.
- first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to the identification data are stored. Therefore, upon input of a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker into an external device having a microphone, it is possible in the device to recognize from which device the sound was outputted.
- the present invention provides the following.
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound.
- first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound are stored.
- the second effect pattern data including the specific data is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker.
- a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker is inputted into an external device having a microphone, it is determined in the device that part of a waveform shown by the sound signal outputted from the microphone includes the waveform that shows the specific inaudible sound, and a specific effect is executed. It is therefore possible to execute the effect without making the player aware of a change in sound outputted from the gaming machine.
- the present invention provides the following.
- the gaming machine described in the above (3) further including a second memory that stores identification data for identifying a gaming machine installed in a game parlor, wherein
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to the identification data.
- first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to identification data are stored. Therefore, upon input of a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker into an external device having a microphone, it is possible in the device to recognize from which device the sound was outputted.
- the present invention provides the following.
- the gaming machine described in the above (4) further including a second memory that stores identification data for identifying a gaming machine installed in a game parlor, wherein
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to the identification data.
- first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to identification data are stored. Therefore, upon input of a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker into an external device having a microphone, it is possible in the device to recognize from which device the sound was outputted.
- the present invention provides the following.
- USB terminal or port for infrared light communication for inputting identification data is provided, it is possible to easily input or change the identification data.
- the present invention provides the following.
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to the identification data.
- first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to identification data are stored. Therefore, upon input of a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker into an external device having a microphone, it is possible in the device to recognize from which device the sound was outputted.
- the present invention provides the following.
- the gaming machine described in the above (7) further including an interface for inputting the identification data.
- an interface e.g. USB terminal or port for infrared light communication
- an interface e.g. USB terminal or port for infrared light communication
- the present invention provides the following.
- the gaming machine described in the above (8) further including an interface for inputting the identification data.
- an interface e.g. USB terminal or port for infrared light communication
- an interface e.g. USB terminal or port for infrared light communication
- the present invention provides the following.
- an interface e.g. USB terminal or port for infrared light communication
- an interface e.g. USB terminal or port for infrared light communication
- the present invention provides the following.
- a gaming machine provided with a speaker capable of outputting a sound that is inputted into an external device having a microphone and that enables the device to execute a specific effect when it is determined in the device that the sound includes a specific voice based upon specific data, the gaming machine including:
- first memory that stores first effect pattern data not including the specific data indicating the specific voice that triggers the external device to execute the specific effect, and second effect pattern data including the specific data
- first effect pattern data not including specific data indicating a specific voice that triggers the external device to execute a specific effect and second effect pattern data including the specific data are stored.
- the second effect pattern data including the specific data indicating the specific voice is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker.
- the sound outputted from the speaker is inputted into an external device having a microphone, in the device, it is determined that the sound includes the specific voice, and then a specific effect is executed. It is therefore possible to execute an effect through the use of a voice having a complicated waveform.
- a gaming machine that is capable of producing a new effect in which contents of a game on one gaming machine are reflected to another gaming machine or the like in a game parlor, and of enhancing vibrancy in the entire game parlor and expectation of a player who has not yet hit a jackpot.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a pachislo gaming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- This pachislo gaming apparatus 1 is a gaming machine on which a game can be played using game media such as a card storing information on a game value that has been offered or will be offered to a player, in addition to coins, medals, tokens or the like; however, the case of using medals is described below.
- game media such as a card storing information on a game value that has been offered or will be offered to a player, in addition to coins, medals, tokens or the like; however, the case of using medals is described below.
- a liquid crystal display 5 is installed on the front face of a cabinet 2 forming the entirety of the pachislo gaming apparatus 1 .
- This liquid crystal display 5 has a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown).
- This transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is capable of switching part or the whole thereof to a transparent/opaque state, and also capable of displaying an effect image regarding a game.
- three rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R are provided on the rear surface side of the liquid crystal display 5 .
- Each of the three rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R displays a plurality of pieces of identification information such as symbols on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatably provided in a horizontal row.
- a base portion 10 having a horizontal surface is formed under the liquid crystal display 5 .
- a medal insertion slot 22 is provided on the right side of the base portion 10 .
- a 1-BET switch 11 and a maximum BET switch 13 are provided on the left side of the base portion 10 .
- an accumulated medal settlement switch 14 On the left side of the front surface portion of the base portion 10 is provided an accumulated medal settlement switch 14 with which credit/payout of medals acquired in a game by the player is switched by a pressing operation.
- a start lever 6 for rotating the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R by an operation by the player is installed rotatably in a prescribed angle range.
- Three stop buttons 7 L, 7 C, and 7 R for respectively stopping rotation of the three rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R are provided at the center of the front surface portion of the base portion 10 .
- a determination button 26 and a cancel button 27 are provided on the right side of the front surface portion of the base portion 10 .
- the determination button 26 or the cancel button 27 input of a command regarding switching of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 5 , or the like, can be made.
- a door opening-closing and shooting-stop-canceling device 29 is further provided on the right side of the front surface portion of the base portion 10 .
- a prescribed key is inserted into a key hole of this door opening-closing and shooting-stop canceling device 29 , and is turned to the right so as to open/close the front door or turned to the left so as to cancel stopping of shooting.
- Speakers 21 L and 21 R are provided on the right and left of the upper portion of the cabinet 2 , and a payout table panel 23 showing winning symbols combinations, the numbers of payouts of medals, and the like, is provided between the two speakers 21 L and 21 R.
- a microphone 44 is provided on the right and left of the front of the cabinet 2 .
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the neighborhood of the liquid crystal display in the pachislo gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
- the three rotational reels 3 ( 3 L, 3 C, 3 R) with symbols as a plurality of pieces of identification information drawn on the respective outer peripheral surfaces thereof are rotatably provided in a horizontal row.
- the liquid crystal display 5 includes a front panel 31 and the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown) provided on the rear surface of the front panel 31 .
- the front panel 31 is comprised of a transparent display window 31 a and a pattern-formed region 31 b where patterns are drawn, and a screen image displayed to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided on the rear surface of the front panel 31 is visible through the display window 31 a of the front panel 31 .
- a specific effect image 93 including fireworks images 93 a and a notification image 93 b notifying generation of a BB game on another pachislo gaming apparatus 1 .
- This image is an image displayed when it is determined that a specific sound has been inputted from a microphone 44 .
- a specific effect image is displayed simultaneously to other pachislo gaming apparatuses 1 installed within a prescribed range from the single pachislo gaming apparatus 1 .
- a variety of lamps i.e., a game start display lamp 25 , a WIN lamp 17 , a medal insertion lamp 24 , a maximum BET lamp 9 c , a 2-BET lamp 9 b , and a 1-BET lamp 9 a ; and a variety of display portions, i.e., a number-of-payouts display portion 18 , a number-of-accumulated-medals display portion 19 , and a number-of-actuated-combinations display portion 20 .
- the pattern-formed region 31 b of the front panel 31 is transparent in the front surface portions of the foregoing variety of lamps and variety of display portions, and the variety of lamps and the variety of display portions are thus visible.
- the 1-BET lamp 9 a , the 2-BET lamp 9 b , and the maximum BET lamp 9 c are lighted in accordance with the number of medals betted for playing one game (hereinafter also referred to as “the number of BETs”).
- One game ends when all the rotational reels are stopped or when medals are paid out in the case where payout of medals is to be conducted.
- the WIN lamp 17 is lighted with a prescribed probability when BB (big bonus) or RB (regular bonus) is internally won, and is also lighted when winning of BB or RB is established.
- the medal insertion lamp 24 is flashed when insertion of medals is acceptable.
- the game start display lamp 25 is lighted when at least one line is activated.
- the number-of-payouts display portion 18 displays the number of payouts of medals at the time of establishment of the winning; the number-of-accumulated-medals display portion 19 displays the number of accumulated medals; and the number-of-actuated-combinations display portion 20 displays the number of RB games possibly played, the number of RB games possibly won, and the like.
- These display portions are, for example, made up of seven-segment display.
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display in the pachislo gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a configuration of part of the liquid crystal display shown in FIG. 3 .
- the liquid crystal display 5 is comprised of: a front panel 31 including a protection glass 32 and a display board 33 ; the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 ; a light guiding plate 35 ; a reflection film 36 ; fluorescent lamps 37 a , 37 b , 38 a , and 38 b , which are so-called white light sources; lamp holders 39 a to 39 h ; and table carrier package (TCP) loaded with an IC for driving a transparent liquid crystal panel.
- the TCP is made up of a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 , or the like.
- This liquid crystal display 5 is provided to the front side of the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R. Further, these rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R and the liquid crystal display 5 are provided with prescribed spacing therebetween.
- the protection glass 32 and the display board 33 are made of transparent materials.
- patterns or the like are formed in positions corresponding to the BET lamps 9 a to 9 c , and in some other positions. That is, a region of the display board 33 where the patterns or the like are formed is the pattern-formed region 31 b on the front panel 31 , and a region of the display board 33 where the patterns or the like are not formed is the transparent display window 31 a on the front panel 31 (c.f. FIG. 2 ). It is to be noted that the pattern-formed region 31 b may not be formed on the front panel 31 , and the whole area of the front panel 31 may be the transparent display window 31 a . In this case, patterns may not be formed on the display board 33 , or the display board 33 may be omitted.
- the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by enclosing liquid crystal into a void portion between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate formed with a thin film transistor layer and a transparent substrate opposed thereto.
- a display mode of this transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set to normally white.
- Normally white is a configuration where liquid crystal is displayed white (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven.
- Adoption of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 configured to be normally white can make variable display and stop-display of identification information such as symbols, displayed on the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R, visible even when a situation occurs where the liquid crystal cannot be driven, so as to allow continuation of a game. That is, even in the case of occurrence of such a situation, a game can be played mainly in the variable display mode and the stop-display mode of the identification information displayed on the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R.
- the light guiding plate 35 serves to guide light from the fluorescent lamps 37 a and 37 b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 ).
- the light guiding plate 35 is provided on the rear side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 , and made up of, for example, a transparent member (having a light guiding function), such as an acrylic resin, having a thickness of about 2 cm.
- the reflection film 36 for example, a film is used which has been obtained by forming an evaporated silver film on a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film, and the reflection film 36 reflects light guided into the light guiding plate 35 toward the front surface side of the light guiding plate 35 .
- This reflection film 36 is comprised of a reflection region 36 A and non-reflection region (transmission region) 36 B.
- the fluorescent lamps 37 a , 37 b are respectively arranged along the top end and the bottom end of the light guiding plate 35 , and both ends of the lamps are supported by the lamp holders 39 (cf. FIG. 3 ). Light applied from these fluorescent lamps 37 a , 37 b is reflected on the reflection region 36 A of the reflection film 36 , and illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 .
- the fluorescent lamps 38 a , 38 b are respectively arranged on the upper position and the lower position of the rear side of the reflection film 36 , toward the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R. Light applied from these fluorescent lamps 38 a , 38 b is reflected on the front surfaces of the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C and 3 R, and falls on the non-reflection region 36 B, thereby illuminating the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 .
- the light applied from the fluorescent lamps 37 a , 37 b which is reflected on the reflection region 36 A of the reflection film 36
- the light applied from the fluorescent lamps 38 a , 38 b which is reflected on the front surfaces of the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C and 3 R and falling on the non-reflection region 36 B, illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 .
- the region of the liquid crystal display 5 which corresponds to the non-reflection region 36 B of the reflection film 36 is a region where switching of transparent/opaque states is made depending upon whether or not the liquid crystal has been driven.
- the region of the liquid crystal display which corresponds to the reflection region 36 A of the reflection film 36 comes into an opaque state irrespective of whether or not the liquid crystal has been driven.
- the whole region of the display screen of the liquid crystal display may be a region where switching of transparent/opaque states is made.
- the entirety of the reflection film 36 may be provided as the non-reflection region 36 B, or the reflection film 36 may be omitted.
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the pachislo gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
- a main control circuit 81 mainly includes a microcomputer 40 arranged on a circuit board.
- the microcomputer 40 includes: a CPU 41 that performs a control operation in accordance with a previously set program; a ROM 42 ; and a RAM 43 .
- the microcomputer 40 corresponds to the controller in the present invention.
- the CPU 41 is connected with a clock pulse generation circuit 144 and a frequency divider 145 that set a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 146 and a sampling circuit 147 that generate a random number to be sampled. It may be configured such that, as means for random number sampling, the random number sampling is executed on an operation program of the CPU 41 .
- the ROM 42 stores a variety of control commands to be transmitted to a sub control circuit 82 , and the like.
- the commands for example, a command regarding display-control over the liquid crystal display 5 , a command regarding voice output control over the speakers 21 , and some other commands are stored.
- Examples of the command regarding control over the liquid crystal display 5 and the speakers 21 may include an effect start command and an end effect command.
- the effect start command is a command to the liquid crystal display 5 for displaying an effect image at the start of rotation of the three rotational reels 3 ( 3 L, 3 C, 3 R), and to the speakers 21 for outputting a voice regarding the effect.
- the end effect command is a command to the liquid crystal display 5 for displaying an effect image at the stop of rotation of all of the three rotational reels 3 ( 3 L, 3 C, 3 R), and to the speakers 21 for outputting a voice regarding the end effect.
- commands regarding setting or cancel of RB, BB are also stored in the ROM 42 , and by these commands, setting or cancel of RB or BB is notified to the sub control circuit 82 . It should be noted that in place of the command regarding setting or cancel of RB or BB, data indicating that RB or BB is in execution may be included in the variety of commands regarding display-control to the liquid crystal display 5 .
- the variety of commands as described above are called from the ROM 42 by the CPU 41 to be set in the RAM 43 .
- the command set in the RAM 43 is then supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing.
- the sub control circuit 82 executes a variety of processing based upon the supplied command. It is to be noted that communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 81 to the sub control circuit 82 , without input of a command or the like by the sub control circuit 82 to the main control circuit 81 .
- the ROM 42 stores a symbol table for making rotational positions of the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R correspond to the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surfaces of the rotational reels. Moreover, the ROM 42 stores a winning symbol-combination table where combinations of symbols as winning, the numbers of payouts of medals for winning, and winning determination codes representing the respective winnings are corresponded to one another, a lottery probability table necessary for performing a lottery to determine an internal winning combination, and the like.
- the RAM 43 stores, for example, a variable, a flag and the like relating to game progressions, such as the number of credits corresponding to the number of medals and a set value.
- Examples of main peripheral devices may include: a variety of lamps (1-BET lamp 9 a, 2-BET lamp 9 b , maximum BET lamp 9 c , WIN lamp 17 , medal insertion lamp 24 , game start display lamp 25 , illumination lamp 93 ); a variety of display portions (number-of-payouts display portion 18 , number-of-accumulated-medals display portion 19 , number-of-actuated-combinations display portion 20 ); a hopper (including a driving portion for payout) 50 that houses medals and pays out a prescribed number of medals in accordance with a command from a hopper driving circuit 51 ; and stepping motors 59 L, 59 C, and 59 R which rotationally drive the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R.
- an output portion of the CPU 41 is connected through an I/O port 48 with a motor driving circuit 49 that drive controls the stepping motors 59 L, 59 C, and 59 R, a hopper driving circuit 51 that drive controls the hopper 50 , a lamp driving circuit 55 that drive controls a variety of lamps, and a display portion driving circuit 58 that drive controls a variety of display portions.
- a control signal such as a driving command outputted from the CPU 41 , each of those driving circuits controls the operation of each actuator.
- main input signal generators that generate an input signal necessary for generation of a control command by the microcomputer 40 are the start switch 6 S, the 1-BET switch 11 , the maximum BET switch 13 , the accumulated medal settlement switch 14 , an inserted medal sensor 22 S, a reset switch 62 , a key-shaped switch 63 for setting, a reel stop signal circuit 56 , a reel position detection circuit 60 , and a payout completion signal circuit 61 . These are also connected to the CPU 41 through the I/O port 48 .
- the key-shaped switch 63 for setting serves such that a prescribed key is inserted into a key hole thereof and turned to the right or left to allow a change in setting of a set value.
- the start switch 6 S detects an operation of the start lever 6 .
- the inserted medal sensor 22 S detects a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 .
- the reel stop signal circuit 56 generates a stop signal in accordance with an operation of each of the stop buttons 7 L, 7 C, and 7 R. Operating the determination button 26 and the cancel button 27 enables switching of the display screen of the liquid crystal display 5 , input of a command, and the like.
- the reel position detection circuit 60 Upon receipt of a pulse signal from a reel rotation sensor, the reel position detection circuit 60 transmits signals for detecting the positions of the respective rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R, to the CPU 41 .
- This medal detecting portion 50 S has a medal sensor comprised of a physical sensor or the like for detecting medals paid out from the hopper 50 , and can thus count the number of payouts of medals by using this medal sensor.
- the random number generator 146 generates random numbers belonging to a set numeric value range, and the sampling circuit 147 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after operation of the start lever 6 . Based upon the random number sampled in this manner and the lottery probability table stored inside the ROM 42 , an internal winning combination is determined. After the determination of the internal winning combination, a random number is sampled again for selecting a “stop control table”.
- the numbers of drive pulses supplied to the stepping respective motors 59 L, 59 C, and 59 R are counted, and the count values are written in a prescribed area of the RAM 43 .
- Reset pulses are obtained from the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R in each rotation, and these pulses are inputted into the CPU 41 through the reel position detection circuit 60 .
- the count values of the drive pulses counted in the RAM 43 are cleared to “0”. In this manner, the count values corresponding to the respective rotational positions of the reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R within the range of one rotation are stored in the RAM 43 .
- the symbol table is stored in the ROM 42 .
- code numbers sequentially granted at each set rotational pitch of the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R are corresponded to symbol codes indicating symbols provided in association with the respective code numbers.
- the winning symbol-combination table is stored in the ROM 42 .
- this winning symbol-combination table winning combinations of symbols, the numbers of payouts of medals for winning, and winning determination codes representing the winning are corresponded to one another.
- the above winning symbol-combination table is referenced when the left rotational reel 3 L, the central rotational reel 3 C, and the right rotational reel 3 R are stop-controlled and when winning is checked after the stop of all of the reels.
- the CPU 41 transmits a signal for stop-controlling the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R to the motor driving circuit 49 , based upon operation signals transmitted from the reel stop signal circuit 56 at a timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7 L, 7 C, and 7 R, and the selected “stop control table”.
- the CPU 41 supplies a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 51 , to pay out a prescribed number of medals from the hopper 50 .
- the medal detecting portion SOS counts the number of medals that are paid out from the hopper 50 , and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is inputted into the CPU 41 . By doing so, the CPU 41 stops the drive of the hopper 50 through the hopper driving circuit 51 , to complete the “medal payout processing”.
- the main control circuit 81 having the CPU 41 therein is connected with the sub control circuit 82 .
- the sub control circuit 82 performs display-control of the liquid crystal display 5 and output-control of a sound from the speakers 21 L, 21 R, based upon a control command from the main control circuit 81 .
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit shown in FIG. 5 .
- the configuration is not limited to this, and it may be configured such that a signal can be transmitted from the sub control circuit 82 to the main control circuit 81 .
- the sub control circuit 82 has a sub CPU 206 , a program ROM 208 and a work RAM 210 . Further, the sub control circuit 82 is connected with the determination button 26 and the cancel button 27 , through an interface circuit 240 .
- the sub control circuit 82 has a display-control circuit 250 that performs display-control on the liquid crystal display 5 , and a voice control circuit 230 that performs control regarding a sound generated from the speakers 21 .
- the sub CPU 206 has the function of executing a variety of processing, such as processing relating to an effect, in accordance with programs stored in the program ROM 208 , and controls the sub control circuit 82 in accordance with a variety of commands supplied from the CPU 41 .
- Programs for the sub CPU 206 to control gaming effects on the liquid crystal display 5 and the speakers 21 are stored into the program ROM 208 , and besides those programs, a variety of tables such as an effect pattern data extraction table for making a determination regarding the effects are also stored.
- the program ROM 208 stores: a plurality of kinds of effect pattern data corresponded to screen images displayed to the liquid crystal display 5 as well as a sound outputted from the speakers 21 ; and a plurality of kinds of end effect pattern data corresponded to screen images displayed, as well as a voice outputted, at the stop of all of the reels 3 ( 3 L, 3 C, 3 R).
- the program ROM 208 corresponds to the first memory that stores effect pattern data.
- the effect pattern data is classified into effect pattern data which is extracted when a BB flag has been set (effect pattern data for BB) and effect pattern data which is extracted when the BB flag has not been set (normal effect pattern data, specific effect pattern data).
- the normal effect pattern data is effect pattern data which is extracted when the BB flag has not been set and a specific sound is not detected.
- the specific effect pattern data is effect pattern data which is extracted when the BB flag has not been set and the specific sound is detected (cf. FIG. 11 ).
- the normal effect pattern data and the specific effect pattern data correspond to the first effect pattern data in the invention, and the effect pattern data for BB correspond to the second effect pattern data in the invention.
- the program ROM 208 stores comparison waveform data as an object to be compared with a waveform shown by a sound signal outputted from the microphone 44 .
- the sub CPU 206 compares output waveform data generated based upon the sound signal outputted from the microphone 44 with the comparison waveform data, to determine whether or not waveforms shown by the respective waveform data are identical or similar to each other.
- the sub control circuit 82 is connected with the microphone 44 that converts an input sound from the outside into a sound signal and outputs the signal, through a signal processing circuit 44 a .
- the signal processing circuit 44 a includes a variety of circuits such as an AGC circuit and an A/D conversion circuit, and performs a variety of processing for converting a sound signal outputted from the microphone 44 into output waveform data.
- the AGC circuit automatically controls an amplification factor of an amplifier provided inside thereof so as to obtain a fixed output even when a magnitude of an input sound signal fluctuates.
- the sub control circuit 82 is connected with an interface 92 for data input for inputting identification data of the pachislo gaming apparatus 1 .
- the identification data inputted from the interface 92 for data input is stored in the work RAM 210 .
- the identification data is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a number and a symbol provided independently by the game parlor, an identification number that identifies the pachislo gaming apparatus 1 , the number being uniquely set to a pachislo gaming apparatus, and the like.
- Examples of the interface 92 for data input include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port and an RS-232C port, but in the present invention, the interface 92 for data input is not particularly limited so long as being connectable to an external device.
- USB Universal Serial Bus
- RS-232C Universal Serial Bus
- the interface 92 for data input is not particularly limited so long as being connectable to an external device.
- wireless connection such as connection by infrared communication, may be adopted.
- the program ROM 208 is used as a storage medium for storing programs, tables, and the like
- the storage medium may be in a different mode so long as being a storage medium readable by a computer having a CPU and the like, and recording may be made, for example, in a hard disc device or storage media such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM or a ROM cartridge.
- the program ROM 208 may be stored in the ROM 42 .
- these programs may not be previously recorded, but may be downloaded after switch-on of power, and recorded in the work RAM 210 or the like.
- each of the programs may be recorded in different storage media.
- the main control circuit 81 including the CPU 41 and the ROM 42 therein and the sub control circuit 82 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 therein are separately configured, but the configuration is not limited thereto. Only the main control circuit 81 including the CPU 41 and the ROM 42 therein may constitute the circuit, and in this case, it should be configured such that programs stored in the foregoing program ROM 208 are stored into the ROM 42 and executed by the CPU 41 . Naturally, only the sub control circuit 82 including the sub CPU 206 and the program ROM 208 therein may constitute the circuit, and in this case, it should be configured such that programs stored in the foregoing ROM 42 are stored into the program ROM 208 and executed by the sub CPU 206 .
- the work RAM 210 has the function of storing a variety of flags and variable values, as a temporary storage region of the sub CPU 206 .
- the work RAM 210 stores identification data inputted from the interface 92 for data input.
- the work RAM 210 corresponds to the second memory that stores identification data. It is to be noted that, although the work RAM 210 is used as the temporary storage region of the sub CPU 206 in the present embodiment, the temporary storage region is not limited thereto, and may be any storage media so long as being readable and writable media.
- the voice control circuit 230 is comprised of a sound source IC 232 that performs control regarding a voice, a voice data ROM 234 that stores a variety of sound data, and an amplifier 236 (hereinafter referred to as “AMP”) for amplifying a sound signal.
- a sound source IC 232 that performs control regarding a voice
- a voice data ROM 234 that stores a variety of sound data
- an amplifier 236 (hereinafter referred to as “AMP”) for amplifying a sound signal.
- the sound source IC 232 is connected with the sub CPU 206 , the voice data ROM 234 and the AMP 236 .
- the voice data ROM 234 stores a plurality of kinds of sound data regarding effects, and the like. Examples of the sound data regarding effects may include sound data including specific data indicating a specific sound and sound data not including specific data. In the present embodiment, the case of the specific sound being a specific inaudible sound is described.
- the sound source IC 232 Upon receipt of supply of the effect pattern data, the sound source IC 232 reads sound data from the voice data ROM 234 . At this time, the sound source IC 232 extracts sound data not including specific data when determining that the effect pattern data is not the effect pattern data for BB (the effect pattern data is the first effect pattern data). On the other hand, the sound source IC 232 extracts sound data including specific data when determining that the effect pattern data is the effect pattern data for BB. The sound data extracted as thus described are included in the effect pattern data.
- FIG. 7 is a view showing sound data including specific date, for explaining the sound data which is extracted when the effect pattern data for BB is supplied. It is to be noted that in the figure, symbol f 0 denotes a frequency to be a border between audible and inaudible sounds, and symbol f 1 denotes a center frequency of a waveform W indicating the inaudible sound shown by the specific data.
- the sound data including the specific data is data showing a waveform having the waveform W of a sound showing specific data in an inaudible frequency band portion.
- the sound source IC 232 In the case where the sound source IC 232 receives the effect pattern data for BB, the sound source IC 232 references identification data stored in the work RAM 210 , and reads sound data corresponding to the identification data of the pachislo gaming apparatus 1 . That is, for example, the sound source IC 232 reads the sound data showing the waveform shown in FIG. 7 when a BB game is generated in this pachislo gaming apparatus 1 , while, when a BB game is generated in another pachislo gaming apparatus 1 , the sound source IC 232 reads a sound data different from the sound data showing the waveform shown in FIG. 7 (sound data showing a waveform where the center frequency of the waveform W shown by specific data is different from “f 1 ”).
- the sound source IC 232 converts the sound data into a prescribed sound signal and supplies the sound signal to the AMP 236 .
- the AMP 236 amplifies the sound signal and outputs a sound from the speakers 21 ( 21 L and 21 R). Therefore, in another pachislo gaming apparatus 1 into which the sound has been inputted, it is determined, based upon an inaudible sound included in the sound, which pachislo gaming apparatus 1 has identification data that the specific sound is based on.
- the display-control circuit 250 generates a screen image in accordance with a game result determined by the CPU 41 or a command inputted from the variety of buttons 26 and 27 , and controls to display the screen image to the liquid crystal display 5 .
- the display-control circuit 250 is configured of an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as “VDP”) 212 , an image data ROM 216 that stores a variety of image data, and a D/A converter 218 that converts image data into an image signal.
- VDP 212 is connected with the sub CPU 206 , the image data ROM 216 that stores image data, and the D/A converter 218 that converts image data into an image signal.
- This VDP 212 is a device which includes a variety of circuits such as so-called a sprite circuit, a screen circuit, and a palette circuit, and is capable of performing a variety of processing for displaying a screen image to the liquid crystal display 5 . That is, the VDP 212 performs display-control over the liquid crystal display 5 . Further, the VDP 212 is provided with a storage medium (e.g. video RAM) as a buffer for displaying a screen image to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display 5 . By storing image data in a prescribed storage region of this storage medium, a screen image is displayed to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 of the liquid crystal display 5 at a prescribed timing.
- a storage medium e.g. video RAM
- the image data ROM 216 stores a plurality of kinds of effect image data.
- the effect image data is classified into normal effect image data and specific effect image data.
- Examples of the effect image data include background image data that constitutes a background image, and character image data that represents a character.
- the specific effect image data is image data regarding an image that is displayed only when a specific sound is inputted from the microphone 44 (e.g. the fireworks image 93 a and the notification image 93 b shown in FIG. 2 ).
- the normal effect image data is image data regarding an image that is displayed when a specific sound has not been inputted from the microphone 44 .
- the VDP 212 extracts an effect image from the image data ROM 216 in accordance with an image display command supplied from the sub CPU 206 .
- the pachislo gaming apparatus 1 has been activated and steadily operated in a state where a variable used in the CPU 41 is initialized to a prescribed value, and a set value, a variety of timers, and the like are also set to prescribed values.
- FIG. 8-1 and FIG. 8-2 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of processing performed in the main control circuit. This subroutine is called at a prescribed timing from a previously executed main routine and then executed.
- the CPU 41 determines whether or not a request for automatic medal insertion has been made (step S 120 ). It is to be noted that the case where the request for automatic insertion has been made is a case where winning for replay has been established in a previous game.
- the CPU 41 automatically inserts medals in number requested (step S 122 ), and transmits a medal insertion command to the sub control circuit 82 (step S 123 ).
- step S 120 when determining in step S 120 that the request for automatic medal insertion has not been made, the CPU 41 determines whether or not medals have been inserted (step S 121 ). That is, the CPU 41 determines whether or not medals have been inserted, by determining whether or not a detection signal has been received which is issued by the inserted medal sensor 22 S that has detected insertion of medals into the medal insertion slot 22 , or by determining whether or not a detection signal has been received which is issued from the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13 ).
- the CPU 41 when determining that the detection signal issued from the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13 ) has been received, the CPU 41 performs processing of subtracting the number of credits corresponding to the number of betted medals from the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 .
- step S 121 When determining in step S 121 that medals have not been inserted, the CPU 41 returns the processing to step S 120 .
- step S 121 when determining in step S 121 that medals have been inserted, or when executing the processing of step S 123 , the CPU 41 determines whether or not the start lever 6 has been operated (step S 124 ). That is, the CPU 41 determines whether or not an input signal has been received from the start switch 6 S.
- step S 124 When determining in step S 124 that the start lever 6 has not been operated, the CPU 41 returns the processing to step S 120 .
- step S 124 the CPU 41 performs processing in accordance with a variety of settings (step S 125 ). In this variety-of-setting processing, random numbers from the random number generator 146 are sampled at a timing of operation of the start lever 6 , and lottery processing of generating internal winning combination (winning flag) is conducted based upon the sampled random number value and the lottery probability table set in the RAM 43 .
- WIN lamp lightning lottery processing processing in accordance with selection of the stop control table for stopping the rotational reels, processing of initialization for the reel rotation, and the like, are performed, and rotation of the rotational reels 3 ( 3 L, 3 C, 3 R) is started.
- the numbers of drive pulses transmitted to the respective stepping motors 59 L, 59 C, and 59 R are counted, and the count values are stored in the RAM 43 .
- a reset pulse is obtained from the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R in each rotation, and these pulses are inputted into the CPU 41 through the reel position detection circuit 60 .
- the count values of the drive pulses counted in the RAM 43 are cleared to “0”. In this manner, the count values corresponding to the rotational positions within the range of one rotation of the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R are stored in the RAM 43 .
- code numbers sequentially granted at a set rotational pitch of each of the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R are associated with symbol codes indicating symbols provided corresponding to the respective code numbers.
- the winning symbol-combination table stored in the ROM 42 is referenced when the rotational reels 3 L, 3 C, and 3 R are stop-controlled and when winning is checked after the stop of all of the rotational reels.
- step S 125 After executing the processing of step S 125 , the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S 126 .
- step S 126 After executing the processing of step S 126 , the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S 128 .
- step S 128 the CPU 41 determines whether or not the stop buttons 7 ( 7 L, 7 C, 7 R) have been turned “ON” by the presence or absence of an input signal from the reel stop signal circuit 56 (step S 128 ).
- the CPU 41 determines whether or not a value of the automatic stop timer is “0” (step S 129 ).
- step S 129 the CPU 41 returns the processing to step S 128 .
- step S 128 when determining in step S 128 that the stop button 7 has been turned “ON”, or when determining in step S 129 that the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”, the CPU 41 stops rotation of the rotational reel 3 corresponding to the stop button 7 .
- the number of sliding frames is determined based upon a winning request (meaning an internal winning combination), symbol positions (rotational positions of the rotational reels 3 at the time of operation), a stop control table selected, and the like (step S 130 ).
- the CPU 41 performs processing of rotating and stopping the rotational reels 3 by the number of sliding frames determined in step S 130 (step S 131 ), and sets a stop request regarding one rotational reel 3 (step S 132 ).
- This end effect command is a command for displaying an effect image and outputting a voice at the game ending time in accordance with a game result, and includes data regarding a result of the winning search in step S 136 .
- the end effect command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing.
- the CPU 41 determines whether or not medals will be paid out, namely, the presence or absence of the number of medals for winning (step S 138 ).
- the CPU 41 When determining that medals will be paid out, the CPU 41 accumulates or pays out medals in number in accordance with the gaming state and the winning combination (step S 139 ). In the case of accumulating medals, the CPU 41 performs processing of addition to the number of credits stored in the RAM 43 . On the other hand, in the case of paying out medals, the CPU 41 transmits a payout command signal to the hopper driving circuit 51 , to pay out a prescribed number of medals from the hopper 50 . At this time, the medal detecting portion 50 S counts the number of medals paid out from the hopper 50 , and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is inputted into the CPU 41 . By doing so, the CPU 41 stops driving of the hopper 50 through the hopper driving circuit 51 and completes the medal payout processing.
- the CPU 41 determines whether or not RB has been won (step S 140 ).
- the CPU 41 performs processing in accordance with setting of RB (step S 141 ).
- the CPU 41 performs processing in accordance with setting of a lottery probability table for RB and a winning symbol-combination table for RB.
- the CPU 41 starts counting of the number of times of winning of RB games and the like, and starts processing of displaying the count value to the number-of-actuated-combinations display portion 20 .
- the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S 142 .
- step S 142 the CPU 41 sets an RB setting command in the RAM 43 .
- the RB setting command is a command for displaying the effect image for RB, as the screen image, to the liquid crystal display 5 and outputting a voice in accordance with RB from the speakers 21 , and is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing.
- step S 143 the CPU 41 determines whether or not BB has been won.
- step S 144 the CPU 41 performs processing in accordance with setting of BB (step S 144 ).
- step S 144 the CPU 41 performs processing in accordance with setting of a lottery probability table for BB, a winning symbol-combination table for BB, and the like.
- step S 144 the CPU 41 starts counting of the number of times of BB games played or the like, displaying the count value to the number-of-actuated-combinations display portion 20 , counting the number of paid-out medals, and the like. Thereafter, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S 145 .
- step S 145 the CPU 41 sets a BB setting command in the RAM 43 .
- the BB setting command is a command for displaying the effect image for BB, as the screen image, to the liquid crystal display 5 and outputting a voice in accordance with BB from the speakers 21 , and is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing.
- step S 146 When determining in step S 143 that BB has not been won, or when executing the processing of step S 145 , the CPU 41 determines whether or not RB has ended (step S 146 ). When determining that RB has ended, the CPU 41 then performs processing in accordance with canceling of setting of RB (step S 147 ). In step S 147 , the CPU 41 performs processing in accordance with a change insetting from the lottery probability table for RB, the winning symbol-combination table for RB, and the like, which have been set in step S 141 , to the lottery probability table for use in a normal gaming state (other than RB or BB). Thereafter, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S 148 .
- step S 148 the CPU 41 sets an RB cancel command in the RAM 43 .
- the RB cancel command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing.
- step S 149 the CPU 41 determines whether or not BB has ended.
- step S 150 the CPU 41 performs processing in accordance with a change in setting from the lottery table for BB, the winning symbol-combination table for BB, and the like, which have been set in step S 144 , to the lottery probability table for use in the normal gaming state (other than RB or BB). Thereafter, the CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S 151 .
- step S 151 the CPU 41 sets a BB cancel command in the RAM 43 .
- the BB cancel command is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing.
- step S 149 When determining in step S 149 that RB has not ended, or when executing the processing of step S 151 , the CPU 41 completes the present subroutine.
- FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound recognition processing performed in the sub control circuit.
- step S 180 the sub CPU 206 receives output waveform data generated based upon an input sound inputted from the microphone 44 , from the signal processing circuit 44 a.
- the sub CPU 206 references comparison waveform data stored in the program ROM 208 (step S 181 ), and determines whether or not part of a waveform shown by the output waveform data includes a waveform identical or similar to a specific waveform shown by the comparison waveform data (step S 182 ). In the processing, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the compared waveforms are identical or similar to each other based upon a similarity obtained by a prescribed calculation formula.
- step S 182 When it is determined that part of the waveform shown by the output waveform data (the prescribed inaudible frequency band portion in the present embodiment) does not include a waveform identical or similar to the specific waveform shown by the comparison waveform data (step S 182 : NO), the present subroutine is completed.
- the sub CPU 206 sets a specific sound detection flag in step S 183 .
- the specific sound detection flag is a flag that indicates detection of the specific sound, and a flag that is cleared after the lapse of a prescribed period after setting.
- FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of command receiving processing performed in the sub control circuit.
- step S 200 the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an effect start command has been received. When determining that the effect start command has not been received, the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S 210 . On the other hand, when determining that the effect start command has been received, the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S 201 .
- step S 201 the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the BB flag has been set.
- the sub CPU 206 selects the effect pattern data for BB (step S 202 ).
- the sub CPU 206 selects the specific effect pattern data (step S 204 ).
- the sub CPU 206 selects the normal effect pattern data (step S 205 ).
- FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of effect pattern data extraction tables.
- Each effect pattern data is corresponded to whether or not the BB flag has been set and whether or not the specific sound detection flag has been set. Namely, the normal effect pattern data is corresponded to the case where the BB flag has not been set and the specific sound detection flag has not been set; the specific effect pattern data is corresponded to the case where the BB flag has not been set and the specific sound detection flag has been set; and the effect pattern data for BB is corresponded to the case where the BB flag has been set.
- Random numbers are allocated to these effect pattern data in accordance with whether or not the BB flag has been set and whether or not the specific sound detection flag has been set, and one effect pattern data is extracted by means of a random-number lottery. For example, when it is determined that the BB flag has not been set (step S 201 : NO) and the specific sound detection flag has been set (step S 203 : YES), after random numbers are allocated to a plurality of the specific effect pattern data, a random-number lottery is performed, to extract one effect pattern data (specific effect pattern data) (step S 204 ).
- step S 204 the sub CPU 206 supplies effect pattern data as data indicating the selected effect pattern to the display control circuit 250 and the voice control circuit 230 (step S 206 ).
- step S 206 the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S 210 .
- Step S 210 the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not to have received an end effect command. When determining that the end effect command has not been received, the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S 220 . On the other hand, when determining that the end effect command has been received, the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S 211 .
- step S 211 the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the BB flag has been set.
- the sub CPU 206 selects end effect pattern data for BB (step S 212 ).
- the sub CPU 206 selects end specific effect pattern data (step S 214 ).
- the sub CPU 206 selects end normal effect pattern data (step S 215 ).
- step S 212 After the processing of step S 212 , step S 214 or step S 215 , the sub CPU 206 supplies end effect pattern data as data indicating the selected end effect pattern to the display control circuit 250 and the voice control circuit 230 (step S 216 ). After executing the processing of step S 216 , the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S 220 .
- step S 220 the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB setting command has been received. When determining that the RB setting command has not been received, the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S 230 . On the other hand, when determining that the RB setting command has been received, the sub CPU 206 sets an RB flag in step S 221 . After executing the processing of step S 221 , the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S 230 .
- the RB flag is a flag that is set at the start of RB and cleared at the end of RB.
- step S 230 the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a BB setting command has been received. When determining that the BB setting command has not been received, the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S 240 . On the other hand, when determining that the BB setting command has been received, the sub CPU 206 sets a BB flag in step S 231 . After executing the processing of step S 231 , the sub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S 240 .
- the BB flag is a flag that is set at the start of BB and cleared at the end of BB.
- step S 230 When determining in step S 230 that the BB setting command has not been received, or when executing the processing of step S 231 , the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB cancel command has been received (step S 240 ). When determining that the RB cancel command has been received, the sub CPU 206 clears the RB flag (step S 241 ).
- step S 250 the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a BB cancel command has been received.
- the sub CPU 206 completes the present subroutine.
- the sub CPU 206 clears the BB flag (step S 251 ), and completes the present subroutine.
- FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound output control processing performed in the voice control circuit.
- the sound source IC 232 generates a sound corresponding to various data supplied from the sub CPU 206 .
- step S 400 NO
- the sound source IC 232 returns the processing to step S 400 .
- step S 400 When effect pattern data (specific effect pattern data, normal effect pattern data or effect pattern data for BB) has been supplied from the sub CPU 206 (step S 400 : YES), when the effect pattern data is the effect pattern data for BB (step S 401 : YES), and when the effect pattern data for BB is not the end effect pattern data for BB (step S 402 : NO), the sound source IC 232 extracts sound data including specific data (step S 403 ).
- step S 403 When effect pattern data (specific effect pattern data, normal effect pattern data or effect pattern data for BB) has been supplied from the sub CPU 206 (step S 400 : YES), when the effect pattern data is the effect pattern data for BB (step S 401 : YES), and when the effect pattern data for BB is not the end effect pattern data for BB (step S 402 : NO), the sound source IC 232 extracts sound data including specific data (step S 403 ).
- step S 400 when effect pattern data has been supplied from the sub CPU 206 (step S 400 : YES), when the effect pattern data is the effect pattern data for BB (step S 401 : YES), and when the effect pattern data for BB is the end effect pattern data for BB (step S 402 : YES), the sound source IC 232 extracts sound data for the ending time which includes specific data (step S 404 ).
- step S 400 when effect pattern data has been supplied from the sub CPU 206 (step S 400 : YES), when the effect pattern data is not the effect pattern data for BB (step S 401 : NO), and when the effect pattern data (specific effect pattern data or normal effect pattern data) is not the end effect pattern data (step S 405 : NO), the sound source IC 232 extracts sound data not including specific data (step S 406 ).
- step S 400 when effect pattern data has been supplied from the sub CPU 206 (step S 400 : YES), when the effect pattern data is not the effect pattern data for BB (step S 401 : NO), and when the effect pattern data is the end effect pattern data (step S 405 : YES), the sound source IC 232 extracts sound data for the ending time which does not include specific data (step S 407 ).
- step S 403 After executing the processing of step S 403 , step S 404 , step S 406 or step S 407 , the sound source IC 232 outputs a voice to the speaker 21 at each prescribed timing (e.g. every 1/30 of a second) based upon the extracted sound data (step S 408 ).
- step S 409 NO
- step S 409 YES
- step S 410 the sound source IC 232 clears the pattern data (step S 410 ), and returns the processing to step S 400 .
- sound data extracted based upon effect pattern data is one data
- the first effect pattern data includes sound data including specific data
- sound data extracted based upon effect pattern data may be a plurality of pieces of data.
- sound data extracted based upon effect pattern data may be a plurality of pieces of data including game sound data in accordance with a game state and constant output sound data indicating a sound that is constantly and repeatedly outputted irrespective of the game state.
- the constant output sound data may be configured by constant output sound data including specific data and constant output sound data not including specific data, and either constant output sound data may be extracted depending upon whether or not the effect pattern data is the first effect pattern data or the second effect pattern data.
- FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of display control processing performed in the display control circuit.
- the VDP 212 generates screen images corresponding to a variety of data supplied from the sub CPU 206 .
- the VDP 212 When having not been supplied with effect pattern data (specific effect pattern data, normal effect pattern data, or effect pattern data for BB) from the sub CPU 206 (step S 300 : NO), the VDP 212 extracts a demonstration image from the image data ROM 216 and stores the image in the buffer (step S 301 ).
- step S 300 When the VDP 212 has been supplied with effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S 300 : YES) and the effect pattern data is not specific effect pattern data (step S 302 : NO), the VDP 212 shifts the processing to step S 303 .
- step S 303 When having not been supplied with end effect pattern data in step S 303 (step S 303 : NO), the sub CPU 206 extracts a normal effect image or an effect image for BB from the image data ROM 216 and stores the image in the buffer (step S 304 ). On the other hand, when having been supplied with end effect pattern data (step S 303 : YES), the sub CPU 206 extracts a normal effect image or an effect image for BB for the ending time from the image data ROM 216 and stores the image in the buffer (step S 305 ).
- step S 300 When having been supplied with effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S 300 : YES) and the effect pattern data is specific effect pattern data (step S 302 : YES), the VDP 212 shifts the processing to step S 306 .
- step S 306 When having not been supplied with end effect pattern data in step S 306 (step S 306 : NO), the sub CPU 206 extracts a specific effect image from the image data ROM 216 and stores the image in the buffer (step S 307 ). On the other hand, when end effect pattern data is supplied (step S 306 : YES), a specific effect image for the ending time is extracted from the image data ROM 216 and the image is stored in the buffer (step S 308 ).
- the VDP 212 After executing the processing of step S 301 , S 304 , S 305 , S 307 , or S 308 , the VDP 212 outputs the screen image to the liquid crystal display 5 at each prescribed timing (e.g. every 1/30 of a second) (step S 309 ).
- step S 310 NO
- step S 310 YES
- step S 311 the pattern data
- an effect is executed based upon first effect pattern data not including specific data indicating a specific sound that triggers another pachislo gaming apparatus 1 to execute a specific effect (normal effect pattern data or effect pattern data for BB), and as triggered by generation of BB, second effect pattern data including the specific data indicating the specific sound (end effect pattern data for BB) is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker 21 .
- pachislo gaming apparatus 1 it is possible to produce a completely new effect where, when BB is generated in one pachislo gaming apparatus 1 , other pachislo gaming apparatuses 1 around the one pachislo gaming apparatus 1 produce an effect as if they resonate.
- the effect involving other players in a game parlor enhances vibrancy in the entire game parlor and also enhances expectation of a player who has not yet hit a jackpot.
- the player playing a game on the pachislo gaming apparatus 1 that has generated BB can feel a sense of superiority.
- another pachislo gaming apparatus 1 having the microphone 44 collects the sound, and it is thus unnecessary to perform a wiring operation such as connection between the pachislo gaming apparatuses 1 or between the pachislo gaming apparatuses 1 and a management device.
- a wiring operation such as connection between the pachislo gaming apparatuses 1 or between the pachislo gaming apparatuses 1 and a management device.
- the pachislo gaming apparatus 1 it is directly determined whether or not the specific sound is included, thereby allowing prevention of malfunction.
- the second sound data is data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound, it is possible to execute the effect without making the player aware of a change in sound outputted from the pachislo gaming apparatus 1 .
- first effect pattern data not including specific data normal effect pattern data or specific effect pattern data
- second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to identification data end effect pattern data for BB
- the interface 92 for data input for inputting identification data is provided, it is possible to easily input or change the identification data.
- specific data is data showing a waveform of an inaudible sound.
- the specific data may be data showing a waveform obtained by amplifying by a prescribed amount an amplitude in a specific frequency band of a waveform shown by sound data not including the specific data.
- FIG. 14 is a view for explaining sound data which is extracted when the effect pattern data for BB is supplied, and a view showing another example of waveforms shown by sound data including specific data.
- the waveform shown in FIG. 14 is a waveform with its amplitude in a frequency band in the vicinity of an audible frequency f 2 amplified by four times, in place of the waveform W indicating the inaudible sound shown in FIG. 7 .
- Data showing a waveform in the vicinity of the frequency f 2 corresponds to the specific data in this case.
- specific data is data showing a waveform of an inaudible sound.
- the specific data may be data indicating a specific voice. In the case of forming such a configuration, it is possible to execute an effect through the use of a voice having a complicated waveform.
- the external device is the pachislo gaming apparatus 1 .
- the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be configured such that a sound outputted from the speaker of the gaming machine is collected by equipment having a microphone therein in the game parlor. In such a case, it is possible in the equipment to execute an effect of playing prescribed music or a voice in the parlor, an effect of applying a spotlight in a direction toward the gaming machine that has emitted the sound, and the like.
- the prescribed condition is not limited to this case.
- the prescribed condition may be that: the number of payouts of game media or a difference in number of game media has reached a prescribed number; prescribed time has come; a prescribed period has elapsed from start of a game or from execution of the last game; or the like.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- the slot machine 1010 includes a cabinet 1011 , a top box 1012 installed on the upper side of the cabinet 1011 , and a main door 1013 provided at the front face of the cabinet 1011 .
- the slot machine 1010 corresponds to the gaming machine of the present invention.
- a lower image display panel 1016 is provided at the front of the main door.
- the lower image display panel 1016 is provided with a liquid crystal panel and displays fifteen display blocks 1028 made up of five columns and three rows. One symbol is to be arranged in each of the display blocks 1028 .
- one winning line L is formed horizontally across the five display blocks 1028 displayed in the middle of the respective columns.
- the winning line L defines a combination of symbols.
- a number-of-credits display portion 1031 and a number-of-payouts display portion 1032 are set in the lower image display panel 1016 .
- the number-of-credits display portion 1031 the number of credited coins is displayed by an image.
- the number-of-payouts display portion 1032 the number of coins to be paid out in the case of the symbol combination arranged along the winning line L being a prescribed combination is displayed by an image.
- a microphone 1544 is provided on the right and left of the front of the lower image display panel 1016 .
- a control panel 1020 including a plurality of buttons 1023 to 1027 with which commands relating to game progressions are inputted by the player, a coin receiving slot 1021 through which coins are accepted into the cabinet 1011 , and a bill validator 1022 .
- the control panel 1020 is provided with a spin button 1023 , a change button 1024 , a cash-out button 1025 , a 1-BET button 1026 , and a maximum BET button 1027 .
- the spin button 1023 is used for inputting a command to start scroll of symbols.
- the change button 1024 is used in making a request of an attendant of a gaming facility for money exchange.
- the cash-out button 1025 is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to a coin tray 1018 .
- the 1-BET button 1026 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin in a game, out of credited coins.
- the maximum BET button 1027 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet in one game (50 coins in the present embodiment).
- the bill validator 1022 verifies whether or not a bill is proper and accepts a regular bill into the cabinet 1011 . It is to be noted that the bill validator 1022 may be configured so as to read a later-described ticket 1039 with a barcode. Belly glass 1034 having a character of the slot machine 1010 or the like drawn thereon is provided on the lower front of the main door 1013 , namely, under the control panel 1020 .
- An upper image display panel 1033 is provided at the front face of the top box 1012 .
- the upper image display panel 1033 is provided with a liquid crystal panel, and for example, displays an image representing introduction of game contents and explanation of a game rule.
- the top box 1012 is provided with a speaker 1029 .
- a ticket printer 1035 Under the upper image display panel 1033 are provided a ticket printer 1035 , a card reader 1036 , a data display 1037 , and a key pad 1038 .
- the ticket printer 1035 prints a barcode on a ticket as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of the slot machine 1010 , and the like, and outputs the ticket as the ticket 1039 with a barcode.
- the player can make another slot machine read the ticket 1039 with a barcode to play a game thereon, or can exchange the ticket 1039 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a prescribed place in the gaming facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino).
- the card reader 1036 reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card.
- the smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example stores data for identifying the player and data regarding a history of games played by the player.
- the smart card may store data corresponding to coins, bills or credits. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted in place of the smart card.
- the data display 1037 is comprised of a fluorescent display and the like, and for example, displays data read by the card reader 1036 and data inputted by the player through the key pad 1038 .
- the key pad 1038 is for inputting a command and data regarding ticket issuance and the like.
- FIG. 16 is a diagram showing symbols and code numbers of the respective symbols.
- each of the symbol arrays is made up of a combination of “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE”.
- FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG. 15 .
- a gaming board 1050 is provided with: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1051 , a ROM 1055 , and a boot ROM 1052 , which are mutually connected through an internal bus; a card slot 1053 S corresponding to a memory card 1053 ; and an IC socket 1054 S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 1054 .
- a CPU Central Processing Unit
- ROM Read Only Memory
- boot ROM 1052 which are mutually connected through an internal bus
- a card slot 1053 S corresponding to a memory card 1053
- an IC socket 1054 S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 1054 .
- GAL Generic Array Logic
- the memory card 1053 is comprised of a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trademark) and stores a game program.
- the game program includes a symbol determination program.
- the symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols (code No. corresponding to symbols) to be arranged along the winning line L.
- the card slot 1053 S is configured so that the memory card 1053 can be inserted thereinto and removed therefrom, and is connected to a mother board 1040 through an IDE bus. Therefore, it is possible to change the type and contents of a game played on the slot machine 1010 by removing the memory card 1053 from the card slot 1053 S, writing another game program into the memory card 1053 , and inserting the memory card 1053 into the card slot 1053 S.
- the game program includes a program relating to game progressions. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game.
- the CPU 1051 , the ROM 1055 and the boot ROM 1052 which are mutually connected through the internal bus, are connected to the mother board 1040 through a PCI bus.
- the PCI bus transmits a signal between the mother board 1040 and the gaming board 1050 and supplies power from the mother board 1040 to the gaming board 1050 .
- the mother board 1040 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (print wiring board mounted with fundamental components of a personal computer), and includes a main CPU 1041 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1042 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1043 , and a communication interface 1044 (not shown).
- the mother board 1040 corresponds to the controller in the present invention.
- the ROM 1042 is comprised of a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by the main CPU 1041 and permanent data.
- BIOS Basic Input/Output System
- processing of initializing prescribed peripheral devices is performed concurrently with start of processing of downloading the game program stored in the memory card 1053 through the gaming board 1050 .
- the ROM 1042 may or may not be a ROM with its contents rewritable.
- the RAM 1043 stores data and a program to be used in operation of the main CPU 1041 . Further, the RAM 1043 is capable of storing a game program.
- the RAM 1043 stores the number of credits, data on the number of inserted coins and the number of payouts in one game, and the like.
- the mother board 1040 is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 1060 and a door PCB 1080 , through respective USBs. Further, the mother board 1040 is connected with a power supply unit 1045 .
- PCB Print Circuit Board
- the body PCB 1060 and the door PCB 1080 are connected with an instrument and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into the main CPU 1041 , and an instrument and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041 .
- the main CPU 1041 executes the game program stored in the RAM 1043 based upon an input signal inputted into the main CPU 1041 , to perform prescribed arithmetic processing and store its result into the RAM 1043 or to transmit a control signal to each instrument and device as processing of controlling each instrument and device.
- the body PCB 1060 is connected with a lamp 1030 , a hopper 1066 , a coin detecting portion 1067 , a graphic board 1068 , the speaker 1029 , a touch panel 1069 , the bill validator 1022 , the ticket printer 1035 , the card reader 1036 , a key switch 1038 S, and the data display 1037 .
- the lamp 1030 is lighted in a prescribed pattern based upon a control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041 .
- the body PCB 1060 is connected, through a signal processing circuit 1544 a , with the microphone 1544 that converts an input sound from the outside into a sound signal and outputs the signal.
- the signal processing circuit 1544 a is a circuit which includes a variety of circuits such as an AGC circuit and an A/D conversion circuit and performs a variety of processing for converting a sound signal outputted from the microphone 1544 into output waveform data.
- the AGC circuit automatically controls an amplification factor of an amplifier provided inside thereof so as to obtain a fixed output even when a magnitude of an input sound signal fluctuates.
- the body PCB 1060 is connected with an interface 1092 for data input for inputting identification data of the slot machine 1010 .
- Identification data inputted from the interface 1092 for data input is stored in the RAM 1043 .
- the RAM 1043 corresponds to the second memory in the present invention.
- the hopper 1066 is installed inside the cabinet 1011 and pays out a prescribed number of coins from a coin payout exit 1019 to the coin tray 1018 , based upon the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041 .
- the coin detecting portion 1067 is provided inside the coin payout exit 1019 and outputs an input signal to the main CPU 1041 in the case of detecting payout of the prescribed number of coins from the coin payout exit 1019 .
- the graphic board 1068 controls image display on the upper image display panel 1033 and the lower image display panel 1016 , based upon the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041 .
- An image corresponding to effect pattern data is displayed to the lower image display panel 1016 .
- Scrolled or rearranged symbols are displayed to the respective display blocks 1028 of the lower image display panel 1016 .
- the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043 is displayed in the number-of-credits display portion 1031 of the lower image display panel 1016 . Further, the number of payouts of coins is displayed in the number-of-payouts display portion 31 of the lower image display panel 1016 .
- the graphic board 1068 has a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates image data based upon the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041 , a video RAM that temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like.
- VDP Video Display Processor
- Image data used in generation of image data by the VDP is included in the game program that has been read from the memory card 1053 and stored into the RAM 1043 .
- the RAM 1043 stores a plurality of kinds of effect pattern data corresponding to screen images displayed on the upper-side image display panel 1033 and sounds outputted from the speaker 1029 .
- the effect pattern data is classified into first effect pattern data which is extracted during the time of the normal game (other than the time of the bonus game) and second effect pattern data which is extracted during the time of the bonus game.
- Examples of the effect pattern data may include background image data that constitutes a background image, character image data that represents a character, and sound data such as music.
- the first effect pattern data is classified into normal effect pattern data and specific effect pattern data.
- the normal effect pattern data is effect pattern data which is extracted when a specific sound is not detected.
- the specific effect pattern data is effect pattern data which is extracted when a specific sound is detected.
- the specific effect pattern data is effect pattern data relating to an image displayed only when the specific sound is inputted from the microphone 1544 (e.g. the fireworks image 1093 a and the notification image 1093 b shown in FIG. 20 ).
- the second effect pattern data includes sound data that includes specific data indicating a specific sound.
- a plurality of the second effect pattern data are stored, and when the bonus game is generated, the second effect pattern data corresponding to identification data inputted from the interface 1092 for data input is selected.
- the RAM 1043 corresponds to the first memory in the present invention. It should be noted that the case is described in the present embodiment where the specific data is data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound.
- the RAM 1043 stores comparison waveform data as an object to be compared with a waveform shown by a sound signal outputted from the microphone 1544 .
- the bill validator 1022 verifies whether or not a bill is proper and accepts a regular bill into the cabinet 1011 . Upon acceptance of the regular bill, the bill validator 1022 outputs an input signal to the main CPU 1041 , based upon an amount of the bill. The main CPU 1041 stores the number of credits in accordance with the bill amount transmitted by the input signal into the RAM 1043 .
- the ticket printer 1035 prints on a ticket a barcode formed by encoding data such as the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043 , a date, and an identification number of the slot machine 1010 , based upon the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041 , and outputs the ticket as the ticket 1039 with a barcode.
- the card reader 1036 reads data from a smart card and transmits the read data to the main CPU 1041 , or writes data into the smart card based upon the control signal from the main CPU 1041 .
- the key switch 1038 S is provided on the key pad 1038 and outputs a prescribed input signal to the main CPU 1041 when the key pad 1038 is operated by the player.
- the data display 1037 displays data read by the card reader 1036 and data inputted by the player through the key pad 1038 , based upon the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041 .
- the door PCB 1080 is connected with a control panel 1020 , a reverter 1021 S, a coin counter 1021 C, and a cold cathode tube 1081 .
- the control panel 1020 is provided with a spin switch 1023 S corresponding to the spin button 1023 , a change switch 1024 S corresponding to the change button 1024 , a CASHOUT switch 1025 S corresponding to the CASHOUT button 1025 , a 1-BET switch 1026 S corresponding to the 1-BET button 1026 , and a maximum BET switch 1027 S corresponding to the maximum BET button 1027 .
- the switches 10235 to 1027 S output input signals to the main CPU 1041 when the respective corresponding buttons 1023 to 1027 are operated by the player.
- the coin counter 1021 C is provided inside the coin receiving slot 1021 , and identifies whether or not coins inserted into the coin receiving slot 1021 by the player are proper. A coin other than a regular coin is discharged from the coin payout exit 1019 . Further, the coin counter 1021 C outputs an input signal to the main CPU 1041 when detecting the regular coin.
- the reverter 1021 S operates based upon the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041 and distributes a coin recognized as the regular coin by the coin counter 1021 C into a cash box (not shown) installed inside the slot machine 1010 or into the hopper 1066 . That is, when the hopper 1066 is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by the reverter 1021 S. On the other hand, when the hopper 1066 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the hopper 1066 .
- the cold cathode tube 1081 functions as a backlight installed on the rear surface side of the lower image display panel 1016 and the upper image display panel 1033 , and is lighted based upon the control signal outputted from the main CPU 1041 .
- the main CPU 1041 reads and executes a game program so as to proceed with a game.
- FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound recognition processing.
- step S 500 the main CPU 1041 receives output waveform data, generated based upon an input sound inputted from the microphone 1544 , from the signal processing circuit 1544 a.
- the main CPU 1041 references comparison waveform data stored in the RAM 1043 (step S 501 ) and determines whether or not part of a waveform shown by the output waveform data includes a waveform identical or similar to a specific waveform shown by the comparison waveform data (step S 502 ). In the processing, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the waveforms are identical or similar to each other, based upon a similarity obtained by a prescribed calculation formula.
- step S 502 When it is determined that part of the waveform shown by the output waveform data (the prescribed inaudible frequency band portion in the present embodiment) does not include a waveform identical or similar to the specific waveform shown by the comparison waveform data (step S 502 : NO), the present subroutine is completed.
- the main CPU 1041 sets a specific sound detection flag in step S 503 .
- the specific sound detection flag is a flag that indicates detection of a specific sound, and a flag that is cleared after the lapse of a prescribed period after the setting.
- FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game execution processing.
- the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not coins have been betted (step S 1010 ). In the processing, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal which is outputted from the 1-BET switch 1026 S when the 1-BET button 1026 is operated or an input signal which is outputted from the maximum BET switch 1027 S when the maximum BET button 1027 is operated. When determining that coins have not been betted, the main CPU 1041 returns the processing to step S 1010 .
- step S 1010 when determining in step S 1010 that coins have been betted, the main CPU 1041 performs processing of subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043 in accordance with the number of betted coins (step S 1011 ). It is to be noted that, when the number of betted coins is larger than the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043 , the main CPU 1041 returns the processing to step S 1010 without performing the processing of subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043 . Moreover, when the number of betted coins exceeds an upper limit value of a bet in one game (50 in the present embodiment), the main CPU 1041 advances the processing to step S 1012 without performing the processing of subtraction from the number of credits stored in the RAM 1043 .
- step S 1012 the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the spin button 1023 has been turned on. In the processing, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal which is outputted from the spin switch 1023 S when the spin button 1023 is pressed down.
- the main CPU 1041 When determining that the spin button 1023 has not been turned on, the main CPU 1041 returns the processing to step S 1010 . It is to be noted that, when the spin button 1023 is not turned on (e.g. when a command indicating to end the game is inputted without turning-on of the spin button 1023 ), the main CPU 1041 cancels the subtraction result in step S 1011 .
- step S 1012 When determining in step S 1012 that the spin button 1023 has been turned on, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the specific sound detection flag has been set in step S 1013 . When determining that the specific sound detection flag has been set, the main CPU 1041 selects a specific effect pattern from the first effect pattern data (step S 1014 ). On the other hand, when determining that the specific sound detection flag has not been set, the main CPU 1041 selects a normal effect pattern from the first effect pattern data (step S 1015 ).
- an image shown in FIG. 20 is displayed to the lower image display panel 1016 .
- FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the lower image display panel 1016 .
- a specific effect image 1093 which includes fireworks images 1093 a and a notification image 1093 b notifying generation of a bonus game on another slot machine 1010 , is displayed.
- This image is an image displayed when it is determined that input of the specific sound is made from the microphone 1544 .
- a specific effect image is displayed simultaneously to the other slot machines 1010 installed within a prescribed range from the single slot machine 1010 .
- step S 1016 the main CPU 1041 performs symbol determination processing.
- the main CPU 1041 executes a symbol determination program stored in the RAM 1043 , to determine code Nos. at the stop of symbols. The processing is detailed later with reference to FIG. 21 , FIG. 22 .
- step S 1017 the main CPU 1041 performs scroll-display control processing.
- the processing is processing of controlling display of symbols so as to rearrange the symbols determined in step S 1016 after the start of symbol scroll.
- the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger has been established, namely, “APPLE” has been stop-displayed in the display block 1028 in the middle of each column (step S 1018 ).
- the main CPU 1041 reads a program for playing a bonus game from the RAM 1043 and executes bonus game processing (step S 1019 ).
- FIG. 23 is described in detail later.
- the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S 1020 ). When determining that the prize has been established, the main CPU 1041 pays out coins in number corresponding to the number of inserted coins and the prize (step S 1021 ) and completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining that the prize has not been established, the present subroutine is completed.
- FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of symbol determination processing. The processing is processing performed by execution of the symbol determination program stored in the RAM 1043 , by the main CPU 1041 .
- the main CPU 1041 executes a random number generation program included in the symbol determination program, to select a random number value corresponding to each of the symbol arrays, out of the numeric values within the range of 0 to 255 (step S 1031 ).
- a random number generator may be previously provided, and random numbers may be extracted from the random number generator (so-called hardware random numbers may be used).
- the main CPU 1041 determines a code No. of each symbol array (cf. FIG. 16 ) (step S 1032 ).
- the code No. of each symbol array corresponds to the code No. of a symbol to be stop-displayed along the winning line L.
- the main CPU 1041 determines a prize by determining the code No. of each symbol array. For example, when the main CPU 1041 determines the code Nos. of the symbols to be “00”, “00”, “00”, “00”, and “00”, it means that the main CPU 1041 determines the prize to be “JACKPOT 7”.
- FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the relation between prizes and the numbers of payouts.
- the bonus game When five symbols of “APPLE” are arranged along the winning line L, the bonus game is generated. In the bonus game, free games in number set by selection of a random number are executed.
- FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the bonus game processing.
- the main CPU 1041 determines the number of games out of 10 to 25 by acquiring a random number value (step S 1060 ).
- the main CPU 1041 stores as data the determined number of games of the bonus game, in the RAM 1043 .
- step S 1061 the main CPU 1041 selects second effect pattern data. Consequently, the main CPU 1041 outputs a voice to the speaker 1029 at each prescribed timing (e.g. every 1/30 of a second) based upon the second effect pattern data.
- the second effect pattern data includes sound data including specific data indicating a specific sound. It is to be noted that, since the sound data including the specific data has already been described using FIG. 7 , its description is omitted here.
- step S 1066 the main CPU 1041 performs symbol determination processing.
- the processing of step S 1066 is substantially the same as the processing described with reference to FIG. 19 . Since the processing has already been described, description thereof is omitted here.
- step S 1067 the main CPU 1041 performs scroll-display control processing.
- the processing of step S 1067 is substantially the same as the processing described with reference to FIG. 19 . Since the processing has already been described, description thereof is omitted here.
- the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger has been established, namely, whether or not “APPLE” has been stop-displayed (step S 1068 ).
- the main CPU 1041 newly determines a repeating number t of bonus games is newly determined (step S 1069 ), and the determined repeating number t is added to the number T of games of the current bonus games (step S 1070 ).
- the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S 1071 ). When determining that a prize has been established, the main CPU 1041 pays out coins corresponding to the number of inserted coins and the prize (step S 1072 ).
- step S 1070 or step S 1071 When executing the processing of step S 1070 or step S 1071 , or when determining in step S 1072 that any prize has not been established (determining that the game is lost), the main CPU 61 reads the number T of games of the bonus games stored in the RAM 1043 , and subtracts one from the read value of the number T of games. Then, the main CPU 1041 stores in the RAM 1043 the number T of games after the subtraction again (step S 1073 ).
- the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the number T of bonus games has reached the number determined in step S 1060 (step S 1074 ). Specifically, the main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the number T of games stored in the RAM 1043 has become zero, and when determining that the number T of games is not zero, namely, the number of bonus games executed has not reached the number determined in step S 1060 , the main CPU 1041 returns the processing to step S 1061 and repeats the foregoing processing. On the other hand, when determining that the number T of games is zero, namely, the number of bonus games executed has reached the number determined in step S 1060 , the main CPU 1041 completes the present subroutine.
- an effect is executed based upon the first effect pattern data (normal effect pattern data or specific effect pattern data) not including the specific data indicating the specific sound that triggers another slot machine 1010 to execute a specific effect, and as triggered by generation of the bonus game, second effect pattern data including the specific data indicating the specific sound is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker 1029 .
- the sound outputted from the speaker 1029 is inputted into another slot machine 1010 having the microphone 1544 , in the another slot machine 1010 , it is determined that the sound includes the specific sound, and a specific effect is executed. Since the sound outputted from the speaker 1029 spreads therearound, the specific effect is executed in other slot machines 1010 installed around the slot machine 1010 having generated the bonus game.
- the slot machine 1010 it is possible, when the bonus game is generated in one slot machine 1010 , to produce a completely new effect where other slot machines 1010 around the one slot machine produce an effect as if they resonate.
- the effect involving other players in a game parlor enhances vibrancy in the entire game parlor and also enhances expectation of a player who has not yet hit a jackpot.
- the slot machine 1010 it is directly determined from the waveform whether or not the specific sound is included, thereby allowing prevention of malfunction.
- the second sound data is data including specific data that shows a waveform of a specific inaudible sound, it is possible to execute an effect without making the player aware of a change in sound outputted from the slot machine 1010 .
- the first effect pattern data not including the specific data and the second effect pattern data including the specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to identification data are stored. Therefore, when a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker 1029 is inputted into another slot machine 1010 having the microphone 1544 , it is possible in the another slot machine 1010 to recognize from which slot machine 1010 the sound was outputted.
- the interface 1092 for data input for inputting identification data is provided, it is possible to easily input or change the identification data.
- the present invention is also applicable to another gaming machine (e.g. pachinko gaming apparatus, and the like).
- an object of the abstract is to make the technical contents and nature of the present application readily determinable through simple search by a patent office, a general public institution, an engineer in the technical field who is not familiar with patents, legal terms, or technical terms, and the like. Therefore, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated with the recitation of the claims. Furthermore, it is desirable to sufficiently consider an already disclosed document and the like in order to fully understand an object of the present invention as well as an effect specific to the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a pachislo gaming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the neighborhood of a liquid crystal display provided in the pachislo gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display provided in the pachislo gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a configuration of part of the liquid crystal display shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the pachislo gaming apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit shown in FIG. 5 .
- FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a waveform shown by sound data.
- FIG. 8-1 and FIG. 8-2 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of game execution processing executed in a main control circuit.
- FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound recognition processing executed in the sub control circuit.
- FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of command receiving processing executed in the sub control circuit.
- FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of effect pattern data extraction tables.
- FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound output control processing executed in a voice control circuit.
- FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of display control processing executed in a display control circuit.
- FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a waveform shown by sound data according to another example.
- FIG. 15 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a diagram showing symbols and code Nos. of the respective symbols.
- FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown in FIG. 15 .
- FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound recognition processing.
- FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game execution processing.
- FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of images displayed to a lower image display panel.
- FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of symbol determination processing.
- FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a relation between prizes and the numbers of payouts.
- FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of bonus game processing.
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Abstract
The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine provided with a speaker capable of outputting a sound that is inputted into an external device having a microphone and that enables the device to execute a specific effect when it is determined in the device that the sound includes a specific sound based upon specific data, the gaming machine including:
-
- a first memory that stores first effect pattern data not including the specific data indicating the specific sound that triggers the external device to execute the specific effect, and second effect pattern data including the specific data; and
- a controller,
- the controller programmed to execute the processing of
- (a) extracting the first effect pattern data from the first memory,
- (b) performing control to execute an effect based upon the extracted first effect pattern data,
- (c) extracting, as triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, the second effect pattern data from the first memory, and
- (d) outputting a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data from the speaker.
Description
- The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislo gaming apparatus and a slot machine.
- Typically, in gaming machines such as a pachislo gaming apparatus and a slot machine inside and outside Japan, a variety of effects are produced by means of a sound emitted from a speaker, a display mode of an illumination lamp provided around a cabinet or the like, an image displayed to a liquid crystal display or the like, and by some other means, in accordance with internal lottery processing (hereinafter also referred to as “internal lottery”) and a gaming state.
- There conventionally exists a gaming machine that has a microphone and generates and outputs an additional sub sound based upon an ambient sound recorded with the microphone and a gaming state (e.g., see Patent Document 1). According to the gaming machine described in
Patent Document 1, since a sound amplifying an ambient sound is outputted or a suppression sound canceling the ambient sound is outputted in accordance with a gaming state, a player can feel vibrancy in a game parlor when the sound amplifying the ambient sound is outputted and also have a higher expectation by an effect sound emitted from the gaming machine when the sound canceling the ambient sound is outputted. - Patent Document 1: JP-A No. 2005-131263
- However, in the gaming machine described in
Patent Document 1, although it is possible to vary effect sounds by outputting a sub sound, such an effect as a sound changing in accordance with a gaming state is within a range of typically produced effects and is thus nothing new; hence, there has been a problem that the player soon gets bored with the game. - Further, even when the player who plays a game on the gaming machine can feel vibrancy in the game parlor and have a higher expectation, there has been a problem that it is not possible to obtain effects of holding the vibrancy in the entire game parlor and raising the expectation of the player who has not yet hit a jackpot.
- The present invention was made in view of the foregoing problems, and has an object to provide a gaming machine that is capable of producing a new effect in which contents of a game on one gaming machine are reflected to another gaming machine or the like in a game parlor, and of enhancing vibrancy in the entire game parlor and expectation of a player who has not yet hit a jackpot.
- In order to achieve the object as described above, the present invention provides the following.
- (1) A gaming machine provided with a speaker capable of outputting a sound that is inputted into an external device having a microphone and that enables the device to execute a specific effect when it is determined in the device that the sound includes a specific sound based upon specific data, the gaming machine including:
-
- a first memory that stores first effect pattern data not including the specific data indicating the specific sound that triggers the external device to execute the specific effect, and second effect pattern data including the specific data; and
- a controller,
- the controller programmed to execute the processing of
- (a) extracting the first effect pattern data from the first memory,
- (b) performing control to execute an effect based upon the extracted first effect pattern data,
- (c) extracting, as triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, the second effect pattern data from the first memory, and
- (d) outputting a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data from the speaker.
- According to the invention of (1), an effect is executed based upon first effect pattern data not including specific data indicating a specific sound that triggers the external device to execute a specific effect, and as triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition (e.g. generation of a special game state, reach of payout number of game media or difference in number of the game media to a prescribed number, coming of prescribed time, passing of a prescribed period from start of a game or from play of a last game), second effect pattern data including the specific data indicating the specific sound is extracted. A sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern is outputted from the speaker. When the sound outputted from the speaker is inputted into an external device (e.g. another gaming machine) having a microphone, it is determined in the device that the sound includes the specific sound, and a specific effect is executed. Since the sound outputted from the speaker spreads therearound, a specific effect is executed in the external device installed around the gaming machine that has satisfied the prescribed condition.
- As thus described, according to the invention of (1), it is possible to produce a completely new effect where, when a prescribed condition is satisfied in one gaming machine, a device around the machine produces an effect as if it resonates. The effect involving another player in the game parlor enhances vibrancy in the entire game parlor and expectation of a player who has not been able to satisfy the prescribed condition (e.g. player who has not yet hit a jackpot).
- Further, since the prescribed effect is executed in the external device, the player playing a game on the gaming machine that has satisfied the prescribed condition can feel a sense of superiority. Moreover, when the sound including the specific sound is outputted, the external device having a microphone therein collects the sound, and it is thus unnecessary to perform a wiring operation such as connection between the gaming machines or between the gaming machines and a management device. As thus described, since it is configured so as to produce an effect through sounds, the cost and time taken for investment in facilities can be reduced.
- Moreover, since the first effect pattern data not including the specific data and the second effect pattern data including the specific data are stored and the first effect pattern data is changed to the second effect pattern data as triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, it is unnecessary to perform, on sound data, sound processing such as processing of amplifying an amplitude in a specific frequency band or processing of including a specific inaudible sound. Therefore, since the sound processing that may take time is not performed, it is possible to reduce deviation of output timing of a sound based upon the specific data.
- Moreover, when it is configured such that a sound outputted from the speaker is collected by equipment having a microphone therein in the game parlor, it is possible in the equipment to execute an effect of playing prescribed music or a voice in the parlor, an effect of applying a spotlight in a direction toward the gaming machine that has emitted the sound, and the like.
- The present invention further provides the following.
- (2) The gaming machine described in the above (1), wherein
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data showing a specific waveform that triggers the external device to execute a specific effect, and second effect pattern data including the specific data.
- According to the invention of (2), first effect pattern data not including specific data showing a specific waveform that triggers the external device to execute a specific effect and second effect pattern data including the specific data are stored. As triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, the second effect pattern data including the specific data showing the specific waveform is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker. When a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker is inputted into an external device having a microphone, it is determined in the device that part of a waveform shown by a sound signal outputted from the microphone includes a waveform identical or similar to the specific waveform, and a specific effect is executed. Therefore, according to the invention of (2), it is directly determined from the waveform whether or not the specific sound is included, thereby allowing prevention of malfunction.
- Moreover, the present invention provides the following.
- (3) The gaming machine described in the above (2), wherein
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform obtained by amplifying by a prescribed amount an amplitude in a specific frequency band of a waveform shown by sound data included in the first effect pattern data.
- According to the invention of (3), first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data are stored, the specific data showing a waveform obtained by amplifying, by a prescribed amount, an amplitude in a specific frequency band of a waveform shown by sound data included in the first effect pattern data. As triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, the second effect pattern data including the specific data is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker. When a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker is inputted into an external device having a microphone, it is determined in the device that part of a waveform shown by the sound signal outputted from the microphone includes a specific waveform with an amplitude in a specific frequency band different by a prescribed amount from a reference amplitude, and a specific effect is executed. Therefore, according to the invention of (3), since an audible sound is used, it is possible to execute the effect even with the use of a speaker having a narrow outputtable frequency band.
- Further, the present invention provides the following.
- (4) The gaming machine described in the above (2), wherein
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound.
- According to the invention of (4), first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound are stored. As triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, the second effect pattern data including the specific data is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker. When a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker is inputted into an external device having a microphone, it is determined in the device that part of a waveform shown by the sound signal outputted from the microphone includes the waveform of the specific inaudible sound, and a specific effect is executed.
- It is therefore possible to execute the effect without making the player aware of a change in sound outputted from the gaming machine.
- It is to be noted that the inaudible sound refers to a sound with a frequency of other than a generally human-recognizable range of 20 Hz to 20000 Hz, but it is not necessarily required to be a sound with a frequency of other than 20 Hz to 20000 Hz, depending upon a mode in which the sound is outputted. Namely, in the present invention, the inaudible sound includes a sound outputted in a human-unrecognizable mode, e.g. a mode as seen in the case where a sound cannot be recognized by a human when outputted at a low volume after output of a sound at a high volume.
- Further, the present invention provides the following.
- (5) The gaming machine described in the above (2), further including a second memory that stores identification data for identifying a gaming machine installed in a game parlor, wherein
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to the identification data.
- According to the invention of (5), first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to the identification data are stored. Therefore, upon input of a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker into an external device having a microphone, it is possible in the device to recognize from which device the sound was outputted.
- Further, the present invention provides the following.
- (6) The gaming machine described in the above (3), wherein
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound.
- According to the invention of (6), first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound are stored. As triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, the second effect pattern data including the specific data is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker. When a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker is inputted into an external device having a microphone, it is determined in the device that part of a waveform shown by the sound signal outputted from the microphone includes the waveform that shows the specific inaudible sound, and a specific effect is executed. It is therefore possible to execute the effect without making the player aware of a change in sound outputted from the gaming machine.
- Further, the present invention provides the following.
- (7) The gaming machine described in the above (3), further including a second memory that stores identification data for identifying a gaming machine installed in a game parlor, wherein
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to the identification data.
- According to the invention of (7), first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to identification data are stored. Therefore, upon input of a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker into an external device having a microphone, it is possible in the device to recognize from which device the sound was outputted.
- Further, the present invention provides the following.
- (8) The gaming machine described in the above (4), further including a second memory that stores identification data for identifying a gaming machine installed in a game parlor, wherein
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to the identification data.
- According to the invention of (8), first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to identification data are stored. Therefore, upon input of a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker into an external device having a microphone, it is possible in the device to recognize from which device the sound was outputted.
- Further, the present invention provides the following.
- (9) The gaming machine described in the above (5), further including an interface for inputting the identification data.
- According to the invention of (9), since an interface (e.g.
- USB terminal or port for infrared light communication) for inputting identification data is provided, it is possible to easily input or change the identification data.
- Further, the present invention provides the following.
- (10) The gaming machine described in the above (6), further including a second memory that stores identification data for identifying a gaming machine installed in a game parlor, wherein
- the first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to the identification data.
- According to the invention of (10), first effect pattern data not including specific data and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to identification data are stored. Therefore, upon input of a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the speaker into an external device having a microphone, it is possible in the device to recognize from which device the sound was outputted.
- Further, the present invention provides the following.
- (11) The gaming machine described in the above (7), further including an interface for inputting the identification data.
- According to the invention of (11), since an interface (e.g. USB terminal or port for infrared light communication) for inputting identification data is provided, it is possible to easily input or change the identification data.
- Further, the present invention provides the following.
- (12) The gaming machine described in the above (8), further including an interface for inputting the identification data.
- According to the invention of (12), since an interface (e.g. USB terminal or port for infrared light communication) for inputting identification data is provided, it is possible to easily input or change the identification data.
- Further, the present invention provides the following.
- (13) The gaming machine described in the above (10), further including an interface for inputting the identification data.
- According to the invention of (13), since an interface (e.g. USB terminal or port for infrared light communication) for inputting identification data is provided, it is possible to easily input or change the identification data.
- Moreover, the present invention provides the following.
- (14) A gaming machine provided with a speaker capable of outputting a sound that is inputted into an external device having a microphone and that enables the device to execute a specific effect when it is determined in the device that the sound includes a specific voice based upon specific data, the gaming machine including:
- a first memory that stores first effect pattern data not including the specific data indicating the specific voice that triggers the external device to execute the specific effect, and second effect pattern data including the specific data; and
- a controller,
- the controller programmed to execute the processing of
- (a) extracting the first effect pattern data from the first memory,
- (b) performing control to execute an effect based upon the extracted first effect pattern data,
- (c) extracting, as triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, the second effect pattern data from the first memory, and
- (d) outputting a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data from the speaker.
- According to the invention of (14), first effect pattern data not including specific data indicating a specific voice that triggers the external device to execute a specific effect and second effect pattern data including the specific data are stored. As triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, the second effect pattern data including the specific data indicating the specific voice is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from the speaker. When the sound outputted from the speaker is inputted into an external device having a microphone, in the device, it is determined that the sound includes the specific voice, and then a specific effect is executed. It is therefore possible to execute an effect through the use of a voice having a complicated waveform.
- According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is capable of producing a new effect in which contents of a game on one gaming machine are reflected to another gaming machine or the like in a game parlor, and of enhancing vibrancy in the entire game parlor and expectation of a player who has not yet hit a jackpot.
- Embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the drawings. First, the case of applying the present invention to a pachislo gaming apparatus is described as a first embodiment.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a pachislo gaming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. - This
pachislo gaming apparatus 1 is a gaming machine on which a game can be played using game media such as a card storing information on a game value that has been offered or will be offered to a player, in addition to coins, medals, tokens or the like; however, the case of using medals is described below. - A
liquid crystal display 5 is installed on the front face of acabinet 2 forming the entirety of thepachislo gaming apparatus 1. Thisliquid crystal display 5 has a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown). This transparentliquid crystal panel 34 is capable of switching part or the whole thereof to a transparent/opaque state, and also capable of displaying an effect image regarding a game. - Further, three
rotational reels liquid crystal display 5. Each of the threerotational reels - A
base portion 10 having a horizontal surface is formed under theliquid crystal display 5. Amedal insertion slot 22 is provided on the right side of thebase portion 10. A 1-BET switch 11 and amaximum BET switch 13 are provided on the left side of thebase portion 10. - On the left side of the front surface portion of the
base portion 10 is provided an accumulatedmedal settlement switch 14 with which credit/payout of medals acquired in a game by the player is switched by a pressing operation. - When “Payout” is selected by switching of the accumulated
medal settlement switch 14, medals are paid out from amedal payout exit 15 on the lower portion of the front surface, and the paid-out medals are accumulated in amedal receiving portion 16. On the other hand, when “Credit” is selected, the number of medals is stored as credits into a memory (e.g. a later-describedRAM 43, or the like) in thepachislo gaming apparatus 1. - To the right side of the accumulated
medal settlement switch 14, astart lever 6 for rotating therotational reels stop buttons rotational reels base portion 10. - A
determination button 26 and a cancelbutton 27 are provided on the right side of the front surface portion of thebase portion 10. By operation of thedetermination button 26 or the cancelbutton 27, input of a command regarding switching of the display screen of theliquid crystal display 5, or the like, can be made. - A door opening-closing and shooting-stop-canceling
device 29 is further provided on the right side of the front surface portion of thebase portion 10. A prescribed key is inserted into a key hole of this door opening-closing and shooting-stop canceling device 29, and is turned to the right so as to open/close the front door or turned to the left so as to cancel stopping of shooting. -
Speakers cabinet 2, and apayout table panel 23 showing winning symbols combinations, the numbers of payouts of medals, and the like, is provided between the twospeakers microphone 44 is provided on the right and left of the front of thecabinet 2. -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the neighborhood of the liquid crystal display in the pachislo gaming apparatus shown inFIG. 1 . - As shown in
FIG. 2 , on the rear surface side of theliquid crystal display 5, the three rotational reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) with symbols as a plurality of pieces of identification information drawn on the respective outer peripheral surfaces thereof are rotatably provided in a horizontal row. - The
liquid crystal display 5 includes afront panel 31 and the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown) provided on the rear surface of thefront panel 31. Thefront panel 31 is comprised of atransparent display window 31 a and a pattern-formedregion 31 b where patterns are drawn, and a screen image displayed to the transparentliquid crystal panel 34 provided on the rear surface of thefront panel 31 is visible through thedisplay window 31 a of thefront panel 31. - To the transparent
liquid crystal panel 34 shown inFIG. 2 , there is displayed a specific effect image 93 includingfireworks images 93 a and anotification image 93 b notifying generation of a BB game on anotherpachislo gaming apparatus 1. This image is an image displayed when it is determined that a specific sound has been inputted from amicrophone 44. In a game parlor installed with a plurality ofpachislo gaming apparatuses 1, when a specific sound is outputted from a singlepachislo gaming apparatus 1, a specific effect image is displayed simultaneously to otherpachislo gaming apparatuses 1 installed within a prescribed range from the singlepachislo gaming apparatus 1. - On the rear surface side on the left of the
liquid crystal display 5, there are provided: a variety of lamps, i.e., a gamestart display lamp 25, aWIN lamp 17, amedal insertion lamp 24, amaximum BET lamp 9 c, a 2-BET lamp 9 b, and a 1-BET lamp 9 a; and a variety of display portions, i.e., a number-of-payouts display portion 18, a number-of-accumulated-medals display portion 19, and a number-of-actuated-combinations display portion 20. It is to be noted that the pattern-formedregion 31 b of thefront panel 31 is transparent in the front surface portions of the foregoing variety of lamps and variety of display portions, and the variety of lamps and the variety of display portions are thus visible. - The 1-
BET lamp 9 a, the 2-BET lamp 9 b, and themaximum BET lamp 9 c are lighted in accordance with the number of medals betted for playing one game (hereinafter also referred to as “the number of BETs”). One game ends when all the rotational reels are stopped or when medals are paid out in the case where payout of medals is to be conducted. - The
WIN lamp 17 is lighted with a prescribed probability when BB (big bonus) or RB (regular bonus) is internally won, and is also lighted when winning of BB or RB is established. Themedal insertion lamp 24 is flashed when insertion of medals is acceptable. The game startdisplay lamp 25 is lighted when at least one line is activated. - The number-of-
payouts display portion 18 displays the number of payouts of medals at the time of establishment of the winning; the number-of-accumulated-medals display portion 19 displays the number of accumulated medals; and the number-of-actuated-combinations display portion 20 displays the number of RB games possibly played, the number of RB games possibly won, and the like. These display portions are, for example, made up of seven-segment display. -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display in the pachislo gaming apparatus shown inFIG. 1 .FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a configuration of part of the liquid crystal display shown inFIG. 3 . - The
liquid crystal display 5 is comprised of: afront panel 31 including aprotection glass 32 and adisplay board 33; the transparentliquid crystal panel 34; alight guiding plate 35; areflection film 36;fluorescent lamps lamp holders 39 a to 39 h; and table carrier package (TCP) loaded with an IC for driving a transparent liquid crystal panel. The TCP is made up of a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the transparentliquid crystal panel 34, or the like. - This
liquid crystal display 5 is provided to the front side of therotational reels rotational reels liquid crystal display 5 are provided with prescribed spacing therebetween. - The
protection glass 32 and thedisplay board 33 are made of transparent materials. On thedisplay board 33, patterns or the like are formed in positions corresponding to theBET lamps 9 a to 9 c, and in some other positions. That is, a region of thedisplay board 33 where the patterns or the like are formed is the pattern-formedregion 31 b on thefront panel 31, and a region of thedisplay board 33 where the patterns or the like are not formed is thetransparent display window 31 a on the front panel 31 (c.f.FIG. 2 ). It is to be noted that the pattern-formedregion 31 b may not be formed on thefront panel 31, and the whole area of thefront panel 31 may be thetransparent display window 31 a. In this case, patterns may not be formed on thedisplay board 33, or thedisplay board 33 may be omitted. - In addition, an electric circuit and the like for activating the variety of lamps and the variety of display portions arranged on the rear surface side of the
display board 33 are not shown. - The transparent
liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by enclosing liquid crystal into a void portion between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate formed with a thin film transistor layer and a transparent substrate opposed thereto. - A display mode of this transparent
liquid crystal panel 34 is set to normally white. Normally white is a configuration where liquid crystal is displayed white (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven. Adoption of the transparentliquid crystal panel 34 configured to be normally white can make variable display and stop-display of identification information such as symbols, displayed on therotational reels rotational reels - The
light guiding plate 35 serves to guide light from thefluorescent lamps light guiding plate 35 is provided on the rear side of the transparentliquid crystal panel 34, and made up of, for example, a transparent member (having a light guiding function), such as an acrylic resin, having a thickness of about 2 cm. - As the
reflection film 36, for example, a film is used which has been obtained by forming an evaporated silver film on a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film, and thereflection film 36 reflects light guided into thelight guiding plate 35 toward the front surface side of thelight guiding plate 35. Thisreflection film 36 is comprised of areflection region 36A and non-reflection region (transmission region) 36B. - The
fluorescent lamps light guiding plate 35, and both ends of the lamps are supported by the lamp holders 39 (cf.FIG. 3 ). Light applied from thesefluorescent lamps reflection region 36A of thereflection film 36, and illuminates the transparentliquid crystal panel 34. - The
fluorescent lamps reflection film 36, toward therotational reels fluorescent lamps rotational reels non-reflection region 36B, thereby illuminating the transparentliquid crystal panel 34. - As thus described, in the
liquid crystal display 5, the light applied from thefluorescent lamps reflection region 36A of thereflection film 36, and the light applied from thefluorescent lamps rotational reels non-reflection region 36B, illuminate the transparentliquid crystal panel 34. - Therefore, the region of the
liquid crystal display 5 which corresponds to thenon-reflection region 36B of thereflection film 36 is a region where switching of transparent/opaque states is made depending upon whether or not the liquid crystal has been driven. The region of the liquid crystal display which corresponds to thereflection region 36A of thereflection film 36 comes into an opaque state irrespective of whether or not the liquid crystal has been driven. - In the
pachislo gaming apparatus 1, only part of the region of the liquid crystal display is a region where switching of transparent/opaque states is made. However, in the gaming machine of the present invention, the whole region of the display screen of the liquid crystal display may be a region where switching of transparent/opaque states is made. In this case, when the whole region of theliquid crystal display 5 is made a region where switching of transparent/opaque states is made in thepachislo gaming apparatus 1, the entirety of thereflection film 36 may be provided as thenon-reflection region 36B, or thereflection film 36 may be omitted. -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the pachislo gaming apparatus shown inFIG. 1 . - A
main control circuit 81 mainly includes amicrocomputer 40 arranged on a circuit board. Themicrocomputer 40 includes: aCPU 41 that performs a control operation in accordance with a previously set program; aROM 42; and aRAM 43. Themicrocomputer 40 corresponds to the controller in the present invention. TheCPU 41 is connected with a clockpulse generation circuit 144 and afrequency divider 145 that set a reference clock pulse, and arandom number generator 146 and asampling circuit 147 that generate a random number to be sampled. It may be configured such that, as means for random number sampling, the random number sampling is executed on an operation program of theCPU 41. - The
ROM 42 stores a variety of control commands to be transmitted to asub control circuit 82, and the like. As the commands, for example, a command regarding display-control over theliquid crystal display 5, a command regarding voice output control over thespeakers 21, and some other commands are stored. - Examples of the command regarding control over the
liquid crystal display 5 and thespeakers 21 may include an effect start command and an end effect command. - The effect start command is a command to the
liquid crystal display 5 for displaying an effect image at the start of rotation of the three rotational reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R), and to thespeakers 21 for outputting a voice regarding the effect. The end effect command is a command to theliquid crystal display 5 for displaying an effect image at the stop of rotation of all of the three rotational reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R), and to thespeakers 21 for outputting a voice regarding the end effect. - Further, commands regarding setting or cancel of RB, BB are also stored in the
ROM 42, and by these commands, setting or cancel of RB or BB is notified to thesub control circuit 82. It should be noted that in place of the command regarding setting or cancel of RB or BB, data indicating that RB or BB is in execution may be included in the variety of commands regarding display-control to theliquid crystal display 5. - As triggered by establishment of a prescribed condition, the variety of commands as described above are called from the
ROM 42 by theCPU 41 to be set in theRAM 43. The command set in theRAM 43 is then supplied to thesub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing. Thesub control circuit 82 executes a variety of processing based upon the supplied command. It is to be noted that communication is performed in one direction from themain control circuit 81 to thesub control circuit 82, without input of a command or the like by thesub control circuit 82 to themain control circuit 81. - Further, the
ROM 42 stores a symbol table for making rotational positions of therotational reels ROM 42 stores a winning symbol-combination table where combinations of symbols as winning, the numbers of payouts of medals for winning, and winning determination codes representing the respective winnings are corresponded to one another, a lottery probability table necessary for performing a lottery to determine an internal winning combination, and the like. - Other than the foregoing commands, the
RAM 43 stores, for example, a variable, a flag and the like relating to game progressions, such as the number of credits corresponding to the number of medals and a set value. - Examples of main peripheral devices (actuators), whose operations are controlled by control signals from the
microcomputer 40, may include: a variety of lamps (1-BET lamp 9 a, 2-BET lamp 9 b,maximum BET lamp 9 c,WIN lamp 17,medal insertion lamp 24, game startdisplay lamp 25, illumination lamp 93); a variety of display portions (number-of-payouts display portion 18, number-of-accumulated-medals display portion 19, number-of-actuated-combinations display portion 20); a hopper (including a driving portion for payout) 50 that houses medals and pays out a prescribed number of medals in accordance with a command from ahopper driving circuit 51; and steppingmotors rotational reels - Moreover, an output portion of the
CPU 41 is connected through an I/O port 48 with amotor driving circuit 49 that drive controls thestepping motors hopper driving circuit 51 that drive controls thehopper 50, alamp driving circuit 55 that drive controls a variety of lamps, and a displayportion driving circuit 58 that drive controls a variety of display portions. Upon receipt of a control signal such as a driving command outputted from theCPU 41, each of those driving circuits controls the operation of each actuator. - Further, main input signal generators that generate an input signal necessary for generation of a control command by the
microcomputer 40 are thestart switch 6S, the 1-BET switch 11, themaximum BET switch 13, the accumulatedmedal settlement switch 14, an insertedmedal sensor 22S, areset switch 62, a key-shapedswitch 63 for setting, a reelstop signal circuit 56, a reelposition detection circuit 60, and a payoutcompletion signal circuit 61. These are also connected to theCPU 41 through the I/O port 48. The key-shapedswitch 63 for setting serves such that a prescribed key is inserted into a key hole thereof and turned to the right or left to allow a change in setting of a set value. - The
start switch 6S detects an operation of thestart lever 6. The insertedmedal sensor 22S detects a medal inserted into themedal insertion slot 22. The reelstop signal circuit 56 generates a stop signal in accordance with an operation of each of thestop buttons determination button 26 and the cancelbutton 27 enables switching of the display screen of theliquid crystal display 5, input of a command, and the like. - Upon receipt of a pulse signal from a reel rotation sensor, the reel
position detection circuit 60 transmits signals for detecting the positions of the respectiverotational reels CPU 41. - When a count value (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 50) of the
medal detecting portion 50S reaches a designated number of medals, the payoutcompletion signal circuit 61 generates a medal payout completion signal. Upon receipt of this medal payout completion signal, theCPU 41 stops driving of thehopper 50 through thehopper driving circuit 51, to complete payout of medals. Thismedal detecting portion 50S has a medal sensor comprised of a physical sensor or the like for detecting medals paid out from thehopper 50, and can thus count the number of payouts of medals by using this medal sensor. - In the circuit shown in
FIG. 5 , therandom number generator 146 generates random numbers belonging to a set numeric value range, and thesampling circuit 147 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after operation of thestart lever 6. Based upon the random number sampled in this manner and the lottery probability table stored inside theROM 42, an internal winning combination is determined. After the determination of the internal winning combination, a random number is sampled again for selecting a “stop control table”. - After the start of rotation of the
rotational reels respective motors RAM 43. Reset pulses are obtained from therotational reels CPU 41 through the reelposition detection circuit 60. By the reset pulses as thus obtained, the count values of the drive pulses counted in theRAM 43 are cleared to “0”. In this manner, the count values corresponding to the respective rotational positions of thereels RAM 43. - In order to make the rotational positions of the
rotational reels ROM 42. In this symbol table, with the rotational position where the foregoing reset pulse is generated as a reference, code numbers sequentially granted at each set rotational pitch of therotational reels - Moreover, the winning symbol-combination table is stored in the
ROM 42. In this winning symbol-combination table, winning combinations of symbols, the numbers of payouts of medals for winning, and winning determination codes representing the winning are corresponded to one another. The above winning symbol-combination table is referenced when the leftrotational reel 3L, the centralrotational reel 3C, and the rightrotational reel 3R are stop-controlled and when winning is checked after the stop of all of the reels. - In the case of internal winning by lottery processing (probability lottery processing) based upon the random number sampling, the
CPU 41 transmits a signal for stop-controlling therotational reels motor driving circuit 49, based upon operation signals transmitted from the reelstop signal circuit 56 at a timing when the player operates thestop buttons - In the case of the mode coming into a stop mode showing establishment of the internally won combination, when “Payout” has been selected by switching of the accumulated
medal settlement switch 14, theCPU 41 supplies a payout command signal to thehopper driving circuit 51, to pay out a prescribed number of medals from thehopper 50. At this time, the medal detecting portion SOS counts the number of medals that are paid out from thehopper 50, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is inputted into theCPU 41. By doing so, theCPU 41 stops the drive of thehopper 50 through thehopper driving circuit 51, to complete the “medal payout processing”. - On the other hand, when “Credit” has been selected by switching of the accumulated
medal settlement switch 14, the number of medals to be paid out is stored, as credits, into theRAM 43. - The
main control circuit 81 having theCPU 41 therein is connected with thesub control circuit 82. - The
sub control circuit 82 performs display-control of theliquid crystal display 5 and output-control of a sound from thespeakers main control circuit 81. -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit shown inFIG. 5 . - Although it is configured in the present embodiment such that a command is supplied from the
main control circuit 81 to thesub control circuit 82 while a signal is prevented from being supplied from thesub control circuit 82 to themain control circuit 81, the configuration is not limited to this, and it may be configured such that a signal can be transmitted from thesub control circuit 82 to themain control circuit 81. - The
sub control circuit 82 has asub CPU 206, aprogram ROM 208 and awork RAM 210. Further, thesub control circuit 82 is connected with thedetermination button 26 and the cancelbutton 27, through aninterface circuit 240. - Further, the
sub control circuit 82 has a display-control circuit 250 that performs display-control on theliquid crystal display 5, and avoice control circuit 230 that performs control regarding a sound generated from thespeakers 21. - The
sub CPU 206 has the function of executing a variety of processing, such as processing relating to an effect, in accordance with programs stored in theprogram ROM 208, and controls thesub control circuit 82 in accordance with a variety of commands supplied from theCPU 41. - Programs for the
sub CPU 206 to control gaming effects on theliquid crystal display 5 and thespeakers 21 are stored into theprogram ROM 208, and besides those programs, a variety of tables such as an effect pattern data extraction table for making a determination regarding the effects are also stored. - Moreover, the
program ROM 208 stores: a plurality of kinds of effect pattern data corresponded to screen images displayed to theliquid crystal display 5 as well as a sound outputted from thespeakers 21; and a plurality of kinds of end effect pattern data corresponded to screen images displayed, as well as a voice outputted, at the stop of all of the reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R). Theprogram ROM 208 corresponds to the first memory that stores effect pattern data. - The effect pattern data is classified into effect pattern data which is extracted when a BB flag has been set (effect pattern data for BB) and effect pattern data which is extracted when the BB flag has not been set (normal effect pattern data, specific effect pattern data). The normal effect pattern data is effect pattern data which is extracted when the BB flag has not been set and a specific sound is not detected. Further, the specific effect pattern data is effect pattern data which is extracted when the BB flag has not been set and the specific sound is detected (cf.
FIG. 11 ). - The normal effect pattern data and the specific effect pattern data correspond to the first effect pattern data in the invention, and the effect pattern data for BB correspond to the second effect pattern data in the invention.
- Further, the
program ROM 208 stores comparison waveform data as an object to be compared with a waveform shown by a sound signal outputted from themicrophone 44. Thesub CPU 206 compares output waveform data generated based upon the sound signal outputted from themicrophone 44 with the comparison waveform data, to determine whether or not waveforms shown by the respective waveform data are identical or similar to each other. - Further, the
sub control circuit 82 is connected with themicrophone 44 that converts an input sound from the outside into a sound signal and outputs the signal, through asignal processing circuit 44 a. Thesignal processing circuit 44 a includes a variety of circuits such as an AGC circuit and an A/D conversion circuit, and performs a variety of processing for converting a sound signal outputted from themicrophone 44 into output waveform data. The AGC circuit automatically controls an amplification factor of an amplifier provided inside thereof so as to obtain a fixed output even when a magnitude of an input sound signal fluctuates. - Further, the
sub control circuit 82 is connected with aninterface 92 for data input for inputting identification data of thepachislo gaming apparatus 1. The identification data inputted from theinterface 92 for data input is stored in thework RAM 210. In the present invention, the identification data is not particularly limited, and examples thereof may include a number and a symbol provided independently by the game parlor, an identification number that identifies thepachislo gaming apparatus 1, the number being uniquely set to a pachislo gaming apparatus, and the like. - Examples of the
interface 92 for data input include a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port and an RS-232C port, but in the present invention, theinterface 92 for data input is not particularly limited so long as being connectable to an external device. Although the case of inputting identification data by wire connection is described in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, wireless connection, such as connection by infrared communication, may be adopted. - In addition, although it is configured in the present embodiment such that the
program ROM 208 is used as a storage medium for storing programs, tables, and the like, the configuration is not limited thereto. The storage medium may be in a different mode so long as being a storage medium readable by a computer having a CPU and the like, and recording may be made, for example, in a hard disc device or storage media such as a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM or a ROM cartridge. Naturally, what is stored in theprogram ROM 208 may be stored in theROM 42. Further, these programs may not be previously recorded, but may be downloaded after switch-on of power, and recorded in thework RAM 210 or the like. Moreover, each of the programs may be recorded in different storage media. - Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the
main control circuit 81 including theCPU 41 and theROM 42 therein and thesub control circuit 82 including thesub CPU 206 and theprogram ROM 208 therein are separately configured, but the configuration is not limited thereto. Only themain control circuit 81 including theCPU 41 and theROM 42 therein may constitute the circuit, and in this case, it should be configured such that programs stored in the foregoingprogram ROM 208 are stored into theROM 42 and executed by theCPU 41. Naturally, only thesub control circuit 82 including thesub CPU 206 and theprogram ROM 208 therein may constitute the circuit, and in this case, it should be configured such that programs stored in the foregoingROM 42 are stored into theprogram ROM 208 and executed by thesub CPU 206. - The
work RAM 210 has the function of storing a variety of flags and variable values, as a temporary storage region of thesub CPU 206. In particular, thework RAM 210 stores identification data inputted from theinterface 92 for data input. Thework RAM 210 corresponds to the second memory that stores identification data. It is to be noted that, although thework RAM 210 is used as the temporary storage region of thesub CPU 206 in the present embodiment, the temporary storage region is not limited thereto, and may be any storage media so long as being readable and writable media. - Moreover, the
voice control circuit 230 is comprised of asound source IC 232 that performs control regarding a voice, avoice data ROM 234 that stores a variety of sound data, and an amplifier 236 (hereinafter referred to as “AMP”) for amplifying a sound signal. - The
sound source IC 232 is connected with thesub CPU 206, thevoice data ROM 234 and theAMP 236. Thevoice data ROM 234 stores a plurality of kinds of sound data regarding effects, and the like. Examples of the sound data regarding effects may include sound data including specific data indicating a specific sound and sound data not including specific data. In the present embodiment, the case of the specific sound being a specific inaudible sound is described. - Upon receipt of supply of the effect pattern data, the
sound source IC 232 reads sound data from thevoice data ROM 234. At this time, thesound source IC 232 extracts sound data not including specific data when determining that the effect pattern data is not the effect pattern data for BB (the effect pattern data is the first effect pattern data). On the other hand, thesound source IC 232 extracts sound data including specific data when determining that the effect pattern data is the effect pattern data for BB. The sound data extracted as thus described are included in the effect pattern data. -
FIG. 7 is a view showing sound data including specific date, for explaining the sound data which is extracted when the effect pattern data for BB is supplied. It is to be noted that in the figure, symbol f0 denotes a frequency to be a border between audible and inaudible sounds, and symbol f1 denotes a center frequency of a waveform W indicating the inaudible sound shown by the specific data. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , the sound data including the specific data is data showing a waveform having the waveform W of a sound showing specific data in an inaudible frequency band portion. - In the case where the
sound source IC 232 receives the effect pattern data for BB, thesound source IC 232 references identification data stored in thework RAM 210, and reads sound data corresponding to the identification data of thepachislo gaming apparatus 1. That is, for example, thesound source IC 232 reads the sound data showing the waveform shown inFIG. 7 when a BB game is generated in thispachislo gaming apparatus 1, while, when a BB game is generated in anotherpachislo gaming apparatus 1, thesound source IC 232 reads a sound data different from the sound data showing the waveform shown inFIG. 7 (sound data showing a waveform where the center frequency of the waveform W shown by specific data is different from “f1”). - Furthermore, the
sound source IC 232 converts the sound data into a prescribed sound signal and supplies the sound signal to theAMP 236. TheAMP 236 amplifies the sound signal and outputs a sound from the speakers 21 (21L and 21R). Therefore, in anotherpachislo gaming apparatus 1 into which the sound has been inputted, it is determined, based upon an inaudible sound included in the sound, which pachislogaming apparatus 1 has identification data that the specific sound is based on. - The display-
control circuit 250 generates a screen image in accordance with a game result determined by theCPU 41 or a command inputted from the variety ofbuttons liquid crystal display 5. The display-control circuit 250 is configured of an image data processor (hereinafter referred to as “VDP”) 212, animage data ROM 216 that stores a variety of image data, and a D/A converter 218 that converts image data into an image signal. TheVDP 212 is connected with thesub CPU 206, theimage data ROM 216 that stores image data, and the D/A converter 218 that converts image data into an image signal. - This
VDP 212 is a device which includes a variety of circuits such as so-called a sprite circuit, a screen circuit, and a palette circuit, and is capable of performing a variety of processing for displaying a screen image to theliquid crystal display 5. That is, theVDP 212 performs display-control over theliquid crystal display 5. Further, theVDP 212 is provided with a storage medium (e.g. video RAM) as a buffer for displaying a screen image to the transparentliquid crystal panel 34 of theliquid crystal display 5. By storing image data in a prescribed storage region of this storage medium, a screen image is displayed to the transparentliquid crystal panel 34 of theliquid crystal display 5 at a prescribed timing. - The
image data ROM 216 stores a plurality of kinds of effect image data. The effect image data is classified into normal effect image data and specific effect image data. Examples of the effect image data (normal effect image data and specific effect image data) include background image data that constitutes a background image, and character image data that represents a character. - The specific effect image data is image data regarding an image that is displayed only when a specific sound is inputted from the microphone 44 (e.g. the
fireworks image 93 a and thenotification image 93 b shown inFIG. 2 ). The normal effect image data is image data regarding an image that is displayed when a specific sound has not been inputted from themicrophone 44. - The
VDP 212 extracts an effect image from theimage data ROM 216 in accordance with an image display command supplied from thesub CPU 206. - The
VDP 212 superimposes a variety of images extracted from theimage data ROM 216, sequentially from an image located on the back, e.g. in a sequence of the background image and the character image, to store them in the buffer (e.g. video RAM or the like), so as to synthesize a screen image. TheVDP 212 then supplies the synthesized image to the D/A converter 218 at a prescribed timing. The D/A converter 218 converts this screen image into an image signal and supplies this image signal to theliquid crystal display 5. - In the following, it is assumed that the
pachislo gaming apparatus 1 has been activated and steadily operated in a state where a variable used in theCPU 41 is initialized to a prescribed value, and a set value, a variety of timers, and the like are also set to prescribed values. -
FIG. 8-1 andFIG. 8-2 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of processing performed in the main control circuit. This subroutine is called at a prescribed timing from a previously executed main routine and then executed. - First, the
CPU 41 determines whether or not a request for automatic medal insertion has been made (step S120). It is to be noted that the case where the request for automatic insertion has been made is a case where winning for replay has been established in a previous game. When the request for automatic medal insertion has been made, theCPU 41 automatically inserts medals in number requested (step S122), and transmits a medal insertion command to the sub control circuit 82 (step S123). - On the other hand, when determining in step S120 that the request for automatic medal insertion has not been made, the
CPU 41 determines whether or not medals have been inserted (step S121). That is, theCPU 41 determines whether or not medals have been inserted, by determining whether or not a detection signal has been received which is issued by the insertedmedal sensor 22S that has detected insertion of medals into themedal insertion slot 22, or by determining whether or not a detection signal has been received which is issued from the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13). It should be noted that, when determining that the detection signal issued from the BET switch (1-BET switch 11 or maximum BET switch 13) has been received, theCPU 41 performs processing of subtracting the number of credits corresponding to the number of betted medals from the number of credits stored in theRAM 43. - When determining in step S121 that medals have not been inserted, the
CPU 41 returns the processing to step S120. - Further, when determining in step S121 that medals have been inserted, or when executing the processing of step S123, the
CPU 41 determines whether or not thestart lever 6 has been operated (step S124). That is, theCPU 41 determines whether or not an input signal has been received from thestart switch 6S. - When determining in step S124 that the
start lever 6 has not been operated, theCPU 41 returns the processing to step S120. On the other hand, when determining in step S124 that thestart lever 6 has been operated, theCPU 41 performs processing in accordance with a variety of settings (step S125). In this variety-of-setting processing, random numbers from therandom number generator 146 are sampled at a timing of operation of thestart lever 6, and lottery processing of generating internal winning combination (winning flag) is conducted based upon the sampled random number value and the lottery probability table set in theRAM 43. Further, in this variety-of-setting processing, for example, WIN lamp lightning lottery processing, processing in accordance with selection of the stop control table for stopping the rotational reels, processing of initialization for the reel rotation, and the like, are performed, and rotation of the rotational reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) is started. - After the start of rotation of the
rotational reels respective stepping motors RAM 43. A reset pulse is obtained from therotational reels CPU 41 through the reelposition detection circuit 60. By the reset pulses as thus obtained, the count values of the drive pulses counted in theRAM 43 are cleared to “0”. In this manner, the count values corresponding to the rotational positions within the range of one rotation of therotational reels RAM 43. - Further, in the symbol table stored in the
ROM 42 for making the rotational positions of therotational reels rotational reels ROM 42 is referenced when therotational reels - After executing the processing of step S125, the
CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S126. - In step S126, the
CPU 41 sets an effect start command in theRAM 43. This effect start command is a command for starting display of a prescribed effect image to theliquid crystal display 5 and starting output of a prescribed voice from thespeakers 21, and includes data regarding the internal winning combination determined in the above lottery processing. The effect start command is supplied to thesub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing. - After executing the processing of step S126, the
CPU 41 shifts the processing to step S128. - In step S128, the
CPU 41 determines whether or not the stop buttons 7 (7L, 7C, 7R) have been turned “ON” by the presence or absence of an input signal from the reel stop signal circuit 56 (step S128). When determining that thestop button 7 has not been turned “ON”, theCPU 41 determines whether or not a value of the automatic stop timer is “0” (step S129). When determining that the value of the timer is not “0”, theCPU 41 returns the processing to step S128. - On the other hand, when determining in step S128 that the
stop button 7 has been turned “ON”, or when determining in step S129 that the value of the automatic stop timer is “0”, theCPU 41 stops rotation of therotational reel 3 corresponding to thestop button 7. At this time, the number of sliding frames is determined based upon a winning request (meaning an internal winning combination), symbol positions (rotational positions of therotational reels 3 at the time of operation), a stop control table selected, and the like (step S130). - Next, the
CPU 41 performs processing of rotating and stopping therotational reels 3 by the number of sliding frames determined in step S130 (step S131), and sets a stop request regarding one rotational reel 3 (step S132). - Next, the
CPU 41 determines whether or not all of the three rotational reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) have stopped (step S135). When determining that all of therotational reels 3 have not stopped, theCPU 41 returns the processing to step S128. On the other hand, when determining that all of therotational reels 3 have stopped, theCPU 41 performs a winning search (step S136). At this time, the winning symbol-combination table stored in theROM 42 or the like is referenced. Further, theCPU 41 may determine whether or not the winning flag is normal, and may display an illegal error and discontinue the processing when determining that the flag is not normal. - Next, the
CPU 41 sets an end effect command in the RAM (step S137). This end effect command is a command for displaying an effect image and outputting a voice at the game ending time in accordance with a game result, and includes data regarding a result of the winning search in step S136. The end effect command is supplied to thesub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing. - Next, the
CPU 41 determines whether or not medals will be paid out, namely, the presence or absence of the number of medals for winning (step S138). - When determining that medals will be paid out, the
CPU 41 accumulates or pays out medals in number in accordance with the gaming state and the winning combination (step S139). In the case of accumulating medals, theCPU 41 performs processing of addition to the number of credits stored in theRAM 43. On the other hand, in the case of paying out medals, theCPU 41 transmits a payout command signal to thehopper driving circuit 51, to pay out a prescribed number of medals from thehopper 50. At this time, themedal detecting portion 50S counts the number of medals paid out from thehopper 50, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is inputted into theCPU 41. By doing so, theCPU 41 stops driving of thehopper 50 through thehopper driving circuit 51 and completes the medal payout processing. - Next, the
CPU 41 determines whether or not RB has been won (step S140). When determining that RB has been won, theCPU 41 performs processing in accordance with setting of RB (step S141). In this step S141, theCPU 41 performs processing in accordance with setting of a lottery probability table for RB and a winning symbol-combination table for RB. Further, in this step S141, theCPU 41 starts counting of the number of times of winning of RB games and the like, and starts processing of displaying the count value to the number-of-actuated-combinations display portion 20. After executing the processing of step S141, theCPU 41 shifts the processing to step S142. - In step S142, the
CPU 41 sets an RB setting command in theRAM 43. The RB setting command is a command for displaying the effect image for RB, as the screen image, to theliquid crystal display 5 and outputting a voice in accordance with RB from thespeakers 21, and is supplied to thesub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing. - When determining in step S140 that RB has not been won, or when executing processing of step S142, the
CPU 41 determines whether or not BB has been won (step S143). When determining that BB has been won, theCPU 41 performs processing in accordance with setting of BB (step S144). In this step S144, theCPU 41 performs processing in accordance with setting of a lottery probability table for BB, a winning symbol-combination table for BB, and the like. Further, in step S144, theCPU 41 starts counting of the number of times of BB games played or the like, displaying the count value to the number-of-actuated-combinations display portion 20, counting the number of paid-out medals, and the like. Thereafter, theCPU 41 shifts the processing to step S145. - In step S145, the
CPU 41 sets a BB setting command in theRAM 43. The BB setting command is a command for displaying the effect image for BB, as the screen image, to theliquid crystal display 5 and outputting a voice in accordance with BB from thespeakers 21, and is supplied to thesub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing. - When determining in step S143 that BB has not been won, or when executing the processing of step S145, the
CPU 41 determines whether or not RB has ended (step S146). When determining that RB has ended, theCPU 41 then performs processing in accordance with canceling of setting of RB (step S147). In step S147, theCPU 41 performs processing in accordance with a change insetting from the lottery probability table for RB, the winning symbol-combination table for RB, and the like, which have been set in step S141, to the lottery probability table for use in a normal gaming state (other than RB or BB). Thereafter, theCPU 41 shifts the processing to step S148. - In step S148, the
CPU 41 sets an RB cancel command in theRAM 43. The RB cancel command is supplied to thesub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing. - When not determining in step S146 that RB has ended, or when executing the processing of step S148, the
CPU 41 determines whether or not BB has ended (step S149). When determining that BB has ended, theCPU 41 then performs processing in accordance with canceling of setting of BB (step S150). In step S150, theCPU 41 performs processing in accordance with a change in setting from the lottery table for BB, the winning symbol-combination table for BB, and the like, which have been set in step S144, to the lottery probability table for use in the normal gaming state (other than RB or BB). Thereafter, theCPU 41 shifts the processing to step S151. - In step S151, the
CPU 41 sets a BB cancel command in theRAM 43. The BB cancel command is supplied to thesub control circuit 82 at a prescribed timing. - When determining in step S149 that RB has not ended, or when executing the processing of step S151, the
CPU 41 completes the present subroutine. -
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound recognition processing performed in the sub control circuit. - First, in step S180, the
sub CPU 206 receives output waveform data generated based upon an input sound inputted from themicrophone 44, from thesignal processing circuit 44 a. - Next, the
sub CPU 206 references comparison waveform data stored in the program ROM 208 (step S181), and determines whether or not part of a waveform shown by the output waveform data includes a waveform identical or similar to a specific waveform shown by the comparison waveform data (step S182). In the processing, thesub CPU 206 determines whether or not the compared waveforms are identical or similar to each other based upon a similarity obtained by a prescribed calculation formula. - When it is determined that part of the waveform shown by the output waveform data (the prescribed inaudible frequency band portion in the present embodiment) does not include a waveform identical or similar to the specific waveform shown by the comparison waveform data (step S182: NO), the present subroutine is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that part of the waveform shown by the output waveform data includes a waveform identical or similar to the specific waveform shown by the comparison waveform data (step S182: YES), the
sub CPU 206 sets a specific sound detection flag in step S183. After execution of the processing of step S183, the present subroutine is completed. It is to be noted that the specific sound detection flag is a flag that indicates detection of the specific sound, and a flag that is cleared after the lapse of a prescribed period after setting. -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of command receiving processing performed in the sub control circuit. - First, in step S200, the
sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an effect start command has been received. When determining that the effect start command has not been received, thesub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S210. On the other hand, when determining that the effect start command has been received, thesub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S201. - In step S201, the
sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the BB flag has been set. When determining that the BB flag has been set, thesub CPU 206 selects the effect pattern data for BB (step S202). On the other hand, when determining that the BB flag has not been set (step S201: NO) and the specific sound detection flag has been set (step S203: YES), thesub CPU 206 selects the specific effect pattern data (step S204). Further, when determining that the BB flag has not been set (step S201: NO) and the specific sound detection flag has not been set (step S203: NO), thesub CPU 206 selects the normal effect pattern data (step S205). -
FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of effect pattern data extraction tables. - Each effect pattern data is corresponded to whether or not the BB flag has been set and whether or not the specific sound detection flag has been set. Namely, the normal effect pattern data is corresponded to the case where the BB flag has not been set and the specific sound detection flag has not been set; the specific effect pattern data is corresponded to the case where the BB flag has not been set and the specific sound detection flag has been set; and the effect pattern data for BB is corresponded to the case where the BB flag has been set.
- Random numbers are allocated to these effect pattern data in accordance with whether or not the BB flag has been set and whether or not the specific sound detection flag has been set, and one effect pattern data is extracted by means of a random-number lottery. For example, when it is determined that the BB flag has not been set (step S201: NO) and the specific sound detection flag has been set (step S203: YES), after random numbers are allocated to a plurality of the specific effect pattern data, a random-number lottery is performed, to extract one effect pattern data (specific effect pattern data) (step S204).
- After the processing of step S202, step S204 or step S205, the
sub CPU 206 supplies effect pattern data as data indicating the selected effect pattern to thedisplay control circuit 250 and the voice control circuit 230 (step S206). After executing the processing of step S206, thesub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S210. - In Step S210, the
sub CPU 206 determines whether or not to have received an end effect command. When determining that the end effect command has not been received, thesub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S220. On the other hand, when determining that the end effect command has been received, thesub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S211. - In step S211, the
sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the BB flag has been set. When determining that the BB flag has been set, thesub CPU 206 selects end effect pattern data for BB (step S212). On the other hand, when the BB flag has not been set (step S211: NO) and the specific sound detection flag has been set (step S213: YES), thesub CPU 206 selects end specific effect pattern data (step S214). Further, when the BB flag has not been set (step S211: NO) and the specific sound detection flag has not been set (step S213: NO), thesub CPU 206 selects end normal effect pattern data (step S215). - After the processing of step S212, step S214 or step S215, the
sub CPU 206 supplies end effect pattern data as data indicating the selected end effect pattern to thedisplay control circuit 250 and the voice control circuit 230 (step S216). After executing the processing of step S216, thesub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S220. - In step S220, the
sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB setting command has been received. When determining that the RB setting command has not been received, thesub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S230. On the other hand, when determining that the RB setting command has been received, thesub CPU 206 sets an RB flag in step S221. After executing the processing of step S221, thesub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S230. It is to be noted that the RB flag is a flag that is set at the start of RB and cleared at the end of RB. - In step S230, the
sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a BB setting command has been received. When determining that the BB setting command has not been received, thesub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S240. On the other hand, when determining that the BB setting command has been received, thesub CPU 206 sets a BB flag in step S231. After executing the processing of step S231, thesub CPU 206 shifts the processing to step S240. It is to be noted that the BB flag is a flag that is set at the start of BB and cleared at the end of BB. - When determining in step S230 that the BB setting command has not been received, or when executing the processing of step S231, the
sub CPU 206 determines whether or not an RB cancel command has been received (step S240). When determining that the RB cancel command has been received, thesub CPU 206 clears the RB flag (step S241). - When determining in step S240 that the RB cancel command has not been received, or when executing the processing of step S241, the
sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a BB cancel command has been received (step S250). When determining that the BB cancel command has not been received, thesub CPU 206 completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining that the BB cancel command has been received, thesub CPU 206 clears the BB flag (step S251), and completes the present subroutine. -
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound output control processing performed in the voice control circuit. - The
sound source IC 232 generates a sound corresponding to various data supplied from thesub CPU 206. - When effect pattern data has not been supplied from the sub CPU 206 (step S400: NO), the
sound source IC 232 returns the processing to step S400. - When effect pattern data (specific effect pattern data, normal effect pattern data or effect pattern data for BB) has been supplied from the sub CPU 206 (step S400: YES), when the effect pattern data is the effect pattern data for BB (step S401: YES), and when the effect pattern data for BB is not the end effect pattern data for BB (step S402: NO), the
sound source IC 232 extracts sound data including specific data (step S403). - Further, when effect pattern data has been supplied from the sub CPU 206 (step S400: YES), when the effect pattern data is the effect pattern data for BB (step S401: YES), and when the effect pattern data for BB is the end effect pattern data for BB (step S402: YES), the
sound source IC 232 extracts sound data for the ending time which includes specific data (step S404). - Moreover, when effect pattern data has been supplied from the sub CPU 206 (step S400: YES), when the effect pattern data is not the effect pattern data for BB (step S401: NO), and when the effect pattern data (specific effect pattern data or normal effect pattern data) is not the end effect pattern data (step S405: NO), the
sound source IC 232 extracts sound data not including specific data (step S406). - Furthermore, when effect pattern data has been supplied from the sub CPU 206 (step S400: YES), when the effect pattern data is not the effect pattern data for BB (step S401: NO), and when the effect pattern data is the end effect pattern data (step S405: YES), the
sound source IC 232 extracts sound data for the ending time which does not include specific data (step S407). - After executing the processing of step S403, step S404, step S406 or step S407, the
sound source IC 232 outputs a voice to thespeaker 21 at each prescribed timing (e.g. every 1/30 of a second) based upon the extracted sound data (step S408). - Subsequently, when the effect has not ended (step S409: NO), the
sound source IC 232 returns the processing to step S400. On the other hand, when the effect has ended (step S409: YES), thesound source IC 232 clears the pattern data (step S410), and returns the processing to step S400. - In the present embodiment, the case was described where the sound data extracted based upon effect pattern data is one data, and the first effect pattern data includes sound data including specific data. However, in the present invention, sound data extracted based upon effect pattern data may be a plurality of pieces of data. For example, sound data extracted based upon effect pattern data may be a plurality of pieces of data including game sound data in accordance with a game state and constant output sound data indicating a sound that is constantly and repeatedly outputted irrespective of the game state. In this case, the constant output sound data may be configured by constant output sound data including specific data and constant output sound data not including specific data, and either constant output sound data may be extracted depending upon whether or not the effect pattern data is the first effect pattern data or the second effect pattern data.
-
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of display control processing performed in the display control circuit. - The
VDP 212 generates screen images corresponding to a variety of data supplied from thesub CPU 206. - When having not been supplied with effect pattern data (specific effect pattern data, normal effect pattern data, or effect pattern data for BB) from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: NO), the
VDP 212 extracts a demonstration image from theimage data ROM 216 and stores the image in the buffer (step S301). - When the
VDP 212 has been supplied with effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: YES) and the effect pattern data is not specific effect pattern data (step S302: NO), theVDP 212 shifts the processing to step S303. - When having not been supplied with end effect pattern data in step S303 (step S303: NO), the
sub CPU 206 extracts a normal effect image or an effect image for BB from theimage data ROM 216 and stores the image in the buffer (step S304). On the other hand, when having been supplied with end effect pattern data (step S303: YES), thesub CPU 206 extracts a normal effect image or an effect image for BB for the ending time from theimage data ROM 216 and stores the image in the buffer (step S305). - When having been supplied with effect pattern data from the sub CPU 206 (step S300: YES) and the effect pattern data is specific effect pattern data (step S302: YES), the
VDP 212 shifts the processing to step S306. - When having not been supplied with end effect pattern data in step S306 (step S306: NO), the
sub CPU 206 extracts a specific effect image from theimage data ROM 216 and stores the image in the buffer (step S307). On the other hand, when end effect pattern data is supplied (step S306: YES), a specific effect image for the ending time is extracted from theimage data ROM 216 and the image is stored in the buffer (step S308). - After executing the processing of step S301, S304, S305, S307, or S308, the
VDP 212 outputs the screen image to theliquid crystal display 5 at each prescribed timing (e.g. every 1/30 of a second) (step S309). - Thereafter, when the effect has not ended (step S310: NO), the
VDP 212 returns the processing to step S300. On the other hand, when the effect has ended (step S310: YES), theVDP 212 clears the pattern data (step S311) and returns the processing to step S300. - As thus described, according to the
pachislo gaming apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, an effect is executed based upon first effect pattern data not including specific data indicating a specific sound that triggers anotherpachislo gaming apparatus 1 to execute a specific effect (normal effect pattern data or effect pattern data for BB), and as triggered by generation of BB, second effect pattern data including the specific data indicating the specific sound (end effect pattern data for BB) is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from thespeaker 21. When the sound outputted from thespeaker 21 is inputted into anotherpachislo gaming apparatus 1 having themicrophone 44, in thepachislo gaming apparatus 1, it is determined that the sound includes the specific sound, and a specific effect is executed. Since the sound outputted from thespeaker 21 spreads therearound, a specific effect is executed in otherpachislo gaming apparatuses 1 installed around thepachislo gaming apparatus 1 having generated BB. - As thus described, according to the above-mentioned
pachislo gaming apparatus 1, it is possible to produce a completely new effect where, when BB is generated in onepachislo gaming apparatus 1, otherpachislo gaming apparatuses 1 around the one pachislogaming apparatus 1 produce an effect as if they resonate. The effect involving other players in a game parlor enhances vibrancy in the entire game parlor and also enhances expectation of a player who has not yet hit a jackpot. - Further, since the prescribed effect is executed in another
pachislo gaming apparatus 1, the player playing a game on thepachislo gaming apparatus 1 that has generated BB can feel a sense of superiority. Moreover, when a sound including the specific sound therein is outputted, anotherpachislo gaming apparatus 1 having themicrophone 44 collects the sound, and it is thus unnecessary to perform a wiring operation such as connection between thepachislo gaming apparatuses 1 or between thepachislo gaming apparatuses 1 and a management device. As thus described, since it is configured so as to execute an effect through sounds, the cost and time taken for investment in facilities can be reduced. - Further, according to the
pachislo gaming apparatus 1, it is directly determined whether or not the specific sound is included, thereby allowing prevention of malfunction. - Moreover, according to the
pachislo gaming apparatus 1, since the second sound data is data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound, it is possible to execute the effect without making the player aware of a change in sound outputted from thepachislo gaming apparatus 1. - Further, first effect pattern data not including specific data (normal effect pattern data or specific effect pattern data) and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to identification data (end effect pattern data for BB) are stored. Therefore, when a sound based upon the specific data outputted from the
speaker 21 is inputted into anotherpachislo gaming apparatus 1 having themicrophone 44, it is possible in anotherpachislo gaming apparatus 1 to recognize from which pachislogaming apparatus 1 the sound was outputted. - Moreover, according to the
pachislo gaming apparatus 1, since theinterface 92 for data input for inputting identification data is provided, it is possible to easily input or change the identification data. - In the present embodiment, the case was described where specific data is data showing a waveform of an inaudible sound. However, in the present invention, the specific data may be data showing a waveform obtained by amplifying by a prescribed amount an amplitude in a specific frequency band of a waveform shown by sound data not including the specific data.
- In this case, since an audible sound is used, it is possible to execute the effect even with the use of a speaker having a narrow outputtable frequency band.
-
FIG. 14 is a view for explaining sound data which is extracted when the effect pattern data for BB is supplied, and a view showing another example of waveforms shown by sound data including specific data. - The waveform shown in
FIG. 14 is a waveform with its amplitude in a frequency band in the vicinity of an audible frequency f2 amplified by four times, in place of the waveform W indicating the inaudible sound shown inFIG. 7 . Data showing a waveform in the vicinity of the frequency f2 corresponds to the specific data in this case. - In the present embodiment, the case was described where specific data is data showing a waveform of an inaudible sound. However, in the present invention, the specific data may be data indicating a specific voice. In the case of forming such a configuration, it is possible to execute an effect through the use of a voice having a complicated waveform.
- In the present embodiment, the case has been described where the external device is the
pachislo gaming apparatus 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, it may be configured such that a sound outputted from the speaker of the gaming machine is collected by equipment having a microphone therein in the game parlor. In such a case, it is possible in the equipment to execute an effect of playing prescribed music or a voice in the parlor, an effect of applying a spotlight in a direction toward the gaming machine that has emitted the sound, and the like. - In the present embodiment, the case has been described where a sound including a specific sound therein is outputted as triggered by generation of BB. However, in the present invention, the prescribed condition is not limited to this case. The prescribed condition may be that: the number of payouts of game media or a difference in number of game media has reached a prescribed number; prescribed time has come; a prescribed period has elapsed from start of a game or from execution of the last game; or the like.
- Next, the case of applying the present invention to a slot machine is described as a second embodiment.
-
FIG. 15 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. - The
slot machine 1010 includes acabinet 1011, atop box 1012 installed on the upper side of thecabinet 1011, and amain door 1013 provided at the front face of thecabinet 1011. Theslot machine 1010 corresponds to the gaming machine of the present invention. - A lower
image display panel 1016 is provided at the front of the main door. The lowerimage display panel 1016 is provided with a liquid crystal panel and displays fifteendisplay blocks 1028 made up of five columns and three rows. One symbol is to be arranged in each of the display blocks 1028. - Further, on the lower
image display panel 1016, one winning line L is formed horizontally across the fivedisplay blocks 1028 displayed in the middle of the respective columns. The winning line L defines a combination of symbols. - Moreover, a number-of-
credits display portion 1031 and a number-of-payouts display portion 1032 are set in the lowerimage display panel 1016. In the number-of-credits display portion 1031, the number of credited coins is displayed by an image. In the number-of-payouts display portion 1032, the number of coins to be paid out in the case of the symbol combination arranged along the winning line L being a prescribed combination is displayed by an image. Further, amicrophone 1544 is provided on the right and left of the front of the lowerimage display panel 1016. - Under the lower
image display panel 1016 are provided acontrol panel 1020 including a plurality ofbuttons 1023 to 1027 with which commands relating to game progressions are inputted by the player, acoin receiving slot 1021 through which coins are accepted into thecabinet 1011, and abill validator 1022. - The
control panel 1020 is provided with aspin button 1023, achange button 1024, a cash-out button 1025, a 1-BET button 1026, and amaximum BET button 1027. Thespin button 1023 is used for inputting a command to start scroll of symbols. Thechange button 1024 is used in making a request of an attendant of a gaming facility for money exchange. The cash-out button 1025 is used for inputting a command to pay out credited coins to acoin tray 1018. - The 1-
BET button 1026 is used for inputting a command to bet one coin in a game, out of credited coins. Themaximum BET button 1027 is used for inputting a command to bet the maximum number of coins that can be bet in one game (50 coins in the present embodiment). - The
bill validator 1022 verifies whether or not a bill is proper and accepts a regular bill into thecabinet 1011. It is to be noted that thebill validator 1022 may be configured so as to read a later-describedticket 1039 with a barcode.Belly glass 1034 having a character of theslot machine 1010 or the like drawn thereon is provided on the lower front of themain door 1013, namely, under thecontrol panel 1020. - An upper
image display panel 1033 is provided at the front face of thetop box 1012. The upperimage display panel 1033 is provided with a liquid crystal panel, and for example, displays an image representing introduction of game contents and explanation of a game rule. - Further, the
top box 1012 is provided with aspeaker 1029. Under the upperimage display panel 1033 are provided aticket printer 1035, acard reader 1036, adata display 1037, and akey pad 1038. Theticket printer 1035 prints a barcode on a ticket as coded data of the number of credits, a date, an identification number of theslot machine 1010, and the like, and outputs the ticket as theticket 1039 with a barcode. The player can make another slot machine read theticket 1039 with a barcode to play a game thereon, or can exchange theticket 1039 with a barcode with a bill or the like at a prescribed place in the gaming facility (e.g. a cashier in a casino). - The
card reader 1036 reads data from a smart card and writes data into the smart card. The smart card is a card owned by the player, and for example stores data for identifying the player and data regarding a history of games played by the player. The smart card may store data corresponding to coins, bills or credits. Further, a magnetic stripe card may be adopted in place of the smart card. Thedata display 1037 is comprised of a fluorescent display and the like, and for example, displays data read by thecard reader 1036 and data inputted by the player through thekey pad 1038. Thekey pad 1038 is for inputting a command and data regarding ticket issuance and the like. -
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing symbols and code numbers of the respective symbols. - As shown in
FIG. 16 , to therespective display blocks 1028, arrays of a total of 22 symbols consisting of code numbers “00” to “21” are scrolled. Each of the symbol arrays is made up of a combination of “JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, and “APPLE”. - When five symbols of “
JACKPOT 7”, “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “CHERRY”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “ORANGE”, or “APPLE” are rearranged along the winning line L, coins in a previously set number is paid out (cf.FIG. 22 ). - When the
spin button 1023 is pressed down after pressing-down of the 1-BET button 1026 or themaximum BET button 1027, to start a game, symbols are scrolled downwardly. After the lapse of a prescribed time, symbols are rearranged. When a prize is won at this time, payout of coins in previously set number can be received (cf.FIG. 22 ). -
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown inFIG. 15 . - A
gaming board 1050 is provided with: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1051, aROM 1055, and aboot ROM 1052, which are mutually connected through an internal bus; acard slot 1053S corresponding to amemory card 1053; and anIC socket 1054S corresponding to a GAL (Generic Array Logic) 1054. - The
memory card 1053 is comprised of a nonvolatile memory such as CompactFlash (registered trademark) and stores a game program. The game program includes a symbol determination program. The symbol determination program is a program for determining symbols (code No. corresponding to symbols) to be arranged along the winning line L. - Further, the
card slot 1053S is configured so that thememory card 1053 can be inserted thereinto and removed therefrom, and is connected to amother board 1040 through an IDE bus. Therefore, it is possible to change the type and contents of a game played on theslot machine 1010 by removing thememory card 1053 from thecard slot 1053S, writing another game program into thememory card 1053, and inserting thememory card 1053 into thecard slot 1053S. The game program includes a program relating to game progressions. Further, the game program includes image data and sound data to be outputted during the game. - The
CPU 1051, theROM 1055 and theboot ROM 1052, which are mutually connected through the internal bus, are connected to themother board 1040 through a PCI bus. The PCI bus transmits a signal between themother board 1040 and thegaming board 1050 and supplies power from themother board 1040 to thegaming board 1050. - The
mother board 1040 is configured using a commercially available general-purpose mother board (print wiring board mounted with fundamental components of a personal computer), and includes amain CPU 1041, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1042, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1043, and a communication interface 1044 (not shown). Themother board 1040 corresponds to the controller in the present invention. - The
ROM 1042 is comprised of a memory device such as a flash memory, and stores a program such as a BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) executed by themain CPU 1041 and permanent data. When the BIOS is executed by themain CPU 1041, processing of initializing prescribed peripheral devices is performed concurrently with start of processing of downloading the game program stored in thememory card 1053 through thegaming board 1050. It should be noted that in the present invention, theROM 1042 may or may not be a ROM with its contents rewritable. - The
RAM 1043 stores data and a program to be used in operation of themain CPU 1041. Further, theRAM 1043 is capable of storing a game program. - Further, the
RAM 1043 stores the number of credits, data on the number of inserted coins and the number of payouts in one game, and the like. - Moreover, the
mother board 1040 is connected with a later-described body PCB (Printed Circuit Board) 1060 and adoor PCB 1080, through respective USBs. Further, themother board 1040 is connected with apower supply unit 1045. - The
body PCB 1060 and thedoor PCB 1080 are connected with an instrument and a device that generate an input signal to be inputted into themain CPU 1041, and an instrument and a device operations of which are controlled by a control signal outputted from themain CPU 1041. Themain CPU 1041 executes the game program stored in theRAM 1043 based upon an input signal inputted into themain CPU 1041, to perform prescribed arithmetic processing and store its result into theRAM 1043 or to transmit a control signal to each instrument and device as processing of controlling each instrument and device. - The
body PCB 1060 is connected with alamp 1030, ahopper 1066, acoin detecting portion 1067, agraphic board 1068, thespeaker 1029, atouch panel 1069, thebill validator 1022, theticket printer 1035, thecard reader 1036, akey switch 1038S, and thedata display 1037. Thelamp 1030 is lighted in a prescribed pattern based upon a control signal outputted from themain CPU 1041. - Further, the
body PCB 1060 is connected, through asignal processing circuit 1544 a, with themicrophone 1544 that converts an input sound from the outside into a sound signal and outputs the signal. Thesignal processing circuit 1544 a is a circuit which includes a variety of circuits such as an AGC circuit and an A/D conversion circuit and performs a variety of processing for converting a sound signal outputted from themicrophone 1544 into output waveform data. The AGC circuit automatically controls an amplification factor of an amplifier provided inside thereof so as to obtain a fixed output even when a magnitude of an input sound signal fluctuates. - Moreover, the
body PCB 1060 is connected with aninterface 1092 for data input for inputting identification data of theslot machine 1010. Identification data inputted from theinterface 1092 for data input is stored in theRAM 1043. TheRAM 1043 corresponds to the second memory in the present invention. - The
hopper 1066 is installed inside thecabinet 1011 and pays out a prescribed number of coins from acoin payout exit 1019 to thecoin tray 1018, based upon the control signal outputted from themain CPU 1041. Thecoin detecting portion 1067 is provided inside thecoin payout exit 1019 and outputs an input signal to themain CPU 1041 in the case of detecting payout of the prescribed number of coins from thecoin payout exit 1019. - The
graphic board 1068 controls image display on the upperimage display panel 1033 and the lowerimage display panel 1016, based upon the control signal outputted from themain CPU 1041. - An image corresponding to effect pattern data is displayed to the lower
image display panel 1016. Scrolled or rearranged symbols are displayed to therespective display blocks 1028 of the lowerimage display panel 1016. The number of credits stored in theRAM 1043 is displayed in the number-of-credits display portion 1031 of the lowerimage display panel 1016. Further, the number of payouts of coins is displayed in the number-of-payouts display portion 31 of the lowerimage display panel 1016. - The
graphic board 1068 has a VDP (Video Display Processor) that generates image data based upon the control signal outputted from themain CPU 1041, a video RAM that temporarily stores image data generated by the VDP, and the like. - Image data used in generation of image data by the VDP is included in the game program that has been read from the
memory card 1053 and stored into theRAM 1043. - The
RAM 1043 stores a plurality of kinds of effect pattern data corresponding to screen images displayed on the upper-sideimage display panel 1033 and sounds outputted from thespeaker 1029. - The effect pattern data is classified into first effect pattern data which is extracted during the time of the normal game (other than the time of the bonus game) and second effect pattern data which is extracted during the time of the bonus game. Examples of the effect pattern data (first effect pattern data and second effect pattern data) may include background image data that constitutes a background image, character image data that represents a character, and sound data such as music.
- The first effect pattern data is classified into normal effect pattern data and specific effect pattern data. The normal effect pattern data is effect pattern data which is extracted when a specific sound is not detected. The specific effect pattern data is effect pattern data which is extracted when a specific sound is detected. The specific effect pattern data is effect pattern data relating to an image displayed only when the specific sound is inputted from the microphone 1544 (e.g. the
fireworks image 1093 a and thenotification image 1093 b shown inFIG. 20 ). - Further, the second effect pattern data includes sound data that includes specific data indicating a specific sound. A plurality of the second effect pattern data are stored, and when the bonus game is generated, the second effect pattern data corresponding to identification data inputted from the
interface 1092 for data input is selected. TheRAM 1043 corresponds to the first memory in the present invention. It should be noted that the case is described in the present embodiment where the specific data is data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound. - Moreover, the
RAM 1043 stores comparison waveform data as an object to be compared with a waveform shown by a sound signal outputted from themicrophone 1544. - The
bill validator 1022 verifies whether or not a bill is proper and accepts a regular bill into thecabinet 1011. Upon acceptance of the regular bill, thebill validator 1022 outputs an input signal to themain CPU 1041, based upon an amount of the bill. Themain CPU 1041 stores the number of credits in accordance with the bill amount transmitted by the input signal into theRAM 1043. - The
ticket printer 1035 prints on a ticket a barcode formed by encoding data such as the number of credits stored in theRAM 1043, a date, and an identification number of theslot machine 1010, based upon the control signal outputted from themain CPU 1041, and outputs the ticket as theticket 1039 with a barcode. - The
card reader 1036 reads data from a smart card and transmits the read data to themain CPU 1041, or writes data into the smart card based upon the control signal from themain CPU 1041. Thekey switch 1038S is provided on thekey pad 1038 and outputs a prescribed input signal to themain CPU 1041 when thekey pad 1038 is operated by the player. The data display 1037 displays data read by thecard reader 1036 and data inputted by the player through thekey pad 1038, based upon the control signal outputted from themain CPU 1041. - The
door PCB 1080 is connected with acontrol panel 1020, areverter 1021S, acoin counter 1021C, and acold cathode tube 1081. Thecontrol panel 1020 is provided with aspin switch 1023S corresponding to thespin button 1023, achange switch 1024S corresponding to thechange button 1024, aCASHOUT switch 1025S corresponding to theCASHOUT button 1025, a 1-BET switch 1026S corresponding to the 1-BET button 1026, and amaximum BET switch 1027S corresponding to themaximum BET button 1027. The switches 10235 to 1027S output input signals to themain CPU 1041 when the respectivecorresponding buttons 1023 to 1027 are operated by the player. - The
coin counter 1021C is provided inside thecoin receiving slot 1021, and identifies whether or not coins inserted into thecoin receiving slot 1021 by the player are proper. A coin other than a regular coin is discharged from thecoin payout exit 1019. Further, thecoin counter 1021C outputs an input signal to themain CPU 1041 when detecting the regular coin. - The
reverter 1021S operates based upon the control signal outputted from themain CPU 1041 and distributes a coin recognized as the regular coin by thecoin counter 1021C into a cash box (not shown) installed inside theslot machine 1010 or into thehopper 1066. That is, when thehopper 1066 is filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into the cash box by thereverter 1021S. On the other hand, when thehopper 1066 is not filled with coins, the regular coin is distributed into thehopper 1066. Thecold cathode tube 1081 functions as a backlight installed on the rear surface side of the lowerimage display panel 1016 and the upperimage display panel 1033, and is lighted based upon the control signal outputted from themain CPU 1041. - Next, processing performed in the
slot machine 1010 is described. - The
main CPU 1041 reads and executes a game program so as to proceed with a game. -
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound recognition processing. - First, in step S500, the
main CPU 1041 receives output waveform data, generated based upon an input sound inputted from themicrophone 1544, from thesignal processing circuit 1544 a. - Next, the
main CPU 1041 references comparison waveform data stored in the RAM 1043 (step S501) and determines whether or not part of a waveform shown by the output waveform data includes a waveform identical or similar to a specific waveform shown by the comparison waveform data (step S502). In the processing, themain CPU 1041 determines whether or not the waveforms are identical or similar to each other, based upon a similarity obtained by a prescribed calculation formula. - When it is determined that part of the waveform shown by the output waveform data (the prescribed inaudible frequency band portion in the present embodiment) does not include a waveform identical or similar to the specific waveform shown by the comparison waveform data (step S502: NO), the present subroutine is completed. On the other hand, when it is determined that part of the waveform shown by the output waveform data includes a waveform identical or similar to the specific waveform shown by the comparison waveform data (step 5502: YES), the
main CPU 1041 sets a specific sound detection flag in step S503. After execution of the processing of step S503, the present subroutine is completed. It is to be noted that the specific sound detection flag is a flag that indicates detection of a specific sound, and a flag that is cleared after the lapse of a prescribed period after the setting. -
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game execution processing. - In the game execution processing, first, the
main CPU 1041 determines whether or not coins have been betted (step S1010). In the processing, themain CPU 1041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal which is outputted from the 1-BET switch 1026S when the 1-BET button 1026 is operated or an input signal which is outputted from themaximum BET switch 1027S when themaximum BET button 1027 is operated. When determining that coins have not been betted, themain CPU 1041 returns the processing to step S1010. - On the other hand, when determining in step S1010 that coins have been betted, the
main CPU 1041 performs processing of subtraction from the number of credits stored in theRAM 1043 in accordance with the number of betted coins (step S1011). It is to be noted that, when the number of betted coins is larger than the number of credits stored in theRAM 1043, themain CPU 1041 returns the processing to step S1010 without performing the processing of subtraction from the number of credits stored in theRAM 1043. Moreover, when the number of betted coins exceeds an upper limit value of a bet in one game (50 in the present embodiment), themain CPU 1041 advances the processing to step S1012 without performing the processing of subtraction from the number of credits stored in theRAM 1043. - Next, in step S1012, the
main CPU 1041 determines whether or not thespin button 1023 has been turned on. In the processing, themain CPU 1041 determines whether or not to have received an input signal which is outputted from thespin switch 1023S when thespin button 1023 is pressed down. - When determining that the
spin button 1023 has not been turned on, themain CPU 1041 returns the processing to step S1010. It is to be noted that, when thespin button 1023 is not turned on (e.g. when a command indicating to end the game is inputted without turning-on of the spin button 1023), themain CPU 1041 cancels the subtraction result in step S1011. - When determining in step S1012 that the
spin button 1023 has been turned on, themain CPU 1041 determines whether or not the specific sound detection flag has been set in step S1013. When determining that the specific sound detection flag has been set, themain CPU 1041 selects a specific effect pattern from the first effect pattern data (step S1014). On the other hand, when determining that the specific sound detection flag has not been set, themain CPU 1041 selects a normal effect pattern from the first effect pattern data (step S1015). - When the specific effect pattern is selected, an image shown in
FIG. 20 is displayed to the lowerimage display panel 1016. -
FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of images displayed to the lowerimage display panel 1016. - To the lower
image display panel 1016, a specific effect image 1093, which includesfireworks images 1093 a and anotification image 1093 b notifying generation of a bonus game on anotherslot machine 1010, is displayed. This image is an image displayed when it is determined that input of the specific sound is made from themicrophone 1544. In a game parlor installed with a plurality ofslot machines 1010, when the specific sound is outputted from asingle slot machine 1010, a specific effect image is displayed simultaneously to theother slot machines 1010 installed within a prescribed range from thesingle slot machine 1010. - After the processing of step S1014 or step S1015, the
main CPU 1041 performs symbol determination processing (step S1016). In this symbol determination processing, themain CPU 1041 executes a symbol determination program stored in theRAM 1043, to determine code Nos. at the stop of symbols. The processing is detailed later with reference toFIG. 21 ,FIG. 22 . - Next, in step S1017, the
main CPU 1041 performs scroll-display control processing. The processing is processing of controlling display of symbols so as to rearrange the symbols determined in step S1016 after the start of symbol scroll. - Next, the
main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger has been established, namely, “APPLE” has been stop-displayed in thedisplay block 1028 in the middle of each column (step S1018). When determining that the bonus trigger has been established, themain CPU 1041 reads a program for playing a bonus game from theRAM 1043 and executes bonus game processing (step S1019). As for the bonus game processing,FIG. 23 is described in detail later. - On the other hand, when determining that the bonus game trigger has not been established, the
main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S1020). When determining that the prize has been established, themain CPU 1041 pays out coins in number corresponding to the number of inserted coins and the prize (step S1021) and completes the present subroutine. On the other hand, when determining that the prize has not been established, the present subroutine is completed. -
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of symbol determination processing. The processing is processing performed by execution of the symbol determination program stored in theRAM 1043, by themain CPU 1041. - First, the
main CPU 1041 executes a random number generation program included in the symbol determination program, to select a random number value corresponding to each of the symbol arrays, out of the numeric values within the range of 0 to 255 (step S1031). In the present embodiment, the case of generating random numbers in the program (the case of using so-called software random numbers) is described. However, in the present invention, a random number generator may be previously provided, and random numbers may be extracted from the random number generator (so-called hardware random numbers may be used). - Next, based upon the selected five random number values, the
main CPU 1041 determines a code No. of each symbol array (cf.FIG. 16 ) (step S1032). The code No. of each symbol array corresponds to the code No. of a symbol to be stop-displayed along the winning line L. Themain CPU 1041 determines a prize by determining the code No. of each symbol array. For example, when themain CPU 1041 determines the code Nos. of the symbols to be “00”, “00”, “00”, “00”, and “00”, it means that themain CPU 1041 determines the prize to be “JACKPOT 7”. - Here, prizes in the present embodiment are described.
-
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the relation between prizes and the numbers of payouts. - When five symbols of “APPLE” are arranged along the winning line L, the bonus game is generated. In the bonus game, free games in number set by selection of a random number are executed.
- Further, when five symbols of “
JACKPOT 7” are arranged along the winning line L, thirty coins are paid out per inserted coin. Similarly, when five symbols of “BLUE 7”, “BELL”, “STRAWBERRY”, “PLUM”, “CHERRY”, or “ORANGE” are arranged along the winning line L, coins are paid out in number corresponding to each of the prizes. -
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the bonus game processing. - First, the
main CPU 1041 determines the number of games out of 10 to 25 by acquiring a random number value (step S1060). Themain CPU 1041 stores as data the determined number of games of the bonus game, in theRAM 1043. - Next, in step S1061, the
main CPU 1041 selects second effect pattern data. Consequently, themain CPU 1041 outputs a voice to thespeaker 1029 at each prescribed timing (e.g. every 1/30 of a second) based upon the second effect pattern data. The second effect pattern data includes sound data including specific data indicating a specific sound. It is to be noted that, since the sound data including the specific data has already been described usingFIG. 7 , its description is omitted here. - Next, the
main CPU 1041 performs symbol determination processing (step S1066). The processing of step S1066 is substantially the same as the processing described with reference toFIG. 19 . Since the processing has already been described, description thereof is omitted here. - Next, the
main CPU 1041 performs scroll-display control processing (step S1067). The processing of step S1067 is substantially the same as the processing described with reference toFIG. 19 . Since the processing has already been described, description thereof is omitted here. - Next, the
main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a bonus game trigger has been established, namely, whether or not “APPLE” has been stop-displayed (step S1068). When determining that the bonus game trigger has been established, themain CPU 1041 newly determines a repeating number t of bonus games is newly determined (step S1069), and the determined repeating number t is added to the number T of games of the current bonus games (step S1070). In this manner, when a bonus game is won during the bonus game, the remaining number of bonus games increases. Specifically speaking, for example, in the case where the game is shifted to 20 bonus games for the first time and 17 bonus games are won in the 12th bonus game, 25 (=20−12+17) bonus games will be played thereafter. - When a bonus game trigger is not established, the
main CPU 1041 determines whether or not a prize has been established (step S1071). When determining that a prize has been established, themain CPU 1041 pays out coins corresponding to the number of inserted coins and the prize (step S1072). - When executing the processing of step S1070 or step S1071, or when determining in step S1072 that any prize has not been established (determining that the game is lost), the
main CPU 61 reads the number T of games of the bonus games stored in theRAM 1043, and subtracts one from the read value of the number T of games. Then, themain CPU 1041 stores in theRAM 1043 the number T of games after the subtraction again (step S1073). - Next, the
main CPU 1041 determines whether or not the number T of bonus games has reached the number determined in step S1060 (step S1074). Specifically, themain CPU 1041 determines whether or not the number T of games stored in theRAM 1043 has become zero, and when determining that the number T of games is not zero, namely, the number of bonus games executed has not reached the number determined in step S1060, themain CPU 1041 returns the processing to step S1061 and repeats the foregoing processing. On the other hand, when determining that the number T of games is zero, namely, the number of bonus games executed has reached the number determined in step S1060, themain CPU 1041 completes the present subroutine. - As thus described, according to the
slot machine 1010 of the second embodiment, an effect is executed based upon the first effect pattern data (normal effect pattern data or specific effect pattern data) not including the specific data indicating the specific sound that triggers anotherslot machine 1010 to execute a specific effect, and as triggered by generation of the bonus game, second effect pattern data including the specific data indicating the specific sound is extracted, and a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data is outputted from thespeaker 1029. When the sound outputted from thespeaker 1029 is inputted into anotherslot machine 1010 having themicrophone 1544, in the anotherslot machine 1010, it is determined that the sound includes the specific sound, and a specific effect is executed. Since the sound outputted from thespeaker 1029 spreads therearound, the specific effect is executed inother slot machines 1010 installed around theslot machine 1010 having generated the bonus game. - As thus described, according to the
slot machine 1010, it is possible, when the bonus game is generated in oneslot machine 1010, to produce a completely new effect whereother slot machines 1010 around the one slot machine produce an effect as if they resonate. The effect involving other players in a game parlor enhances vibrancy in the entire game parlor and also enhances expectation of a player who has not yet hit a jackpot. - Further, since the prescribed effect is executed in another
slot machine 1010, a player playing a game on theslot machine 1010 that has generated a bonus game can feel a sense of superiority. Moreover, when a sound including the specific sound therein is outputted, anotherslot machine 1010 having themicrophone 1544 collects the sound, and it is thus unnecessary to perform a wiring operation such as connection between theslot machines 1010 or between theslot machines 1010 and a management device. As thus described, since it is configured so as to execute an effect through sounds, the cost and time taken for investment in facilities can be reduced. - Further, according to the
slot machine 1010, it is directly determined from the waveform whether or not the specific sound is included, thereby allowing prevention of malfunction. - Further, according to the
slot machine 1010, since the second sound data is data including specific data that shows a waveform of a specific inaudible sound, it is possible to execute an effect without making the player aware of a change in sound outputted from theslot machine 1010. - Further, according to the
slot machine 1010, the first effect pattern data not including the specific data and the second effect pattern data including the specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to identification data are stored. Therefore, when a sound based upon the specific data outputted from thespeaker 1029 is inputted into anotherslot machine 1010 having themicrophone 1544, it is possible in the anotherslot machine 1010 to recognize from whichslot machine 1010 the sound was outputted. - Moreover, according to the
slot machine 1010, since theinterface 1092 for data input for inputting identification data is provided, it is possible to easily input or change the identification data. - In the foregoing embodiments, the cases of applying the present invention to a pachislo gaming apparatus and a slot machine have been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to another gaming machine (e.g. pachinko gaming apparatus, and the like).
- Although the embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, the descriptions present only some of specific examples and do not particularly limit the present invention, and a specific configuration of each means or the like can be appropriately changed in terms of design. Further, the effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only examples of the most preferable effects obtained from the present invention, and the effect to be exerted by the present invention is not limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention.
- Moreover, in the foregoing detailed descriptions, characteristic portions have been primarily described for the purpose of making the present invention more readily understood. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments in the foregoing detailed descriptions but is applicable to other embodiments, and the range of application is diverse. Further, terms and wording in the specification are used for accurately describing the present invention and not for limiting interpretation of the present invention. It may be apparent for a person skilled in the art to conceive, from the concept of the invention described in the specification, another configuration, system, method, and the like included in the concept of the present invention. It is therefore necessary to consider that recitation of the claims includes equivalent configuration in the range not departing from the range of technical ideas of the present invention. Moreover, an object of the abstract is to make the technical contents and nature of the present application readily determinable through simple search by a patent office, a general public institution, an engineer in the technical field who is not familiar with patents, legal terms, or technical terms, and the like. Therefore, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to be evaluated with the recitation of the claims. Furthermore, it is desirable to sufficiently consider an already disclosed document and the like in order to fully understand an object of the present invention as well as an effect specific to the present invention.
- The foregoing detailed descriptions include processing executed by a computer. The foregoing descriptions and expressions are made for the purpose of being understood by a person skilled in the art in the most efficient manner. In the specification, each step to be used for deriving one result should be understood as self-consistent processing. Further, transmission/reception, recording, and the like of an electrical or magnetic signal are performed in each step. Although such a signal is expressed by means of a bit, a value, a symbol, a letter, a term, a number, or the like in the processing of each step, it is necessary to note that these are used simply for the sake of convenience in description. Moreover, although the processing in each step may be described using an expression in common with a human action, the processing described in the present specification is essentially executed by a variety of devices. Furthermore, other configurations required for performing each of the steps become apparent from the foregoing descriptions.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a pachislo gaming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the neighborhood of a liquid crystal display provided in the pachislo gaming apparatus shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the liquid crystal display provided in the pachislo gaming apparatus shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a configuration of part of the liquid crystal display shown inFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the pachislo gaming apparatus shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub control circuit shown inFIG. 5 . -
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a waveform shown by sound data. -
FIG. 8-1 andFIG. 8-2 are flowcharts showing a subroutine of game execution processing executed in a main control circuit. -
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound recognition processing executed in the sub control circuit. -
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of command receiving processing executed in the sub control circuit. -
FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of effect pattern data extraction tables. -
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound output control processing executed in a voice control circuit. -
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of display control processing executed in a display control circuit. -
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a waveform shown by sound data according to another example. -
FIG. 15 is a perspective view schematically showing a slot machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing symbols and code Nos. of the respective symbols. -
FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the slot machine shown inFIG. 15 . -
FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of sound recognition processing. -
FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of game execution processing. -
FIG. 20 is a view showing an example of images displayed to a lower image display panel. -
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of symbol determination processing. -
FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a relation between prizes and the numbers of payouts. -
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of bonus game processing. -
- 1 Pachislo gaming apparatus
- 2 Cabinet
- 3(3L, 3C, 3R) Rotational reels
- 5 Liquid crystal display
- 21(21L, 21R) Speakers
- 34 Transparent liquid crystal panel
- 36 Reflection film
- 41 CPU
- 42 ROM
- 43 RAM
- 44 Microphone
- 44 a Signal processing circuit
- 82 Sub control circuit
- 92, 1092 Interface for data input
- 93, 1093 Specific effect image
- 206 Sub CPU
- 208 Program ROM
- 210 Work RAM
- 230 Voice control circuit
- 234 Voice data ROM
- 1010 Slot machine
- 1011 Cabinet
- 1016 Lower image display panel
- 1020 Control panel
- 1029 Speaker
- 1033 Upper image display panel
- 1040 Mother board
- 1041 Main CPU
- 1042 ROM
- 1043 RAM
- 1050 Gaming board
- 1060 Body PCB
- 1068 Graphic board
- 1069 Touch panel
- 1544 Microphone
- 1544 a Signal processing circuit
Claims (14)
1. A gaming machine provided with a speaker capable of outputting a sound that is inputted into an external device having a microphone and that enables said device to execute a specific effect when it is determined in said device that the sound includes a specific sound based upon specific data, said gaming machine comprising:
a first memory that stores first effect pattern data not including the specific data indicating the specific sound that triggers said external device to execute the specific effect, and second effect pattern data including the specific data; and
a controller,
said controller programmed to execute the processing of
(a) extracting the first effect pattern data from said first memory,
(b) performing control to execute an effect based upon the extracted first effect pattern data,
(c) extracting, as triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, the second effect pattern data from said first memory, and
(d) outputting a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data from said speaker.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein
said first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data showing a specific waveform that triggers said external device to execute a specific effect, and second effect pattern data including the specific data.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 2 , wherein
said first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform obtained by amplifying by a prescribed amount an amplitude in a specific frequency band of a waveform shown by sound data included in the first effect pattern data.
4. The gaming machine according to claim 2 , wherein
said first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound.
5. The gaming machine according to claim 2 , further comprising a second memory that stores identification data for identifying a gaming machine installed in a game parlor, wherein
said first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to said identification data.
6. The gaming machine according to claim 3 , wherein
said first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a waveform of a specific inaudible sound.
7. The gaming machine according to claim 3 , further comprising a second memory that stores identification data for identifying a gaming machine installed in a game parlor, wherein
said first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to said identification data.
8. The gaming machine according to claim 4 , further comprising a second memory that stores identification data for identifying a gaming machine installed in a game parlor, wherein
said first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to said identification data.
9. The gaming machine according to claim 5 , further comprising an interface for inputting the identification data.
10. The gaming machine according to claim 6 , further comprising a second memory that stores identification data for identifying a gaming machine installed in a game parlor, wherein
said first memory stores first effect pattern data not including specific data, and second effect pattern data including specific data showing a specific waveform corresponding to said identification data.
11. The gaming machine according to claim 7 , further comprising an interface for inputting the identification data.
12. The gaming machine according to claim 8 , further comprising an interface for inputting the identification data.
13. The gaming machine according to claim 10 , further comprising an interface for inputting the identification data.
14. A gaming machine provided with a speaker capable of outputting a sound that is inputted into an external device having a microphone and that enables said device to execute a specific effect when it is determined in said device that the sound includes a specific voice based upon specific data, said gaming machine comprising:
a first memory that stores first effect pattern data not including the specific data indicating the specific voice that triggers said external device to execute the specific effect, and second effect pattern data including the specific data; and
a controller,
said controller programmed to execute the processing of
(a) extracting the first effect pattern data from said first memory,
(b) performing control to execute an effect based upon the extracted first effect pattern data,
(c) extracting, as triggered by satisfaction of a prescribed condition, the second effect pattern data from said first memory, and
(d) outputting a sound based upon the specific data included in the extracted second effect pattern data from said speaker.
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JP2006004539A JP2007185282A (en) | 2006-01-12 | 2006-01-12 | Game machine |
JP2006004539 | 2006-01-12 | ||
PCT/JP2006/325630 WO2007080767A1 (en) | 2006-01-12 | 2006-12-22 | Game machine |
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JP (1) | JP2007185282A (en) |
CN (1) | CN101355990A (en) |
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WO (1) | WO2007080767A1 (en) |
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US20130196775A1 (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2013-08-01 | Aruze Gaming America, Inc. | Gaming machine conducting indication effect |
US20130196738A1 (en) * | 2012-01-27 | 2013-08-01 | Aruze Gaming America, Inc. | Gaming machine conducting indication effect |
US8740701B2 (en) | 2009-06-15 | 2014-06-03 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Controlling wagering game system audio |
US8814673B1 (en) | 2010-04-26 | 2014-08-26 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Presenting lighting content in wagering game systems |
US8827805B1 (en) * | 2010-08-06 | 2014-09-09 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Balancing community gaming effects |
US8840464B1 (en) | 2010-04-26 | 2014-09-23 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Coordinating media in a wagering game environment |
US8912727B1 (en) | 2010-05-17 | 2014-12-16 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Wagering game lighting device chains |
US9011247B2 (en) | 2009-07-31 | 2015-04-21 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Controlling casino lighting content and audio content |
US9087429B2 (en) | 2009-12-21 | 2015-07-21 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Position-based lighting coordination in wagering game systems |
US9367987B1 (en) | 2010-04-26 | 2016-06-14 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Selecting color in wagering game systems |
US9520018B2 (en) | 2009-07-07 | 2016-12-13 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Controlling priority of wagering game lighting content |
US10002491B2 (en) | 2009-07-07 | 2018-06-19 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Controlling gaming effects on available presentation devices of gaming network nodes |
US10269207B2 (en) | 2009-07-31 | 2019-04-23 | Bally Gaming, Inc. | Controlling casino lighting content and audio content |
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JP5561906B2 (en) * | 2008-02-20 | 2014-07-30 | 株式会社三共 | Slot machine |
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- 2006-12-22 CN CNA2006800509439A patent/CN101355990A/en active Pending
- 2006-12-22 WO PCT/JP2006/325630 patent/WO2007080767A1/en active Application Filing
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US8814673B1 (en) | 2010-04-26 | 2014-08-26 | Wms Gaming, Inc. | Presenting lighting content in wagering game systems |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2007185282A (en) | 2007-07-26 |
WO2007080767A1 (en) | 2007-07-19 |
AU2006335540A1 (en) | 2007-07-19 |
CN101355990A (en) | 2009-01-28 |
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