Sound processing device, game machine, sound reproduction method, and sound reproduction program

Abstract

To provide a sound processing device, a game machine, a sound reproduction method, and a sound reproduction program capable of synchronizing the sound emission timing of a plurality of sound output devices and outputting sound with favorable auditory quality.SOLUTION: A sound processing device 2 used in a game machine 100 equipped with a speaker 6 and a transmitter 5 that wirelessly transmits sound data to an earphone 7 comprises: an output section 14 that outputs first sound data to the speaker 6 and second sound data to the transmitter 5; a storage section 20 that stores a first time from the output of the first sound data by the output section 14 until the speaker 6 emits sound, and a second time from the output of the second sound data until the earphone 7 emits sound; and an adjustment section 13 that calculates a first difference time depending on a difference between the first time and the second time, and adjusts the timing of output of the first sound data and the second sound data so that sound emission from the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 is synchronized depending on the first difference time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sound processing device for processing sound data, a gaming machine, a sound reproducing method, and a sound reproducing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines such as pachinko machines and pachislot machines are configured to output various sounds in order to enhance the presentation effects and convey various information. Whether it is a stationary device such as a gaming machine or a portable device, the output sound is often output to the outside from a speaker installed in the device. However, it is also conceivable that sound may be output from sound output devices other than speakers, such as earphones or headphones. It is also conceivable that multiple types of sound output devices, such as speakers and earphones, are used in combination, and sound is output from these multiple types of sound output devices simultaneously.

[0003] Figure 1 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration for audio output in a conventional gaming machine. The gaming machine 100 shown in the figure is being considered for adoption and includes a main board 1 that controls the lottery, a sound processing device 2 that processes sound information, a storage device 3 that stores the sound information, a receiving device 4 that receives wireless data, a transmitting device 5 that transmits wireless data, and a speaker 6 that outputs sound.

[0004] In this case, it is assumed that the receiving device 4 and the transmitting device 5 transmit and receive data to and from the earphone 7 using BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy, hereinafter referred to as "BLE").

[0005] The sound processing device 2 reads sound information from the storage device 3 in response to commands from the main board 1, and decodes the read sound information to obtain sound data for sounds to be played in accordance with the progress of the game.The sound processing device 2 then outputs the sound data to the transmission device 5.The sound processing device 2 also outputs the sound data to the speaker 6.

[0006] The transmitting device 5 encodes the input sound data into a compressed sound data format for wireless communication in accordance with the BLE codec, and transmits the compressed sound data to the earphone 7.

[0007] 4, the speaker 6 includes an input interface (IF), a DA converter, and an amplifier (corresponding to an input unit 61, a DA conversion unit 62, and an amplification unit 63, respectively). The speaker 6 performs processing such as DA (Digital-Analog) conversion and amplification on the input sound data, and produces sound.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 4, the earphone 7 includes, for example, a receiver, a decoding device, a signal processing device, a DA converter, and an amplifier (corresponding to a receiving unit 71, a decoding unit 72, a signal processing unit 73, a DA conversion unit 74, and an amplifier 75, respectively). When the earphone 7 receives compressed (encoded) sound data, it expands (decodes) the compressed sound data according to the BLE codec. Note that the earphone 7 may also perform signal processing on the expanded sound data, such as improving the sound quality. Then, after DA converting the signal-processed sound data, the earphone 7 performs amplification processing to amplify it and produce sound.

[0009] In the following description, sound data in the format stored in the storage device 3 is referred to as sound information. Data obtained by decoding sound information by the sound processing device 2 is referred to as sound data. Sound data encoded by the transmission device 5 for BLE wireless communication is referred to as compressed sound data.

[0010] A related technique is a synchronization device that synchronizes time-series data between a master and a slave via wireless communication. In this synchronization device, the master has a packet transmission unit that transmits multiple packets at predetermined intervals. The slave has a synchronization unit that synchronizes the time-series data transmitted by the master and the time-series data received by the slave based on the intervals between the multiple packets (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 131582 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0012] However, in the above-described sound processing device 2, there are cases where the sound produced by the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 are not in phase with each other. Specifically, for example, there are cases where the sound produced by the earphone 7 is produced with a delay from the sound produced by the speaker 6.

[0013] The sound data output from the sound processing device 2 to the speaker 6 is input to the speaker 6 via a wired connection. The speaker 6 then performs DA conversion, amplification, etc. on the input sound data to produce sound. In this case, the sound produced from the speaker 6 is delayed from the output of the sound data from the sound processing device 2 due to delays in the transmission path from the sound processing device 2 to the speaker 6 and processing such as DA conversion and amplification performed by the speaker 6.

[0014] In contrast, the sound data output from the sound processing device 2 to the transmitting device 5 is compressed according to the BLE codec and then wirelessly transmitted by the transmitting device 5 to the earphone 7. The earphone 7 may expand the compressed sound data according to the BLE codec and then perform signal processing on the sound data to improve sound quality, etc. The earphone 7 then performs digital-to-analog conversion on the signal-processed sound data, amplifies it, and produces sound. In this case, the sound produced from the earphone 7 will be delayed from the output of the sound data from the sound processing device 2 by a time proportional to the time required for compression and expansion by the BLE codec, wireless transmission, and signal processing.

[0015] In the earphone 7, the delay caused by the signal compression / expansion processing and signal processing by the BLE codec is large, and therefore the delay time of the earphone 7 is generally longer than the delay time of the speaker 6. Therefore, the sound output from the earphone 7 may be delayed from the sound output from the speaker 6.

[0016] Conversely, depending on the signal processing, signal transmission, and wiring conditions of the speaker 6, the sound emitted from the speaker 6 may be delayed from the sound emitted from the earphone 7. Also, even when the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 are used together in the invention described in Patent Document 1, the sound emitted from one of the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 may be delayed from the sound emitted from the other.

[0017] As described above, in the conventional sound processing device 2 and the like, there is a problem that the timing of sounds emitted from the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 is out of sync, which gives the player an unpleasant auditory sensation.

[0018] The present invention is intended to solve such problems. That is, it is an object of the present invention to provide a sound processing device, a gaming machine, a sound reproduction method, and a sound reproduction program that synchronize the timing of sounds output from multiple sound output devices and output sounds that have a good audible feel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] One sound processing device disclosed in this specification is for use in a gaming machine, and includes a first sound device that generates sound in response to input sound data and a transmitting device that wirelessly transmits sound data to a second sound device that generates sound in response to the input sound data. The sound processing device has an output unit that outputs first sound data to the first sound device and outputs second sound data to the transmitting device. The sound processing device has a memory unit that stores a first time period from when the output unit outputs the first sound data to when the first sound device generates a sound, and a second time period from when the output unit outputs the second sound data to when the second sound device generates a sound. A calculation unit included in the sound processing device calculates a first differential time that depends on the difference between the first time and the second time when the output unit outputs the first sound data to the first sound device and the second sound data to the transmitting device. The calculation unit of the sound processing device adjusts the timing of outputting the first sound data and the timing of outputting the second sound data depending on the calculated first differential time so that the sounds produced by the first sound device and the second sound device are synchronized. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sound processing device, a gaming machine, a sound reproducing method, and a sound reproducing program that synchronize the sound output timing of a plurality of sound output devices and output sound with a good listening experience. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of a gaming machine. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a sound processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of delay information. [Figure 4] 1A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a speaker, and FIG. 1B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an earphone. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing processing in the sound processing device. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a hardware configuration of a sound processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0023] [First Example] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a gaming machine 100 according to a first example of this embodiment.

[0024] The gaming machine 100 of this embodiment is a stationary machine, such as a pachinko machine or a pachislot machine, that is mainly installed in an amusement parlor, and has a function of outputting sounds such as music and sound effects to enhance the game. The gaming machine 100 of this embodiment is configured to output sounds from a plurality of sound output devices.

[0025] Specifically, for example, the gaming machine 100 outputs sound from a speaker 6 as a "first sound device" and an earphone 7 as a "second sound device."

[0026] In the following description, a configuration will be described in which the gaming machine 100 outputs sound from a speaker 6 as a "first sound device" and a wireless earphone 7 as a "second sound device." However, any other combination of devices may be used to output sound from the gaming machine 100. For example, the gaming machine 100 may be configured to output sound from multiple speakers 6 of multiple standards (e.g., wired and wireless) at the same time. Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 may be configured to output sound from multiple earphones or headphones of multiple standards (e.g., wired and wireless) at the same time. Furthermore, the gaming machine 100 may be configured to output sound from multiple speakers 6 and multiple earphones 7 or headphones at the same time.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine 100 of this embodiment includes a main board 1, a sound processing device 2, a storage device 3, a receiving device 4, a transmitting device 5, and a speaker 6 serving as a "first sound device." The main board 1 and the sound processing device 2, as well as the sound processing device 2, the storage device 3, the receiving device 4, the transmitting device 5, and the speaker 6 are communicatively connected to each other. The receiving device 4 and the transmitting device 5 are connected to earphones 7 serving as a wireless "second sound device" via BLE wireless communication. Note that a plurality of receiving devices 4 and transmitting devices 5 may be provided depending on the number of earphones 7 to be connected.

[0028] In the following description, it is assumed that BLE is used as the wireless communication method between the gaming machine 100 and the earphones 7. However, in this embodiment, any method other than BLE may be used as the wireless communication method between the gaming machine 100 and the earphones 7. For example, the wireless communication method may be Wi-Fi, Thread / ZigBee, NB-IoT (Narrow Band IoT), etc., or multiple wireless communication methods may be used in combination.

[0029] The main board 1 is a board that has the function of executing and controlling functions that affect or may affect the outcome of games played on the gaming machine 100. The main board 1 is a board that performs one-way communication and can output information to the sound processing device 2 but does not accept information input from the sound processing device 2. The main board 1 controls, for example, winning prizes, lotteries, and special prizes, and commands the sound processing device 2 to output sounds corresponding to whether a prize has been won or lost.

[0030] The sound processing device 2 reads sound information from the storage device 3 in response to commands from the main board 1, and decodes the read sound information to obtain sound data for sounds to be played in accordance with the progress of a game on the gaming machine 100. This sound data is a digital signal, and therefore both the "first sound data" and the "second sound data" described below are configured as digital signals.

[0031] Then, the sound processing device 2 outputs the sound data to the transmission device 5. Furthermore, the sound processing device 2 outputs to the speaker 6 the sound data as "first sound data" as an audio signal to be generated by the speaker 6.

[0032] The storage device 3 is a storage medium in which various data are stored. The storage device 3 is, for example, a memory chip or an SSD (Solid State Drive), and is equipped with a NAND or NOR type flash memory. The storage device 3 may be an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) other than a flash memory. The storage device 3 may be any ROM such as an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory). The storage device 3 may be a magnetic disk, a floppy disk (FD), a compact disk (CD), a digital versatile disk (DVD), etc. The storage device 3 may also be built into the sound processing device 2.

[0033] The storage device 3 stores sound information of sounds that are emitted in accordance with the progress of a game on the gaming machine 100 (for example, information on sound effects that are output during normal play, information on sound effects that are output when a "jackpot" occurs, etc.). The sound information is information in which sound data is compressed using a predetermined method. The storage device 3 is configured as a separate device from the sound processing device 2, and is connected to the sound processing device 2 by a communication means such as a bus.

[0034] The storage device 3 causes the sound processing device 2 to acquire, from among the stored data, data requested by the sound processing device 2. However, the storage device 3 may be configured to include control means (not shown) so that, when data is requested by the sound processing device 2, the storage device 3 autonomously sends the requested data to the sound processing device 2 under the control of the control means (not shown) of the storage device 3.

[0035] The receiving device 4 is a communication interface that enables the gaming machine 100 to receive signals from external devices. The receiving device 4 receives signals transmitted by wireless communication from various devices external to the gaming machine 100 in accordance with the BLE communication method. The receiving device 4 then outputs the signals received from the various external devices to the sound processing device 2.

[0036] The receiver from which the receiving device 4 receives a signal is a device connected to the gaming machine 100 via the BLE system, such as the earphone 7. When the connected device is the earphone 7, the receiving device 4 receives information such as the manufacturer name and model number of the earphone 7 that is transmitted from the earphone 7 when the earphone 7 is connected via the BLE system. As will be described later, this information is used to calculate the time difference between the delay times of the earphone 7 and the speaker 6.

[0037] The transmitting device 5 is a communication interface that enables the gaming machine 100 to transmit signals to external devices. The transmitting device 5 transmits data from external devices in accordance with the BLE communication method. The transmitting device 5 then performs predetermined digital signal processing on the input sound data as "second sound data" and transmits the resulting data to the earphones 7. Here, the transmitting device 5 encodes (compresses) the generated compressed sound data into a compressed sound data format for wireless communication in accordance with the BLE codec, and transmits the compressed sound data to the earphones 7.

[0038] The speaker 6 is an audio device installed in the main body of the gaming machine 100. The speaker 6 converts input sound data from a digital signal to an analog signal by DA conversion, and then performs an amplification process to amplify the signal, thereby emitting sound around the gaming machine 100.

[0039] When the earphones 7 receive the audio signal of the compressed sound data transmitted from the transmitting device 5, they expand the compressed sound data according to the BLE codec. The earphones 7 also perform signal processing such as improving the sound quality on the sound data obtained by decoding the compressed sound data. The earphones 7 convert the processed sound data from digital to analog by DA conversion and amplify it to produce sound, which can be heard by the player wearing the earphones 7.

[0040] In this embodiment, the gaming machine 100 can emit sounds from both the speaker 6 and the earphone 7. Specifically, the gaming machine 100 can emit sounds output during game play from the speaker 6 so that unspecified people around the gaming machine 100 can hear them, and can also emit the same sounds from the earphone 7 worn by the player of the gaming machine 100. Note that the gaming machine 100 may emit from the earphone 7 a part of the sound emitted from the speaker 6, or may emit from the earphone 7 a sound different from the sound emitted from the speaker 6.

[0041] In the following description, sound data in the format stored in the storage device 3 is referred to as sound information. Data obtained by decoding sound information by the sound processing device 2 is referred to as sound data. Sound data encoded by the transmission device 5 for BLE wireless communication is referred to as compressed sound data.

[0042] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the sound processing device 2. As shown in FIG.

[0043] The sound processing device 2 includes a control unit 10 and a storage unit 20.

[0044] 2, the control unit 10 includes an acquisition unit 11, a determination unit 12, an adjustment unit 13, and an output unit 14. The acquisition unit 11, the determination unit 12, the adjustment unit 13, and the output unit 14 may be configured as functional means implemented by executing a program, or may be configured by hardware logic. The specific configurations of the acquisition unit 11, the determination unit 12, the adjustment unit 13, and the output unit 14 will be described later.

[0045] The storage unit 20 also stores delay information 21.

[0046] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the delay information 21. As shown in FIG.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, the delay information 21 is stored in the storage unit 20 as information in which an identifier is associated with a delay time.

[0048] The identifiers are identifiers for identifying the speaker 6 and the earphone 7. The identifiers SPA, SPB, SPC, and SPD in the delay information 21 are identifiers for identifying the speakers 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d, respectively. The identifiers BLA, BLB, BLC, and BLD in the delay information 21 are identifiers for identifying the earphones 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, respectively.

[0049] 3, the delay times SA,...SA,BA,BB,BC,BD of the delay information 21 are actually numerical information obtained by quantifying the delay times, for example, SA=0.05 seconds, BA=0.6 seconds, BB=0.8 seconds... The delay times SA, BA, BB, BC,BD are information obtained by quantifying the measured values ​​of the delay times from the output of the audio signal from the sound processing device 2 to the output of the actual audio for each of the speakers 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d and each of the earphones 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d (see (a) and (b) of FIG. 4).

[0050] The identifiers and delay information are associated to form individual delay information. In Fig. 3, individual delay information 22a is the delay information for speaker 6a, individual delay information 22b is the delay information for speaker 6b, and together, individual delay information 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d form the individual delay information for speakers 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d. In Fig. 3, individual delay information 21e is the delay information for earphone 7a, individual delay information 21f is the delay information for earphone 7b, and together, individual delay information 22e, 22f, 22g, and 22h form the individual delay information for earphones 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d.

[0051] The individual delay information 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d of the individual speakers 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d is measured by connecting the individual speakers 6a...6d to the gaming machine 100 before the gaming machine 100 is used for a game by a player, for example, before the gaming machine 100 is shipped to an amusement facility. Similarly, the individual delay information 22e, 22f, 22g, and 22h of the individual earphones 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d is measured by connecting the individual earphones 7a...7d to the gaming machine 100 before the gaming machine 100 is used for a game by a player. This measurement may be performed by the developer or manufacturer of the gaming machine 100. A specific measurement method will be described later. The measurement results of the individual speakers 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d are assigned identifiers SPA, SPB, SPC, and SPD to uniquely identify the speakers 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d. The measurement results of the individual earphones 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d are assigned identifiers BLA, BLB, BLC, and BLD to uniquely identify the earphones 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d. As shown in Figure 3, the data assigned identifiers SPA,...SPD, BLA,...BLD are recorded in the storage unit 20 as individual delay information 22a,...22d, 22e,...22h.

[0052] However, the sound processing device 2 can also acquire the individual delay information 22a,..., 22d, 22e,..., 22h via a network such as the Internet. Specifically, the sound processing device 2 acquires communication specification information and the like of the individual speakers 6a,..., 6d and the individual earphones 7a,..., 7d via the network. This communication specification information and the like includes, for example, actually measured individual delay information 22a,..., 22d, 22e,..., 22h of the individual speakers 6a,..., 6d and the individual earphones 7a,..., 7d, and is information recorded in a server (not shown) or the like on the network. The sound processing device 2 can conceivably perform a predetermined calculation using the acquired communication specification information and the like to calculate the individual delay information 22a,..., 22d, 22e,..., 22h.

[0053] The identifier of the earphone 7 may be, for example, the "Shortened local name" included in a BLE advertisement packet. The identifier of the earphone 7 may also be the "Complete local name" read from the Device name characteristic exchanged via GATT communication. For example, if the sound processing device 2 of the gaming machine 100 is a BLE central device and the earphone 7 is a peripheral device, the "Shortened local name" is periodically transmitted by the earphone 7 and received and recognized by the sound processing device 2. Similarly, the "Complete local name" is also periodically transmitted by the earphone 7 and received and recognized by the sound processing device 2.

[0054] In the following explanation, the identifier of the earphone 7 is assumed to be a "shortened local name," and will be referred to simply as the device name. When using a "shortened local name" as the identifier of the earphone 7, the identifier of the earphone 7 can be recognized either before or after the connection is established (S101 in the processing procedure described below), but in this embodiment, it is recognized after the connection with a large communication bandwidth is established. When using a "complete local name" as the identifier of the earphone 7, the identifier of the earphone 7 is recognized only after the connection is established (S101 in the processing procedure described below).

[0055] For the sake of simplicity, the following description will refer to the speakers 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d as the speakers 6, and the earphones 7a, 7d as the earphones 7, unless otherwise necessary. Furthermore, the identifiers SPA, SPB, SPC, and SPD will be referred to as the identifier SP, and the identifiers BLA, BLB, BLC, and BLD will be referred to as the identifier BL, unless otherwise necessary. Furthermore, the individual delay information 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, and 22h will be referred to as the individual delay information 22, unless otherwise necessary.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the speaker 6 and the earphone 7. As shown in FIG.

[0057] The configurations and delay times of the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0058] FIG. 4( a ) is a diagram showing the configuration of the speaker 6 .

[0059] The speaker 6 includes an input unit 61 , a DA conversion unit 62 , an amplification unit 63 , and a sound generation unit 64 .

[0060] The input unit 61 receives input of digital sound data output from the sound processing device 2 .

[0061] The DA conversion unit 62 converts the input sound data into an analog format (analog electrical signal) by digital-to-analog conversion.

[0062] The amplifier 63 amplifies the analog-converted sound data in accordance with an arbitrary volume setting.

[0063] The sound generating unit 64 includes a diaphragm, and vibrates the diaphragm using amplified analog sound data to generate sound to the outside.

[0064] Then, for each speaker 6 connected to the sound processing device 2, the developer of the gaming machine 100 measures the delay time from when sound data is output from the sound processing device 2 to the speaker 6 at a position before the conversion process by the DA conversion unit 62 shown in "Measurement" in Figure 4(a).

[0065] In this embodiment, the time from when the output unit 14 outputs sound data until the sound data is input to the DA conversion unit 62 is referred to as the "first predetermined time." When the delay time is measured at the position shown by "Measurement" in FIG. 4(a), the delay time is measured at the "time before the first predetermined time." The "first time" may be measured at the position of the DA conversion unit 62. In this case, the "first time" is equal to the "first predetermined time." In this embodiment, the delay time measured at the "time before the first predetermined time" is referred to as the delay time of the speaker 6, i.e., the "first time."

[0066] Then, the developer of the gaming machine 100 associates the measured delay time "first time" with the device name (identifier) ​​of the speaker 6 and stores it in the delay information 21. The delay times SA, SB, SC, and SD shown in Fig. 3 correspond to the measured delay times of the speakers 6a, 6b, 6c, and 6d, respectively.

[0067] The delay time measured here is due to the communication time, which increases in proportion to the length of the wiring from the sound processing device 2 to the speaker 6.

[0068] By setting the "first time" to the time just before the time when the sound data is output from the output unit 14 and input to the DA conversion unit 62, the "first time" can be set as a time that is easy to measure and can be accurately compared with the "second time." This allows the timing of sound output from the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 to be easily and accurately synchronized.

[0069] FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing the configuration of the earphone 7.

[0070] The earphone 7 includes a receiving unit 71, a decoding unit 72, a signal processing unit 73, a DA conversion unit 74, an amplifier unit 75, and a sound generation unit 76.

[0071] The receiving unit 71 receives the compressed sound data transmitted from the transmitting device 5 .

[0072] The decoding unit 72 performs a process of expanding the compressed sound data in accordance with the BLE codec.

[0073] The signal processing unit 73 has, for example, an equalizer function, and performs signal processing such as improving the sound quality by changing the frequency characteristics of the sound data that has been subjected to the expansion processing.

[0074] The DA converter 74 converts the processed sound data into an analog format (analog electrical signal).

[0075] The amplifier 75 amplifies the analog sound data according to an arbitrary volume setting.

[0076] The sound generating unit 76 includes a diaphragm, and vibrates the diaphragm using amplified analog sound data to generate sound to the outside.

[0077] Then, the developer of the gaming machine 100 measures the delay time from when sound data is output from the sound processing device 2 to the transmitting device 5 at a position before the conversion process by the DA conversion unit 74 shown in "Measurement" in Figure 4(b) for the earphones 7 that may be connected to the gaming machine 100.

[0078] In this embodiment, the time from when the output unit 14 outputs sound data until the sound data is input to the DA conversion unit 74 is referred to as the "second predetermined time." If the delay time is measured at the position indicated by "Measurement" in FIG. 4(b), the delay time is measured at the "time before the second predetermined time." The "second time" may also be measured at the position of the DA conversion unit 74. In this case, the "second time" is equal to the "second predetermined time." In this embodiment, the delay time measured at the "time before the second predetermined time" is referred to as the delay time of the earphone 7, i.e., the "second time."

[0079] Then, the developer of the gaming machine 100 associates the measured delay time, "second time," with the device name (identifier) ​​of the earphone 7 and stores it in the delay information 21. The delay times BA, BB, BC, and BD shown in FIG. 3 correspond to the measured delay times of the earphones 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, respectively.

[0080] The delay time measured here includes the time required for the compression process of sound data by the transmitting device 5, the wireless communication from the transmitting device 5 to the earphone 7, the decompression process by the decoding unit 72, and the signal processing by the signal processing unit 73.

[0081] By setting the "second time" to the time just before the time when the sound data is output from the output unit 14 and input to the DA conversion unit 74, the "second time" can be set as a time that is easy to measure and can be accurately compared with the "first time." This allows the timing of sound output from the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 to be easily and accurately synchronized.

[0082] 4(a) and 4(b), the sound generation processes of the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 are the same from DA conversion to sound generation. Therefore, in the processes after DA conversion, there is little difference in processing time between the speaker 6 and the earphone 7. Therefore, by using the delay time measured before DA conversion to adjust the timing of the output of sound data from the sound processing device 2, as described below, it is possible to synchronize the sound generation timing of the speaker 6 and the earphone 7.

[0083] Generally, the delay time (second time) of the earphone 7 is longer than the delay time (first time) of the speaker 6. Therefore, in the following description, it is assumed that the delay time of the earphone 7 is longer than the delay time of the speaker 6.

[0084] However, in this embodiment, the process described below can also be applied when the delay time (first time) of the speaker 6 is longer than the delay time (second time) of the earphone 7. The process described below can also be applied when the delay time (second time) of the earphone 7 is the same as the delay time (first time) of the speaker 6. Furthermore, the process described below can also be applied when multiple types of speakers 6 or multiple types of earphones 7 are used in combination, including speakers 6 with longer delay times than the earphones 7 or earphones 7 with shorter delay times than the speakers 6.

[0085] In the following description, "synchronization" of the timing of sound output between the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 will be described as a perfect match of the timing of sound output. However, when implementing this embodiment, this "synchronization" may include any time difference. For example, "synchronization" may refer to a state in which the timing of sound output from the earphone 7 is later or earlier than the timing of sound output from the speaker 6 by a predetermined time (e.g., 0.1 seconds). Furthermore, "synchronization" may refer to a state in which the timing of sound output from the earphone 7 is later or earlier than the timing of sound output from the speaker 6 by a predetermined time period (e.g., 0 seconds or more and 0.1 seconds or less). Furthermore, "synchronization" may refer to a state in which there is an arbitrary time difference between the timing of sound output from at least one of the multiple speakers 6a, 6b, etc. or the multiple earphones 7a, 7b, etc.

[0086] This will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0087] The acquisition unit 11 reads out sound information corresponding to the sound to be generated from the storage device 3 in response to a command from the main board 1. Then, the acquisition unit 11 acquires sound data by decoding the sound information.

[0088] The determination unit 12 determines whether the earphones 7 are connected. The determination unit 12 also acquires the device name of the earphones 7 received by the receiving device 4 when pairing with the earphones 7, and determines the type of earphones 7 to which the transmitting device 5 transmits compressed sound data.

[0089] When the earphones 7 are connected, the adjustment unit 13 extracts the delay time associated with the device name acquired by the determination unit 12 from the delay information 21. The adjustment unit 13 also extracts the delay time of the speaker 6 connected to the sound processing device 2 from the delay information 21. Then, the adjustment unit 13 calculates the difference time between the delay time of the speaker 6 (first time) and the delay time of the earphones 7 (second time).

[0090] 2, assume that a speaker 6a is installed in the gaming machine 100 and a connection is established between the gaming machine 100 and an earphone 7a (communication is possible). For example, assume that the delay time of the individual delay information 22a of the speaker 6a is 0.1 seconds and the delay time of the individual delay information 22e of the earphone 7a is 0.8 seconds. In this case, the adjustment unit 13 sets the delay time of the speaker 6a, 0.1 seconds, as the first time and the delay time of the earphone 7a, 0.8 seconds, as the second time.

[0091] The adjustment unit 13 compares the lengths of the first and second times and confirms that the second time is longer than the first time. The adjustment unit 13 performs a calculation to subtract the value of the first time from the value of the second time. In the above example, the first time is 0.1 seconds and the second time is 0.8 seconds, so the adjustment unit 13 performs a calculation to subtract the first time from the second time, that is, 0.8(seconds)-0.1(seconds)=0.7(seconds) By this calculation, the first differential time is calculated to be 0.7 seconds.

[0092] Then, the adjustment unit 13 performs an adjustment to synchronize the audio output from the speaker 6a with the audio output to the earphone 7a. In the above example, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the audio output from the speaker 6a so that it occurs after the first differential time has elapsed relative to the audio output to the earphone 7a, that is, 0.7 seconds. This causes the same audio to be output from the speaker 6a and the earphone 7a at the same timing.

[0093] In the following description, the speaker 6 or the earphone 7 will also be simply referred to as an audio device.

[0094] When there is another (for example, another) speaker 6 or earphone 7 connected to the sound processing device 2, the adjustment unit 13 calculates a second differential time separately from the first differential time by performing an operation using the second longest second time and the first time. The adjustment unit 13 uses the first differential time and the second differential time to adjust the output of sound data from the speaker 6 and each earphone 7 so that they are synchronized.

[0095] For example, in the above example, suppose there are two or more earphones that have established a connection with the gaming machine 100, including earphone 7a and earphone 7b. The delay time in the individual delay information 22f for earphone 7b is 0.6 seconds. In this case, the second time for earphone 7a is the longest at 0.8 seconds, and the second time for earphone 7b is the second longest at 0.6 seconds.

[0096] The adjustment unit 13 subtracts the first time from the second longest second time, 0.8(seconds)-0.6(seconds)=0.2(seconds) By this calculation, the second differential time is calculated to be 0.2 seconds.

[0097] Then, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the sound output from the earphone 7b so that it occurs after the second differential time from the sound output from the earphone 7a has elapsed, that is, 0.2 seconds later, thereby outputting sounds with synchronized timing from the speaker 6a, the earphone 7a, and the earphone 7b.

[0098] When there are more speakers 6 or earphones 7 connected to the sound processing device 2, the adjustment unit 13 adjusts the timing of outputting sound data to each speaker 6 or earphone 7 by performing a process similar to the process used to determine the first differential time and the second differential time.

[0099] In the above example, suppose a new earphone, say earphone 7c, is connected during play on the gaming machine 100, and the individual delay information 22g of the new earphone 7c is 0.9 seconds. In this case, the delay time of earphone 7c is the longest compared to the already-installed speaker 6a and the already-connected earphones 7a and 7b, so the adjustment unit 13 sets the delay time of the new earphone 7c to the new first longest second time. The adjustment unit 13 also sets the original first longest second time and second longest second time to the new second longest second time and new third longest second time.

[0100] Then, adjustment unit 13 calculates a new first differential time by subtracting the new longest second time from the first time. Similarly, adjustment unit 13 calculates a new second differential time by subtracting the new second longest second time from the first time, and calculates a new third differential time by subtracting the new third longest second time from the first time. Then, adjustment unit 13 adjusts the timing of outputting sound data to speaker 6 a and earphones 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c in the same manner as above, so that sounds with synchronized pronunciation timing are output from speaker 6 a and earphones 7 a, 7 b, and 7 c.

[0101] The output unit 14 outputs sound data to each connected speaker 6 or earphone 7 at the timing adjusted by the adjustment unit 13. The output unit 14 outputs sound to the speaker 6 a, earphones 7 a, 7 b, etc. with a time difference using the above-mentioned first difference time, second difference time, etc.

[0102] Note that outputting sound data from the output unit 14 to the earphone 7 means that the output unit 14 outputs the sound data to the transmission device 5 and transmits the sound data to the earphone 7 via the transmission device 5.

[0103] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the processing in the sound processing device 2.

[0104] The processing in the sound processing device 2 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0105] In the following description, it is assumed that at least one speaker 6 is connected to the sound processing device 2. Before starting the processing of Fig. 5, the acquisition unit 11 of the sound processing device 2 acquires individual delay information 22 of the connected speaker 6 from the delay information 21, and acquires information on the delay time of the speaker 6 (for example, delay time BA for speaker 6a).

[0106] The determination unit 12 of the sound processing device 2 determines whether the earphones 7 are connected (S101). Specifically, the sound processing device 2 checks whether a connection with the earphones 7 is established. If a connection with the earphones 7 is not established and the sound processing device 2 is not connected to the earphones 7 so as to be able to communicate with them, the determination unit 12 of the sound processing device 2 repeats the process of S101 (No in S101).

[0107] When a connection with the earphones 7 is established and communication is possible (Yes in S101), the determination unit 12 of the sound processing device 2 acquires the device name of the earphones 7 that the receiving device 4 received when pairing with the earphones 7. Then, the adjustment unit 13 of the sound processing device 2 uses the acquired device name of the earphones 7 to extract the corresponding delay time from the delay information 21 (S102).

[0108] Furthermore, the adjustment unit 13 of the sound processing device 2 extracts the delay times of the speakers 6 or the earphones 7 connected before the earphones 7 connected to the sound processing device 2 in S101 from the delay information 21. Then, the adjustment unit 13 of the sound processing device 2 calculates the longest delay time among the extracted delay times and the difference time between the longest delay time and the other delay times (S103).

[0109] For example, in the case where there is one speaker 6 and one earphone 7, the output unit 14 of the sound processing device 2 outputs sound data to the earphone 7 having the longest delay time, the second time. Next, the output unit 14 adjusts the sound data to be output to the speaker 6 having the second longest delay time, the first time, with a delay of a first difference time obtained by subtracting the first time from the second time.

[0110] Consider a case where the acquisition unit 11 of the sound processing device 2 confirms that there is another speaker 6 or earphone 7 connected to the sound processing device 2. For example, consider a case where earphone 7b is further connected after the above-described state. In this case, the adjustment unit 13 determines the delay time of earphone 7b and recognizes that this is the second longest second time. The adjustment unit 13 subtracts the second time of earphone 7b, which is the second longest second time, from the first time to calculate a second differential time. In addition to outputting the above-described sound data, the output unit 14 outputs the sound data to the corresponding speaker 6 or earphone 7 with a delay of the second differential time.

[0111] When there is another speaker 6 or earphone 7 connected to the sound processing device 2, the determination unit 12 and adjustment unit 13 of the sound processing device 2 execute the same process as that for determining the first differential time and the second differential time. As a result, the determination unit 12 and adjustment unit 13 adjust the timing for outputting sound data to each speaker 6 or earphone 7 (S104).

[0112] Then, the output unit 14 of the sound processing device 2 outputs the sound data to each connected speaker 6 or earphone 7 at the timing adjusted by the adjustment unit 13 (S105). This allows the timing of sounds to be output from each speaker 6 or earphone 7 to be synchronized.

[0113] The sound processing device 2 determines whether a new earphone 7 is connected (S106). If a new earphone 7 is connected (Yes in S106), the sound processing device 2 executes the process of S102.

[0114] If no new earphones 7 are connected (NO in S106), the sound processing device 2 determines whether any earphones 7 have been disconnected (S107). If no earphones 7 have been disconnected (NO in S107), the sound processing device 2 executes the process of S105.

[0115] When there is a disconnected earphone 7 (Yes in S107), the sound processing device 2 determines whether there is another connected earphone 7 (S108). When there is another connected earphone 7 (Yes in S108), the sound processing device 2 executes the process of S104.

[0116] If there are no other connected earphones 7 (No in S108), the sound processing device 2 ends the process. Note that if there are no other connected earphones 7 (No in S108), the sound processing device 2 may execute the process of S101.

[0117] As described above, the sound processing device 2 of the present invention can output sounds from the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 in synchronization with each other.

[0118] As described above, in this embodiment, the sound processing device 2 is used in the gaming machine 100 equipped with a transmitting device 5 that wirelessly transmits sound data to earphones 7 or the like that produce sound in response to input sound data.

[0119] The sound processing device 2 includes an output unit 14 that outputs first sound data to the speaker 6 or the like and outputs second sound data to the transmission device 5. The sound processing device 2 includes a storage unit 20 that stores a first time period from when the output unit 14 outputs the first sound data until the speaker 6 produces sound, and a second time period from when the output unit 14 outputs the second sound data until the earphone 7 produces sound.

[0120] The sound processing device 2 includes an adjustment unit 13 that calculates a first differential time that depends on the difference between the first time and the second time, and adjusts the timing of outputting the first sound data and the second sound data depending on the first differential time so that the sounds produced by the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 are synchronized. Even if the magnitude of signal delay differs between multiple types of audio devices, for example, the speaker 6 connected to the gaming machine 100 by wire and the earphone 7 connected by wireless communication, the timing of sound output can be adjusted using the first differential time.

[0121] For example, even if the second sound data output by the transmitting device 5 takes time to encode and decode during wireless communication and there is a large delay before sound is produced, the first sound data and the second sound data can be output in synchronization by delaying the output timing of the first sound data by the first differential time.

[0122] Furthermore, for example, even if the transmitting device 5 does not perform encoding or decoding, if the gaming machine 100 outputs sound from multiple audio devices, such as one or more speakers 6 or one or more earphones 7, the first sound data and the second sound data can be output in synchronization.

[0123] Furthermore, for example, even if the delay time of the speaker 6 that outputs the first sound data is longer than the delay time of the speaker 6 or earphone 7 that outputs the second sound data, the first sound data and the second sound data can be output in synchronization.

[0124] As a result, in this embodiment, it is possible to synchronize the timing of sound output from a plurality of sound output devices, such as the speaker 6 and the earphone 7, and output sound with a good audible sensation.

[0125] [Second Example] A second example of this embodiment will be described.

[0126] The configuration of this second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, 5 and 6.

[0127] On the other hand, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the timing of measurement shown in FIG.

[0128] 4(a) and 4(b), the developer of the gaming machine 100 measures the delay time from when sound data is output from the sound processing device 2 to the transmitting device 5 at a position before the conversion process by the DA conversion units 62 and 74. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the developer of the gaming machine 100 measures the delay time at a measurement position other than the above position, and at the same timing for the speaker 6 and the earphone 7.

[0129] For example, in this second embodiment, the developer of the gaming machine 100 can measure the delay time before each of the amplifier units 63 and 75 shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b). Similarly, the developer of the gaming machine 100 can measure the delay time before each of the sound generation units 64 and 76. Furthermore, the developer of the gaming machine 100 can provide the speaker 6 with a configuration similar to the signal processing unit 73 of the earphone 7, and measure the delay time before each of the signal processing units 73.

[0130] The configuration other than that described above in FIG. 3 is the same as that in the first embodiment.

[0131] This configuration allows the measurement positions and lengths of the "first predetermined time," "time before the first predetermined time," and "second predetermined time" and "time before the second predetermined time" shown in the first embodiment to be modified and adjusted as needed. This increases the degree of freedom in delay time measurement, allows delay times and difference times to be set that are suited to the characteristics of the speaker 6 and earphone 7, synchronizes the timing of sound production, and allows sound with a good listening experience to be output.

[0132] In the present invention, in order to synchronize the timing of sound production between the speaker 6 and the earphone 7, it is preferable to measure the delay time between the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 under the same conditions (measurement positions with the same conditions as seen from each sound output unit 64, 76). More specifically, the measurement positions for the delay time are preferably between the output of the input unit 61 and the input to the sound output unit 64 for the speaker 6, and between the output of the signal processing unit 73 and the input to the sound output unit 76 for the earphone 7, and are preferably measurement positions with the same conditions as seen from each sound output unit 64, 76. The measurement positions with the same conditions are measurement positions where the same processing is performed between the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 while data is being transmitted to each sound output unit 64, 76 after the delay time is measured. Alternatively, the measurement positions with the same conditions may be measurement positions where the time it takes for data to be transmitted to each sound output unit 64, 76 is equal between the speaker 6 and the earphone 7 after the delay time is measured.

[0133] [Third Example] A third example of this embodiment will be described.

[0134] The configuration of this third embodiment is the same as that of [First Embodiment] and [Second Embodiment] in [FIG. 1] and [FIG. 3] to [FIG. 6].

[0135] On the other hand, the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the sound processing device 2 shown in FIG. 2 further includes a "synchronization unit" within the "control unit 10."

[0136] This "synchronization unit" is a component for synchronizing the sounds produced by the speakers 6 and earphones 7 connected to each gaming machine 100 among a plurality of gaming machines 100.

[0137] For example, among multiple gaming machines 100, for example, two gaming machines 100 installed on the same premises, one gaming machine 100 has a first differential time of 0.5 seconds using the speaker 6 and earphone 7, while the other gaming machine 100 has a first differential time of 0.6 seconds. In this case, the "synchronization unit" of one or both gaming machines 100 communicates with each other and recognizes the difference in the first differential time.

[0138] Then, the "synchronization unit" adjusts the first differential time of both gaming machines 100 so that synchronized sounds are output. For example, in the above example, the "synchronization unit" adjusts the first differential time of both gaming machines 100 so that synchronized sounds are output. 0.6(seconds)-0.5(seconds)=0.1(seconds) is calculated as the difference time between devices.

[0139] The "synchronization unit" then delays the original sound output timing of the speaker 6 and earphone 7 of one gaming machine 100 by 0.1 seconds, which is the inter-device time difference, and outputs sound from the speaker 6 and earphone 7. This allows synchronized sound to be output from each speaker 6 and earphone 7 of the multiple gaming machines 100.

[0140] The configuration in FIG. 2 other than that described above is the same as that in the first and second embodiments.

[0141] As a result, in the third embodiment, the timing of sound output from the speakers 6 and earphones 7 of the multiple gaming machines 100 can be synchronized, and sounds with a good listening experience can be output.

[0142] [Fourth Example] A fourth example of this embodiment will be described.

[0143] The configuration of this fourth embodiment is the same as that of [First Embodiment] to [Third Embodiment] in [Fig. 3] to [Fig. 6].

[0144] On the other hand, this fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the "gaming machine 100" in [FIG. 1] and [FIG. 2] is a variety of devices other than a gaming machine, and all audio devices are wireless.

[0145] In this fourth example, the sound processing device 2 of this embodiment can be applied to various game devices other than the gaming machine 100, such as a fixed-type game machine for competitive games in which multiple game machines are operated by individual players, or a portable game machine. This embodiment can also be applied to dance games for game centers or home use in which sound is output from the speaker 6 and earphones 7.

[0146] Furthermore, in the fourth example, this embodiment can be applied to devices other than the gaming machine 100 or game machine that simultaneously output sound from the speaker 6 and the earphone 7, such as a movie theater where a person wears the earphone 7 and VR goggles indoors and watches 3D video. In addition, this embodiment can be applied to any facility or device that uses multiple audio devices in combination.

[0147] Furthermore, the fourth embodiment can also be applied to a case where a plurality of audio devices, for example, one or more speakers 6 and one or more earphones 7, are all wireless communication devices.

[0148] The configurations other than those described above in FIGS. 1 and 2 are the same as those in the first and second embodiments.

[0149] By configuring in this way, it is possible to synchronize the timing of sound generation for various devices or a variety of multiple audio devices, and output sounds with a good listening experience.

[0150] [Fifth Example] A fifth example of this embodiment will be described.

[0151] The fifth embodiment realizes at least one of the first to fourth embodiments using a "sound reproduction program." The "sound reproduction program" configures at least one of the internal configuration of the control unit 10 of the sound processing device 2 in Fig. 2, and the configuration of the speaker 6 and earphone 7 in Fig. 4(a) and (b) as functional means resulting from the calculation of the computer program.

[0152] With this configuration, this embodiment can be implemented on a variety of hardware.

[0153] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a computer system.

[0154] The configuration of the computer device 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0155] 6, the sound processing device 2 includes a control circuit 201, a storage device 202, a reading device 203, and an input / output interface (I / F) 204. The components are connected by a bus 210. The sound processing device 2 can be configured by appropriately selecting some or all of the components described in the computer device 200.

[0156] The control circuit 201 controls the entire sound processing device 2. The control circuit 201 is, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a multi-core CPU, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). The control circuit 201 functions as, for example, the control unit 10 in FIG. 2.

[0157] The storage device 202 stores various types of information. The storage device 202 is, for example, a memory such as a read-only memory (ROM) or a random access memory (RAM), or a hard disk (HD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The storage device 202 functions as, for example, the storage unit 20 in FIG. 2 .

[0158] The ROM constituting the storage device 202 stores programs such as a boot program. The RAM constituting the storage device 202 is used as a work area for the control circuit 201. The HD constituting the storage device 202 stores programs such as the OS, application programs, firmware, and various data.

[0159] Note that each of the above-mentioned programs may be stored in a storage device (not shown) of a server (not shown) on a network (not shown), as long as the control circuit 201 can access it via the input / output interface 204.

[0160] The reading device 203 is connected to the storage device 3 and reads data from the storage device 3 in response to a command from the control circuit 201. The reading device 203 connects the sound processing device 2 and the storage device 3 so that they can communicate with each other. The reading device 203 is, for example, a FDD (Floppy Disk Drive), a CDD (Compact Disc Drive), or a DVDD (Digital Versatile Disk Drive). The reading device 203 is also, for example, a BDD (Blu-ray Disc Drive) and a USB (Universal Serial Bus), SATA, etc.

[0161] This storage device 3 is connected to a bus 210 via a reading device 203, and the control circuit 201 controls the reading device 203, whereby data stored in the storage device 3 is read.

[0162] The input / output interface 204 communicatively connects the computer device 200 to other devices via a network (not shown). As shown in FIG.

[0163] The communication device 25 is, for example, an interface with a short-range wireless communication function including a BLE module, and communicates wirelessly with an external device. Note that the communication device 25 may also have a function as an interface for wireless communication other than the BLE module, such as a wireless LAN, or a wired communication interface. In FIG. 2, the communication device 25 functions as, for example, the receiving device 4 and the transmitting device 5. Furthermore, when communicating with multiple earphones 7, multiple communication devices 25 may be provided according to the number of earphones 7 to be connected.

[0164] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations or embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0165] 100···Amusement machines 2. Sound Processing Device 11...Acquisition part 12... Judgment section 13...Adjustment section 14. Output section 20...Storage section 21. Delay Information 5. Transmitting device 6, 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d... Speaker (first audio device) 7,7a,7b,7c,7d...Earphone (second sound device)

Claims

1. A sound processing device for use in a gaming machine equipped with a first sound device that generates sound in response to input sound data and a transmitting device that wirelessly transmits sound data to a second sound device that generates sound in response to the input sound data, an output unit that outputs first sound data to the first acoustic device and second sound data to the transmitting device; a storage unit that stores a first time period from when the output unit outputs the first sound data until when the first acoustic device produces a sound, and a second time period from when the output unit outputs the second sound data until when the second acoustic device produces a sound; an adjustment unit that, when the output unit outputs the first sound data to the first acoustic device and the output unit outputs the second sound data to the transmission device, calculates a first differential time that depends on a difference between the first time and the second time, and adjusts a timing to output the first sound data and a timing to output the second sound data depending on the calculated first differential time so that sounds produced by the first acoustic device and the second acoustic device are synchronized; A sound processing device comprising:

2. the first sound data and the second sound data are digital signals, The first acoustic device is converting the first sound data into an analog signal; amplifying the analog signal; and generating a sound; The first time period is a time before a first predetermined time as a time from when the output unit outputs the first sound data to when the first sound device performs a conversion process, The second acoustic device is After digital signal processing of the second sound data, a conversion process is performed to convert the processed second sound data into an analog signal, and an amplification process is performed to amplify the analog signal, thereby generating a sound; The second time period is The time is a time before a second predetermined time as a time from when the output unit outputs the second sound data to when the second sound data is subjected to digital signal processing and then converted by the second sound device.

2. The sound processing device according to claim 1, wherein:

3. The adjustment unit comparing the length of the first time with the length of the second time; If the comparison result indicates that the second time is longer than the first time, The timing of outputting the first sound data and the timing of outputting the second sound data are adjusted so that the first sound data is output after the first differential time has elapsed since the output of the second sound data.

3. The sound processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The adjustment unit comparing the length of the first time with the length of the second time; If the second time is shorter than the first time, The timing of outputting the first sound data and the timing of outputting the second sound data are adjusted so that the second sound data is output after the first differential time has elapsed since the output of the first sound data.

3. The sound processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The storage unit storing a plurality of second times corresponding to a plurality of types of second acoustic devices; The sound processing device further comprises: a determination unit that determines the type of the second acoustic device that transmits the second sound data from the transmission device, The adjustment unit The first differential time is calculated using the second time corresponding to the type of the second acoustic device determined by the determination unit.

3. The sound processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The transmitting device transmitting the second sound data to two or more second sound devices; The adjustment unit Using the first time and each second time corresponding to the two or more second acoustic devices, a first differential time depending on the difference between the first time and the longest second time is calculated, and a second differential time depending on the difference between the first time and the second longest second time is calculated, and a timing for outputting the first sound data and a timing for outputting the second sound data are adjusted depending on the calculated first differential time and second differential time so that sounds produced by the first acoustic device and the two or more second acoustic devices are synchronized.

6. The sound processing device according to claim 5,

7. The sound processing device further comprises: a synchronization unit for synchronizing the timing of output of each sound data by the output unit with the sound processing devices provided in other gaming machines; 3. The sound processing device according to claim 1, further comprising:

8. A sound processing device for use in a device equipped with a first sound device and a transmitting device that wirelessly transmits input sound data to a second sound device, an output unit that outputs sound data to the transmitting device; a storage unit that stores a first time period from when the output unit outputs first sound data to the first acoustic device until the first acoustic device processes the first sound data and produces a sound, and a second time period from when the output unit outputs second sound data to the transmitting device until the second acoustic device receives the second sound data, processes the second sound data, and produces a sound; an adjustment unit that, when the output unit outputs the first sound data to the first acoustic device and the second sound data to the transmission device, calculates a first differential time that depends on a difference between the first time and the second time, and adjusts a timing at which the first sound data and the second sound data are output depending on the calculated first differential time so that sounds produced by the first acoustic device and the second acoustic device are synchronized; A sound processing device comprising:

9. 1. A sound processing device for use in a device equipped with a transmitting device that wirelessly transmits input sound data to a first sound device and a second sound device, an output unit that outputs sound data to the transmitting device; a storage unit that stores a first time period from when the output unit outputs first sound data to the transmitting device until when the first acoustic device receives the first sound data, processes the first sound data, and produces a sound, and a second time period from when the output unit outputs second sound data to the transmitting device until when the second acoustic device receives the second sound data, processes the second sound data, and produces a sound; an adjustment unit that, when the output unit outputs the first sound data and the second sound data to the transmission device, calculates a first differential time that depends on a difference between the first time and the second time, and adjusts a timing to output the first sound data and a timing to output the second sound data depending on the calculated first differential time so that sounds produced by the first acoustic device and the second acoustic device are synchronized; A sound processing device comprising:

10. A sound reproduction method executed by a processor of a sound processing device for use in a gaming machine equipped with a first sound device and a transmitting device that wirelessly transmits input sound data to a second sound device, comprising: The sound reproduction method comprises: The method is executed in the sound processing device, which includes a storage unit that stores a first time period from when first sound data is output to the first sound device until the first sound device processes the first sound data and produces a sound, and a second time period from when second sound data is output to when the second sound device receives the second sound data, processes the second sound data, and produces a sound, In the sound reproduction method, the processing by the processor includes: When the first sound data is output to the first acoustic device and the second sound data is output to the transmitting device, a first differential time depending on the difference between the first time and the second time is calculated, and the timing of outputting the first sound data and the timing of outputting the second sound data are adjusted depending on the calculated first differential time so that the sounds produced by the first acoustic device and the second acoustic device are synchronized. A sound reproduction method comprising:

11. A sound reproduction program executed by a processor of a sound processing device for use in a gaming machine equipped with a first sound device and a transmitting device that wirelessly transmits input sound data to a second sound device, The sound playback program The method is executed in the sound processing device, which includes a storage unit that stores a first time period from when first sound data is output to the first sound device until the first sound device processes the first sound data and produces a sound, and a second time period from when second sound data is output to when the second sound device receives the second sound data, processes the second sound data, and produces a sound, When the first sound data is output to the first acoustic device and the second sound data is output to the transmitting device, a first differential time depending on the difference between the first time and the second time is calculated, and the timing of outputting the first sound data and the timing of outputting the second sound data are adjusted depending on the calculated first differential time so that the sounds produced by the first acoustic device and the second acoustic device are synchronized. A sound reproducing program that causes a processor to execute a process.

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