JP2002011173A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of displaying a pattern occurring in a virtual three-dimensional space with a comparatively low processing burden and maintaining interest of a player. SOLUTION: Random data are read from a group of random data in which a plurality of kinds of data is randomized (U31). On the basis of the random data, the angle with respect to the line of sight based on the viewpoint of processing in the virtual three-dimensional space and the distance from the viewpoint are computed (U32 and U33). An arrangement position as an occurrence position within the range of view based on the viewpoint in a world coordinate system is determined on the basis of the angle and distance previously computed (U34). Air bubble pattern objects are arranged in the arrangement position, and the air bubble pattern objects are moved (U35 and 36). As a result, patterns occurring in the virtual three-dimensional space can be displayed with a processing burden comparatively lower than previously.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a game machine such as a pachinko machine, a slot machine, a game machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are combined, a coin game machine, a video game machine, etc., and more particularly to a virtual three-dimensional space. The present invention relates to a technique for displaying a state of a symbol generated in the inside.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A game machine of this type is generally known as a pachinko machine. This pachinko machine has two game states: a jackpot state that is advantageous for a player who can obtain a large number of pachinko balls, and a normal state that is disadvantageous for a player who consumes pachinko balls. In any state, a realistic display mode is displayed in accordance with the game state in order to make the player's fun last. In this display mode, a two-dimensional image drawn using, for example, a perspective method is enlarged, reduced, or moved on a display screen so that the player can feel a sense of reality.

[0003]

In the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine, a two-dimensional image is usually fluctuated on a background drawn by using a perspective method. However, since these images are not three-dimensional, There is a problem that a display mode with a poor sense of reality is obtained as a whole. Therefore, in recent years, an object formed by a plurality of polygons corresponding to a design or a background
It is arranged in a dimensional space, a display image is generated based on the object, and is displayed on the screen of the image display device. However, in order to generate a display image using polygons, which are three-dimensional information, generally, complicated operations such as geometry calculation processing for arranging an object formed of a plurality of polygons in a virtual three-dimensional space are required. It is necessary to perform setting processing. Therefore, when generating a display image including a relatively large number of designs and backgrounds, many objects must be arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, and a geometry calculation process or the like defined for each object must be performed. No. That is,
There is a problem that complicated setting processing such as geometry calculation processing increases.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and performs setting processing relatively easily without performing complicated setting processing on an object in a virtual three-dimensional space. It is an object to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing a burden.

[0005]

Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention The present invention has the following configuration to achieve the above object.

Means 1. In a gaming machine comprising: a game state generating means for generating any one of at least two kinds of game states; and an image display means for generating and displaying a display image corresponding to the game state, wherein the image display means While setting three-dimensional information corresponding to at least one component constituting the image in a predetermined virtual three-dimensional space,
The display image is generated based on an aspect of the three-dimensional information, and the image display means randomly determines an arrangement position of the three-dimensional information corresponding to a predetermined component in the virtual three-dimensional space. And a game machine configured to set the three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space.

According to the means 1, the image display means sets the three-dimensional information corresponding to at least one component constituting the display image in the virtual three-dimensional space, and generates the display image based on the information. . At this time, the image display means randomly determines the arrangement position of the three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component. Therefore, the display position of the predetermined component displayed on the display image is random. for that reason,
Irregular display modes of the components can be performed by relatively simple processing, and various display modes can be realized, and a display image full of a sense of reality can be generated.
As a result, it is possible to reduce the load of the image generation processing on the gaming machine without performing complicated setting processing on the three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space. Note that the processing performed by the image display means is effective for a gaming machine having a certain limitation in data capacity or the like based on a predetermined rule, such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine.

Means 2. In the means 1, the image display means stores a discriminator group configured such that a plurality of predetermined discriminators can be extracted with the same probability in a predetermined storage means in advance, and randomly stores the discriminator groups as appropriate. The discriminator is extracted, and based on the discriminator, 3
A gaming machine characterized by determining an arrangement position of dimension information.

According to the means (2), the image display means appropriately extracts a discriminator from a discriminator group in which a plurality of discriminators are randomized, thereby obtaining a discriminator corresponding to a predetermined component. The arrangement position of the dimension information is determined at random.
Therefore, it is possible to simplify the processing when randomly determining the arrangement position of the three-dimensional information. As a result, virtual 3
It is possible to reduce the load of the image generation processing on the gaming machine without performing complicated setting processing on the three-dimensional information in the three-dimensional space.

Means 3. In the means 1, the image display means includes a discriminator generating means for generating a plurality of predetermined discriminators at the same probability, and the predetermined A game machine for determining the position of arrangement of three-dimensional information corresponding to the components of (1).

According to the means 3, the image display means randomly determines the arrangement position of the three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component based on the discriminator generated from the discriminator generating means. Therefore, since it is not necessary to store at least data relating to the arrangement setting of the three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component, it is possible to simplify the processing when randomly determining the arrangement position of the three-dimensional information. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load of the image generation processing on the gaming machine without performing complicated setting processing on the three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space. The discriminator generating means generates the discriminator by a physical method such as generating a mathematical or electrical pulse such as a congruential method.

Means 4. In a gaming machine comprising: a game state generating means for generating any one of at least two kinds of game states; and an image display means for generating and displaying a display image corresponding to the game state, wherein the image display means While setting three-dimensional information corresponding to at least one component constituting the image in a predetermined virtual three-dimensional space,
A viewpoint having a predetermined line-of-sight direction in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Setting a projection plane based on the line-of-sight direction, and setting the three-dimensional information set in at least a part of the virtual three-dimensional space corresponding to a predetermined view range based on the line-of-sight direction. A configuration is such that the display image is generated based on an aspect of the three-dimensional information projected on the projection plane and the three-dimensional information projected on the projection plane. An arrangement position of the three-dimensional information corresponding to the element in the virtual three-dimensional space is determined at random, and the three-dimensional information is stored in the virtual three-dimensional space.
A gaming machine, wherein a display image in which the predetermined component is randomly displayed is generated by setting the predetermined component in a dimensional space.

According to the means (4), the image display means sets three-dimensional information corresponding to at least one component constituting the display image in the virtual three-dimensional space, and generates the display image based on the information. . At this time, the image display means randomly determines the arrangement position of the three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component. Therefore, the display position of the predetermined component displayed on the display image is random. for that reason,
Irregular display modes of the components can be performed by relatively simple processing, and various display modes can be realized, and a display image full of a sense of reality can be generated.
As a result, it is possible to reduce the load of the image generation processing on the gaming machine without performing complicated setting processing on the three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space. Note that the processing performed by the image display means is effective for a gaming machine having a certain limitation in data capacity or the like based on a predetermined rule, such as a pachinko machine or a slot machine.

Means 5 In the means 4, the image display means arranges and sets the three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component in at least a part of the virtual three-dimensional space corresponding to the predetermined view range at least at the time of initial setting. A gaming machine characterized by:

According to the above means 5, the predetermined component is:
At the time of initial setting, they are arranged and set in a virtual three-dimensional space corresponding to the field of view. That is, three-dimensional information corresponding to a predetermined component is arranged and set in a limited partial area in the virtual three-dimensional space. Accordingly, since the three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component is not arranged and set in the entire virtual three-dimensional space, the setting process when the three-dimensional information is arranged and set can be simplified. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load of the image generation processing on the gaming machine without performing complicated setting processing on the three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space.

Means 6. In the means 5, the image display means arranges and sets three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component in the virtual three-dimensional space corresponding to the predetermined view range with reference to a line of sight of the viewpoint. A gaming machine characterized by:

According to the means 6, the three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component is arranged and set based on the line of sight. Therefore, for example, even when a process in which the line-of-sight direction changes is performed, a new process corresponding to the change is performed by three.
There is no need to do this for dimensional information. Therefore, it is possible to simplify the setting process accompanying the setting of the arrangement of the three-dimensional information. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load of the image generation processing on the gaming machine without performing complicated setting processing on the three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space.

Means 7. In any one of the means 4 to 6, the image display means stores a discriminator group configured so that a plurality of predetermined discriminators can be extracted with the same probability in a predetermined storage means in advance, and appropriately stores the discriminator group. A gaming machine, comprising: randomly extracting the discriminator from a discriminator group; and determining an arrangement position of three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component based on the discriminator.

According to the means (7), the image display means extracts a discriminator at random from a discriminator group in which a plurality of discriminators are randomized, thereby appropriately selecting a discriminator corresponding to a predetermined component. The arrangement position of the dimension information is determined at random.
Therefore, it is possible to simplify the processing when randomly determining the arrangement position of the three-dimensional information. As a result, virtual 3
It is possible to reduce the load of the image generation processing on the gaming machine without performing complicated setting processing on the three-dimensional information in the three-dimensional space.

Means 8. In any one of the means 4 to 6, the image display means includes a discriminator generating means for generating a plurality of predetermined discriminators at the same probability, and the discriminator generated by the discriminator generating means. A game machine that determines a position of arrangement of three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component, based on the information.

According to the means 8, the image display means randomly determines the arrangement position of the three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component based on the discriminator generated by the discriminator generation means. Therefore, since it is not necessary to store at least data relating to the arrangement setting of the three-dimensional information corresponding to the predetermined component, it is possible to simplify the processing when randomly determining the arrangement position of the three-dimensional information. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load of the image generation processing on the gaming machine without performing complicated setting processing on the three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space. The discriminator generating means generates the discriminator by a physical method such as generating a mathematical or electrical pulse such as a congruential method.

Means 9 In the means 7 or 8, the image display means specifies the arrangement position by calculating a distance from the viewpoint and an angle with respect to the line of sight based on the discriminator. Gaming machine.

According to the above means 9, the image display means obtains the distance from the viewpoint and the angle of the viewpoint with respect to the line of sight based on the discriminator, and calculates the distance from the obtained viewpoint with respect to the line of sight. The position specified by the angle is determined as the arrangement position. Therefore, the arrangement position in the field of view can be determined at random by relatively simple processing. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load of the image generation processing on the gaming machine without performing complicated setting processing on the three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space.

Means 10. In any one of the means 1 to 9, the image display means corresponds to the predetermined component in the virtual three-dimensional space so that the predetermined component appears in a state where the predetermined component is not displayed in the display image. A gaming machine that randomly determines at least an initial arrangement position of three-dimensional information to be set at the time of initial setting, and sets the three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space.

According to the means 10, it is possible to generate a realistic display image in a display mode in which predetermined components appear.

Means 11 In any one of the means 1 to 10, the image display means can simultaneously display a plurality of the same kind of the predetermined components, and three-dimensional information corresponding to at least one of the plurality of the components. Is appropriately set in the virtual three-dimensional space.

Means 12. In any one of the means 1 to 11, the image display means stores predetermined image information corresponding to the three-dimensional information set in the virtual three-dimensional space, and attaches the image information to the three-dimensional information. By
The configuration is such that the components can be generated, and the image display means stores at least the same type and a plurality of pieces of image information in which the form of the pattern is slightly different from each other, and sequentially transfers the image information to the predetermined component. A gaming machine, wherein the predetermined component displayed in a display manner as if the pattern is moving is generated by attaching to the corresponding three-dimensional information.

According to the above-mentioned means 12, the predetermined constituent elements are sequentially updated with a plurality of pieces of image information corresponding thereto, so that the form of the pattern displayed there is little by little like the mechanism of animation. Change. as a result,
A more realistic display mode can be realized, and the player's interest can be made permanent.

Means 13 In any one of the means 1 to 12, at least one of the components is an identification symbol for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state, or a rendering effect in a gaming state separate from the identification symbol. A gaming machine characterized in that it is an auxiliary symbol displayed to enhance the game.

Means 14. In any one of the means 1 to 13, the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Above all, as a basic configuration of a pachinko machine, an operation handle is provided, and in response to the operation of the handle, a game ball is fired at a predetermined game area, and the game ball is provided at an operating port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. A change of a symbol (an identification symbol for identifying the game state according to the game state or an auxiliary symbol separate from the identification symbol) is started as a necessary condition for winning, and a specification is made. During the occurrence of the gaming state, the winning opening arranged at a predetermined position in the game area is opened in a predetermined manner so that the game balls can be won, and the value corresponding to the winning number (not only the prize ball, (Including writing to a magnetic card, etc.). The pachinko machine has a special game state (big hit state) which is advantageous for a player who can acquire at least a large number of game balls, and a normal game state which is disadvantageous for a player who consumes the game balls. There are different types of gaming states. In addition, the fluctuation of the identification symbol or the like displayed in the normal game state is called normal fluctuation, and an effect as if a big hit occurs (including a case where a big hit occurs) is performed regardless of the presence or absence of the big hit. This is called reach. Reach is a display mode in which a predetermined number of identification symbols related to the reach among a plurality of identification symbols fluctuates vertically, horizontally, or diagonally as if they were of the same type. In addition,
The identification symbol in the pachinko machine refers to a so-called symbol number or an image of a symbol with a symbol number for recognizing a jackpot or a reach, etc. Refers to an image of a symbol other than the identification symbol displayed to enhance the image.

Means 15. In the means 14, the image display means, at one time in a special game state that is advantageous to a player who can obtain at least a plurality of game balls,
Using the auxiliary image as the predetermined component, an arrangement position of the three-dimensional information corresponding to the auxiliary image in the virtual three-dimensional space is determined at random, and the three-dimensional information is converted to the virtual three-dimensional information.
A pachinko machine characterized by being set in a dimensional space. Note that the gaming state of the pachinko machine includes a normal state in which the player consumes pachinko balls and a big hit state in which the player can obtain a large number of pachinko balls.

Means 16. In any one of the means 1 to 13, the gaming machine is a slot machine. Among them, as a basic configuration of the slot machine, `` comprising an image display means for confirming and displaying the identification symbol after variably displaying an identification symbol column including a plurality of identification symbols for identifying the gaming status according to the gaming status, The change of the identification symbol is started due to the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the variation of the identification symbol is caused by the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses. The game machine is provided with a game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the fixed identification symbol at the time of the stop is a specific identification symbol. In this case, coins and medals are typical examples of the game medium. The gaming machine has a special gaming state (big hit state) that is advantageous for a player who can obtain at least a large number of gaming media, for example, coins and medals, and a state that is disadvantageous for a player consuming the gaming medium. There are two types of game states, a normal game state. In addition, the fluctuation of the identification symbol or the like displayed in the normal game state is called normal fluctuation, and an effect as if a big hit occurs (including a case where a big hit occurs) is performed regardless of the presence or absence of the big hit. This is called reach. In addition, the identification symbol in the slot machine means a so-called symbol number or an image of a symbol with a symbol number for allowing a player to recognize a jackpot or a reach, and the auxiliary symbol is a staging effect in the jackpot or the reach. Image of a symbol other than the identification symbol displayed in order to increase the number of symbols.

Means 17. In any one of the means 1 to 13, the gaming machine is a combination of a pachinko machine and a slot machine. Among them, the basic configuration of the integrated gaming machine includes, as an image display for variably displaying an identification symbol row composed of a plurality of identification symbols for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state, and then confirming and displaying the identification symbol. The change of the identification symbol is started by the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the identification is started by the operation of the stop operation means (for example, the stop button) or by elapse of a predetermined time. A game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player as a necessary condition that the fixed identification symbol at the time of the stop is a specific identification symbol, and a game ball as a game medium. It is configured so that a predetermined number of game balls are required at the start of the change of the identification symbol, and many game balls are paid out when a special game state occurs. The gaming machine "consisting of Te. The gaming machine includes a special game state (big hit state) that is advantageous to a player who can acquire at least a large number of game balls, and a normal game state that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes the game balls. There are different types of gaming states. In addition, the fluctuation of the identification symbol or the like displayed in the normal game state is called normal fluctuation, and an effect as if a big hit occurs (including a case where a big hit occurs) is performed regardless of the presence or absence of the big hit. This is called reach. Note that the identification symbol in the gaming machine is a so-called symbol number or an image of a symbol with a symbol number for allowing a player to recognize a jackpot or a reach, and an auxiliary symbol is an effect in a jackpot or a reach. Refers to an image of a symbol other than the identification symbol displayed to enhance the effect.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

A pachinko machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control board and an image display device provided in the pachinko machine, and FIG. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image processing unit.

The pachinko machine according to the present embodiment includes a game board 2 having a control board 1 (see FIG. 2) for controlling the entire pachinko machine, a frame 3 on which the game board 2 is mounted, and a game board 2.
And a rotating handle 5 to which a firing device (not shown) for projecting the pachinko balls stored in the upper tray 4 onto the board of the game board 2 are connected, and a lower side of the upper tray 4. The lower tray 8 provided and the liquid crystal monitor 6 which displays an identification symbol for identifying a game state by the player and an auxiliary symbol which is a symbol other than the identification symbol displayed for enhancing the effect of the game state. An image display device 7 (see FIG. 2) is provided as image display means mounted so that the display screen 6a is disposed substantially at the center of the board surface of the game board 2. In addition, on the display screen 6a, the change (movement, rotation, deformation, etc.) of the identification symbol and the auxiliary symbol as one or a plurality of components on the background on which the predetermined pattern is drawn is displayed in the gaming state of the gaming machine. Will be displayed accordingly. The identification symbol is a so-called symbol number or an image of a symbol with a symbol number for allowing a player to recognize a jackpot or a reach in a pachinko machine, and an auxiliary symbol is for enhancing the effect of the effect in a jackpot or a reach. Is an image of a symbol other than the identification symbol displayed on the screen. The jackpot is
It refers to a state that is advantageous to a player who can obtain a large number of pachinko balls, and the normal playing state refers to a state that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes pachinko balls. Fluctuations in the identification symbols and the like displayed during the normal game state are called normal fluctuations, and are used to perform an effect as if a jackpot occurs (including the case where a jackpot occurs) regardless of whether a jackpot has occurred or not. Fluctuation is called reach. At the time of the big hit, a display mode for each round described later is displayed. Further, when a game is not played on the pachinko machine, a display such as a demonstration is displayed. The symbol according to the present invention is a concept including an identification symbol and an auxiliary symbol.

The game board 2 has a rail 2a for guiding the pachinko ball shot by the rotary handle 5 to the board surface,
A plurality of nails (not shown) for guiding a pachinko ball to an unspecified portion, a plurality of winning holes 2b for winning pachinko balls guided by the nail, and a pachinko ball guided substantially near the center of the game board 2. Is provided, and a large winning opening 2d through which a relatively large number of pachinko balls can be won at a time in a specific game state is provided. In each of the winning opening 2b, the starting opening 2c, and the special winning opening 2d, a winning detection sensor 11 for detecting the entry of a pachinko ball is provided.
(See FIG. 2). When the winning detection sensor 11 detects the entry of a pachinko ball, a predetermined number of pachinko balls are supplied to the upper tray 4 by the control board 1 provided in the game board 2. A start start sensor 12 (see FIG. 2) is provided in the start port 2c. Further, an open / close solenoid 13 (see FIG. 2) is provided in the special winning opening 2d, and the operation of the open / close solenoid 13 allows the special winning opening 2d to be freely opened and closed. It should be noted that, in addition to the above, a holding lamp or the like for storing the number of pachinko balls that have entered the starting port 2c is provided, but the description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

The upper receiving tray 4 has a receiving tray shape.
The pachinko balls supplied from the ball supply port 4a to which the pachinko balls are supplied are stored. Further, on the opposite side of the upper tray 4 in which the ball supply port 4a is arranged, a ball feed port (not shown) is provided which communicates with a launching device that launches a pachinko ball toward the rail 2a. Further, on the upper part of the upper receiving tray 4, a ball removing button 4b for transferring the stored pachinko balls to the lower receiving tray 8 is provided, and by pressing the ball removing button 4b, the pachinko balls stored in the upper receiving tray 4 are pressed. Can be transferred to the lower tray 8. The lower tray 8 has a tray shape and receives the pachinko balls transferred from the upper tray 4. The lower tray 8 is provided with a ball removal lever (not shown) for removing the pachinko balls stored therein.

A launching device for launching a pachinko ball toward the rail 2a is connected to the rotary handle 5. By rotating the rotary handle 5, the launching device launches a pachinko ball with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation. In addition,
When the player holds the rotary handle 5 in a rotated state, the firing device fires the pachinko balls one by one at predetermined intervals.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control board 1 provided on the game board 2 outputs a main control section 16 which is a microcomputer including a memory and a CPU and a value for determining a game state in the game machine. A counter 14, a start start sensor 12 for detecting the entry of a pachinko ball at the starting port 2c (see FIG. 1), and a winning detection sensor 11 for detecting an entry of the pachinko ball at the winning port 2b (see FIG. 1). , Grand Prize Winner 2
An open / close solenoid 13 that opens and closes d (see FIG. 1) and an I / F (interface) 15 that is connected to an I / F (interface) 17 of the image display device 7 so that information can be distributed.
It is configured with such as. The control base 1 executes various events such as supplying a predetermined amount of pachinko balls and operating lamps and speakers (not shown) based on the detection of the ball detection sensors at the winning opening 2b and the starting opening 2c. Things. Further, the control base 1 sends various commands for instructing a display mode according to the game state to the I / F.
15 to the image display device 7.

More specifically, the processing performed by the control board 1 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Step S1 (Detection of Incoming Ball) The player drives the pachinko ball into the gaming board 2 with the rotary handle 5, and starts the pachinko game. Gaming board 2
A portion of the pachinko balls hit inside are guided to near the center of the board and enter the starting port 2c. When the pachinko ball enters the start port 2c, the start start sensor 12 that detects the ball that has entered the start port 2c outputs a start start signal to the main control section 16c.
And the winning detection sensor 11 provided in the starting port 2c sends a winning signal to the main controller 16. In this embodiment, the start start sensor 12 and the winning detection sensor 1
1 is used together by the same sensor. Also, when a pachinko ball enters the winning opening 2b, each winning opening 2b
The winning detection sensor 11 sends a winning signal to the main control unit 16.

Step S2 (Pachinko ball supply) Upon detecting the winning signal from the winning detection sensor 11, the main control unit 16 activates a pachinko ball supply mechanism (not shown) to supply a predetermined number of pachinko balls to the ball supply port 4a. To the upper tray 4

Step S3 (Large Winning Lottery) When the main control unit 16 detects a start start signal from the start start sensor 12, the main controller 16 reads the output value of the counter 14 and performs a large jackpot lottery. In the jackpot lottery, if the output value of the counter 14 is a predetermined value, a "big hit" is generated. On the other hand, if the output value of the counter 14 is other than the predetermined value, the normal game state of “losing” is continued.

Step S4 (Transmit Command) The main control unit 16 determines a display mode according to a normal game state or a specific game state, and displays a command corresponding to the display mode via the I / F 15 in an image display. Transmit to the device 7.
The command is an instruction for causing the image display device 7 to execute a predetermined display program, and a display pattern corresponding to a game state is displayed on the display screen 6a by executing the display program. For example, in the case of a jackpot, the main control unit 16
Sends a command to start a given reach,
After a lapse of a predetermined time, a command indicating the type of the jackpot identification symbol to be stopped at the final stage of the reach is transmitted. Thereby, the display screen 6a of the image display device 7 includes
After the command displays the type of reach indicated,
Further, it is displayed so as to stop at the jackpot identification symbol of the type designated by the command. At this time, the main control unit 16
After the stop of the jackpot identification symbol is displayed on the display screen 6a, the opening signal is given to the open / close solenoid 13 to open the big winning opening 2d, so that the player can acquire a large number of pachinko balls. I do. Further, in this game state, the control base 1 has, for example, about 10 balls with a special winning opening 2.
The winning of d is regarded as one round, and each time the round ends, a command instructing the end of the round or the start of the next round is transmitted to the image display device 7.
Thereby, the display mode of a different pattern is displayed on the display screen 6a for each round. On the other hand, in the case of a loss, a command for instructing the type of the identification symbol of the loss to be stopped at the final stage of the reach, or a command for stopping the identification symbol fluctuating during the normal game state at the identification symbol of the loss. The image is transmitted to the image display device 7. As a result, the display screen 6a is displayed so as to stop at the lost symbol after the reach is displayed, or to stop at the lost symbol after the normal fluctuation.

Step S5 (whether a new ball is detected) The main controller 16 waits until it detects the presence or absence of a new start signal from the start sensor 12 (new ball). If there is no new start start signal, this process is terminated and the process stands by until a new start start signal is detected. The control board 1 that executes the above-described steps S1 to S5 corresponds to a game state generating unit in the present invention. Note that the start start sensor 12 detects the entry of a pachinko ball during the change of the identification symbol (reach, normal variation, etc.), and stores the number of the entered pachinko balls, and the above-described holding lamp, which has not been described, lights up. If so, the lighting of the holding lamp is detected as a new start start signal. If there is a new start start signal, steps S2 to S4 are repeated.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image display device 7 has an I / F 1 for receiving a command sent from the control board 1.
7, a character storage unit 18 for storing an object which is three-dimensional information set in the world coordinate system based on the command, a texture which is image information of a pattern of the object, and a rearmost image. 3D image processing unit 1 that executes a program to set an object in the world coordinate system and generates a display image in which a texture is attached to the object.
9, an image storage unit 20 for temporarily storing the display image generated by the three-dimensional image processing unit 19, and the liquid crystal monitor 6 for displaying the display image. Note that the world coordinate system is a three-dimensional coordinate system corresponding to a virtual three-dimensional space. The object is set to the world coordinate system.
It is a three-dimensional virtual object and is three-dimensional information composed of a plurality of polygons. A polygon is a polygon plane defined by a plurality of vertices of three-dimensional coordinates. The texture is image information to be attached to each polygon of the object, and an image corresponding to the object, for example, an identification design, an auxiliary design, or a background is generated by attaching the texture to the object.

The I / F 17 is connected to the I / F 15 of the control board 1 so that information can be circulated, and receives a command sent from the control board 1. I / F17 is
The received commands are sequentially passed to the three-dimensional image processing unit 19.

The character storage unit 18 is a memory for storing an object which is three-dimensional information which is appropriately read from the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 and a texture which is two-dimensional image information of the object. In particular,
The character storage unit 18 stores the display screen 6 of the liquid crystal monitor 6.
A background displayed in a, for example, a plurality of types of background textures constituting a seabed coral reef pattern, a jackpot identification pattern texture of a fish pattern which is a jackpot hit identification pattern, and a round display pattern indicating the number of rounds of the jackpot. Round pattern texture and sea turtle pattern texture for sea turtle pattern to be displayed during the round,
Various textures such as a bubble design texture of a bubble pattern in the sea are stored. As shown in FIG. 15, the bubble design texture is a plurality of types, for example, two types of textures, each of which has a slightly different form of the pattern. It is drawn so as to realize a swinging animation. In addition, the character storage unit 1
8, a background object to which a background texture is pasted, a jackpot identification pattern object to which a jackpot identification pattern texture is pasted, a round pattern object to which a round pattern texture is pasted, and a sea turtle pattern object to which a sea turtle pattern texture is pasted; An object, which is three-dimensional information composed of one or a plurality of polygons, such as a bubble design object to which a bubble design texture is pasted, is stored. Further, the character storage unit 18 also stores a two-dimensional back image to be displayed on the back of the display screen 6a. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 appropriately reads out these objects, textures, and the rearmost image. Note that the character storage unit 18 corresponds to an object storage unit and a texture storage unit in the present invention.

The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 controls and manages the entire image display apparatus and performs various arithmetic processing.
U (central processing unit), a memory for appropriately storing the calculation results in the CPU, and an image data processor for generating a display image to be output to the liquid crystal monitor 6 based on the calculation results. 3D image processing unit 19
Sets a viewpoint and various objects read from the character storage unit 18 in a world coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional virtual space, in order to realize a display mode according to a command, and moves the object, Is displaced. Furthermore, a so-called geometry calculation process is performed,
It generates projection information that is two-dimensional coordinate information obtained by projecting an object in the world coordinate system onto a projection plane based on the viewpoint. Based on the projection information, the position corresponding to the vertex of each polygon of each object in the frame buffer provided in the image storage unit 20, that is, the address in the frame buffer is obtained, and the texture read out from the character storage unit 18 is obtained. The object is deformed to match the vertices of each polygon, and the texture is drawn based on each address in the frame buffer. When the rendering of the texture on all objects is completed and a display image is generated in the frame buffer of the image storage unit 20, the display image is output to the liquid crystal monitor 6. In addition, 3
The dimensional image processing unit 19 corresponds to the occurrence position determining unit, the object arranging unit, and the display image generating unit in the present invention.

More specifically, the three-dimensional image processing section 19 is configured as follows, for example. Hereinafter, an example of the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19
Denotes a CPU 21, a program ROM 22 storing a program executed by the CPU 21, and a work RAM storing data obtained by executing the program.
23, a DMA 24 for collectively transferring data stored in the work RAM 23 in accordance with an instruction from the CPU 21,
I / F 25 for receiving data transferred by A24
A geometry operation processing unit 26 that performs coordinate operation processing based on the data received by the I / F 25;
Switching between a rendering processing unit 27 that generates a display image based on the data and the like received by F25, a palette processing unit 28 that provides color information to the rendering processing unit 27, and a plurality of frame buffers provided in the image storage unit 20 The liquid crystal monitor 6 includes a selector unit 29 and a video output unit 30 that outputs a display image to the liquid crystal monitor 6. Further, the above-described CPU 21, program ROM 22, work RAM 2
3, the DMA 24, and the I / F 25 are connected to the same data bus, and the character storage unit 18 that stores objects, textures, and the like stores the geometry operation processing unit 26 via a data bus that is independent of the above-described data bus.
And a rendering processing unit.

The program ROM 22 stores a program to be executed first by the CPU 21 when the power of the gaming machine is turned on, and a plurality of types of programs for displaying according to the type of command sent from the control board 1. And so on. For example, a program for performing display sets an object and a viewpoint in a world coordinate system in order to realize a display mode according to a command by referring to a table prepared in advance or performing arithmetic processing on the referenced data. This is to derive setting information for performing the setting. The display program includes not only a program that is executed independently but also a program that generates a task for performing display according to the type of command by combining a plurality of tasks, for example. Further, the setting information includes arrangement coordinate data indicating the arrangement position of the object set in the world coordinate system, posture data indicating the posture of the object, and arrangement coordinates indicating the arrangement position of the viewpoint set in the world coordinate system. One screen displayed on the display screen 6a together with data, rotation data for rotating the line of sight based on the viewpoint, data including objects and textures stored in the character storage unit 18, and storage addresses of the rearmost image. This is data for generating a display image of minutes. Furthermore, this program RO
M22 includes map data indicating a background texture to be attached to a polygon constituting a background object arranged in the world coordinate system, and a classifier for determining the arrangement position of the bubble design object to be arranged first in the world coordinate system. As a random data group. The map data includes all the backgrounds displayed on the display screen 6a, for example, the entire pattern of the coral reef displayed on the display screen 6a, with a plurality of types of background textures, and associates the background textures to be attached to the polygons constituting the background object. This is the data for instructing. In order to generate bubbles from random positions on the seabed displayed on the display screen 6a, the random data group randomly arranges a bubble design object in a view range (a so-called view volume) based on a viewpoint described later in the world coordinate system. It is a plurality of types of data groups to be randomized for obtaining an arrangement position to be performed. Here, “randomization” refers to a configuration in which each data is extracted with the same probability from a plurality of types of data as discriminators, and a specific example of a random data group will be described in detail later. The program ROM 22
Corresponds to a random data storage unit as a predetermined storage unit in the present invention.

The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that manages and controls the entire image display device 2 according to a control program stored in the program ROM 22. By executing the processing, processing such as setting an object and a viewpoint in the world coordinate system is performed so that the background displayed on the display screen 6a moves continuously. Specifically, the CPU 21 sequentially writes setting information obtained by executing a display program for performing a display corresponding to the command into the work RAM 23 in accordance with the type of the command received by the I / F 17, At every interruption interval (for example, 1/30 second or 1/60 second) of the work R
It instructs the DMA 24 to transfer the setting information in the AM 23.

The work RAM 23 temporarily stores the setting information as the execution result obtained by the CPU 21. The DMA 24 is a so-called direct memory access controller that can transfer data stored in the work RAM 23 without going through the processing of the CPU 21. That is, the DMA 24 is
The setting information stored in the work RAM 23 is transferred to the I / F 25 in a lump based on the transfer start instruction.

The I / F 25 receives the setting information transferred by the DMA 24. The I / F 25 includes a storage address of the object stored in the character storage unit 18 included in the setting information, arrangement coordinate data for arranging the object on the world coordinate system, viewpoint data for setting a viewpoint, and Data to be subjected to coordinate calculation such as rotation data for rotating the line of sight based on the geometry calculation processing unit 26 and included in the setting information.
The rendering processing unit 27 is provided with data to be subjected to image drawing, such as a storage address of a texture or the like stored in the character storage unit 18. Further, the I / F 25 provides the palette processing unit 28 with color pallet data for specifying the color information of the texture included in the setting information.

The geometry operation processing unit 26 includes an I / F 25
Performs coordinate calculation processing associated with the movement or rotation of a three-dimensional coordinate point based on the data provided from the. Specifically, based on the storage address of the object stored in the character storage unit 18, the geometry calculation processing unit 26 reads out a plurality of polygon-structured objects arranged in the local coordinate system, and places the object in a posture. The coordinate data of each polygon of the object in the world coordinate system when the world coordinate system is set based on the data and the arrangement coordinate data is calculated. The local coordinate system is a coordinate system unique to an object in which an object having a reference posture is set. Further, coordinate data of each polygon of the object in the viewpoint coordinate system based on the viewpoint set based on the viewpoint data and the rotation data is calculated. Further, projection information which is two-dimensional coordinate data of each polygon of the object on the projection plane when the object is projected on a projection plane set perpendicular to the line of sight based on the viewpoint is calculated. Then, the geometry calculation processing unit 26 gives the projection information to the rendering processing unit 27.

The pallet processing unit 28 stores a pallet R (not shown) for holding a color pallet, which is a plurality of types of color information written in advance by the CPU 21 at the time of initialization, for example.
An AM is provided, and a color palette corresponding to the color palette data provided from the I / F 25 is provided to the rendering processing unit 27. The color information is determined by a combination of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). Giving the color palette means giving the storage address of the color palette stored in the palette RAM to the rendering processing unit 27, for example.
When generating a display image, the rendering processing unit 27 refers to the color information stored at the storage address.

The rendering processing unit 27 first reads the rearmost image based on the storage address of the rearmost image in the character storage unit 18, and stores the rearmost image in a frame buffer provided in the image storage unit 20. Draw and develop each polygon of the object based on the projection information in the frame buffer. Further, the rendering processing unit 2
7 draws the texture read from the character storage unit 18 on an area corresponding to each polygon in the frame buffer, based on the texture storage address in the character storage unit 18 and the color pallet data. As a result, a display image having a predetermined aspect ratio, for example, an aspect ratio of 3: 4, in which the background pattern and various design patterns are drawn on the rearmost image is generated in the frame buffer. The above-described geometry calculation processing unit 26 and rendering processing unit 27 include a clipping process for determining a portion to be displayed on the screen, a hidden surface process for determining a portion that can be seen or not due to the context of polygons, and a light from a light source. Processing such as shading calculation processing for calculating the degree of hit and the state of reflection is also performed as appropriate.

The selector section 29 selects a plurality of frame buffers as appropriate. Specifically, when an image is drawn by the above-described rendering processing unit 27, the selector unit 29 includes a plurality of frame buffers provided in the image storage unit 20, for example, a first frame buffer or a second frame buffer. Select one of the frame buffers. In this case, a display image is generated in the selected frame buffer. On the other hand, the selector unit 29 reads a display image for which a display image has already been generated from the frame buffer on which drawing is not performed, and sends the display image to the video output unit 30. In addition,
The selector unit 29 includes a read-side frame buffer,
The frame buffer on the drawing side is sequentially switched. The video output unit 30 converts the display image sent from the selector unit 29 into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the liquid crystal monitor 6.

The image storage unit 20 includes the rendering processing unit 2
7 is a so-called video RAM that stores the display image generated by the video RAM 7. The image storage unit 20 constitutes a so-called double buffer in which a first frame buffer, which is a storage area for storing a display image for one screen, and a second frame buffer, for example. The image storage unit 20
Is not limited to two, and may be any number as long as it is one or more.

The liquid crystal monitor 6 has a screen 6 a for displaying a display image output from the video output unit 30, and is mounted so that the screen 6 a is exposed on the game board 2. The display screen 6a has, for example, an aspect ratio of 9: 1.
6, the liquid crystal monitor 6 adjusts the display image having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 output from the video output unit 30 to the display screen 6a according to the aspect ratio of the display screen 6a.
To display the display image. The liquid crystal monitor 6 corresponds to a display unit in the present invention. The display means for displaying the display image is not limited to the liquid crystal monitor, but may be, for example, a CRT monitor or a plasma display monitor. In addition, the liquid crystal monitor 6 has a function of displaying a display image having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 as it is, and appropriately changing the aspect ratio of the display image displayed on the display screen 6a according to the game state. Can also. The LCD monitor 6
Corresponds to the display means in the present invention.

Here, in this embodiment, in order to realize a display mode in which the processing load on the gaming machine is relatively reduced and a player can feel a sense of presence as if moving in a virtual three-dimensional space. , Display screen 6 for the player to observe
For example, a display is performed in which the background pattern is smoothly moved (scrolled) from the back side to the front side on a, and the state of the bubble as a pattern generated on the background is displayed. Further, regardless of hardware restrictions in the gaming machine, it is possible to perform so-called infinite scrolling in which the background pattern displayed on the display screen 6a moves infinitely without a break. To facilitate the following understanding,
The outline of the process for scrolling the background will be described with reference to a simple embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 5 (a) to 5 (e), the characters "A, B, C, D,..." A display mode is displayed in which the user moves and passes by the outside of the display screen 6a. By observing the movement of such a background pattern, the player can feel a sense of reality as if he is moving backward in the virtual three-dimensional space. In order to realize such a display mode, the image display device 7 performs a process as shown in FIG.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 6 (a), for example, a background object OH in which quadrangular polygons R1 to R4 are arranged in a line is arranged at a position P1 in the world coordinate system.
And a viewpoint S for displaying a background object arranged in the world coordinate system on the display screen 6a.
P is arranged at a predetermined arrangement position. The texture T1 in which the character "A" is drawn in the polygon R1 of the background object OH, the texture T2 in which the character "B" is drawn in the polygon R2, and the texture T in which the character "C" is drawn in the polygon R3. A texture T4 in which the character "D" is drawn on the polygon R4 is attached to T3. The background object OH on which the textures T1 to T4 are pasted
Is moved from the arrangement position P1 to the arrangement position P2 as shown in FIG. By sequentially displaying the state of movement of the background object OH on the display screen 6a, FIG.
The display modes (a) to (c) are displayed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6C, when the background object OH is moved to the arrangement position P2, the background object OH is arranged again at the arrangement position P1.
At this time, the texture T2 in which the character “B” is drawn on the polygon R1 of the background object OH is
2, a texture T3 in which the character "C" is drawn, a texture T4 in which the character "D" is drawn in the polygon R3, and a texture T5 in which the character "E" is drawn in the polygon R4.
Is attached. That is, the background object O
Update the background texture to be attached to H. Then, the background object O to which the textures T2 to T5 are pasted
H is moved from the arrangement position P1 to the arrangement position P2 again. Thereby, the display modes as shown in FIGS. 5C to 5E are displayed. 6A to 6C are repeated to obtain each polygon R1 of the background object OH.
To R4, the background pattern is smoothly moved (scrolled) from the back side to the front side, for example, by sequentially updating a plurality of types of background textures of the continuous pattern attached to R4. A so-called infinite scroll that moves infinitely without a break in the pattern can be displayed. Note that the distance between the arrangement position P1 and the arrangement position P2 is equal to the width of each polygon. this is,
Textures are pasted in polygon units, so
By moving the texture by the width of the polygon and then sequentially updating the texture to be attached to each polygon, a smooth display can be realized. Therefore, by moving the pattern at least by the width of the polygon, it is possible to display a state in which the background pattern moves smoothly and infinitely with a relatively light processing load.

Hereinafter, a display mode displayed by the image display device 7 according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

On the display screen 6 a of the liquid crystal monitor 6 described above, based on the command sent from the control board 1,
For example, a display mode as shown in FIG. 7 is displayed. This display mode is one mode of a round display that is displayed after a jackpot has occurred in a pachinko machine. Hereinafter, this display mode will be described. In addition, the present invention is not limited to the display mode at the time of the round, and can be appropriately applied to the display mode at the time of the reach, the normal fluctuation, or the demonstration, for example.

As shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D, the display screen 6a, which is a wide screen having an aspect ratio of 9:16, includes a jackpot including an identification symbol Z1a, which is an eighth identification symbol at the time of a jackpot. The identification symbol Z1 and the round display symbol Z2 indicating the second round are displayed on the foreground. The identification symbol Z1a is an identification symbol when a jackpot is determined during a game, and the identification symbol Z1a is displayed as if the tail fin is waving in a stopped state. The round display symbol Z2 indicates the number of rounds due to the jackpot, and is displayed such that the number is added each time a round is repeated. Between the jackpot identification symbol Z1 and the round display symbol Z2, a sea turtle symbol Z3 for enhancing the effect is displayed. It is a design with a pattern of a sea turtle swimming while moving up and down. Further, below the sea turtle pattern Z3, a seabed background H is displayed in which a continuous pattern of coral reefs on the seabed moves from the back side to the near side of the display screen 6a. Therefore, a display mode is displayed on the display screen 6a such that the sea turtle continues to swim near the seabed toward the depths of the sea. Further, in accordance with the above-described display mode, each of the bubble designs Z4 to
Z7 is generated randomly, and each of these bubble symbols Z4 to Z7
Is displayed while oscillating. Although not shown in FIG. 7, the rearmost image having a color that makes the boundary of the seabed background H of the coral reef difficult to see is displayed on the back side of the seabed background H. Further, in this embodiment, the sea turtle design Z3 moves in the depth direction of the display screen 6a and the bubble design Z
A description will be given of a case where 4 to Z7 float upward, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sea turtle pattern Z3 moves in each direction such as the front direction, the left and right direction, the up and down direction, The symbols Z4 to Z7 can also be applied to a case where the symbols Z4 to Z7 float obliquely under the influence of the flow of seawater on the sea floor.

Next, the processing performed by the image display device 7 to realize the display mode shown in FIG. 7 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Step T 1 (Command Grasp) The I / F 17 sequentially receives commands sent from the control board 1 and sequentially passes the commands to the three-dimensional image processing unit 19. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 stores the command in a command buffer (not shown) provided in the work RAM 23. Further, each time there is an interrupt process from the liquid crystal monitor 6, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads a command stored in the command buffer and executes a program in the program ROM 22 corresponding to the command. By executing the program, the following steps are executed in the three-dimensional image processing unit 19. The above-described interrupt processing is performed in synchronization with, for example, a vertical scanning signal every 1/30 second or 1/60 second of the liquid crystal monitor 6.

Step T2 (set viewpoint in world coordinate system) The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets a world coordinate system corresponding to a virtual three-dimensional space for arranging a plurality of objects. Next, a viewpoint for determining a view range for displaying the state in the world coordinate system on the display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6 is set in the world coordinate system. The viewpoint is a reference point of a coordinate system using a line of sight as the z-axis so as to face a predetermined direction in the world coordinate system, for example, the direction of the space in which the object is set. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 is configured to determine, based on the coordinate values in the world coordinate system for arranging the viewpoint derived by the program and the rotation data for determining the direction of the line of sight,
View point S whose line of sight is directed to, for example, each symbol object described later
Set P. The state in the world coordinate system included in the field of view in the line of sight from the viewpoint SP is displayed on the display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6. In this embodiment, the viewpoint SP fixed at a predetermined position in the world coordinate system will be described. Also, a viewpoint SP such that the line-of-sight direction is displaced can be set.

Step T3 (Place Bubble Design Object) The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 converts the random data stored in the program ROM 22 into bubbles in the virtual three-dimensional space displayed on the display screen 6a. Based on this, the arrangement position is determined in the world coordinate system where the bubble design object is first arranged. Then, a bubble design object is arranged at the arrangement position. Thereby, it is displayed as if bubbles were generated in the virtual three-dimensional space displayed on the display screen. The bubble object is gradually moved, for example, in the Y-axis direction of the world coordinate system at each interruption process. Thereby, it is possible to display the generated bubbles so that they float. The processing performed in step T3 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Step U31 (Reading of Random Data) The CPU 21 provided in the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads two consecutive data in a random data group stored in the program of the program ROM 22. Figure 1
As shown in FIG. 0, for example, the random data group is a data group in which a population of 64 data in total, each having four values of “0” to “15”, which are values represented by 1 byte, is provided. The data is sequentially read out by the CPU 21 so that each type of data is extracted with equal probability. The CPU 21 reads two consecutive data, for example, the value “6” of the data number 11 and the value “3” of the data number 12. Step U31 is repeated each time there is an interruption process, and two consecutive data are sequentially read out by the CPU 21.

Step U32 (Calculate Angle from Line of Sight) The CPU 21 calculates the angle θ of the viewpoint SP with respect to the line of sight based on the value of the data read first. The angle θ is an angle around the y-axis in the coordinate system based on the viewpoint SP. The angle θ is calculated by the following equation (1).

Θ = [(value of data of random data group) −8] × 2 (1) By sequentially substituting the values of the read data into the above-described equation (1), -16 ≦ θ ≦ 14 Range values are obtained sequentially. Note that the coefficient “8” in the equation (1) is approximately the center value of the range of random data (“0” to “15”). As described above, by adopting a substantially median value, it is possible to obtain an angle θ about the y-axis, which is scattered evenly to the left and right with respect to the line of sight. For example, by changing the coefficient “8”, it is also possible to obtain the angle θ that is scattered on one side with respect to the line of sight. “−1” in the range of the angle θ
“6” and “14” are, for example, one rotation around the y-axis.
This is a numerical value when 0 ° is represented by 2 bytes. Specifically, “−16” is −16 × 360 ° ÷ 256 = −2.
2.5 °, and “14” is 14 × 360 ° ÷ 256
= 19.7 °. Therefore, when data is composed of one byte, “0” to
By substituting each value of “15” into equation (1), −2
The angle θ in the range of 2.5 ° ≦ θ ≦ 19.7 can be calculated. Here, when the view range based on the viewpoint SP is, for example, a range of ± 25 ° left and right around the y-axis with respect to the line of sight, a random data group that falls within the range of ± 25 ° left and right is prepared in advance. By doing so, the angle θ within the view range is obtained. Specifically, as shown in FIG.
U21 substitutes the value “6” of the data read first into equation (1) to determine the angle θ1 = −4 (−5.6 °). By repeatedly performing step U32 every time there is an interruption process, angles θ2, θ3,... Are sequentially obtained (only θ1 to θ3 are shown in FIG. 11).

Step U33 (Calculate the distance from the viewpoint) The CPU 21 calculates the distance from the next read data
The distance L from the viewpoint SP is calculated. This distance L is obtained by the following equation (2).

L = (value of data in random data group) × 256 + 2560 (2) By sequentially substituting the values of the read data into the above-described equation (2), values in the range of 2560 ≦ L ≦ 6400 are sequentially changed. can get. The coefficient “2560” in the equation (2) is the minimum distance from the viewpoint SP displayed on the display screen 6a.
This is the closest distance to the viewpoint SP of the so-called view volume. Further, “640” in the range of the distance L
"0" is the maximum distance from the viewpoint SP displayed on the display screen 6a. This is the farthest distance from the viewpoint SP of the so-called view volume. By changing the value of the coefficient 256 in the equation (2), it is possible to change the degree of dispersion of distances in the line-of-sight direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 21 substitutes the value “3” of the next read random data into the equation (2) to obtain the distance L1
= 3328. By repeating step U33 every time there is an interruption process, the distances L2, L3,... Are sequentially obtained (only L1 to L3 are shown in FIG. 11).

Step U34 (Calculate the coordinate value of the arrangement position) First, the CPU 21 calculates the coordinate value of the coordinate point d when the viewpoint SP is set as the origin, based on the angle θ and the distance L calculated in each step described above. xd, 0, zd). Then, based on the coordinate values (Xsp, Ysp, Zsp) at which the viewpoint SP is arranged in the world coordinate system, the coordinate values (Xsp + xd, Ysp, Z) of the coordinate point d in the world coordinate system.
sp + zd). Further, the CPU 21 determines that the coordinate point d
Is projected onto the XZ plane of the world coordinate system, ie, the coordinate point d
(Xsp + xd, 0, Zsp + zd) of the coordinate point D1 in the world coordinate system in which the value of the Y coordinate value of is set to "0"
Is determined as an occurrence position which is an arrangement position where the bubble design object is first arranged. The value of the Y coordinate value is set to “0” in order to first arrange the bubble design object at a position where a bubble is generated from the sea floor displayed by the background object described later, and the Y coordinate value is arbitrary. Can be decided. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, the CPU 21 obtains a coordinate value of the coordinate point d1 based on the angle θ1 and the distance L1. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, a coordinate point D1 projected on the XZ plane in the world coordinate system is obtained as a generation position. By repeating step U34 every time there is an interruption process, the coordinate points D2,.
D3 are sequentially obtained (only D1 to D3 are shown in FIG. 12). Note that steps T31 to T3 described above are performed.
Reference numeral 4 corresponds to the function of the occurrence position determining means in the present invention.

Step U35 (Bubble Design Object Arrangement) The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 stores the character storage unit 1 as three-dimensional information corresponding to the bubble design displayed on the display screen 6a.
The bubble design object is read from 8 and the bubble design object is arranged using the coordinate point D in the world coordinate system as the arrangement position. The bubble design object read from the character storage unit 18 is a planar object to which a bubble design texture in which a bubble pattern to be described later is drawn in a plane is pasted, for example, a single quadrangular polygon composed of four vertices It is composed of In particular,
As shown in FIG. 13, the bubble design object OZ4 read from the character storage unit 18 is arranged at a coordinate point D1 in the world coordinate system. At this time, the attachment surface of the bubble symbol object OZ4 to which the bubble symbol texture is attached is arranged so as to face the front with respect to the viewpoint SP. Similarly, when step U35 is repeated, as shown in FIG. 14, the bubble symbol object OZ6 read from the character storage unit 18 is arranged at the coordinate point D3. In addition,
FIGS. 13 and 14 show only the bubble design objects OZ4 to OZ6 corresponding to the bubble designs Z4 to Z6, but the bubble design objects corresponding to the bubble design Z7 shown in FIG.

Step U36 (Move the Bubble Design Object) The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 moves the bubble design object arranged in the world coordinate system, for example, in the plus Y-axis direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, every time step U36 is repeated, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 calculates the Y coordinate values of the coordinate points D1, D2,... Where the bubble design objects OZ4, OZ5,. By sequentially adding a predetermined value to the value, an arrangement position that moves toward the Y axis plus side direction is sequentially obtained, and the bubble design objects OZ4 are arranged at the arrangement position. It should be noted that the three-dimensional image processing 19 uses the Y of the coordinate point at which the bubble design object is arranged.
When the coordinate value becomes larger than the specific value, the process of arranging the bubble design object in the world coordinate system is stopped.
The specific value of the Y coordinate value at this time is a value at which the bubble design is not displayed on the display screen 6a, that is, a value of the Y coordinate value outside the visual range. Steps T35 and T described above
36 corresponds to the function of the object arranging means in the present invention.

Step T4 (Place a sea turtle design object etc.) The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 includes a jackpot identification design object OZ1, which is three-dimensional information corresponding to the jackpot identification design Z1 displayed on the display screen 6a, and a round display. Symbol Z
From the character storage unit 18, a round symbol object OZ2, which is three-dimensional information corresponding to No. 2, and a sea turtle symbol object OZ3, which is three-dimensional information corresponding to a sea turtle symbol Z3 of a sea turtle pattern swimming in the sea. Further, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 determines that each of the symbols Z1 to Z3 is
The jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 and the round symbol object OZ2 are located at the arrangement positions based on the viewpoint SP, and the sea turtle symbol object OZ3 is the origin of the world coordinate system, as displayed at each position on the display screen 6a shown in FIG. Is arranged at each of the arrangement positions based on. Also,
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 can always display each symbol Z1 to Z3 at a predetermined position on the display screen 6a by arranging each symbol object OZ1 to OZ3 at the same arrangement position every time there is an interruption process. . In addition, by sequentially updating the arrangement positions of the respective symbol objects OZ1 to OZ3, the symbols Z1 to Z3 can be displayed so as to move on the display screen 6a. The jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 and the round symbol object OZ
The reason why 2 is arranged with reference to the viewpoint SP is that even when the viewpoint SP is displaced, it is displayed at a fixed position on the display screen 6a.

Further, the three-dimensional information processing section 19 changes the form of each of the symbol objects OZ1 and OZ3 for each interruption process. Specifically, the jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 includes an identification symbol object on which the identification symbol Z1a is displayed, and the identification symbol object includes, for example, a head object displaying a fish head and a fish body. And a tail fin object that displays the tail fin of the fish are connected at predetermined connection points. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19
Each part object of the identification symbol object is displaced right and left around the connection point at each interruption process. This allows the display screen 6a to display an action of a fish swimming while stopped at a predetermined position. The sea turtle design object OZ3 includes a torso object displaying the body of the sea turtle, and four limb objects each displaying the limb of the sea turtle connected to the torso object at a predetermined connection point. It is configured. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 vertically swings and displaces each limb object with respect to the torso object at each interruption process centering on each of these connection points. This allows the display screen 6a to display an action of swimming in the sea while stopped at a predetermined position. Although each of the symbol objects OZ1 to OZ3 has a predetermined shape, in FIG.
The form of OZ3 is illustrated as a spherical shape.

Step T5 (Place a Background Object) The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 generates a background composed of a plurality of polygons, which is three-dimensional information corresponding to the background H of the seabed coral reef pattern displayed on the display screen 6a. The object OH is read from the character storage unit 18, and as shown in FIG. 13, the background object OH is arranged at the arrangement position P1 on the XZ plane in the world coordinate system. The background object OH is configured by, for example, nine square polygons arranged in a plane. Further, as shown in FIG. 14, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19
H is sequentially moved from the arrangement position P1 to the arrangement position P2 for each interrupt process, and the background object O
When H reaches the arrangement position P2, the process of arranging the background object OH again at the arrangement position P1 is repeatedly performed.

Step T6 (Correction Correction of Viewpoint Coordinate System) The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 converts the world coordinate system into a viewpoint coordinate system using the viewpoint SP as a reference, that is, the origin. Thereby, the coordinate values of each of the design objects OZ1 to OZ6 and the background object OH arranged in the world coordinate system are converted into coordinate values in the viewpoint coordinate system. here,
Since the aspect ratio of the display image generated in the frame buffer by the rendering processing unit 27 is 3: 4, when this display image is displayed on the display screen 6a having the aspect ratio of 9:16, the display image is displayed as an elongated image. The adverse effect is caused. Therefore, by modifying the viewpoint coordinate system in accordance with the aspect ratio of the display image and the aspect ratio of the display screen, each design or the like arranged in the viewpoint coordinate system is transformed.

Specifically, the three-dimensional image processing section 19 calculates deformation correction data for correcting the deformation of the viewpoint coordinate system. The deformation correction data is a magnification value for enlarging or reducing the vertical width or the horizontal width of the background object OH and each of the design objects OZ1 to OZ6 (hereinafter, appropriately referred to as “design object or the like”). Assuming that the aspect ratio of the display screen 6a is A: B and the aspect ratio of the display image is a: b, the deformation correction data can be calculated by the following equation (3). It should be noted that the deformation correction data calculated by the following equation (3) is used for correcting the width of a design object or the like when the width of the display image is deformed according to the screen based on the vertical magnification of the display image. Magnification value. When the vertical width of the display image is deformed to fit the screen based on the horizontal magnification of the display image, the reciprocal of the deformation correction data calculated by the following equation (3) corrects the vertical width of the design object or the like. This is a magnification value for performing.

(A × b) ÷ (a × B) (3) When the aspect ratio of the display image generated in the frame buffer is 3: 4 and the aspect ratio of the display screen 6a is 9:16 In the display screen 6a, the aspect ratio of the display image is 9: 1.
6, the image is displayed as if the horizontal width of the display image was enlarged to 4/3 times. At this time, the horizontal width of the design such as the design object included in the display image is also enlarged to 4/3 times. Here, the display image and the display screen 6
By substituting the respective values of the aspect ratio of “a”, the deformation correction data of the magnification value for reducing the width of the design object or the like to ４ (hereinafter, referred to as “３”) is calculated. further,
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reduces the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) of the viewpoint coordinate system to ３ times based on the deformation correction data.
As a result, the background object OH and each of the design objects OZ1 to OZ6 are 3/4 in the x-axis direction of the viewpoint coordinate system.
Reduced by a factor of two.

Step T7 (Project on Projection Plane) The three-dimensional image processing section 19 sets a projection plane perpendicular to the z-axis which is the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint coordinate system between the viewpoint SP and the symbol objects OZ1 and OZ2. Set SC. The projection plane SC is set to display the state of the world coordinate system within the field of view on the display screen 6a. Since the projection plane SC is perpendicular to the z-axis of the viewpoint coordinate system and has a fixed z value, it can be treated as a two-dimensional coordinate system on the projection plane SC. The projection plane SC has an area corresponding to a frame buffer provided in the image storage unit 20.

Further, the three-dimensional image processing section 19 projects the jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 and the round symbol object OZ2 in parallel on the projection plane SC. Thereby, each vertex of each polygon constituting each of the symbol objects OZ1 and OZ2 is projected as it is so as to move in parallel to the projection plane SC, and the three-dimensional coordinate value of each vertex is two-dimensional on the projection plane SC. Converted to coordinate values. On the other hand, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 outputs the sea turtle design object OZ3 and the bubble design objects OZ4 to
The OZ 6 and the background object OH are perspectively projected. As a result, the vertices of each polygon constituting each of the symbol objects OZ3 to OZ6 and the background object OH are projected so as to move in the direction of the viewpoint SP, and the three-dimensional coordinate values of each vertex are two-dimensional on the projection plane SC. Is converted to the coordinate value of The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 obtains projection information of each object in the world coordinate system when the projection of all objects ends. The reason why the jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 and the round symbol object OZ2 are projected in parallel is to make it easier for the player to always recognize the jackpot identification symbol Z1 and the round display symbol Z2.

Step T8 (drawing of the rearmost image) The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads the rearmost image stored in the character storage unit 18 and stores the rearmost image in the frame buffer in the image storage unit 20. draw. The rearmost image is, for example, an image for making the color of the sea color less noticeable and a border line of a coral reef pattern described later.

Step T9 (Paste of Background Texture) The three-dimensional image processing section 19 reads map data from the program ROM 22, and sets a specific area corresponding to the background object OH on the map data. Each time the background object OH is placed again from the placement position P2 to the placement position P1, the background texture indicated by the data is referred to by referring to the data in the specific area.
Paste on each polygon of the background object OH.

Here, the map data and the background texture will be described with reference to FIGS. On the display screen 6a, a pattern of a seabed coral reef moving from the back side to the front side is displayed. FIG. 16A shows a background texture constituting one of the coral reef patterns. FIG.
As shown in (a), one coral reef pattern is composed of four background textures Ta, Tb, Tc, and Td. Further, as shown in FIG. 16B, the map data corresponding to one coral reef pattern includes, for example, data of “0” indicating the pasting of the background texture Ta to the polygon and the pasting of the background texture Tb. For example, it is composed of data of "1", data of "2", for example, instructing to paste the background texture Tc, and data of, for example, "3" instructing to paste the background texture Td. Next, FIG. 17A shows the entire background texture TH of all the rotating coral reef patterns that are all the backgrounds displayed on the display screen 6a. This whole background texture TH is
It is composed of a plurality of background textures Ta to Td, and is configured so that upper, lower, left and right patterns are continuous. Further, as shown in FIG. 17B, in the map data MD, data of “0” to “3” for designating each of the background textures Ta to Td are arranged in order to configure the entire background texture TH. It is a thing.

Specifically, first, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19
Represents a two-dimensional virtual coordinate point P3 of the viewpoint S on the plane by projecting the viewpoint SP arranged in the world coordinate system vertically onto the same plane on which the background object OH is arranged.
Ask for. Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads the map data MD from the program ROM 22, and sets a virtual coordinate point P3 on the map data MD. Then, the line of sight of the viewpoint SP (z
An offset value L corresponding to the (axis) direction is calculated, and a virtual center coordinate point P4 is set at a position separated from the virtual coordinate point P3 by the offset value L. The offset value L is calculated based on the line-of-sight rotation angle data. For example, in the case of rotation angle data in which the line of sight is directed to a position far from the viewpoint SP in the world coordinate system, the offset value L is increased while the line of sight is directed to a position close to the viewpoint SP in the world coordinate system. If the rotation angle data is appropriate, the offset value L is calculated as a value that decreases. Further, in the case where the line of sight rotates right and left, the virtual center coordinate point P4 is rotated about the virtual coordinate point P3 by an amount corresponding to the rotation of the line of sight left and right.

Next, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets a specific area TR (hatched area in the drawing) including the same number of background textures as the polygons forming the background object OH, centering on the virtual center coordinate point P4. I do. Then, a background texture to be attached to each polygon of the background object OH is determined based on data included in the specific area TR on the map data MD.

Next, the address in the frame buffer of the image storage unit 20 corresponding to the coordinate value of each vertex of each polygon of the background object, that is, the position of each polygon of the background object in the frame buffer is obtained. Then, the background texture read out from the character storage unit 18 is attached to each polygon, that is, drawn. As a result, a display image in which the seabed background H having a seabed coral reef pattern is superimposed on the rearmost image is generated in the frame buffer.

As shown in FIGS. 18 (a) to 18 (c), every time the background object OH is relocated from the arrangement position P2 to the arrangement position P1, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 Is moved by a data unit, for example, a single data. Then, the plurality of background textures indicated by the data included in the specific area TR centered on the virtual center coordinate point P4 separated by the offset value L from the virtual coordinate point P3 are transferred to the background again arranged at the arrangement position P1. Paste to each polygon of the object. In addition, as shown in FIG.
When R protrudes from the map data MD, it is set so that the protruding portion of the specific area TR goes around from the opposite side.

Step T10 (Paste of bubble design texture) The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 stores the frame buffer of the image storage unit 20 corresponding to the coordinate values of each vertex of each polygon of the bubble design objects OZ4 to OZ6 included in the projection information. , Ie, the positions of the polygons of the bubble design objects OZ4 to OZ6 in the frame buffer.
Then, two types of bubble symbol textures KT shown in FIG.
1 and KT2 are read from the character storage unit 18, and one of the two types of bubble symbol textures KT1 and KT2 is alternately drawn on the polygon every predetermined number of interrupt processes. As shown in FIG. 15, the bubble design textures KT1 and KT2 are, for example, textures in which two different types of air bubble patterns are drawn, and by displaying these air bubble patterns alternately, air bubbles are generated in the water. An animation that swings right and left can be displayed.

Step T11 (Paste of sea turtle design texture etc.) The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 stores the image data in the image storage unit 20 corresponding to the coordinate values of each vertex of each polygon of each of the design objects OZ1 to OZ3 included in the projection information. The address in the frame buffer, that is, the position of each polygon of the symbol objects OZ1 to OZ3 in the frame buffer is obtained. Then, the pattern texture read from the character storage unit 18 is drawn on each polygon. As a result, a display image in which the jackpot identification symbol Z1, the round display symbol Z2, the sea turtle symbol Z3, and the bubble symbols Z4 to Z7 are superimposed on the bottom image and the sea bottom background H of the coral reef pattern on the sea bottom is stored in the frame buffer. Generated.

Step T12 (Display) The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 transmits the display image generated in the frame buffer to the liquid crystal monitor 6 via the video output unit 30.
Output to The liquid crystal monitor 6 sequentially displays a display image having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 sent from the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 for each interruption process in accordance with a display screen 6a having an aspect ratio of 9:16. As a result, the display modes shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D are displayed.

According to the above-described embodiment, since the coordinate points in the field of view are obtained based on the distance from the viewpoint SP and the angle with respect to the line of sight, the bubble design object is arranged on the entire world coordinate system as in the related art. It is possible to display a state in which bubbles are generated in the virtual three-dimensional space with a small processing load as compared with the case of performing the processing. In addition, since the surface on which the texture is attached to the planar object is directed toward the front of the viewpoint SP, it is possible to display a state in which bubbles are generated with a smaller processing load than when a three-dimensional object is used. In addition, the background pattern displayed with a relatively small number of polygons can be moved smoothly, especially the background that scrolls infinitely can be displayed,
A more realistic display mode can be realized with a small processing load.

In the above-described steps, the display screen 6
Although the description has been given of the case where the vehicle moves in the depth direction of the arrow a, the present invention is not limited to this.
The present invention can be applied to a background moving in each direction such as a vertical direction and an oblique direction. For example, an example in which the background moves in the horizontal direction will be described with reference to an actual display image of the gaming machine shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 19, the display screen 6a includes a jackpot identification symbol Z1, a round display symbol Z2, a sea turtle symbol Z3, a sea bottom background H, and bubble symbols Z4 to Z9.
Is displayed. As shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, the sea turtle design Z3 is a state where the sea turtle is viewed from the side,
Swinging his limbs up and down. At this time,
The seabed background H, which is a pattern of the seabed coral reef, is displayed on the display screen 6a.
Is gradually moving from the left side to the right side.
, Bubble patterns Z4 to Z9 are randomly generated and floated. In this display mode, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19
A sea turtle design object is arranged in front of the viewpoint arranged in the world coordinate system, and the form is changed at the arrangement position.
Then, the background object is repeatedly moved so as to cross the line of sight of the viewpoint in a predetermined direction, and the background texture of the background object is appropriately updated. The display image in the above-described display mode is generated by randomly arranging and moving the bubble design object within the field of view regardless of the processing of the background object. As a result, the display screen 6a displays a realistic display mode in which the sea turtle swims in the sea where bubbles generated from random positions on the sea floor float.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the generation position in the field of view is obtained at random by preparing a plurality of types of randomized data in advance. By generating random data as a discriminator from a predetermined discriminator generating means by a physical method such as generating a periodic pulse, and sequentially reading the random data, a generation position in a view range is randomly obtained. It can also be configured as follows.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the bubble design objects OZ1 to OZ1 composed of a single quadrangular polygon are used.
Although Z6 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be similarly applied to a planar bubble design object composed of a plurality of polygons. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to a case of a three-dimensional bubble design object.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the display mode for displaying the state of the sea is described. However, the display mode for displaying the state of war, for example, is realized by using the explosion pattern instead of the bubble pattern. You can also.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, a single background object OH composed of a plurality of quadrangular polygons has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Can be similarly applied to the case where is arranged. Further, the background object OH may be constituted by a single polygon such as a quadrangle or a triangle.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the liquid crystal monitor has been described.
A T monitor or an LED monitor can be used.

In the above-described embodiment, the pachinko machine has been described as a gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a slot machine, a gaming machine in which a Various game machines such as a coin game machine, an arcade game machine, and a home video game machine can be modified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a three-dimensional image processing unit.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process performed by the control platform of the pachinko machine.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one display mode on a display screen 6a.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between polygons and textures.

FIG. 7 is a view showing one display mode in the pachinko machine according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating processing in the image display device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a detailed process of step T3.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state of a random data group.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state of a coordinate point in a line-of-sight coordinate system determined based on random data.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state of a coordinate point in a world coordinate system determined based on random data.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a state where each object is arranged in a world coordinate system.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state of movement of a bubble design object and a background object.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a bubble symbol texture.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a relationship between a background texture and map data.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a background texture of the entire background and map data.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a relationship between map data and a specific area.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an actual display mode on a pachinko machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control board 6 ... Liquid crystal monitor 6a ... Display screen 7 ... Image display device as image display means 18 ... Character storage unit 19 ... 3D image processing unit 20 ... Image storage unit OH ... Background object SP ... Viewpoint MD ... Map data KT: bubble design texture as image information OZ3 to OZ6 ... bubble design object as three-dimensional information

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A game machine comprising: a game state generating means for generating any one of at least two kinds of game states; and an image display means for generating and displaying a display image corresponding to the game state. Means for converting three-dimensional information corresponding to at least one component constituting the display image into a predetermined virtual
The display image is configured to be set in a three-dimensional space and to generate the display image based on a mode of the three-dimensional information. A gaming machine that randomly determines an arrangement position in a virtual space and sets the three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space.