JP2003079883A - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [PROBLEMS] While displaying a symbol in three dimensions, a variable display in which a display mode of a symbol on a variable display device and a display of decoration, notification, etc. outside the variable display device cooperate with each other is provided. Improve the interest of SOLUTION: In a variable display area of the variable display means, there is provided a display control means for controlling a variable display game for variably displaying a symbol object for which identification information is set, and the display control means is specified in relation to a result mode of the variable display game. In a gaming machine capable of giving a game value of, a display means that changes a display mode based on the progress of the game is provided, the display control means sets a virtual space including the variable display area, There is provided illumination control means for controlling the illumination of the design object in the virtual space to be changed in association with the change in the display mode.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine for playing a variable display game in which a plurality of symbol objects (identification information) arranged in a virtual space are variably displayed on a display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a gaming machine, a plurality of pieces of identification information including specific identification information (special symbols) are variably displayed on a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display according to the winning of a game ball shot in a game area. There is a game in which a variable display game is played and a specific game value such as a special game state is given in connection with the display result being in a specific mode.

In such a variable display game for gaming machines,
It is known to switch and display a plurality of pieces of identification information arranged on the background.

Further, there has been proposed a game machine which uses 3DCG (three-dimensional computer graphics) to three-dimensionally display identification information, characters, and patterns to improve the interest of the variable display game. .

Further, as the game progresses, the display contents of the display device provided on the game board also change.

[0006]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine, the display of the identification information in the variable display device, the decoration,
Since the display on the game board outside the variable display device such as notification progresses separately, the player must pay attention to the display inside the variable display device as well as the inside of the variable display device, There is a problem that the user cannot concentrate on the variable display game played on the variable display device.

The present invention performs variable display in which the display mode of the symbol on the variable display device and the display of decorations, notifications, etc. outside the variable display device are linked while expressing the symbol three-dimensionally, and the interest of the game is enhanced. The purpose is to improve.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display control means for controlling a variable display game in which a pattern object having identification information is variably displayed in a variable display area of the variable display means. In a gaming machine capable of imparting a specific game value in relation to a result mode of a variable display game, a display means for changing the display mode based on the progress of a game is provided, and the display control means includes the variable display area. The virtual space is set by, and the illumination control means is provided for controlling the illumination of the symbol object in the virtual space to be changed in association with the change of the display mode of the display means.

In the first aspect of the invention, the change in the illumination of the design object is the change in the brightness of the screen, the change in the color of the design object, the change in the brightness of the design object,
There are changes in the number of light sources for the pattern object, changes in the number of shadows of the pattern object, changes in the shape of the shadow of the pattern object, and the like.

A second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the display means is arranged on the front side of the gaming machine separately from the variable display means.

In a third aspect based on the second aspect, the display control means has a game control device for controlling the progress of the game and the illumination control means, and is variable based on a command from the game control device. Comprising a display control device for controlling display means, the game control device, when the display mode of the display means is controlled, transmits a command signal relating to the display mode to the display control device, and the illumination control means, Illumination of the design object using the display means as a light source is calculated based on the command signal, and the design object is displayed on the variable display means.

A fourth invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, the display means is provided in the variable display means.

In a fifth aspect based on the fourth aspect, the display control means has a game control device for controlling the progress of the game and the illumination control means and is variable based on a command from the game control device. Comprising a display control device for controlling the display means, the game control device transmits a command signal regarding the display mode of the display means to the display control device in association with the progress of the game, and the illumination control means, Illumination of the design object using the display means as a light source is calculated based on the command signal, and the design object is displayed on the variable display means.

In a sixth aspect based on the first to fifth aspects, the display means is a start memory display means for displaying information on a start memory of the variable display game.

A seventh invention is characterized in that, in the first to fifth inventions, the display means is an auxiliary variable display means for playing an auxiliary variable display game relating to the addition of an auxiliary game value.

An eighth invention is characterized in that, in the first to fifth inventions, the display means is an abnormality notifying means for notifying an abnormality of the gaming machine.

[0017]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the variable display area of the variable display means is provided with display control means for controlling a variable display game in which the symbol objects for which identification information is set are displayed in a variable manner. In a gaming machine capable of imparting a specific game value in relation to a result mode of a game, a display means for changing a display mode based on the progress of a game is provided,
The display control means sets a virtual space including the variable display area, and controls to change the illumination of the symbol object in the virtual space in association with a change in the display mode of the display means. Since the illumination control means is provided, the symbol objects (identification information) in the variable display device are displayed in various modes, and the enjoyment of the game can be improved.

In the second invention, since the display means is arranged on the front side of the gaming machine separately from the variable display means, the display inside and outside the variable display device is displayed in cooperation with each other, and the player can play the game board. Since it is not necessary to pay attention to many places and the attention of the player is not dispersed, it is possible to concentrate on the variable display game and play the game.

In the third invention, the display control means is characterized in that
It is composed of a game control device that controls the progress of the game, and a display control device that has the illumination control means and controls the variable display means based on a command from the game control device.
When the game control device controls the display mode of the display means, it transmits a command signal relating to the display mode to the display control device, and the illumination control means uses the display means as a light source based on the command signal. Since the illumination of the symbol object is calculated and the symbol object is displayed on the variable display means, the display mode of the symbol object is changed in cooperation with the display outside the variable display device to improve the enjoyment of the game. Can be made.

In the fourth invention, since the display means is provided in the variable display means, the variable display game and other displays are displayed in cooperation with each other to disperse the attention of the player. Instead, the player can concentrate on the variable display game and play the game.

In the fifth invention, the display control means has a game control device for controlling the progress of the game and the illumination control means, and a display for controlling the variable display means on the basis of a command from the game control device. The game control device transmits a command signal related to the display mode of the display means to the display control device in association with the progress of the game, and the illumination control means is based on the command signal. Since the illumination of the design object using the display means as a light source is calculated and the design object is displayed on the variable display means, the display of the display means and the display mode of the design object can be performed by transmitting one command signal. Can be changed to improve the enjoyment of the game.

In the sixth invention, since the display means is constituted by the start memory display means for displaying the information on the start memory of the variable display game, the player does not pay attention to the start memory display and the variable display is performed. You can concentrate on the game and play.

In the seventh invention, since the display means is constituted by the auxiliary variable display means for executing the auxiliary variable display game relating to the addition of the auxiliary game value, even if the user concentrates on the variable display game, It is possible to know whether the variable display game is being played on the variable display device (for example, a normal symbol display device).

In the eighth aspect of the invention, since the display means is constituted by the abnormality notifying means for notifying the abnormality of the gaming machine, the abnormality notifying device notifies the abnormality even if the user concentrates on the variable display game. It is possible to know that an abnormal state has occurred.

[0025]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall structure of a gaming machine (CR machine with a card ball lending unit) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The front frame 3 of the gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) 1 is attached to the main body frame (outer frame) 4 via the hinge 5 so as to be openable and closable, and the gaming board 6 is attached to the back surface of the front frame 3. It is stored in a storage frame.

On the surface of the game board 6, a game area surrounded by guide rails is formed. In this game area, an attacker 1 is provided with a center case 13 provided with a variable display device 8 and a variable winning device 10 provided with a special winning opening.
5, the respective winning openings 12a to 12d, the starting opening 16, the normal symbol display device 7, the normal variation winning device 9, etc. are arranged. A cover glass that covers the front surface of the game board 6 is attached to the front frame 3.

The variable display device 8 as the variable display means is
It is provided in a center case 13 provided at the center of the game board, and the display screen portion is constituted by an LCD (liquid crystal display), a CRT (CRT), and the like. A plurality of variable display areas are provided in the display screen portion (display area), and a plurality of symbol objects including identification information (display symbol) are displayed in each variable display area. That is, on the left of the display screen,
In the variable display area provided on the right of the center, the symbols (for example, each number from "0" to "9") assigned as identification information are variably displayed, and the variable display game is played. Also,
Other images based on the progress of the game are displayed.

Above the special variation winning device 10, there is a starting opening 16 having a normal variation winning device (ordinary electric accessory) 9.
At a predetermined position on the left and right of the game area, a normal symbol starting gate 14 is arranged.

In the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, a game is performed by launching a game ball (pachinko ball) toward a game area from a hitting ball launching device (not shown). The launched game ball flows down the surface of the game area while changing the rolling direction by rolling guide members such as windmills arranged at various places in the game area, and the starting opening 16 and the general winning openings 12a to 12
d, the special variation winning device 10 is won, or the special variation winning device 10 is discharged from an outlet provided at the bottom of the game area. The winning of the game balls to the general winning openings 12a to 12d is performed by the N winning sensors 51.1 to 51.n provided for each of the general winning openings. N (see FIG. 2).

Starting opening 16, general winning openings 12a-12d,
When a game ball is won in the special variation winning device 10, a number of prize balls according to the type of the winning device that has won the prize are discharged from the payout unit (discharging device) and supplied to the supply plate 21.

When a game ball is won in the starting opening 16, an image relating to the variable display game in which the display symbols composed of the numbers described above are sequentially displayed is displayed on the variable display device 8. When the winning to the starting opening 16 is made at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the special symbol random number counter value at the time of winning detection is a winning value), it is a big hit state, and three display symbols are arranged. Stop at the state (big hit pattern). At this time, the special variation winning device 10 opens the special winning opening for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) by energizing the special winning opening solenoid 10A (see FIG. 2), and the player wins many game balls. can do. That is, the special variation winning device 10 is converted from a closed state in which the game ball is not accepted (a state in which the player is unfavorable) to an open state in which the game ball is easily accepted (a state in which the player is advantageous).

The winning of the game ball into the starting opening 16 is detected by the special symbol starting sensor 52 (see FIG. 2). The passing timing of this game ball (specifically, the value of the special symbol random number counter provided in the game control device 100 at the time of winning detection) is the game control device 100 as the special symbol winning memory.
In a predetermined storage area (special symbol random number storage area), a predetermined number of times (for example, four consecutive maximum times) is stored up to a limit. The stored number of the special symbol winning memory is displayed on the special symbol storage state display 17 which is provided on the lower side of the variable display device 8 and includes a predetermined number of LEDs. Game control device 100
Plays a variable display game on the variable display device 8 based on the special symbol winning award memory.

The prize of the game ball to the special variation winning device 10 is counted by the count sensor 54 and the continuation sensor 55 (see FIG. 2).
Detected by.

When there is a passage of the game ball to the normal symbol starting gate 14, the normal symbol display 7 is a normal symbol (for example,
Start the variable display of the pattern consisting of one digit number). Normally when the passage detection to the symbol starting gate 14 is made at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the normal symbol random number counter value at the time of passage detection is a hit value), the hit state is related to the ordinary symbol, and normally. The design stops at the winning design (hit number). At this time, the normal variable winning device 9 provided in front of the starting opening 16 is the normal electric accessory solenoid 9
By energizing A (see FIG. 2), the entrance to the starting opening 16 is converted to open for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds), and the possibility of winning the game ball at the starting opening 16 is increased. To be

The passage of the game ball to the normal symbol starting gate 14 is detected by a normal symbol starting sensor 53 (see FIG. 2). The passage timing of this game ball (specifically, the value of the normal symbol random number counter provided in the game control device 100 at the time of passage detection) is a predetermined memory in the game control device 100 as a normal symbol starting memory. Predetermined number of times in the area (ordinary symbol random number storage area) (for example, four consecutive maximum times)
Is stored up to the limit. The number of memories of this normal symbol starting memory is displayed on the normal symbol memory state display device 19 which is provided on the upper side of the variable display device 8 and includes a predetermined number of LEDs. Based on the normal symbol starting memory, the game control device 100 carries out a lottery for winning a normal symbol.

A decorative lamp and an LED are provided at the key points of the game machine.
Decorative light emitting devices such as. That is, the center case 13 provided at the center of the game board and the attacker 15 provided at the bottom of the game board are provided with decorative lamps that emit light according to the progress of the game. Further, side case lamps 34 are provided on the upper left and right sides of the game board, and side lamps 18 are provided on the left and right sides of the game board. Further, a game frame state display lamp 31 for notifying the state of the game frame and game frame decoration lamps 32, 33 for decorating the game frame by lighting are provided on the front frame 3 above the cover glass. These lamps are turned on as the game progresses, so that the player's interest in the game continues.

These decorative light emitting devices (center case 1
3 decoration lamp, attacker 15 decoration lamp, side lamp 18, game frame state display lamp 31, game frame decoration lamps 32, 33, side case lamp 34, etc.),
The normal symbol display device 7, the special symbol memory status display device 17 constitutes a display means by changing the display mode based on the progress of the game, in particular, the starting memory display means by the special symbol memory status display device 17, The auxiliary variation display means is constituted by the normal symbol display device 7, and the abnormality notification means is constituted by the game frame state display lamp 31.

An upper plate 21 for supplying balls to the ball-striking launcher is provided on the opening / closing panel 20 below the front frame 3, and a lower plate 23 and an operating section 24 of the ball-striking launcher are provided on the fixed panel 22. Further, a sound output device (speaker) is provided.

On the operation panel 26 for the card ball lending unit, a card balance display section (not shown) for displaying the card balance, a ball lending switch 28 for instructing the ball lending, and a card return switch 30 for instructing the card returning. Etc. are provided.

In the card ball lending unit 2, a card (prepaid card or the like) inserted in the card insertion portion 25 on the front surface.
A card reader / writer for reading and writing data and a ball lending control device are built in, and an operation panel 26 for the card ball lending unit is formed on the outer surface of the upper plate 21 of the gaming machine 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the control system of the gaming machine 1 centering on the game control device 100.

The game control device 100 is a main control device for controlling the game as a whole, and is used as a CPU for controlling the game control, a ROM storing invariant information for the game control, and a work area during the game control. Gaming microcomputer 101 having built-in RAM, input interface 102, output interface 103, oscillator 1
It is composed of 04 etc.

The game microcomputer 101 is various detection devices (general winning hole sensor 51.1 to 51.N, special symbol starting sensor 52, normal symbol starting sensor 53, continuation sensor 54, count) through the input interface 102. Upon receiving the detection signal from the sensor 55), various processing such as a big hit lottery is performed. Then, through the output interface 103, various control devices (display control device 15
0, discharge control device 200, decoration control device 250, sound control device 300), ordinary symbol display 7, ordinary electric accessory solenoid 9A, special winning opening solenoid 10A, and the like to send a command signal to centralize the game. Control.

The discharge control device 200 is the game control device 10
Based on the prize ball command signal from 0, the operation of the payout unit is controlled to discharge the prize ball. In addition, the operation of the payout unit is controlled based on a ball rental request from a card ball lending unit (not shown), and the ball lending is discharged.

The decoration control device 250 is the game control device 10
Based on the decoration command signal from 0, the lamp for decoration, LE
Decorative light emitting device such as D (decorative lamp in center case 13, decorative lamp in attacker 15, side lamp 1
8, game frame status display lamp 31, game frame decoration lamp 3
2, 33, side case lamps 34, etc.) are controlled, and the display of the special symbol starting memory indicator 17 and the ordinary symbol starting memory indicator 19 is controlled.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the special symbol storage state indicator 17 is the variable display device 8
Is displayed on the display screen of No. 3, the display is controlled by the display control device 150, not the decoration control device 250.

The sound control device 300 controls the sound effect output from the speaker.

From the game control device 100, various subordinate control devices (display control device 150, discharge control device 200,
Communication to the decoration control device 250 and the sound control device 300)
Only one-way communication from the game control device 100 to the slave control device is allowed. As a result, it is possible to prevent an illegal signal from being input to the game control device 100 from the subordinate control device side.

The power supply device (not shown) of the gaming machine has a backup power supply unit and a power failure monitoring circuit in addition to the power supply circuit. When the power failure monitoring circuit detects a predetermined voltage drop of the power supply device, the power failure detection signal and the reset signal are sequentially output to the game control device 100 and the like. Game control device 1
When 00 receives a power failure detection signal, it performs predetermined power failure processing, and when it receives a reset signal, it stops the operation of the CPU.
The backup power supply unit is a RAM of the game control device 100 or the like
A backup power source is supplied to back up game data (game information, game control information: including variable display game information) and the like.

The display control device 150 controls display of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images and functions as a display control means. This display control device 150 is
PU151, VDP (functions as 3D image drawing means
Video Display Processor) 152, RAM 153, 1
54, an interface 155, a ROM 156 storing programs and the like, a CGROM 157 storing image data (design data, background image data, moving image character data, texture data, etc.), an LCD interface 158 for driving liquid crystal, and the like.

The CPU 151 executes the program stored in the PRGROM 156 and creates 2D screen information (symbol display information, background screen information, moving image character screen information, etc.) based on the display control command signal from the game control device 100. Or the coordinate calculation (geometry calculation) of 3D image information is performed, and the calculation results are stored in the DRAM 153.

The VDP 152 draws a 2D or 3D image based on the image information stored in the DRAM 153 and stores it in the DRAM 154 as a frame buffer. Then, the image of the DRAM 154 is displayed on the LCD interface 15 at a predetermined timing (vertical synchronization, horizontal synchronization).
8 to output the image data to the variable display device 8. Then, a three-dimensional image is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen of the variable display device 8.

The VDP 152 performs drawing processing such as 2D and 3D point drawing, line drawing, triangle drawing, and polygon drawing. Furthermore, in the 3D image, texture mapping,
Alpha blending, shading processing (glow shading, etc.), hidden surface removal (Z buffer processing, etc.) are performed, and the 3D object set by the CPU 151 is drawn in the DRAM 154 as a frame buffer.

The interface 158 between the VDP 152 and the variable display device 8 may be appropriately selected according to the type of the variable display device. Here, although liquid crystal is used for the variable display device 8, CRT, EL or When adopting display elements such as plasma, interfaces corresponding to these display elements may be used.

Further, the CGROM 157 stores various symbols such as symbol objects used in the variable display game, 2D data such as backgrounds and characters, 3D object data, and texture data.

In front of the interface 155 which receives the display control command signal from the game control device 100, a buffer circuit 160 which is a signal transmission direction regulating means is provided, and a signal input from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150. Allowing only that, prohibiting signal output from the display control device 150 to the game control device 100.

In this way, the game control device 100 and the display control device 150 constitute display control means for controlling the variable display game and illumination control means for controlling the illumination of the symbol object.

FIG. 3 is a state transition diagram of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. The outline of the game will be described with reference to this state transition diagram. In the following description, the variable display area of the variable display device 8 will be described as left, right, and middle variable display areas.

First, at the beginning of the game (or before the start of the game), the game is in the customer waiting state, and the display control command signal for instructing the display of the customer waiting screen is the game control device 10.
0 to the display control device 150, and the variable display device 8
On the display screen of, a customer waiting screen, which is a moving image or a still image, is displayed.

When the game ball hit in the game area wins the starting opening 16, a predetermined random number is extracted by the game control device 100, and a lottery for the variable display game jackpot is performed, and the prize is a special symbol. It is stored as a starting memory. Then, the display control command signal for instructing the variable display to the display control device 150 is transmitted from the game control device 100, and the variable display of a plurality of symbols is started in the left, right, and middle variable display areas of the screen of the variable display device 8. To be done.

When a predetermined time elapses after the start of the variable display, the variable display is temporarily stopped in the order of left, right, and middle. In this process, the reach state (for example, the left symbol and the right symbol is a big hit). A predetermined reach game is performed when a situation in which a combination may occur) occurs. In this reach game, for example, the symbols in the display are displayed at a very low speed,
It fluctuates at high speed and reverses the fluctuation display. Also,
Background display and character display are performed in accordance with the reach game.

The temporary stop state is a state in which the player can recognize the symbol and is a state in which the final symbol is not fixed. Specifically, in addition to slightly changing the design at the stop position, a mode of rotating the design, enlarging or reducing the design, changing the design color, changing the design shape, etc. There is.

When the result of the lottery for the winning symbols is a big hit, the left, right, and middle symbols are finally stopped in a predetermined combination of big hits, and a big hit occurs.

When this big hit game occurs, a special game in which the special variation winning device 10 is opened for a predetermined period is performed. This special game is executed by winning a predetermined number of game balls (eg, 10) into the special variation winning device 10 or by elapse of a predetermined time (eg, 30 seconds) as one unit (1 round), and within the special variation winning device 10 The specified round (for example, 16 rounds) is repeated under the condition that the continuous winning hole is won (the winning sensor 54 detects the winning ball). Also, when a big hit game occurs, a big hit fanfare display, a round number display, a big hit production display, etc.
A signal for instructing the display regarding the big hit game is transmitted from 0 to the display controller 150, and the big hit game is displayed on the display screen of the variable display device.

If this big hit is a particular big hit, a particular game state occurs after the big hit game, and the probability of the next big hit is set to a high probability (probability change state), or the variation display time of the variation display game of the general figure. Is shortened (time saving), etc., and it becomes a more advantageous state for the player.

Then, when the variable display game ends (when it is lost) or when the big hit game ends, if there is a special symbol starting memory, a new variable display game is repeated based on the special symbol starting memory. . Also,
When the variable display game ends (when it is lost), if there is no special symbol starting memory, it is returned to the customer waiting state.

Incidentally, based on the passage of the game ball of the normal symbol starting gate or the normal symbol starting memory, a random number related to the ordinary symbol is extracted, and if the random number is a hit, the ordinary symbol display 7
Is displayed, and the normal variable winning device 9 provided in front of the starting opening 16 is opened for a predetermined time,
Winning to the starting opening 16 is facilitated.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the three-dimensional drawing process executed by the display control device 150. This three-dimensional drawing process is mainly performed by the CPU 151 and the VDP 152.

When a display control command signal is received from the game control device 100 in a command receiving process described later, a scene and a 3D object for 3D display are determined (S).
1).

Then, the world transform process of arranging the selected 3D object in the preset virtual three-dimensional space (world space) is performed (S2). This world transform processing is for converting the model space set for each 3D object into the world space, and includes rotation, scaling, position, size conversion of the 3D object.

Next, from the position and direction of the viewpoint (view) in the world space corresponding to the scene determined in step S1, the world space obtained in step S2 is converted into a camera space whose origin is the viewpoint. View transform processing is performed (S3).

Then, a projective transform process for transforming the camera space obtained by the view transform process of step S3 into a three-dimensional space corresponding to the field of view (viewing angle) of the camera is performed (S4). As a result, a 3D object in the field of view is extracted, a 3D object close to the camera is greatly enlarged, and a 3D object far from the camera is reduced.

Then, clipping processing for converting a 3D object (polygon data) in the three-dimensional space corresponding to the field of view of the camera into a cubic space corresponding to the screen coordinates (display area) of the variable display device 8 is performed (S5). .

The processing in steps S2 to S5 is so-called geometry calculation, and here, an example is shown in which the CPU 151 performs geometry calculation processing and the VDP 152 performs rasterization processing after geometry calculation.

Next, lighting processing is performed on each polygon data clipped in the cube in step S5 based on the light source set in the virtual three-dimensional space (S6). As an example of this lighting, a reflection or the like according to the material of the shadow or polygon is calculated.

Then, texture mapping is performed by pasting a predetermined texture on the surface of each polygon, and 3D
The appearance of the object is determined (S7). In this texture mapping, not only simple textures are pasted, but also textures such as light mapping, environment mapping, and bump mapping are subjected to predetermined processing and then pasted to a 3D object.

Next, depth (depth) information is determined for the pixels on each polygon for which the texture mapping of step S7 has been completed (S8). That is, the depth information is checked for each pixel of all polygons, the pixel is displayed when the depth is closer to the camera than the depth stored in the depth buffer, and the depth information in the depth buffer is updated. By performing this process for all polygons, completely rendered 2D drawing data is completed.

Then, the 2D drawing data is
By writing in the display area of the variable display area device 8 preset on the M154 (frame buffer) (S9), 1
A 3D image for a frame is generated. In addition, VDP15
In 2, the 3D image generated as described above can be displayed by being combined (overlaid) with the 2D image. Also,
Generated 3D images in multiple layers (frame buffer)
It is also possible to draw on, and composite (overlay) this layer for display.

As described above, by repeating the above steps S1 to S9, it becomes possible to display a 3D image according to a command from the game control apparatus 100.

The display control of FIG. 4 is appropriately selected according to the architecture of the CPU 151 and the VDP 152, and for example, steps S2 to S5 of FIG.
Although an example of the processing performed by the PU 151 is shown, the VDP 152 can also execute the processing of step S2 and subsequent steps, and the processing of step S2 and subsequent steps can be executed by the hardware of the VDP 152.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the command reception process executed by the display control device 150.

Display controller 15 from game controller 100
To 0, a communication interrupt signal by a pulse signal according to the operation cycle of the game control device 100 (for example, 2 milliseconds) is sent, and is displayed on the display control device 150 from the game control device 100 in synchronization with the communication interrupt signal. A control command signal (display control command) is sent. When the display control device 150 detects the communication interrupt signal, the display control device 150 causes the CPU to generate an interrupt and executes the command receiving process.

In the command receiving process, the display controller 15
0 reads the display control command signal from the game control device 100 in accordance with the communication interrupt signal (S11). Then, the displayed content (type of reach, etc.) is analyzed from the received display control command signal, and the variation pattern is set (S1).
2).

When the display control command signal is not related to the fluctuation pattern but is a display control command signal for changing the lighting on the symbol object as the mode of the variable display, the lighting data is set (S).
13). Then, the process returns to the display control main routine. Note that, in FIG. 5, the way in which the light hits the symbol object is changed as the manner of variable display, but the configuration of other three-dimensional display may be changed to change the manner of variable display. Good.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the starting mouth winning process executed in the game control device 100.

When the game ball wins the starting opening 16, the special symbol starting sensor 52 detects the winning ball (S21). Then, the winning number is added and stored in a predetermined start storage area of the RAM provided in the game control device 100 (S22). After that, the value of the special symbol random number counter that determines the result mode of the variable display game is extracted (S23), and the extracted random number value is stored in a predetermined start storage area of the RAM provided in the game control device 100 (S24). ). Then, the game control device 100 transmits a decoration control command to the decoration control device 250 to turn on the LED of the special symbol storage state display device 17.

Further, the game control device 100 transmits a display control command signal (display control command) to the display control device 150, and the LED of the special symbol storage state display 17
Change the lighting of the pattern object based on the lighting of. At this time, the variable display device 8 is illuminated with light using the special symbol storage state indicator 17 as a light source for the symbol object set in the virtual space, and the symbol using the special symbol storage state indicator 17 as a light source. The pattern object is displayed so that the shadow of the object is displayed.

That is, the game control device 100 transmits a control command to the subordinate control device and a display control command signal to the display control device 150 to change the display mode of the symbol object as the game progresses. To do.

FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the display of the symbol object on the variable display device 8.

FIG. 7 shows the center case 13. The variation display device 8 is arranged in the center of the center case 13, and the special symbol storage state indicator 17 is arranged below the variation display device 8.

As described above, when the game ball wins the starting opening 16, the LED of the special symbol storage state indicator 17 is turned on. In FIG. 7, only the leftmost LED is lit (illustrated in white), and the other LEDs are not lit (illustrated in black).

On the variable display device 8, the symbol object is displayed as if the leftmost LED of the special symbol storage status indicator 17 is the light source, and the three symbol objects are illuminated from the lower left.

Therefore, the symbol object on the left side is displayed brighter, and the lower portion of the symbol object is displayed brighter than the upper portion thereof.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining another display on the variable display device 8 of the symbol object. Unlike FIG. 7, FIG. 8 shows a state in which all (four) LEDs of the special symbol storage state indicator 17 are lit.

In the variable display device 8, three symbol objects are displayed so that the four LEDs of the special symbol storage status indicator 17 are used as light sources and the symbol objects are illuminated from below.

Therefore, although there is no difference in the brightness of the three symbol objects, the lower part of the symbol object is displayed brighter than the upper part thereof. Further, in the case shown in FIG. 8, since the number of light sources that illuminate the symbol object is large, the symbol object shown in FIG. 8 is displayed brighter than the symbol object shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining another display of the symbol object on the variable display device 8. In FIG. 9, unlike FIG. 7, the special symbol storage state indicator 17 is displayed on the display screen of the variable display device 8 instead of the lower portion of the variable display device 8.

On the variable display device 8, three symbol objects are displayed in the center of the display area. Further, a special symbol storage state is displayed as a predetermined number (four in FIG. 9) of a figure at the end of the display area (bottom in FIG. 9), and functions as a special symbol storage state indicator 17. In this special symbol storage state, when the game ball wins the starting opening 16, the display form of the figure (for example, color, brightness, shape, etc.) is displayed differently. In addition, in FIG. 9, a state in which there is a memory is illustrated in white (corresponding to a state in which the LED of the special symbol storage state indicator is lit), and a state in which there is no memory is illustrated in black (of the special symbol memory state indicator) It corresponds to the state where the LED is off). Then, in FIG. 9, only the leftmost one displays that there is a memory.

On the variable display device 8, the symbol object is displayed so that the symbol object is illuminated by light from the lower left with the leftmost special symbol memory as a light source. Therefore, the pattern object on the left side is brighter,
Also, the lower part of the symbol object is displayed brighter than the upper part.

The special symbol storage state displayed on the variable display device 8 may be distinguished by changing the display form of the graphic as shown in FIG. 9, but it is distinguished by whether or not the graphic is displayed. It may be configured as follows.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining another display of the symbol object on the variable display device 8. Unlike FIG. 9, FIG. 10 shows a state in which all (four) special symbol storage state displays are displayed.

On the variable display device 8, three symbol objects are displayed in the center of the display area. Further, the special symbol storage state is displayed as a predetermined number (four in FIG. 10) of graphics on the end portion (the bottom in FIG. 10) of the display area, and functions as the special symbol storage state indicator 17. Figure 10
Then, only the leftmost one is in a state of displaying that there is a memory (illustrated in white).

For the three symbol objects displayed on the variable display device 8, the symbol object indicating the special symbol memory state is used as a light source, and the symbol object is displayed as if the symbol object was illuminated from below. There is. Therefore,
Although there is no difference in the brightness of the three symbol objects, the lower part of the symbol object is displayed brighter than the upper part. In the case shown in FIG. 10, since the number of light sources that illuminate the symbol object is large, the symbol object shown in FIG. 10 is displayed brighter than the symbol object shown in FIG.

As described above, in the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the game control device 100 only transmits the display control command signal to the display control device 150, and displays the special symbol storage state and the symbol. You can change the lighting for an object. That is, the game control device 1
00 adds the winning award memory and stores the random number value, and then transmits a display control command signal (display control command) to the display control device 150 to change the display of the special symbol storage state. Then, the display control device 150 changes the lighting of the symbol object based on the special symbol storage state display, and displays the symbol object.

In this way, when the light source of the lighting for the symbol object is displayed in the variable display device 8, the game control device 100 simply transmits a display control command signal to the display control device 150 to advance the game. The accompanying display mode can be changed.

In the above description, the special symbol storage state display is explained as an example in which it is displayed so as to be arranged below the variable display device 8 or along the lower side of the variable display device 8. However, the special symbol storage state display is explained. Are placed with sufficient spacing,
Since the way the light hits the symbol object is greatly changed by the special symbol storage state display, more effective display can be performed. Further, if the special symbol storage state display is arranged at the four corners of the variable display, the way in which the light hits the symbol object greatly changes, so that a more effective display can be performed.

If the color is made different for each special symbol storage state display, the color illuminated on the symbol object is changed by the special symbol storage state display to specify the state of starting memory (starting memory number). Will be easier. That is, it is advisable to give meaning to the display mode on the display means in advance, such as changing the lighting state (blinking speed, blinking pattern, etc.) of the special symbol storage state display by starting memory.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the display of the symbol object on the variable display device 8.

The symbol object displayed in the three-dimensional virtual space is displayed on the variable display device 8 so as to look into the display area 8a from the player's viewpoint 8b. Display area 8a
Illuminations 17a to 17d, which are light sources for the symbol object, are provided in front of and below so that the symbol object can be illuminated from below.

In FIG. 11, of the illuminations 17a to 17d, only 17a is turned on, and the symbol object is illuminated so that the light comes from the lower left. And
The pattern object illuminated by this light is displayed on the display screen of the variable display device 8 as viewed from the viewpoint 8b.

That is, the symbol objects arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space are converted into the camera space having the origin of the viewpoint 8b in the virtual three-dimensional space (world space) by the view transform process. Then, it is converted into a cubic space corresponding to the display area 8a by clipping processing. Then, for the clipped pattern object, the light sources 17a to 17 set in the virtual three-dimensional space
Lighting processing for calculating the brightness, reflection, shadow, etc. of the object based on d is performed.

The drawing data for which all the rendering processing has been completed is written in the frame buffer and displayed on the variable display device 8.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another display on the variable display device 8 of the symbol object.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the display other than the symbol object is intended to be expressed by the shadow of the symbol object instead of the way the light hits the symbol object. In addition, in this figure, for simplification of illustration, only one symbol object is displayed for description.

The symbol objects arranged in the three-dimensional virtual space are displayed in the display area 8a of the variable display device 8. In FIG. 12, the special symbol storage status indicator 17
The pattern objects are illuminated by the illuminations 17a to 17d that are virtually provided corresponding to. On the opposite side of the illumination 17a to 17d of the symbol object, the shadow of the symbol object is formed, and in FIG. 12 where the shadow of the symbol object is displayed in the background, there are two special symbol memories, and the illuminations 17a and 17d. And are lit. Therefore, with the other side of the illumination 17a across the pattern object,
On the opposite side of the illumination 17d, the shadows of the pattern objects are displayed by the number of illuminated illuminations (light sources) corresponding to the number of light emitting means.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram for explaining the display of the symbol object on the variable display device 8. In FIG. 13, unlike FIG. 12, all (four) special symbol storage status displays are lit.

By lighting the illuminations 17a to 17d, shadows of the symbol objects corresponding to the light emitting means are formed on the opposite sides of the illuminations 17a to 17d with the symbol object sandwiched therebetween.

The player can know the state of special symbol starting memory by the number and size of shadows.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining another display of the symbol object on the variable display device 8.

A variable display device 8 is arranged in the center of the center case 13 shown in FIG. 14, and an ordinary symbol display 7 is arranged above the variable display device 8.

As mentioned above, the normal symbol starting gate 14
When the game ball wins, the ordinary symbol display 7 performs a lottery for winning the ordinary symbol. In the present embodiment, the normal symbol display device 7 is composed of 7-segment LEDs, and numbers "0" to "9" are sequentially displayed as normal symbols.

When this ordinary symbol display device 7 starts to operate, the symbol object displayed on the variable display device 8 is
Normally, the symbol display 7 is used as a light source, and the light is displayed so as to shine from the upper center. This allows the player to grasp whether or not the normal symbols are being variably displayed without moving the line of sight.

In the above description, the pattern object is illuminated with light during the variable display of the ordinary symbol, but when the ordinary symbol is fixed, the pattern object is illuminated with light (or the color of light changes). Alternatively, it may be configured such that light is emitted (or the color of light changes) when a design in which a normal design is a hit is displayed.

In the embodiment described above, an example in which the illumination of the light to the symbol object changes due to a change in the special symbol starting memory or an event in the progress of the game such as a lottery of the normal symbol has been described, but the progress of the game The illumination state of the symbol object may be changed by an effect in the variable display game (for example, a decorative display by blinking a decorative lamp on the game board), regardless of the event.

That is, the illumination state of the symbol object may be changed during the variable display game, and the advance notice display and the reliability notification of the variable display game may be performed. For example, if the decoration display pattern of the decoration control device 150 and the illumination of the design object are set in advance as the variable display pattern so that they are synchronized, the display control command is issued each time the display mode of the decoration lamp or the like changes. Control can be simplified without the need to send a signal.

Further, the display means serving as a light source for changing the illumination of the light to the pattern object is not limited to the one provided on the game board surface, and the decoration display and status notification provided on the game frame on the front of the game machine, etc. including.

Further, the illumination of light to the symbol object may be changed by using a light source for displaying a card balance when the card unit is connected, and an abnormality notification such as a ball rental payout abnormality or fraud detection. In this way, by notifying the state related to the card unit by the change of the illumination of the light to the symbol object, it is possible to call attention to the notification displayed outside the game area. That is, since the player needs to move a large line of sight when confirming the notifications displayed outside the game area, a caution regarding these notifications is given by the variable display device 8 provided in the center of the game area. Can be evoked.

The embodiments disclosed this time are exemplifications in all respects, and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of claims for patent, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent are included.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing an overall configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of a control system of the same.

FIG. 3 is also a state transition diagram of the gaming machine.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the same three-dimensional drawing process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a command receiving process similarly.

FIG. 6 is likewise a flowchart of the starting opening winning process.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of the display of symbol objects in the same manner.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the display of symbol objects in the same manner.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of the display of symbol objects in the same manner.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the display of symbol objects in the same manner.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram for explaining display of symbol objects in the same manner.

FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram explaining the display of symbol objects in the same manner.

FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram explaining the display of symbol objects in the same manner.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory view of the display of symbol objects in the same manner.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 game machine 7 Normal symbol display 8 variable display 17 Special symbol memory status indicator 18 side lamp 31 Information lamp 32, 33 Game frame decoration lamp 34 Side case lamp 100 game control device 150 display controller 250 decoration control device

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A variable display area is provided with a display control means for controlling a variable display game in which a pattern object for which identification information is set is displayed in a variable display area. A gaming machine capable of imparting a specific gaming value, comprising display means for changing a display mode based on progress of a game, wherein the display control means sets a virtual space including the variable display area, and In association with the change of the display mode, the gaming machine is provided with an illumination control means for controlling to illuminate the symbol object in the virtual space. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display means is arranged on the front side of the gaming machine separately from the variable display means. 3. The display control means comprises a game control device for controlling the progress of the game, and a display control device for controlling the variable display means based on a command from the game control device, the display control device having the illumination control means. When the game control device controls the display mode of the display means, it transmits a command signal related to the display mode to the display control device, and the illumination control means controls the display means based on the command signal. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein the illumination of the symbol object used as a light source is calculated and the symbol object is displayed on the variable display means. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display means is provided in the variable display means. 5. The display control means comprises a game control device for controlling the progress of the game, and a display control device for controlling the variable display means based on a command from the game control device and having the illumination control means. It is configured, the game control device transmits a command signal regarding the display mode of the display means to the display control device in association with the progress of the game, the illumination control means, the display means based on the command signal. 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4, wherein the illumination of the symbol object used as a light source is calculated and the symbol object is displayed on the variable display means. 6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the display means is a start memory display means for displaying information on a start memory of the variable display game. 7. The game according to claim 1, wherein the display means is an auxiliary variable display means for playing an auxiliary variable display game relating to the provision of an auxiliary game value. Machine. 8. The display means is an abnormality notifying means for notifying an abnormality of a gaming machine.
A gaming machine described in any one of.