JP2003102992A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve burden on an arithmetic processing while keeping realistic picture display. SOLUTION: In a pachinko game machine, a three-dimensional object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a virtual viewpoint is transmitted and projected onto a two-dimensional plane based on the change display state of identifying information. The game machine is provided with a picture display control means for displaying the two-dimensional picture obtained by the transmitting projection on a variable display device. The picture display control means changes-over a plurality of display models being different in precision, selects them based on a background picture plotting amount concerning the three-dimensional object to be displayed and also displays the two-dimensional picture in the variable display device, which is obtained by arranging the selected display model in the virtual three-dimensional space.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and more particularly to a gaming machine having a variable display function for variably displaying predetermined identification information.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines,
Liquid crystal display device (hereinafter, LCD: Liquid Crystal)
On a display device such as an al display), a plurality of types of identification information (hereinafter, display symbols) prepared in advance is displayed in a variable manner, and it is determined whether or not a predetermined game value is given based on the display result. There are many floating display games that enhance the enjoyment of the game.

Some floating display games are played by using the above-mentioned display device mainly as an image display device (hereinafter, a special figure game). In the special figure game, the display symbol is variably displayed with the detection of the game ball passing through the predetermined area, and the derived display mode when the variable display result of the display symbol is derived and displayed is the specific display mode. It is a game of "big hit". When the "big hit" occurs in the special drawing game, a special electric prized object called a special winning opening is operated to open the special winning opening door. As a result, the player is continuously provided with a state in which winning of the game ball is extremely easy for a certain period of time.

The following is a big hit in the special drawing game,
When the special winning opening door is opened, it is extremely easy for the player to win a game ball, which is called a specific game state. In order to be in the specific game state, usually, the derivation display mode of the display symbol displayed on the special symbol display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode (generally,
The condition is that the display symbols displayed on the plurality of variable display portions of the special symbol display device are the same symbol).

As described above, in the special figure game, the player pays the greatest attention to whether or not the stop symbol mode becomes the "big hit" as the specific display mode. For this reason, until the stop symbol mode that can be determined whether or not to be a "big hit" is determined, various effect displays are performed to enhance the enjoyment of the game.

Further, not only the pachinko gaming machine but also a gaming machine such as a slot machine equipped with an image display device such as an LCD can acquire a "bonus game" equivalent to a "big hit" in the pachinko gaming machine. In the process of flag establishment, some LCDs use the LCD to perform the same effect display as a pachinko gaming machine. In a gaming machine that performs such effect display, in order to maintain the expectation that the flag of “big hit” or “bonus game” will be established during effect display, effect display with a higher visual effect is required. Has been done.

[0007]

By the way, in recent years, as one method for enhancing the enjoyment of the game, three-dimensional display target data has been added to the above-described image display device instead of the two-dimensional image display which has been conventionally used. A device for displaying a three-dimensional image composed of data is provided.

In the three-dimensional image display, first, a shape model of an object to be displayed is created and attributes such as colors and patterns are defined. Then, the shape model of this object is arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space, and a virtual viewpoint position, line-of-sight direction, position of a light source, etc. are set. Finally, a display image is obtained by perspective projection of the shape model of the object on the two-dimensional plane based on these setting information.

As described above, since the shape model viewed from an arbitrary viewpoint is accurately displayed on the image display device, the player sees the object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space as a realistic image. It is possible to display an effect with a high visual effect.

However, in order to display a three-dimensional image,
Since it is necessary to generate the display image in real time from the shape model of the object, there is a problem that the load of the arithmetic processing added to the image processing processor is increased as compared with the conventional game machine which displays the two-dimensional image.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of reducing the load on arithmetic processing while maintaining a realistic image display by devising display control in three-dimensional image display. To do.

[0012]

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to a first aspect of the present invention (for example, a pachinko gaming machine 1) is provided on a variable display device by satisfying a predetermined variation start condition. Variable display control means for starting the variable display of the identification information displayed on the display, and stopping the variable display of the identification information by satisfying a predetermined change stop condition to derive and display a predetermined change display result, and the change. Based on the variation display mode of the identification information by the game control means and the variation display control means that can give a predetermined game value when the variable display result derived and displayed by the display control means becomes the specific display mode, A three-dimensional object placed in a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a virtual viewpoint is perspectively projected onto a two-dimensional plane, and a two-dimensional image obtained by this perspective projection is An image display control means for displaying on the variable display device, wherein the image display control means switches and selects a plurality of display models having different accuracies according to a predetermined condition with respect to the three-dimensional object to be displayed. , It has a function of displaying a two-dimensional image obtained by arranging the selected display model in a virtual three-dimensional space on a variable display device.

With this configuration, it is possible to appropriately select and display a high-precision object image and a low-precision object image, and it is possible to suppress the processing amount and enhance the visual effect.

The plurality of display models include, for example, a plurality of display models having different identification information accuracy. Further, the display control means, for example, when displaying the identification information composed of a three-dimensional object in a virtual three-dimensional space on the variable display device, the identification information corresponding to the jackpot pattern is approaching the effective line. Sometimes, a high-precision display model is selected, and when the identification information corresponding to the jackpot pattern is moving away from the effective line, a low-precision display model is selected.

In order to achieve the above object, a gaming machine according to the second aspect of the present invention (for example, slot machine 101).
Starts the variable display of the identification information displayed on the variable display device when the predetermined fluctuation start condition is satisfied, and stops the variable display of the identification information when the predetermined fluctuation stop condition is satisfied. Variable display control means for deriving and displaying the variable display result, game control means for allowing a predetermined game value to be given when the variable display result derived and displayed by the variable display control means is in a specific display mode, Based on the variable display mode of the identification information by the variable display control means, a three-dimensional object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a virtual viewpoint is perspective-projected onto a two-dimensional plane, and the two obtained by this perspective projection. Image display control means for displaying a three-dimensional image on an image display device provided separately from the variable display device, wherein the image display control means is a display device. With respect to the target three-dimensional object, a plurality of display models having different accuracies are switched and selected according to predetermined conditions, and the two-dimensional image obtained by arranging the selected display models in the virtual three-dimensional space is used as a variable display device. It is characterized by having a display function.

The image display control means selects a high-precision display model when the drawing amount is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, and selects a low-precision display model when the drawing amount is greater than the predetermined amount. To do. In this case, the display control means selects a high-accuracy model when the drawing amount of the background image is less than the predetermined amount, and when the drawing amount of the background image is larger than the predetermined amount, the display control unit has low accuracy of the identification information. Select the model of.

The image display control means selects, for example, a high-accuracy model at the time of high-reliability rendering, and selects a low-accuracy model at the time of low-reliability rendering, so that the virtual three-dimensional space is displayed. A two-dimensional image obtained by arranging and projecting a three-dimensional figure on a screen is displayed on the variable display device.

In order to achieve the above object, the image display control method according to the third aspect of the present invention starts the variable display of the identification information displayed on the variable display device when a predetermined fluctuation start condition is satisfied. In addition, the variable display control step of stopping the variable display of the identification information and deriving and displaying the predetermined variable display result by satisfying the predetermined variable stop condition, and the variable display result derived and displayed by the variable display control step. In the virtual three-dimensional space seen from the virtual viewpoint, based on the game control process that allows a predetermined game value to be given when the display mode is a specific display mode, and the variable display mode of the identification information by the variable display control process. An image in which a three-dimensional object to be arranged is perspectively projected onto a two-dimensional plane and a two-dimensional image obtained by this perspective projection is displayed on the variable display device. Comprising a 示制 control step, the image display control step relates the three-dimensional object to be displayed,
It has a function of displaying a two-dimensional image obtained by arranging a plurality of display models having different accuracies by switching according to a predetermined condition and arranging the selected display models in a virtual three-dimensional space on a variable display device. Characterize.

In order to achieve the above object, an image display control method according to a fourth aspect of the present invention starts variable display of identification information displayed on a variable display device by satisfying a predetermined fluctuation start condition. In addition, the variable display control step of stopping the variable display of the identification information and deriving and displaying the predetermined variable display result by satisfying the predetermined variable stop condition, and the variable display result derived and displayed by the variable display control step. In the virtual three-dimensional space seen from the virtual viewpoint, based on the game control process that allows a predetermined game value to be given when the display mode is a specific display mode, and the variable display mode of the identification information by the variable display control process. A three-dimensional object to be arranged is perspectively projected onto a two-dimensional plane, and a two-dimensional image obtained by this perspective projection is provided separately from the variable display device. An image display control step of displaying on an image display device, and the image display control step, with respect to a three-dimensional object to be displayed, a plurality of display models of different accuracy are switched and selected according to predetermined conditions, It has a function of displaying a two-dimensional image obtained by arranging the selected display model in a virtual three-dimensional space on a variable display device.

That is, the same effect as that of the gaming machine of the present invention can be obtained by causing a computer device including a game device to execute the procedure according to the above method.
That is, by implementing the processing procedure described above using hardware such as a computer device, the image display technology of the present invention can be easily implemented on the hardware. In addition, the procedure according to the above method is encoded with a program or data to be executed by a computer device and transmitted as a program code signal superimposed on a carrier wave, and the program code signal superimposed on this carrier wave is received. The image display technique of the present invention can be easily implemented by decrypting the program or data of the above and causing the computer or the like to execute the program.

In order to achieve the above object, the computer program of the present invention causes a computer to function as each of the above-mentioned means, and causes the computer to execute the above-mentioned steps.

That is, the same effect as that of the gaming machine of the present invention can be obtained by causing a computer device including a game device to execute the procedure according to the above method.
That is, by implementing the processing procedure described above using hardware such as a computer device, the image display technology of the present invention can be easily implemented on the hardware. In addition, the procedure according to the above method is encoded with a program or data to be executed by a computer device and transmitted as a program code signal superimposed on a carrier wave, and the program code signal superimposed on this carrier wave is received. The image display technique of the present invention can be easily implemented by decrypting the program or data of the above and causing the computer or the like to execute the program.

That is, the game machine of the present invention can be easily realized by causing the computer device or the like to read the program and executing a series of processes. In addition, by adopting the form of a recording medium recording a program, as a software product, in a form independent of the device,
Production, sales, distribution, etc. can be easily performed. Also,
The image display technology in the present invention can be easily implemented by incorporating this software into hardware such as a computer device.

[0024]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the reach effect display means that the display symbols other than the display symbol that is the final stop symbol, for example, is in a state of being in agreement with the specific display mode that is a big hit, or a predetermined specific display symbol. In a row, the state of stopping, swinging, scaling or deforming (hereinafter, these states are called temporary stop),
That is, a state in which the update display is continuously stopped for a certain period within a predetermined area, or a state in which the display positions of the display symbols are switched, or a state in which a plurality of display symbols are updated and displayed in synchronization with each other As described above, it means the effect display that apparently increases the possibility that the display result will be the specific display mode before the final result is displayed. The reach display mode refers to a display mode when the reach effect display is performed.

Then, a specific combination of the symbol display areas in the special symbol display device is set in advance as an effective line, and when it is decided to give a predetermined game value, a big hit depending on the final stop symbol mode. When notifying that the display symbol has changed, the display symbol that is finally stopped on the activated line is changed to a specific display mode after the display symbol is changed. Therefore, the player can easily recognize whether or not it is a big hit by confirming the display mode on the activated line in the special symbol display device.

The gaming machine in this embodiment is LC
An example of a first-class pachinko game machine of a card reader (CR: Card Reader) type, which is a game machine that plays a special figure game with an image display device including D and that lends a ball using a prepaid card, will be described. However, the game machine to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this, and a CRT (Cathode Ray) is used as a variable display device.
Tube), LED (Light Emitting)
Diode), FED (Field Emission)
Display), EL (Electro Lumin)
Esence), PDP (Plasma Display)
ay Panel) is also applicable to a game machine using an image display device, and a mechanical display device such as a drum or a belt is used as a variable display device, and the image display device described above for effect display is used. The one used may be used.

Further, even a ball game machine such as a pachinko machine, if it has an image display device, for example,
Pachinko gaming machines classified into the second or third type,
It may be a general electric machine, or a ball game machine with a probability setting function called Pachikon. Further, the present invention can be applied not only to a CR-type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball using a prepaid card (in the future, a value medium that also includes an IC coin or the like), but also to a pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball by cash. That is, any form may be used as long as it is a game machine having an image display device such as an LCD and capable of displaying a three-dimensional image.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a pachinko gaming machine according to this embodiment, showing a layout of main members.
The pachinko gaming machine (gaming machine) 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board (gauge board) 2 that constitutes a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame (underframe) 3 that supports and fixes the gaming board 2. The game board 2 is formed with a substantially circular game area surrounded by guide rails, and a special symbol display device 4 as an image display device is provided at a substantially central position of the game area.

At the lower position of the special symbol display device 4, a special symbol starting port (start chucker) 6 which also serves as an electric tulip type accessory (ordinary electric accessory) 6 and a solenoid or the like when a big hit occurs are driven. The special winning opening (first-class special electric accessory) 7 that performs the opening operation is arranged vertically. The special winning opening 7 performs the opening operation of the special winning opening door 7a provided on the front surface when the special drawing game is played based on the winning timing of the special symbol starting opening 6 and the result is a big hit. Further, speakers 8L and 8R for reproducing and outputting a sound effect and the like are provided at upper and left positions of the gaming machine frame 3, and a lamp 9 and a lamp 9 are provided in a peripheral portion of the game area.
, ... Are provided.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine in this embodiment, showing a layout of main boards.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 has a power supply board (power supply section 10), a main control board (game control section 11), as will be described later in detail.
Symbol control board (display control section 13), voice control board (voice control section 14), lamp control board (lamp control section 1)
5), a payout control board (payout control section 16), and an external terminal board (information output section 17), which are arranged at appropriate positions.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example centering on the game control section. The pachinko gaming machine 1 in the present embodiment mainly includes a power supply unit (power supply board) 10
, Game control unit (main control board) 11, input / output unit 12
, A display control unit (symbol control board) 13, a voice control section (voice control board) 14, a lamp control section (lamp control board) 15, a payout control section (payout control board) 16, and an information output section ( External terminal board) 17.

The power supply unit 10 supplies a predetermined power supply voltage to each circuit in the pachinko gaming machine 1. The game control unit 11 is composed of various circuits provided in the game control board, and has a function of generating random numbers used in the special figure game, a function of inputting / outputting a signal through the input / output unit 12, and a display control unit. 13, the voice control unit 14, the lamp control unit 15, and the payout control unit 16 each have a function of outputting a control command signal and a function of outputting various information to a hall management computer.

The input / output unit 12 is for detecting a game ball and opening / closing the accessory. The display control unit 13, the voice control unit 14, and the lamp control unit 15 respectively perform special figure display control, voice output control, and lamp display control in the special figure game based on the control command signal transmitted from the game control unit 11. It is executed independently of the game control unit 11. The payout control unit 16 controls the payout of game balls and the payout of prize balls. The information output unit 17 is for outputting various game-related information to the outside.

Here, the temporary stop timing and the variation time of the display symbol displayed on the special symbol display device 4 are uniquely determined according to the variable display pattern command described later. That is, the display control unit 13, the voice control unit 14, and the lamp control unit 15 change the display symbol on the special symbol display device 4, the voice output from the speakers 8L and 8R, and the lamp from the timing when the variable display pattern command is received. The control is performed so that the blinking display of 9 is performed together.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of the display control section. The display control unit 13 is composed of various circuits provided in the symbol control board, and performs display control for image processing in the special figure game independently of the game control unit 11. The display control unit 13 displays an image used in the special figure game on the special symbol display device 4 based on the display control command data output from the game control unit 11.

For this reason, the display control unit 13 controls the oscillation circuit 2
1, a reset circuit 22, a display control CPU (Ce
general processing unit) 23
And ROM (Read Only Memory) 24
And RAM (Random Access Memory)
y) 25 and a graphics data generation processor (GTE: Geometric Engine) 26
And a video display processor (hereinafter VDP: V
video display processor) 27
A character ROM 28 and an LCD drive circuit 29.

The oscillator circuit 21 includes a CPU 23 and a GTE 26.
And VDP27, and the reset circuit 22 outputs a reset signal for resetting the CPU 23, the GTE 26, and the VDP 27. When the display control command data is input from the game control unit 11, the CPU 23 reads the control data for display control from the ROM 24 while using the RAM 25 as a work area. Further, the CPU 23 outputs a control signal to the VDP 27 based on the read control data. The ROM 24 is a semiconductor memory that stores various control programs used by the CPU 23.
The AM 25 is a semiconductor memory used as a work area by the CPU 23.

The GTE 26 operates as a coprocessor of the CPU 23, and executes coordinate conversion and light source calculation, which are indispensable for three-dimensional graphics, such as fixed-point matrix and vector operations at high speed by a parallel processing mechanism. Specifically, the GTE 26 is an address on the display area of the processing target image based on the coordinate data of each vertex, the movement amount data and the rotation amount data in the two-dimensional or three-dimensional plane of the image data supplied from the CPU 23. Is calculated and the calculated address data is returned to the CPU 23 again, and the brightness of the image according to the distance and angle from the virtually set light source is calculated. Further, the calculation result can be directly embedded in a drawing command to the VDP 27 described later.

The VDP 27 has a display device control function for displaying an image and a high speed polygon drawing function for the frame buffer 30, and operates according to a polygon drawing command from the CPU 23. Further, it has a two-dimensional address space independent of the CPU 23, and the frame buffer 30 is mapped therein. Character ROM 28
Is character image data that is frequently used among the images displayed on the special symbol display device 4, specifically, a person,
It is for storing animals, characters, figures, symbols, etc. in advance. It also stores shape models of various objects, texture images, and color palette data.

In particular, in this embodiment, in the character ROM 28, the display object of the special symbol (identification information) as shown in FIG. 5 is the number of polygons as shown in FIGS. 5 (a) and 5 (b). There are two object models prepared and stored: a display object model with a large number of pixels and a high accuracy, and a display object model with a small number of polygons and a low accuracy.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4, the VDP 27 has a frame buffer 30, a CPU interface 31, an attribute table 32, a sprite arithmetic unit 33, and CGROM interfaces 34, 35.
A color bus controller 36, a palette table 37, a DAC conversion table 38, a D / A converter 39, and a synchronization timing controller 40.

The frame buffer 30 is an image memory managed by the VDP 27, and is for expanding the image data generated by the VDP 27. Further, the dual port configuration is adopted so that the drawing access can be executed even for the area being displayed. The LCD drive circuit 29 converts the image data input from the VDP 27 into
It is converted into a video signal composed of a color signal and a synchronization signal, and is output to the special symbol display device 4.

The CPU interface 31 is the CPU 2
It is for fetching the drawing command from 3. The attribute table 32 stores attributes for each image data to be displayed, for example, a function that defines the size, the moving direction, and the moving amount, and attributes such as the priority set for each sprite data. The sprite arithmetic unit 33 is for performing arithmetic processing such as position calculation for scanning and developing the sprite data. CGROM interface 34
Is an interface for reading out the character image data stored in the character ROM 28.
The ROM interface 35 is the frame buffer 30.
Is an interface for inputting / outputting data to / from.

The color bus controller 36 is for inputting / outputting a color code or a palette code. The palette table 37 determines the color of the image data based on the palette code set by the color bus controller 36. The DAC conversion table 38 is for applying gamma correction or the like so that the color determined by the palette table 37 is correctly displayed in accordance with the display characteristics of the LCD used in the special symbol display device 4. The D / A converter 39 converts the digital signal corrected by the DAC conversion table 38 into an analog signal. The synchronization timing controller 40 outputs a synchronization signal (horizontal synchronization signal, vertical synchronization signal, clock signal) to be supplied to the LCD drive circuit 29 based on the clock signal from the oscillation circuit 21 and the reset signal from the reset circuit 22. Is.

With the above configuration, the VDP 27 arranges the display target object OB formed by polygons in the virtual three-dimensional (XYZ) space based on the instruction from the CPU 23, as shown in FIG. SC
An image obtained by projecting on the image is obtained by arithmetic processing, and this image is displayed on the special symbol display device (image variable display device) 4 by controlling the LCD drive circuit 29.

Next, the operation (action) of this embodiment will be described.

First, the outline of the game flow in the pachinko gaming machine of this embodiment will be described. By rotating the handle provided at the lower right position of the pachinko gaming machine 1, a game ball is launched into the game area. In the game control unit 11, the presence or absence of an input such as a special symbol start switch in the input / output unit 12 is monitored, and the game ball has a special symbol start port 6
When winning the prize, the winning of the game ball is detected by the special symbol start switch. Further, when the winning of the game ball is detected at the special symbol starting port 6, the number of winning game balls and the random number lottery value at the time of winning are stored in the special symbol determining bank. Then, the special symbol game is started on the special symbol display device 4 based on the stored data.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the main processing executed by the CPU in the game control section 11. When the power to the gaming machine is turned on, in the main process, C
The PU performs necessary initialization processing.

In the initialization process, the CPU first
Set the interrupt mode to the interrupt disabled state (step S1
01: Hereinafter, simply referred to as S101), subsequently, the interrupt mode is set to the interrupt mode 2 (S102), and the stack pointer designated address is set to the stack pointer (S103). Next, after setting the built-in device registers, that is, initialization (S104), and after setting the built-in devices, CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port), that is, initialization (S10).
5) Set the RAM in the accessible state (S10)
6).

The CPU in the game control unit 11 used in this embodiment has a maskable interrupt (I
The following three types of modes are prepared as NT) modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU in the game control unit 11 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter in the stack.

Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that has made an interrupt request sends an RST instruction (1 byte) or a CALL instruction (3 bytes) to the internal data bus of the CPU.
Therefore, the CPU executes the instruction at the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction.
At reset, the CPU automatically enters interrupt mode 0, so if you want to set interrupt mode 1 or interrupt mode 2, you need to perform processing to set interrupt mode 1 or interrupt mode 2 in the initialization process. There is.

Interrupt mode 1: When an interrupt is accepted, the mode is always to jump to the address 0038 (h).

Interrupt mode 2: A mode in which an address composed of a value (1 byte) of a specific register (I register) of the CPU and an interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from an internal device indicates an interrupt address. Is.
That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector. Therefore, interrupt processing can be provided at arbitrary even addresses, although they are scattered. Each built-in device has a function of sending an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request.

Therefore, when the interrupt mode 2 is set,
It becomes possible to easily process an interrupt request from each built-in device, and it is possible to provide an interrupt process at an arbitrary position in the program. Furthermore, unlike the interrupt mode 1, it is easy to prepare each interrupt process for each interrupt generation factor. Because of such features, in the present embodiment, the CPU in the game control unit 11 sets the interrupt mode 2 in S102 of the initial setting process.

Next, it is determined whether or not the clear switch provided in the gaming machine is on (S10).
7). Here, if the clear switch is on (S107; YES), the process proceeds to S110, which will be described later.
On the other hand, if the clear switch is not turned on (S1
07; NO), and it is determined whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area, such as addition of parity data, is performed when the power is turned off (S108). In this embodiment, in the event of an unexpected power failure, the backup RA
Processing for protecting the data in the M area is performed. Therefore, it is determined that there is a backup when the data protection process has been performed. Then, when it is determined that there is no backup, the CPU executes the initialization process of S110 and later described later.

When it is determined that there is a backup in the determination process of S108, the CPU sets the internal state of the game control unit 11 and the control states of the respective control units such as the display control unit 13 and the payout control unit 16 to the state before the power is turned off. Perform recovery processing to return (S1
09). Then, the saved value of the program counter stored in the backup RAM area is reset to the program counter and restored to that address.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the power-off processing executed by the CPU in the game control section 11. In the power-off process, when it is detected that the voltage has dropped below the predetermined voltage value, the RAM checksum operation is performed (S203) after saving the register (S201) and the stack pointer (S202). Next, the RAM is set to the access prohibited state (S204) and the output port is cleared (S205). When it is ready to be inoperable, it waits in this state.

Returning to FIG. 7, if it is determined that there is no backup in the determination processing of S108, the CPU executes the initialization processing. That is, first, while performing a RAM clear process (S110), a predetermined work area (for example, a random symbol for normal symbol determination, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, a payout command storage pointer, etc.)
An initial value setting process for setting an initial value to is also performed. next,
Processing for initializing sub boards such as the pattern control board 13, the sound control board 14, the lamp control board 15, the payout control board 16 is executed (S111).

As the process of initializing the sub-board, for example, a process of sending an initial setting command is performed. As the initial setting command, when the payout is possible, the payout control unit 1
6, a payable state designation command to be output, or a payout stop state designation command to be output to the payout control unit 16 when the payout is impossible, and the like. The undeliverable state includes, for example, a state in which a ball out switch or a full tank switch (both not shown) is turned on.

That is, the CPU sends a payout stop state designation command to the payout control unit 16 if the out-of-ball switch or the full tank switch is turned on, and otherwise sends a payable state designation command. The payable state designation command or the payout stop state designation command is S1.
It may be output also in the game state recovery processing of 09.

Then, the CTC register provided in the CPU is set so that the timer interrupt occurs periodically (every 2 milliseconds) (S112). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms as an initial value is set in a predetermined register (time constant register). After that, after setting the interrupt disabled state (S113), the display symbol random number updating process for updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number is executed (S114), and the initial value determining random number updating process is executed. (S115), the process of setting the interrupt enabled state is performed (S116). Hereinafter, S113 to S1
The processing of 16 is repeatedly executed.

The interrupt disabled state is realized by issuing an interrupt disabled instruction, setting the interrupt disable register to disabled, and setting a mask register. The interrupt enabled state issues an interrupt enabled instruction. Or
It is realized by setting the register for interrupt prohibition to enable or resetting the mask register. Also,
The initial value determination random number is a random number for determining the initial value of the big hit determination random number.

Display symbol random number update processing in S114,
The random number updating process for initial value determination in S115 and S115 is executed in the interrupt disabled state. Therefore, when the numerical value updating process is being executed, a maskable interrupt such as a timer interrupt is not applied, and the numerical value updating process is executed without being interrupted by the interrupt process.

In this embodiment, the built-in CTC of the CPU is set to repeatedly generate the timer interrupt.
Then, the repetition cycle is set to 2 milliseconds. Then, when a timer interrupt occurs, timer interrupt processing as described later is executed.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU in the game control section 11. In the timer interrupt process, the CPU first executes a register save process (S301), and then S3 described below.
Each game control process of 02 to S314 is sequentially executed. When these game control processes are completed, register restoration processing is performed (S315), and the interrupt enabled state is set (S31).
6).

In the game control processing, the CPU inputs the states of switches such as a gate switch, a starting opening switch, a count switch, and a winning opening switch through a switch circuit (not shown) in the input / output unit 12, Those states are determined (switch process: S302). Next, various abnormality diagnosis processing is performed by the self-diagnosis function provided inside the pachinko gaming machine 1, and an alarm is issued if necessary according to the result (error processing: S3
03).

Next, a random number updating process for updating each counter showing each judgment random number such as a big hit judgment random number used for game control is carried out (S304). The CPU further performs an initial value determination random number updating process (S305) and a display symbol random number updating process (S306). Note that S305 and S3
The content of the processing of 06 is the same as the processing of S115 and S114 described above.

Further, the CPU performs a special symbol process process which will be described in detail later (S307). In this special symbol process process, as will be described later in detail, the corresponding process is executed according to the special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to the gaming state.
The value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each process according to the game state. Further, the CPU normally performs a symbol process process (S308). In the normal pattern process processing,
The corresponding process is executed according to the normal symbol process flag for controlling the lighting of the variable display 18 by the pair of left and right LEDs in a predetermined manner. The value of the normal symbol process flag is also updated during each process according to the game state.

Next, the CPU performs a process of sending a display control command by setting a display control command for the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM (special symbol command control process: S309), and a display control command for the ordinary symbol. A process of sending a display control command by setting it in a predetermined area of the RAM is performed (normal symbol command control process: S31
0). Further, the CPU performs, for example, information output processing for outputting data such as big hit information, start information, and probability variation information supplied to the hall management computer (S31).
1).

Further, the CPU has a solenoid circuit (not shown) in the input / output unit 12 when a predetermined condition is satisfied.
A drive command is issued to (S312). The solenoid circuit drives the solenoid according to the drive command, and the special symbol starting port 6
Alternatively, the special winning opening door 7a is opened or closed. Then, the CPU executes prize ball processing for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection output of the switch for detecting the winning of each prize hole (S313). Specifically, the payout control command is output to the payout control unit 16 in response to the winning detection. A payout control CPU (not shown) mounted on the payout control unit 16 drives a ball payout device (not shown) in response to the payout control command.

By the above control processing, in the present embodiment, the game control processing is activated every 2 milliseconds. Also, until all of the game control processing is executed, it is not in the interrupt enabled state, so other interrupts or the next timer interrupt will not occur, and all the processing during the game control processing is executed reliably. Complete.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a program for special symbol process processing executed by the CPU. The special symbol process process shown in FIG. 10 is a specific process of S307 in the flowchart of FIG. C
PU, when performing the special symbol process process, performs a variation reduction timer subtraction process (S401), and then determines whether the switch of the special symbol starting port 6 (first type starting port switch) is on. (S402). When the first-type starting opening switch is in the ON state (S402; YES), if the number of memory for winning the winning prize is not full, the number of memory for winning the winning prize is incremented by 1 and a random number for jackpot determination is extracted. A starting opening switch passage process is performed (S403). On the other hand, when the first-type starting opening switch is not in the on state (S402; N
O), without performing the processing of S403, one of the processing of S404 to S412 is directly performed according to the internal state (special figure flag information). The fluctuation reduction timer is a timer for setting the fluctuation time when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened. The value of the special figure flag information is updated during each process according to the game state.

When the value of the special figure flag information is "00H",
It is determined whether or not the random number value selected in the special drawing game matches the jackpot value, and the "special symbol normal processing" in the normal gaming state such as the processing of notifying it to the outside is executed (S404). When the value of the special symbol flag information is “01H”, the “special symbol stop symbol setting process” for setting the stop symbol in the special symbol game performed on the special symbol display device 4 is executed (S405). The value of special map flag information is "02
When "H", "variable display pattern setting process" for setting the variable display pattern of the symbol of the special figure game performed on the special symbol display device 4 is executed (S406).

When the value of the special figure flag information is "03H",
The "special symbol variation process" for performing the variation process in the special symbol game is executed on the special symbol display device 4 (S40).
7). When the value of the special symbol flag information is "04H", the "special symbol stop process" for decelerating and stopping the special symbol is executed (S408). When the value of the special figure flag information is "05H", the "special winning opening opening preprocessing" for performing the initialization processing for the big hit operation is executed (S409).

When the value of the special figure flag information is "06H",
Various processing relating to the big hit operation and the "large winning opening opening processing" for checking the opening time of the single big winning opening 7 are executed (S410). When the value of the special figure flag information is "07H", the passage of the game ball to the specific area switch is monitored, and "specific area effective time processing" for determining whether or not the special symbol process is executed is executed (S41).
1). When the value of the special figure flag information is "08H", it is determined whether or not the special symbol process is finished, and if it is finished, the demo display (screen during big hit) flag is cleared, the big hit display pattern is cleared, and the big hit end display is displayed. "Big hit end processing" for clearing and clearing information during big hit is executed (S4
12).

Incidentally, each process executed in the special symbol process process is not limited to the above-mentioned process, and may be replaced with another process or further another process may be added. Also, when the processing contents of each processing branched by the value of the special figure flag information are complicated and the processing cannot be completed within the timer interrupt time,
You may make it add several same processes.

In the special figure game, when the game ball passes through the special symbol starting port 6, the special symbol big hit is determined by the value of the random number for determination, and the loss is determined. As a result of the determination, when a big hit is displayed, a combination of special symbols corresponding to the value of the random number for determination is displayed on the special symbol display device 4. On the other hand, in the case of losing, a special symbol corresponding to the value of the display symbol random number is displayed.

Below, from the game control section 11 to the display control section 13
The image display processing performed by the display control unit 13 based on the display control command data output to will be described in detail. In addition, in the image display processing by the display control unit 13, if similar image display is apparently performed, it is not always necessary to execute the processing procedure according to the flowchart described below.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the display control process. The display control unit 13 determines whether or not the variation display pattern command is input from the game control unit 11 (S501). When the variable display pattern command is input (S501; YES), a random number extraction process for extracting a random number that determines the type of advance notice effect accompanying the variable display is performed (S502). Next, it is determined whether or not there is an apparent reach effect (S503). When performing reach production (S5
03; YES), it is determined whether or not the reach effect type is super reach (S504). When it is not the super reach (S504; NO), after the normal reach effect display processing (S505) for displaying the image for the normal reach effect on the special symbol display device 4, the main flow is returned to. On the other hand, if it is super reach (S504;
YES), after performing the super reach effect display processing (S506) for displaying the image for the super reach effect on the special symbol display device 4, the process returns to the main flow.

Further, when it is determined in S503 that the reach effect is not performed (S503; NO), it is determined whether or not there is a pending storage of symbol variation (S507). If there is a pending storage (S507; YES), the process directly returns to the main flow, while if there is no pending storage (S507; NO),
It is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the symbol variation stopped (S508). When the fixed time has not elapsed (S508; NO), the process directly returns to the main flow. On the other hand, when a certain time has elapsed (S508;
YES), after performing the demo display process (S509) for displaying the demo display image on the special symbol display device 4, the process returns to the main flow.

If no variable display pattern command is input in S501 (S501; NO), it is determined whether or not a big hit is in progress (S510). If it is not a big hit (S510; NO), the process proceeds to S507, while if it is a big hit (S510; YES), the special symbol display device 4 displays information relating to the big hit (number of rounds, big hit symbol, etc.) as an image. Big hit display process for (S51
After performing 1), return to the main flow.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example when the reach effect display is performed. In addition, this reach pattern is
After reaching the reach state, the rally car corresponding to the medium pattern on the special symbol display device 4 runs sequentially from the right side to the left side of the screen, running through the wilderness → forest area → urban area, the vehicle number of the rally car that made a goal (special symbol) However, it is a reach pattern that a big hit is reached if it matches with other special patterns that have become the reach pattern.

When this reach pattern is selected, first, as shown in FIG. 12A, the left symbol which is the first stop symbol is replaced and decelerated, and the left symbol '3' is temporarily stopped. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12B, the right symbol that is the second stop symbol is replaced and decelerated, and the right symbol '3' is temporarily stopped. Here, the left symbol and the right symbol are in the same symbol and are aligned on the activated line, which is a so-called reach display mode.

In the reach display mode, the entire screen is faded out, and the left symbol “3” and the right symbol “3” are reduced and displayed on the upper left side of the display area, as shown in FIG. 12 (c).

Next, as shown in FIG. 12D, an image of the wilderness is displayed on the special symbol display device 4. Next, display a rally car running in the wilderness. A number, which is a special design, is added to the rally car. Then, the rally car appears from the right side of the screen and disappears to the left side so as to correspond to the running of the rally car. At this time, the background image is simple due to the wilderness, and the drawing process of the VDP 27 does not take much time. Therefore, sufficient time can be secured for drawing the rally car, and the VDP 27 reads from the character ROM 28.
A high-precision object model with a large number of polygons is read out and drawing processing is performed using this.

The background changes as the rally car runs,
It changes from the wilderness to a forest area where trees grow as shown in FIGS. 12 (e) and 12 (f). In order to display the background of this forest area, the VDP 27 increases the work (drawing process) such as virtually arranging a model such as a tree that constitutes the background in a virtual three-dimensional space and projecting it on a virtual clean. To do. Therefore, the VDP 27 reads out a low-precision object model with a small number of polygons stored in the character ROM 28, and performs drawing processing using this.

Further, as shown in FIG. 12 (g), the rally car proceeds to the urban area, runs between buildings, and in the case of a hit, as shown in FIG. 12 (h), the identification code '3 '
The rally car to which is assigned the goal. on the other hand,
In the case of a miss, a rally car assigned an identification code other than '3' will score a goal.

Even when the background is an urban area, it is necessary to arrange a model of a building or a house in a virtual three-dimensional space to perform drawing processing, and the processing amount of the VDP 27 is large. Therefore, VDP2
Reference numeral 7 reads out a low-precision object model having a small number of polygons from the character ROM 28 and uses it to perform a drawing process.

The above model selection procedure is shown in a flow chart of FIG. That is, it is determined whether the drawing amount (work amount) of the background of the special symbol (in the example, the rally car) is larger or smaller than the reference amount (step S60).
1) If it is smaller than the reference amount, a high precision object model is selected (step S602), and if it is larger than the reference amount, a low precision object model is selected (step S603).

As described above, according to this reach pattern, it is possible to suppress the processing amount while improving the display quality by using the three-dimensional display.

In the above-described embodiment, the high-accuracy model and the low-accuracy model are switched and used according to the drawing amount (drawing processing amount) of the background image. You may make it select a model and a low precision model. For example, the high-accuracy model and the low-accuracy model may be switched and selected according to the drawing amount (drawing processing amount) of the entire screen. In this case, the total drawing amount and the reference amount may be compared in step S601 of FIG.

In addition, when a big hit or the like is won in a lottery while the game is in progress, a high-accuracy model and a low-accuracy model may be selected according to the reliability of the win or the contents of the win. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, when the super reach is won (YES in both steps S701 and 702), a highly accurate display model is selected (step S703), and a normal reach (step S701; YES, S702; N
In the case of O), a low-precision display model is selected (step S704).

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 15 (a), 15 (b), and 15 (c), when the winning symbol is close to the effective line, a high-precision object is selected to move away from the effective line, A low-precision model may be selected for a pattern unrelated to the hit.

In the processing flow in this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the winning symbol is close to the effective line (YES in both steps S801 and 802), a high-precision display model is selected (step S80
3), the symbol is not a winning symbol (step S801;
No) or the design is not a winning design (S801; YE
In the case of S, S80; NO), a low-precision display model is selected (step S804). In addition, the selection target may be changed based on the time, the campaign, and the like. Alternatively, the high-accuracy model and the low-accuracy model may be displayed alternately. The accuracy of the three-dimensional model is not limited to two levels, and three or more three-dimensional models (polygon models) may be prepared for the same three-dimensional object.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine (gaming machine) 101 includes a variable display device 103, an image display device 104, a coin slot 105, a MaxBET button 106a, and one BET provided on the front surface of a housing 102.
Button 106b, start lever 107, stop buttons 108L, 108C, 108R, and speaker 10
9L, 109R, 109D.

The variable display device 103 variably displays the identification information by driving the three reels to which the identification information is attached.
The variable display of the identification information is started based on the operation of 7, and stop buttons 108L, 108C, 1 to be described later are started.
The variable display of the identification information is stopped based on the operation of 08R. The image display device 104 is composed of a display device such as an LCD, and displays various effects according to the game state.

The coin insertion slot 105 is for inserting coins as a game medium, and up to 50 coins can be credited. Max
The BET button 106a is for setting the maximum number of bets from the credited coins according to the gaming state, and the one BET button 106b is for setting the bet number one by one regardless of the gaming state. It is for.

The start lever 107 starts variable display of the identification information displayed on the variable display device 103 by driving the reels according to the operation by the player in a state where a predetermined number of bets has been set. It is for making it. The stop buttons 108L, 108C, 108R are
This is for stopping each reel which is changing by the operation of the player. Here, when the player does not operate, after a lapse of a predetermined time, for example, the game is stopped in the order of left, middle, and right.

Speakers 109L, 109R, 109D
Is a start lever 107 and a stop button 108
This is for outputting various effect sounds according to the game state, such as sound effects at the time of operating L, 108C, and 108R, at the time of winning a prize, at the start of a bonus game, and an alarm sound at the time of abnormality.

In the above configuration, first, by inserting a predetermined number of coins (three coins in a normal case) into the coin insertion slot 105, or when there is a sufficient credit balance, Ma
xBET button 106a or single BET button 106
A predetermined number of bets is set by pressing b. After the betting number is set, the reel is driven by operating the start lever 107, and the variable display device 103
The variable display of the identification information is started above.

On the image display device 104, effect display is performed for each game or in any game. For example, if a bonus flag or a predetermined small winning combination is internally established at the time when the start lever 107 is operated, an effect display is performed in order to notify the established bonus flag or small winning combination. Here, this slot machine 101
Has a bonus flag or two-dimensional image data for each small winning combination, and when performing a bonus flag or a small winning combination effect display, an effect display of the established winning combination image is performed. To the image display device 104 having such a configuration, a display effect similar to that of the pachinko gaming machine described above is added, that is, a process of switching and displaying a high-precision display model and a low-precision display model according to a predetermined condition is added. Good.

The game machine of the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes are made without departing from the scope of the invention. It can be applied. For example, FIGS.
The block configuration shown in can be arbitrarily changed and modified.

The program and data for implementing the present invention are not limited to the form in which they are distributed and provided to a computer device or the like by a detachable recording medium, and are stored in the computer device or the like in advance. It may be distributed by being pre-installed in the storage device. Further, the program and data for realizing the present invention are provided on a network connected via a communication line by providing a communication processing unit.
It may be distributed by downloading from another device.

The game execution mode is not limited to that executed by mounting a removable recording medium, but the program and data downloaded via a communication line or the like are once stored in the internal memory or the like. It may be possible to execute it, or directly execute it by using the hardware resources of other devices on the network connected via a communication line or the like. Moreover,
A game may be executed by exchanging data with another computer device or the like via a network.

[0105]

As described above, according to the present invention,
The visual effect can be enhanced.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the pachinko gaming machine in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a system configuration example centering on a game control unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing details of a display control unit in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a high-accuracy and low-accuracy three-dimensional model.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a concept of a three-dimensional image.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of main processing of processing operation in the game control unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a power-off process of FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing an example of timer interrupt processing of FIG.

10 is a flowchart showing a processing example in the special symbol process processing of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a display control process in this embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example when a reach effect display is performed.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a process of selecting a three-dimensional model in the example shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing another example of processing for selecting a three-dimensional model.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another display example when the reach effect display is performed.

16 is a flowchart showing a process of selecting a three-dimensional model in the example shown in FIG.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a slot machine according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1… Pachinko machine (gaming machine) 2… Game board (gauge board) 3… Frame for game machines (underframe) 4 ... Special symbol display device (image variable display device) 5 ... Electric tulip type character (ordinary electric character) 6 ... Special symbol starter (start checker) 7 ... Big prize hole (first-class special electric accessory) 8L, 8R ... Speaker 9… Lamp 10 ... Power supply unit (power supply board) 11 ... Game control unit (main control board) 12 ... Input / output section 13 ... Display control unit (design control board) 14 ... Voice control unit (voice control board) 15 ... Lamp control unit (lamp control board) 16 ... Dispensing control unit (dispensing control board) 17 ... Information output section (external terminal board)

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A variable display of identification information displayed on a variable display device is started when a predetermined fluctuation start condition is satisfied, and a variable display of the identification information is stopped when a predetermined fluctuation stop condition is satisfied. Variable display control means for deriving and displaying a predetermined variable display result, and game control means for enabling a predetermined game value to be given when the variable display result derived and displayed by the variable display control means is in a specific display mode. And, based on the variable display mode of the identification information by the variable display control means, perspective-projects a three-dimensional object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a virtual viewpoint onto a two-dimensional plane, and by this perspective projection Image display control means for displaying the obtained two-dimensional image on the variable display device,
The image display control means comprises, with respect to the same three-dimensional object to be displayed, a plurality of display models having different precisions are switched and selected according to a predetermined condition, and the selected display model is set in the virtual three-dimensional space. A gaming machine having a function of displaying a two-dimensional image obtained by arranging the variable display device. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of display models are constituted by display models of identification information with different accuracy. 3. The image display control means, when the identification information consisting of a three-dimensional object in a virtual three-dimensional space is displayed on the variable display device, whether or not the identification information corresponding to the big hit symbol is a big hit. Select a high-precision display model when it is approaching the effective line for determining, and select a low-precision display model when the identification information corresponding to the jackpot pattern is moving away from the effective line. The gaming machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. 4. The variable display of the identification information displayed on the variable display device is started by satisfying a predetermined variation start condition, and the variable display of the identification information is stopped by satisfying a predetermined variation stop condition. Variable display control means for deriving and displaying a predetermined variable display result, and game control means for enabling a predetermined game value to be given when the variable display result derived and displayed by the variable display control means is in a specific display mode. And, based on the variable display mode of the identification information by the variable display control means, perspective-projects a three-dimensional object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from a virtual viewpoint onto a two-dimensional plane, and by this perspective projection Image display control means for displaying the obtained two-dimensional image on an image display device provided separately from the variable display device. Is a two-dimensional object obtained by switching and selecting a plurality of display models having different accuracies according to a predetermined condition for the same three-dimensional object to be displayed and arranging the selected display models in a virtual three-dimensional space. A game machine having a function of displaying an image on an image display device. 5. The image display control means selects a high-precision display model when the image drawing amount is less than or equal to a predetermined amount, and selects a low-precision display model when the image drawing amount is greater than the predetermined amount. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: 6. The image display control means selects a high-precision display model at the time of high-reliability performance with high jackpot reliability, and selects a low-precision display model during low-reliability performance with low jackpot reliability. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the selection is performed.
The gaming machine according to any one of 1.