JP2003117139A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve interests in three-dimensional displays even when the three-dimensional drawing processing capacity is low in a display controller. SOLUTION: A display controller 150 for variably displaying symbols is provided with an object array means (CPU 151) for arranging objects in a preset virtual spaces, a judging means for determining two- or three-dimensional images to make a drawing based on changes in symbols being variably displayed, a VDP 152 which draws as three-dimensional images symbols based on the result of the judgment, a CPU 151 which draws as two-dimensional images symbols based on the result of the judgment, a VDP 152 which outputs images obtained by combining the two- and three-dimensional images and a switching display means which insets preset changeover images when the drawing patterns of the objects are switched between the two- and three-dimensional images.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a gaming machine capable of playing a variable display game in which a plurality of pieces of identification information are variably displayed on a display device and giving a specific game value in relation to the result mode.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In accordance with a prize of a game ball shot in a game area, a variable display game in which a plurality of pieces of identification information (designs) are variably displayed on a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display is played, and the display result is specified. A gaming machine (pachinko gaming machine) is known in which a specific gaming value such as generation of a bonus game is given in relation to the aspect.

In such a variable display game for gaming machines,
It is widely adopted that the identification information is scrolled (for example, vertically scrolled) to perform variable display.
In addition to the above, there is also adopted a device that performs variable display by changing symbols one after another while rotating the identification information in a predetermined display area.

Most of the variable display described above is performed by a two-dimensional (2D) drawing process, and it is known that a plurality of sprite display surfaces are used and one identification information is displayed by superimposing the sprite surfaces. ing.

Further, in recent years, since the processing capability of the microprocessor used in the display control device has been improved, it has become easy to adopt a three-dimensional (3D) drawing process to stereoscopically display a design, a background and the like. Therefore, it becomes possible to add freshness to the variable display game by performing the three-dimensional variable display.

[0006]

By the way, in the case of playing a variable display game by 3D drawing processing, the drawing ability of a 3D image in a game machine is determined by the ability of a microprocessor or a graphic processor installed in a display control device. High-performance products are available in the market.

However, since the heat generation amount of the microprocessor increases as the processing capability of 3D images increases,
If it is used in a display control device of a game machine covered with a cover or the like, the cooling capacity is insufficient, and it is difficult to guarantee smooth operation. Alternatively, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost is significantly increased to secure the cooling capacity.

For this reason, it is necessary to employ a microprocessor that generates a small amount of heat, but there is a problem in that the ability to draw a 3D image is reduced and it is difficult to improve the interest in displaying.

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the interest in display even if the three-dimensional drawing processing capability of the display control device is low.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display control means for controlling display of objects including a pattern object used in a variable display game, and is specified in relation to a result mode of the variable display game. In the gaming machine capable of imparting the gaming value of, the display control unit is configured to perform two-dimensional processing based on the object placement unit that places the object in a preset virtual space and the change of the object that fluctuates in the variable display game. Judgment means for deciding whether to draw an image or a three-dimensional image, a three-dimensional image drawing means for drawing an object based on the judgment result as a three-dimensional image, and a two-dimensional object based on the judgment result. Two-dimensional image drawing means for drawing as an image, and output means for outputting an image obtained by combining the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image , When switching the rendering mode of the object based on the determination means between the 2D and 3D images, and a switching display means for displaying the switching image set in advance.

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the switching display means inserts an image constituted by a preset surface as a switching image between the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image. To display. Here, the image formed by the surface may be a two-dimensional image or an image with a small number of polygons in the case of a three-dimensional image.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the switching display means is an image in which a preset object is enlarged with time as a switching image.
It is displayed so as to be inserted between the three-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image. Here, the image to be magnified refers to what kind of enlarging method and enlarging size as long as it makes it difficult to see a part or the whole of this switched image when the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image are switched. But it's okay.

In a fourth aspect based on the third aspect, the switching display means causes the object to be enlarged to hide behind the object whose drawing mode is to be switched. If hidden behind, for example, the viewpoint from the direction of the enlarged object may be used, or the image in which the enlarged object is moved or switched to the entire surface side may be moved to the back side.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is the above-mentioned first to fourth aspects.
In any one of the inventions, the switching display means gradually changes the drawing density of a preset object before displaying the switching image, while changing the drawing density of the object after displaying the switching image. Gradually thicken toward the original value. As for the change in the drawing density, for example, the surface pattern may be changed from colored to semi-transparent, or the surface expression may be changed to the particle expression to increase or decrease the particles.

A sixth aspect of the invention is the first to fifth aspects of the invention.
In any one of the inventions, the switching display means continues to display the symbol object even while the switching image is being displayed. Further, as the display of the symbol object, a display for improving the visibility may be performed during the display of the switching image. For example, the color of the switching image around the symbol object may be different from that of the other part, or the symbol object may be temporarily stopped.

The seventh invention is the first to sixth inventions.
In any one of the inventions, the switching display means sets the position or viewpoint of the object after changing the drawing mode by shifting a predetermined amount with respect to the object before changing the drawing mode. The amount of shift may be larger or smaller if it can be understood that the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image represent the same thing. If the amount of shift is too large, there is a risk of giving a feeling of strangeness even when a switching image is inserted and displayed.

[0017]

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image are switched, the switching image is inserted and displayed. It is possible to realize a display control that does not make the viewer feel uncomfortable. In addition, for example, among the objects displayed in the variable display game, the design object with little change is drawn as a two-dimensional image, while the design object with large change is drawn as a three-dimensional image. By assigning the ability of the three-dimensional image drawing means to a large design object that the player pays attention to,
Even when a three-dimensional image drawing means having a relatively low three-dimensional drawing processing capability is adopted, it is possible to provide an image with a three-dimensional effect, and while the interest in display is improved, the manufacturing cost is reduced. If the switching image is inserted and displayed when the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image are switched, it is possible to suppress the discomfort even if the screen impression changes slightly.

Further, in the second invention, when the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image are switched, the switching image composed of the surface is displayed, so that the difference in depth feeling is absorbed, It is possible to realize a display control that does not make the player feel uncomfortable.
If the surface as the switching image can be treated as a two-dimensional image, the switching image can be written in a 2D frame buffer or the like to prevent the display control unit from being overloaded when the drawing mode is switched. it can. Also, it may be a surface of a three-dimensional image (one with a small number of polygons), and compared to inserting a three-dimensional image with a large number of polygons,
The load on the display control means can be suppressed.

Further, in the third or fourth invention, when switching between a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image, a preset object is enlarged with the passage of time. By hiding the object for switching the drawing mode behind and switching between the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image during this, the drawing mode can be smoothly switched without giving a feeling of strangeness.

In a fifth aspect of the present invention, before the switching image is displayed, the drawing density of the preset object is gradually reduced to make the object for switching the drawing mode in a blurred state, and the switching image is displayed. It is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable even if the drawing mode is switched after the display of, and then smoothly switch the drawing mode by gradually increasing the drawing density of the object toward the original value. You can

Further, the sixth aspect of the present invention allows the identification information displayed in a variable manner to be always visually recognized by continuing the display of the symbol object even during the period in which the switching image is displayed, thereby validating the game. Can be secured.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention, the position or viewpoint of the object after the drawing mode is changed is shifted by a preset amount with respect to the object before the drawing mode is changed. The number of frames) can be reduced by three-dimensional image processing, the load on the three-dimensional image drawing means can be prevented from rapidly increasing when switching between the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image, and the movement of this viewpoint displays the switched image. By doing so, it is possible to achieve both the suppression of the load of the three-dimensional image drawing processing and the smooth display control without giving the player a feeling of strangeness.

[0023]

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

FIG. 1 is a front view of a game board 1 of a game machine (pachinko game machine).

On the surface of the game board 1, a variable display device (variable display device, special symbol display device) 4 is arranged substantially in the center of the game area 3 surrounded by the guide rails 2, and a large area is provided below the game area 3. A special variable winning device 5 as a winning opening is provided.

In the variable display device (variable display device) 4, a display screen portion is composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), a CRT (cathode ray tube), etc., and a plurality of identification information (designs) are varied in a plurality of variable display areas. An image based on the progress of the game such as the variable display game to be displayed is displayed.

By energizing the special winning opening solenoid 6 (see FIG. 2), the special variation winning device 5 is in an open state in which it is easy to receive a ball from a closed state in which the ball is not accepted (a disadvantageous state to the player). To an advantageous state).

Immediately above the special variation winning device 5, there is a starting opening 7 having a normal variation winning device (normal electric accessory) 8.
The symbol starting gate 20 is normally arranged at a predetermined position on the left and right.

The normal variation winning device 8 is converted to open the entrance to the starting opening 7 by energizing the normal electric accessory solenoid 10 (see FIG. 2).

There are N (4 in FIG. 1) in each part of the game area 3.
A general winning opening 11 (only one is shown) is provided. An outlet 12 is provided at the bottom end of the game area 3.

A game is played by hitting a game ball (pachinko ball) toward a game area 3 from a hitting ball launching device (not shown), and the hit game ball is a windmill or the like arranged at various places in the game area 3. While flowing in the rolling direction by the rolling guide member 13, the surface of the game area 3 is flowed down, and the starting hole 7, the general winning hole 11, the special variation winning device 5 are won, or the coin is discharged from the out hole 12.

The winning of the starting opening 7 is detected by the special symbol starting sensor 14 (see FIG. 2). The count sensor 15 and the continuation sensor 16 are used to win the special variable winning device 5.
(See FIG. 2). N general winning holes 11
The winning a prize is detected by N winning sensors 17A to 17N (see FIG. 2) provided for each general winning opening 11. The passage of the game ball to the normal symbol starting gate 20 is detected by the normal symbol starting sensor 21 (see FIG. 2).

The winning of the game ball to the starting opening 7 is stored as a special symbol starting memory, for example, up to a maximum of four times, and a special symbol for displaying the number of the special symbol starting memory at the bottom of the variable display device 4. A memory indicator 18 is provided.

The passage of the game ball to the normal symbol starting gate 20 is stored as a normal symbol starting memory, for example, up to a maximum of four times, and the number of the normal symbol starting memory is displayed on the right side of the special variation winning device 5. Normal symbol memory display 22
However, on the left side of the special variation winning device 5, a normal symbol display 23 including LEDs and the like is arranged.

When a game ball is won in the starting opening 7, the general winning opening 11, and the special variation winning device 5, a number of prize balls corresponding to the type of the winning device won are discharged from a payout unit (discharging device) not shown, It is supplied to a not-shown supply plate (a plate from which prize balls or rental balls are paid out to the player).

At the key points of the gaming machine, there are decorative lamps and LEDs.
Etc. are provided. Further, the game machine is provided with a sound output device (speaker).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system centered 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 unchanged 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 10
It is composed of 4 etc.

The gaming microcomputer 101 is a detection device (special symbol starting sensor 14, general winning a prize sensor 17A to 17) through the input interface 102.
In response to the detection signals from N, the count sensor 15, the continuation sensor 16, and the normal symbol starting sensor 21), various processes such as a jackpot lottery are performed. Then, various control devices (display control device 150,
A discharge control device 200, a decoration control device 250, a sound control device 300), a special winning opening solenoid 6, an ordinary electric accessory solenoid 10, an ordinary symbol display 23, and the like send a command signal to control the game as a whole. .

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

The decoration control device 250 is the game control device 10
Based on the decoration command signal from 0, the lamp for decoration, LE
While controlling the decorative light emitting device such as D, special symbol memory display (special symbol hold LED) 18, ordinary symbol memory display 22
Control the display of.

The sound control device 300 controls the sound effect output from the speaker. In addition, from the game control device 100, various subordinate control devices (display control device 150, discharge control device 2)
00, decoration control device 250, 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 display controller 150 controls the display of 2D (two-dimensional) and 3D (three-dimensional) images, and the CPU
151, VDP (Video Display Processor, 2D image drawing means, 3D image drawing means) 152, DRAM 15
3, 154, an interface 155, a PRGROM 156 storing programs, a CGROM 157 storing image data (design data, background image data, moving image object data, texture data, etc.), an LCD I / F for driving liquid crystal, and the like.

The CPU 151 executes the program stored in the PRGROM 156, and performs 2D image processing with 2D image information (symbol display information, background screen information, moving object screen information, etc.) based on the signal from the game control device 100. Perform or coordinate calculation (geometry calculation) of 3D image information (pattern display information composed of polygon data, background screen information, moving object screen information, etc.),
The calculation results are stored in the DRAM 153. In addition,
As the 2D image processing performed by the CPU 151, for example, a known method such as sprite processing may be adopted.

The VDP 152 (polygon generation means, texture mapping means) draws a 2D image or a 3D image on the basis of the image information stored in the DRAM 153, and performs a predetermined drawing on each polygon in the 3D image drawing. The texture is pasted and stored in the DRAM 154 as a frame buffer. And the DRAM 15
The image No. 4 is sent to the LCD I / F 158 at a predetermined timing (vertical synchronization, horizontal synchronization) and output to the variable display device 4 made of liquid crystal.

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

Here, the frame buffer is shown in FIG.
2D frame buffer 154a and 3D frame buffer 154b are set respectively, the VDP 152 superimposes (overlays) the 2D image on the 3D image and outputs it. Further, it is possible to display only a 2D image or only a 3D image.

The interface 158 between the VDP 152 and the variable display device 4 may be appropriately selected according to the type of the variable display device. Here, although liquid crystal is used for the variable display device 4, CRT, EL or plasma is used. When such a display is adopted, the interface 158 corresponding to these display devices may be used.

Further, the CGROM 157 stores various patterns such as identification information used in the variable display game, 2D data such as backgrounds and characters, 3D object data (polygon data), and texture data.

In front of the interface 155, a buffer circuit 160 which is a signal transmission direction restricting means is provided, and only the signal input from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 is allowed, and the display control device 150 causes the game control device. Signal output to 100 is prohibited.

Next, an example of display control mainly performed by the CPU 151 and the VDP 152 will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the flow chart of FIG.
51, which is executed by 51 and shows a reception interrupt process by a signal from the game control device 100.

In step S111 of FIG. 3, the signal from the game control device 100 is read and the received signal is analyzed.

Then, in step S112, a variable display pattern corresponding to the received command is retrieved from a table (not shown) or the like, and a variable display game pattern is set.

Next, the flow chart of FIG.
51 shows an example of display control performed by the VDP 152 and the VDP 152, which is executed at predetermined time intervals (for example, several msec).

First, in step S120, the variable display pattern determined in step S112 is read,
The contents to be displayed (reach type, etc.) are analyzed and the drawing target (object) to be displayed is determined.

In step S121, for each drawing object, it is detected whether the movement on the display screen is large. This movement is represented by, for example, the size of the difference between the previous display position and the current display position, the rotation speed, or the moving speed of the viewpoint and the position of the drawing target in the depth direction.

Then, in step S122, it is determined whether to draw as a 2D object (image) or a 3D object according to the magnitude of change in each drawing target.

For example, if the change (movement) of a drawing object such as a pattern is larger than a preset threshold value, 3D
It is decided to draw as an object, and similarly, if the change (movement) of the drawing target is less than a preset threshold value, it is decided to draw as a 2D object.

Next, in step S123, the drawing process is performed for each drawing target by 2D → 3D or 3D → 2D.
Is detected, and if there is a change in these drawing processes, a switching image is set to be inserted during the change, as will be described later.

In step S124, the drawing target set in the 3D object proceeds to the process in step S125 according to the drawing processing method of each drawing target set in step S122, and the drawing set in the 2D object is performed. The target proceeds to the process of step S126.

In the 3D drawing process of step S125, the 3D object is drawn by using the polygon data as will be described later, and the 3D image (drawing data) is stored in the DRAM.
3D frame buffer 154b preset on 154
Write to (Fig. 7).

In the 2D drawing process of step S126, the 2D object is drawn by the above-mentioned sprite process and the 2D image (drawing data) is DRA
2D frame buffer 154 preset on M154
Write to a (FIG. 7).

Then, in step S126, the 2D frame buffer 154a and the 3D frame buffer 154b.
The data obtained by combining the above data is output as the display screen 154c (or written in the output area on the DRAM 154).

This combination is performed when both 2D and 3D images are present, and the front-rear (front and back) relationship of these images is set by the CPU 151 or the like.

By the above processing, for example, from (A) to FIG.
As shown in (C), the 2D background image 50 is drawn in the 2D frame buffer 154a, and the 3D frame buffer 1
When the pattern 40 of the 3D image is drawn on 54b, the output image 154c in which the 3D image is superimposed on the 2D image is output to the display area (display screen) of the variable display device 4.

Next, FIG. 5 is a subroutine showing an example of the switching process between 2D and 3D performed in step S123.

First, in step S131, it is determined whether or not each drawing object is the same as the previous drawing processing method. If the drawing object changes from 2D to 3D or 3D to 2D, the steps from step S132 onward are executed. While performing switching control, if all drawing targets are the same drawing process as the previous time,
The subroutine is finished as it is.

In step S132, the drawing object to be switched is set so that a preset switching image is inserted according to the type and scene of the variable display game.

For example, when the 2D background image 50 shown in FIG. 7A is switched to 3D, a preset 2D switching image (monochromatic surface or the like) is inserted, and then a 3D object is formed. When switching to the background, or when switching the fixed 3D symbol (a symbol that does not change much) to 2D, only the changing 3D symbol is enlarged and displayed as a switching image, and then the fixed 2D symbol is drawn. , Set the drawing target to be inserted when switching.

Further, in step S133, an effect to be used at the time of switching is selected. For this effect, a preset effect such as fade-in / fade-out to be added to the switching image or background set in step S132 is selected.

By the above switching control, when the drawing process set according to the change of the drawing target is changed, it is possible to prevent a strange feeling that the 2D image and the 3D image are suddenly switched and to collect the switching image in which the player's attention is inserted. By switching between the 2D image and the 3D image during the period of time, it is possible to provide a smooth image change without a feeling of strangeness.

Next, FIG. 6 shows an example of the 3D drawing processing performed in the above step S125, and the CPU 151 and the V
This is mainly done by the DP 152.

First, in step S101, the drawing target (scene and object) selected in steps S121 and S124 is read.

In step S102, the selected 3D object is placed in a preset virtual three-dimensional space (world space). This converts the model space set for each 3D object into the world space, and includes rotation, scaling, position, size conversion, etc. of the 3D object.

Next, in step S103, from the position and direction of the camera (viewpoint = view) in the world space according to the scene of step S101, step S102 is performed.
Convert the world space obtained in step 1 into the camera space with the camera as the origin.

In the projective transform of step S104, the camera space obtained by the view transform is
It is converted into a three-dimensional space corresponding to the field of view (viewing angle) of the camera. 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, in the clipping in step S105, the 3D object (polygon data) in the three-dimensional space corresponding to the field of view of the camera is clipped (converted) into the cubic space corresponding to the screen coordinates (display area) of the variable display device 4. ) Do.

The processing of steps S102 to S105 is a so-called geometry calculation, and here, the CPU is used.
151 shows an example in which the processing is performed, and an example in which the VDP 152 performs the rasterization after the geometry calculation.

Next, in step S106, lighting processing is performed on each polygon data clipped in step S105 based on the light source set in the virtual three-dimensional space. As an example of this lighting, a reflection or the like according to the material of the shadow or polygon is calculated.

Then, in step S107, texture mapping is performed to attach a predetermined texture to the surface of each polygon to determine the appearance of the 3D object. This texture mapping includes operations for textures such as light mapping, environment mapping, and bump mapping as well as simple texture pasting.

Next, in the depth buffer processing of step S108, depth (depth) information is determined for each pixel on each polygon for which texture mapping has been completed. Then, 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 3D drawing data is completed.

Then, this drawing data is transferred to the DRAM 15
By writing in the display area of the variable display device 4 set in advance on the screen 4, a 3D image for one frame is generated. The VDP 152 can also overlay the generated 3D image and the 2D image, or draw the generated 3D image on a plurality of layers to combine them (drawing means).

As described above, the above steps S101 to S1.
By repeatedly executing 09 in a predetermined cycle, it becomes possible to display a 3D image according to a command from the game control device 100.

The control of FIGS. 4 to 6 is performed by the CPU 1
51 and the VDP 152 are appropriately selected according to the architecture and the like. For example, step S102 in FIG.
An example of performing S105 to S105 with the CPU 151 has been shown.
It is also possible for the P152 to execute step S102 and subsequent steps, and the above step S102 and subsequent steps are performed by the VDP
It is also possible to execute with the hardware of.

Next, an outline of the game will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, at the beginning of the game (or before the start of the game), it is in the customer waiting state, and a signal for instructing the display of the customer waiting screen is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150, and fluctuates. A customer waiting screen (moving image or still image) is displayed on the screen of the display device 4.

Then, when the game ball hit in the game area 3 wins the starting opening 7, a predetermined random number is extracted by the game control device 100 based on the winning, and a jackpot for the variable display game is performed. A signal for instructing the variable display is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150, 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 4.

When a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the variable display, the variable display is temporarily stopped in the order of, for example, left, right, and middle (for example, the symbol is slightly changed at the stop position). When a reach state (for example, a combination in which the left symbol and the right symbol may generate a big hit combination) occurs in the process, a predetermined reach game is performed. In this reach game, for example, the variable display of the inside symbols is performed at an extremely low speed, the variable display is changed at a high speed, and the variable display is reversed. In addition, a background display and character display according to the reach game are performed.

The temporary stop state is a state in which the player can recognize the symbol as a substantially stop state, and is a state in which the final stop mode is not fixed. Specifically, in addition to a slight change at the stop position, there are modes such as enlarging and reducing a symbol, changing the color of the symbol, and changing the shape of the symbol.

If the result of the jackpot lottery is a jackpot, the left, right, and middle symbols are finally stopped in a predetermined jackpot combination, and a jackpot (jackpot game) occurs.

When this big hit game occurs, a special game in which the special variation winning device 5 is opened for a predetermined period is performed. This special game is executed by winning a predetermined number (for example, 10) of game balls to the special variable winning device 5 or by elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) as one unit (1 round), and the special variable winning device 5 A predetermined round (for example, 16 rounds) is repeated on the condition that a prize is won in the continuous winning opening (detection of the winning ball by the continuous sensor 16). Also,
When the jackpot game occurs, a signal for instructing the display controller 150 to display the jackpot game, such as the jackpot fanfare display, the number of rounds display, and the jackpot effect display, is transmitted to the screen of the variable display device 4. The jackpot game is displayed.

In this case, if the jackpot is a specific jackpot, a specific game state is generated after the jackpot game, the probability of the next jackpot is set to a high probability, and a winning of the game ball to the starting opening 7 is made as described later. The variation display time of the variation display game of the variation display device 4 is shortened based on the above.

When the game ball wins the starting opening 7 during the variable display game or the big hit game (when a special symbol starting memory occurs), after the variable display game ends (when the player loses) or the big hit. After the game is over,
A new variable display game is repeated based on the special symbol starting memory. Further, when the variable display game ends (when it is lost), or when the jackpot game ends, when there is no special symbol start memory, it is returned to the customer waiting state.

Incidentally, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol starting gate 20, a random number related to the normal symbol is extracted based on the passage or the normal symbol starting memory, and if the random number is a hit, the normal symbol display device 23 is displayed. Done,
The normal variation winning device 8 of the starting opening 7 is opened for a predetermined time, and the winning of the starting opening 7 becomes easy.

Next, FIGS. 9 to 13 show examples of variable display, which will be described below with reference to these figures.

FIG. 9 shows the display area of the variable display device 4 during the variable display game, and the area 4 on the left side of the variable display device 4 is shown.
In three areas L, the central area 4C, and the right area 4R, three-dimensionally drawn symbols (symbol objects) 40 are arranged in the respective areas to perform variable display.

Each pattern 40 in each of the left, middle, and right regions 4L to 4R in FIG. 9 is sequentially pasted as identification information 42 such as numbers, characters, or pictures as a texture on a barrel 41 which is a cylindrical rotating body. The variable display is performed by rotating scroll.
In addition, the barrel 41 (the pattern displayed on the barrel) of the left area 4L
Is called the left symbol, the barrel 41 of the central region 4C is called the middle symbol, and the barrel 41 of the right region 4R is called the right symbol.

Here, as shown in FIG. 9, the identification information 42 attached to the barrel 41 of the three-dimensional figure and rotated is rotated so that the identification information 42 appears from the upper part of the screen and disappears downward. Reference numeral 41 rotates about a virtual rotation shaft 41c. In addition,
The virtual rotation axis 41c is not displayed on the variable display device 4 and determines the movement of the barrel 41.

Then, the left and right ends of the virtual rotation shaft 41c swing through the center of the barrel 41 as a three-dimensional figure and within a predetermined range. Therefore, each display area 4L to 4R
The barrel 41 rotates with both ends (left and right) swinging up and down, and the identification information 42 is sequentially reattached according to the rotation of the barrel 41.

Therefore, in FIG. 9, in the processing of step S122 of FIG. 4, these barrels 41 are determined as the drawing targets with large changes, and are drawn as 3D objects.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a virtual three-dimensional space in which the symbols 40 shown in FIG. 9 are arranged.

The image displayed on the variable display device 4 is shown in FIG.
14, the stone image 61 is arranged in front of the viewpoint 70, the middle pattern 40 is arranged between the viewpoint 70 and the stone image 61, and a part of the stone image 61 is displayed behind the middle pattern in FIG. . Further, left and right symbols are respectively arranged on the left and right of the middle symbol, and buildings 62 and 63 are respectively arranged behind the left symbol and the right symbol as viewed from the viewpoint 70.

Although not displayed in the state of FIG. 9, trees 64 are arranged on the right side of the building 63 on the right side. In addition, these stone figures 61, buildings 62 and 63, trees 64
Etc. constitute the background object.

Here, when each symbol is changed with the viewpoint 70 facing the stone image 61 as shown by the solid line in the figure, each symbol 40 swings while rotating as described above, so the object Changes over a preset threshold and is rendered as a 3D object.

On the other hand, the stone statue 61, the buildings 62 and 63
, The relative position with respect to the viewpoint 70 does not change, so that it is determined as a 2D object in step S122 of FIG. 4 described above, and 2D drawing processing is performed.

Stone statue 61, buildings 62 and 63 are 3D
It may be drawn as an image, but here, the CPU 151
In order to reduce the load on the CGROM, the 2D image when the viewpoint 70 faces the stone image 61 is previously set as the background image 50 in the CGROM.
It is stored in 157 or the like. Note that, in FIG. 14, the position assuming that the background image 50 is placed in the virtual three-dimensional space is shown by a broken line, and the background image 50 is not displayed when the stone image 61 or the like is drawn as a 3D object. .

As a result, the background of the design 40 does not change (or changes little) while the viewpoint 70 is directly facing the stone image 61. Therefore, if the background image 50 is written in the 2D frame buffer 154a, the CPU 151 and VDP
The 152 can concentrate only on the 3D object drawing process, and the 3D processing capability of the VDP 152 is reduced to the symbol 4
By concentrating on the fluctuation of 0, it becomes possible to perform an exciting fluctuation display without spoiling the stereoscopic effect while using the 2D image.

More specifically, when the viewpoint 70 is fixed as shown by the solid line in FIG. 14, the scene is switched to a scene in which objects other than the symbol 40 are deleted, and 2D is displayed.
The background image 50 composed of images is read and displayed.

On the other hand, when the viewpoint 70 and each pattern 40 are changed, the change in the background also becomes large.
It is necessary to draw 2, 63, etc. as 3D objects.

For example, in the plan view of FIG.
While rotating 0 in the clockwise direction, maintaining the positional relationship such that each symbol 40 always faces the viewpoint 70
When it is moved to 0 ′, the image displayed on the variable display device 4 changes from the display state of FIG. 9 to that shown in FIGS. 12 and 13.

At this time, the 2D background image 5 shown in FIG.
When 0 is switched to the 3D image in the virtual space in FIG. 14,
The player may feel uncomfortable due to differences in depth and the like.

Therefore, steps S132 and 1 in FIG.
33, when one drawing target changes the drawing processing method (drawing mode) between 2D and 3D, a switching image is inserted to realize smooth switching without discomfort. In FIGS. 9 to 13, the effect (special effect) is further added to the drawing target to be switched to further facilitate the switching between 2D and 3D.

A time chart corresponding to the screen images of FIGS. 9 to 13 is shown in FIG.

First, when only the design 40 is drawn in 3D and the background image 50 is drawn in 2D, when switching between 2D and 3D is determined in step S131 of FIG. 5,
Fade out is performed on the 2D background image 50 from time T0 (see FIG. 15), and the density of the fluctuating background of each symbol gradually decreases with time.

At a preset time (T1 in FIG. 15), the drawing of the background image 50 is finished, and as shown in FIG. 11, the preset image is switched to the 2D switching image 51 composed of a solid white surface. Then, the variation of each pattern 40 is three-dimensionally continued in the background of all white.

After this switching image 51 is displayed for a predetermined time (between T1 and T2 in FIG. 15), the background 52 composed of 3D images starts fading in as shown in FIG. While the background of appears gradually, the background starts to rotate and the density of the image gradually increases. The interval between the times T1 and T2 may be set to, for example, about 0.5 seconds or several frames of the image.

Here, the drawing of the 3D background 52 is performed at time T2.
When starting from, the viewpoint 70 is corrected as follows.

In FIG. 14, assuming that the rotation angle of the viewpoint 70 facing the stone image 61 is 0 °, the drawing of the background 52 is started at the position rotated by a predetermined angle θ in the positive direction (clockwise in the drawing). Set as a new perspective. At this time,
The symbol 40 rotates together with the viewpoint 70 as described above, and always maintains the positional relationship in which the viewpoint 70 and the symbol 40 face each other.

The predetermined angle θ is set to a value such as a few degrees or a few frames that does not cause a sense of discomfort when switched from the 2D background image 50. This allows
The drawing processing of the 3D background 52 is reduced by the angle θ, and it is possible to prevent the load on the VDP 152 from being excessive when the drawing is switched.

Then, when the time T3 elapses in FIG. 15, the viewpoint and the symbol rotate to the positions 70 'and 40' in FIG. 14, and the fade-in ends,
As shown in FIG. 13, the background rotates so as to flow to the left, the stone image 61 moves to the left display area, the building 63 moves to the center, and a new figure (drawing target) tree 64 is displayed on the display area. Enter the right side of the inside, each pattern 40 in front of these
The variable display is continued and all objects are three-dimensionally displayed by the 3D drawing process.

Further, when the viewpoint 70 and the symbol 40 are rotated in the virtual space and the background is switched to the 2D background image 50 again, the above procedure may be reversed.

That is, in FIG. 14, when the viewpoint 70 is rotated clockwise to approach −θ in the drawing, the 3D background 52 is displayed.
Start the fade-out. However, the symbol 40 continues the variable display without adding an effect as described above.

Then, when the rotation angle of the viewpoint 70 reaches −θ in the figure, the switching image 51 composed of 2D instead of the 3D background 52 is displayed for a predetermined time. After this, if the 2D background image 50 is gradually displayed without the fade-in effect, the display state shown in FIG. 9 can be restored.

In this way, an object with a small change in the amount of movement or rotation speed of the object, or the amount of movement or speed of the viewpoint (below a predetermined threshold) is processed as a 2D image, and an object with a large change is processed as a 3D image. As a result, VDP1 having a relatively low 3D rendering processing capability
Even when 52 is adopted, it is possible to provide an image with a full stereoscopic effect, and it is possible to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost while improving the interest in display, and in addition to 2D. By inserting the switching image 51 when switching the 3D drawing process, it is possible to suppress a sense of discomfort due to a difference in the sense of depth and perform a smooth display.

Further, even while the 2D and 3D drawing processes are being switched, since the variable display of the symbols 40 is continued, the validity of the variable display game can be ensured.

Furthermore, when switching from 2D to 3D,
Since the 3D rendering start position is set at a position obtained by shifting the viewpoint 70 in the rotation (or movement) direction by a preset amount, the viewpoint 7
By shifting 0 (the number of frames), the 3D drawing processing can be reduced, the load on the VDP 152 can be prevented from rapidly increasing when switching between 2D and 3D, and the switching image 51 is inserted when moving this viewpoint. As a result, it is possible to reduce the load of the 3D drawing process and achieve smooth display control without giving the player a feeling of strangeness.

In the above description, the example in which the switching image 51 is a single white surface is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and not only a single color surface but also a surface with a pattern or a plurality of figures. It may be configured by, for example, and may be appropriately set according to the color or shape of the background to be switched, the color or shape of the design of the 3D image displayed on the front side, and the like.
In order to reduce the drawing processing load of the VDP 152, it is desirable to configure the switching image 51 with a 2D image.
If there is a margin in the drawing processing of 152, the switching image 51
Can also be composed of 3D images.

Note that the above shows an example in which the object in the display area is displayed in 3D as the viewpoint moves.
The above-mentioned effect is an effect in which the background becomes 3D and the appearance changes, and any display may be used as long as it can grasp the changing state of the symbol, for example, changing from 3D to 2D,
When the background is 3D, the design may be temporarily displayed in 2D to reduce the load on the display control means.

FIGS. 16 to 23 show an example of switching from a 3D image to a 2D image after the left and right symbols are fixed, and a medium symbol which continues to change is used as a switching image.

FIG. 16 is a timing chart showing the change in the size of the 3D middle symbol and the switching of the 3D and 2D left and right symbols.

First, as to the decision of the symbol, as shown in FIG. 17, the barrel 41 of the left symbol 40L and the right symbol 40R becomes vertical and stops rotating, and the identification information 42 of each "7" is determined and the reach is reached. The case where it develops into a game is shown.

The middle symbol 40C continues to be variably displayed as in the case of FIG. 9, and thereafter, after a predetermined time, as shown in FIG. 18, the barrels 41 of the left and right symbols burst and disappear, and 3D.
The left and right symbols 40R 'and 40L' are constituted only by the image identification information.

These left and right symbols 40R 'and 40L' are
The pattern is displayed in the form from the front of the design, and since there is little change, the 3D image can be switched to the 2D image.

In FIG. 16, the switching start time T0
Corresponds to FIG. As shown in FIGS. 19 to 20 and 21, the left and right symbols 40R 'and 40L' gradually start shrinking while moving to the left and right above the display area, and fade out.

On the other hand, the fluctuating middle pattern 40C continues to be expanded and substantially covers the entire display area as shown in FIGS. 19 to 22 (time T2 in FIG. 16).

From FIG. 21 immediately before the enlarged middle symbol 40C covers the display area, the left and right symbols 40R 'of the 3D image,
40L 'is hidden behind the expanding middle symbol 40C and disappears at time T1 in FIG.

The medium pattern 40C becomes maximum in FIG. 22 at time T2, and thereafter, gradually decreases toward the original size (corresponding to FIG. 17) and starts fade-in toward the original density. .

Then, at time T3 in FIG. 16, when time T3 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3, the upper part of the display area can be visually recognized by the reduced middle pattern 40C, and the right pattern 40R "and the left pattern 40L" composed of 2D images are displayed thinly in a predetermined size above and below the display area. The fade-in starts from this time T3.

Further, with the passage of time, the middle pattern 40C
24 continues fading in while gradually reducing, and as shown in FIG. 24, the left and right symbols 40L "and 40R" of the 2D image and the middle symbol 40C can be clearly identified, and the fade-in ends at time T4 in FIG. And develop into a predetermined reach game.

As described above, the middle symbol 40C is used as a switching image, and while the display area is entirely covered by enlargement, the left and right symbols are switched from the 3D image to the 2D image to give the player a feeling of strangeness. Without this, it is possible to realize switching between 3D and 2D by continuous screen development.

Further, since only the middle pattern 40C is enlarged and used as the switching image, as shown in FIG. 22, the middle pattern 40C can be composed of large polygons in the maximum size state, so that the 3D image can be formed. The number of polygons that make up the 3D drawing is drastically reduced, the load of 3D drawing processing can be significantly reduced, the load on the VDP 152 can be prevented from becoming excessive at the time of switching, and display control can be smoothly performed.

After the middle pattern 40C covers the display area, the middle pattern 40C gradually shrinks back to the original size, and the middle pattern 40C.
The left and right symbols 40L "and 40R" hidden in the display are replaced with the 2D image and displayed, so that the pattern drawing mode can be smoothly changed from 3D to 2D without making the player feel uncomfortable.
It is possible to switch to.

The left and right symbols 40R "and 40L" as 2D objects may be slightly changed or deformed by sprite processing.

Then, according to the magnitude of the change of the object (drawing target) such as a pattern or background, 2D drawing processing and 3D drawing are performed.
It is possible to use the 3D processing capability of the VDP 152 for 3D objects by assigning drawing processing and switching the objects to 2D drawing processing, and in the reach game or the like an object that changes greatly (for example, a medium pattern). It is possible to improve the expressive ability and effect of the character 40C and the character) and improve the interest in the display during play. Alternatively, even when the VDP 152 having a low 3D drawing processing capability (hardware performance) is adopted, it is possible to perform display without impairing the stereoscopic effect.
It is possible to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost while ensuring the enjoyment of the display during play.

Further, when switching the fixed 3D drawing design to 2D, the changing design is enlarged and displayed, the fixed design is hidden behind once, and the design fixed during this period is switched to the 2D image. Since all the symbols are gradually displayed while reducing the changing symbols to the original size, it is possible to smoothly switch the drawing mode of the symbols from 3D to 2D without making the player feel uncomfortable. You can
Smooth display control is possible. At the same time, since the changing symbols are always displayed at the time of switching, it is possible to ensure the legitimacy of the variable display game.

When the fixed symbol is hidden by the changing symbol, it goes without saying that the variable symbol may be enlarged and moved so as to cover the fixed symbol.

Further, in the variable display game, when the symbol that has been changed is confirmed, it is stopped and does not change significantly. Therefore, 2D drawing processing is set for the confirmed symbol and other variable display is continued. For the design, 3D drawing processing may be set.

The determination of the magnitude of change in the drawing target is
Although it may be performed for each object, it may be performed based on the moving amount or moving speed of the viewpoint 70 ', and in this case, the viewpoint 70 and the viewpoint 70' are substantially fixed at the start of the variable display game or the symbol. At the time of confirmation, etc., the above-described 2D drawing processing may be performed with the background as a 2D object, which makes it possible to improve the presentation and expressive power of 3D objects such as designs and characters.

In the above embodiment, the switching image 5
Although the density (luminance) of the object was changed by adding the fade-in effect and the fade-out effect before and after inserting 1, it is possible to select an arbitrary effect such as a change in transparency due to alpha blending or a change in hue.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplifications in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description but by the claims, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a game board of a pachinko machine.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a control system of a pachinko machine.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the display control device, which is a reception interrupt process.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a process performed by the display control device, which is a display control process.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the display control device, which is 2D / 3D switching control processing.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the display control device, which is 3D drawing processing.

FIG. 7 shows an example of a case where a 2D frame buffer and a 3D frame buffer are combined to generate an output image,
(A) shows a 2D frame buffer in which a background image is drawn, (B) shows a 3D frame buffer in which a design is drawn,
(C) shows an output image in which a 2D image and a 3D image are combined.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a game flow.

FIG. 9 is an example of a display screen when the viewpoint is stopped,
It is a figure of the display area which shows the mode of a display which made the background a 2D object.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a display area showing an example of a process of switching the background of a 2D image to a 3D image, and showing how a background of a 2D image is faded out.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a display area showing an example of the switching process and showing how the background is replaced with the switching image and the variable display of the symbols is performed.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the display area at the time when the background is switched to the 3D image and the movement of the viewpoint is started, the background of the 3D image is displayed light, and fade-in is started.

FIG. 13 is an example of a display area when a viewpoint is moved, and is a diagram in which all objects are displayed in 3D images.

FIG. 14 is a plan view showing an example of a virtual space.

FIG. 15 is a time chart when the background is switched from a 2D image to a 3D image, showing the relationship between the state of each object and time.

FIG. 16 is a time chart when the right and left symbols are switched from a 3D image to a 2D image, showing the relationship between the state of each object and time.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a process of switching a design of a 3D image to a 2D image, and is a view of a display area when all the designs are drawn in the 3D image and the left and right designs are determined.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a display area when the barrels of the left and right symbols composed of 3D images are ruptured and the left and right symbols are changed to identification information only.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a display area after the left and right symbols of the 3D image are changed to identification information only.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a display area at the time of starting switching from a 3D image to a 2D image, in which the left and right symbols move upward while shrinking, and the middle symbols that continue to display change fade out while gradually expanding. Is.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing the display area when the middle symbol is further enlarged and the left and right symbols are started to be covered.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the display area when the size of the middle pattern is maximized and most of the display area is covered.

FIG. 23: The middle pattern is reduced and the left and right symbols are 2D
It is a figure which shows the display area immediately after being switched to an image, and shows the time when each symbol and background started fade-in.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a display area when the middle symbol is further reduced and fade-in progresses, the left and right symbols of the 2D image are in a stopped state, and the middle symbol of the 3D image is continuously displayed in a variable manner.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Game Board 4 Variable Display Device 40 Design (Special Design, Identification Information) 100 Game Control Device 101 Gaming Microcomputer (Game Control Means, Varying Time Control Means) 150 Display Control Device (Variable Display Mode Storage Means, Display Control Mode Selection Means) , Variable display control means) 152 VDP (3D image drawing means)

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A gaming machine comprising display control means for controlling display of objects including a pattern object used in a variable display game, and capable of imparting a specific game value in relation to a result mode of the variable display game. The display control means draws either a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image based on an object placement means that places the object in a preset virtual space and a change in the object that fluctuates in the variable display game. Determination means for determining whether or not to draw, a three-dimensional image drawing means for drawing an object based on the determination result as a three-dimensional image, and a two-dimensional image drawing means for drawing an object based on the determination result as a two-dimensional image An output unit for outputting an image obtained by combining the two-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image; A game machine comprising: a switching display means for displaying a preset switching image when the drawing mode of the object is switched between a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image. 2. The switching display means displays an image composed of preset planes as a switching image so as to be inserted between a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image. The game machine described. 3. The switching display means displays an image of a preset object magnifying over time as a switching image so as to be inserted between a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image. The gaming machine according to Item 1. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the switching display means causes the object for enlarging to hide the object whose drawing mode is switched behind. 5. The switching display means gradually changes the drawing density of a preset object before displaying the switching image, while changing the drawing density of the object to the original value after displaying the switching image. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the gaming machine gradually becomes thicker. 6. The switching display means continues to display the symbol object even during a period in which the switching image is displayed, according to any one of claims 1 to 5. Game machine. 7. The switching display means sets the position or viewpoint of the object after changing the drawing mode by shifting a predetermined amount with respect to the object before changing the drawing mode. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6.