JP2003340035A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine which displays identification information in a normal state regardless of the rotating direction of an image object. <P>SOLUTION: Even if the identification information is difficult to recognize from a view point located in a virtual 3D space, a mapping means mounted in a display control means 150 pastes a texture containing the next identification information processed with regard to the rotation change direction of the image object caused by the changes of the image object and the view point. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

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

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a gaming machine, a plurality of pieces of identification information including specific identification information (special symbols) are variably displayed on a variable display device such as a liquid crystal display according to the winning of a game ball shot in a game area. There is a game in which a variable display game is played and a specific game value such as a special game state is generated (a game state is generated) in association with a display result of a specific mode. In such a variation display game of a gaming machine, symbols are updated and displayed by scroll variation and rotation variation to perform symbol matching.

In such a variable display game, in the case of performing variable display by rotation in a two-dimensional image, stepwise images having different display angles are prepared in advance for each display angle, and the images are sequentially displayed and controlled. By doing so, the variable display was represented while rotating the design.

Further, there is also a game machine which uses 3DCG (three-dimensional computer graphics) to three-dimensionally display design information such as identification information, characters, and designs to improve the interest of the variable display game. Proposed. When such a three-dimensional stereoscopic image is displayed, it becomes possible to easily execute rotation fluctuations in various rotation directions.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional gaming machine, in the three-dimensional variable display, if the image is pasted on the symbol object regardless of the rotation variation direction, the image is displayed in front of the symbol object. There is a problem in that the rotation fluctuation display cannot be performed in any direction because the display may be incorrect when it appears on the side. In particular, in game machines, when the image (design) is displayed in the normal position (display in a normal state), it is often treated as if the design was updated, and when it is displayed on the front side, the normal position is displayed. If this is not the case, it is necessary to perform processing such as object displacement and texture shifting to update the display to the normal position, which increases the display processing load.

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine which displays identification information in a normal state regardless of the rotation direction of a symbol object.

[0007]

The first invention comprises a display control means for controlling the rotation display of the symbol object used in the variable display game, and the identification information is updated by the rotation of the symbol object. In a gaming machine capable of imparting a specific game state in relation to a result mode of the variable display game, the display control means is an object model forming a three-dimensional shape of the symbol object,
Based on the texture storage means for storing the texture having the distinguishability capable of specifying the pattern object, the object model placement means for placing the object model in the three-dimensional virtual space, and the object model placed in the three-dimensional virtual space A three-dimensional object generating means for generating a three-dimensional three-dimensional pattern object,
Mapping means for pasting the texture onto the three-dimensional solid surface generated by the three-dimensional object generating means, and drawing means for drawing the design object generated by the three-dimensional object generating means as a three-dimensional image under predetermined drawing conditions. , And the mapping means includes the texture including the next identification information that has been processed (for example, texture inversion calculation processing) in association with the rotational variation direction of the symbol object due to the change of the symbol object and the viewpoint, A state in which the identification information is difficult to recognize from the viewpoint position arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space (for example, a state in which the surface of the object on which the next identification information is displayed is hidden, a state in which only the front side of the object is displayed) ,
It is characterized in that the object is placed sideways and the front side and the back side of the object are difficult to see).

In a second aspect based on the first aspect, the symbol object is provided with a specific surface for displaying identification information, and the mapping means hides a rotationally fluctuating specific surface side of the symbol object from a viewpoint position. While
It is characterized in that a texture including the following identification information is attached to the specific surface.

In a third aspect based on the first and second aspects, the texture comprises a base texture for representing a surface pattern of a design object and an identification element texture for representing identification information, and the mapping is performed. 3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the means attaches the texture of the identification element in a state where the base texture is attached.

A fourth invention is, in the first to third inventions, a rotation fluctuation direction monitoring means for monitoring a rotation fluctuation direction of the symbol object due to a change of the pattern object and a viewpoint, and the rotation fluctuation direction monitoring means. Texture processing means for processing the texture stored in the texture storage means in association with the monitoring result, and the mapping means pastes the texture processed by the texture processing means.

In a fifth aspect based on the fourth aspect, the symbol object is caused to rotate about a rotation axis set for the symbol object, and the rotation direction monitoring means is provided for the symbol object. When it is determined that the rotation includes the rotation of the vertical component, the texture processing means performs a processing process of inverting the texture to be attached to the back side surface.

In a sixth aspect based on the first to fifth aspects, the display control means variably displays the identification information in a predetermined order when the variable display game is a normal variable display. Further, when the variable display game is a special variable display, the identification information is variable displayed by a random number.

[0013]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the display control means for controlling the rotation display of the symbol object used in the variable display game is provided, and the identification information is updated by the rotation of the symbol object. In a gaming machine capable of imparting a specific game state in relation to a result mode of a variable display game, the display control means is an object model that configures the three-dimensional shape of the symbol object, and the distinctiveness that can identify the symbol object. A texture storing means for storing a texture having a, an object model arranging means for arranging an object model in a three-dimensional virtual space, and a three-dimensional three-dimensional pattern object based on the object model arranged in the three-dimensional virtual space. 3D object generating means for generating the 3D object Mapping means for pasting the texture on the three-dimensional solid surface generated by the means, and drawing means for drawing the pattern object generated by the three-dimensional object generating means as a three-dimensional image under predetermined drawing conditions. , The mapping means is
It is difficult to recognize the identification information from the viewpoint position arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, the texture including the next identification information processed in association with the rotation variation direction of the pattern object due to the change of the pattern object and the viewpoint. Paste in the state. That is, if a texture having distinctiveness is pasted regardless of the rotation direction, it may be displayed incorrectly when the texture moves to the front side, but it is related to the rotation direction of the symbol object. By processing and pasting, the identification information that has moved to the front side can be displayed in a normal state, and various rotation fluctuation display can be freely supported. Further, since it is not necessary to store a plurality of textures corresponding to the rotation display, the storage capacity of the textures can be reduced.

In the second invention, the symbol object is provided with a specific surface for displaying identification information, and the mapping means is such that the specific surface side of the rotationally fluctuating symbol object is hidden from the viewpoint position. Since the texture containing the following identification information is pasted on the specific surface, it will be pasted in a state where the identification information displayed next cannot be recognized.
The identification information can be updated without any discomfort.

In the third invention, the texture comprises a base texture for expressing a surface pattern of a pattern object and an identification element texture for indicating identification information, and the mapping means pastes the base texture. In this state, the texture of the identification element is pasted, so by pasting only the identification element texture,
The display control can be simplified.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, the rotation fluctuation direction monitoring means for monitoring the rotation fluctuation direction of the symbol object due to the change of the pattern object and the viewpoint, and the texture storage means in relation to the monitoring result of the rotation fluctuation direction monitoring means. And a texture processing means for processing the texture stored in the above, wherein the mapping means pastes the texture processed by the texture processing means.
That is, when rotating the pattern object in the horizontal direction, the identification element texture is pasted on the back side of the pattern object by the normal method, and when the pattern object is rotated in the vertical direction, the identification element texture is pasted by the normal method. When attached, when the identification information moves from the back side to the front side, the identification information is displayed upside down. Therefore, since the identification element texture is vertically inverted and pasted (special pasting), the texture is processed based on the monitoring result of the rotation direction. Therefore, the identification information is always accurate regardless of the rotation direction. Can be displayed, and the identification information can be accurately recognized.

In the fifth invention, the symbol object is caused to rotate about a rotation axis set with respect to the symbol object, and the rotation direction monitoring means adds a vertical component to the rotation of the symbol object. If it is determined that the texture object includes a rotation, the texture processing unit performs a processing process of inverting the texture to be attached to the back surface, so that even if the pattern object is rotated including the vertical component, The identification information can be appropriately displayed without being inverted.

In the sixth invention, the display control means causes the identification information to be variably displayed in a predetermined order when the variable display game is a normal variable display, and the variable display game has a special variation. In the case of display, since the identification information is variably displayed by a random number, it is possible to play the variably displayed game with a sense of expectation, without changing the mode of rotation display.

[0019]

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

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

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

On the surface of the game board 6, a game area surrounded by guide rails is formed, and a variable display device (special symbol display device) 8 is arranged in the approximate center of the game area, and the lower part of the game area. In addition to the variable winning device 10 having a large winning opening is arranged in the game area, each winning opening 12-15, the starting opening 1
6, a normal symbol display 7, a normal variable winning device 9 and the like are provided. A cover glass 18 that covers the front surface of the game board 6 is attached to the front frame 3.

The variable display device 8 has a display screen portion composed of, for example, an LCD (liquid crystal display), a CRT (cathode ray tube) or the like. A plurality of variable display areas are provided in the display screen portion (display area), and a plurality of symbol objects including identification information (display symbol) are displayed in each variable display area. That is, in the variable display areas provided on the left, center, and right of the display screen, the symbols (for example, numbers from "0" to "9") assigned as identification information are variably displayed and the variable display game is executed. Done. In addition, an image based on the progress of the game is displayed on the display screen.

Below the fluctuation display device 8, there is a starting opening 16 having a normal fluctuation winning device (ordinary electric accessory), and at a predetermined position on the left and right of the game area, a normal symbol starting gate is arranged. .

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, a game is performed by hitting a game ball (pachinko ball) from a hitting ball launching device (not shown) toward the game area, and the hit game ball is the game area. While flowing in the game area surface while changing the rolling direction by the rolling guide members such as windmills arranged at various places inside, win the start opening 16, the general winning openings 12 to 15, the special variation winning device 10, or It is discharged from the outlet provided at the bottom of the game area. General prize hole 12 ~
The prize of the game ball to 15 is N prepared for every general winning opening
Individual winning sensors 51.1 to 51. N (see FIG. 2).

When the game balls are won in the starting opening 16, the general winning openings 12 to 15, and the special variation winning device 10, a number of prize balls corresponding to the type of the winning device won are discharged from the payout unit (discharging device), It is supplied to the supply plate 21.

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

The winning of the game ball into the starting opening 16 is detected by the special symbol starting sensor 52 (see FIG. 2). The special symbol random number counter value extracted by the passage timing of this game ball is used as a special symbol winning storage, and the game control device 10
A predetermined storage area within 0 (special symbol starting storage area) is stored up to a predetermined number of times (for example, a maximum of four consecutive times). The stored number of the special symbol winning memory is displayed on the special symbol storage state display 17 which is provided on the lower side of the variable display device 8 and includes a predetermined number of LEDs. Game control device 10
0 plays the variable display game on the variable display device 8 based on the special symbol winning memory.

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

When the game ball passes through the normal symbol starting gate, the normal symbol display 7 starts the variable display of the normal symbol (for example, a symbol consisting of a single digit number). When the passage detection to the normal symbol starting gate is made at a predetermined timing (specifically, when the normal symbol random number counter value at the time of passage detection is a hit value), it becomes a hit state for the ordinary symbol, and the ordinary symbol Stops with a winning design (hit number). At this time, the normal variable winning device 9 provided in front of the starting opening 16 has the normal electric accessory solenoid 9A (see FIG. 2).
By energizing (see), the entrance to the starting opening 16 is converted to open for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds), and the winning probability of the game ball to the starting opening 16 is increased.

Passing the game ball to the normal design starting gate,
Normally detected by the symbol start sensor 53 (see FIG. 2). Normal symbol random number counter value extracted by the passage timing of this game ball, as a normal symbol starting storage, in a predetermined storage area (normal symbol starting storage area) in the game control device 100, a predetermined number of times (for example, continuous at maximum). It is stored up to 4 times). The number stored in this normal symbol starting memory is displayed on the normal symbol memory state display device 19 which is provided on the right side of the variable winning device 10 and which includes a predetermined number of LEDs. Based on the normal symbol starting memory, the game control device 100 carries out a lottery for winning a normal symbol.

At the key points of the gaming machine, there are decorative lamps and LEDs.
Decorative light emitting devices such as. That is, a center case (around the variable display device 8) provided at the center of the game board and an attacker (around the variable winning device 10) provided at the bottom of the game board are decorative lamps that emit light according to the progress of the game. Is provided. Further, side case lamps are provided on the upper left and right sides of the game board, and side lamps are provided on the left and right side portions of the game board. Further, a game frame decoration lamp is provided on the game frame. These lamps are turned on as the game progresses, so that the player's interest in the game continues.

The front frame 3 above the cover glass 18 has
A first notification lamp 31 and a second notification lamp 32 are provided to notify a state such as a discharge abnormality of a ball by lighting.

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

An operation panel 26 for the card ball lending unit is formed on the outer surface of the upper plate 21 of the gaming machine 1, a card balance display section (not shown) for displaying the card balance, and a ball lending switch 28 for instructing the ball lending. A card return switch 30 for instructing the return of the card is provided.

In the card ball lending unit 2, a card (a prepaid card or the like) inserted in the card insertion portion 25 on the front surface.
A card reader / writer for reading and writing data and a ball lending control device are built in.

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

The game control device 100 is a main control device for controlling the game as a whole, and is used as a CPU for controlling the game control, a ROM storing 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 1
It is composed of 04 etc.

The gaming microcomputer 101 is various detecting devices via the input interface 102 (general winning opening sensors 51.1 to 51.N, special symbol starting sensor 52, normal symbol starting sensor 53, count sensor 5).
4. Upon receiving the detection signal from the continuation sensor 55), various processing such as a big hit lottery is performed. Then, through the output interface 103, various control devices (display control device 15
0, discharge control device 200, decoration control device 250, sound control device 300), ordinary symbol display 7, ordinary electric accessory solenoid 9A, special winning opening solenoid 10A, and the like to send a command signal to centralize the game. Control.

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

The decoration control device 250 is the game control device 10
Based on the decoration command signal from 0, the lamp for decoration, LE
Decorative light emitting device such as D (decorative lamp in the center case,
It controls the decorative lamps in the attacker, side lamps, side case lamps, game frame decorative lamps, notification lamps 31), and also controls the display of the special symbol starting memory display 17 and the ordinary symbol starting memory display 19.

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

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

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

Display control device 15 constituting display control means
0 controls display of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images, and functions as a display control unit. The display control device 150 includes a CPU 151 and a VDP (Video Display Processor) 1 that functions as a 3D image drawing unit.
52, RAM 153, 154, interface 15
5. ROM 156 storing programs, image data (pattern data, background image data, moving image character data,
CGROM 157 storing texture data and the like, an LCD interface 158 for driving liquid crystal, and the like.

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

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

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

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

The PRGROM 156 stores, in addition to the program executed by the CPU 151, variable display procedure information including a procedure of variable display for each variable display pattern. This variable display procedure information is selected based on a random number in the game control device 100 and is transmitted to the display control device 150 based on the display control command signal PRGROM 156.
Read out from the CGRO based on the variable display procedure information.
An image is displayed on the variable display device 8 by the symbol data read from M157.

The CGROM 157 stores each symbol such as a symbol object used in the variable display game, 2D data such as background and characters, 3D object data, and texture data.

In front of the interface 155 which receives the display control command signal from the game control device 100, a buffer circuit 160 which is a signal transmission direction regulating means is provided, and a signal input from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150. Only is allowed, and signal output from the display control device 150 to the game control device 100 is prohibited. In the case of performing bidirectional communication between the game control device 100 and the display control device 150, the buffer circuit 160 may be a bidirectional buffer.

Display controller 15 from game controller 100
The signal transmitted to 0 includes a stop symbol and a display control command signal for instructing a changing process. Display controller 15
0 is a variable display pattern corresponding to the display control command signal from the game control device 100, which is an appearance symbol that is variably displayed,
The temporary stop symbol is selected and displayed on the variable display device 4. And finally, as the final stop design, the game control device 100
The stop symbol corresponding to the display control command signal transmitted from is derived and displayed.

In this way, the display control device 150 constitutes the display control means. Specifically, mainly CG
The ROM 157 constitutes the data storage means, and the CP
Display control processing by U151 and VDP152 (FIGS. 4 and 5)
By executing, the object model placement means, the three-dimensional object generation means, the mapping means, and the drawing means are configured. Also, the CPU 151 and the VDP 15
The rotation monitoring processing (FIG. 7) is executed in 2 to configure rotation fluctuation direction monitoring means, and the texture pasting processing (FIG. 9) is executed to configure image data processing means.

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

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

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

When a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the variable display, the variable display is temporarily stopped in the order of left, right, and middle. This temporary stop state is a state in which the player can recognize the symbol as a substantially stopped state, and the final stopped symbol is not fixed. Specifically, in addition to slightly changing the design at the stop position, a mode of rotating the design, enlarging or reducing the design, changing the design color, changing the design shape, etc. There is.

When a reach state (for example, a state in which the left symbol and the right symbol may generate a big hit combination) occurs in the process of variable display, a predetermined reach game is performed. In this reach game, for example, the symbol inside is displayed at a very low speed, the display is changed at a high speed, and the display of the change is reversed. Also, background display according to the reach game,
Character display is performed.

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

When this big hit game occurs, a special game (big hit game) in which the special variation winning device 10 is opened for a predetermined period is performed. This special game is executed by winning a predetermined number of game balls (for example, 10) into the special variation winning device 10 or by elapse of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) as one unit (one round), and the special variation winning device. Winning to the continuous winning opening in 10 (detection of winning ball by the continuation sensor 54)
Under the condition, the specified round (for example, 16 rounds) is repeated. Further, when a big hit game occurs, a signal for instructing a display about the big hit game is transmitted from the game control device 100 to the display control device 150 such as a big hit fanfare display, the number of rounds display, a big hit production display, etc. The big hit game is displayed on the display screen.

In this case, if the big hit is a particular big hit, a particular game state is generated after the big hit game, the probability of the next big hit is set to a high probability (probability change state), or a variable display game on the normal symbol display device 7. The variation display time is shortened (time saving) and the like, so that the player is in a more advantageous state.

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

Incidentally, when the game ball passes through the normal symbol starting gate, 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,
Ordinary symbol display 23 is hit and displayed, starting opening 1
6 regular variable winning devices 9 for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5
It will be spread over a second (seconds) and the winning in the starting opening 16 will be facilitated.

In this variable display game, the identification information attached to the object is a pattern (for example, a pattern assigned as the identification information in the normal variable display).
Every time the object is rotated (for example, rotated by 180 degrees), the numbers “0” to “9” are moved to the next identification information in a predetermined order (for example, 0, 1, ... 8, 9). It is set to display the variable display of the update display.

Then, in the special variation state such as when the variation display game is in the reach state or the like, the identification information to be changed and displayed next is selected not by a predetermined order but by a random number, for example. . In the reach state, each symbol may appear at the same rate as in the normal variable display state, but the appearance of the symbols may be biased (for example, a big hit Increasing the appearance frequency of derived symbols). In addition, as a special fluctuation state,
In addition to the reach state, a variable display state different from the normal time such as a reach advance notice state and a big hit advance notice state is included.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, lighting processing is performed on each polygon data in the cube clipped in step S5 based on the light source set in the virtual three-dimensional space (S6). As an example of this lighting, a reflection or the like according to the material of the shadow or polygon is calculated. At this time, S
Regarding the polygon data (the pattern objects written in different frame buffers in S10) that are also used for drawing other pattern objects calculated by the processing up to 5, all the pattern objects (the original and Both the pattern object and the pattern object which is used by copying the polygon data) are subjected to lighting processing by parallel rays. That is, the display control device draws a plurality of symbol objects having the same polygon by performing lighting processing on the drawing data calculated by one polygon calculation based on a light source that emits parallel rays.

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

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

Then, the 2D drawing data is
Write to the frame buffer provided in M154 (S
9). By the above processing, a 3D image for one frame is generated.

Then, the necessary portion of the drawing data is DR
Write to a different frame buffer provided in the AM 154 (S10). Then, the frame buffer in which the drawing data is written is combined and displayed (overlay display) (S11). At this time, the frame buffers are shifted and overlapped and displayed depending on the positional relationship of the displayed pattern objects.

It should be noted that, in step S10, the necessary portion of the drawing data is drawn by shifting it from the position drawn in the main frame buffer without shifting and displaying different frame buffers, and the frame buffer is drawn at the same position. You may comprise so that it may overlap and draw.

In the lighting process of step S6 described above, the lighting process is performed based on the parallel rays. However, the pattern object and another object (character, background, etc.) are illuminated by different light sources to illuminate the pattern object. The lighting process may be performed so that the illumination is different from the illumination for another object. That is, a plurality of light sources are set in the three-dimensional space, and the light sources for the objects set in the three-dimensional space are set independently. For example, a character, a background, and the like are provided with a light source below the virtual three-dimensional space and illuminated from below. Then, the pattern object is provided with a light source in the lateral direction, and illumination is applied from the lateral direction.

With this configuration, it is possible to inform the player that the space in which the symbol object is displayed and the space in which the display effect is displayed by another object are independent, and the drawing data of the symbol object It is possible to reduce discomfort due to the commonality of

Further, in the above-described lighting process of step S6, the lighting process based on the same parallel light ray is performed on the predetermined symbol object to reduce the calculation amount for a plurality of symbol objects having the same polygon. It is also possible to draw the pattern object by changing the way the light hits (lighting) for each pattern object. That is, when the lighting process based on the point light source is performed or when the light source is changed for each pattern object, the light intensity and the illuminating direction change depending on the position of the pattern object. Therefore, the polygons obtained by the processes up to step S5. The data may be commonly used, and the processes after step S6 may be configured to be separately calculated for each symbol object.

With this configuration, while displaying a realistic (realistic) display of the pattern object,
It is possible to reduce the amount of calculation related to three-dimensional drawing.

As described above, by repeating the above steps S1 to S11, it becomes possible to display a 3D image in accordance with a command from the game control apparatus 100.

FIG. 5 is another flowchart of the three-dimensional drawing process executed by the display control device 150.

In the three-dimensional drawing process shown in FIG. 5, unlike the three-dimensional drawing process described in FIG. 4, a process using only one frame buffer for writing drawing data will be described. Until the end of the rendering process of the three-dimensional rendering process shown in FIG. 5 (S21 to S28), step S described in FIG.
Since it is the same as the processing of 1 to S8, detailed description is omitted.

When the rendering process is completed in step S28, the display positions of a plurality of symbol objects displayed on one screen are calculated. The calculation of the display position includes a method of calculating a relative position from a design object displayed at a known position and a method of calculating absolute positions (position coordinates on the frame buffer) of a plurality of design objects. . Then, the offset amount is set from the calculated display position (S29).

Then, using the drawing data of the portion that needs to be drawn a plurality of times and the offset value set in step S29, the data (drawing data) of the pattern object of the same figure is generated (S30).

Then, the drawing data is written to a different frame buffer provided in the DRAM 154 (S3
1). In the writing to the frame buffer, both the drawing data generated by the rendering processing up to step S28 and the drawing data of the symbol object generated by the offset processing (S29, S30) are written.

The display control shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is performed by the CPU 1
51 and the VDP 152 are appropriately selected according to the architecture and the like. For example, steps S2 to S in FIG.
5 shows an example in which the CPU 151 performs the V.
Can perform the processing of step S2 and subsequent steps, and can also perform the processing of step S2 and subsequent steps by the hardware of the VDP 152.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the command reception process executed by the display control device 150.

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

In the command receiving process, the display controller 15
0 reads the display control command signal from the game control device 100 in accordance with the communication interrupt signal (S41). Then, the displayed content (type of reach, etc.) is analyzed from the received display control command signal, and the variation pattern is set (S4).
2). Then, the process returns to the display control main routine.

When the display control command signal is not related to the fluctuation pattern but is a display control command signal for changing the display mode (eg, lighting) of the symbol object as the mode of variable display, the data regarding the display mode is displayed. Can also be configured to set.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the rotation detection process executed by the display control device 150.

The change of the symbol object in the virtual three-dimensional space is defined by the command described in the source code file, and the commands described in the source code file are sequentially executed, so that the virtual three-dimensional space The pattern object of moves, rotates, or changes.

In the rotation detection processing shown in FIG. 7, first, a rotation command is detected (S101). This rotate command is specified as, for example, “rotate (x, y, z, s, n). As an argument (parameter) of this rotate function,
x, y, z indicate the direction of the rotation axis, s indicates the rotation speed, and n indicates the number of rotations by this rotation command.

When the rotation command is detected, the object enters the rotation state, so that the display control device 150
A rotation flag provided in a predetermined storage area of the internal RAM 153 is set to "1" (S102).

Then, it is determined whether the rotation direction includes a vertical component by referring to the rotation axis parameter (x, y, z) indicating the rotation direction (S103). That is,
This axis of rotation parameter has the origin and coordinates (x,
It is given to determine the axis of rotation so that it passes through the point given by y, z). Then, if x = 0, the rotation axis is on the Y axis (vertical axis), but if x ≠ 0, it is determined that the rotation of the symbol object includes the vertical rotation. If the vertical rotation component is included, X
Since there is a rotation component around the axis (horizontal axis), RAM1
The X-axis rotation flag provided in a predetermined storage area of 53 is set to "
It is set to 1 "(S104).

As described above, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the command described in the source code file that defines the change of the symbol object in the virtual three-dimensional space is analyzed to determine whether or not the symbol object is rotated. And the rotation direction (whether the component in the direction perpendicular to the rotation direction is included) are detected.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the update timing monitoring process executed by the display control device 150.

The pattern object in the virtual three-dimensional space is
The rotation command written in the source code file causes the display to rotate. Then, the design object is rotated, the identification information is arranged on the back side of the design object, and the identification information is updated in a state where the identification information is hidden by the design object. Therefore, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the update timing monitoring process monitors the timing when the identification information moves to the back side of the symbol object.

In the update timing monitoring process shown in FIG.
When the rotation command is detected, the timer is set to start counting the time until the identification information is hidden on the back side of the design object (S111). It should be noted that, instead of counting the time until the identification information is hidden on the back side of the design object as in this update timing monitoring process, the number of steps until the identification information is hidden on the back side of the design object is counted. Good.

Then, the rotation axis parameters (x, y, z)
Based on the rotation direction and the rotation speed s calculated from, the time required until the identification information is hidden on the back side of the symbol object is calculated (S112). Then, add the timer (S
113), it is determined whether or not the timer value has reached the required time front side calculated in S112 (S114).

When the timer value reaches the required time, it is determined that the identification information is hidden on the back side of the design object, the identification element texture currently pasted on the design object is removed, and a new identification element texture is created. Paste (S115).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the texture pasting process executed by the display control device 150.
This texture pasting process is a process executed in step S115 of the update timing monitoring process.

In the texture pasting process shown in FIG. 9, first, the rotation flag stored in the RAM 153 is read, and it is determined whether or not the pattern object is rotating depending on whether the rotation flag is set to "1". (S1
21). If the rotation flag is set, then RA
The X-axis rotation flag stored in M153 is read, and it is determined whether or not the symbol object is rotating in the vertical direction depending on whether the X-axis rotation flag is set to "1" (S122).

When it is determined that the design object is rotating in the vertical direction, the identification element texture for pasting the design object is generated by performing the upside-down reversal process of replacing the top and bottom of the identification element texture to be attached to the design object. (S124).

Then, according to the rotation state of the symbol object, the texture which has been subjected to the upside down process is pasted on the symbol object (S124).

FIG. 10 shows the above-mentioned display control process (FIG. 4,
It is explanatory drawing which shows the state before the texture pasting of the design object displayed and displayed in FIG. 5).

The disk-shaped object model that is the basis of the shape of the pattern object is composed of polygons with the vertices forming the outer shape of the disk and the lines connecting the vertices.

FIG. 11 shows the above-mentioned display control processing (FIG. 4,
5) of the three-dimensional object displayed and processed in FIG.
The state where the texture is pasted is shown.

On the surface of the object model, an identification element texture as image data having identification characteristics capable of identifying the identification information for identifying the result mode of the variable display game,
It becomes the background of the identification element texture and is pasted with the base texture that decorates the pattern object. That is, in the object model (polygon data),
The base texture and the identification element texture are attached in order from the bottom. Further, the pattern object is subjected to lighting processing (S6 in FIG. 4, S26 in FIG. 5) so that light is applied from the upper left direction of the screen.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the above-described rotation of the symbol object and processing of the identification element texture.

FIG. 12A shows the coordinate axes set in the virtual three-dimensional space in which the symbol objects are arranged. In the vertical direction of the virtual three-dimensional space, the Y axis (vertical axis) with the upward direction as the positive direction is shown. The Z axis is provided in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the disk-shaped symbol object, and the X axis (horizontal axis) is provided in the direction orthogonal to the Y axis and the Z axis.

FIG. 12B shows the correspondence between the rotation direction of the symbol object, the processing of the identification element texture and the processed identification element texture.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the identification element texture is pasted on the design object on the back side as seen from the viewpoint of the design object. At this time, when the pattern object rotates and the identification element texture comes to the front side from the viewpoint, the identification element texture needs to be displayed in an upright direction that can be recognized as identification information.
Therefore, depending on the rotation direction of the design object, when pasting the identification element texture on the back side, the identification element texture is processed and then attached to the design object.

That is, when the rotation of the symbol object is the X-axis rotation (horizontal axis rotation) with the X-axis as the rotation axis,
The top and bottom sides of the identification element texture are reversed on the front side and the back side of the design object. Therefore, when the identification element texture comes to the front side, in order to display it in an upright direction, the identification element texture is inverted by 180 degrees, and then the identification element texture is attached to the design object.

On the other hand, when the rotation of the symbol object is Y-axis rotation (vertical axis rotation) with the Y-axis as the rotation axis, the top and bottom of the identification element texture are not reversed on the front side and the back side of the symbol object. , The identification element texture is pasted on the design object as it is.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the timing of pasting the identification element texture. In the figure, a1
a7 indicates the Y-axis rotation state, and b1 to b7 indicate the X-axis rotation state.

In a1, the identification information display surface of the symbol object faces the direction of the viewpoint, and the symbol objects are arranged so that the identification information "1" faces the viewpoint. At this time, the identification information "2" arranged on the back side of the symbol object is attached to the back side of the symbol object in an upright state.

In a2, the symbol object is rotated, and the side surface of the symbol object is seen on the right side of the symbol object. Then, the symbol object is further rotated, and after the state of a3, only the side surface of the symbol object is visible (a4). At this time, the identification information display surface (identification information “1”) facing the viewpoint in the state a1 cannot be recognized from the viewpoint direction.

When the symbol object is further rotated, another identification information display surface (identification information "2"), which was the back surface in the state a1, comes into view (a5). At this time, the identification information display surface facing the viewpoint in the state a1 is the back side of the symbol object, and is hidden by the symbol object.

Then, the symbol object further rotates, and after the state of a6, only the identification information display surface of the symbol object becomes visible, and the next identification information "2" is displayed (a7). At this time, the identification information is updated on the identification information display surface hidden on the back side of the symbol object.

Next, the X-axis rotation state of b1 to b7 will be described.

In b1, the identification information display surface of the symbol object is oriented toward the viewpoint, and the symbol objects are arranged so that the identification information "1" faces the viewpoint. At this time, the identification information "2" arranged on the back surface side of the design object is in a state in which the identification information on the back surface side is upside down so that the identification information is established when the identification information moves to the front surface side. It is attached to the back side of the design object.

In b2, the symbol object is rotated, and the side surface of the symbol object is visible above the symbol object. Then, the symbol object is further rotated, and after the state of b3, only the side surface of the symbol object is visible (b4). At this time, the identification information display surface (identification information “1”) facing the viewpoint in the state b1 cannot be recognized from the viewpoint direction.

Then, when the symbol object further rotates, another identification information display surface (identification information "2"), which was the back surface side in the state b1, comes into view (b5). At this time, the identification information display surface facing the viewpoint in the state b1 is the back side of the symbol object, and is hidden by the symbol object.

Then, the symbol object further rotates, and after the state of b6, only the identification information display surface of the symbol object becomes visible, and the next identification information "2" is displayed (b7). At this time, the identification information is updated on the identification information display surface hidden on the back side of the symbol object. At this time, by the rotation of the symbol object, when the identification information moves to the front side, the identification information on the back side is attached to the symbol object in a vertically inverted state so that the identification information is satisfied. .

In the above description, the identification information is updated on the identification information display surface on the back side with the identification information display surface directly facing, but the identification information display surface is invisible, that is, states a4 to a7. , B4 to b7, the identification information “1” or “3” and the states a1 to a4, and the identification information “1” in b1 to b4 may be updated to the next identification information.

The embodiment disclosed this time is an example in all respects, and is not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the invention but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and range of equivalence of the scope of the claims.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

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

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

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

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the same three-dimensional drawing process.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a command receiving process similarly.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a rotation monitoring process of the same.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of update timing monitoring processing of the same.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of texture pasting processing in the same manner.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the same three-dimensional object.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the same three-dimensional object.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of the same three-dimensional object.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the same three-dimensional object.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 game machine 8 variable display 100 game control device 150 display controller

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A pattern object used in a variable display game
And a display control means for performing rotation display control of
The identification information will be updated by rotating the handle object.
And specify in relation to the result mode of the variable display game
In the gaming machine capable of providing the game state of, the display control means is an object that forms a three-dimensional shape of the symbol object.
And the distinctiveness that can identify the design object
Texture storing means for storing a texture having
And an object that arranges the object model in the three-dimensional virtual space.
And an object model placed in the three-dimensional virtual space.
Generate a three-dimensional pattern object based on
Three-dimensional object generation means, and three generated by the three-dimensional object generation means
3D solid surface map with the texture
And a symbol object generated by the three-dimensional object generating means.
Draw the object as a three-dimensional image under specified drawing conditions
And a drawing means for performing the conversion of the pattern object and the viewpoint.
Rotation related to the pattern object
The texture including the following identification information processed is
The identification information from the viewpoint position arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space
A game characterized by sticking in a state where it is difficult to recognize
Machine. 2. The design object is provided with a specific surface for displaying identification information, and the mapping means is arranged next to the specific surface in a state where the specific surface side of the rotationally fluctuating design object is hidden from the viewpoint position. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein a texture including identification information is pasted. 3. The texture comprises a base texture for representing a surface pattern of a pattern object and an identification element texture for representing identification information, wherein the mapping means attaches the base texture, The game machine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the texture of the identification element is attached. 4. A rotation fluctuation direction monitoring means for monitoring a rotation fluctuation direction of the symbol object due to a change of the pattern object and a viewpoint, and a texture storage means in association with a monitoring result of the rotation fluctuation direction monitoring means. A texture processing means for processing a texture, and the mapping means pastes the texture processed by the texture processing means, and the game according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Machine. 5. The design object is configured to rotate about a rotation axis set for the design object, and the rotation direction monitoring means includes rotation of a vertical component in rotation of the design object. The game machine according to claim 4, wherein the texture processing means performs a processing process of inverting the texture upside down on the back side surface. 6. The display control means causes the identification information to be variably displayed in a predetermined order when the variable display game is a normal variable display, and when the variable display game is a special variable display. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the identification information is variably displayed by a random number.