JP2004073416A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce the amount of data of moving image data for displaying a fade-in display and a scene with few movement, and perform moving image performance with full presence. <P>SOLUTION: A data reproducing means 80c includes a still image reproducing processing means 80cc for performing still image reproducing processing (processing for displaying an image (B)-an image (C)) using a still object image during an interruption interval; and a composite display means 80cf for performing composite displays (an image (1)-an image (3)) by superimposing two or more frame data in back-and-forth directions according to priorities. A fade-in switching display means 80f includes a fade-in image creating means 80fa for creating two or more fade-in images (an image (a)-an image (d)) from frame data used at the start of reproduction; and a fade-in processing means 80fb for executing fade-in processing to successively shift from an image (an image (a)) with the most enhanced transmittancy to images (an image (b)-an image (d)) with lower transmittancy. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, and particularly, performs a game effect using a fade-in display or a fade-out display, and performs a game by a composite display using a plurality of frame data having different display positions in a depth direction. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that performs an effect and a game effect by static display using a specific frame image in moving image data.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine, a predetermined identification information (hereinafter referred to as a display symbol) is updated and displayed on a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), and the display result is changed. There are provided a number of games in which a so-called variable display game is used to determine whether or not to give a predetermined game value to enhance the interest in the game.
[0003]
Among the variable display games, there is a game played mainly by using the above-described display device as an image display device (hereinafter, a special figure game). The special figure game performs the update display of the display symbol in accordance with the detection of the game ball passing through the predetermined area, and the case where the stop symbol mode when the update display of the display symbol is completely stopped is the specific display mode. This is a "big hit" game. When a "big hit" is reached in the special map game, a special electric accessory called a special winning opening is activated to open the special winning opening door. As a result, a state in which the winning of the game ball becomes extremely easy is continuously provided to the player for a certain period of time.
[0004]
Hereinafter, a special game state is a state in which a big hit in the special map game and the big winning opening door is opened to make it extremely easy for a player to win a game ball. In order to be in the specific game state, usually, the stop symbol mode of the display symbol displayed on the special symbol display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode (generally, the display symbols are aligned with the same symbol). Is a condition.
[0005]
As described above, in the special figure game, the player is most interested in whether or not the stop symbol mode is the specific display mode and is a “big hit”. For this reason, until the stop symbol mode that can determine whether or not it is a "big hit" is determined, various effect displays are performed to enhance the interest in the game, such as changing the variation mode of the display symbol. .
[0006]
In such a gaming machine, in general, various characters are displayed on a variable display device according to a gaming state, by changing the character, or by blinking a light emitting body such as a lamp or an LED. Game production is being performed. There is also a game display effect in which a multicolor image such as a photographed image is displayed on a variable display device.
[0007]
Normally, when effect display is performed by displaying a moving image of a multicolor image on a variable display device, the amount of moving image data becomes enormous. Therefore, moving image data used for a game effect is, for example, MPEG2. The data is stored in a storage medium such as a ROM included in the gaming machine in a state where the data is compressed by an encoding technique such as (Moving Picture Experts Group phase 2).
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Even if the data is compressed as described above, the data amount of the moving image data used for the game effect is enormous compared to the data amount of the data for performing the game effect other than the effect by the moving image. In consideration of the processing load of the game control means, it is desirable to reduce the amount of data used for the game effect.
[0009]
By the way, when performing an effect based on a moving image, the displayed image gradually fades when shifting from an effect based on a still image to an effect based on a moving image, or when shifting from an effect based on a moving image to an effect based on a still image. The display image may be switched by performing a fade-out display that disappears over time or a fade-in display in which an image gradually appears on the screen and is clearly displayed. For example, in a reach effect, when the background image is switched from a still image to a moving image after the variable display content of the special symbol has developed into the reach display, there is a display device that switches the display content by a fade-out display or a fade-in display.
[0010]
However, moving image data for fade-out display is used to perform fade-out display, and similarly, moving image data for fade-in display is used to perform fade-in display. That is, moving image data for fade-out display and moving image data for fade-in display are prepared in advance, and moving image data for fade-out display and moving image data for fade-in display are provided before and after moving image data for performing a game effect. Fade-out display and fade-in display are realized by connecting data and reproducing the moving image data. Therefore, in order to perform the fade-out display and the fade-in display, an enormous amount of moving image data is required. Therefore, in order to perform the fade-out display and the fade-in display, although the data is compressed, a large amount of moving image data is required, so that the total amount of moving image data increases. As a result, there is a problem that the required capacity of a storage area for storing moving image data increases.
[0011]
It is conceivable to reduce the data amount of moving image data for fade-out display or moving image data for fade-in display by shortening the effect period by the fade-out display and the fade-in display. However, the image suddenly disappears or suddenly appears at the time of the switching display, and the fade-out display and the fade-in display do not have smooth display contents.
[0012]
In addition, in the effect using moving images, not only scenes with many movements in which characters appearing frequently move but also scenes with little change in display content and almost no movements exist. However, when performing an effect using a moving image, even in a scene where there is almost no movement, a process of sequentially switching each image data prepared every time elapses with the elapse of time is performed. That is, a large amount of moving image data for displaying a scene with little motion is prepared in advance, and a scene with little motion is reproduced and displayed using the moving image data. Similarly, when displaying a scene in which the display content does not change at all in appearance, a large amount of moving image data is used.
[0013]
As described above, a huge amount of moving image data is required to display a scene with almost no motion. As described above, when performing an effect using a moving image, a large amount of moving image data is required even in a scene where there is almost no motion, so that the total amount of moving image data increases. As a result, there is a problem that the required capacity of a storage area for storing moving image data increases.
[0014]
Furthermore, in the case of performing an effect using a moving image, if a moving image using a multicolor image is displayed, various scenes can be expressed by the multicolor image, so that a realistic video expression can be performed. However, since a moving image is displayed on a display panel formed substantially on a plane, simply performing an effect based on the moving image results in a planar image such as a movie projected and displayed on a screen screen. . As described above, since the effect of the moving image in the gaming machine is stopped at the effect of the two-dimensional display, there is a problem that a display effect with a sense of reality cannot be performed.
[0015]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and has as its object to provide moving image data for performing a fade-out display or a fade-in display, and a moving image used for displaying a scene with almost no motion. By realizing that the data amount of image data is reduced, the required capacity of the storage area of the moving image data used for the game effect can be reduced, and the fade-out display and the fade-in display can be smoothly performed. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine capable of performing an effect display with a more realistic three-dimensional effect while utilizing a realistic video expression by a moving image.
[0016]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine according to the present invention variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, a special symbol in the middle left and right, a symbol displayed on the variable display device 502), and displays the identification information. Is a specific display result (for example, a display result in which each symbol fixedly displayed on the activated line is the same symbol), it is set to a specific game state (for example, a big hit game state) advantageous to the player. A game machine, an image display device (for example, a variable display device 6, an image display device 540) 6a for displaying an image used for a game effect, and a compression for storing moving image data including compressed data by motion compensation predictive coding. The data storage means (for example, the CGROM 83) 80a and the data decompression means (for example, the moving image compression / decompression unit 89) for decompressing the moving image data stored in the compressed data storage means 80a. (Steps for executing Steps S208, S212, S216, and S223) 80b and an image generated based on the moving image data expanded by the data expansion means 80b are sequentially displayed on an image display device to reproduce moving images. For each frame data in the moving image data expanded by the data reproducing means (for example, a part of the GCL 81 for executing the processing shown in FIG. 15) shown in FIG. A priority specifying means (for example, a part of the GCL 81 for executing step S224) 80d for specifying a priority (for example, step S224), and a frame based on the frame data according to the priority specified by the priority specifying means 80d The transparency of the resulting image The translucent processing means (e.g., the part that executes step S252 in the GCL 81) 80e that makes the image based on the frame data a translucent image by performing the translucent processing (for example, step S252) for A fade-in switching display means (for example, a portion of the GCL 81 for executing the processing in FIG. 17) that performs a switching display of a display image on the image display device by performing a fade-in process for causing an image to appear in a stepwise manner. When the data reproduction unit 80c reaches a predetermined still target image display timing (for example, the timing determined to be Y in step S203), the operation target image based on the moving image data (for example, FIG. 27A) And the moving image reproduction of the moving image in which the character shown in FIG. When the moving image reproduction processing is interrupted at the still target image display timing, the still target image data (for example, the still image Still object image switching means (for example, the GCL 81) switches the operation object image on the image display device to a predetermined still object image (for example, an image shown in FIG. 27C) based on the display object picture. A portion during which the processing of step S237 for displaying an image based on the frame data expanded in step S217 after the determination of Y in step S203 is performed) 80cb, and a suspension period during which the moving image reproduction processing is suspended (for example, Until the static display time timer times out) By using a predetermined still target image which is a part of the operation target image to be processed (e.g., realized by not performing the process of step S241), the still target image is displayed on the image display device. Still image reproduction processing means (for example, step S241 in the GCL 81) for performing the used still image reproduction process (for example, a process of sequentially switching to the same still target image as shown in FIGS. 27C to 27E). 80 cc based on the frame data pointed to by the reproduction area designation pointer not updated in step S237) and when the interruption period ends (for example, when Y is determined in step S239). The still target image on the image display device is converted to the operation target image (for example, an image provided next to the still target image data in the moving image data). The image based on the over data. Specifically, for example, the same image as in FIG. ) And a moving image from the operation target image displayed by the operation target image switching unit 80cd (for example, the part that executes the first step S237 after restarting the processing of step S241 in the GCL 81). The reproduction process is restarted (for example, the moving image reproduction process is restarted using the image data provided after the still target image data, and an image such as that shown in FIGS. 27F and 27G is displayed. (For example, a portion for executing the moving image reproduction process after the process of step S241 in the GCL 81 is restarted and the process of the first step S237 is executed) 80ce and the data decompression device 80b A plurality of continuously expanded frame data (for example, a composite execution image shown in FIG. 25) Image data) in the front-rear direction according to the priority specified by the priority specifying means 80d (for example, step S255), so that a plurality of frame data having different priorities in the front-rear direction can be used. 26 (A) to 26 (C). The combined images shown in FIGS. 26 (A) to 26 (C) are sequentially displayed. (For example, a portion for executing the step S256 in the GCL 81) 80cf, and the fade-in switching display unit 80f performs the frame used at the start of the reproduction. Generate a plurality of fade-in images (for example, each image shown in FIGS. 19D to 19B) whose transmittance is gradually increased from the data (for example, FIG. 7 is performed by repeatedly executing the fade-in process shown in FIG. 7) (for example, a part that executes step S262 in the GCL 81) 80fa, and each fade-in image generated by the fade-in image generating unit 80fa is generated. From the fade-in image having the highest transparency (for example, a fade-in image generated by using a mathematical expression with N = 99 in FIG. 18; specifically, the image shown in FIG. 19A), Are sequentially shifted to a lower fade-in image (for example, sequentially shifted to FIGS. 19B and 19C), and finally an image of frame data is displayed (for example, N = 0 in FIG. 18). A fade-in image generated by using a mathematical expression is displayed (specifically, for example, an image shown in FIG. 19D is displayed). After the fade-in processing by the fade-in processing means 80fb (for example, the part performing step S263 in the GCL 81) for executing the fade-in processing and the fade-in processing by the fade-in processing means 80fb are completed, the data reproduction means 80c displays when the fade-in processing is completed. Moving image reproduction start means (for example, a portion for executing the first step S237 after step S267 in the GCL 81) 80fc for starting the moving image reproduction process from the image of the frame data. Moving image playback processing after a fade-in display (for example, a display as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D) is made by the gaming machine configured as described above by, for example, the fade-in switching display unit 80f. 1, a still display (for example, a display as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D) using one frame of image data or a moving image display (for example, FIG. 1) to 1 (3), or a display as a composite image generated by combining a plurality of persons in the front-rear direction as shown in FIG. .
[0017]
The fade-in switching display means is configured to cause an image to appear stepwise through a predetermined intermediate image (for example, image data for displaying an image of a single color such as white or blue) in the fade-in process. It may be.
[0018]
Further, the gaming machine of the present invention variably displays a plurality of types of identification information (for example, a special symbol in the middle left and right, a symbol displayed on the variable display device 502), and the display result of the identification information indicates the specific display result ( For example, a gaming machine that is set to a specific gaming state (for example, a big hit gaming state) that is advantageous to the player when each symbol confirmed and displayed on the activated line becomes the same symbol). An image display device (for example, the variable display device 6, the image display device 540) for displaying an image used for a game effect, and a compressed data storage means (for example, CGROM83) for storing moving image data including compressed data by motion compensation prediction coding. ), Data decompressing means (for example, a moving image compression / decompression unit 89) for decompressing moving image data stored in the compressed data storage means, and data decompressed by the data decompression means. A data reproducing unit (for example, GCL81) for performing a moving image reproducing process by sequentially displaying images generated based on the image data on the image display device, and each frame data in the moving image data expanded by the data expanding unit, Priority specifying means (for example, GCL81) for specifying the priority in the front-back direction of the image based on the frame data, and the transparency of the image generated based on the frame data according to the priority specified by the priority specifying means The translucent processing means (for example, GCL81) for converting the image based on the frame data into a translucent image by performing the translucent processing for improving the image quality, and performing the fade-out processing for eliminating the image in a stepwise manner. Fade-out switching display means for executing switching display of a display image on the image display device (eg, The data reproducing means reproduces a moving image of an operation target image based on moving image data in response to a predetermined still target image display timing (for example, a timing determined as Y in step S203). A moving image reproduction processing interruption means (for example, GCL81) for interrupting the processing, and still image data included in the moving image data (for example, indicating a still display object picture when moving image reproduction processing is interrupted at the still object image display timing). A still target image switching unit (for example, GCL81) for switching and displaying the operation target image on the image display device to a predetermined still target image based on the image data), and a suspension period (for example, still A period until the display time timer times out), a predetermined period which is a part of the operation target image based on the moving image data. Still image reproduction processing means (for example, a process of sequentially switching to the same still target image) using the still target image on the image display device by using the still target image of GCL81) and when the suspension period ends (for example, when Y is determined in step S223), the still target image on the image display device is placed next to the operation target image (for example, next to the still target image data in the moving image data). An operation target image switching unit (for example, GCL81) that switches and displays the image based on the provided image data, and a moving image reproduction process restart unit that restarts the moving image reproduction process from the operation target image displayed by the operation target image switching unit ( For example, GCL81) and a plurality of frame data continuously expanded by the data expansion unit are designated by the priority designation unit. And a composite display unit (for example, GCL81) for performing composite display using a plurality of frame data having different priorities in the front-rear direction by executing the compositing process of overlapping in the front-rear direction according to the selected priority. When the switching display unit ends the moving image reproduction process using the moving image data for executing the game effect, the moving image reproduction ending unit displaying the image of the frame data used at the end of the reproduction (for example, step S211 in the GCL 81) (Step for executing the process of step S237 when displaying the frame data decoded in step S212 after the fade-out flag is turned on in step S212), and the transparency is gradually increased from the frame data. (For example, by repeating the fade-out process shown in FIG. 18). A fade-out image generation unit (for example, a part that executes step S272 in the GCL 81) that generates the image by returning and executing) and each fade-out image generated by the fade-out image generation unit is converted into a frame data image (for example, M in FIG. 19). From a fade-out image generated using a mathematical formula of = 0) to a fade-out image with higher transparency, and finally display a fade-out image with the highest transparency (for example, FIG. 19). And a fade-out processing unit that executes a fade-out process by displaying a fade-out image generated by using a mathematical expression in which M = 99 (for example, a part that executes step S273 in the GCL 81). With the gaming machine configured as described above, for example, in a moving image playback process (a process for performing a display as shown in FIGS. 27A to 27G), a data playback unit sets an image for one frame. Still display using data (displays as shown in FIGS. 27 (C) to 27 (E)) or moving image display with a composite image (displays as shown in FIGS. 26 (A) to 26 (C), or 27 (A), the display is performed by a composite image generated by combining a plurality of persons in the front-rear direction, and when the moving image reproduction process ends, the fade-out switching display means A fade-out display (for example, a display as shown in FIGS. 22A to 22D) is executed.
[0019]
The fade-out switching display means may be configured to gradually delete the image and display a predetermined intermediate image in the fade-out processing.
[0020]
The compressed data storage means generates at least a composite image (for example, an image shown in FIG. 29) including a plurality of display objects that are related to each other and that are related to each other by cooperation of the display contents. The cooperative moving image data is stored, the data decompressing means continuously decompresses a plurality of related cooperative moving image data stored in the compressed data storing means, and the priority designating means is continuously decompressed by the data decompressing means. For the frame data of each cooperatively expanded video data, the priority in the front-back direction of the image based on the frame data is specified, and the combined display unit is configured to sequentially cooperate each of the cooperative video images continuously expanded by the data expansion unit. By executing a synthesizing process of superimposing the frame data of the data in the front-back direction according to the priority specified by the priority specifying means, the identification information image can be used. On the front side or back side of the display area may be configured to perform synthesis display using a plurality of frame data having different longitudinal directions priority.
[0021]
The compressed data storage means generates a composite image (for example, an image shown in FIG. 30) including a plurality of independent display objects by at least mutually independent display contents and not cooperating each other display contents. The non-cooperative moving image data is stored, and the data decompressing means continuously decompresses the plurality of independent non-cooperative moving image data stored in the compressed data storing means. For the frame data of each non-cooperative moving image data continuously expanded by the expansion unit, the priority in the front-back direction of the image based on the frame data is specified, and the combined display unit is continuously expanded by the data expansion unit. By combining the frame data of each non-cooperative moving image data in the front-rear direction according to the priority specified by the priority specifying means. A plurality of non-cooperative moving images, on the front side or the back side of the variable display area of the identification information image, performing combined display using a plurality of frame data having different priorities in the front-rear direction and performing the combining process by the combined display means The image data includes at least moving image data for displaying a background image in a display image of the image display device and moving image data for displaying a front image displayed on the front side of the background image. May be configured.
[0022]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The gaming machine according to the present embodiment is a gaming machine that performs a special map game using an image display device (variable display device) such as an LCD, and a card reader (CR: Card Reader) that lends a ball using a prepaid card. The description will be made by taking the first type pachinko gaming machine as an example. However, the gaming machine to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this, and may be applied to a gaming machine such as a slot machine equipped with an LCD. In addition, even if it is a ball-and-ball game machine such as a pachinko game machine, as long as it has an image display device, for example, a game machine classified into a second type or a third type, a general electric machine, or a pachicon machine It may be a ball game machine with a probability setting function called a so-called ball game machine. Further, the present invention is applicable not only to a CR-type pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with a prepaid card (a value medium including an IC coin or the like in the future) but also to a pachinko gaming machine that lends a ball with cash. That is, any form of gaming machine having an image display device such as an LCD and capable of performing an effect display corresponding to a special figure game may be used.
[0023]
First, the overall configuration of the CR type first class pachinko gaming machine will be described. FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine viewed from the front.
The pachinko gaming machine 1 is roughly divided into a gaming board 2 constituting a gaming board surface, and a gaming machine frame 3 to which the gaming board 2 is detachably attached. A game area 4 is formed on the front of the game board 2. Note that a handle 5 for firing a hit ball is provided on the lower right side on the front side of the gaming machine 1.
[0024]
In the vicinity of the center of the game area 4, a variable display device 6 including a plurality of variable display units each of which variably displays a symbol as identification information is provided. The variable display device 6 is constituted by an LCD, and is provided with a symbol display area (variable display section) on which three special symbols of “left”, “middle”, and “right” are displayed. In the symbol display area, an effective line for specifying whether or not the display result of the variable display is the big hit display mode is set in advance. The combination of each special symbol finally stopped on the activated line determines whether or not it is a jackpot display mode, and when each special symbol is aligned with the same symbol on the activated line, it may be the jackpot display mode. Specified. Therefore, the player can easily recognize whether or not a big hit has occurred by checking the display mode on the active line on the variable display device 6.
[0025]
In addition, the variable display device 6 is provided with four special symbol start storage display areas (hereinafter referred to as start storage display areas) 8 for displaying the number of effective winning balls in the start winning opening 7, that is, the number of start winning memories. . In the start storage display area, a prize display is performed in correspondence with an effective start prize when the number of start prize memories is less than four. Specifically, the display which was normally blue display is changed to red display. In this example, since the symbol display area and the start storage display area 8 are provided separately, it is possible to display the start winning prize storage number even during the variable display. Note that the start storage display area 8 may be provided in a part of the symbol display area. In this case, the display of the number of start winning combinations may be interrupted during the variable display. Further, in this example, the start storage display area 8 is provided in the variable display device 6, but a display (special symbol start storage display) for displaying the number of winning winning storage is provided separately from the variable display device 6. It may be provided.
[0026]
Below the variable display device 6, a start winning opening 7 also serving as an ordinary electric accessory 9 performing an opening / closing operation, and a large winning opening which is opened by driving a solenoid or the like in a specific game state (big hit state). 10 are arranged side by side up and down, and a gate 13 is arranged on the left side of the starting winning opening 7. The special winning opening 10 is opened or closed by opening and closing the special winning opening door 11. When a game ball wins at the gate 13, variable display in which the display state changes on the ordinary symbol display device 14 is started. In the vicinity of the normal symbol display device 14, there is provided a normal symbol start storage display 15 having a display unit of four LEDs for displaying the number of ordinary symbol start winning storage. Further, the gaming board 2 is provided with a plurality of winning ports 16, 17, 18, and 19.
[0027]
Two speakers 20L and 20R that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right upper portions of the gaming machine frame 3. A top frame lamp 21a, a left frame lamp 21b, and a right frame lamp 21c are provided on the outer periphery of the game area 4. Further, although not shown, decorative LEDs are installed around each structure (such as a special winning opening) in the game area 4. The top frame lamp 21a, the left frame lamp 21b, the right frame lamp 21c, and the decoration LED are examples of a light emitting body provided in the gaming machine.
[0028]
Next, the structure of the back surface of the pachinko gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a back view of the gaming machine viewed from the back. As shown in FIG. 3, on the back side of the gaming machine, an effect control board 100 for controlling the variable display device 6 and the like, and a game control board (main board) 30 on which a game control microcomputer and the like are mounted are installed. In addition, a payout control board 40 on which a payout control microcomputer or the like for performing ball payout control is mounted. Further, a power supply board 150 on which a power supply circuit for supplying a predetermined power supply voltage is mounted and a launch control board 91 are provided. Further, a board external terminal board 50 having terminals for outputting various information from the main board 30 to the outside of the gaming machine, and various information such as the number of winning balls and the number of lent balls are output to the outside of the gaming machine. And a frame external terminal board 51 provided with the above terminals.
[0029]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a system configuration centering on a game control unit. The pachinko gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment mainly includes a power supply section (power supply board) 150, a game control section (main board) 30, an input section 52, an output section 53, and an effect control section (effect control board) 100. , A payout control unit (payout control board) 40, a board external terminal board 50, and a frame external terminal board 51.
[0030]
The game control unit 30 includes a ROM 31 for storing a game control program and the like, a RAM 32 used as a work memory, a CPU 33 for performing a control operation according to the program, and an I / O port unit 34. Note that the CPU 33 executes control according to a program stored in the ROM 31, and hence execution by the CPU 33 (or processing) means that the CPU 33 executes control according to the program. The same applies to the CPU mounted on a board other than the main board 30. Although not shown, the game control unit 30 includes a switch circuit that receives a signal input from the input unit 52, and a solenoid circuit that outputs a drive signal to the output unit 53. The game control unit 30 has a function of generating various random numbers used in the game, a function of outputting control commands to the effect control unit 100 and the payout control unit 40, and a function of outputting various information to the hall management computer. And various other functions.
[0031]
The input unit 52 includes a starting port switch 7a for detecting a winning ball to the starting winning port 7, a gate switch 13a for detecting a winning ball to the gate 13, and a winning ball guided to the back of the game board 2 from the large winning port 10. A specific area switch 22 for detecting a winning ball entering one (V winning area), a count switch 23 for detecting a winning ball from the large winning opening 10, and a winning ball for each of the winning openings 16, 17, 18, and 19. Is configured by various detection means such as winning opening switches 16a, 17a, 18a, 19a. Each of the above switches may be called a sensor. That is, any name can be used as long as it can perform various detections such as detection of a game ball.
[0032]
The output unit 53 includes a normal electric accessory solenoid 9 a for opening and closing the variable winning ball device 9, a large winning opening door solenoid 11 a used for opening and closing the opening / closing plate 11, and a large used for switching a path in the large winning opening 10. It is constituted by various driving means such as the winning plate induction plate solenoid 12a.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 4, the effect control unit 100 includes a display control unit 80 that controls the display of the variable display device 6 and the normal symbol display device 14 and the like, and a sound control unit that controls the sound of the speakers 20L and 20R. 70, and a lamp control unit 60 for controlling the luminous body such as the top frame lamp 21a. The effect control unit 100 controls the display of the variable display device 6 for variably displaying special symbols and the normal symbol display device 14 for variably displaying ordinary symbols, based on a control command from the game control unit 30, voice output control, and lamp display. Execute each control.
[0034]
The payout control unit 40 has a function of performing payout control such as lending of game balls and prize balls. The board external terminal board 50 and the frame external terminal board 51 play a role of outputting various game-related information to the outside. Further, the power supply unit 150 is provided to supply a predetermined power supply voltage to each circuit in the pachinko gaming machine 1.
[0035]
Here, the state of the game in the pachinko gaming machine 1 of the present example will be described. A game ball fired from the hitting ball launching device enters the game area 4 through the hitting ball rail, and then descends from the game area 4. When the hit ball enters the starting winning opening 7 and is detected by the starting opening switch 7a, the special display starts variable display (variation) on the variable display device 6 if the variable display of the symbol can be started. If it is not in a state where the variable display of the symbol can be started, the number of memorized start winnings is increased by one.
[0036]
The variable display of the special symbol on the variable display device 6 stops when a certain time has elapsed. If the combination of the special symbols on the activated line at the time of stop is the big hit display mode, the game shifts to the big hit game state. Specifically, the special winning opening 10 is opened until a predetermined time elapses or until a predetermined number (for example, 10) of hit balls is won. Then, when a hit ball wins in the V winning area while the special winning opening 10 is being opened and is detected by the specific area switch 22, a continuation right is generated and the special winning opening 10 is opened again. The generation of the continuation right is permitted a predetermined number of times (for example, 15 rounds).
[0037]
If the combination of special symbols in the variable display device 6 at the time of stoppage is a combination of a big hit symbol (probably variable symbol) with a probability change, the probability of the next big hit is increased. In other words, a more advantageous state (special game state) for the player, that is, a probable change state.
[0038]
In addition, the temporary stop timing, the variation time, and the like of the special symbol displayed on the variable display device 6 are uniquely determined according to a variation pattern designation command described later. That is, the effect control unit 100 performs the interlocking of the change of the special symbol on the variable display device 6, the sound output from the speakers 20L and 20R, and the blinking display of the lamp / LED 21a from the timing of receiving the change pattern command. Control as follows.
[0039]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the effect control board 100. The effect control board 100 includes a display control unit 80, a sound control unit 70, a lamp control unit 60, an effect control CPU 101 for controlling each of the control units 60, 70, 80, an effect control program and a symbol display. A ROM 102 for storing various effect patterns such as light emission and voice output, and a RAM 103 used as a work memory. Although not shown, the effect control board 100 is provided with a command receiving circuit used for receiving an effect control command.
[0040]
The effect control CPU 101 operates in accordance with a program stored in the ROM 102 and receives an effect control command from the main board 30. Then, the effect control CPU 101 performs various controls such as display control of the variable display device 6, lighting / extinguishing control of the illuminant, sound output control, and drive control of the movable effect device in accordance with the received effect control command.
[0041]
Specifically, the display control of the variable display device 6 gives a command according to the effect control command to the GCL (Graphics Controller LSI) 81. The GCL 81 reads necessary data from the CGROM 83 or the like. The CGROM 83 stores data indicating frequently used characters. The frequently used character stored in the CGROM 83 is, for example, a person, an animal, or an image composed of characters, graphics, or symbols displayed on the variable display device 6. In addition, the character includes a moving image and a still image by actual shooting. The GCL 81 generates image data to be displayed on the variable display device 6 according to the input data, and outputs an R (red), G (green), B (blue) signal and a synchronization signal to the variable display device 6. The variable display device 6 performs, for example, a screen display by a dot matrix method using a large number of pixels (pixels). In this example, the R, G, and B signals are each represented by 8 bits. Therefore, according to the instruction from the GCL 81, the variable display device 6 can perform multicolor display of about 16.7 million colors with R, G, and B each having 256 gradations. The number of bits of the R, G, and B signals may be a number other than 8 bits, and the number of bits of each of the R, G, and B signals may be different from each other.
[0042]
The display control unit 80 includes various storage media such as a CGROM 83 and an SDRAM (VRAM) 84. The SDRAM 84 stores data related to a display image such as a frame buffer, source data of a character, and palette data used for specifying or changing a display color. The display control unit 80 includes a GCL 81 and a normal symbol drive circuit 82 for outputting a signal to the normal symbol display device 14.
[0043]
The GCL 81 stores various types of storage media such as a pallet data buffer 85 used for temporarily storing predetermined pallet data and a CG data buffer 86 used for temporarily storing predetermined CG data. In addition, it includes a drawing control unit, a variable display device control unit 87 and a DAC (digital-to-analog converter) 88 for outputting a signal to the variable display device 6, and a moving image compression / expansion unit 89 for performing moving image compression processing and expansion processing. . The drawing control unit includes an attribute analysis unit 81a, a VRAM address generation unit 81b, a clipping unit 81c, and a translucent brightness modulation unit 81d. The attribute analysis unit 81a analyzes parameters used when drawing a character. In this parameter, information for designating an image drawing order, the number of colors, a scaling ratio, a pallet number, coordinates, and the like are set. The moving image compression / decompression unit 89 may be configured to be controlled by the GCL 81 or may be configured to be controlled by the effect control CPU 101.
[0044]
The sound control unit 70 generates a sound or sound effect according to a control command from the game control unit 30, a sound ROM 72 that stores sound data and the like, and amplifies a sound signal to output to the speakers 20 </ b> L and 20 </ b> R. And a digital volume 74 for adjusting the output level of the audio signal output from the low frequency amplifier circuit 73 to a level corresponding to the set volume.
[0045]
The lamp control unit 60 outputs a signal to the game state decoration lamp 24a included in the lamp / LED 24 and a lamp drive circuit 61 for outputting a signal to the game state decoration LED 24b included in the lamp / LED 24. LED drive circuit 62.
[0046]
Next, the operation of the gaming machine will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the game control means (the CPU 33 and peripheral circuits such as ROM and RAM) on the main board 30. When the power is turned on to the gaming machine and the input level of the reset terminal becomes a high level, the CPU 33 starts the main processing after step S1. In the main processing, the CPU 33 first performs necessary initial settings.
[0047]
In the initial setting process, the CPU 33 first sets interrupt prohibition (step S1). Next, the interrupt mode is set to the interrupt mode 2 (step S2), and a stack pointer designated address is set to the stack pointer (step S3). Then, the internal device registers are initialized (step S4). After initializing a built-in device (built-in peripheral circuit) CTC (counter / timer) and PIO (parallel input / output port) (step S5), the RAM is set to an accessible state (step S6).
[0048]
The CPU 33 used in this embodiment also has an I / O port (PIO) and a timer / counter circuit (CTC). The CTC has two external clock / timer trigger inputs CLK / TRG2,3 and two timer outputs ZC / TO0,1.
[0049]
The CPU 33 used in this embodiment has the following three types of maskable interrupt modes. When a maskable interrupt occurs, the CPU 33 automatically sets the interrupt disabled state and saves the contents of the program counter on the stack.
[0050]
Interrupt mode 0: The built-in device that has issued the interrupt request sends an RST instruction (1 byte) or a CALL instruction (3 bytes) onto the internal data bus of the CPU. Therefore, the CPU 33 executes the instruction at the address corresponding to the RST instruction or the address specified by the CALL instruction. Upon reset, the CPU 33 automatically enters the interrupt mode 0. Therefore, when it is desired to set the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2, it is necessary to perform a process for setting the interrupt mode 1 or the interrupt mode 2 in the initial setting process.
[0051]
Interrupt mode 1: In this mode, when an interrupt is accepted, the operation always jumps to address 0038 (h).
[0052]
Interrupt mode 2: In this mode, an address synthesized from the value (1 byte) of the specific register (I register) of the CPU 33 and the interrupt vector (1 byte: least significant bit 0) output from the built-in device indicates an interrupt address. That is, the interrupt address is an address indicated by 2 bytes in which the upper address is the value of the specific register and the lower address is the interrupt vector. Therefore, an interrupt process can be set at an arbitrary (although discrete) even address. Each built-in device has a function of sending an interrupt vector when making an interrupt request.
[0053]
Therefore, when the interrupt mode 2 is set, it is possible to easily process an interrupt request from each built-in device, and it is possible to set an interrupt process at an arbitrary position in a program. Further, unlike the interrupt mode 1, it is easy to prepare an interrupt process for each interrupt occurrence factor. As described above, in this embodiment, the CPU 33 is set to the interrupt mode 2 in step S2 of the initial setting process.
[0054]
Next, the CPU 33 checks whether or not the clear switch provided on the gaming machine is in an on state (step S7). If ON is detected in the confirmation, the CPU 33 executes a normal initialization process (steps S10 to S12). If the clear switch is not on, whether or not data protection processing of the backup RAM area (for example, power supply stop processing such as addition of parity data) has been performed when power supply to the gaming machine has stopped. Confirm (step S8). After confirming that such a protection process has not been performed, the CPU 33 executes an initialization process. Whether or not there is backup data in the backup RAM area is confirmed, for example, by the state of the backup flag set in the backup RAM area in the power supply stop processing.
[0055]
When the backup is confirmed, the CPU 33 performs a game state restoring process for returning the internal state of the game control means and the control state of the electric component control means such as the effect control means to the state at the time of stopping the power supply (step S9). Then, the saved value of the PC (program counter) stored in the backup RAM area is set in the PC, and the program returns to that address.
[0056]
In the initialization process, the CPU 33 first performs a RAM clear process (step S10). In addition, a predetermined work area (for example, a normal symbol determination random number counter, a normal symbol determination buffer, a special symbol left middle right symbol buffer, a special symbol process flag, a payout command storage pointer, a winning ball flag, a ball out flag, a payout) A work area setting process of setting an initial value to a flag for selectively performing a process according to a control state such as a stop flag is performed. Further, a process of transmitting an initialization command for initializing the sub-board (the effect control board 100 and the payout control board 40) to the sub-board is executed (step S11). Examples of the initialization command include a command indicating an initial symbol displayed on the variable display device 6 and a payout possible state designation command indicating a payable state.
[0057]
Then, the register of the CTC provided in the CPU 33 is set so that a timer interrupt is periodically generated every 2 ms (step S12). That is, a value corresponding to 2 ms is set in a predetermined register (time constant register) as an initial value.
[0058]
When the execution of the initialization process (Steps S10 to S12) is completed, the display random number update process (Step S14) and the initial value random number update process (Step S15) are repeatedly executed in the main process. When the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are executed, the interrupt is disabled (step S13), and when the display random number update process and the initial value random number update process are completed, the interrupt is enabled. (Step S16). The display random number is a random number for determining a symbol to be displayed on the variable display device 6, and the display random number update process is a process of updating a count value of a counter for generating a display random number. . The initial value random number updating process is a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the initial value random number. The initial value random number is a random number for determining an initial value such as a counter (big hit determination random number generation counter) for generating a random number for determining whether or not to make a big hit. In a game control process described later, when the count value of the big hit determination random number generation counter makes one round, an initial value is set in the counter.
[0059]
When the display random number updating process is executed, the interrupt is prohibited. This is because the display random number updating process is also executed in a timer interrupt process described later, and thus conflicts with the process in the timer interrupt process. To avoid. That is, if a timer interrupt occurs during the process of step S14 and the count value of the counter for generating the display random number is updated during the timer interrupt process, the continuity of the count value may be lost. is there. However, such an inconvenience does not occur if the interrupt is disabled during the processing in step S14.
[0060]
When a timer interrupt occurs, the CPU 33 performs a register save process (step S20), and then executes a game control process of steps S21 to S31 shown in FIG. In the game control process, first, the CPU 33 inputs, via the switch circuit 58, detection signals of switches such as the gate switch 12a, the starting port switch 7a, the count switch 23, and the winning port switch 16a, and determines their states. (Switch processing: Step S21).
[0061]
Next, a process of updating the count value of each counter for generating each determination random number such as a big hit determination random number used for game control is performed (step S23). The CPU 33 further performs a process of updating the count value of the counter for generating the display random number (step S24).
[0062]
In this example, the big hit determination random number used to determine whether or not to generate a big hit, the loss symbol determination random number used to determine the left-middle-right loss symbol of the special symbol, the special symbol when generating the big hit The big hit symbol determining random number used when determining the combination, the changing pattern determining random number used for determining the special pattern changing pattern, the normal symbol hit judgment used to determine whether or not to generate a hit based on the normal symbol Various random numbers such as a random number for use and an initial value determination random number used for determining an initial value of each random number are prepared.
[0063]
In step S23, the CPU 33 counts up (adds 1) a counter for generating the big hit determination random number, the big hit symbol determination random number, and the normal symbol hit determination random number. That is, these are the random numbers for determination, and the other random numbers are the random numbers for display or the random numbers for initial values.
[0064]
Further, the CPU 33 performs a special symbol process (step S25). In the special symbol process control, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a special symbol process flag for controlling the pachinko gaming machine 1 in a predetermined order according to a gaming state. Then, the value of the special symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state. Also, a normal symbol process is performed (step S26). In the normal symbol process process, a corresponding process is selected and executed according to a normal symbol process flag for controlling the display state of the normal symbol display device 14 in a predetermined order. Then, the value of the normal symbol process flag is updated during each processing according to the gaming state.
[0065]
Next, the CPU 33 performs a process of setting an effect control command relating to the special symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 55 and transmitting the effect control command (special symbol command control process: step S27). Further, a process of setting an effect control command relating to a normal symbol in a predetermined area of the RAM 32 and transmitting the effect control command is performed (ordinary symbol command control process: step S28).
[0066]
Further, the CPU 33 performs an information output process of outputting data such as big hit information, start information, and probability fluctuation information supplied to the hall management computer (step S29).
[0067]
Further, the CPU 33 issues a drive command to the solenoid circuit when a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S30). In order to open or close the variable winning ball device 9 or the opening / closing plate 11 or to switch the game ball path in the special winning opening 10, the solenoid circuit provided in the main board 30 uses a solenoid 9a in response to a drive command. , 11a, 12a.
[0068]
Then, the CPU 33 executes a prize ball process for setting the number of prize balls based on the detection signals of the winning opening switches 16a, 17a, 18a, 19a (step S32). Specifically, a payout control command indicating the number of prize balls is output to the payout control board 40 in response to a winning detection based on the turning on of any of the winning opening switches 16a, 17a, 18a, 19a. The payout control CPU mounted on the payout control board 40 drives the ball payout device according to a payout control command indicating the number of winning balls. Thereafter, the contents of the register are restored (step S32), and the state is set to an interrupt permission state (step S33).
[0069]
According to the above control, in this embodiment, the game control process is started every 2 ms. In this embodiment, the game control process is executed in the timer interrupt process. However, in the timer interrupt process, for example, only a flag indicating that an interrupt has occurred is set, and the game control process is executed in the main process. It may be executed.
[0070]
In this embodiment, symbols “1” to “12” are variably displayed (varied) on the variable display device 6 as a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol, respectively. The symbols “1” to “12” are assigned symbol numbers 0 to 11. A big hit occurs when the final stop symbols (fixed symbols) on the variable display device 6 are completed. When the odd symbols are completed, the state changes to a high probability state (probable change state) in which the probability of the occurrence of a big hit is improved.
[0071]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a special symbol process processing program executed by the CPU 33. The special symbol process shown in FIG. 8 is a specific process of step S25 in the flowchart of FIG. When performing the special symbol process process, the CPU 33 performs the variation reduction timer subtraction process (step S310) and the winning confirmation process (step S311), and then performs any one of steps S301 to S309 according to the internal state. Perform processing. The fluctuation shortening timer is a timer for setting the fluctuation time when the fluctuation time of the special symbol is shortened.
[0072]
Winning confirmation process (step S311): Waits for a hit ball in the starting winning opening 7 and waits for the starting opening switch 7a to be turned on. When the start port switch 7a is turned on, unless the number of stored start winnings is full (in a state where the maximum value of 4 in this embodiment has been reached), the number of stored start winnings is incremented by 1 and the big hit determination Extract each random number such as a random number. Then, they are stored in a random number value storage area corresponding to the value of the number of stored start winnings. In addition, a process for transmitting a command for specifying the start winning storage memory that specifies the number of start winning storages after the addition is performed.
[0073]
Special symbol normal processing (step S301): Waits for the state where the variable display of the special symbol can be started (when the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S301). The case where the value of the special symbol process flag is a value indicating step S301 is a case where the symbol is not changed on the variable display device 6 and the big hit game is not being performed. When the state in which the variable display of the special symbol can be started, the number of the start winning prize stored is confirmed. If the start winning storage number is not 0, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated to shift to step S302.
[0074]
Stop symbol setting process (step S302): Reads out the value stored in the random number storage area corresponding to the number of start winning storage = 1, reduces the value of the number of start winning storage by 1, and stores the value of each random number storage area. Shift the value. That is, each value stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of start winning prizes = n (n = 2, 3, 4) is stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of start prize memories = n-1. I do. Then, based on the value (such as the value of the random number for jackpot determination) stored in the random number value storage area corresponding to the number of start winning memorandum = 1, it is determined whether a jackpot, a loss, a reach, and the like are determined. And the stop symbol of the left middle right symbol is determined based on the control state at the start of variable display and the like. Upon completion of the process, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to proceed to step S303.
[0075]
Variation pattern setting process (step S303): The variation pattern of the symbol is determined based on the value of the stop symbol or the variation pattern determination random number determined in the stop symbol setting process. Upon completion of the processing, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S304.
[0076]
All symbol variation processing (step S304): The variable display device 6 is controlled so that all symbols start to vary. At this time, the information (effect control command) for instructing the left middle right final stop symbol and the variation mode (variation pattern) is transmitted to the effect control board 100. Specifically, when starting the variable display, the game control means transmits an effect control command for designating a fluctuation pattern, and subsequently, an effect control command for designating a left symbol, a middle symbol, and a right symbol. . Upon completion of the process, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S305.
[0077]
All symbol stop processing (step S305): After a predetermined time (time corresponding to the value set in the timer in step S304) elapses, an instruction to stop all the symbols in order to finally stop (fix) the left and right middle symbols. Send a control command. All the symbols displayed on the variable display device 6 are stopped based on the reception of the effect control command. Then, when the stopped symbol is a combination of big hit symbols, the game control means updates the internal state (special symbol process flag) so as to shift to step S306. If not, the internal state is updated to shift to step S301.
[0078]
Preliminary winning opening processing (step S306): Control for opening the winning opening is started. Specifically, the counter and the flag are initialized, and the special winning opening door solenoid 11a is driven to open the special winning opening. Further, the execution time of the special winning opening opening process is set by the process timer, and a big hit flag (a flag indicating that a big hit is being performed) is set. Upon completion of the process, the internal state (special symbol process flag) is updated so as to shift to step S307.
[0079]
Processing during opening of the special winning opening (step S307): Control for transmitting effect control command data of the special winning opening round display to the effect control board 100, processing for confirming establishment of the closing condition of the special winning opening, and the like are performed. When the final closing condition of the special winning opening is satisfied, the internal state is updated to shift to step S308.
[0080]
Specific area valid time processing (step S308): The presence or absence of passage of the specific area switch 22 is monitored, and processing for confirming the establishment of the big hit game state continuation condition is performed. If the condition of the big hit game state continuation is satisfied and there are still remaining rounds, the internal state is updated to shift to step S306. Also, if the big hit game state continuation condition is not satisfied within the predetermined effective time, or if all rounds have been completed, the internal state is updated to shift to step S309.
[0081]
Big hit end processing (step S309): An effect control command for instructing a display to notify the player that the big hit gaming state has ended is transmitted. When the display period ends, the internal state is updated so as to shift to step S301.
[0082]
In this example, information transmission such as an instruction from the game control means to each electric component control means is performed by a control command. The control command has, for example, a 2-byte configuration. The first byte represents MODE (classification of command), and the second byte represents EXT (type of command). The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 100 detects that the INT signal (capture signal) has risen, starts the process of capturing one byte of data (MODE data) by interrupt processing, and thereafter The process of capturing 1-byte data (EXT data) is started by the interrupt process.
[0083]
Next, the operation of the effect control means will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control CPU 101. In the main process, first, an initialization process for clearing a RAM area, setting various initial values, and initializing a 2 ms timer for determining an activation interval of effect control is performed (step S701). After that, the effect control CPU 101 proceeds to a loop process for checking the monitoring of the timer interrupt flag (step S702). When a timer interrupt occurs, effect control CPU 101 sets a timer interrupt flag in the interrupt processing. In the main processing, if the timer interrupt flag is set, the effect control CPU 101 clears the flag (step S703) and executes the following effect control processing.
[0084]
In this embodiment, a timer interrupt occurs every 2 ms. That is, the effect control process is activated every 2 ms. Further, in this embodiment, only the flag is set in the timer interrupt process, and the specific effect control process is executed in the main process. However, the effect control process may be executed in the timer interrupt process.
[0085]
In the effect control process, first, effect control CPU 101 analyzes the received effect control command (command analysis execution process: step S704). Next, the effect control CPU 101 performs an effect control process (step S705). In the effect control process processing, a process corresponding to the current control state is selected and executed from among the processes corresponding to the control state. Then, a process of updating various random number counters used in the effect control board 100 is executed (step S706). Further, the effect control CPU 101 issues a drive command to a solenoid circuit (not shown) included in the movable accessory control unit 100 when performing an effect using the game effect devices 25A, 25B, and 25C (step S707). In order to operate the game effect devices 25A, 25B, and 25C, a solenoid circuit (not shown) provided in the movable accessory control unit 100 drives the solenoids 25a, 25b, and 25c according to a drive command. After that, the process returns to step S702 for checking the timer interrupt flag.
[0086]
Here, the reception of the effect control command from the main board 30 will be described. Although not shown, the effect control board 100 includes a command receiving buffer for storing the effect control command received from the main board 30. For example, a ring-buffer-type command reception buffer capable of storing six effect control commands having a 2-byte configuration is used. The effect control means is controlled based on the latest command stored in a storage area such as a fluctuation pattern. Thus, it is possible to quickly respond to an instruction from the main board 30. The effect control CPU 101 is interrupted when the INT signal from the main board 30 is turned on, executes a process for receiving an effect control command, and stores the received effect control command in a command reception buffer.
[0087]
Then, the contents of the command stored in the reception command buffer are confirmed in the command analysis processing (step S704), and processing such as setting of a flag corresponding to the reception command is performed. For example, if the received command in the command receiving buffer is a symbol designating command for designating the left middle right symbol, data that can specify the designated symbol included in the command is stored in the stop symbol storage area, and the corresponding validity is stored. Set a flag. Further, for example, if the received command in the command receiving buffer is a fluctuation pattern command specifying an effect pattern, data that can specify the fluctuation pattern included in the command is stored in the fluctuation pattern storage area, and the fluctuation pattern reception flag is stored. Is set.
[0088]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the effect control process process (step S705) in the main process shown in FIG. In the effect control process, any one of steps S800 to S806 is performed according to the value of the display control process flag. In each process, the following process is performed.
[0089]
Variation pattern command reception waiting process (step S800): It is confirmed whether or not an effect control command (variation pattern command) capable of specifying a variation time has been received. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not a flag indicating that the variation pattern command has been received (variation pattern reception flag) has been set. The variation pattern reception flag is set when it is confirmed in the command analysis processing that the effect control command for designating the variation pattern has been received. If the fluctuation pattern reception flag is set, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the reach announcement processing.
[0090]
Reach announcement process (step S801): Determines whether or not to perform the reach announcement effect, and determines the contents of the reach announcement effect when it is determined to perform the reach announcement effect. When determined, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the entire symbol change start process.
[0091]
All symbol variation start processing (step S802): Control is performed so that the variation of the left middle right symbol is started. Then, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the symbol change processing.
[0092]
Symbol variation processing (step S803): The switching timing of each variation state (variation speed) constituting the variation pattern is controlled, and the end of the variation time is monitored. Also, stop control of the left and right symbols is performed. When the processing is completed, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the all symbol stop waiting processing.
[0093]
All symbols stop wait setting process (step S804): At the end of the fluctuation time, if an effect control command instructing to stop all the symbols has been received, the control of stopping the fluctuation of the symbols and displaying a stopped symbol (fixed symbol) is performed. . Then, in the case of the jackpot display mode, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the jackpot display process, and in the case of a loss, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the variation pattern command reception waiting process. I do.
[0094]
Big hit display processing (step S805): After the end of the fluctuation time, the control of the probability change big hit display or the normal big hit display is performed. When the display period ends, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the big hit game processing.
[0095]
Big hit game processing (step S806): Control during the big hit game. For example, upon receiving an effect control command for display before opening the special winning opening or display when opening the special winning opening, display control of the number of rounds is performed. When the control during the big hit game is finished, the value of the display control process flag is set to a value corresponding to the fluctuation pattern command reception waiting process.
[0096]
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data set for each variation pattern table. The process data is constituted by data in which a plurality of combinations of the process timer set value and the effect control execution table are collected. In each of the effect control execution tables, display control execution data in which each change mode constituting a display control change pattern such as the variable display effect 9 is described, and a display control change pattern such as a lamp / LED are formed. Lamp control execution data describing each variation mode to be performed, and sound control execution data describing each variation mode constituting a variation pattern of the audio output control of the speaker 27 and the like. In the process timer set value, a variation time in the variation mode is set. The effect control CPU 101 refers to the process data, variably displays the symbols in the variation mode set in the effect control execution table for the time set in the process timer set value, and turns on / off the light emitter. , And output a sound from the speaker 27.
[0097]
The process data shown in FIG. 11 is stored in the ROM of the effect control board 100, and is based on the process data set in the variation pattern table selected as the use table in the all symbol variation start processing (step S802). The control of the variable display device 6, the lamp / LED 24, and the speakers 20L and 20R is started, and the control according to the control execution data is sequentially executed in the symbol change processing (step S803). The process data is prepared according to each of the variation patterns.
[0098]
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a data structure of moving image data used in a game effect. In this example, the moving image data is stored in the ROM included in the effect control board 100. In this example, the moving image data used in the game effect is stored in the CGROM 83 provided in the effect control board 100 in a state where the data is compressed by an encoding technique called MPEG2.
[0099]
In this example, a plurality of types of moving image effects based on moving image data are prepared in advance. That is, a plurality of types of moving image data are prepared in advance and stored in the CGROM 83. In this example, the CGROM 83 stores the moving image data used at the time of the big hit game effect, the moving image data used at the time of the reach effect, and the like for each effect used. Then, for example, when a moving image effect is executed, moving image data to be used is selected using, for example, a random number or the like, and a moving image effect based on the selected moving image data is executed.
[0100]
As shown in FIG. 12, the moving image data is configured by stream data called a sequence. A sequence starts with a sequence header that contains information related to the entire sequence, such as information indicating the size of an image, and ends with a sequence end. This sequence is composed of, for example, encoded data of the entire video program for realizing one unit of game presentation by a moving image. That is, in this example, a sequence is prepared in advance for each type of game effect by a moving image, and the moving image data for executing the game effect by the moving image is constituted by one sequence. The sequence includes MPEG2 function extension information and at least one GOP (Group Of Picture). The MPEG2 function extension information included in the sequence includes various information such as information indicating that the data is encoded data conforming to MPEG2.
[0101]
Each GOP includes a GOP header and at least one of I, P, and B pictures. Here, an I picture is a picture that has been encoded by intra-frame encoding. The P picture is a picture for which motion compensation prediction in the forward direction is performed using only past frames. A B picture is a picture for which bidirectional motion compensated prediction is performed using both past and future frames.
[0102]
Each picture includes a picture header, MPEG2 extension information, and at least one slice. The picture header includes information for identifying one of an I picture, a P picture, and a B picture, information for specifying a display order of each picture, and the like. The MPEG2 function extension information included in the picture includes, for example, information for setting a frame structure and a field structure. A slice refers to one unit into which a picture is subdivided in order to realize intra-frame coding.
[0103]
Each slice includes slice information and at least one macroblock. The slice information includes coding information used in the slice. For example, information indicating a quantization characteristic corresponds to the encoded information.
[0104]
Each macroblock includes macroblock information and a plurality of blocks. One macro block includes, for example, four luminance signal blocks and two (one each of a Cr signal and a Cb signal) color difference signal blocks. The macroblock information includes information for performing coding control in macroblock units. Each block is composed of DCT (discrete cosine transform) coefficient data (a coefficient group obtained by discrete cosine transform) of one of a luminance signal, a Cr signal, and a Cb signal. Each block ends with an EOB (End Of Block) code.
[0105]
In this example, each sequence uses a large number of I-pictures used as key frames in a portion where a display object such as a character displayed during reproduction moves fast. In addition, each sequence is configured to use many P-pictures and B-pictures in portions where the movement of a display object such as a character displayed during reproduction is small. In particular, in a portion where the display object does not move or a portion where the motion is particularly small, the configuration is such that many B pictures having the least data amount are used.
[0106]
As described above, since the moving image data is constituted by using a lot of key frame data (for example, I picture data) in a portion where the movement of the display object is fast, the effect is produced by the moving image in which the fast moving object is displayed. Even in the case of performing this, it is possible to obtain an image of good image quality with almost no loss of information by decoding, and it is possible to produce a moving image with such a good image. Therefore, it is possible to improve the image quality of the portion where the movement of the display object is fast.
[0107]
In addition, as described above, in the portion where the movement of the display object is slow, a large amount of forward prediction coded frame data (for example, P picture data) or bidirectional prediction coded frame data (for example, B picture data) is used for moving image data. Therefore, the data amount of the moving image data can be reduced without deteriorating the image quality. Such an effect is more remarkable as the portion of the moving image reproduced by the moving image data where the movement of the display object is faster is smaller because the data compression ratio is improved.
[0108]
That is, as described above, the key frame data is frequently used for the portion where the movement of the display object is fast, and the forward prediction coded frame data or the bidirectional prediction coded frame data is frequently used for the portion where the movement of the display object is slow. Since the moving image data is created in this way, the overall image quality can be improved, and the total amount of moving image data can be reduced.
[0109]
Next, a function of the GCL 81 mounted on the effect control board 100 will be described. The GCL 81 has a function of executing various effects based on moving images using moving image data in accordance with instructions from the effect control CPU 101.
[0110]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a decoding process performed by the GCL 81. In the decoding process, first, if all of a fade-in flag, a fade-out flag, and a still display flag described later are off (N in step S201), the GCL 81 uses the moving image data ( The picture data indicating the picture is read from the sequence (step S202). The picture data is read out in such an order that it can be reproduced according to the order arranged in the moving picture data. The order of reproduction and the order of decoding do not always match. For example, a B picture is decoded after decoding an I picture or a P picture arranged thereafter.
[0111]
If the read picture data is a still display target picture (Y in step S203), the GCL 81 turns on the still display flag (step S204), and starts the still display time timer (step S205).
[0112]
The still display target picture means a picture that is predetermined as a picture that is to be displayed continuously for a predetermined period. Information indicating whether the picture is a still display target picture is stored in the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture. Therefore, the GCL 81 can determine whether or not the read picture is a still display target picture by checking the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture.
[0113]
The still display flag is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 included in the effect control board 100, and is turned off after the still display flag is turned on in the processing shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. This is a flag used to determine whether or not a series of processes up to the setting is performed.
[0114]
The still display time timer is a timer for measuring a period (for example, a period of 3 seconds, 5 seconds, or the like) during which the still display processing is performed by the still display target picture. For example, the still display time timer is configured by the effect control CPU 301 including a counter. Specifically, the effect control CPU 301 monitors the count value of a counter that counts up every predetermined period (for example, 2 ms), and performs a predetermined number of times after the start of measurement (for example, 1500 times when measuring 3 seconds). When it is determined that the counting has been performed, it is determined that the measurement time has elapsed, so that the still display time is measured.
[0115]
If the picture data read in step S202 is a picture to be faded-in (Y in step S206), the GCL 81 turns on the fade-in flag (step S207), and controls the moving image compression / decompression unit 89 to read out. The picture data is decoded (step S208), and the decoded picture data is stored in a predetermined fade-in still image storage area for each frame (step S209). When performing decoding, the moving image compression / expansion unit 89 executes a decoding process according to whether the target picture data is I picture data, P picture data, or B picture data. I do.
[0116]
The fade-in target picture means a picture that is predetermined as a picture used for the fade-in process. Information indicating whether or not the picture is a fade-in target picture is stored in the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture. Therefore, the GCL 81 can determine whether or not the read picture is a fade-in target picture by checking the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture.
[0117]
The fade-in flag is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 included in the effect control board 100, and is a flag used to determine whether to execute the fade-in process.
[0118]
The fade-in still image storage area is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 in order to store a fade-in target picture, which is a fade-in target still image, in frame units.
[0119]
If the picture data read in step S202 is a picture to be faded out (Y in step S210), the GCL 81 turns on the fade-out flag (step S211) and controls the moving picture compression / decompression unit 89 to read out the picture data. Is decoded (step S212), and the decoded picture data is stored in a predetermined fade-out target still image storage area in frame units (step S213).
[0120]
The fade-out target picture means a picture that is predetermined as a picture used for the fade-out processing. Information indicating whether or not the picture is a fade-out target picture is stored in the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture. Therefore, the GCL 81 can determine whether the read-out picture is a picture to be faded out by checking the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture.
[0121]
The fade-out flag is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 included in the effect control board 100, and is a flag used for determining whether or not to execute the fade-out process.
[0122]
The fade-out target still image storage area is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 in order to store a fade-out target picture, which is a fade-out target still image, in frame units.
[0123]
If the picture data read in step S202 is a picture to be combined and displayed (Y in step S214), the GCL 81 executes a continuous decoding process (step S215). The continuous decoding process will be described later in detail.
[0124]
If the picture data read in step S202 is not any of the still display target picture, the fade-in target picture, the fade-out target picture, and the composite display target picture (N in step S214), the GCL 81 causes the moving image compression / expansion unit 89 And decodes the read picture data (step S216), and expands the decoded picture data on a frame basis in a development area of the image memory pointed to by the development area designation pointer (step S217). Then, the GCL 81 updates the value of the development area designation pointer so that the development area designation pointer points to the next development area to be used (step S218).
[0125]
The image memory is provided, for example, in a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 in order to expand image data used for reproduction in frame units. The image memory is provided with a plurality of development areas for developing image data in frame units. The development area designation pointer is a pointer provided in, for example, a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 and pointing to a development area where the decoded image data is developed. For example, when the image memory is provided with twelve development areas from the development area 0 to the development area 11, the development area designation pointer takes a value in the range of 0 to 11. Then, in step S218, the value of the development area designation pointer is updated to a value that is developed in the image memory in the order in which the decoded image data is reproduced. Then, in step S217 of the next decoding process, the GCL 81 selects a development area in which the same value as the value of the development area designation pointer is set as an area for developing image data.
[0126]
Specifically, for example, when the pictures are reproduced in the order of an I picture, a B1 picture, a B2 picture, and a P picture, the pictures are decoded in the order of an I picture, a P picture, a B1 picture, and a B2 picture. In this case, after expanding the image data of the I picture in the image memory, add 3 to the value of the expansion area designation pointer, expand the image data of the P picture in the expansion area indicated by the expansion area specification pointer after the addition, and then specify the expansion area. The value of the pointer is subtracted by 2, the image data of the B1 picture is expanded to the expansion area indicated by the expansion area specification pointer after the subtraction, and the value of the expansion area specification pointer is incremented by one. After the image data of the B2 picture is expanded in the area, the value of the expansion area designation pointer may be updated according to the picture to be decoded next. When the value of the development area designation pointer becomes 12, the value is returned to 0.
[0127]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the continuous decoding process (step S215) executed by the GCL 81. In the continuous decoding process, a process of continuously decoding a plurality of pictures for generating one composite image is executed. In the continuous decoding process, the GCL 81 first adds 1 to the remaining number of combined display executions (step S221), and in this example, sets the number of processes to 3 (step S222). Note that, in this example, the remaining number of combined display executions and the number of processes are stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 103 provided in the effect control board 100. The remaining number of combined display executions indicates the number of remaining images for which decoding processing for performing combined display has been performed but for which combined display has not been completed. Further, in this example, the number of processes is equal to the number of images used to generate the composite image.
[0128]
Next, the GCL 81 controls the moving image compression / decompression unit 89 to decode the read picture data (step S223), designate depth display position information for the read picture (step S224), and decode the decoded picture data. Is stored in a predetermined compositing target image storage area in frame units (step S225).
[0129]
The synthesis target picture means a picture that is predetermined as a synthesis target image for generating a synthesis image. The information indicating whether or not the picture is a composite display target picture is stored in the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture. Therefore, the GCL 81 can determine whether or not the read-out picture is a picture to be combined and displayed by checking the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture. In this example, among the plurality of pictures to be combined with each other, only the MPEG2 function extension information of the first combined display target picture that is read out includes information indicating that the picture is the combined display target picture and the picture of the picture used for combination. Information indicating the number is stored. Then, the number of processes set in step S222 is set according to the information indicating the number of pictures used for synthesis stored in the MPEG2 function extension information.
[0130]
The depth display position information is information indicating the coordinates in the depth direction when displayed on the LCD 6, and is stored in the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture used for synthesis. Therefore, the GCL 81 can acquire the depth display position information of the read picture by checking the MPEG2 function extension information of each picture. In the processing in steps S224 and S225, the decoded picture data and the depth display position information for the picture data are stored in a predetermined compositing target image storage area. The coordinate in the depth direction means a value on a coordinate axis when the coordinate axis is set in the front-rear direction (a direction from the front side to the back side) of the display screen of the LCD 6. Set to be larger. Therefore, when a combined image is generated, an image having a smaller value of depth display position information is combined with the front side, and an image having a larger value of depth display position information is combined with the back side. Further, since the value of the depth display position information is small and the image synthesized on the front side is smaller than the image synthesized on the back side with the large value of the depth display position information, it can be said that the image has a smaller value. An image having depth display position information may be referred to as a “high-priority image”, and an image having a greater depth display position information may be referred to as a “low-priority image”.
[0131]
In the present example, a group of compositing target image storage areas having a number of compositing target image storage areas equal to the number of pictures used for compositing is provided. For example, a predetermined number of image storage area groups are prepared in a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84. In this example, each group of the synthesis target image storage areas includes three synthesis target image storage areas corresponding to the number of processes. In step S225, the decoded picture data and the like are stored in the compositing target image storage area corresponding to the current number of processes in the compositing target image storage area group indicated by the image group storage area designation pointer.
[0132]
The image group storage area designation pointer is a pointer provided in, for example, a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 and pointing to a group of synthesis target image storage areas for storing a group of synthesis target image data used for generating one synthesized image. For example, when there are twelve image storage area groups from the storage area group 0 to the storage area group 11, the image group storage area designation pointer takes a value in the range of 0 to 11. Then, in step S229, which will be described later, the value of the image group storage area designation pointer is updated to a value indicating the image storage area group to be combined that stores the next group of picture data used for composition. Then, in the next continuous decoding process, the GCL 81 sets the synthesis target image storage area group in which the same value as the value of the updated image group storage area designation pointer is set as an area for storing a group of picture data. Is selected as
[0133]
When the process in step S225 is completed, the GCL 81 subtracts 1 from the number of processes (step S226), and if the number of processes is not 0 (N in step S227), reads out the next picture data from the moving image data to be used (step S227). S228). Then, the processing of steps S223 to S227 is executed again. In this example, the processing of step S223 to step S227 is repeatedly performed three times, three pieces of picture data for generating one combined image are read, and the decoded combining target image data and the depth display position information Are stored in the respective synthesis target image storage areas in the synthesis target image storage area group.
[0134]
If the number of processes is 0 in the confirmation process in step S227 (Y in step S227), the GCL 81 changes the value to a value indicating the group of image storage regions to be used in the next continuous decoding process. Then, the value of the image group storage area designation pointer is updated (step S229).
[0135]
As described above, the plurality of synthesis target images used to generate one composite image are stored in each synthesis target image storage area in the synthesis target image storage area group together with the respective depth display position information. You.
[0136]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the moving image reproduction process executed by the GCL 81. In the moving image reproduction process, if the fade-in flag is on (Y in step S231), the GCL 81 executes a fade-in process described later (step S232). If the fade-out flag is on (Y in step S233), a fade-out process described later is executed (step S234).
[0137]
If neither the fade-in flag nor the fade-out flag is in the ON state (N in step S233), the GCL 81 checks the value of the remaining number of combined display executions, and if the remaining number of combined display execution is not 0 (Y in step S235). Then, a composite image display process is executed (step S236). The composite image display processing will be described later in detail.
[0138]
If the remaining number of combined display executions is 0 (N in step S235), the GCL 81 displays an image on the LCD 6 using the frame data developed in the development area of the image memory pointed to by the reproduction area designation pointer (step S237). ).
[0139]
Next, if the still display flag is in the ON state (Y in step S238), the GCL 81 confirms whether or not the still display time timer has timed out because the still display process is being performed using the still display target picture. (Step S239). If the still display time timer has timed out, the GCL 81 sets the still display flag to the off state (step S240), and sets the reproduction area designation pointer to the next development area to be used. The value of the area designation pointer is updated (step S241). If the still display time timer has not timed out, the value of the reproduction area designation pointer is not updated in order to continue the still display processing.
[0140]
The reproduction area designation pointer is, for example, a pointer provided in a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 and indicates a development area in which image data to be used next for performing moving image reproduction is developed. For example, when the image memory is provided with twelve development areas from the development area 0 to the development area 11, the reproduction area designation pointer takes a value in the range from 0 to 11, and the reproduction area is designated in step S241. The value of the area designation pointer is configured to be incremented by one. When the value of the reproduction area designation pointer becomes 12, the value is returned to 0. In step S237, the GCL 81 selects, in step S237, a development area in which the same value as the value of the reproduction area designation pointer is set as an area in which image data to be used next for moving image reproduction is stored. .
[0141]
The above-described moving image reproduction process is executed, for example, after the above-described decryption process. However, since the order in which the image data is decoded and the order in which the image data is reproduced are different, the decoding process needs to be executed at least several times before the moving image reproduction process. The decoding process and the moving image reproduction process are called up and repeatedly executed when a game effect using a moving image is performed. By repeatedly executing the decoding process and the moving image reproduction process, a moving image based on the compressed moving image data is displayed on the screen of the LCD 6, and a game effect is executed.
[0142]
Next, a composite image display process performed by the effect control unit will be described. FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the composite image display process (step S236) executed by the GCL 81. In the composite image display process, the GCL 81 first sets the number of processes (step S251). In this example, the same number of values as the number of processes set in step S222 described above is set as the number of processes. Therefore, for example, the number of processes set in step S222 is stored in a predetermined compositing target image storage area, and a reference is made to a compositing target image storage area in which picture data used for a translucent process described later is stored. The number of processes may be set by setting.
[0143]
After setting the number of processes, the GCL 81 executes a translucent process described below (step S252), and subtracts 1 from the number of processes (step S253). Then, the translucent process is repeatedly executed until the number of processes becomes 0 (steps S252 to S254). When the number of processes becomes zero, the GCL 81 generates synthesized image data obtained by synthesizing a plurality of synthesized execution image data generated by the translucent process and stored in the synthesized execution image storage area (step S255). At the time of combining, it is determined whether each combined execution image is to be the front side or the back side based on the depth display position information in each combined execution image data. Then, the GCL 81 displays the composite image based on the generated composite image data on the LCD 6 (step S256), subtracts 1 from the remaining number of the composite display execution (step S257), and sets the value of the compositing target image group designation pointer to be described later. Update (step S258).
[0144]
Next, the fade-in process by the effect control unit will be described. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the fade-in process executed by the GCL 81. The fade-in process is executed, for example, when switching between an effect based on a still image and an effect based on a moving image. Here, as the fade-in processing, the transparency (transparency) of the still image to be faded in is gradually reduced when the effect of the still image ends and the effect is switched to the effect of the moving image. Processing is performed to make the still image appear gradually and gradually. The fade-in target still image is, for example, an image that is displayed first among the moving images used for the effect. In this case, the picture reproduced first in the sequence is the still image to be faded in.
[0145]
In the fade-in processing, the GCL 81 reads out the image data of the still image to be fade-in stored in the still image storage area to be fade-in, and also reads out image data predetermined as an intermediate image (step S261). For example, a background image of a single color such as blue or white is used as the intermediate image.
[0146]
Next, the GCL 81 creates a fade-in image by executing the transparency calculation processing (step S262). In the present example, as the transparency calculation processing, a calculation as shown in FIG. 18 is performed. In the transparency calculation processing, for each pixel data (R, G, B data for specifying the display color of each pixel) in the fade-in target still image, each pixel data in the intermediate image at the same display position is converted. The used arithmetic processing is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 18, the transparency calculation process divides the difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding intermediate image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image subject to fade-in by 99, and calculates the value And N are added to the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image subject to fade-in. Each pixel data obtained by the transparency calculation processing is used as pixel data of a fade-in image. For example, the pixel data of the intermediate image at a certain display position is (R, G, B = 240, 160, 160), and the pixel data of the still image to be faded in at the same position is (R, G, B = 180, 130, 130) and N = 33, the pixel data of the fade-in image at that position is (R, G, B = 200, 140, 140). If the operation result does not become an integer, it may be converted to an integer by performing processing such as truncation below the decimal point.
[0147]
Note that “N” shown in FIG. 18 is a value for specifying the transparency of the fade-in image, and in this example, an integer from 0 to 99 is taken so that the transparency can be changed in 100 steps. I have to. In this example, when “N” is “0”, the fade-in image is the same as the fade-in target still image (that is, the transparency is 0%), and when “N” is “99”, the fade-in image is faded. The in-image is the same as the intermediate image (that is, the transparency is 100%). More specifically, in this example, when “N” in the numerical formula shown in FIG. 18 used for the transparency calculation processing is sequentially subtracted from “99” to “0”, the fade-in image obtained by the calculation result is , The intermediate image gradually approaches the fade-in target still image. In this example, the transparency is set to 100 levels, but may be set to other levels. In that case, the possible value of “N” is changed (if it is 200 stages, it is sufficient to take a value from 0 to 199), and “99” of the denominator shown in FIG. If it is a stage, it may be changed to "199").
[0148]
The formula used in the transparency calculation processing shown in FIG. 18 is a formula used when the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image to be faded in is smaller than the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image. When the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image is larger than the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image, “+” in the mathematical expression shown in FIG. 18 is changed to “−”, and the numerator of the fractional part is displayed. It is only necessary to use a mathematical expression in which the terms are replaced. That is, the difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding fade-in target still image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image is divided by 99, and the resulting value is multiplied by N to obtain the pixel data of the fade-in target still image. May be subtracted from the value indicated by.
[0149]
In this example, the transparency calculation processing in the fade-in processing is performed by using the mathematical formulas and the like shown in FIG. 18, but other calculation processing may be performed. Using the mathematical formula shown in FIG. 18, as the value of N decreases, a fade-in image that linearly approaches the fade-in target still image from the intermediate image can be obtained. Alternatively, a mathematical expression that can obtain a fade-in image that curves and approaches the fade-in target still image from the intermediate image may be used.
[0150]
When the fade-in image is created by the transparency calculation process, the GCL 81 executes a process of displaying the created fade-in image on the LCD 6 (step S263).
[0151]
The GCL 81 checks the value of N in the equation shown in FIG. 18 (step S264). If the value of N is not 0, the GCL 81 determines the transparency of the still image to be faded in by the fade-in process executed at the next timing. In order to further decrease the value, the value of N is updated to a value obtained by subtracting 1 (step S265). On the other hand, if the value of N is 0, the still image to be faded-in is clearly displayed in a complete state that is not completely transparent, and the still image to be faded in gradually appears. Since the series of fade-in processing to be performed has been completed, the value of N is updated to the initial value “99” in order to execute the next series of fade-in processing (step S266). . Further, since a series of fade-in processing is completed, the fade-in flag is turned off (step S267).
[0152]
The above-described fade-in process is called, for example, during the process of changing the symbol in the effect control process process. The call is made first at a predetermined timing when the fade-in process is started, and thereafter, the call is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times including the first time) every predetermined period (for example, every 10 ms). Since the transparency calculation processing using the value of N that is subtracted is performed each time the call is repeatedly made, the transparency of the still image to be faded in gradually decreases by repeatedly performing the fade-in processing. Fade-in display is performed. For example, when an effect based on a moving image is started during the variable display effect, display is performed by the fade-in process such that the first image in the moving image that is a fade-in target still image gradually appears. . Then, finally, the still image to be faded in is displayed in a complete state in which the transparency is not reduced. Thereafter, reproduction of a moving image with the fade-in target still image as the first image is executed. Note that a series of fade-in processes repeatedly executed may be referred to as “fade-in process”.
[0153]
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the LCD 6 when the fade-in process is being performed. Here, a case where a fade-in process is executed in a game effect in the big hit game state will be described as an example. In this example, an image of a person, which is the first image in a moving image used for producing a moving image, is used as a fade-in still image, and a white single-color image is used as an intermediate image.
[0154]
In the case of performing the effect using the fade-in image, after the display effect using the still image ends, the intermediate image is displayed on the LCD 6 as shown in FIG. 19A, and the fade-in process is started. When the fade-in process is started, a fade-in target still image appears from the intermediate image as shown in FIG. 19 (B), and gradually becomes clear as shown in FIG. 19 (C). The image is displayed. Finally, as shown in FIG. 19D, the image of the person is displayed as a fade-in image in a completely opaque state that is not completely transparent. Note that the fade-in image shown in FIG. 19A is an image obtained by performing the above-described transparency calculation processing at N = 99, and FIG. FIG. 19C is an image obtained by executing the transparency calculation processing at, for example, N = 33, and FIG. 19D is an image obtained by performing the transparency calculation processing. This is an image obtained by performing the arithmetic processing with, for example, N = 0.
[0155]
When the image of the person is displayed in the opaque state shown in FIG. 19D and the fade-in process ends, in this example, the effect of the moving image using the finally displayed fade-in image as the initial image Is started. That is, for example, a moving image in which a person displayed in an opaque state starts moving and performs various operations is displayed on the LCD 6.
[0156]
As described above, the fade-in display is performed using the image data for one frame included in the moving image data, so that the fade-in display is performed without increasing the data amount of the moving image data. be able to. Therefore, the required capacity of the storage area for moving image data can be reduced. Further, since the data amount of the moving image data does not increase, it is not necessary to shorten the execution period of the fade-in display, and it is possible to perform the fade-in display in which the effect period is sufficiently secured. . Therefore, the fade-in display can be performed smoothly.
[0157]
In addition, as described above, in the fade-in process, the image is configured to appear stepwise via a predetermined intermediate image, so that it is easy to visually recognize the appearance of the image gradually. Fade-in display that can be performed can be performed.
[0158]
Next, the fade-out processing by the effect control means will be described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fade-out process performed by the GCL 81. The fade-out process is executed, for example, when switching between an effect based on a still image and an effect based on a moving image. Here, as the fade-out processing, when the effect by the moving image ends and the effect is switched to the effect by the still image, the transparency of the still image to be faded out is gradually increased so that the still image to be faded out gradually disappears. A process is performed to make it go. The fade-out target still image is, for example, an image displayed last among the moving images used for the effect. In this case, the picture reproduced last in the sequence is the still image to be faded out.
[0159]
In the fade-out processing, the GCL 81 reads out the image data of the still image to be faded out stored in the still image storage area to be faded out, and also reads out the image data predetermined as the intermediate image (step S271). For example, a background image of a single color such as blue or white is used as the intermediate image.
[0160]
Next, the GCL 81 creates a fade-out image by executing the transparency calculation processing (step S272). In the present example, a calculation as shown in FIG. 21 is performed as the transparency calculation process. In the transparency calculation processing, for each pixel data (R, G, B data for specifying the display color of each pixel) in the fade-out target still image, each pixel data in the intermediate image having the same display position is used. Is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21, the transparency calculation processing divides the difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding intermediate image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image image to be faded out by 99, and divides the difference by 99. The value indicated by the pixel data of the still image to be faded out is added to the value multiplied by M. Each pixel data obtained by the transparency calculation processing is used as pixel data of a fade-out image. For example, pixel data of an intermediate image at a certain display position is (R, G, B = 240, 160, 160), and pixel data of a still image to be faded out at the same position is (R, G, B = 180, 130, 130). ), And when M = 66, the pixel data of the fade-out image at that position is (R, G, B = 220, 150, 150). If the operation result does not become an integer, it may be converted to an integer by performing processing such as truncation below the decimal point.
[0161]
Note that “M” shown in FIG. 21 is a value for specifying the transparency of the fade-out image, and in this example, an integer from 0 to 99 is set so that the transparency can be changed in 100 steps. ing. In this example, when “M” is “0”, the fade-out image is the same as the fade-out target still image (that is, the transparency is 0%), and when “M” is “99”, the fade-out image is It is the same as the intermediate image (that is, the transparency is 100%). More specifically, in this example, when “M” of the mathematical expression shown in FIG. 21 used for the transparency calculation processing is sequentially added from “0” to “99”, the fade-out image obtained by the calculation result is The fade-out target still image gradually approaches the intermediate image. In this example, the transparency is set to 100 levels, but may be set to other levels. In this case, the possible value of “M” is changed (if it is 200, it is sufficient to take 0 to 199), and “99” of the denominator shown in FIG. If it is a stage, it may be changed to "199").
[0162]
The formula used in the transparency calculation processing shown in FIG. 21 is used when the value indicated by the pixel data of the still image to be faded out is smaller than the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image. 21 is larger than the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image, the “+” in the mathematical expression shown in FIG. 21 is changed to “−”, and each of the numerators in the fractional part is expressed. What is necessary is just to use the formula which replaced the term. That is, the difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding fade-out target still image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the intermediate image is divided by 99, and the value obtained by multiplying the value by M is indicated by the pixel data of the fade-out target still image. What is necessary is just to subtract from a value.
[0163]
In this example, the transparency calculation processing in the fade-out processing is performed by using the mathematical formulas and the like shown in FIG. 21, but other calculation processing may be performed. Using the mathematical formula shown in FIG. 21, as the value of M is increased, a fade-out image that linearly approaches the intermediate image can be obtained from the fade-out target still image. It is also possible to use a mathematical formula that can obtain a fade-out image that approaches the intermediate image in a curved manner from the target still image.
[0164]
When the fade-out image is created by the transparency calculation process, the GCL 81 executes a process of displaying the created fade-out image on the LCD 6 (step S273).
[0165]
Then, the GCL 81 checks the value of M in the formula shown in FIG. 21 (step S274). If the value of M is not 99, the transparency of the still image to be faded out is further increased by the fade-out process executed at the next timing. Therefore, the value of M is updated to a value obtained by adding 1 (step S275). On the other hand, if the value of M is 99, the image is completely transparent and the image of the fade-out target still image has disappeared, and a series of fade-out processing in which the fade-out target still image gradually disappears is performed. Is completed, the value of M is updated to the initial value “0” for the next series of fade-out processing (step S276). Further, since a series of fade-out processing is completed, the fade-out flag is turned off (step S277).
[0166]
The above-described fade-out process is called, for example, during the process of changing symbols in the effect control process process. The call is made first at a predetermined timing at which the fade-out process is started, and thereafter, the call is repeated a predetermined number of times (for example, 100 times including the first time) every predetermined period (for example, every 10 ms). The fade-out display in which the transparency of the still image to be faded out is gradually increased by repeatedly performing the fade-out processing because the transparency calculation processing using the value of M added each time the call is repeatedly performed is performed. Will be done. For example, an effect by a moving image is performed during the variable display effect, and when the effect by the moving image ends, the last image in the moving image that is a fade-out target still image gradually disappears by the fade-out processing. Is displayed. Finally, the still image to be faded out is completely transparent, and the intermediate image is displayed. Then, the game effect by the moving image ends, for example, the effect by the still image is started. A series of fade-out processes that are repeatedly executed may be referred to as “fade-out process”.
[0167]
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the LCD 6 when the fade-out process is being performed. Here, a case will be described as an example where a fade-out process is executed in a game effect in the big hit game state. In this example, an image of a person, which is the last image in a moving image used for producing a moving image, is used as a still image to be faded out, and a white single-color image is used as an intermediate image.
[0168]
In the case of performing an effect using a fade-out image, the fade-out process starts when the last image of the reproduced moving image is displayed, as shown in FIG. When the fade-out process starts, the still image to be faded out gradually becomes blurred as shown in FIG. 22 (B), and becomes a display state in which it becomes gradually difficult to visually recognize as shown in FIG. 22 (C). A fading out image is displayed. Finally, as shown in FIG. 22D, an image in which the image of the person has been completely transparentized and the image of the person has disappeared is displayed as the fade-out image, and the same image as the intermediate image is displayed. . Note that the fade-out image shown in FIG. 22A is an image obtained by executing the above-described transparency calculation processing at M = 0, and FIG. 22 (C) is an image obtained by performing the transparency calculation processing at, for example, M = 66, and FIG. 22 (D) is an image obtained by performing the transparency calculation. This is an image obtained by executing the processing at, for example, M = 99.
[0169]
When the same fade-out image as the intermediate image shown in FIG. 22 (D) is displayed and the fade-out processing is completed, a subsequent effect such as an effect using a still image is started. The effect may be ended by the end of the fade-out processing.
[0170]
As described above, the configuration in which the fade-out display is performed using the image data for one frame included in the moving image data allows the fade-out display to be performed without increasing the data amount of the moving image data. it can. Therefore, the required capacity of the storage area for moving image data can be reduced. Further, since the data amount of the moving image data does not increase, it is not necessary to shorten the execution period of the fade-out display, and it is possible to perform the fade-out display in which the effect period is sufficiently secured. Therefore, the fade-out display can be performed smoothly.
[0171]
Further, as described above, in the fade-out processing, the image is gradually erased and a predetermined intermediate image is displayed, so that it is easy to visually recognize a state in which the image gradually disappears. A fade-out display can be performed.
[0172]
Next, the semi-transparency processing by the effect control means will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the translucent process performed by the GCL 81. The translucent process is a process for generating a synthesized execution image for generating a synthesized image from a synthesis target image prepared in advance as moving image data, and displays the transparency (transparency) of the synthesis target image in depth. A process is performed to generate a combined execution image that is lowered based on the position information and has transparency according to the depth display position information.
[0173]
In the translucent process, the GCL 81 reads out the image data of the compositing target image from the compositing target image storage area corresponding to the number of processes in the compositing target image storage area group pointed to by the compositing target image group designation pointer, and determines the image data in advance. The image data of the background image being read is read (step S281). As the background image, for example, a single color image such as blue or white is used.
[0174]
The compositing target image group designation pointer is, for example, a pointer provided in a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84 and points to a compositing target image storage region group in which a plurality of compositing target images used in the present translucent process are stored. For example, when twelve synthesis target image storage area groups from the synthesis target image storage area group 0 to the synthesis target image storage area group 11 are provided, the synthesis target image group designation pointers A value of the range is taken, and the value of the compositing target image group designation pointer is incremented by 1 in step S258 described above. Note that when the value of the compositing target image group designation pointer becomes 12, the value is returned to 0.
[0175]
Next, the GCL 81 sets the value indicated by the depth display position information stored in the compositing target image storage area from which the compositing target image data has been read, as a variable P (see FIG. 24) of a mathematical expression used in the translucent operation processing. Then, a combined execution image is generated by executing the transparency calculation processing (step S282) (step S283). Next, the GCL 81 stores the generated image data of the combined execution image in the combined execution image storage area together with the corresponding depth display position information (step S284). The combined execution image storage area is a storage area in which a plurality of combined execution images for generating one combined image are respectively stored, and is provided in a predetermined area of the SDRAM 84, for example. In step S284, the generated combined execution image data and the depth display position information are stored in a storage area corresponding to the number of processes in the combined execution image storage area.
[0176]
In the present example, a calculation as shown in FIG. 24 is performed as the transparency calculation process executed in the translucent process. In this transparency calculation processing, for each pixel data (R, G, B data for specifying the display color of each pixel) in the image to be synthesized, each pixel data in the background image at the same display position is used. Is performed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24, the transparency calculation processing divides the difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding background image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the synthesis target image by 99, and divides the difference by P Is added to the value indicated by the pixel data of the image to be combined. Each pixel data obtained by the transparency calculation processing is used as pixel data of a combined execution image. For example, the pixel data of the background image at a certain display position is (R, G, B = 240, 160, 160), and the pixel data of the synthesis target image at the same position is (R, G, B = 180, 130, 130). When P = 33, the pixel data of the combined execution image at that position is (R, G, B = 200, 140, 140). If the operation result does not become an integer, it may be converted to an integer by performing processing such as truncation below the decimal point.
[0177]
Note that “P” shown in FIG. 24 is a value for specifying the transparency of the combined execution image, and in this example, an integer from 0 to 99 is taken so that the transparency can be changed in 100 steps. I have to. In this example, a different depth of appearance is obtained by making the transparency of the combined execution image different. Therefore, the value of “P”, that is, the transparency of the combined execution image is determined by the value indicated by the depth display position information. For example, if the value indicated by the depth display position information is 20, P may be set to 20. In this example, when “P” is “0”, the combined execution image is the same as the combination target image (that is, the transparency is 0%), and when “P” is “99”, the combined execution image is Is the same as the background image (that is, the transparency is 100%). In this example, the transparency is set to 100 levels, but may be set to other levels. In this case, the possible value of “P” is changed (if it is 200, it is sufficient to take 0 to 199), and “99” of the denominator shown in FIG. If it is a stage, it may be changed to "199").
[0178]
The formula used in the transparency calculation processing shown in FIG. 24 is a formula used when the value indicated by the pixel data of the synthesis target image is smaller than the value indicated by the pixel data of the background image, and When the value indicated by the data is larger than the value indicated by the pixel data of the background image, “+” in the mathematical expression shown in FIG. 24 is changed to “−”, and each term of the numerator of the fractional part is changed. What is necessary is just to use the replaced numerical formula. That is, the difference between the value indicated by the pixel data of the corresponding synthesis target image and the value indicated by the pixel data of the background image is divided by 99, and a value obtained by multiplying the value by P is calculated from the value indicated by the pixel data of the synthesis target image. What is necessary is just to make it subtract.
[0179]
In this example, the transparency calculation processing in the semi-transparency processing is performed by using the mathematical formulas and the like shown in FIG. 24, but other calculation processing may be performed. By using the mathematical formula shown in FIG. 24, as the value of P is reduced, a synthesis execution image that linearly approaches the synthesis target image from the background image can be obtained. A mathematical expression may be used so as to obtain a synthesis execution image that approaches the synthesis target image in a curved manner from the image.
[0180]
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a synthesis target image and a synthesis execution image. FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the LCD 6 when a composite image is displayed.
[0181]
FIGS. 25A to 25C show a compositing target image used for generating a composite image. For example, in the loop processing of steps S237 to S239, the translucent processing based on the value indicated by the depth display position information is repeatedly performed three times, and thereby each of the processing illustrated in FIGS. 25A to 25C is performed. From the synthesis target images, synthesis execution images shown in FIGS. 25A to 25C are respectively generated.
[0182]
In this example, the value indicated by the depth display position information of the synthesis target image shown in FIG. 25A is the smallest (for example, “0”), and the value indicated by the depth display position information of the synthesis target image shown in FIG. Is the largest (for example, “50”). That is, the depth display position information of each synthesis target image is set such that the priority of the synthesis target image illustrated in FIG. 25A is the highest and the priority of the synthesis target image illustrated in FIG. 25C is the lowest. Have been.
[0183]
Since the value indicated by the depth display position information is “0” in the synthesis target image shown in FIG. 25A, the same image shown in FIG. ) Is generated. That is, the synthesis target image shown in FIG. 25A is the same image as the synthesis target image shown in FIG. 25A in which the transparency is not reduced.
[0184]
In addition, by the translucent process, the synthesis execution image shown in FIG. 25B in which the transparency is reduced from the synthesis target image shown in FIG. 25B is generated, and the transparency execution image is generated from the synthesis target image shown in FIG. Is further reduced, and a combined execution image shown in FIG. 25C is generated.
[0185]
Then, the respective combined execution images shown in FIGS. 25 (a) to 25 (c) are combined based on the priority corresponding to the value indicated by the depth display position information, and thereby the combination shown in FIG. An image is generated. The priority is higher as the value indicated by the depth display position information is smaller, and is lower as the value indicated by the depth display position information is larger. In other words, the value indicated by the depth display position information is a value indicating a coordinate axis in the depth direction on the display screen of the LCD 6, and is set to “0” when the display position is at the foremost position. It is set to take a large value.
[0186]
By repeatedly executing the moving image reproducing process of repeatedly performing the translucent process as described above a plurality of times, the moving image effect by the composite image is performed. Specifically, for example, in a moving image effect, after the composite image shown in FIG. 26A is displayed, the composite images shown in FIG. 26B and FIG. A moving image display that is gradually shifted to the left is executed.
[0187]
Note that, in the above example, for simplicity of explanation, an example in which a game effect is performed using a moving image using a composite image in which three trees are arranged in the front-back direction has been described. It may be a game production, for example, even if a moving image that displays a scene where petals and leaves are falling in a three-dimensional space is used, even if it is raining in a three-dimensional space A moving image that displays a special scene may be used.
[0188]
As described above, the display control unit performs the translucent process on the image data to be combined in the moving image data based on the depth display position information to generate combined execution image data, and combines the generated combined execution image data. Since the game effect is performed by using the moving image using the synthesized image data, the transparency of the image displayed on the rear side in the front-rear direction with low priority and the image of high priority displayed on the near side By making the transmittance different from that of the image, it is possible to display an image with an enhanced sense of depth, and it is possible to perform an effect display with a sense of realism with an enhanced stereoscopic effect. In particular, in the above-described embodiment, the transparency of the image displayed on the rear side in the front-rear direction with a low priority is made higher than the transparency of the image with high priority displayed on the front side, and Since the transparency of the image synthesized with the image is enhanced, it is possible to obtain an image close to the real space in which the sense of depth is emphasized. Therefore, by adjusting the difference between the transparency of the image displayed on the rear side of the lower priority order in the front-rear direction and the transparency of the higher priority image displayed on the front side, is the user seeing the real space? Can be displayed, and an effect display with a sense of realism with an enhanced three-dimensional effect can be performed.
[0189]
In the gaming machine of this example, the above-described decoding processing and moving image reproduction processing are executed, so that the still display processing is executed using the still display target picture. That is, by repeatedly executing image display based on predetermined one frame of image data included in the moving image data, the same image is continuously displayed for a predetermined period of time. Is realized using the image data included in.
[0190]
The still display target picture is, for example, an image indicating a scene in which a change in the display image does not change for a predetermined period in a moving image used for the effect. When the still display target image by the still display target picture is displayed for a predetermined period, the moving image display is executed by each picture provided after the still display target picture.
[0191]
FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of the LCD 6 when still display processing is performed using a still display target picture. Here, a case will be described as an example where a still display processing of a still display target image is performed by a still display target picture in a game effect in the big hit gaming state. In this example, an image of a person constituting a scene in which there is no change in a display image in a moving image effect for a predetermined period is used as the still display target image.
[0192]
In the case of performing an effect using a still display target image, as shown in FIG. 27A and FIG. 27B, for example, a moving image in which a person is moving is displayed, and then the image is displayed as shown in FIG. The image in which the person who was operating is stopped is displayed. Note that the image shown in FIG. 27C is a still display target image.
[0193]
Once the still display target image is displayed on the LCD 6 as shown in FIG. 27 (C), the still display target image is displayed until the still display time timer times out as shown in FIGS. 27 (D) and 27 (E). Is displayed repeatedly and continuously. Then, when a predetermined time period elapses and the still display time timer times out, as shown in FIG. 27 (F) and FIG. 27 (G), the person who is stationary starts moving and performs various operations. A moving image is displayed on the LCD 6, and a moving image effect is executed on the LCD 6.
[0194]
As described above, the configuration is such that the still image is displayed for a predetermined period by using the image data for one frame included in the moving image data, so that the display screen does not change during the moving image effect. When there is a scene, it is possible to eliminate the need to prepare moving image data for displaying such a scene, so that it is possible to reduce moving image data for performing a still display, The data amount of the entire data can be reduced. Therefore, the required capacity of the storage area for moving image data can be reduced.
[0195]
Further, as described above, the fade-in display is performed using the image data for one frame included in the moving image data so that the fade-in display is performed without increasing the data amount of the moving image data, In addition, moving image data for performing still display is reduced in a configuration in which still image is displayed for a predetermined period using image data for one frame included in moving image data, so that moving image data for performing still display is reduced. The data amount of the entire image data can be significantly reduced.
[0196]
Further, as described above, the fade-out display is performed using the image data for one frame included in the moving image data so as to perform the fade-out display without increasing the data amount of the moving image data, and Since the configuration for performing still display in which a display image is stopped for a predetermined period using image data for one frame included in moving image data is used to reduce the amount of moving image data for performing still display, the moving image data The entire data amount can be significantly reduced.
[0197]
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the fade-in display is performed when switching from the effect based on the still image to the effect based on the moving image is performed. A configuration in which fade-in display in which an image gradually appears may be performed.
[0198]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the fade-out display is performed when switching from the effect based on the moving image to the effect based on the still image is performed. A configuration in which a fade-out display that gradually disappears may be performed.
[0199]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, an effect based on a moving image is executed during the process of changing the symbol and the fade-in process or the fade-out process is executed. In various effects such as a jackpot effect in the jackpot game state during a jackpot round or a jackpot round in the jackpot game state, the above-described fade-in display and fade-out display by the fade-in process and the fade-out process are used. The effect may be performed.
[0200]
For example, a fade-in display is executed at the time of developing to a reach with a high jackpot reliability called a super-reach, an effect by a moving image is executed after the fade-in display, and a fade-out display is performed at the end of the effect by the moving image. You may. Further, for example, a fade-in display may be performed when a demonstration image is displayed, a demonstration effect using a moving image may be performed after the fade-in display, and a fade-out display may be performed at the end of the effect using the moving image.
[0201]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, for example, an effect based on a moving image is executed during the process of changing a symbol and the still display process is executed. However, for example, it is notified in advance that a reach or a big hit will occur. In a variety of effects such as a notice effect for performing, a jackpot effect performed during a jackpot round in the jackpot game state or between jackpot rounds, a demonstration effect, etc., an effect using the still display by the above-described still display process is performed. Is also good.
[0202]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, when there is a scene where the display screen does not change during the moving image effect, the still display by the still display target image is performed. For example, when there is almost no change in the display screen during the moving image effect, the still display by the still display target image may be executed.
[0203]
In the above-described embodiment, the composition target image data for generating each composite image used for the effect by the moving image is included in one moving image data. However, the same number of moving images as the number of images to be combined is included. A composite image may be generated using image data. For example, when a composite image is generated by synthesizing three images, as shown in FIG. 28, three types of moving image data of near, middle, and back are prepared in advance, and each moving image data is prepared. Each image data for one frame read from the data is used as each composition target image for generating one composite image, and each composition execution image generated based on each composition target image is composed to generate a composite image. Then, a game effect using a moving image may be executed using the synthesized images sequentially synthesized. Note that the three types of moving image data of the front, middle, and back are each configured by arranging picture data in, for example, the order of combination. Then, for example, a composite image is generated using each picture 1 in each moving image data shown in FIG. 28, and then the picture data is read out in the order of picture 2, picture 3,. In this case, the effect by the moving image may be executed.
[0204]
More specifically, in a case where a combined image is generated using the same number of moving image data as the number of images to be combined, in step S202 in the above-described decoding process, the sequence shown in FIG. It is sufficient to read out the picture data and read out the sequence (medium) or sequence (back) picture data according to the number of processes in step S228 in the continuous decoding process. For example, the sequence (medium) picture data may be read when the number of processes is “2”, and the sequence (back) picture data may be read when the number of processes is “1”. Then, in the moving image reproduction process, based on the read picture data, the combined execution image data is generated in steps S252 to S254 in the combined image display process, and the combined image data is generated in step S255. By repeatedly executing the above-described decoding processing and moving image reproduction processing, a moving image effect using a composite image is realized.
[0205]
In this case, each piece of image data set in the plurality of pieces of moving image data may be linked image data having relevance to each other. That is, even when each moving image data set in each moving image data is configured to be a combined image having some relevance by the images on the front, middle, and back sides when combined, Good. For example, in each piece of moving image data, each of the compositing target images for generating one composite image may be data generated so as to be related to each other. For example, in the case of using a moving image showing the state of “the seaside” in the effect of the synthetic image, the data showing the state of “the person wearing the swimsuit” is included in the moving image data for generating the synthetic execution image synthesized on the near side Is set, data indicating the state of “sea” is set in the moving image data for generating a combined execution image that is combined in the middle, and moving image data for generating a combined execution image that is combined on the back side. In this case, data indicating the state of “sand beach” may be set. With this configuration, a three-dimensional landscape image at the seaside can be realized by the entire front, middle, and rear images, and a moving image based on a composite image generated using a plurality of different pieces of moving image data. The image can be a coherent image as a whole.
[0206]
FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of a combined image generated by combining linked image data. FIG. 29 shows an image showing the state of the seaside. In FIG. 29A, moving image data indicating a state of “a person wearing a swimsuit” is synthesized on the near side in the front-rear direction, and moving image data indicating a state of “sea” is synthesized in the middle of the front-rear direction. In addition, a combined image generated by combining moving image data indicating a state of “sand beach” on the back side in the front-back direction is shown. Then, by sequentially generating the composite images as shown in FIGS. 29B and 29C and sequentially updating the generated composite images, for example, the “human wearing a swimsuit” operates. Or a moving image display in which the sea waves gradually come to the near side. In this case, since each piece of linked image data has relevance to each other, each image displayed by each piece of linked image data performs a moving image effect by a synthetic image having relevance to each other. Specifically, for example, a moving image effect by a synthetic image showing that a “human wearing a swimsuit” grasps the sand of “sand beach” or a synthetic image showing that a “human wearing a swimsuit” is immersed in the “sea” A moving image effect using images is executed.
[0207]
Further, each of the image data set in the plurality of moving image data may be independent image data having no relation to each other. In this case, for example, in each moving image data, in order to generate one composite image, the respective synthesis target images may be generated so as to be independent from each other. In other words, with the intention of creating a composite image having independence, if each image data is provided so that images that are not consciously related are synthesized before and after and displayed three-dimensionally Good. Specifically, for example, when performing an effect using a composite image, data indicating the state of a “turtle” is set in moving image data for generating a composite execution image to be composited on the near side, and the image is composited in the middle. Data indicating that an “airplane” is flying is set in the moving image data for generating a combined execution image, and “waterfall” is included in the moving image data for generating a combined execution image to be synthesized on the back side. Image data for displaying an unrelated character or the like before and after may be set, for example, by setting data indicating the state. With this configuration, a game effect can be performed by a moving image of a composite image generated using a plurality of different moving image data having different independence.
[0208]
FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display state of a combined image generated by combining independent image data. FIG. 30 illustrates an image showing a state in which a plurality of independent objects are displayed. In FIG. 30A, the moving image data indicating the state of “animal” is synthesized on the near side in the front-rear direction, and the moving image data indicating the state of “airplane” is synthesized in the middle of the front-rear direction. On the far side, a combined image generated by combining moving image data indicating the state of “flow of a waterfall” is shown. Then, by sequentially generating composite images as shown in FIGS. 30B and 30C and sequentially updating the generated composite images, for example, “animal” is displayed from the left side of the screen to the right side. A moving image display such as performing a moving operation or flying an “airplane” from the right side to the left side of the screen is realized. In this case, since each independent image data is configured to display a display object that is not related to each other, each image displayed by each independent image data includes a plurality of objects that operate independently and independently of each other. And a moving image effect by such a synthesized image is executed. Specifically, for example, there is no related display such as “animal” and “airplane” collided, and a moving image effect by a composite image showing that each display object operates independently. Is executed.
[0209]
In addition, when performing a game effect by a synthesized image obtained by synthesizing a plurality of related images described above, the game effect may be performed in a variable display area of a special symbol. For example, on the front side or the back side of the special symbol, a game effect may be executed by a composite image in which a plurality of related images are composited. With this configuration, a special symbol is displayed in a special pattern in which images having a high degree of depth and having a high relevance to each other are displayed with a higher transparency than an image displayed on the near side in an image displayed on the back side in the depth direction. The effect can be displayed in the area, and an effect display with a sense of reality in which the stereoscopic effect is further enhanced can be performed.
[0210]
Further, when performing a game effect by a synthesized image obtained by synthesizing a plurality of images having the above-mentioned independence, the game effect may be performed in a variable display area of a special symbol. For example, on the front side or the back side of the special symbol, a game effect may be executed by a composite image obtained by compositing a plurality of independent images. According to this structure, the image displayed on the back side in the depth direction has a higher transparency than the image displayed on the front side, and the unrelated video with the enhanced sense of depth is changed to the special symbol variation. The image can be displayed on the back of the display area, and a more realistic effect display with an enhanced three-dimensional effect can be performed.
[0211]
In each of the above-described embodiments, the composite image is generated by synthesizing the three images on the near side, the intermediate side, and the rear side. However, the composite image is generated by synthesizing another number of images. You may do so. For example, a synthetic image is generated by synthesizing two images, that is, a background image synthesized on the back side and an image indicating a character or the like synthesized on the front side, and an effect by a moving image is generated using the synthesized image. It may be performed.
[0212]
Although not specifically mentioned in the above-described embodiment, the above-described effect using the composite image may be performed, for example, during the symbol change processing. Also, in various effects such as a notice effect for giving a notice of a reach or a big hit and a big hit effect performed during a big hit round or during a big hit round in a big hit game state, the above-described effect using the composite image is performed. It may be.
[0213]
In addition, for example, the effect of the above-described composite image may be performed at the time of developing to reach, which is referred to as super reach, with high hit reliability, or when displaying a demonstration image.
[0214]
Although not specifically mentioned in the above-described embodiment, in a series of moving image effects, still image display processing using one frame of image data at the time of the moving image effect after the above-described fade-in display is performed. Alternatively, a configuration may be employed in which an effect using a composite image is performed, and a fade-out display is performed after the end of the effect. In this case, a fade-in display or a fade-out display may be performed using a composite image, or still display processing may be performed using one composite image. With the above configuration, various effects can be performed without increasing the amount of moving image data.
[0215]
Although not specifically mentioned in the above-described embodiment, the moving image data is data for reproducing a moving image by animation, even if the moving image data is data for reproducing a moving image captured by a moving image photographing apparatus. Or data for reproducing a moving image of a CG image using computer graphics (CG) drawn by an information processing device such as a personal computer. In the case of using the moving image data based on the real image, the movement of a person or an animal can be realistically expressed. Further, in the case of using a moving image data based on a CG image, since an image can be freely created by computer graphics, it is possible to easily create an image which is difficult to obtain by actual shooting. This makes it possible to easily create moving image data including necessary moving images. Note that moving image data may be created by combining a real image and a CG image.
[0216]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game effect by the moving image is described as being performed by the variable display device 9 on which the variable display of the special symbol is performed. However, the display device on which the variable display of the special symbol is performed is performed. A game effect using a moving image may be executed on an image display device separate from the above.
[0217]
In the above-described embodiment, as an example of a gaming machine, a pachinko machine provided with a variable display device 6 having both a function as a variable display device for variably displaying identification information and a function as an image display device for displaying effect images. Although the description has been given using the gaming machine, the present invention is not limited to the pachinko gaming machine, and the present invention can be applied to other gaming machines such as a slot machine provided with a variable display device and an image display device separately. Hereinafter, an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine which is an example of another gaming machine will be described.
[0218]
FIG. 31 is a front view of the slot machine (slot machine) 500 as viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 31, in the slot machine 500, a game panel 501 is detachably attached near the center. In the vicinity of the center of the front surface of the game panel 501, a variable display device 502 for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols is provided. In this embodiment, the variable display device 502 has three symbol display areas of “left”, “middle”, and “right”, and the symbol display reels 502a, 502b, and 502c correspond to the respective symbol display areas. Is provided.
[0219]
At the lower part of the game panel 501, an operation table 520 provided with various input switches for a player to perform various operations is provided. Behind the operation table 520, a BET switch 521 for betting (putting) coins one by one, and a MAXBET switch 522 for betting coins by the maximum number (three in this example) that can be put in a game. , A settlement switch 523, and a coin slot 524. The coin inserted into the coin insertion slot 524 is detected by a not-shown inserted coin sensor.
[0220]
On the near side of the operation table 520, a start switch 525, a left reel stop switch 526a, a middle reel stop switch 526b, a right reel stop switch 526c, and a coin jam clearing switch 527 are provided. Lamps 528a and 528b are provided on the left and right sides of the operation table 520, respectively. A speaker 530 that outputs sound effects and the like is provided below the operation table 520.
[0221]
An image display device (LCD: liquid crystal display device) 540 that notifies a player of a game method, a game state, and the like is provided above the game panel 501. For example, when a winning occurs, an image in which the character performs a predetermined action is displayed on the image display device 540, thereby notifying the player that a winning flag described later is set. In this example, a moving image based on the moving image data is reproduced and displayed on the image display device 540. That is, in the slot machine 500, the decoding process and the moving image playback process are executed in the same manner as the pachinko gaming machine described above, and the game effect by the fade-in process and the fade-out process is executed, and the display area of the image display device 540 is displayed. Various displays using moving images including a fade-in display and a fade-out display are performed. Also, in the slot machine 500, the decoding process and the moving image playback process are executed in the same manner as the pachinko gaming machine described above, so that the game effect is executed in the still display process using the still display target picture, and the image display is performed. Various displays using moving image data, such as a still display using a still display target picture, are performed in the display area of the device 540. Further, similarly to the pachinko gaming machine 1 described above, a moving image based on a synthesized image generated by synthesizing a plurality of images based on one or more moving image data is reproduced and displayed on the image display device 540. . For example, a game effect using a moving image based on a combined image in which a plurality of related images are combined, or a moving image based on a combined image in which a plurality of independent images are combined. Note that two speakers 541L and 541R that emit sound effects are provided on the left and right sides of the image display device 540.
[0222]
The winning combinations generated in the slot machine 500 include a small winning combination, a replay winning, a big bonus winning, and a regular bonus winning. In the slot machine 500, a random number is extracted at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated, and it is determined whether or not the occurrence of a winning by any of the above winning combinations is permitted. The fact that a winning is allowed is called "internal winning". When an internal win is made, a win flag indicating that fact is set inside the slot machine 500. In the game with the winning flag set, the reels 502a to 502c are controlled so that a winning combination corresponding to the winning flag can be drawn. On the other hand, in the game in which the winning flag is not set, the reels 502a to 502c are controlled so that no winning occurs.
[0223]
Next, an outline of the game provided by the slot machine will be described.
For example, when a coin is inserted from the coin insertion slot 524 and the BET switch 521 or the MAXBET switch 522 is pressed and the number of bets is set, the operation of the start switch 525 becomes effective. When the player operates the start switch 525, each of the symbol display reels 502a to 502c provided on the variable display device 502 starts rotating. When a regular bonus or a big bonus is internally won at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated, for example, a screen in which a predetermined character performs a predetermined operation is displayed on the image display device 540. Then, the player or the like is notified that the internal prize has been won.
[0224]
When a predetermined time elapses after the symbol display reels 502a to 502c start rotating, the operations of the reel stop switches 526a to 526c become valid. In this state, if the player presses any of the reel stop switches 526a to 526c, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped. If the symbol display reels 502a to 502c are left for a predetermined period of time without stopping, the symbol display reels 502a to 502c automatically stop.
[0225]
When all the symbol display reels 502a to 502c are stopped, the symbol display reels 502a to 502c displayed on the variable display device 502 are determined according to the number of symbols in the upper, middle, and lower symbols of the three stages. Whether or not a prize has been won is determined by a combination of symbols located on an effective prize line. When the number of multiplications is 1, only one horizontal line of pay lines in the middle stage of the variable display device 502 is valid. When the number of multiplications is 2, the upper, middle, and lower three horizontal pay lines on the variable display device 502 are valid. When the multiplier is three, a total of five pay lines of three horizontal rows and two diagonally opposite rows in the variable display device 502 are effective pay lines.
[0226]
When a combination of the symbols on the activated line has a predetermined specific display mode and a prize is generated, a predetermined game effect is performed by sound, light, display on the image display device 540, etc., and the prize is generated. The game according to is started.
[0227]
FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a main board (game control board) 600 provided in the slot machine 500. FIG. 32 also shows the effect control board 630 and the reel unit 650. Note that other substrates such as a power supply substrate and a relay substrate are also connected to the main substrate 600, but are not shown in FIG. The main board 600 includes a CPU 602 for performing a control operation according to a program, a RAM 603 as an example of a storage unit used as a work memory, a ROM 604 for storing a game control program and the like, and an I / O port unit 605. I have.
[0228]
The reel unit 650 stores a reel motor 651, a reel lamp 652, and a reel sensor 653. The reel motor 651 is a motor for rotating each of the reels 502a to 502c. The reel lamp 652 is provided inside each of the reels 502a to 502c, and is a lamp for illuminating, from the inside of the reel, a symbol visually recognized on the variable display device 502 among the symbols drawn on each of the reels 502a to 502c. . The reel sensor 653 is a sensor for detecting a rotation state, a rotation speed, and the like of each of the reels 502a to 502c.
[0229]
In this embodiment, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 630 controls the display of the image display device 540 provided in the slot machine 500 and the lighting control of the reel lamp 652. Under the control of the effect control means, the image display device 540 displays a variety of information such as a fluctuating display of a decorative symbol and a display for informing a game state and a game method. In this example, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 630 includes an effect control CPU, a GCL, and the like. Therefore, the effect control means mounted on the effect control board 630 is configured to be able to execute a game effect based on a moving image based on the moving image data, similarly to the pachinko gaming machine described above. The effect control means mounted on the effect control board 630 controls lighting of various game effect lamps 550, 551, 552, 553 provided in the slot machine 500, and a speaker provided in the slot machine 500. The sound output control of 501, 541L and 541R is performed.
[0230]
In this example, the effect control board 630 controls the image display device 540, the game effect lamp 550, the speaker 530, and the like according to the effect pattern based on the control command received from the main board 600. In the image display device 540, the decoration design is displayed in a variable manner according to a predetermined image display pattern (an example of an effect pattern). In the variation display effect of the decorative symbol, for example, an effect such as a symbol combination effect display such as a change display of a special symbol in a pachinko machine or a symbol combination effect such as a change display of reels 502a to 502c is executed. Which of the effect patterns is to be used from a plurality of effect patterns provided in advance is determined by the CPU 602 at the timing when the start switch 525 is operated, for example.
[0231]
In the above-described slot machine 500, effects such as moving images based on moving image data are performed. For example, during the normal game period in which no winning is made, the regular bonus game is played by the regular bonus winning. During the running period, the game may be executed during a period in which a big bonus game with a big bonus prize is being played.
[0232]
In this example, for example, at the beginning or end of a moving image effect displayed on the image display device 540 by a fade-in process or a fade-out process, fade-in display or fade-out using image data included in the moving image data is performed. The display is executed. Further, for example, a process of displaying a still image on the image display device 540 is performed by a moving image reproduction process using a still target picture included in the moving image data. Further, a moving image effect using the composite image displayed on the image display device 540 is performed by a process of generating a composite image or the like.
[0233]
As described above, the present invention can be applied to a slot machine, and even when applied to a slot machine, the effects of the above embodiments can be obtained.
[0234]
Each of the gaming machines described above is configured to give a predetermined game value to a player when the display result of the variable display on the variable display device becomes a predetermined specific display mode. The game value is, for example, that a variable prize ball device provided in a gaming area of a gaming machine is in an advantageous state for a player who is easy to win a prize, or generates a right to be in an advantageous state for a player. Or a condition in which the conditions for paying out premium game media are easily satisfied.
[0235]
In the above-described embodiment, the “reach display state” means that a symbol other than a symbol that is a final stop symbol (for example, a middle symbol among left and right middle symbols) is continuously displayed for a predetermined time on the variable display device. In the state consistent with the aspect, the display state is stopped, rocking, scaling or deforming, or a plurality of symbols fluctuate synchronously with the same symbol, or the position of the display symbol is switched, This is a display state in which the possibility of occurrence of a big hit continues before the final result is displayed. An effect performed in the reach display state is called a reach effect. Further, the reach display state and the state thereof are referred to as a reach display mode.
[0236]
The “specific game state” means a state that is advantageous to a player who has been given a predetermined game value. Specifically, in the “specific game state”, for example, a state in which the state of the variable prize ball device is favorable for a player who is likely to win (big hit game state), or a right to be in a state advantageous for the player is generated. This is a state in which a predetermined game value is given, such as a state, a state in which the conditions for paying out premium game media are easily satisfied, and the like.
[0237]
Further, the “special game state” means a state that is advantageous for a player who is likely to be a big hit. Specifically, the "special game state" is, for example, a probable change state in which the special symbol is a big hit symbol and the probability of being aligned is a high probability state, a time reduction state in which the number of times the normal symbol changes per unit time is increased, a variable winning ball device. 9 is a high-probability state in which the probability of a big hit is increased, such as an open extension state in which the opening period and the number of times of opening are increased. In the time reduction state, the number of winnings per unit time increases because the number of times the variable winning prize ball device 9 is opened is increased, and the number of times that the special symbol is variablely displayed per unit time is increased. Can be said to have been raised. Similarly, in the extended open state, the number of winnings per unit time increases because the opening period and the number of times of opening of the variable winning ball device 9 are increased, and the number of variable display times of the special symbol per unit time increases. Therefore, it can be said that the probability of a big hit is increased.
[0238]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the data reproducing unit interrupts the moving image reproduction process of the operation target image based on the moving image data in response to the predetermined still target image display timing. Interrupting means, when the moving image reproduction processing is interrupted at the still target image display timing, the operation target image on the image display device is converted into a predetermined still target image based on the still target image data included in the moving image data; A still target image switching unit for switching and displaying, and a predetermined still target image which is a part of an operation target image based on moving image data during an interruption period in which moving image reproduction processing is interrupted, image display is performed. A still image reproduction processing means for performing a still image reproduction process using the still target image on the device, and switching the still target image on the image display device into an operation target image when the interruption period ends. An operation target image switching unit for changing and displaying, a moving image reproduction process restarting unit for restarting a moving image reproduction process from the operation target image displayed by the operation target image switching unit, and a plurality of frame data continuously expanded by the data expansion unit A composite display unit that performs composite display using a plurality of frame data having different priorities in the front-rear direction by executing a composite process of superimposing in the front-rear direction according to the priority specified by the priority specifying unit. Wherein the fade-in switching display means includes a plurality of fade-in image generating means for generating a plurality of fade-in images having gradually increased transparency from frame data used at the start of reproduction, and a fade-in image generating means. Each of the generated fade-in images is compared with the fade-in image with the highest transparency. Fade-in processing means for sequentially performing transition to a low fade-in image, and finally performing fade-in processing by displaying an image of frame data, and after the fade-in processing by the fade-in processing means is completed, data reproduction means Video playback start means for starting the video playback process from the image of the frame data displayed when the fade-in process is completed, so that the fade-in display can be performed without increasing the data amount of the moving image data. When there is a scene where the display screen does not change during the moving image production, moving image data for displaying such a scene is unnecessary, and moving image data for performing still display And the transparency of low priority images displayed on the back side in the front-rear direction, By making the transparency of a high-priority image displayed on the near side different from that of the image, it is possible to display an image with an enhanced sense of depth, and to provide a realistic display with an enhanced sense of three-dimensionality. There is an effect that can be.
[0239]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the fade-in switching display means is configured to cause the image to appear stepwise through the predetermined intermediate image in the fade-in process, so that the image can be easily viewed. Fade-in display can be performed.
[0240]
Further, in the invention according to claim 3, the data reproducing means interrupts the moving image reproduction processing of the operation target image based on the moving image data in response to a predetermined still target image display timing, and When the moving image reproduction process is interrupted at the still target image display timing, the operation target image on the image display device is switched to a predetermined still target image based on the still target image data included in the moving image data and displayed. A still target image switching unit and a predetermined still target image that is a part of an operation target image based on moving image data during an interruption period during which the moving image reproduction process is interrupted, thereby displaying an image on the image display device. A still image reproduction processing means for performing a still image reproduction process using the still target image, and a table for switching the still target image on the image display device to the operation target image when the interruption period ends. Operation target image switching means, moving image reproduction processing restart means for restarting the moving image reproduction processing from the operation target image displayed by the operation target image switching means, and a plurality of frame data continuously expanded by the data expansion means, A composite display unit that performs composite display using a plurality of frame data having different priorities in the front-rear direction by performing a composite process of overlapping in the front-rear direction according to the priority specified by the priority specification unit. When the fade-out switching display means ends the moving image reproduction processing using the moving image data for executing the game effect, a moving image reproduction ending means for displaying an image of the frame data used at the end of the reproduction; A fade-out image generating means for generating a plurality of fade-out images having gradually increased transparency from Each fade-out image generated by the fade-out image generating means is sequentially shifted from the image of the frame data to the fade-out image having higher transparency, and finally the fade-out image having the highest transparency is displayed. Therefore, the present invention includes a fade-out processing means for executing a fade-out process, so that a fade-out display can be performed without increasing a data amount of moving image data. Therefore, the required capacity of the storage area for moving image data can be reduced. Therefore, the fade-out display can be smoothly performed, and when there is a scene where the display screen does not change during the moving image production, the moving image data for displaying such a scene is unnecessary and the static display is performed. The moving image data to be performed can be reduced, and the transparency of the low-priority image displayed on the rear side in the front-back direction and the transparency of the high-priority image displayed on the front side can be reduced. By making them different from each other, it is possible to display a video with an enhanced sense of depth, and it is possible to display an effect with a sense of reality with an enhanced stereoscopic effect.
[0241]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the fade-out switching display means is configured to fade out the image in a fade-out process and display a predetermined intermediate image, so that the fade-out switching display means can be easily viewed. Display can be performed.
[0242]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the compressed data storage means generates at least a composite image including a plurality of display objects that are related to each other and that are related to each other by cooperation of the display contents. The cooperative moving image data is stored, the data decompressing means continuously decompresses a plurality of related cooperative moving image data stored in the compressed data storing means, and the priority designating means is continuously decompressed by the data decompressing means. For the frame data of each cooperatively expanded video data, the priority in the front-back direction of the image based on the frame data is specified, and the combined display unit is configured to sequentially cooperate each of the cooperative video images continuously expanded by the data expansion unit. By performing a synthesizing process of superimposing the frame data of the data in the front-rear direction according to the priority specified by the priority specifying unit, the identification information image can be changed. On the front side or the back side of the display area, since the composite display using a plurality of frame data having different priorities in the front-back direction is configured to be performed, an image with a low priority displayed on the rear side in the front-back direction And the transparency of a high-priority image displayed on the front side are different from each other, so that images having a high degree of depth can be associated with each other. The front side or the back side of the variable display area of the identification information image. Can be displayed on the side, and an effect display with a sense of reality in which the stereoscopic effect is further enhanced can be performed.
[0243]
According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the compressed data storage means generates a composite image including a plurality of independent display objects at least by mutually independent display contents, and by disabling the mutual display contents. The non-cooperative moving image data is stored, and the data decompressing means continuously decompresses the plurality of independent non-cooperative moving image data stored in the compressed data storing means. For the frame data of each non-cooperative moving image data continuously expanded by the expansion unit, the priority in the front-back direction of the image based on the frame data is specified, and the combined display unit is continuously expanded by the data expansion unit. By executing the synthesizing process of superimposing the frame data of each non-cooperative moving image data in the front-rear direction according to the priority specified by the priority specifying means, A plurality of non-cooperative moving images in which a combined display using a plurality of frame data having different priorities in the front-back direction is performed on the front side or the back side of the variable display area of the identification information image, and the combining processing is performed by the combining display means The data includes at least moving image data for displaying a background image in a display image of the image display device, and moving image data for displaying a front image displayed on the front side of the background image. The depth of view is enhanced by differentiating the transparency of the lower priority image displayed on the back side in the front-rear direction from the transparency of the higher priority image displayed on the front side. Independent images having no relevance to each other can be displayed on the front side or the back side of the variable display area of the identification information image of the identification information, and a more realistic effect display with an enhanced three-dimensional effect is provided. It is possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an outline of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the pachinko gaming machine viewed from the front.
FIG. 3 is a rear view of the gaming machine as viewed from the back.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration centering on a game control unit.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a circuit configuration example of an effect control board.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a main process executed by a CPU on a main board.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a 2 ms timer interrupt process.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a special symbol process process.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a main process executed by the effect control CPU.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an effect control process.
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of process data.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a data structure of moving image data.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a decoding process.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a continuous decoding process.
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a moving image reproduction process.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a composite image display process.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fade-in process;
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a mathematical expression used for a fade-in process.
FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a fade-in image created by a fade-in process.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fade-out process.
FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a mathematical expression used for a fade-out process.
FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state of a fade-in image created by a fade-out process.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a translucent process.
FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a mathematical expression used for the translucent process.
FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a composition target image and a composition execution image.
FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a composite image.
FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display state and the like of a still display target image.
FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a plurality of pieces of moving image data including each image data to be combined used for generating a combined image.
FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a composite image generated by the cooperation image data.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a display state of a composite image generated from independent image data.
FIG. 31 is a front view of the slot machine as viewed from the front.
FIG. 32 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of a main board mounted on the slot machine.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Pachinko machine
6. Variable display device (image display device)
30 Main board
33 CPU
60 Lamp control unit
70 sound control unit
80 Display control unit
81 GCL
100 production control board
101 Effect Control CPU
500 slot machine
540 image display device
600 main board
630 Production control board

Claims (6)

A gaming machine that performs variable display of a plurality of types of identification information and sets a specific game state advantageous to a player when a display result of the identification information becomes a specific display result,
An image display device that displays an image used for a game effect,
Compressed data storage means for storing moving image data including compressed data by motion compensation prediction encoding;
Data decompression means for decompressing moving image data stored in the compressed data storage means,
A data reproducing unit for performing a moving image reproducing process by sequentially displaying an image generated based on the moving image data expanded by the data expanding unit on the image display device;
For each frame data in the moving image data decompressed by the data decompression means, priority designation means for designating the priority in the front-back direction of the image based on the frame data,
According to the priority specified by the priority specifying means, the image generated based on the frame data is subjected to a translucent process for increasing the transparency, thereby making the image based on the frame data translucent. Translucent processing means for making a processed image;
Fade-in switching display means for performing a switching display of a display image on the image display device by performing a fade-in process of causing an image to appear stepwise,
The data reproducing means,
A moving image reproduction process suspending unit that suspends a moving image reproduction process of an operation target image based on the moving image data in response to a predetermined still target image display timing;
When the moving image reproduction process is interrupted at the still target image display timing, the operation target image on the image display device is switched to a predetermined still target image based on the still target image data included in the moving image data and displayed. A still target image switching means for
During the interruption period in which the moving image reproduction process is interrupted, by using the predetermined still target image which is a part of the operation target image based on the moving image data, the still target image is displayed on the image display device. Still image reproduction processing means for performing a still image reproduction process using
When the interruption period has ended, an operation target image switching unit that switches and displays a still target image on the image display device to an operation target image,
A moving image reproduction process restarting unit that restarts a moving image reproduction process from the operation target image displayed by the operation target image switching unit;
By executing a synthesizing process of superimposing a plurality of frame data continuously expanded by the data expansion unit in the front-back direction according to the priority specified by the priority specification unit, the priority in the front-back direction is increased. Synthetic display means for performing synthetic display using a plurality of different frame data,
The fade-in switching display means,
A fade-in image generating means for generating a plurality of fade-in images having gradually increased transparency from frame data used at the start of reproduction,
Each fade-in image generated by the fade-in image generating means is sequentially shifted from a fade-in image having the highest transparency to a fade-in image having a lower transparency, and finally an image of the frame data is obtained. A fade-in processing means for executing the fade-in processing by displaying
After the fade-in processing by the fade-in processing means is completed, a moving-image reproduction start means for starting a moving-image reproduction processing from the image of the frame data displayed when the data reproduction means completes the fade-in processing. A gaming machine characterized by: The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the fade-in switching display means causes the image to appear stepwise through a predetermined intermediate image in the fade-in process. A gaming machine that performs variable display of a plurality of types of identification information and sets a specific game state advantageous to a player when a display result of the identification information becomes a specific display result,
An image display device that displays an image used for a game effect,
Compressed data storage means for storing moving image data including compressed data by motion compensation prediction encoding;
Data decompression means for decompressing moving image data stored in the compressed data storage means,
A data reproducing unit for performing a moving image reproducing process by sequentially displaying an image generated based on the moving image data expanded by the data expanding unit on the image display device;
For each frame data in the moving image data decompressed by the data decompression means, priority designation means for designating the priority in the front-back direction of the image based on the frame data,
According to the priority specified by the priority specifying means, the image generated based on the frame data is subjected to a translucent process for increasing the transparency, thereby making the image based on the frame data translucent. Translucent processing means for making a processed image;
Fade-out switching display means for performing a switching display of the display image on the image display device by performing a fade-out process of disappearing the image step by step,
The data reproducing means,
A moving image reproduction process suspending unit that suspends a moving image reproduction process of an operation target image based on the moving image data in response to a predetermined still target image display timing;
When the moving image reproduction process is interrupted at the still target image display timing, the operation target image on the image display device is switched to a predetermined still target image based on the still target image data included in the moving image data and displayed. A still target image switching means for
During the interruption period in which the moving image reproduction process is interrupted, by using the predetermined still target image which is a part of the operation target image based on the moving image data, the still target image is displayed on the image display device. Still image reproduction processing means for performing a still image reproduction process using
When the interruption period has ended, an operation target image switching unit that switches and displays a still target image on the image display device to an operation target image,
A moving image reproduction process restarting unit that restarts a moving image reproduction process from the operation target image displayed by the operation target image switching unit;
By executing a synthesizing process of superimposing a plurality of frame data continuously expanded by the data expansion unit in the front-back direction according to the priority specified by the priority specification unit, the priority in the front-back direction is increased. Synthetic display means for performing synthetic display using a plurality of different frame data,
The fade-out switching display means,
When ending the moving image reproduction process using the moving image data for executing the game effect, a moving image reproduction ending means for displaying an image of the frame data used at the end of the reproduction,
A fade-out image generating means for generating a plurality of fade-out images having gradually increased transparency from the frame data,
Each fade-out image generated by the fade-out image generating means is sequentially shifted from the image of the frame data to a fade-out image having higher transparency, and finally a fade-out image having the highest transparency is obtained. A fade-out processing means for executing the fade-out processing by displaying the game. 4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein the fade-out switching display means causes the image to disappear step by step and display a predetermined intermediate image in the fade-out processing. The compressed data storage means is at least associated with the display contents of each other, and stores linked moving image data for generating a composite image including a plurality of display objects related by cooperation of the display contents of each other,
The data decompression means continuously decompresses a plurality of related linked moving image data stored in the compressed data storage means,
Priority specifying means, for the frame data of each linked moving image data continuously expanded by the data expansion means, to specify the priority in the front-back direction of the image based on the frame data,
The synthesizing display unit executes a synthesizing process of superimposing frame data of each piece of cooperative moving image data continuously expanded by the data expanding unit in the front-rear direction according to the priority specified by the priority specifying unit. The composite display using a plurality of frame data having different priorities in the front-rear direction is performed on the front side or the rear side of the variable display area of the identification information image. A gaming machine according to any of the above. The compressed data storage means has at least non-cooperative moving image data for generating a composite image including a plurality of independent display objects by not mutually cooperating with each other in display contents. Store,
The data decompression means continuously decompresses a plurality of independent non-cooperative moving image data stored in the compressed data storage means,
Priority specifying means, for the frame data of each non-cooperative moving image data continuously expanded by the data expansion means, specifies the priority in the front-back direction of the image based on the frame data,
The synthesizing display unit executes a synthesizing process of superimposing frame data of each non-cooperative moving image data continuously expanded by the data expanding unit in the front-rear direction according to the priority specified by the priority specifying unit. By doing, on the front side or the back side of the variable display area of the identification information image, perform composite display using a plurality of frame data with different priorities in the front-back direction,
The plurality of non-cooperative moving image data on which the synthesizing process is performed by the synthesizing display unit includes at least moving image data for displaying a background image in a display image of the image display device, and a front side of the background image. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising moving image data for displaying a front image to be displayed.

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