JP2007098051A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To realize the generation of performance images with a sheer reality when a performance making a given object shine is carried out. <P>SOLUTION: A shadow processing control part 3035 controls the object to skip a shadow processing with a shadow processing part 3033 to be subjected to a luminosity upgrading processing with a luminosity upgrading processing part 3034. The shadowless object undergoes the luminosity upgrading processing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a slot machine or a pachinko machine that displays a moving image in a virtual three-dimensional space on a display unit during a game.

  In recent gaming machines such as slot machines and pachinko machines, a 3D image object composed of a plurality of polygons is displayed in a virtual 3D space, and the reality is more realistic than 2D images. There is a tendency that a certain effect is used (for example, see Patent Document 1). Such a three-dimensional image is calculated in real time by the image processing apparatus and displayed on the display screen.

JP 2001-112985 A

  In an image configured by arranging a plurality of objects in a three-dimensional space, shading processing is performed on each object in order to emphasize that it is three-dimensional. However, if the shadow process is uniformly performed on each object, there is a problem that a realistic effect image cannot be obtained when performing an effect of shining a predetermined object.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a gaming machine that realizes the generation of a realistic effect image when performing an effect of shining a predetermined object.

  As a result of intensive studies to solve the above problems, the present inventor has come up with various aspects of the invention described below.

  The gaming machine according to the present invention includes effect control means for controlling an effect executed in a game, and display means for displaying a moving image in the virtual three-dimensional space related to the effect based on control by the effect control means. The presentation control means performs a shadow processing means for performing a shadow process on an object existing in the virtual three-dimensional space, and performs a brightness improvement process for improving the lightness of the object existing in the virtual three-dimensional space. A brightness enhancement processing unit; and a shadow processing restriction unit configured to control the object to be subjected to the brightness enhancement processing by the brightness enhancement processing unit so that the shadow processing by the shadow processing unit is not performed.

In the present invention, since the shadow process is not performed on the object for which the brightness improvement process is performed, the brightness improvement process can be performed on the object without the shadow, and the object seems to be actually illuminated. It is possible to generate a realistic effect image that looks like this. For example, as pointed out in [Problems to be Solved by the Invention], when a brightness enhancement process is performed on an object that has been subjected to a shading process, the object is brightly illuminated. However, since there is a shadow, the image becomes uncomfortable, but in the present invention, the shadow can be removed from the object to be lit in order to perform the above-described processing. Further, in the present invention, since the brightness enhancement processing for improving the brightness of the original color of the object to be lit is performed, the so-called feeling of softness and inorganic texture are increased, and the player is given a luminescence feeling. it can.

  In another aspect of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the brightness enhancement processing unit performs the brightness enhancement process by superposing a white translucent object on the object to be processed.

  In the present invention, the brightness enhancement process described above is performed by superimposing a white translucent object on the object to be processed, so that the brightness enhancement process can be performed easily and efficiently. That is, in the present invention, one or a plurality of white translucent objects are superimposed on the original color of the object to emit light. In the present invention, the size and position of a white translucent object to be superimposed on the object to be processed need not necessarily be the same for the object to be processed. For example, by superimposing a white translucent object larger than the processing target object so as to cover the processing target object, it is possible to blur the edge portion of the processing target object and emphasize the light emission of the object. . Further, for example, when a plurality of white translucent objects are superimposed on the object to be processed, the positions of some of the plurality of white translucent objects are shifted (moved) to overlap. By doing so, it becomes possible to express the light source and the surrounding blur.

  In another aspect of the gaming machine according to the present invention, the virtual three-dimensional space is based on an effect pattern selecting unit that selects an effect pattern according to a gaming state, and an effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selecting unit. Object placement means for placing an object therein, wherein the brightness enhancement processing means places the white translucent object at a predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space with respect to the object placement means. The brightness improvement process is performed.

  In the present invention, the brightness enhancement processing using the white translucent object described above is performed by arranging the white translucent object at a predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space with respect to the object arranging means. Therefore, the brightness enhancement process can be performed easily and efficiently.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to generate a realistic effect image when performing an effect of shining a predetermined object.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Here, as an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention, an example in which a slot machine is applied will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the following description, “game” refers to a series of operations from insertion of a game medium (hereinafter referred to as a medal) as an example to insertion of a next medal through a stop switch operation.

(Slot machine 10)
An effect display device 40 having a display function is provided on the front surface portion of the housing of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment, and the effect display device 40 is provided with one transparent display window 21. The effect display device 40 having a display function is, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays images for various effects and information necessary for games. Further, in the effect display device 40, the display window 21 is not provided with a liquid crystal for displaying an image, a member constituting the liquid crystal (such as a polarizing plate), a circuit for controlling the liquid crystal, or the like, and is transparent. (That is, an area where an image cannot be physically displayed).

  On the other hand, three reel (rotating drum) groups 31 are arranged inside the housing and behind the display window 21. A left reel 31L, a middle reel 31C, and a right reel 31R are arranged from the left as viewed from the player. In the following description, the reel group 31 indicates the three reels described above. The reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are ring-shaped bodies, and a reel tape on which a plurality of winning symbols (designs constituting a winning combination) are printed is affixed to the outer peripheral surface thereof. For example, 21 types of symbols are arranged at equal intervals on one reel. However, the arrangement of symbols differs for each reel. From the inside of the display window 21, three symbols (circles shown on the reel group 31 in FIG. 1) that are continuous in the vertical direction of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R can be seen.

  A stepping motor (not shown) is connected to the center of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, and the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are rotated by driving the stepping motor. Therefore, from the player's standpoint, the symbols of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R appear to move up and down within the display window 21. Further, a back lamp (not shown) is provided inside the reels 31L, 31C and 31R. Three back lamps are arranged for each reel, and are arranged inside the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R so as to correspond to each of the nine symbols in total that can be seen from the display window 21 when the reels are stopped. ing. The reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are made of a light-transmitting material, and are configured so that the symbols attached to the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are illuminated when the back lamp is turned on.

  A broken line on the display window 21 of the effect display device 40 indicates the effective line group 22 including the effective lines 22a, 22b, and 22c. The effective line group 22 includes a horizontal effective line 22a in the horizontal direction, two effective lines 22b in the upper and lower horizontal directions, and two effective lines 22c in the diagonally downward and leftward directions. ing. The symbols attached to the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are spaced so that all nine symbols visible from the display window 21 are positioned on these effective line groups 22 when the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are stopped. Is arranged in.

  A medal insertion slot 23 is provided on the lower right side of the effect display device 40. When a player inserts a medal from here, one of the effective lines 22a, 22b and 22c is selected according to the number of inserted medals. ~ 5 lines are valid. When the number of inserted medals is one, one effective line 22a is effective. When two medals are inserted, three horizontal effective lines 22a and 22b are effective. In total, the five effective lines 22a to 22c including the two effective lines 22c become effective. This control is performed by a main CPU 51 (see FIG. 2) described later. For example, when three medals are inserted, if a combination of specific symbols is stopped on at least one effective line 22a to 22c when the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped, the combination depends on the combination. I won the winning role.

  In addition, various operation switches that are operated by the player to advance the game are provided on the front surface of the housing. For example, in this embodiment, a start switch 41, a stop switch group 42, and a bet switch group 43 are provided. Furthermore, a speaker 71 is provided in the lower part of the effect display device 40 (in the vicinity of the medal payout opening).

  The start switch 41 is a switch, for example, a lever, that is operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. The stop switch group 42 includes a left stop switch 42L that is operated when stopping the left reel 31L, a middle stop switch 42C that is operated when stopping the middle reel 31C, and a right stop that is operated when stopping the right reel 31R. Switch 42R. These stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R are juxtaposed as buttons, for example.

  The bet switch group 43 is a switch group for designating the number of bets (the number of bets) when a player inserts a medal in a credit. The bet switch group 43 includes a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a and a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b. It is configured. These bet switches 43a and 43b are also arranged as buttons, for example. Each time the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a is operated, the bet number is switched between 1 and 2, and when the MAX bet switch 43b is operated, the bet number becomes 3.

  In a normal game (game) in the slot machine 10, when a player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 23 or operates the bet switch group 43, the effective lines 22 a to 22 c are activated according to the number of bets. . Further, when the player operates the start switch 41, the lottery of the combination is performed, and the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R start to rotate. When the player operates the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R, the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R stops according to the operated stop switch, and the activated effective line group 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as effective). When a combination of symbols arranged on a line matches a predetermined combination of symbols of a combination, a prize is awarded, and medals are paid out according to the winning combination. However, when the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R is stopped, control based on the lottery result of the winning combination is performed.

  Further, during the game (game), various effects such as lighting of the back lamp, image display using the effect display device 40, output of sound from the speaker 71, and the like are performed. Further, as such an effect, a notification effect of the possibility of winning a role may be performed.

Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Inside the casing of the slot machine 10, a main control board 50, a sub control board 60, a reel board 11, a central display board 12, and a power supply board 13 connected to the main control board 50 are arranged. Here, the main control board 50 controls the reel board 11, the central display board 12, and the power supply board 13 to perform game control (operation control during the game) of the slot machine 10. Production control (control of production display, sound, etc.) according to game control or the like by the control board 50 is performed.

(Main control board 50)
The main control board 50 is provided with a main CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 54, which are connected to each other via a bus 55.

  The main CPU 51 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. The main CPU 51 reads out programs, data, and the like stored in the ROM 52, and controls the entire slot machine 10 based on these.

  The ROM 52 stores necessary programs and data for causing the main CPU 51 to perform processing shown in FIG. 6 described later and other game controls. The RAM 53 is used when the main CPU 51 performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The I / F circuit 54 performs timing control and the like when signals are transmitted and received between the main control board 50, the sub control board 60, the reel board 11, the central display board 12, and the power supply board 13. . However, transmission of signals from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60 is performed between the main control board 50 and the sub control board 60, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50 is not performed. Not done.

(Sub-control board 60)
The sub control board 60 is provided with a sub CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, image control processor 64, image data ROM 65, video RAM 66, tone generator circuit 67, amplifier 68 and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 69. The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, control RAM 63, image control processor 64, tone generator circuit 67 and I / F circuit 69 are connected to each other via a bus 70. The image data ROM 65 and the video RAM 66 are connected to an image control processor 64, and the amplifier 68 is connected to a sound source circuit 67.

  The sub CPU 61 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes) and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 61 reads a program, data, and the like stored in the ROM 62, and controls the sub control board 60 as a whole, particularly controls the effects for the player. Note that there are no restrictions on the processing capability or development language of the sub CPU 61.

  The ROM 62 stores necessary programs and data for causing the sub CPU 61 to perform processing shown in FIG. 7 described later and other effects during the game. The RAM 63 is used when the sub CPU 61 performs various controls, and temporarily stores data and the like.

  The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, and RAM 63 have the same functions as the main CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 provided on the main control board 50, respectively. Note that the ROM 62 and the RAM 63 may be the same as the ROM 52 and the RAM 53, respectively, but those having a capacity larger than these may be used.

  The effect display device 40 described above is connected to an image control processor 64. The image data ROM 65 stores image data such as characters, characters, and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 40. The video RAM 66 is used when the image control processor 64 generates an image to be displayed on the effect display device 40, and image data to be displayed is developed in the video RAM 66 based on data read from the image data ROM 65. .

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a speaker 71, the above-described back lamp, and the like are provided in addition to the effect display device 40 as effect peripheral devices. The speaker 71 is connected to the amplifier 68. These effect peripheral devices output effects during the game, and are connected only to the sub-control board 60 and are not connected to the main control board 50.

  The I / F circuit 69 performs timing control and the like when receiving a signal from the main control board 50. As described above, the signal is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60, but the signal is not transmitted from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

(Reel board 11)
A stepping motor (not shown) for driving the left reel 31L, the middle reel 31C, and the right reel 31R is connected to the reel substrate 11. Control of the operations of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R is performed by the main CPU 51 through the reel substrate 11.

(Central display board 12)
The central display board 12 is attached to the central part on the back side of the effect display device 40, for example. The central display board 12 includes a selector 81, a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a, a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b, a start switch (lever) 41, a left stop switch (button) 42L, and a middle stop switch (button) 42C. A right stop switch (button) 42R, a setting display section 82, and a setting change switch 83 are connected.

  The selector 81 identifies whether or not the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 is a regular one, and removes an illegal medal. The setting display unit 82 is arranged so as to be visible from the back side of the front door, and displays settings relating to probability and payout (for example, settings 1 to 6). The setting change switch 83 is a switch operated when changing the setting related to the probability and the payout.

(Power supply board 13)
A setting change enabling switch 91, a power switch 92, a hopper device 93, and a power device 94 are connected to the power device board 13. The setting change enable switch 91 is a switch that is operated when a setting change using the setting change switch 83 is enabled. That is, the setting change using the setting change switch 83 can be performed only when the setting change enable switch 91 is in the ON state. The power switch 92 is a switch for switching the power supply device 94 on / off. The hopper device 93 is a device for storing and paying out medals, and pays out a predetermined number of medals from the stored medals to the player based on an instruction from the main CPU 51 via the power supply device board 13. .

Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 50 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the main control board 50. In the present embodiment, for example, the following units 101, 103, 106, 107, 108, and 109 are configured from the programs of the main CPU 51 and the ROM 52, for example, the RAM 53 is provided with the following flag information storage unit 105, for example, the ROM 52 In addition, data of the following lottery table 102 is stored.

(Role drawing part 101)
The role lottery unit 101 draws a role (special role, small role, replay, etc.) in accordance with timing control by the timing control unit 103 described later. Here, the special role is a game that is different from the normal game and is advantageous to the player (a game that has an expected value for the number of medals greater than the normal game and is advantageous to the player). Is the role of The small combination is a combination for paying out a predetermined number of medals to the player, and for example, a plurality of types are provided. Replay is a role that gives a player the right to replay while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the previous game (replaying role).

  The combination lottery unit 101 obtains one random number after generating a random number internally for each game, selects an appropriate combination lottery table from the lottery table 102 stored in the ROM 52, and selects the selected combination Based on the area in the lottery table to which the acquired random number belongs, the presence / absence of winning combination and the winning combination are determined. The lottery table 102 stored in the ROM 52 includes, for example, a normal game lottery table, an internal medium lottery table used inside, or a special game lottery table.

  The role lottery unit 101 generates random numbers in a predetermined area (decimal 0 to 65535), for example, and when a predetermined condition is satisfied, for example, when the start switch 41 is operated, Get the numeric value. In the lottery table 102, a special role winning area, a small role winning area, a replay winning area, a non-winning (losing) area, etc. are set at a predetermined ratio with respect to random numbers that can be acquired by the role lottery unit 101. ing.

  Then, the combination lottery unit 101 compares the acquired random number value with the selected lottery table 102 to determine the region to which the random value belongs, and determines the combination corresponding to the region to which the random value belongs. For example, when the extracted random number value belongs to the special combination winning area, it is determined that the special combination is won, and when it belongs to the non-winning area, it is determined to be lost. If any combination is won, the flag for the combination is turned on. Further, the combination lottery unit 101 transmits information indicating the result of the combination lottery, for example, winning combination information indicating which combination has been won, to the sub-control board 60.

(Timing control unit 103)
The timing control unit 103 controls the operation timing of the combination lottery unit 101, a reel control unit 106, a winning determination unit 107, and the like which will be described later. For example, on the condition that the start switch 41 is operated, the timing control unit 103 causes the combination lottery unit 101 to perform combination lottery and causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reel group 31. For example, the timing control unit 103 causes the reel control unit 106 to perform stop control of the reel group 31 on the condition that the stop switch group 42 is operated, and further on the condition that the reel group 31 stops. The winning determination unit 107 makes a winning determination. The operation of the timing control unit 103 is not limited to these.

(Flag information storage unit 105)
The flag information storage unit 105 stores the type of the winning combination and the fact that the flag is turned on when a flag for a certain combination is turned on by the lottery result of the combination lottery unit 101. Of the information stored in the flag information storage unit 105, the flags of the roles other than the special roles (BB and RB) are erased (turned off) at the end of the game, regardless of whether or not the winning combination has been won. There is no carry-over until the game. On the other hand, the special combination flag is erased (turned off) only when a special combination is won as a result of determination by the winning determination unit 106 described later.

(Reel control unit 106)
The reel control unit 106 controls the rotation and stop of the reel group 31 (reels 31L, 31C, and 31R) in accordance with the timing control by the timing control unit 103. More specifically, the reel control unit 106 includes a gaming state (for example, a normal gaming state, a special gaming state, etc.), a result of lottery by the combination lottery unit 101, and a stop switch group 42 (stop switches 42L, 42C and 42R). The stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are determined based on the operation timing, and the driving of the stepping motor is controlled to stop the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R at the determined positions.

  For example, as a result of the lottery by the combination lottery unit 101, when no combination is won, the reel control unit 106 does not stop the combination of symbols of any combination on the activated effective line. The stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are determined. On the other hand, when a winning combination is won, the reel control unit 106 stops the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R so that the combination of winning symbols on the active line that is enabled stops. Determine the location.

  In particular, when the special combination is won in the game, the reel control unit 106 controls the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R so that the combination of the special combination symbols is stopped on the activated effective line. Pull-in control is performed so that the symbols related to the special role are arranged as much as possible within the range of the stop control (for example, within 4 symbols). However, even if the special combination is won, when the small combination or replay is selected, the reel control unit 106 does not stop the combination of the special combination symbols on the activated effective line. The stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are determined. Such control when stopping the reels 31L, 31C and 31R may be performed using a reel control table.

(Winning determination unit 107)
The winning determination unit 107 determines whether or not a combination of symbols in the effective line group 22 is arranged in any of the active lines that are enabled in accordance with the timing control by the timing control unit 103, If there is something in line, it is determined that the game has won the role. At this time, the winning determination unit 107 determines, for example, the symbol positioned on the effective line by detecting the angle, the number of steps, or the like when the stepping motor is stopped, and based on this, determines the presence / absence of a winning combination. . Then, the winning determination unit 107 transmits winning combination information relating to the winning combination to the sub-control board 60.

  When a table is used for control when stopping the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, the winning determination unit 107 does not determine the combination of symbols after the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R actually stop. Alternatively, when the reel control unit 106 determines the stop position of the reel group 31 using a table, the combination of symbols that stop on the effective line may be determined.

(Special game control unit 108)
As a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 107, the special game control unit 108 controls the special game from the next game until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. For example, the special game control unit 108 causes the reel control unit 106 to perform reel control for the special game according to the lottery result of the role lottery unit 101 during the special game, or causes the sub control board 60 to respond to the special game. Or directing. In the special game, a lottery table used for lottery by the role lottery unit 101 is a special lottery table different from the normal lottery table and the internal medium lottery table, and this lottery table can be changed by special game control. This is performed based on an instruction from the unit 108.

(Payout control unit 109)
The payout control unit 109 causes the hopper device 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 107.

Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 60 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sub control board 60. In the present embodiment, for example, the effect pattern selection unit 201 is configured from programs recorded in the sub CPU 61 and the ROM 62, and the programs recorded in the sub CPU 61 and the ROM 62, and the image control processor 64 and the image data ROM 65. The effect control unit 202 is composed of a program recorded in the program.

(Production pattern selection unit 201)
The effect pattern selection unit 201 selects an effect pattern according to the gaming state. Specifically, the effect pattern selection unit 201 receives a signal from the role lottery unit 101 of the main control board 50 and selects an effect pattern according to the winning combination, etc. In response to a signal from the special game control unit 108, an effect pattern corresponding to a winning combination or a gaming state is selected.

(Production control unit 202)
The effect control unit 202 controls the effect based on the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201. Specifically, the effect control unit 202 generates image data in a virtual three-dimensional space to be displayed on the effect display device 40 for effects based on the effect pattern, and controls the sound source circuit 67. Thereby, a three-dimensional moving image is displayed on the effect display device 40, or sound is output from the speaker 71, and the effect is performed.

Next, the configuration of the effect control unit 202 will be described in detail.
FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed functional configuration of the effect control unit 202.

  The effect control unit 202 includes an image control unit 301, a sound control unit 302, and an image processing unit 303. Further, the image processing unit 303 includes an object storage unit 3031, an object placement unit 3032, a shadow processing unit 3033, a brightness enhancement processing unit 3034, a shadow processing restriction unit 3035, and an image data generation unit 3036 as functional configurations.

(Image control unit 301)
The image control unit 301 controls the image processing unit 303 to generate image data corresponding to the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201.

(Sound controller 302)
The sound control unit 302 controls the sound source circuit 67 so as to generate a sound corresponding to the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201.

(Image processing unit 303)
The image processing unit 303 performs image processing for generating image data to be displayed on the effect display device 40 based on control by the image control unit 301. This image processing includes synthesis (combination) processing of image data processed by a shadow processing unit 3033 and a brightness enhancement processing unit 3034 described later. The image processing unit 303 also performs processing for setting a viewpoint relating to image data displayed on the effect display device 40 and setting a virtual light source. Further, the image processing unit 303 converts the image data generated based on the set viewpoint or virtual light source so that it can be displayed on the effect display device 40, and outputs the converted image data. In the present embodiment, the image processing unit 303 generates image data in a virtual three-dimensional space. However, the image processing unit 303 may further generate image data of a two-dimensional image.

(Object storage unit 3031)
In the object storage unit 3031, various objects for configuring an image related to the production pattern selected by the production pattern selection unit 201 are stored.

(Object placement unit 3032)
When the effect pattern is selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201 and the object placement unit 3032 receives an instruction from the image control unit 301 to generate image data corresponding to the effect pattern, the object placement unit 3032 receives the corresponding object from the object storage unit 3031. Are extracted and placed in a virtual three-dimensional space. FIG. 8 is an image diagram of objects (first object and second object) placed in the three-dimensional space by the object placement unit 3032. FIG. 8 shows an animal object. In the present embodiment, the first object constituting the animal body and the second object constituting the animal tail are combined and arranged. It shall be.

(Shading processing unit 3033)
The shadow processing unit 3033 performs light source calculation based on a virtual light source set in advance for each object placed in the virtual three-dimensional space by the object placement unit 3032 to perform shadow processing on each object. FIG. 9 is an image diagram when shadow processing is performed on each object (first object and second object) shown in FIG.

(Brightness improvement processing unit 3034)
When the brightness improvement processing unit 3034 selects a predetermined rendering pattern that shines an object by the rendering pattern selection unit 201 and receives an instruction from the image control unit 301 to generate image data according to the predetermined rendering pattern, Among the objects arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space by the object arrangement unit 3032, processing for improving the brightness of the object to be processed is performed.

  Specifically, the brightness enhancement processing unit 3034 performs the brightness enhancement process by overlaying a white translucent object on the object to be processed. The white translucent object used when performing the brightness enhancement process is stored in, for example, the object storage unit 3031. The brightness enhancement processing unit 3034 performs the process for the object placement unit 3032 when performing the brightness enhancement process. The white translucent object is arranged at a predetermined position.

(Shading processing restriction unit 3035)
The shadow processing restriction unit 3035 performs control so that the shadow processing by the shadow processing unit 3033 is not performed on the object for which the brightness improvement processing by the lightness improvement processing unit 3034 is performed.

(Image data generation unit 3036)
The image data generation unit 3036 converts the object in the three-dimensional space arranged by the object arrangement unit 3032 into image data based on the set viewpoint, and generates image data. Then, the generated image data is output to the effect display device 40.

Next, the operation of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control by the main control board 50, and FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control by the sub control board 60.

  In FIG. 6, when a player inserts a medal and the start switch 41 is operated, the timing control unit 103 detects that the start switch 41 is turned on, and the combination lottery unit 101 performs a combination lottery process. It performs (step S101 / YES, step S102). On the other hand, if the player does not operate the start switch 41 and the timing control unit 103 cannot detect that the start switch 41 is turned on, step S101 is performed until it is detected that the start switch 41 is turned on. Repeat the process.

  In the combination lottery process in step S102, the combination lottery unit 101 acquires a random number and performs a combination lottery process by comparing the acquired random number with the lottery table selected from the lottery table 102. As a result of the lottery, when a winning combination is made, the winning combination flag is turned on in the flag information storage unit 105. The lottery result by the combination lottery unit 101 is transmitted to the sub-control board 60 via the I / F circuit 54 as winning combination information (step S103).

  After these processes by the combination lottery unit 101 are completed, the timing control unit 103 causes the reel control unit 106 to start rotating the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R (step S104).

  After the reel control unit 106 rotates the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R, the timing control unit 103 determines whether any one of the stop switch groups 42 is turned on (step S105). If any one of the stop switches is turned on as a result of this determination (step S105 / YES), the reel control unit 106 is operated by performing reel control so that the winning combination can be won. The rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop switch is stopped (step S106). In addition, in the combination lottery process of step S102, when no combination is won (when it is lost), the reel control unit 106 does not win any combination in step S106. Perform the corresponding reel control.

  Subsequently, the timing control unit 103 determines whether all the stop switches are operated and all the reels are stopped (step S107). If all the reels are not stopped as a result of the determination (step S107 / NO), the process returns to step S105, and the processing from the detection processing of whether or not the stop switch is operated is repeated.

  When all the reels stop (step S107 / YES), the winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S108). If the result of this determination is that there is any winning combination (step S108 / YES), winning processing corresponding to the winning combination is executed (step S109).

  When the winning combination is a special combination, the special game control unit 108 performs a transition process for executing the special game until the predetermined end condition is satisfied from the next game. The special game control unit 108 causes the reel control unit 106 to perform reel control during the special game so as to provide the player with a game state corresponding to a bonus game such as a big bonus game or a regular bonus game during the special game. Or causing the sub-control board 60 to produce special games. In addition, the special game control unit 108 performs a process of shifting to the normal game when the specified number of games of the bonus game is finished.

  When the winning combination is not a special combination, if the flag of the special combination is stored in the flag information storage unit 105 in the ON state, the storage state of the flag in the flag information storage unit 105 is carried over to the next game.

  When the winning combination is replay, the winning determination unit 107 causes the timing control unit 103 to carry the bet (number of bets) on the game to the next game. On the other hand, when the winning combination is neither a special combination nor a replay, the payout control unit 109 causes the hopper device 93 to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination.

  As a result of the determination in step S108, if there is no winning combination (step S108 / NO), or if the winning process in step S109 is completed, the process returns to step S101.

Next, the operation of the sub control board 60 will be described with reference to FIG.
Here, only a specific effect control operation when the “predetermined effect pattern for shining an object” is selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201 will be described, but the sub control board 60 of the present embodiment is the basic for the effect. Of course, a typical control operation can be executed.

  First, when the effect pattern selection unit 201 selects an effect pattern “predetermined effect pattern that shines an object” (step S201 / YES), the image processing unit 303 determines whether or not the target object is displayed on the effect display device 40. Is determined (step S202). As a result of this determination, if the target object is displayed on the effect display device 40, the process proceeds to step S204.

  On the other hand, as a result of the determination in step S202, if the target object is not displayed on the effect display device 40, the image processing unit 303 changes the viewpoint so that the target object is displayed on the effect display device 40 ( Step S203).

  When it is determined in step S202 that the target object is displayed on the effect display device 40, or after the processing in step S203 is completed, the shadow processing restriction unit 3035 subsequently sends the target object to the shadow processing unit 3033. Is stopped, and the brightness enhancement processing unit 3034 is caused to perform brightness enhancement processing for improving the brightness of the target object (step S204).

  Specifically, in step S204, the brightness enhancement processing unit 3034 performs the brightness enhancement process by superimposing one or more white translucent objects having the same shape on the object to be processed. The white translucent object used when performing the brightness enhancement process is stored in, for example, the object storage unit 3031. The brightness enhancement processing unit 3034 performs the process for the object placement unit 3032 when performing the brightness enhancement process. The white translucent object is arranged at a predetermined position.

  FIG. 10 is an image diagram when the brightness enhancement process in step S204 is performed on the second object shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 10, in the gaming machine according to the present embodiment, the shadow processing unit 3033 performs the shadow process on the first object that is not subjected to the brightness enhancement process, but the second object that performs the brightness enhancement process. Since shadow processing by the shadow processing unit 3033 is not performed on the object, it is possible to generate a realistic effect image in which the second object appears to be actually shining.

  In the present embodiment, the brightness enhancement processing unit 3034 performs the brightness enhancement process using a white translucent object. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The present invention also includes a mode in which image processing for increasing the luminance value of the luminance signal in the primary color signal of the object is performed on the object to perform brightness improvement processing.

  As described above, by executing the processing from step S201 to step S204, it is possible to generate an effect image in which the brightness improvement processing is performed on an object having no shadow.

  As described above, the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention is based on the effect control unit 202 that controls the effect executed in the game, and the virtual three-dimensional space related to the effect based on the control by the effect control unit 202. An effect display device 40 that displays a moving image, and an effect control unit 202 includes a shadow processing unit 3033 that performs a shadow process on an object that exists in the virtual three-dimensional space, and an object that exists in the virtual three-dimensional space. Brightness enhancement processing unit 3034 for performing brightness enhancement processing for improving the brightness of the image, and shadow processing for controlling the shadow processing unit 3033 not to perform the shadow processing for the object subjected to the brightness enhancement processing by the brightness enhancement processing unit 3034 And a limiting portion 3035.

  According to the slot machine (game machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention, since the shadow process is not performed on the object for which the brightness enhancement process is performed, the brightness enhancement process is performed on the object without the shadow. This makes it possible to generate a realistic effect image in which the object appears to actually shine.

  In the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, the brightness enhancement processing unit 3034 performs the brightness enhancement process by superposing a white translucent object on the object to be processed.

  According to the slot machine (game machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention, the brightness enhancement process described above is performed by superimposing a white translucent object on the object to be processed. Can be performed easily and efficiently.

  Furthermore, in the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention, based on the effect pattern selection unit 201 that selects an effect pattern according to the gaming state, and the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201, a virtual three-dimensional space. An object placement unit 3032 for placing an object therein, and the brightness enhancement processing unit 3034 places a white translucent object at a predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space with respect to the object placement unit 3032 Improvement processing is performed.

  According to the slot machine (gaming machine) according to the embodiment of the present invention, the above-described brightness enhancement processing using the white translucent object is performed in the virtual three-dimensional space. Therefore, the brightness enhancement process can be performed easily and efficiently.

  The embodiment of the present invention can be realized by a computer executing a program. Examples of means for supplying the program to the computer include a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM on which the program is recorded and a transmission medium such as the Internet for transmitting the program. The embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention. .

It is a front view showing an appearance of a slot machine (game machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of a main control board. It is a functional block diagram which shows the functional structure of a sub control board. It is a functional block diagram showing a detailed functional configuration of an effect control unit. It is a flowchart which shows the control by a main control board. It is a flowchart which shows the control by a sub control board | substrate. It is an image figure of each object arrange | positioned in three-dimensional space by the object arrangement | positioning part. It is an image figure at the time of performing a shadow process to each object shown in FIG. It is an image figure at the time of performing the brightness improvement process by step S204 with respect to the 2nd object shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

10: Slot machine 11: Reel substrate 12: Central display substrate 13: Power supply device substrate 21: Display windows 22a, 22b, 22c: Effective line 23: Medal slot 31L, 31C, 31R: Reel 40: Effect display device 41: Start Switches 42L, 42C, 42R: Stop switches 43a, 43b: Bet switch 50: Main control board 51: Main CPU
52, 62: ROM
53, 63: RAM
54, 69: I / F circuit 55, 70: Bus 60: Sub control board 61: Sub CPU
64: Image control processor 65: Image data ROM
66: Video RAM
67: tone generator circuit 68: amplifier 71: speaker 101: role lottery unit 102: lottery table 103: timing control unit 105: flag information storage unit 106: reel control unit 107: winning determination unit 108: special game control unit 109: payout control Unit 201: Production pattern selection unit 202: Production control unit 301: Image control unit 302: Sound control unit 303: Image processing unit 3031: Object storage unit 3032: Object placement unit 3033: Shadow processing unit 3034: Brightness improvement processing unit 3035: Shadow processing restriction unit 3036: Image data generation unit

Claims (3)

Production control means for controlling the production executed in the game;
Display means for displaying a moving image in the virtual three-dimensional space related to the effect based on the control by the effect control means;
The production control means includes
Shadow processing means for performing shadow processing on an object existing in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Brightness enhancement processing means for performing brightness enhancement processing for improving the brightness of an object existing in the virtual three-dimensional space;
A game machine, comprising: a shadow processing restriction unit that controls so as not to perform a shadow process by the shadow processing unit for an object that is subjected to the brightness improvement process by the lightness improvement processing unit.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the brightness enhancement processing unit performs the brightness enhancement process by superposing a white translucent object on an object to be processed. Effect pattern selection means for selecting an effect pattern according to the gaming state;
Further comprising object placement means for placing an object in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the performance pattern selected by the performance pattern selection means;
The brightness enhancement processing means performs the brightness enhancement processing by placing the white translucent object at a predetermined position in the virtual three-dimensional space with respect to the object placement means. The gaming machine described in 1.

Images