JP2008237695A - Simulation apparatus, simulation method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a simulation apparatus, a simulation method and a program allowing a player to accurately and easily execute reel stopping operation even if the player concentrates attention on symbols on reels. <P>SOLUTION: This simulation apparatus for simulating operations of a slot machine having a plurality of stop buttons of the reels, is provided with a position detection part 101 for detecting the position on a game machine object indicated by an operation input device, a reel object selection part 102 for selecting one reel object based on the detected position, a stop button display part 103 for displaying a stop button object corresponding to the selected reel object, and a simulation part 104 for executing the stop operation of the selected reel object. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a simulation device, a simulation method, and a program for simulating the operation of a gaming machine with another device such as a game machine, and more particularly to an invention for reproducing the operation of a slot machine having a stop button.

  An entertainment device in the field called a game machine is configured to be able to provide and execute an arbitrary software program. A software program called a simulation program faithfully simulates the operation of an actual game machine (hereinafter referred to as “actual machine”). The entertainment device can cause the entertainment device to function as a simulation device by executing such a simulation program.

As an example of a conventional simulation apparatus, Patent Document 1 discloses a game machine that executes the operation of a slot machine having a stop button for stopping the rotation of a reel, that is, a so-called pachislot machine. . In the game device described in Patent Document 1, the operation of the pachislot machine is simulated by substituting the operation of the stop button in the actual machine with the operation button provided in the operation input device (operation means 4) (paragraph 0051). .
JP 2000-334172 A

  However, in the conventional method in which the operation buttons on the operation input device correspond to the stop buttons of the respective reels, it is necessary to pay attention to the buttons of the operation input device in order to avoid pressing mistakes. It was difficult to press the stop button in a timely manner. With such operability, it was difficult to enjoy the game like the actual machine.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a simulation device, a simulation method, and a program that can perform a reel stop operation accurately and easily even when attention is focused on the design of the reel.

  A simulation apparatus according to the present invention is a simulation apparatus for simulating the operation of a gaming machine provided with a plurality of reel stop buttons, and an operation input device that indicates a position on a displayed gaming machine object with a pointer; A position detection unit that detects a position on the gaming machine object indicated by the operation input device; a reel object selection unit that selects one reel object based on the position; and a stop corresponding to the selected reel object A stop button display unit that displays a button object, and a simulation execution unit that executes a stop operation of the selected reel object.

  According to the present invention, the reel object is selected corresponding to the position on the gaming machine object designated by the operation input device, and the stop button object corresponding to the selected reel object is displayed on the screen. The player can specify a reel object to be stopped by a simple operation, and can easily confirm the reel he / she has selected. For this reason, even if attention is focused on the design of the reel, the reel stop operation can be performed accurately and easily.

  The simulation execution unit may execute a stop operation of the selected reel object with an operation of the first button of the operation input device as a trigger.

  As described above, since the stop operation of the reel is performed by performing the button operation in a state where the stop button object corresponding to the selected reel object is displayed, even if attention is focused on the design of the reel. It is possible to perform the reel stop operation accurately and easily. As a result, it is possible to focus attention on the design of the reel, press the stop button in a timely manner, and enjoy the game just like the actual machine.

  The “gaming machine” is not particularly limited, but is assumed to be a gaming machine having a stop button operated by the player. For example, in addition to a slot machine, a pachinko machine (including a first kind pachinko machine and a second kind pachinko machine) corresponds to this.

A reel object corresponding area information storage unit storing coordinate information defining an area on the gaming machine object corresponding to each reel object; It is desirable to select a reel object by determining whether it is included.
As a result, the reel object can be selected with a simple process.

The stop button display unit may display the stop button object at a position below or above the corresponding reel object so as not to hide the design of the reel object.
Thereby, it can be easily confirmed whether or not the reel object that the player wants to perform the stop operation is correctly selected.

It is desirable that the stop button display unit sets the transparency of the stop button object so that an area overlapping the stop button object of the gaming machine object can be visually recognized.
Thus, even if the stop button object is enlarged, the reel design can be made visible.

The stop button display unit displays the stop button object in a first color indicating that a stop operation is possible when the selected reel object is rotating, and the reel object is in a stopped state. In this case, it is desirable to display the second color indicating that the stop operation is impossible.
Thereby, it can be easily confirmed whether or not the reel object that the player wants to perform the stop operation is correctly selected.

  The simulation method according to the present invention is a simulation method for simulating the operation of a slot machine having a plurality of reel stop buttons, and detects a position on a gaming machine object indicated by a pointer of an operation input device. A position detection step, a reel object selection step of selecting one reel object based on the position, a stop button display step of displaying a stop button object corresponding to the selected reel object, and the selected reel object And a simulation execution step for executing a stop operation.

  According to the present invention, the reel object is selected corresponding to the position on the gaming machine object designated by the operation input device, and the stop button object corresponding to the selected reel object is displayed on the screen. The player can specify a reel object to be stopped by a simple operation, and can easily confirm the reel he / she has selected. For this reason, even if attention is focused on the design of the reel, the reel stop operation can be performed accurately and easily.

  A program according to the present invention is a program for simulating the operation of a slot machine having a plurality of reel stop buttons, and detects a position on a gaming machine object indicated by a pointer of an operation input device to a computer. A function of selecting one reel object based on the position, a function of displaying a stop button object corresponding to the selected reel object, and a function of executing a stop operation of the selected reel object And to execute.

  According to the present invention, the reel object is selected corresponding to the position on the gaming machine object designated by the operation input device, and the stop button object corresponding to the selected reel object is displayed on the screen. The player can specify a reel object to be stopped by a simple operation, and can easily confirm the reel he / she has selected. For this reason, even if attention is focused on the design of the reel, the reel stop operation can be performed accurately and easily.

  The program of the present invention is stored in a storage medium and distributed. Such a storage medium is a computer-readable medium such as various ROMs, USB memories equipped with flash memories, SD memories, memory sticks, memory cards, FDs, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, etc. A typical storage medium. In addition, the broad recording medium includes a transmission medium such as the Internet capable of transmitting the program. This is because the program transmitted (downloaded) through the transmission medium is stored in the memory as it is and executed by the computer.

  Hereinafter, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a case where the operation of a gaming machine installed in a game hall or the like is simulated by reading a program according to the present invention from a recording medium into a consumer entertainment device will be exemplified. Here, as a gaming machine, it is equipped with a change display section (hereinafter referred to as reel) that changes the symbol according to the lottery performed for each game, and the success or failure of the winning is determined by the combination of symbols displayed by rotation and stop of each reel Take a gaming machine (slot machine) as an example. However, the following embodiments are merely examples of application of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and can be variously modified and applied.

(Composition of entertainment equipment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic external configuration of a consumer entertainment device 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, the entertainment device 1 is roughly composed of a device main body 10, an operation input device 20, and a display device 30.

  The apparatus main body 10 includes an indicator 11 for displaying a reading status of a first external recording medium 44a such as a DVD-ROM in which a simulation program according to the present invention is recorded, and this first external recording medium 44a is used as a first external recording which will be described later. A disk holder section 12 for setting the recording medium drive 44 at a position where data can be read, and a second external recording medium 45a such as a memory card or SD card for recording program progress information (save data), which will be described later. The external recording medium drive 45 has an insertion port 13 for setting at a position where data can be read / written, a power switch 14 for operating power on / off, and a USB terminal for external input. A sensor bar terminal and the like are provided on the back surface (not shown).

  The apparatus main body 10 is configured to be able to transfer the simulation program stored in the first external recording medium 44a to the main memory 43 and execute it. Hereinafter, an apparatus that functions when the entertainment apparatus 1 executes a simulation program is referred to as a simulation apparatus.

  The operation input device 20 relates to the present invention, and an A button 21a, a B button 21b, a direction key 22, a + (plus) button 23a, a-(minus) button 23b, for an operator to perform various game operations. A home button 23c, a “1” button 24a, a “2” button 24b, and a power switch 25 are provided, and a pointer 26 is provided at the front end.

  The A button 21a and the B button 21b are operation buttons to which an operation is assigned during a game or a simulation. The A button 21a is provided on the front panel side, whereas the B button 21b is provided on the rear side. Is provided.

  In the operation input device 20, in particular, the pointer 26 detects infrared rays from the markers 15 </ b> L and 15 </ b> R on the sensor bar 15, and can detect the coordinates / twist / distance of the pointer with respect to the display screen 31 of the display device 30. The operation input device 20 includes a motion sensor (not shown) inside, and can detect acceleration and gravity around the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis. The detected motion information is transmitted to the apparatus main body 10 together with operation input information of buttons by the operator. The motion information includes pointer displacement information detected by the pointer 26 and G information detected by the motion sensor. Details of the detection function of the operation input device 20 will be described later.

  The operation input device 20 is configured to be able to communicate operation input information and motion information to the device body 10 by a predetermined short-range radio. The wireless communication standard is not particularly limited, but the Bluetooth standard, which is a short-range wireless communication standard, is preferable. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication standard that uses radio waves in the 2.45 GHz band that can be freely used without a license, and can communicate at a speed of 1 Mbps, so that the movement of the operation input device 20 is transmitted in real time. Has enough speed for.

  The display device (monitor device, TV device) 30 outputs a display screen 31 such as a cathode ray tube type or a liquid crystal type for displaying an image generated by the device main body 10 and an effect sound generated by the device main body 10 to the outside. Left and right speakers 32a and 32b are provided. A sensor bar 15 is disposed on the side of the display screen 31 and connected to the apparatus main body 10. The sensor bar 15 holds the markers 15L and 15R that emit infrared rays at a predetermined distance apart. The markers 15L and 15R are infrared light emitting means, and generate infrared rays that can be detected by the pointer 26 of the operation input device 20.

FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram inside the entertainment apparatus 1 shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus body 10 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a control system CNTL including a main memory (RAM) 43, first and second external recording medium drives 44 and 45, an image processing unit 46, and an audio processing unit. 47 and an operation input processing unit 48.

  The CPU 41 is the center of the control operation of the entertainment device, outputs an I / O address via the system bus SB, selects a specific component, inputs and outputs data, and controls the entire device in an integrated manner. In particular, the CPU 41 transfers the simulation program of the first external recording medium 44a to the game program recording area 43a of the main memory 43 via the first external recording medium drive 44, and executes the simulation program to thereby entertain the entertainment device. Operates to function as the simulation apparatus of the present invention. Further, the CPU 41 generates image data and commands necessary for image drawing for each frame period, and transmits them to the image processing unit 46.

  The ROM 42 is a non-volatile memory that stores a startup program used when starting the entertainment device, a basic system program for operating the device, and the like. Immediately after the power is turned on, the CPU 41 executes the startup program of the ROM 42 and confirms that the first external recording medium 44a is mounted on the disc holder unit 12, and stores the data of the external recording medium 44a in the main memory 43. Operates to forward.

  The RAM 43 is a main memory, and a part or all of the simulation program and various data (effect image information, effect sound information, text information, etc.) transferred from the first external recording medium 44a are temporarily stored in the game program recording area 43a. In addition to recording and holding, the save data read from the second external recording medium 45a or work data in progress of the game is temporarily recorded and held in the game progress data recording area 43b.

  Note that the control system CNTL indicated by the chain line in the figure includes a DMAC (not shown). This DMAC is used for interrupt control and direct memory access (DMA) for peripheral devices connected to the system bus SB. By performing the transfer control, data can be directly exchanged between various peripheral devices and the RAM 43 via the system bus SB without going through the CPU 41, thereby allowing high speed and large capacity without the overhead of the CPU 41. Data transfer is realized.

  The first external recording medium drive 44 reads a simulation program and various data recorded on a first external recording medium 44a such as a DVD-ROM. The second external recording medium drive 45 reads and writes save data to the second external recording medium 45a such as a memory card or an SD card.

  The image processing unit 46 generates a stereoscopic image that constitutes a simulation image to be displayed on the display screen 31. In this embodiment, the image processing unit 46 generates a simulation image of 3D computer graphics (3DCG). Semiconductor devices such as an image decoder 46a, a GPU 46b having a frame buffer (VRAM) 46c, and a display controller 46d are provided.

Here, the image decoder 46a is read from the first external recording medium 44a, and the RAM 4
When the image data stored in 3 is image data that has been compression-encoded by the JPEG or MPEG system, the compressed image data is decoded and stored in the frame buffer 46c.

  The GPU 46b executes a predetermined image generation algorithm for generating 3DCG image data in response to a command from the CPU 41, and converts a video image for one frame generated by performing geometry processing, rendering processing, etc. into, for example, a bitmap format. To draw in the frame buffer 46c.

  The display controller 46d reads the image data drawn in the frame buffer 46c at each frame time at the next frame time, and the luminance signal (brightness information) and color signal (color information) corresponding to the read image data. ) Including a composite video signal (or RGB signal).

  The audio processing unit 47 is a semiconductor device that generates and processes game sounds such as sound effects and BGM output from the left and right speakers 32a and 32b of the display device 30. Specifically, the sound processing unit 47 includes a sound buffer (not shown), an SPU, and the like. The SPU synthesizes the sound data read from the sound buffer to generate an audio signal and outputs it to the display device 30.

  The operation input processing unit 48 includes a wireless reception antenna 48a, and is configured to receive operation input information and motion information transmitted from the operation input device 20 and transmit them to the CPU 41 via the system bus SB. The received information is latched at a port specified by a predetermined I / O address for each byte.

  The marker output unit 49 outputs an electrical signal for outputting infrared rays to the markers 15L and 15R of the sensor bar 15 that outputs infrared rays for detecting motion by the pointer 26 of the operation input device 20. . A predetermined modulation may be applied to the electrical signal in order to determine that it is a specific infrared ray.

(Simulation outline and configuration of simulation equipment)
FIG. 3 is an image display example of the top screen 50 displayed on the display screen 31 of the simulation apparatus.
The top screen 50 shown in FIG. 3 is an initial screen that is displayed first by executing the simulation program according to the present invention. The initial screen is displayed when the first external recording medium 44a storing the simulation program is inserted into the disc holder unit 12, the program stored in the first external recording medium 44a is taken into the apparatus main body 10, and the program is executed. Will be displayed first. On the initial screen 50, a “game start” icon 51 for instructing the start of the simulation game and a “menu display” icon 52 for displaying the main menu screen are displayed. On the main menu screen, a simulation program or the like built in the entertainment apparatus 1 can be selected. The simulation operation is started by selecting the “game start” icon 51 with the direction key 22 or the pointer 26 of the operation input device 20 and operating the A button 21a or the like.

  FIG. 4 is generated by composing each part in a real slot machine as a three-dimensional object, arranging it in a virtual three-dimensional space, converting coordinates as a perspective projection image when viewed from a predetermined viewpoint, and rendering. 7 is a display example of a simulation screen 60. The simulation screen 60 is updated every frame time.

  As shown in FIG. 4, on the simulation screen 60, a gaming machine object SM corresponding to the actual slot machine is displayed, and a reel in which a plurality of symbols are arranged corresponding to each part of the actual slot machine. Objects 61a to 61c, a liquid crystal display object 62, stop button objects SP1 to SP3, and the like are displayed. The stop button objects SP1 to SP3 are displayed at the same positions as the stop buttons of the actual machine. In the conventional simulation apparatus, the stop button pressing operation of the actual machine is performed by pointing the stop button objects SP1 to SP3 displayed at the positions corresponding to the actual machine with the pointer of the operation input device and performing the button pressing operation. Some of them are substituted.

As a general play flow of the simulation game of this slot machine, the medal insertion of the gaming machine object SM displayed on the simulation screen 60 by the simulation apparatus is set to MAX by the operation assigned to the coin insertion. That is, the operator bets three medals at once. Thereafter, when an operation assigned to start the rotation of the reels is performed, the simulation apparatus executes a rotation operation for changing the symbols on the reel objects 61a to 61c. Thereafter, when an operation assigned to stop the rotation of each of the reel objects 61a to 61c is performed, the simulation apparatus stops the variation of the symbols of the corresponding reel objects 61a to 61c. In this way, a game of one play is performed by a series of operations of bet → reel rotation → reel stop, and when all the reel objects 61a to 61c are stopped, the symbols displayed as the reel objects 61a to 61c ( The game result (the winning combination is established or not established) is notified by the (stop symbol).
That is, the operator stops the rotation of the reel objects 61a to 61c in a timely manner, and a desired symbol (small bell symbol such as “bell” or “bag”, RB symbol such as “BAR”, or “7” Slot games that align BB symbols, etc.).

  FIG. 5 shows functional blocks realized by the CPU 41 transferring the simulation program stored in the first external recording medium 44a to the main memory 43 and executing it.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the simulation apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an operation input device 20, a position detection unit 101, a reel object selection unit 102, a stop button display processing unit 103, a simulation execution unit 104, and a reel object corresponding area information storage unit. 106, an image processing unit 46, and a memory 105. Among these, the position detection unit 101, the reel object selection unit 102, the stop button display processing unit 103, and the simulation execution unit 104 are realized by the CPU 41 executing the simulation program transferred to the main memory 43. The reel object corresponding area information storage unit 106 corresponds to the game program recording area 43a. The image processing unit 46 is realized by the operation of the image decoder 46a, the control 46b of the CPU 41, and the display controller 46d based on the control of the CPU 41. The memory 105 corresponds to the frame buffer 46 c in the image processing unit 46.

(Operation input device 20)
As described above, the operation input device 20 has a function capable of detecting the movement of the operation input device 20 in addition to various operation buttons 21 to 25 similar to those of the operation input device of a normal game device.

  The operation input device 20 periodically outputs a detection value of the pointer 26 and motion sensor for motion detection, and the position detection unit 101 uses the detection value of the pointer 26 of the operation input device 20 as follows based on the detection value. The coordinates shown and the amount of rotation about the X / Y / Z axis are calculated and detected.

  For convenience, the coordinate axis direction in the operation input device 20 is set like the XYZ axis direction display of FIG. The pointer 26 indicates the upper end surface direction (Y-axis direction) of the operation input device 20 in FIG. Further, when the operation input device 20 is held horizontally, the gravity direction is the Z-axis direction. One motion detection function in the operation input device 20 relates to the pointer 26, and the other relates to the motion sensor.

  The pointer 26 includes a detection window DW that receives infrared rays incident within a predetermined viewing angle. Specifically, the pointer 26 detects infrared rays from the markers 15 </ b> L and 15 </ b> R provided at both ends of the sensor bar 15 arranged on the display device 30, and coordinates / twist of the pointer with respect to the display screen 31 of the display device 30.・ The distance can be detected. The sensor bar 15 holds the markers 15L and 15R that emit infrared rays at a predetermined distance.

FIG. 7 shows the state of the marker detected by the pointer 26.
The sensor bar 15 is arranged in the frame of the display screen 31 of the display device 30. For example, when the sensor bar 15 is arranged on the upper part of the display device 30, the positions of the markers 15L and 15R recognized with respect to the detection window DW recognized by the pointer 26 and the position of the display device 30 are as shown in FIG. It will be something. If the positions of the markers 15L and 15R are detected, the position of the display screen 31 is relatively recognized based on the positions.

  FIG. 8 shows the positions of the markers 15L and 15R recognized in the detection window DW of the pointer 26. FIG. 8 illustrates how the direction of the pointer is determined according to how the light of the markers 15L and 15R is detected in the detection window DW in which the pointer 26 detects light. .

  The operation input device 20 detects the light of the markers 15L and 15R, and sets the amount of deviation of the intermediate point of the sensor bar 15 from the center of the detection window DW of the pointer 26 (intermediate point of the markers 15L and 15R) to the X axis and Z axis, respectively. Is output as a relative value. The Y coordinate is indicated by a relative value based on the case where the display screen 31 and the operation input device 20 are at a certain distance.

  For example, the position detection unit 101 assumes that the X and Z coordinates perpendicular to the Y-axis direction are zero when the sensor bar 15 center coincides with the center of the detection window DW as in DW0. The center measures and outputs the coordinates, twist, and distance of the sensor bar 15 according to the amount of deviation from the center of the detection window DW.

  By moving the operation input device 20 left and right and up and down, the position on the XZ coordinate plane pointed to by the pointer 26 is changed. For example, when the light from the markers 15L and 15R moves below the detection window DW as in DW1, the pointer 26 points relatively above the sensor bar 15, and conversely as in DW2. When the light from the markers 15L and 15R moves above the detection window DW, it means that the pointer 26 points relatively below the sensor bar 15. These are the cases where the X coordinate changes. When the light from the markers 15L and 15R moves to the left of the detection window DW as in DW3, the pointer 26 indicates the right side of the sensor bar 15 relatively, and conversely as in DW4. In addition, when the light from the markers 15L and 15R moves to the right of the detection window DW, it means that the pointer 26 points relatively to the left side of the sensor bar 15. These are the cases where the Z coordinate changes.

  Further, the distance (Y coordinate) between the operation input device 20 and the display device 30 and the rotation of the operation input device 20 can be detected. FIG. 9A shows a change in the position of the marker with respect to the detection window DW10 when the operation input measure 20 is moved away from the sensor bar 15. FIG. FIG. 9B shows a change in the position of the marker with respect to the detection window DW11 when the operation input device 20 is brought close to the sensor bar 15. Since the gap between the markers 15L and 15R is a fixed value, the distance (Y coordinate) between the sensor bar 15, that is, the display screen 31 and the operation input device 20, can be measured according to the distance between the markers 15L and 15R. .

  FIG. 9C shows a change in the position of the marker with respect to the detection window DW12 when the operation input device 20 is rotated without changing the X coordinate / Z coordinate of the pointer 26. Since the rotation of the markers 15L and 15R directly corresponds to the rotation around the Y axis of the pointer 26, the position detection unit 101 can calculate the rotation angle around the Y axis.

  As described above, if the relative position between the sensor bar 15 and the display screen 31 of the display device 30 is set to a certain degree, the position of the display screen 31 pointed to by the pointer 26 can be calculated almost correctly by the detection positions of the markers 15L and 15R. It is. The relative position of the display screen 31 with respect to the sensor bar 15 (that is, whether the sensor bar 15 is arranged above or below the display screen 31) can be set by a management menu or the like. Yes.

  Another motion detection function of the operation input device 20 relates to a motion sensor. The operation input device 20 includes a motion sensor (not shown) inside, and can detect acceleration and gravity around the X, Y, and Z axes. The motion sensor provided corresponding to each axis outputs a relative value of gravitational acceleration (G) on that axis. The position detection unit 101 can calculate and detect the attitude of the operation input device 20 and the acceleration applied by the player to the operation input device 20 based on the relative values of these three-axis gravity accelerations. When the player holds the operation input device 20, camera shake occurs. Therefore, ring buffering is preferably performed to calculate and detect the average acceleration.

  For example, when the operation input device 20 is held horizontally, only gravity acts, so that the gravitational acceleration detected by the X-axis motion sensor / Y-axis motion sensor is zero, whereas the Z-axis motion is detected. The gravitational acceleration detected by the sensor is 1G. Similarly, when the operation input device 20 is held upward, the gravitational acceleration detected by the Y-axis motion sensor is -1G, and when it is tilted 90 degrees to the right, it is detected by the X-axis motion sensor. The gravitational acceleration is 1G. Even when the coordinates cannot be detected by the pointer 26, the position detection unit 101 can detect the direction and rotation of the operation input device 20 based on the change in gravitational acceleration detected by these three-axis motion sensors. In order to detect motion with high accuracy, it is preferable to determine the motion of the operation input device 20 by combining the detection of coordinates and the like with the pointer 26 with relatively high accuracy and the motion detection with the motion sensor.

  Note that the operation input device 20 itself does not have calculation capability, and periodically outputs motion information including a relative value detected by each sensor through short-range wireless communication. When a relative value related to the indicated position detected by the pointer 26 is output, together with information indicating that the value is related to the pointer 26, the X-axis coordinate, the Y-axis coordinate, the Z-axis coordinate, etc. Or when the change occurs, the relative values are output. When the operation input device 20 outputs a relative value related to the acceleration detected by the motion sensor, the operation input device 20 outputs the relative value together with information indicating which motion sensor is the value, or the X axis The relative values around the circumference, around the Y axis, and around the Z axis are output in a predetermined order.

(Position detector 101)
The position detection unit 101 calculates the X coordinate, the Y coordinate, and the Z coordinate indicated by the pointer 26 based on the relative value regarding the pointer included in the motion information transmitted from the operation input device 20. The X coordinate, the Y coordinate, and the Z coordinate are calculated using coordinate values that match the resolution of the display screen 31. Further, the rotation amount or acceleration around the X coordinate, the Y coordinate, and the Z coordinate is detected based on the relative value regarding the motion sensor included in the motion information.

  The operation input device 20 keeps outputting the relative value of the coordinates as long as the markers 15L and 15R can be detected in the detection window DW by pointing the pointer 26 toward the display screen 31. In order to show the position indicated by the pointer 26 on the simulation screen 60, the image processing unit 46 described later preferably displays the indicated position detected by the position detecting unit 101 on the gaming machine object SM with a cursor. This is because the player can recognize the position indicated by the pointer for position designation.

(Reel object selection unit 102)
The reel object selection unit 102 is a functional block that selects one reel object from among the reel objects 61a to 61c based on the position on the simulation screen indicated by the operation input device 20.
Here, “position” refers to a position designated by the player on or around the gaming machine object SM using the operation input device 20. This position may be defined by a coordinate value or may be defined by a relative value such as an identification number.
When the reel object selection unit 102 acquires the coordinates indicated by the pointer 26 of the operation input device 20 from the position detection unit 101, the reel object selection unit 102 determines which of the reel objects 61a to 61c corresponds to which reel object. . As shown in FIG. 10, three areas A1 to A3 indicated by broken lines are set on the gaming machine object SM. The reel object selection unit 102 selects the reel object 61a when the coordinates belonging to the area A1 are instructed, and selects the reel object 61b when the coordinates belonging to the area A2 are instructed. In this case, the reel object 61c is selected.

(Stop button display processing unit 103)
The stop button display processing unit 103 displays a stop button object corresponding to the reel object selected by the reel object selection unit 102 on the simulation screen 60 via the image processing unit 46. FIG. 11 shows a display example of the stop button object 63. In the example shown in FIG. 11, the reel object 61a is selected, and a stop button object 63 is displayed below the reel object 61a. The stop button object 63 is preferably a translucent object. By this. The design of the reel object can be prevented from being hidden. The display position of the stop button object 63 may be any position where the player can know which reel object corresponds to the display position. Further, when the corresponding reel object is rotating, the stop button object 63 is set to, for example, blue (first color) to indicate that the stop operation is possible, and when the reel object is in the stopped state, the stop operation is stopped. In order to indicate that the operation is impossible, the stop button object 63 may be red (second color), for example.

(Simulation execution unit 104)
The simulation execution unit 104 is a functional block that executes a simulation game based on the simulation program according to the present invention recorded on the external recording medium 44 a under the control of the CPU 41.
FIG. 6 shows further detailed functional blocks of the simulation execution unit 104.

  In FIG. 6, the simulation execution unit 104 executes a simulation game in response to various operation signals received from the operation input device 20, and includes a coin processing unit 71, a game information recording unit 72, and a flag recording unit 73. A lottery execution unit 74, a lottery table 75, an effect processing unit 76, a reel image processing unit 77 having a stop position determination unit 77a, a symbol sequence recording unit 78, a game result determination unit 79, and a special game processing execution unit 80. .

  When the simulation execution unit 104 receives an operation signal assigned to “coin insertion” from the operation input device 20 (for example, insert a medal by operating the direction key 22 in the vertical direction), the signal is received as the coin processing unit 71. The coin processing unit 71 subtracts and updates the acquired coin number recorded in the game information recording unit 72 by the inserted coin number, and the inserted coin number is a predetermined value (for example, 3). Is reached, the start flag in the flag recording unit 73 is set to ON.

  The lottery execution unit 74 continuously operates the operation signal (rotation signal. For example, the B button 21b twice assigned from the operation input device 20 to “reel rotation start” with the start flag set to ON. On the condition that the simulation execution unit 104 has received a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535), and the lottery result according to the correspondence between the random number value defined in the lottery table 75 and the winning combination. (Presence / absence of winning and type of winning combination in case of winning) are determined. In the present embodiment, a plurality of types of winning combinations that cause different game effects (increase in the number of acquired medals, etc.) depending on the establishment are set.

  If the lottery result determined by the lottery execution unit 74 is winning of any winning combination, the winning combination flag corresponding to the winning combination won in the flag recording unit 73 is set on and the winning winning combination is set. A predetermined signal is transmitted to the effect processing unit 76 in order to display the effect image corresponding to the combination and the instruction about the stop operation order of the reels on the liquid crystal display image 63 of the simulation screen 60.

  The reel image processing unit 77 generates data for causing the image processing unit 46 to draw the reel objects 61 a to 61 c based on the data recorded in the symbol row recording unit 78. Specifically, the reel image processing unit 77 determines the arrangement of the reel objects 61a to 61c as images obtained by virtually photographing three three-dimensional cylinders (reels) formed by a plurality of polygons from a predetermined virtual viewpoint. Further, a plurality of types of symbol textures (symbol images) read from the symbol row recording unit 78 are pasted on the outer peripheral surface of each reel object, thereby generating data for displaying the reel objects 61a to 61c. .

  A plurality of types (“red seven”, “white seven”, “BAR”, “cherry”, “bag”, “bell”, “replay”, etc. displayed on the reel objects 61a to 61c are displayed in the symbol row recording unit 78. ) Design texture data and data defining the order in which the textures are applied to the reel objects 61a to 61c are recorded. On the surface of the generated reel objects 61a to 61c, as shown in FIG. A symbol row is displayed on the screen.

  When the simulation execution unit 104 receives a rotation signal from the operation input device 20, the reel image processing unit 77 executes the rotation operation of the reel objects 61a to 61c, and thereafter performs the “stop rotation of the left reel”, “middle” The corresponding reel objects 61a to 61c are stopped in response to an operation signal (stop signal) assigned to either “reel rotation stop” or “right reel rotation stop”.

  In the present embodiment, the reel object selection unit 102 selects any one of the reel objects 61a to 61c and displays the stop button object 63 corresponding to the selected reel object 61a to 61c. When the button is pressed, the simulation execution unit 104 executes a stop operation of the corresponding reel object.

  The reel image processing unit 77 that has received the rotation signal executes the rotation operation by rotating the reel objects 61a to 61c at a predetermined speed in a predetermined direction to move the symbol row, and on the other hand, the reel image processing that has received the stop signal. The unit 77 performs the stop operation by stopping the rotation of the reel objects 61a to 61c so that the stop symbol determined by the stop position determining unit 77a is displayed. Data specifying display symbols for each frame time derived in the rotation operation and the stop operation is transmitted to the image processing unit 46, and the image processing unit 46 reels the reel objects 61a to 61c on the simulation screen 60 based on the received data. Execute the process of drawing.

  In the entertainment apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, when the stop operation is executed for all the reel objects 61a to 61c, three symbols are displayed as stop symbols on each of the reel objects 61a to 61c on the simulation screen 60. The game result is announced by a combination of nine stop symbols. Specifically, when symbols such as “Red Seven”, “White Seven”, “BAR”, “Bag”, “Cherry”, and “Replay” are arranged on a predetermined active line, The game result that the winning combination corresponding to is established is notified, and in the other cases, the game result that is missed is notified.

  For example, FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the reel objects 61a to 61c on which the stop operation has been executed, and the five virtual lines 611a to 611e in FIG. 12 indicate the effective lines. In the illustrated example, Three “white seven” symbols are arranged on the middle active line 611b, and the operator can know that a specific winning combination has been established.

  The game result determination unit 79 operates on the condition that the stop operation for the reel objects 61a to 61c is completed, and whether or not any winning combination is established based on the arrangement of the nine stop symbols that are stopped and displayed. If it is established, the number of acquired coins recorded in the game information recording unit 72 is incremented and updated by the number of coins corresponding to the established winning combination. In order to execute a corresponding effect using the liquid crystal display object 62 or the like, a predetermined signal is transmitted to the effect processing unit 76. The established winning combination is “BB” (the winning combination established when “Red Seven” or “White Seven” is aligned on the active line) or “RB” (“BAR” is aligned on the effective line) In the case of a special role such as a winning combination), a special game process in which the type of winning combination, the winning probability, or the number of coins to be incremented when the winning combination is established is changed in a predetermined number of game processes after the next time. A predetermined signal is transmitted to the special game process execution unit 80 for execution.

  Information processed in the reel image processing unit 77 and the effect processing unit 76 is transmitted to the image processing unit 46, and the image processing unit 46 processes these pieces of information in an integrated manner, whereby a simulation screen 60 as shown in FIG. Is generated and displayed on the display device 30.

(Reel object corresponding area information storage unit 106)
The reel object corresponding area information storage unit 106 stores coordinate information defining three areas A1 to A3 on the gaming machine object SM. A1 to A3 are areas corresponding to the reel object 61a (left reel object), the reel object 61b (middle reel object), and the reel object 61c (right reel object), respectively.

(Description of operation)
Next, simulation processing by the simulation apparatus of the present embodiment will be described based on the flowcharts of FIGS.

FIG. 13 shows a switch fetch routine when the operation input device 20 is operated in the simulation device.
The operation input device 20 periodically scans the operation state of the operation button, and when one of them is pressed, the operated operation button is fetched as a predetermined switch code, and the operation main body 10 of the device body 10 is short-range wirelessly. The data is transmitted to the operation input processing unit 48. Further, when a change occurs in the detected value of the pointer 26 of the operation input device 20 or any one of the motion sensors, the relative value corresponding to each sensor is transmitted to the operation input processing unit 48 in the same manner as the operation buttons.

  When any valid information is transmitted from the operation input device 20, the operation input processing unit 48 latches it in a predetermined input port and issues an interrupt request to the CPU 41. When an interrupt request is output, the transmission information fetch routine of FIG. 13 is called.

  In step S131 in FIG. 13, the CPU 41 captures the reception information latched at the input port of the operation input processing unit 48 into the internal buffer. Next, the process proceeds to step S132, and the CPU 41 determines whether or not the received information is motion information. When the communication command between the operation input device 20 and the device main body 10 is in a multi-byte format, whether the data type is operation button information or motion information, and the motion information is a pointer in the first byte. It is possible to include a discrimination byte indicating whether the relative value information is related to the coordinates or the relative value information related to the gravitational acceleration of the motion sensor.

  If it is determined as the motion information as a result of the determination in step S132 (YES), in step S133, the CPU 41 stores the received information in a buffer for the motion information. As a result of the determination in step S132, if it is determined that the information is not motion information (NO), it is determined that the information is related to the operation button, and in step S134, the CPU 41 stores the received information in the operation input buffer. With the above processing, the original processing is restored.

  Both the operation input buffer and the motion buffer are configured as a ring buffer, and the CPU 41 can write the received information in the input order and read the received information in the written order.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a series of processing procedures of a simulation game executed by the simulation apparatus according to the present invention.

  First, when the entertainment apparatus 1 is turned on with the external recording medium 44a on which the simulation program according to the present invention is recorded set in the disc holder 11, the CPU 41 develops the program on the external recording medium 44a in the RAM 43, The top screen 50 shown in FIG. 3 is displayed on the display screen 31 (step S1).

  When the “game start” icon 51 is selected and designated by operating the direction key 22 or the A button 21 a on the top screen 50, data such as the reel objects 61 a to 61 c and the liquid crystal display object 62 transmitted from the simulation execution unit 104. 4 generates a simulation screen 60 as shown in FIG. 4 and displays it on the display device 30 (step S2).

  The simulation execution unit 104 waits for an operation signal assigned to “insert coin” (step S3). When the signal is input (YES), the coin processing unit 71 operates and the flag recording unit 73 is operated. A coin insertion process such as setting the start flag to ON is executed (step S4).

  The simulation execution unit 104 waits for a rotation signal (step S5). When the signal is input (YES), the lottery execution unit 74 operates to win a winning combination or win a winning combination. A lottery process such as rewriting of the winning flag is executed (step S6).

  Next, the reel image processing unit 77 performs the rotation operation of the reel objects 61a to 61c (step S7).

  Next, the simulation execution unit 104 waits for a stop signal for the reel objects 61a to 61c (step S8), and when the signal is input (YES), executes a stop operation for the corresponding reel object (step S8). S9).

  Furthermore, the simulation execution unit 104 determines whether or not all reel objects have been stopped (step S10). If all the executions are completed (YES), the process proceeds to step S11. If not (NO), the process returns to step S8 and further waits for a stop signal.

  When the process proceeds to step S11, the game result determination unit 79 operates to determine whether the winning combination is established or not based on the stop symbol arrangement of each reel object stopped and displayed in step S9. When a winning combination is established, a special gaming process (step S12) by the special gaming process execution unit 80 or an update process of the number of coins acquired in the gaming information recording unit 72 (step S13) is executed, and the winning combination is not established. In this case, the process is returned to step S3 in order to execute the next game process without executing these processes.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of stop signal notification processing for each reel object according to the first embodiment.

The position detection unit 101 detects coordinates in the two-dimensional display space corresponding to the display screen 31 indicated by the pointer based on the relative value information of the pointer stored in the motion buffer (step S21).
As described above, the relative value transmitted from the operation input device 20 is the sensor bar 15 detected by the detection window DW and the Y axis direction (detection window DW center point) indicated by the pointer 26 for the X axis and the Z axis. This is the amount of deviation from the middle point. Therefore, the position of the display screen 31 indicated by the pointer is converted from the relative value to the coordinate value of the two-dimensional display space. For example, if the upper left of the display screen 31 is the reference point (0, 0) and the x coordinate and y coordinate (x, y) of the arbitrary position on the display screen 31 are indicated by the number of pixels in the right direction and the lower direction of the screen. The position detection unit 101 calculates the xy coordinate value from the relative value as the pointer position.

Next, the reel object selection unit 102 selects one reel object based on the pointer position detected in step S21 (step S22).
As described above, when the reel object selection unit 102 acquires the coordinates indicated by the pointer 26 of the operation input device 20 from the position detection unit 101, the reel objects 61a to 61 are stored in the reel object corresponding area information storage unit 106, respectively. One reel object is selected by referring to information specifying the areas A1 to A3 corresponding to 61c and determining which area the pointer position is included in.

  Next, the stop button display processing unit 103 determines whether or not the reel object selected in step S22 is rotating (step S23). If the reel object is rotating (YES), a stop operation can be performed. Is displayed below the corresponding reel object (step S24). On the other hand, when the selected reel object is in a stopped state (NO), a translucent red stop button object 63 indicating that the stop operation is impossible is displayed below the corresponding reel object (step S25). .

  For example, when all the reel objects 61a to 61c are rotating and the reel object 61c is selected, a semi-transparent blue stop button object 63 is displayed below the right reel as shown in FIG. Is done. For example, when only the reel object 61a is rotating and the reel object 61b is selected, as shown in FIG. 16B, a translucent red stop button object 63 is displayed below the central reel. The

  When the selected reel object is rotating, if the position detection unit 101 determines from the information stored in the operation input buffer that the A button 21a of the operation input device 20 has been pressed (step S26, YES), a simulation is performed. The execution unit 104 is notified of a stop signal for the selected reel object (step S27).

  When the stop button object 63 is displayed, if the position indicated by the pointer moves and the selected reel object is changed, the operation input device 20 is vibrated to notify the player. good. By notifying the operation input device 20 by vibrating it, the player can experience that the designated position of the pointer has moved and another reel object has been selected even when the line of sight is removed from the screen. it can.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the reel object is selected corresponding to the position on the gaming machine object indicated by the operation input device 20, and the stop button object 63 corresponding to the selected reel object is displayed. Since the operation of the stop button in the actual machine is substituted by pressing the A button 21a in the state, as compared with the conventional method in which the operation button on the operation input device 20 corresponds to the stop button of each reel. Even if attention is focused on the design of the reel, the reel stop operation can be performed accurately and easily. As a result, it is possible to focus attention on the design of the reel, press the stop button in a timely manner, and enjoy the game just like the actual machine.

  In addition, the stop button object SP1 to SP3 displayed at the position corresponding to the actual machine is pointed with the pointer of the operation input device to perform the button press operation, etc., compared with the method of substituting the stop button press operation of the actual machine. However, since the stop button objects SP1 to SP3 are smaller than the stop button object 63 and are located away from the reel object, according to the present invention, even if the attention is focused on the design of the reel, it is accurate and easy. It is possible to perform a reel stop operation.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the simulation screen 60 is configured by a three-dimensional image is illustrated, but the simulation screen may be configured by a two-dimensional image. Further, a video image obtained by photographing an actual machine may be applied to the simulation screen.

Configuration diagram of entertainment device (simulation device) according to the present invention Electrical block diagram of a simulation apparatus according to the present invention Example of top screen display of simulation apparatus according to the present invention Example of simulation screen of simulation apparatus according to the present invention Functional block diagram of a simulation apparatus according to the present invention Detailed functional block diagram of the simulation execution unit Relationship diagram between pointer operation window DW and markers 15L and 15R Explanatory drawing of the various aspects of the marker position with respect to the pointer operation window DW (A) is explanatory drawing of marker position when operation input device moves away, (b) is explanatory drawing of marker position when operation input device approaches, (c) is explanatory drawing of marker position when twisting operation input device Explanatory drawing showing an example of a reel object corresponding area Figure showing a display example of the stop button object The figure which shows the example of the reel object by which stop operation | movement was performed Flow chart showing transmission information capture processing The flowchart which shows the main control processing of the simulation apparatus which concerns on this invention Flow chart showing details of processing in rotation / stop processing Figure showing a display example of the stop button object

Explanation of symbols

  SM gaming machine object, SP1 to SP3 stop button object, 1 entertainment device (simulation device), 10 device body, 15L, 15R marker, 20 operation input device, 30 display device, 41 CPU, 42 ROM, 43 RAM, 43a game program Recording area, 43b game progress data recording area, 44 first external recording medium drive, 44a first external recording medium (DVD-ROM, etc.), 45 second external recording medium drive, 45a second external recording medium, 46 image processing unit, 46a image decoder, 46b GPU, 46c frame buffer, 46d display controller, 47 audio processing unit, 48 operation input processing unit, 48a wireless reception antenna, 60 simulation screen, 61a-61c reel of 62, liquid crystal display object, 71 coin processing unit, 72 game information recording unit, 73 flag recording unit, 74 lottery execution unit, 75 lottery table, 76 effect processing unit, 77 reel image processing unit, 77a stop position determination unit, 78 Symbol sequence recording unit, 79 game result determination unit, 80 special game processing execution unit, 101 position detection unit, 102 reel object selection unit, 103 stop button display processing unit, 104 simulation execution unit, 105 memory, 106 reel object corresponding area information Memory

Claims (8)

A simulation device for simulating the operation of a slot machine having a plurality of reel stop buttons,
An operation input device that indicates a position on the displayed gaming machine object with a pointer;
A position detection unit that detects a position on the gaming machine object indicated by the operation input device;
A reel object selection unit that selects one reel object based on the position;
A stop button display for displaying a stop button object corresponding to the selected reel object;
A simulation apparatus comprising: a simulation execution unit that executes a stop operation of the selected reel object.   The simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the simulation execution unit executes a stop operation of the selected reel object by using an operation of the first button of the operation input device as a trigger. A reel object corresponding area information storage unit storing coordinate information defining an area on the gaming machine object corresponding to each reel object;
The simulation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the reel object selection unit selects a reel object by determining in which region the coordinates of the position are included.   The said stop button display part displays the said stop button object in the position which does not hide the symbol of a reel object below or above the corresponding reel object. Simulation equipment.   The said stop button display part sets the transparency of the said stop button object so that the area | region which overlaps with the said stop button object of the said gaming machine object can be visually recognized. The simulation apparatus described in 1.   The stop button display unit displays the stop button object in a first color indicating that a stop operation is possible when the selected reel object is rotating, and the reel object is in a stopped state. In this case, the simulation apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second color indicating that the stop operation is impossible is displayed. A simulation method for simulating the operation of a slot machine having a plurality of reel stop buttons,
A position detecting step for detecting a position on the gaming machine object indicated by the pointer of the operation input device;
A reel object selection step of selecting one reel object based on the position;
A stop button display step for displaying a stop button object corresponding to the selected reel object;
A simulation execution step of executing a stop operation of the selected reel object. A program for simulating the operation of a slot machine having a plurality of reel stop buttons,
A function of detecting a position on a gaming machine object indicated by a pointer of an operation input device on a computer;
A function of selecting one reel object based on the position;
A function for displaying a stop button object corresponding to the selected reel object;
A program for executing a stop operation of the selected reel object.

Images