JP2009219525A - Program, information storage medium, and game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve display delay in displaying performance concerning a game simulating an actual reel type game machine in a video game. <P>SOLUTION: The n+1st (n is an integer of one or more) lottery processing is performed based on the operation input of the n-th game to temporarily select scene kind to be virtually displayed on a display picture at the n+1st game play based on the lottery processing result. Scene data of the temporarily selected scene kind is read from a recording medium with the various kinds of scene data recorded thereon, and then, buffered. When the operation input of the n+1st game is performed, the buffered scene data is loaded to reproduce and display the scene. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program, an information storage medium, and a game device for executing a simulation game in which a spinning-reel game machine is virtually played.

  One of the genres of video games is a real spinning-type gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a gaming device that performs lottery with multiple reels regardless of whether or not the player can technically intervene in stopping the reels. There is a game called “slot simulator” or “pachi-slot simulator” that simply simulates “slot machine”.

In such a game, a virtual slot machine designed to look exactly like the real thing is displayed on the game screen, and when a predetermined operation is input from the game controller, it becomes possible to input a BET, a reel rotation start operation, an operation to stop each reel, etc. ing. In the virtual slot machine in the game screen, the layout of the reels as well as the contents of the effect display are reproduced in the same way (for example, the game software “Anime Slot Revolution for Nintendo's home game device“ Wii ”) Non-patent document 1 regarding Pachislot "Mobile Suit Gundam II-Sorrow / Warrior Edition", or game software "PS2" for Sony Computer Entertainment's home game device "PS2" (See Non-Patent Document 2 regarding chapter)).
BANDAI NAMCO Games Inc., "" Anime Slot Revolution Pachislot "Mobile Suit Gundam II -Sorrow / Warrior-" MANUAL ", 2007 SEGA Co., Ltd., "" Pachislot Hokuto no Ken 2 "

  The main users of these slot simulators are those who have a hobby of playing actual slot machines, and the purpose is not just a substitute for when you can not go to the game center. May be researched. Therefore, in this type of slot simulator, it is desired that game makers also meet such demands, and it is required to reproduce the actual machine more accurately.

  By the way, in recent slot machines of actual machines, the effect display is mainly displayed on a liquid crystal display or the like, and is often realized by CG (computer graphics) using a sub-board for image processing. Data necessary for presentation display is stored in an information storage medium such as an IC memory mounted on the sub-board. When a scene playback command is received from the main board, the sub-board for image processing displays the specified scene. Data necessary for reproduction is read out from these information storage media each time and reproduced. An information storage medium that does not have a physical drive control mechanism (rotating body) such as an IC memory is relatively high in data reading speed, so that it receives scene playback commands, loads scene data, and generates CG for playback. The required time to start is short, and various production scenes can be displayed from one to the next as the game progresses without feeling a time lag.

  On the other hand, in the case of a slot simulator using a home game device, the game software is generally supplied as an optical disk such as a DVD or a CD-ROM, and data is stored from the optical disk before the game starts or as necessary. Is read out and loaded into a memory mounted on the control board.

  In a slot simulator using a home game machine, if you want to achieve a prompt presentation that does not feel the time lag as with the actual slot machine, you can read and load the data necessary for scene playback from the optical disc before the game starts. It is desirable to keep it. However, depending on the model, there are many cases where this method cannot be realized because the installed memory is insufficient. As a result, the required scene data must be read from the optical disk at each scene playback timing, and the optical disk, which has a lower reading speed than an IC memory or the like, takes time to load data. There arises a problem that a time delay occurs before the scene reproduction is started.

  In particular, in recent years, there are abundant notice effects and the like being executed according to the progress of the game during the scene playback, so the scene tends to require drawing every frame like a video game instead of playing a movie. Since display using 3DCG is also required due to the demand for performance expression, there is a tendency to increase the size of the scene data required for playback of one scene (increasing the amount of data), and it is desired to suppress the delay of scene playback. .

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to improve display delay of effect display in a game in which a real spinning machine is simulated in a video game.

According to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems, a display control is performed on a rotating game machine (for example, the slot machine 40 in FIG. 3) having a display screen that can be changed as the game progresses. , A program for executing a simulation game for virtually playing the spinning machine,
A lottery processing means for executing the (n + 1) th lottery process based on the operation input of the nth game (where n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) (for example, the processing unit 200, the game operation unit 210 in FIG. 7, and the steps in FIG. 10) S12, S18, step S60 in FIG. 12, step S106 in FIG. 14),
Based on the lottery processing result, scene type selection means for temporarily selecting a scene type to be virtually displayed on the display screen during the (n + 1) th game play (for example, the processing unit 200, the game calculation unit 210, FIG. (Steps S12 and S18 of FIG. 12, Step S66 of FIG. 12)
Buffer means for reading and buffering scene data of the scene type selected by the scene type selection means with a recording medium reading device for reading data from a recording medium on which various scene data are recorded (for example, I / O in FIG. 2) Chipset 18, sub memory 28, processing unit 200 in FIG. 7, game calculation unit 210, storage unit 500, steps S14 and S24 in FIG.
Scene reproduction display control means (for example, GPU 14 in FIG. 2, FIG. 7) that virtually displays a scene based on the scene data buffered in the buffer means when the operation input of the (n + 1) th game is made. The processing unit 200, the image generation unit 260, and the program for causing the computer to function as step S20) in FIG.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a simulation game is performed in which the spinning-type gaming machine having a display screen whose display is variable according to the progress of the game is displayed and the spinning-type gaming machine is virtually played. A game device for causing
The lottery processing means for executing the (n + 1) th lottery process based on the operation input of the nth game (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1), and at the time of the (n + 1) th game play based on the lottery process result A scene type selecting means for temporarily selecting a scene type to be virtually displayed on the display screen; a recording medium reading means for reading data from a recording medium on which various scene data are recorded; and the recording medium reading means by the scene type selecting means. Buffer means for reading and buffering scene data of the selected scene type, and when an operation input of the (n + 1) th game is made, a scene based on the scene data buffered in the buffer means is virtually displayed on the display screen. And a scene reproduction display control means for displaying.

  According to the first or eighth invention, the (n + 1) th lottery process is executed based on the operation input of the nth game (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1), and the (n + 1) th game is executed based on the lottery result. It is possible to select a scene type for effect display during game play. Then, the scene data of the selected scene is read from the recording medium and buffered, and the scene based on the buffered scene data can be reproduced and displayed when the (n + 1) th game operation input is made. Therefore, even when the basic configuration is to read the scene data from the recording medium such as an optical disk, which requires a longer data reading time than the IC memory, the delay in the start of the effect display due to the reading time is suppressed. Can do.

  As in the case of the real machine slot machine medal payout, in the slot simulator, when a privilege is given according to the game play result, the outcome of the (n + 1) th game operation input and the lottery process Benefit granting control means (for example, the processing unit 200, the game calculation unit 210 in FIG. 7, steps S42 to S46 in FIG. 11) that executes a virtual privilege granting process based on the result of the (n + 1) th lottery process by the means. It is preferable to cause the computer to function as steps S134 to S140 in FIG. 14 (second invention).

  In this case, it is possible to enhance the compatibility between the game play result and the buffered scene data, that is, the compatibility between the privilege grant state derived from the game play result and the displayed scene type. For example, it is possible to prevent a situation in which an effect display is selected and displayed as when the player has missed, even though the player wins a large amount of medals.

  Still, in the case where a different scene type is set for each combination of the lottery process result (winning role) and the reel outcome, the (n + 1) th lottery process based on the operation input of the nth game As a result of executing the above, there is a possibility that the originally set correspondence cannot be obtained between the result of the (n + 1) th game play and the displayed scene type.

  If it is desired to reduce the inconvenience associated with this, the scene reproduction / display control means is adapted to the scene type temporarily selected by the scene type selection means when the (n + 1) th game operation input is made. And having a suitability judging means (for example, the processing unit 200 in FIG. 7, the game computing unit 210, and steps S28 to S30 in FIG. 11) for judging whether or not to do so. A scene based on the scene data buffered in the buffer means is virtually displayed on the display screen, and a scene type to be virtually displayed on the virtual display screen is selected in the (n + 1) th game play when it is determined to be incompatible. The corresponding scene data is read by the recording medium reading device, and a scene based on the scene data is virtually displayed on the display screen (FIG. 1 NO~S40 step S30) as in the good and causes a computer (third invention).

Alternatively, if a sufficient buffer area can be secured, whether or not there are a plurality of types of the (n + 1) th scene type according to the operation input of the (n + 1) th game can be determined as a result of the (n + 1) th lottery processing by the lottery processing means. The computer further functions as a multi-scene possibility determination means (processing unit 200 in FIG. 7, game calculation unit 210, step S61 in FIG. 18) based on the determination,
If the scene type selection unit determines that the multiple scene possibility determination unit determines that it is possible, temporarily select the multiple types of scene types determined to be possible;
The buffer means causes the recording medium reading device to read and buffer the scene data of all scene types selected by the scene type selection means,
The scene reproduction display control means displays the scene type to be virtually displayed on the virtual display screen in the (n + 1) th game play, as the (n + 1) th lottery processing result and the (n + 1) th game operation input by the lottery processing means. Select based on
The computer may be caused to function so that a scene based on the scene data of the selected scene type buffered in the buffer means is virtually displayed on the display screen (fourth invention).

  Further, the scene reproduction display control means includes partial display change means for changing a part of the contents of the scene virtually displayed on the display screen and performing virtual display in response to an operation input of the (n + 1) th game. It is also possible to cause the computer to function (fifth invention).

  In this case, when the reel appearance and internal probability meet a specific condition, like a notice effect such as making a specific character appear, changing the display form of the specific character, or replacing the background A part of the contents of the scene can be changed as appropriate. And scene data that has some kind of interactivity in the effect display and that can change the content has a larger data size than the effect display that simply displays the movie file. It can be said that the effect of suppressing the delay of the scene reproduction by is further enhanced.

  Further, prior to the first game, the scene type selection means automatically executes a random lottery process without any operation input by the player and virtually displays it on the display screen during the first game play. If the computer is caused to function so as to select a scene type to be selected (sixth invention), it is possible to suppress a delay in scene reproduction from the first game play.

  A seventh invention is a computer-readable information storage medium storing any one of the programs of the first to sixth inventions. The “information storage medium” mentioned here includes, for example, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, an IC memory, and the like. According to the seventh invention, by causing a computer to read and execute any one of the programs of the first to sixth inventions, causing the computer to exert the same effect as any of the first to sixth inventions. Can do.

  According to the present invention, the (n + 1) th lottery process is executed based on the operation input of the nth game, and the scene type to be displayed in the (n + 1) th game play is selected based on the lottery result. be able to. Then, the scene data of the selected scene is read from the recording medium and buffered, and the scene based on the buffered scene data can be reproduced and displayed when the (n + 1) th game operation input is made. Therefore, even when the basic configuration is to read the scene data from the recording medium such as an optical disk, which requires a longer data reading time than the IC memory, the delay in the start of the effect display due to the reading time is suppressed. Can do.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, as a first embodiment to which the present invention is applied, an example in which a game machine that simulates a real slot machine with a home game device (slot simulator game) is executed to provide a pseudo game device will be described.
Note that the gaming apparatus simulated by the present embodiment is not limited to a slot machine, and can be similarly applied to any gaming apparatus that draws lots based on the outcomes of a plurality of reels and displays an effect as the game progresses. .

[Configuration of game device]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a consumer game device according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the consumer game device 1200 includes a game device main body 1201, a game controller 1230, and a video monitor 1220.

  The game apparatus main body 1201 includes, for example, a control unit 1210 on which a CPU, an image processing LSI, an IC memory, and the like are mounted, an optical disk player 1206 that is a data reading apparatus for the optical disk 1202, and a memory that is a data reading apparatus for the memory card 1204. A card reader 1208. Then, the home game device 1200 reads out the game program and various setting data from the optical disk 1202 and the memory card 1204 which are information storage media, and the control unit 1210 performs various game operations based on the operation input made by the game controller 1230. Run a given video game.

  The control unit 1210 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and DSP (Digital Signal Processor), and electrical and electronic devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and an IC memory. Each part of the game apparatus 1200 is controlled. The control unit 1210 includes a communication device 1212 that is connected to a communication line 1 such as the Internet, a LAN (Local Area Network), or a WAN (Wide Area Network) to realize data communication with an external device.

  The game controller 1230 includes a push button 1232 provided on the top surface of the controller used for various operation inputs such as a BET operation, a reel rotation start operation, and a reel stop operation, and a push button 1233R provided on the left and right front sides. , 1233L, a direction input key 1234 for inputting each of the upper, lower, left and right directions as shown in the figure, a right analog lever 1236, and a left analog lever 1238.

  The right analog lever 1236 and the left analog lever 1238 are direction input devices capable of simultaneously inputting the two axial directions of the vertical direction and the horizontal direction as shown in the figure. Normally, the game controller 1230 is held with the left and right hands, and each lever is operated with a thumb attached. By tilting the lever, it is possible to input an arbitrary direction including a biaxial component and an arbitrary operation amount corresponding to the tilting amount of the lever. Also, any analog lever can be used as a push switch by pushing it in the axial direction of the lever from a neutral state where no operation is input.

  In this embodiment, the push buttons 1233R and 1233L are used to input BET increase / decrease, and among the four push buttons 1232 arranged in a diamond shape, the left reel, the lower center, and the right reel (left reel) and C reel (center reel). -Enter the stop operation for the R reel (right reel). Also, either the right analog lever 1236 or the left analog lever 1238 is tilted downward to input a reel rotation start operation, or a “lever operation” in slot machine terms.

  The control unit 1210 of the game apparatus main body 1201 generates a game image and game sound based on the detection signal and the operation input signal received from the game controller 1230, and executes the video game. The generated game image and game sound are output to a video monitor 1220 (display monitor) connected by a signal cable 1209. The video monitor 1220 is provided with a display 1222 for displaying an image and a speaker 1224 for emitting sound, and a player can play a game sound emitted from the speaker 1224 while watching a game image displayed on the display 1222. Play the game while listening.

  More specifically, the hardware configuration centered on the control unit 1210 will be described in detail. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 1210 includes a memory controller 12 and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that are connected to the CPU 10 via a bus so that data communication is possible. 14. A sound DSP 16 and an I / O chipset 18 are provided.

  The memory controller 12 is an LSI that manages the main memory 20 by controlling reading / writing of data to / from the main memory 20 such as a RAM and performing memory refresh. It may be realized by being integrated with the CPU 10.

The GPU 14 is an LSI that includes a VRAM 22, a physical circuit for CG generation / image composition, such as a rendering engine 24, and the like, and performs image data processing for displaying a game screen while using the VRAM 22 as a storage area. Needless to say, the VRAM 22 may be connected by a separate bus without being mixed.
The GPU 14 receives an image processing command from the CPU 10 and independently performs reading of image display data, processing related to a so-called rendering pipeline from object placement to rendering in a virtual space, various image composition processing, and the like. The image is generated at a predetermined cycle suitable for the refresh rate of the display 1222. The generated image can handle both 2D graphics and 3D graphics. The GPU 14 has a function of generating a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the display 1222 through the signal cable 1209. In this embodiment, data necessary for image generation, for example, a model of an object to be arranged in a virtual space in the case of 3D graphics, texture and motion applied to the model, background images, and data relating to the arrangement of a virtual camera are stored on an optical disk. It is assumed that the information is read out from the optical disc 1202 set in the player 1206 and acquired.

  The sound DSP 16 is an LSI that generates a sound signal for sound generation by the speaker 1224 based on PCM waveform data (sample data) prepared in advance. In this embodiment, PCM waveform data is read from the optical disc 1202 and stored in a built-in memory for processing.

The I / O chipset 18 includes an information storage medium reading device such as a game controller 1230 and an optical disc player 1206, a plurality of integrated circuits that control input / output with the communication device 1212, and the like, and USB and Ethernet (registered trademark). ) And the like.
When the I / O chip set 18 receives a data read command from the CPU 10, the I / O chip set 18 can read instructed data from the optical disk 1202 set in the optical disk player 1206. The I / O chip set 18 is connected to the sub memory 28 via a bus, and can be used as a buffer area for data read from the sub memory 28 when reading data from the optical disc player 1206.

[Description of game screen and effect display]
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a game screen in the present embodiment. The game screen in the present embodiment is 3DCG generated as an image obtained by photographing an object arranged in the virtual space with a virtual camera. A state in which a virtual slot machine 40 imitating a real machine slot machine is photographed from the front is displayed in the game screen. The slot machine 40 includes a medal slot 42 for inserting a BET medal, a lever 44 for inputting a reel rotation start operation, a stop button 60 for the R reel 50, a stop button 62 for the C reel 52, and an L reel. 54 stop buttons 64, a medal payout unit 46, and an effect display unit 48. The effect display unit 48 corresponds to an image display device such as a liquid crystal display in an actual machine. In the example shown in the figure, there are three reels, but the number of reels is not particularly limited. In addition, the angle of view and the shooting angle of the virtual camera that shoots the slot machine 40 are not limited to the example shown in the figure, and can be changed as appropriate.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the effect display displayed on the effect display unit 48. In the figure, the time progress of the game is shown at the left end, and the contents of the scene displayed side by side are extracted and shown. One game play is equivalent to setting a stake and drawing a lot on the slot machine. That is, a BET operation, a lever operation, an R reel stop operation, a C reel stop operation, an L reel stop operation (the reel stop operation order is not limited to this), and a bonus medal in the actual machine. Until the payout of the virtual medal corresponding to the payout of one game is assumed to be one game play.

  Some actual slot machines switch scenes for effect display at various timings. In the present embodiment, description will be made on the assumption that scenes to be reproduced are switched when a BET operation is performed. Of course, the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this, and the switching timing can be appropriately set as in the actual machine.

In the present embodiment, the playback of the previous scene 70 that continues from the previous game is continued for a certain period of time after a bonus is awarded, such as a bonus medal payout associated with the previous game, and a new BET operation is performed during the continuous period. And the next game will start. Then, a scene to be reproduced next is selected and triggered by the BET operation.
Under certain conditions, the same scene as before may be repeated. In the same figure, the next scene 72 (72a, 72b) is hit, and the previous scene 70 is selected again, so that the display 1222 displays a continuous scene where the rabbit character continues to walk from the previous game. Become. Of course, if the same scene is repeated in the next game (one after another game), the scene 74 is reproduced as shown in the figure, and the effect is displayed so that the rabbit character continues to walk for three consecutive games. Let's go.

  When a role lottery or reel stop operation is performed during scene playback and the outcome is decided, the result of the role lottery or the so-called `` notice effect '' in the scene depending on the reel outcome as in the actual machine slot machine Etc. are made. That is, a part of the display content is changed. For example, a predetermined notice effect sign 76 appears. Data for displaying such a notice effect or the like is included in advance in scene display data (scene data), and the display content is adjusted in accordance with a lottery drawing or reel appearance during playback.

  In another condition, a scene different from the previous scene may be selected. In the figure, the next scene 78 (78a, 78b) corresponds to this, and a scene showing the state of a dog character hiding in the shadow and waiting is reproduced. Display 1222 displays as if the cut has changed from previous scene 70. Of course, the next scene 78 also includes elements such as a notice effect. For example, the shape or background color of a bouquet possessed by a dog character corresponds to this.

The scene data for performing such an effect display has a tendency to increase in data size in recent years in order to further improve display quality and provide more diversity.
In the actual slot machine, since scene data is stored in the IC memory, the load time of data for reproduction is short, and the cuts appear to be connected without a sense of incongruity at the scene switching timing. However, in the home game device 1200, scene data is usually supplied by a medium such as the optical disc 1202. The capacity of the memory mounted on the control unit 1210 is limited, and all scene data cannot be stored in the memory of the control unit 1210 before the game starts. If the selection and the reading of the scene data have been started, it takes time to read out, and a delay occurs in the playback timing of the scene, creating a sense of incongruity. Specifically, the average game play time by a familiar player is said to be about 2 seconds per game, but it takes 2 to 5 seconds to read scene data from the optical disc 1202, so depending on the case However, there are cases where the display of the production display is not in time, rather than being interrupted.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the scene displayed at the next game play is temporarily set at the previous game play, and the scene data is buffered in advance, so that the effect display start by the scene data read time is started. Suppress the delay.

[Description of scene data prefetching concept]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the timing of buffering the scene data between before the game starts and between the first game play. In the present embodiment, the BET operation, the lever operation, the operation of stopping three reels, and the provision of bonus medals are taken as one game. BETs are virtual medals used only in the game.

  Before starting the first game, the CPU 10 executes a start preparation process and outputs a read command for the scene data of the start scene. Upon receiving this command, the I / O chipset 18 buffers the corresponding scene data from the optical disk 1202 set in the optical disk player 1206 in the sub memory 28. On the other hand, the GPU 14 reads data for displaying the slot machine 40 on the game screen from the optical disk 1202 via the I / O chipset 18 and loads it into the VRAM 22 in the same manner as a known slot machine simulation game. Then, the slot machine 40 is displayed on the display 1222 using the rendering engine 24 or the like. Then, the GPU 14 loads the scene data for the start scene buffered in the sub memory 28 into the VRAM 22 and starts displaying the start scene on the effect display unit 48 based on the scene data. When the scene data for the start scene is loaded into the VRAM 22, the I / O chipset 18 appropriately clears the same data stored in the sub memory 28 and releases the storage area.

  On the other hand, the CPU 10 determines a winning combination (not only including a role, but also a miss) by executing a lottery process for the first (first) game play without any operation input by the player, and simulates a known slot machine. The scene selection process is executed based on the result of lottery in the same manner as in the game. Then, a buffer start command for scene data corresponding to the selected scene for the first game play is output. In response to this buffer start command, the I / O chip set 18 buffers scene data for the first game play in the sub memory 28. That is, before the first game play is started, the scene data of the scene that is displayed with the first game play is already stored in the sub-memory 28 that is quickly read.

  When the player performs a BET operation as the first game play, the CPU 10 sequentially executes a BET setting process, a role lottery process, and a scene selection process. Then, a buffer start command for scene data corresponding to the scene selected by the scene selection process and a scene playback command are output.

  Upon receiving this scene playback command, the GPU 14 discards the start scene that is currently being played back and releases the area that occupied the VRAM 22. Then, the scene data for the first effect display buffered in the sub memory 28 is loaded into the VRAM 22 and the playback of the scene is started. As described above, the time lag from the output of the scene playback command from the CPU 10 to the playback of the scene depends on the time for loading the scene data from the sub memory 28. This is for image display control from the main board in the actual slot machine. A scene playback command is output to the sub-board, and is equivalent to starting the scene playback by loading the corresponding scene data from the IC memory mounted on the sub-board. Therefore, like the slot simulator for the home game device 1200, the scene data is stored on the optical disc 1202, and there is no on-board memory enough to load all scene data in the home game device 1200 in advance. Even in this case, it is possible to suppress a delay in scene reproduction. Note that even in the case of a home game device equipped with a hard disk, the scene data stored on the optical disk 1202 is recorded on the hard disk (recording medium) and the game is executed. The read time is slower (longer) than the read time from the IC memory. For this reason, also in such a game device, a delay in scene reproduction can be suppressed.

  On the other hand, in response to the buffer start command output together with the scene playback command, the I / O chipset 18 is selected based on the result lottery result executed in association with the first game play. Scene data of a scene that is rendered and displayed during the second game play is read from the optical disc 1202 and buffered in the sub memory 28. Further, when the CPU 10 detects an input of lever operation, it outputs a reel rotation start command. Although not shown in the drawing, the GPU 14 receives this command and performs display control so that the R reel 50, the C reel 52, and the L reel 54 rotate.

When the player inputs a stop operation to stop the R reel 50, the C reel 52, and the L reel 54 while watching the rotating reel, the CPU 10 detects these and performs reel reel determination processing for the reel that detected the stop operation. Execute and output a stop command for the reel. Then, the GPU 14 receives this stop command, and performs display control so that the corresponding reel stops at the outcome determined in the reel outcome determination process (not shown).
When all the reels are stopped, the CPU 10 executes a hit / miss determination process. At this time, the lottery result of the combination lottery process executed before the first game play is reflected in the determination. Thus, the relationship between the contents of the scene of the effect display currently displayed on the display 1222 and the lottery result is matched. Further, the CPU 10 executes a bonus grant process (privilege grant process), and pays out a number of medals (in this case, virtual medals that can be used only in the game) according to the result of the previous hit determination process. Execute.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the concept of the timing of buffering of scene data between adjacent game plays, taking the first game play and the second game play as an example.

The processing in the second game play is basically the same as in the first game play. The CPU 10 performs a role lottery process and a scene selection process in the second game play, and outputs a scene reproduction command and a buffer start command.
When the scene playback command is output, the GPU 14 loads the scene data buffered during the first game play into the VRAM 22 and starts the scene playback. When the buffer start command is output, the I / O chipset 18 buffers the scene data of the scene selected in the second scene selection process in the sub memory 28. Here, the buffered scene data is loaded into the VRAM 22 and played back by the GPU 14 in response to the scene play command of the third game play.
In addition, the hit determination process in the second game play reflects the result of the first game play combination determination process. The result of the second game play combination determination process is reflected in the third hit determination process.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the (n + 1) th lottery process is executed based on the operation input of the nth game (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1), and the (n + 1) th game play is performed based on the lottery result. The scene type to be displayed is temporarily selected. Then, the scene data of the temporarily selected scene is read from the optical disc 1202 and buffered, and when the operation input of the (n + 1) th game is performed, the scene based on the buffered scene data is reproduced and displayed, It is possible to suppress a delay in the start of effect display due to reading scene data from the optical disc 1202.

[Description of functional block]
Next, a specific configuration for realizing the game as described above will be described.
FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the consumer game device 1200 according to the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the present embodiment includes an operation input unit 100, a processing unit 200, a sound output unit 350, an image display unit 360, a communication unit 370, and a storage unit 500.

  The operation input unit 100 is realized by input devices and sensors such as a push button, a lever, a touch pad, a dial, a keyboard, a mouse, various pointers, an acceleration sensor, and a tilt sensor, and is used for various operation inputs made by a player. In response, an operation input signal is output to the processing unit 200. The game controller 1230 in FIG. 1 corresponds to the operation input unit 100.

  The processing unit 200 is realized by electronic components such as a microprocessor, an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), and an IC memory, for example. The processing unit 200 inputs and outputs data to and from each functional unit, and inputs a predetermined program, data, and operation input. Various arithmetic processes are executed based on the operation input signal from the unit 100 to control the operation of the consumer game device 1200. In FIG. 1, the control unit 1210 built in the game apparatus main body 1201 corresponds to the processing unit 200.

  The processing unit 200 in the present embodiment includes a game calculation unit 210, a sound generation unit 250, an image generation unit 260, and a communication control unit 270.

The game calculation unit 210 executes processing related to the progress of the game. The CPU 10 in FIG. 2 corresponds to this, for example, a process of forming a game space in a three-dimensional virtual space, placing an object of the slot machine 40, and controlling the rotation / stop of the reel part, a role lottery process, and an effect display Scene selection process for selecting a scene type, a process for detecting a BET operation and setting a BET, a process for detecting a reel stop operation and determining the result of the reel that has been stopped, and a result of a winning lottery ) And winning / losing determination processing for determining whether or not to win based on the outcome of each reel, and bonus granting based on the result of the winning lottery and the result of winning / rejecting determination (such as paying out a bonus number of virtual medals) Partial display change processing that arranges special objects or changes the display form of specific objects in association with processing, reach production or notice production, etc. It is included in the line object.
These processes correspond to a process executed by the main board and the reel control sub-board in the slot machine of the actual machine, and a part of the process executed by the image control sub-board. That is, the game calculation unit 210 functions as a main board simulation unit 212, a reel control board simulation unit 214, and an image sub board simulation unit 216.

  The sound generation unit 250 is realized by a known technique such as a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP) or a control program thereof, and based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210, the sound generation unit 250 generates sound effects, BGM, and various operation sounds related to the game. A sound signal is generated and output to the sound output unit 350. In FIG. 2, the sound DSP 16 corresponds to this.

  The sound output unit 350 is realized by a device that outputs sound effects, BGM, and the like based on the sound signal input from the sound generation unit 250. In FIG. 1, the speaker 1224 of the video monitor 1220 corresponds to this.

The image generation unit 260 is realized by a known technique such as a processor such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a control program thereof, a drawing frame IC memory such as a frame buffer, and the like. For example, the image generation unit 260 generates one game image in one frame time (1/60 seconds) based on the processing result by the game calculation unit 210, and outputs an image signal of the generated game image to the image display unit 360. To do. In FIG. 2, the GPU 14 corresponds to this.
In the present embodiment, a part of the processing related to the effect display of the effect display unit 48 executed by the sub-board for image processing in the slot machine of the actual machine is also executed. That is, the image generation unit 260 has a function as the image processing sub-board simulation unit 264.

  The image display unit 360 displays various game images based on the image signal input from the image generation unit 260. For example, it can be realized by an image display device such as a flat panel display, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a projector, or a head mounted display. In FIG. 1, the display 1222 corresponds.

  The communication control unit 270 executes data processing related to data communication, and realizes data exchange with an external device via the communication unit 370.

  The communication unit 370 is connected to the communication line 1 to realize communication. For example, it is realized by a wireless communication device, a modem, a TA (terminal adapter), a cable communication cable jack, a control circuit, and the like, and the communication device 1212 corresponds to this in FIG.

  The storage unit 500 stores pre-defined programs and data, and is also used as a work area of the processing unit 200 to store calculation results executed by the processing unit 200 according to various programs, input data input from the operation unit 100, and the like. Memorize temporarily. This function is realized by, for example, an IC memory such as a RAM and a ROM, a magnetic disk such as a hard disk, and an optical disk such as a CD-ROM and DVD. In FIG. 2, the memory controller 12, the main memory 20, the I / O chip set 18, the sub memory 28, the optical disc player 1206, and the optical disc 1202 set in the player correspond to this. An external storage device connected to be able to perform data communication via the communication device 1212 may be used.

  The storage unit 500 according to the present embodiment includes a system program 501 for realizing various functions for causing the processing unit 200 to control the game apparatus 1200 in an integrated manner, a game program 502 necessary for executing a game, and various types of programs. Store data etc. When the processing unit 200 reads out and executes the game program 502, the processing unit 200 can realize the function as the game calculation unit 210.

The storage unit 500 stores scene setting data 510 and a scene data library 511 as data prepared in advance.
The scene setting data 510 stores a scene selection condition and a selected scene type in association with each other. The scene condition can be realized in the same way as the setting in the actual slot machine. For example, the combination of winning combination and reel appearance, winning / winning winning combination, number of game plays, game play elapsed time, cumulative number of bonus medals paid out, previous scene type, etc. can be used as conditions.

  The scene data library 511 stores various material data for displaying each scene for each scene type. This can also be realized in the same manner as the data used in the actual slot machine.

Further, the storage unit 500 further includes, as data generated as the game progresses and rewritten as needed, the number of games 512, the number of medals possessed 514 that can be used by the player in the game, and the BET medals. Formula 516, buffer list 520 that is registration information related to scene data buffered in sub memory 28, and reel status data 540 that stores information indicating the current state of each reel are stored.
Also, a buffer start command flag 560 indicating that a buffer start command has been output, a scene playback command flag 562 indicating that a scene playback command has been output, a reel automatic stop timer 564, a medal payout number 566, a buffer Stored scene data 568 is stored.
Of course, in addition to these, as information necessary for executing the processing related to the progress of the game, for example, data such as angle of view, line-of-sight direction, posture information for controlling the virtual camera, count data of various time limits, etc. Store as appropriate.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the buffer list 520. As shown in the figure, the buffer list 520 is associated with the number of games 522, the role lottery result 524 of the role lottery process in the game play of the number of games, the R reel outcome 526, and the C reel outcome 528. , L reel outcome 530, scene type 532 selected in the scene selection process in the game play of the number of times of the game, and buffer head address 534 in which scene data corresponding to the scene type is stored are registered as one set. Has been. In the present embodiment, the scene selected based on the role lottery result in the nth game play is reproduced in the (n + 1) th game play, so that at least one set is registered in the buffer list 520. The buffer list 520 is updated as appropriate.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a data configuration example of the reel status data 540. The reel status data 540 is associated with the reel identification information 542 of the R reel, the C reel, and the L reel, and the output 544, the reel rotation flag 546 indicating the rotation state of the reel, and the reel stop operation are input. The reel stop flag 548 shown is stored. The reel stop flag 548 is set when a reel stop operation for each reel is input from the game controller 1230, and is reset when the reel is stopped.

[Description of process flow]
Next, the flow of processing in this embodiment will be described. The processing described here is realized by the processing unit 200 reading and executing the system program 501 and the game program 502.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the main processing flow relating to the game progress in the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, first, the processing unit 200 starts buffering predetermined start scene data into the sub-memory 28 (step S2), while reading data for displaying the virtual slot machine 40 from the optical disc 1202. The virtual slot machine 40 (see FIG. 3) is displayed by being loaded into the VRAM 22 and rendered based on the loaded data (step S4).

  Then, the processing unit 200 loads the scene data of the start scene buffered in the sub memory 28 to the VRAM 22 (step S6), and displays the start scene on the effect display unit 48 of the virtual slot machine 40 based on the data. Control (step S8). Hereinafter, when scene data buffered in the sub memory 28 is loaded into the VRAM 22, the scene data on the sub memory 28 is discarded.

  Next, the processing unit 200 initializes the game number n (same as the game number 512 in FIG. 7) by setting it to “0” (step S10). In addition, the reel status data 540 is initialized by storing a predetermined default value in the output 544 and storing “0” in the reel rotation flag 546 and the reel stop flag 548.

  Then, a temporary command generation task is executed (step S12). The temporary command generation task is a process for outputting a buffer start command for scene data to be used in the next game play without a player's actual operation. Here, a scene to be displayed in the first game play is selected and a buffer start command is output. In this embodiment, outputting the buffer start command is substituted by setting the buffer start command flag 560.

  Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 12, the processing unit 200 first automatically executes a combination lottery process without input of a player's operation and determines a temporary winning combination (step S60). The eyes are automatically determined to determine the provisional reel appearance (step S62). Subsequently, based on the temporary winning combination and the temporary reel appearance, a temporary hit / miss determination is determined (step S64). The role lottery process can be realized in the same manner as the internal lottery in a known slot machine of an actual machine. Further, the outcome of each reel may be determined by random processing using random numbers.

  Next, the processing unit 200 executes a scene selection process, and selects a scene type based on a temporary winning combination, a temporary reel appearance, and a temporary hit / miss determination result with reference to the scene setting data 510 (step S66). . Then, the temporary winning combination / provisional reel appearance / scene type previously determined in association with the current game count n is registered in the buffer list 520 (step S68). At this stage, since the buffer head address 534 is undecided, a predetermined default value may be stored. Then, the processing unit 200 sets “1” in the buffer start command flag 560 to set the flag (step S70), and ends the temporary command generation task.

If the provisional command generation task is completed, the process returns to the flowchart of FIG. 10, and then the processing unit 200 executes the scene data buffer task (step S14).
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the scene data buffer task in the present embodiment. In the scene data buffer task, the processing unit 200 first refers to the buffer start command flag 560. If the flag is “1” (YES in step S82), the processing unit 200 is registered in the buffer list 520 corresponding to the number of games n. The scene data corresponding to the scene type is read from the scene data library 511 of the optical disc 1202 by a predetermined size and buffered in the sub memory 28 (step S84).
If the buffering of the scene data is completed (YES in step S86), the buffer start command flag 560 is set to “0” (step S88), and the buffered start address is associated with the current game count n. Registration in the list 520 (step S90). Then, the scene data buffer task is terminated.
On the other hand, even if only a predetermined size is buffered in step S84, if the reading of all data of the scene data is not yet completed (NO in step S86), the scene data buffer task is once ended.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 10, the processing unit 200 next determines whether or not the buffering of the scene data of the scene selected with the number of games n = 0 is completed (step S16). If not completed (NO in step S16), the process returns to step S14. If completed (YES in step S16), the process proceeds to the first game play. That is, steps S2 to S16 correspond to the “start preparation” in FIG.

  As a process related to the first game play, specifically, “1” is set to the game number n (step S17), and the main board simulation task is executed (step S18). The main board simulation task is a process for simulating the processing performed by the main board in the slot machine of the actual machine.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the processing unit 200 first determines whether all reels are stopped (step S100). If all reels are stopped, that is, if the reel rotation flag 546 and the reel stop flag 548 of all reels are both “0”, an affirmative determination is made (YES in step S100).

If a BET operation is detected while all reels are stopped (YES in step S102), BET setting processing is executed (step S104). Next, a temporary command generation task is executed to select a scene to be displayed in the next game play (the (n + 1) th game play) (step S106). By executing the temporary command generation task here, the winning combination, reel appearance, and scene type are newly registered in association with the current game count n, and a buffer start command flag 560 is set.
Therefore, since the buffer start command flag 560 is set at the timing when the next scene buffer task is executed, the scene type scene data associated with the number of games n (in this case, n = 1) in the buffer list 520 is sub-stated. It will be buffered in the memory 28.

If the processing unit 200 detects an operation input corresponding to a lever operation for inputting the start of reel rotation (YES in step S108), it stores "1" in the scene reproduction command flag 562 and sets a flag (step S110). . This is equivalent to a scene playback command being output from the main board, which is the slot machine of the actual machine.
Next, the processing unit 200 sets the reel rotation flag 546 of all reels in the reel status data 540 to “1” (step S112), and starts the reel automatic stop timer 564 (step S114). The process of setting the reel rotation flag 546 corresponds to the output of a reel rotation start command from the main board, which is referred to in the actual slot machine.

Next, the processing unit 200 determines whether or not there is a reel stop operation (step S120). If a reel stop operation is detected (YES in step S120), the corresponding reel output determination process is executed (step S122), and the determined output of the corresponding reel is associated with the current number of games n and the buffer list 520 is set. (Step S124). The outcome determination process can be realized in the same manner as a known slot machine simulation game.
Then, the processing unit 200 sets “1” to the reel stop flag 548 of the reel status data 540 of the corresponding reel (step S126). This corresponds to a rotation stop command for the corresponding reel being output from the main board, which is referred to in the actual slot machine.

  On the other hand, when the reel automatic stop timer 564 counts up even when no reel stop operation is input (YES in step S130), the processing unit 200 sets the reel stop flag 548 for all reels to automatically set the reels. The rotation is stopped (step S132).

  Next, the processing unit 200 determines whether all reels are in a stopped state. If all reels are in a stopped state (YES in step S134), the reel automatic stop timer 564 is reset (step S136), and the buffer list 520 is reset. Are registered on the basis of the result lottery result (winning combination) registered corresponding to the number of games n-1 and the current reel output 544 (see FIG. 9) corresponding to the number of games n. A winning / winning determination process of the winning lottery result is performed (step S138). Then, the medal payout number associated with the current game play is determined in accordance with the result of the hit determination and stored in the medal payout number 566 (step S140), and the main base simulation task is terminated.

  If the main base simulation task is completed, the processing unit 200 returns to FIG. 10 and executes the image sub-board simulation task (step S20). The image sub-board simulation task is a process for realizing the function of the image display control sub-board such as effect display in the slot machine of the actual machine.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of the image sub-board simulation task in the present embodiment. In this process, first, the processing unit 200 determines whether the scene playback command flag 562 is set (step S160).
If the flag is set to “1” and the flag is set, it is determined that a scene playback command for a new scene has been issued (YES in step S160), and the processing unit 200 stops the scene playback currently being controlled for display. At the same time, the data is discarded (step S162). Then, referring to the buffer head address 534 corresponding to the number of games n-1 from the buffer list 520, the scene data buffered with the same address as the head is loaded into the VRAM 22 (step S164), and based on the loaded scene data. Then, scene playback is started (step S166). Of course, as with known slot simulators, when playing a scene, when the reel appearance and internal probability meet specific conditions, a specific character appears or the display form of the specific character is changed. , A process of changing a part of the content of the scene like a notice effect such as replacing the background is included.

Next, the processing unit 200 deletes the scene data from the sub memory 28 (step S168), and deletes the list corresponding to the game number n-1 from the buffer list 520 (step S170). Then, the scene reproduction command flag 562 is reset to “0” (step S172), and the image sub-board simulation task is exited.
On the other hand, if the scene reproduction command flag 562 is not “1”, the processing unit 200 reproduces the scene based on the scene data loaded in the VRAM 22 (step S174), and exits the image sub-board simulation task. Of course, the reproduction processing here also includes processing for partially changing the contents of the scene such as a notice effect.

  After exiting the image sub-board simulation task, the processing unit 200 returns to the flowchart of FIG. 10 and next executes the reel control board simulation task (step S22). The reel control board simulation task realizes a function corresponding to a reel control board that controls the rotation / stop of the reel, which is called in the slot machine of the actual machine. That is, in the reel status data 540, the reel rotation flag 546 is “1” and the reel stop flag 548 is “0”. The reel rotation flag 546 is “0” and the reel stop flag 548 is “1”. The reels are displayed and controlled to stop at the corresponding output 544, and when stopped, the reel rotation flag 546 is set to “0”. Such reel part rotation display / stop operation display can be realized in the same manner as a known slot machine simulation game.

  Next, the processing unit 200 executes a scene data buffer task (step S24). Thereby, the buffering of the scene data of the scene selected corresponding to the number of games n = 1 in the main base simulation process in step S18 to the sub memory 28 can be started.

Then, the processing unit 200 refers to the reel status data 540 to determine whether or not all reels have been determined (step S26).
If there are no matches (NO in step S26), the process returns to step S18. On the other hand, if the outcome is complete (YES in step S26), the process proceeds to the flowchart of FIG. 11, and the processing unit 200 displays that the scene data buffered corresponding to the number of games n-1 is the outcome of all reels. It is determined whether or not the actual situation is met, and if it is unsuitable, a process for buffering and reloading the suitable scene data is executed (steps S28 to S36).

Specifically, in order to determine the suitability, the processing unit 200 first executes a scene type selection process based on the winning combination of the number of games n−1 and the reel appearance of the current time (number of games n) (steps). S28).
Then, it is determined whether the currently selected scene type matches the scene type corresponding to the number of games n−1, that is, the scene type of the scene data already buffered in the sub memory 28 (step S30). Compliance criteria can be set as appropriate. For example, it may be determined that the two match each other, or may be determined to match if the former and the latter are included in the same selection candidate corresponding to the same scene selection condition.

  If it is determined that they do not match (NO in step S30), the processing unit 200 discards the scene data corresponding to the number of games n-1 buffered in the sub memory 28 (step S32) and newly selects in step S28. The scene data of the selected scene type is read from the optical disk 1202 and buffered in the sub memory 28 (step S34). Then, the scene type 532 and the buffer head address 534 of the buffer list 520 corresponding to the number of games n−1 are updated (step S36), the scene playback command flag 562 is set to “1” (step S38), and the image A display sub-board simulation task is executed (step S40). In other words, after replacing the scene data suitable for the progress state of the game, an effect display based on the replaced scene data is displayed on the effect display unit 48 (see FIG. 3).

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the scene type selected this time matches the scene type of the scene data buffered in the sub memory 28 (YES in step S30), these steps are not executed and the scene data is replaced. I will not do it.

  In reality, the probability that the winning combination is such that the effect display changes greatly is low. Even if a winning combination whose production display changes greatly is selected, it is even less likely that the reels will be in line with each other, and such replacement of scene data is rare.

  If the process related to the replacement of the scene data is executed, the processing unit 200 refers to the value of the medal payout number 566, and if the medal payout number 566 is not “0” (NO in step S42), the medal is paid out. Display control (step S44), the number of possessed medals 514 is added and updated by the value of the medal payout number 566 (step S46), and the medal payout number 566 is reset to “0” (step S48).

  Since one set of games has been completed, the processing unit 200 next determines whether or not there is a game end operation. If there is no game end operation, the processing unit 200 sets “1” to the number of games n in preparation for the next game play. Addition is performed (step S52), and the process returns to step S18 in FIG.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the (n + 1) th lottery process is executed based on the operation input of the nth game (n is an integer of 1 or more), and the (n + 1) th game play is performed based on the lottery result. The scene type to be displayed is temporarily selected. Then, the scene data of the temporarily selected scene is read from the optical disk and buffered, and when the operation input of the (n + 1) th game is performed, the scene based on the buffered scene data is reproduced and displayed, thereby being read from the optical disk. It is possible to suppress the delay in starting the effect display due to reading out the scene data.
These effects are more effective in cases where the scene data is larger than the movie because the presentation display is not just a movie playback, but includes a reach notice, such as including a reach notice, which varies depending on the current game progress. The

[Second Embodiment]
Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. This embodiment basically has the same configuration as the first embodiment, but there are a plurality of possibilities when selecting the scene type to be displayed in the (n + 1) th game play based on the nth game play. It is different in selecting a type. In addition, the same code | symbol is provided about the component similar to 1st Embodiment, and description shall be abbreviate | omitted.

  16 and 17 are flowcharts for explaining the main processing flow in the present embodiment. Compared with the first embodiment, the temporary command generation task B is executed as step S13 instead of step S12 of the first embodiment, and the image sub-board simulation task is executed as step S21 instead of step S20 of the first embodiment. The difference is that B is executed and steps S28 to S40 in the first embodiment are omitted.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart for explaining the flow of processing of the temporary command generation task B in this embodiment. In the present embodiment, after the winning lottery process is automatically executed and the winning combination is provisionally determined (step S60), it is determined whether or not there are a plurality of scene types that can be displayed based on the temporary winning combination (step S61). For example, if the winning combination is “losing” and any reel stop operation cannot be won, a negative determination is made, and if the winning combination is “small role” and the reel stopping operation is made, If the scene type is different and different scene types are set, an affirmative determination is made.

  If the determination is affirmative (YES in step S61), all scene types that include the provisional winning combination in the selection condition and that can be selected depending on the outcome of the reel are selected (step S67). For example, in a configuration in which different scene contents are set depending on whether the temporary winning combination is won or unsuccessful, both scene types can be selected. Further, if the reel output is in a state where it is easy to align with a specific output due to the current probability variation, it is possible to further include a scene type when the specific output is aligned.

  If a scene type is selected, the processing unit 200 registers a plurality of selected scene types in association with the current game count n in the buffer list 520 (step S69), and starts a buffer start command flag. "1" is stored in 560 (step S70), and the temporary command generation task is exited.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining the processing flow of the image sub-board simulation task B in the present embodiment. In the present embodiment, after the scene playback currently being executed is stopped (step S162), the processing unit 200 selects a scene type based on the winning combination of the number of games n-1 and the current reel appearance (step S163). ) With reference to the buffer head address 534 corresponding to the currently selected scene type from the buffer list 520, the buffered scene data of the scene type is loaded into the VRAM 22 (step S164). That is, an appropriate scene type is selected from the scene types that can be displayed in step S163, and only the selected scene type is loaded from the sub memory 28 to the VRAM 22 and played back.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, since the compatibility between the pre-buffered scene data and the game play result is poor and the frequency of buffer re-execution can be reduced, the delay in the start of reproduction accompanying the reading of the scene data more reliably. Can be suppressed.
In the present embodiment, all scene types that can be displayed are selected and the scene data is buffered in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all scene types that can be displayed are selected. Of course, a predetermined number may be selected from the higher probability. In that case, it is preferable that steps S24 to S40 are not omitted in the main flowchart.

[Modification]
As described above, the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to these embodiments, and components can be added, omitted, or changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. .

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a slot simulator game is executed using a home game device has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to a portable game device as shown in FIG.

  The portable game apparatus 1400 includes a direction input key 1402 and a button switch 1404 for a player to input a game operation, a first liquid crystal display 1406, a second liquid crystal display 1408, a speaker 1410, a wireless communication module 1412, and a control. A unit 1460 is provided integrally with a flip-flop type apparatus main body 1401 that can be opened and closed by a hinge 1414. Furthermore, touch panels 1407 and 1409 that can input arbitrary positions within the display range by touching with a stylus pen 1416 or the like are mounted on the surfaces of the first liquid crystal display 1406 and the second liquid crystal display 1408.

  Further, the apparatus main body 1401 is provided with a reading device 1418 (corresponding to an optical disc player 1206) of an optical disc cartridge 1440 (corresponding to the optical disc 1202) containing an optical disc as a computer-readable information storage medium. The optical disc cartridge 1440 stores programs and various setting data necessary for the control unit 1460 of the portable game apparatus 1400 to execute various arithmetic processes, and data related to the content to be presented. In addition, a built-in battery, a power button, a volume control button, and the like (not shown) are provided.

  The control unit 1460 includes various microprocessors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an IC memory, a driver circuit for a liquid crystal display, and a sound output. For example. The reading device 1418 reads out programs and data stored in the memory card 1440 and executes various arithmetic processes. Then, each unit of the apparatus is controlled in accordance with operation inputs from the direction input key 1402, the button switch 1404, and the touch panels 1407 and 1409.

In addition, the portable game device 1400 includes a microphone 1420 and a triaxial acceleration sensor 1422.
The microphone 1420 collects sounds and voices made by the user who is playing, and outputs the collected sound signals to the control unit 1460. It is good also as a structure provided with the connecting terminal which can connect an external microphone not only to an integrated microphone like the figure.
The triaxial acceleration sensor 1422 detects accelerations in the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions that intersect perpendicularly in order to detect the posture change and position change of the portable game apparatus 1400, and sends a detection signal to the control unit 1460. Output. In addition, it is good also as a structure provided with a gyro sensor as a function addition instead of an acceleration sensor.

  In the present embodiment, the portable game device 1400 is configured to read out necessary programs, various setting data, and data related to contents from the memory card 1440, but via the wireless communication module 1412, the Internet or LAN (Local Area) Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network) may be connected to a communication line 1 and acquired from an external device by data communication.

The system block diagram which shows the structural example of a household game device. The figure which shows the hardware structural example. The figure which shows the example of a game screen. The figure which shows the example of the effect display displayed on an effect display part. The figure for demonstrating the concept of scene data prefetching, Comprising: The figure explaining the concept about the timing of the buffering of scene data before a game start and the 1st game play. It is a figure explaining the concept about the timing of buffering of scene data between adjacent game play, Comprising: The figure which shows the example of the 1st game play and the 2nd game play. The functional block diagram which shows an example of a function structure of the consumer game device in 1st this embodiment. The data block diagram which shows the structural example of a buffer list. The data block diagram which shows the structural example of reel status data. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the main processes in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the main processes in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a temporary command production | generation task. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a scene buffer task. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a main board | substrate simulation task. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the image sub board | substrate simulation task in 1st Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the main processes in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of the main processes in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart for demonstrating the flow of a process of the temporary command generation task B in 2nd Embodiment. 9 is a flowchart for explaining a flow of processing of an image sub-board simulation task B in the second embodiment. The external view which shows the structural example of a portable game device.

Explanation of symbols

10 CPU
14 GPU
18 I / O chipset 22 VRAM
28 Sub Memory 200 Processing Unit 210 Game Operation Unit 212 Main Board Simulation Unit 214 Reel Control Board Simulation Unit 216 Image Sub Board Simulation Unit 260 Image Generation Unit 264 Image Sub Board Simulation Unit 500 Storage Unit 510 Scene Setting Data 511 Scene Data Library 520 Buffer List 560 Buffer start command 562 Scene playback command flag 568 Scene data (for buffer)

Claims (8)

A program for causing a computer to display and control a spinning-type game machine having a display screen whose screen display is variable as the game progresses, and to execute a simulation game for virtually playing the spinning-type game machine There,
Lottery processing means for executing the (n + 1) th lottery process based on an operation input of the nth game (n is an integer of 1 or more);
A scene type selection means for temporarily selecting a scene type to be virtually displayed on the display screen during the (n + 1) th game play based on the lottery processing result;
Buffer means for reading and buffering scene data of the scene type selected by the scene type selection means in a recording medium reading device that reads data from a recording medium on which various scene data are recorded;
A scene reproduction display control means for virtually displaying a scene based on the scene data buffered in the buffer means on the display screen when an operation input of the (n + 1) th game is made;
A program for causing the computer to function as   The computer functions as a privilege grant control unit that executes a virtual privilege grant process based on the result of the operation input of the (n + 1) th game and the result of the (n + 1) th lottery process by the lottery process unit. The program according to claim 1 for causing the program to occur. The scene replay display control means has suitability judging means for judging whether or not the scene type temporarily selected by the scene type selecting means is suitable when an operation input of the (n + 1) th game is made. When the suitability judging means judges that it is fit, a scene based on the scene data buffered in the buffer means is virtually displayed on the display screen, and when judged not fit, in the n + 1th game play Selecting a scene type to be virtually displayed on the virtual display screen, causing the recording medium reading device to read corresponding scene data, and virtually displaying a scene based on the scene data on the display screen;
The program according to claim 1 or 2 for causing the computer to function as described above. As a plurality of scene possibility determination means for determining whether or not there can be a plurality of types of the (n + 1) th scene type in response to an operation input of the (n + 1) th game based on a result of the (n + 1) th lottery processing by the lottery processing means. Further causing the computer to function;
If the scene type selection unit determines that the multiple scene possibility determination unit determines that it is possible, temporarily select the multiple types of scene types determined to be possible;
The buffer means causes the recording medium reading device to read and buffer the scene data of all scene types selected by the scene type selection means,
The scene reproduction display control means displays the scene type to be virtually displayed on the virtual display screen in the (n + 1) th game play, as the (n + 1) th lottery processing result and the (n + 1) th game operation input by the lottery processing means. Selecting a scene based on the scene data of the selected scene type buffered in the buffer means, and virtually displaying the scene on the display screen;
The program according to claim 1 or 2 for causing the computer to function as described above.   The scene reproduction display control means includes a partial display change means for changing a part of the contents of the scene to be virtually displayed on the display screen in accordance with an operation input of the (n + 1) th game, and performing virtual display. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-4 for functioning a computer.   The scene type selection means automatically executes a random lottery process without any operation input by the player prior to the first game, and virtually displays the scene on the display screen during the first game play. The program as described in any one of Claims 1-5 for functioning the said computer so that a kind may be selected.   A computer-readable information storage medium storing the program according to claim 1. A game apparatus for controlling a display of a spinning-type game machine having a display screen whose display is changed in accordance with the progress of the game and executing a simulation game for virtually playing the spinning-type game machine. ,
Lottery processing means for executing the (n + 1) th lottery process based on the operation input of the nth game (n is an integer of 1 or more);
Scene type selection means for temporarily selecting a scene type to be virtually displayed on the display screen during the (n + 1) th game play based on the lottery processing result;
A recording medium reading means for reading data from a recording medium on which various scene data are recorded;
Buffer means for causing the recording medium reading means to read and buffer the scene data of the scene type selected by the scene type selecting means;
Scene reproduction display control means for virtually displaying a scene based on the scene data buffered in the buffer means on the display screen when an operation input of the (n + 1) th game is made;
A game device comprising:

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