JP2009288984A - Image creation device, game machine, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To express more realistic starlit sky with relatively small data. <P>SOLUTION: This image creation device is provided with a celestial sphere face modeling part (301) for modeling a celestial sphere face based on celestial sphere face object data defining a celestial sphere face object configured of a plurality of division faces; a star modeling part (303) for modeling a star-like object on a celestial sphere face based on star-like object data defining a star-like object; a perspective projection conversion part (505) for performing perspective projection conversion to the modeled celestial sphere face object and star-like object; a celestial sphere face texture mapping part (306) for mapping a texture to each section face based on the texture data developed into the division faces; and a star mapping part (309) for selecting any of the pixel data created by mapping the texture, and for mapping the pixel data to the star-like object whose perspective projection conversion has been performed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a three-dimensional image generation technique, and more particularly to an image generation technique suitable for a starry sky image representation.

  With the development of 3D image processing technology, it is now possible to display images of our living space realistically. Among image generation apparatuses capable of displaying such a three-dimensional image, apparatuses that perform computations and display relating to celestial bodies have been developed.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-310689 discloses a navigation device that calculates the current position and the position of the sun at the current date, and that can display a map image that takes into account the effects of sunlight (see FIG. Patent Document 1). By using such a technique, it was possible to perform shading drawing using the calculated solar sky position as a light source and display a realistic image (paragraphs 0006 and 0032).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-18095 discloses an image processing apparatus that maps two textures to a polygon for representing a star and can express a blink of a star by expanding or contracting a part of the polygon. (Patent Document 2, Abstract, Paragraph 0006).
JP 2002-310689 A JP 2008-18095 A

  However, the invention described in the above prior art 1 calculates the position of sunlight as a light source in a virtual three-dimensional space, and is not an invention intended to display celestial bodies effectively.

  The invention described in the above prior art 2 is an invention that expresses the blink of a star, but is specialized in a method for displaying a star as a single illuminant, and the effect of a starry sky in which a large number of stars spread over the celestial sphere. It did not provide a realistic expression method. In this prior art 2, it is necessary to prepare two types of textures for the star object.

  Here, as a method for simply displaying the starry sky, as shown in FIG. 16, it is conceivable to hold a starry sky image as a texture Tx and repeatedly display it. However, this method has a drawback in that it is easy to know that the texture is repeatedly displayed because the arrangement pattern of stars that is relatively noticeable is repeated.

  Further, in the method of pasting a starry sky image as a texture, when the celestial sphere is distorted, as shown in FIG. The star texture to be displayed could be stretched, resulting in a spider-like unnatural image.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image generation device, a game machine, and a program that can represent a realistic starry sky with relatively little data.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image generation apparatus of the present invention models a star-like object for expressing a star in a virtual three-dimensional space in an image generation apparatus configured to be able to generate an image including a star, Selecting one of the generated pixels and applying the texture of the selected pixel to the star-like object.

  According to such a configuration, any one of the generated pixels is selected for the star-shaped object that is modeled, that is, arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, and its texture is applied. Is not required to be prepared in advance. Therefore, a realistic starry sky can be expressed without using texture data.

  In the present invention, the “star” means a celestial body that shines in the clear night sky, but in a broad sense includes the sun, the moon, planets, comets, and meteors. The “pixel” to be “selected” is composed of one or more.

  Specifically, the image generation apparatus of the present invention defines a celestial sphere modeling unit that models a celestial sphere based on celestial sphere object data that defines a celestial sphere object composed of a plurality of section surfaces, and defines a star-shaped object. A star modeling unit that models a star object on the celestial sphere based on the star object data, a perspective projection conversion unit that performs perspective projection conversion on the modeled celestial sphere and star object, and texture data that is developed on the section plane A celestial sphere texture mapping unit that maps textures to each segmented surface, a star mapping unit that selects pixel data generated by mapping the textures, and maps them to a star-shaped object that has undergone perspective projection transformation; .

  The program of the present invention is a program for an image generation apparatus configured to be capable of generating an image including a star, and defines a celestial sphere object defined by a plurality of division planes on a computer. The ability to model a celestial sphere based on data, the ability to model a celestial object on the celestial sphere based on star object data defining star objects to represent stars, and Select one of the functions for perspective projection transformation of star-shaped objects, the function for mapping textures to each section plane based on the texture data developed on the section plane, and the pixel data generated by mapping the texture, A function for mapping to a star-shaped object that has undergone perspective projection transformation, Is a program to be executed.

According to this configuration, the celestial sphere object is composed of a plurality of segmented surfaces, the star-shaped object is modeled on the celestial sphere, and the texture mapped to the star-shaped object is selected from the texture data developed on the segmented surface. Since the texture for the star-shaped object is selected from the textures mapped on the celestial sphere, it is not necessary to prepare a texture for expressing the stars in advance. Therefore, a realistic starry sky can be expressed without using texture data.
In the present invention, the “partition surface” is a so-called polygon surface, and the number and shape thereof are not limited.

In the present invention, the star-shaped object is a planar object, and it is preferable that the normal direction is modeled so as to face the direction of the viewpoint that is a reference for perspective projection transformation.
According to such a configuration, since the plane constituting the star-shaped object faces the direction of the viewpoint, a star can be expressed by one or more pixels. Here, the normal direction of the star object does not need to be strictly directed to the viewpoint, and the projection shadow of the planar object on the plane perpendicular to the line connecting the viewpoint and the star object is pixelated. It suffices to have a certain area.

In the present invention, a star-shaped object is modeled to a size corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels or less.
According to such a configuration, a star-like object is defined to have a predetermined number, for example, a minute size corresponding to 4 pixels or less, and a texture like a star can be expressed by mapping a texture with relatively high brightness.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the position where the star-shaped object is arranged is determined based on a random number for each star-shaped object.
According to such a configuration, since the position of the star-shaped object is determined at random, the star-shaped objects are randomly arranged on the celestial sphere, and the stars scattered in the night sky can be effectively expressed.

In the present invention, the number of textures mapped to the plurality of partition planes is less than the number of the plurality of partition planes, and it is preferable that one texture is mapped to two or more partition planes.
According to such a configuration, the number of textures for each section surface constituting the celestial sphere is limited, and one texture is repeatedly mapped, so that the amount of texture data can be reduced. In particular, the night sky other than stars is dark and inconspicuous, so even if the same texture is used repeatedly, there is little discomfort.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the pixel data to be mapped to the star-shaped object is selected from pixel data having relatively high luminance among the generated pixel data.
According to such a configuration, pixel data having a relatively high luminance is selected from the generated pixel data and used as the star texture, so that the starry sky can be expressed without using the texture for the star. Become.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the color or brightness of a pixel mapped to a star-like object is changed over time.
According to such a configuration, since the color and brightness of the star change with time, it is possible to express how the star blinks in the real world, which is suitable as a realistic starry sky expression.

In the present invention, it is preferable that pixel data selected from a plurality of pixel data with relatively high luminance is changed over time for pixel data to be mapped to a star-shaped object.
According to such a configuration, a plurality of pixel data is extracted from the texture mapped to the section plane, and one selected pixel data is changed with time, so that the color and brightness of the star can be reduced. It is possible to change the stars over time and to realistically express the blink of stars.

In the present invention, the star-shaped object is a planar object, and it is preferable that the normal direction thereof is changed over time.
According to such a configuration, since the area of the projected shadow of the star-shaped object with respect to the plane perpendicular to the line of sight changes with time, the size of the star is changed with time, and the blink of the star is realistically expressed. Is possible.

In the present invention, it is preferable that the size of the star-like object is changed over time.
According to this configuration, since the size of the star changes with time, it is possible to realistically express the blink of the star.

The present invention is also a gaming machine provided with the image generating apparatus described above.
Here, the “game machine” is not particularly limited, but for example, a pachinko machine (including a first-class pachinko machine and a second-class pachinko machine), a revolving game machine (hereinafter referred to as a “slot machine”). Etc.

  The image generation program of the present invention can be stored in a predetermined storage medium readable by a computer. That is, the program of the present invention is stored in an information processing apparatus such as a business or home video game machine or a personal computer through various media such as a CD related disk, a DVD related disk, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and a communication network. Can be loaded and executed.

  According to the present invention, since any of the generated pixels is selected and the texture is applied to the star-shaped object whose arrangement is determined, it is not necessary to prepare a texture for expressing the star in advance. A realistic starry sky can be expressed with relatively little data.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the present embodiment, the image generation apparatus (image generation program) of the present invention is applied to a gaming machine, and as an example, a so-called slot machine will be described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to other game machines (pachinko machines (second type, third type, etc.)), game machines, and simulation devices as long as they have an image display function.

(Definition)
The terms used in this specification are defined as follows.
“Game” refers to a series of operations from the insertion of a medal to the operation of a stop switch before the next medal is inserted.
“Normal game” refers to a “game” executed with an expected value set for a default state.
The “special game” is a “game” that is different from the “normal game” and is advantageous to the player for obtaining more medals than the “normal game”.

“Lottery” refers to a process in which a computer draws a lottery with a predetermined expected value using a random number or the like when a gaming machine reaches a predetermined condition (switch operation state or the like).
“Winning” refers to the result of “lottery”, and particularly refers to a case where a winning is made by a lottery by a computer, and is a concept including “losing”. In the present embodiment, it is distinguished from “winning” determined mechanically.
“Winning” means that a combination of symbols on the active line indicated by the stopped reels is in a state indicating a specific combination.

“Combination” means a case where the result of the lottery is some kind of winning, and includes “small part”, “special part”, and “replay”.
The “small role” is also called “winning role”, and is a role for paying out to the player the number of medals corresponding to the type of the small role.
The “special role” is a role for shifting from “normal game” to “special game”, and is a kind BB (first kind big bonus part), RB (first kind special feature), SRB (shift RB). ), Type 2 BB (second type big bonus combination), CB (type 2 special bonus / challenge bonus combination), SB (normal bonus / single bonus combination), and the like.
The “replay” is a replaying role, and is a role for giving a right to replaying while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the previous game.
The “effective line” indicates the arrangement of the stopped symbols for the sake of convenience, and indicates whether the symbol is a specific “combination” or “losing” depending on the combination of symbols arranged on the effective line. When a plurality of “effective lines” are set, they are collectively referred to as “effective line group”.

(Embodiment 1)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a front panel 2 is attached to the front surface portion of the housing of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment so as to be freely opened and closed. A display area is provided with a liquid crystal display device 80 having a display function at the upper part of the front panel 2, and an operation unit is provided at the center.

  A liquid crystal display device 80 having a display function is provided on the top of the housing. The liquid crystal display device 80 includes a liquid crystal panel, and is configured to be able to display images for various effects and information necessary for a game on a display screen. However, the display method is not limited to the liquid crystal display, and various other methods such as an EL display, a plasma display, and a CRT display can be applied. The liquid crystal display device 80 is provided with one transparent display window 21. The area of the display window 21 is not provided with a liquid crystal for displaying an image, a member constituting the liquid crystal (such as a polarizing plate), or a circuit for controlling the liquid crystal, and transmits light. It is an area that cannot physically display an image.

  Three reels (rotating drums) are arranged in a position inside the housing and visible through the display window 21. From the left side when viewed from the front, the left reel 22L, the middle reel 22C, and the right reel 22R are arranged in this order.

  The reels 22L, 22C and 22R are formed in a ring-shaped hollow structure. The outer periphery of the reel is formed in the width of the reel tape that is affixed to the outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of openings are provided on the outer peripheral surface in accordance with the shape of the pattern printed on the reel tape. The inside of the reel is hollow, and the rotating shaft is supported by a frame extending from the outer peripheral surface.

  Each reel tape on which a winning symbol (a symbol constituting a winning combination) is printed is affixed to the outer peripheral surface of the reel. On each reel tape, for example, 21 symbols are printed at regular intervals. The arrangement of the symbols is different for each reel tape. The design of the reel tape corresponds to the opening provided on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. From the display window 21, the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are observed through the display window, and the size of the display window 21 is such that three symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction of the outer peripheral surface of each reel can be seen. Is set. In FIG. 1, a circle shown on the reel group 22 (meaning a group of reels 22L, 22C, and 22R) represents one symbol.

  Stepping motors (not shown) are coupled to the respective rotation shafts of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. This stepping motor is capable of rotating the reels 22L, 22C and 22R at an arbitrary speed or stopping at an arbitrary angle (position). When each reel rotates, the symbols of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are visually recognized as moving up and down in the display window 21.

  A back lamp (not shown) is provided inside the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. Three back lamps are arranged for each reel, and light is emitted through the openings on the outer peripheral surface of the reel for a total of nine symbols visible from the display window 21 when the reels are stopped.

  A broken line on the display window 21 shown in FIG. 1 indicates an effective line group 26 including effective lines 26a, 26b, and 26c. The effective line group 26 includes a horizontal effective line 26a in the horizontal direction, two effective lines 26b in the upper and lower horizontal directions, and two effective lines 26c in the diagonally downward and left-down directions. ing. The symbols attached to the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are such that when the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are stopped, all nine symbols that can be seen from the display window 21 are positioned on these effective line groups 26. It is arranged at an interval.

  A medal slot 43 (selector) is provided at a position corresponding to the lower right side of the liquid crystal display device 80 in the central portion of the housing of the slot machine 1. When medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 43, the effective lines 26a, 26b, and 26c, 1 line to 5 lines, are activated according to the number of inserted medals. That is, the inserted number of medals is collected as a premium. When one medal is inserted, one effective line 26a is effective. When two medals are inserted, three horizontal effective lines 26a and 26b are effective. In total, including two effective lines 26c in the direction, five effective lines 26a to 26c become effective. These controls are performed by a later-described main CPU (central processing unit) 11 (see FIG. 2). For example, when three medals are inserted, if a combination of specific symbols is stopped on at least one effective line 26a to 26c when the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are stopped, the combination It will be won in the role according to.

  Various operation switches operated by the player are provided at the center of the housing. For example, in this embodiment, a start switch 46, a stop switch group 47, and bet switch groups 44 and 45 are provided.

  The start switch 46 is a switch, for example, a button or a lever operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. The stop switch group 47 is operated when the left reel 22L is stopped, the left reel stop switch 47L operated when the left reel 22L is stopped, the middle reel stop switch 47C operated when the middle reel 22C is stopped, and the right reel 22R is stopped. And a right reel stop switch 47R. These stop switches 47L, 47C, and 47R are juxtaposed as buttons, for example.

  The bet switch group is a switch group that designates the number of bets (the number of bets) when a player inserts a medal in a credit, and includes a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44 and a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 45. Has been. These bet switches 44 and 45 are also arranged as buttons, for example. When the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44 is operated, one or two medals are bet (collected as a game amount), and when the MAX bet switch 45 is operated, the maximum bet number is 3 Medals are bet. That is, the number of bets designated by the operation of the bet switch group is collected from the number of medals that are credited, and the credit is subtracted by the number of bets.

  Further, a medal payout opening (hopper device) 31 is provided in the lower central portion of the housing, and speakers 90 (left speaker 90L and right speaker 90R) are provided on both sides of the medal payout opening 31. During the game (game), various effects such as lighting of the back lamp, image display using the liquid crystal display device 80, and output of sound from the speaker 90 are performed.

An outline of the normal game executed in the slot machine having these configurations will be briefly described.
In the slot machine 1, when the player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 43 or operates the bet switch groups 44 and 45, the effective lines 26a to 26c are activated according to the number of bets.

  When the player who has designated the bet number operates the start switch 46, a lottery according to the bet number is performed, and the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R start to rotate. When the player operates one of the stop switches 47L, 47C, and 47R, the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R stop rotating according to the operated button. At this time, if the lottery result of the winning combination performed simultaneously with the operation of the start switch 46 is winning, the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line group 26 is a certain predetermined role. The reels are controlled so as to match the combination of symbols, and medals are paid out according to the winning combination.

(System configuration)
Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Inside the housing of the slot machine 1, a main control board 10, and a sub control board 50, a reel board 20, a power supply board 30, and a central display board 40 connected to the main control board 10 are arranged.

(Main control board 10)
The main control board 10 is a board for controlling the entire game executed in the slot machine 1. The main control board 10 is provided with a main CPU 11, a random number generator 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, and an interface circuit (I / F circuit) 15, which are connected to each other via a bus.

  The main CPU 10 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the main CPU 10 reads programs and data stored in the ROM 13 and controls the entire slot machine 1 based on these.

  The random number generator 12 is a block that generates a random number for the role lottery. Specifically, the random number generator 12 includes a clock generation circuit, a count circuit, and a storage circuit, and when the power is turned on, the count circuit repeatedly generates a numerical value of a predetermined number of bits (for example, 16 bits) based on the clock signal. Then, at a predetermined timing (for example, operation of a specific switch by the player), one numerical value is latched in the memory circuit and output as a random value.

  In the ROM 13, a main CPU 10 stores a lottery execution program as shown in a flowchart described later, a main control program necessary for controlling other games, data, and the like. In particular, the ROM 13 includes a combination lottery table used for a combination lottery process and a stop position determination table used for reel stop control.

  The RAM 14 is used when the main CPU 10 performs various controls, and is particularly configured to be able to temporarily store data related to the role lottery process and reel stop control.

  The I / F circuit 15 is a block that transmits and receives commands between the main control board 10, the sub control board 60, the reel board 20, the power supply board 30, and the central display board 30.

(Sub control board 50)
The sub-control board 50 is a board for controlling effects by image and sound, and is a board for generating image data and sound data related to effects lottery and effects based on commands from the main control board 10. The sub control board 50 is roughly divided into an effect control board 60 and an image sound generation board 70. The effect control board 60 is a board for mainly controlling the entire effect, and is electrically connected to the main control board 10 and the lamp 66. The effect control board 60 is provided with a sub CPU 61, a random number generator 61, a ROM 63, a RAM 64, and an I / F circuit 65. The image sound generation board 70 is connected to the effect control board 60 via a liquid crystal display device 80, a speaker 90, and a bus. The image sound generation board 70 is a board that generates data for image effects and sound effects corresponding to effects drawn by the effect control board 60. The image sound generation board 70 is provided with an image control circuit 70, an image ROM 72, a video RAM 73, a sound source circuit 74, a sound source ROM 75, and an amplifier 76.

  The sub CPU 61 is an arithmetic element that controls the operation on the effect control board 60, and reads (fetches) and interprets (decodes) instructions constituting the effect control program stored in the ROM 63, and stores the data stored in the ROM 63. Are read out, and numerical calculation, information processing, and various device control are performed. Note that there are no restrictions on the processing capability or development language of the sub CPU 61.

  The random number generator 62 is a block for generating a random number for effect lottery, and is configured to output one random number value by the same operation as the random number generator 12.

  The ROM 63 stores an effect control program and data as shown in a flowchart to be described later for the sub CPU 61 to execute. In particular, the ROM 63 stores an effect lottery table used for an effect lottery process. The RAM 63 is used when the sub CPU 61 performs various controls, and is configured to be able to temporarily store data and the like.

  Note that the ROM 63 and the RAM 64 may be the same as the ROM 13 and the RAM 14, respectively, but those having a capacity larger than these may be used. The ROM 13 and RAM 14, ROM 63 and RAM 64 may be included on the same chip as the main CPU 11 and sub CPU 61 as a so-called one-chip microcomputer.

  The I / F circuit 65 is a board that receives a command from the main control board 10, and controls timing and the like when receiving a command from the main control board 10. Note that transmission of signals from the main control board 10 to the sub control board 50 is performed, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 50 to the main control board 10 is not performed. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

  Based on the image effect information from the effect control board 60, the image control circuit 71 generates image data for image effect while reading the original image data stored in the image ROM 72. The image ROM 72 is a memory that stores a program used for image rendering for the image control circuit 71 and original image data for generating image data such as characters, characters, and background for image rendering. The video RAM 73 executes temporary storage of programs and data used for image rendering stored in the image ROM 72, has a capacity capable of storing a frame image of a plurality of pages, and is read from the image data ROM 72. Image data generated based on image data or the like is expanded as frame image data. The liquid crystal display device 80 is electrically connected to the image sound generation board 70 and receives image data generated by the image sound generation board 70 to display an image.

  The sound source circuit 74 generates sound data mainly for sound production. Specifically, the sound source circuit 74 includes a sound generation circuit for a predetermined number of channels, for example, eight acoustic channels, and can simultaneously reproduce phrases for the number of acoustic channels. The sound source circuit 74 reads predetermined sound source data from the sound source ROM 75 based on the sound effect information from the effect control board 60 and generates sound signals for the right channel and the left channel. Then, it is D / A converted and output as an analog sound signal. The amplifier 76 amplifies the power of the analog sound signals of the left and right channels and outputs them, thereby transmitting stereo sound from the right speaker 90R and the left speaker 90R.

(Reel board 20)
The reel board 20 receives a control signal from the main control board 10 and is connected to the left reel motor 21L, the middle reel motor 21C, and the right reel motor 21R. The reel board 20 is connected to the left reel sensor 23L, the middle reel sensor 23C, the right reel sensor 23R, the external concentration terminal plate 24, and the door switch 25.

  The left reel motor 21L rotates the left reel 22L, the middle reel motor 21C rotates the middle reel 22C, and the right reel motor 21R is a stepping motor for rotating the right reel 22R. A control signal from the main control board 10 Based on the above, each reel can be accelerated, decelerated and forcibly stopped.

  The left reel sensor 23L detects a detection piece provided on the left reel 22L, the middle reel sensor 23C detects a detection piece provided on the middle reel 22C, and the right reel sensor 23R is a detection piece provided on the right reel 22R. And a reel sensor signal representing the rotation angle of each reel is output to the main control board 10 via the reel board 20.

  The external concentration terminal board 24 receives signals related to game information such as medal payout signals and medal insertion signals, door opening signals, setting change signals, insertion error signals, and payout error signals from the main control board 10. This is a board for outputting to a host computer that manages a plurality of gaming machines in a game arcade.

  The door switch 25 outputs a door opening / closing switch signal to the main control board 10 via the reel board 20 in response to opening / closing of the front panel 2 of the gaming machine 1.

(Power supply board 30)
The power supply substrate 30 is a substrate for supplying power to the gaming machine 1. A main control board 10, a hopper device 31, a reset switch 32, a power switch 33, and a setting change enable switch 34 are connected to the power supply device board 30.

  The power supply device board 30 receives the hopper motor signal from the main control board 10 and supplies it to the hopper device 31. The hopper motor provided in the hopper device 31 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the hopper motor signal. The payout sensor provided in the hopper device 31 detects an actual payout of medals and outputs it as a payout sensor signal to the main control board 10 via the power supply board 30.

  When operated, the reset switch 32 outputs a reset button signal to the main control board 10 via the power supply board 30. This reset button signal is for stopping the output of the error signal and recovering from the error state of the gaming machine. The power switch 33 is a switch for switching between supply and interruption of a DC voltage for the operation of the entire gaming machine. The setting change validation switch 34 is configured to output a setting change validation signal to the main control board 10 via the power supply board 30 when operated. The setting change enabling switch 34 is a switch that is operated when the setting change in the setting switch 41 is made possible. The setting change enabling switch 34 is set only when the setting change enabling switch 34 is on. The setting used can be changed.

(Central display board 40)
The central display substrate 40 is attached to, for example, a central portion on the back side of the front panel 20. The central display board 40 includes a setting switch 41, a settlement switch 42, a selector 43, a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44, a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 45, a start switch (lever) 46, and a left reel stop switch (button). 47L, a middle reel stop switch (button) 47C, and a right reel stop switch (button) 47R are connected.

  The setting switch 41 is a switch for setting a plurality of stages corresponding to the payout rate, and the main control board 10 sets the setting switch 41 when the setting change enabling switch 34 is in an ON state. A lottery is executed based on the establishment.

  The settlement switch 42 is a switch for paying out medals obtained by insertion or winning by a player, and when operated, the settlement switch signal is output to the main control board 10 via the central display board 40. It has become.

  The selector 43 is provided at the medal insertion slot. The selector 43 functions to prevent the insertion of a medal when receiving a blocker signal from the main control board 10 via the central display board 40. Is detected, a closing sensor signal is output to the main control board 10 via the central display board 40. Further, when the inserted medal is an illegal medal, such an illegal medal is excluded.

  The 1-bet and 2-bet switch 44 outputs a bet switch signal according to the operation, the MAX bet switch 45 receives a MAX bet sensor signal according to the operation, and the start switch 46 receives a start switch sensor signal according to the operation. 40 to output to the main control board 10. Each of the stop switches 47L, 47C, and 47R outputs a stop switch sensor signal to the main control board 10 via the central display board 40 in accordance with the operation.

(Function block on main control board)
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the main control board 10.
As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, an operation unit 170, a set value setting unit 180, a symbol display unit 190, and a sub control unit 200.

(Operating means 170)
The operation means 170 is a functional block corresponding to a switch group operated by the player and a function for detecting an operation state of the switch group. The betting means 171, the MAX betting means 172, the start means 173, the left reel stop means 175L, Stop operation means 174 including middle reel stop means 175C and right reel stop means 175R is provided.

  The bet means 171 is one of means for a player to insert a game medium such as a medal, and corresponds to the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44 and its operation state detection / recognition function. The MAX bet means 172 is one of means for a player to insert a game medium such as a medal, and corresponds to the MAX bet switch 45 and its operation state detection / recognition function. The start means 173 is means for starting a game, and corresponds to the start switch 46 and its operation state detection / recognition function. The stop operation means 174 has an operation / operation state detection / recognition function for the player to stop each reel. The left reel stop means 175L is the left reel stop switch 47L, and the middle reel stop means 175C is The right reel stop means 175R corresponds to the middle reel stop switch 47C and the right reel stop switch 175R, respectively.

(Set value setting means 180)
The set value setting means 180 is a means for setting one from a plurality of stages of payout rates, and includes a set value change validation means 181 and a setting means 182.

  The set value change validating means 181 is a means for validating the change in the set value, and corresponds to the set value change valid switch 34 and its switch state detection / recognition function. The setting unit 182 is a unit that determines a setting value, and is a unit that detects and stores a setting value corresponding to the operation state of the setting switch 41.

(Symbol display means 190)
The symbol display means 190 is a means for displaying symbols constituting the winning combination, and includes a left reel 22L having a left reel driving means 191L and a left reel position detecting means 192L, a middle reel driving means 191C and a middle reel position detecting means 192C. And a left reel 22R having a right reel driving means 191R and a right reel position detecting means 192R.

  The reel driving means 191L, 191C, and 191R are means for accelerating, decelerating, and forcibly stopping the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. The left reel motor 21L, the middle reel motor 21C, the right reel motor 21R, and their The drive function is equivalent.

  Each reel position detection means 192L, 192C, and 192R is a means for detecting the rotation position of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R, and the reel rotation angle (based on the detection position of the detection piece of each reel from the reference position ( Position).

(Main control means 100)
The main control means 100 is a functional block realized, for example, by the main CPU 11 executing a program recorded in the ROM 13. Specifically, the main control means 100 includes the role lottery means 110, the reel control means 120, A stop symbol determination means 130, a payout control means 140, a special role carry-over means 150, and a game state control means 160 are provided.

(Role lottery means 110)
The role lottery means 110 is a functional block for lottery of a role (special role, small role, replay (continuation), etc.). The random number generation means 111, the random number extraction means 112, the random number determination means 113, and the role lottery table storage means 114. Note that the role lottery means 110 corresponds to the random number generator 12 or the like.

  The random number generation means 111 is a means for generating a random number for the lottery drawing, for example, a means for periodically generating a random number of a predetermined number of bits (for example, 16 bits). The random number extraction means 112 is a means for extracting a random number for performing a lottery drawing, and extracts a random number generated by the random number generation means 111 at a predetermined timing, for example, a timing when the start means 173 is operated. The random number determination unit 113 is a unit that determines a winning combination based on a random number for performing a combination lottery. The combination lottery table stored in the combination lottery table storage unit 114 based on the random number extracted by the random number extraction unit 112. To determine the winning combination.

  The lottery table storage unit 114 stores data for performing the lottery, and according to the set value set by the set value setting unit 180, the type of the lottery to be won and the winning probability of each of the combinations Is stored.

(Reel control means 120)
The reel control means 120 is means for controlling acceleration / deceleration / forced stop of the reel group 22 (left reel 22L, middle reel 22C, and right reel 22R). The reel rotation control means 121, the reel stop control means 122, A stop position determination table 123 is provided.

  The reel rotation control means 121 is a means for driving the reel, and when the start means 173 instructs the start of the reel, the left reel drive means 191L, the middle reel drive means 191C, and the right reel drive means of the symbol display means 190. A rotation control signal is output to 191R to start the reel group 22.

  The reel stop control means 122 is a means for stopping the reel. When stop of the reel is instructed by the stop operation means 174, the stop position is specified with reference to the stop position determination table 123, and the stop position is determined. A stop control signal for stopping the reels is output to the left reel driving unit 191L, the middle reel driving unit 191C, and the right reel driving unit 191R of the symbol display unit 190, and each reel is stopped within a predetermined time.

  The stop position determination table 123 is a table used to determine the stop position of the reel, and is based on the lottery result output by the hand lottery means 110 and the position of each reel at the moment when the stop operation means 174 is operated. FIG. 6 is a table that defines a stop position of a reel symbol. The reel stop control means 122 refers to the stop position determination table 123 and determines the reel stop position within several frames from the operation of the stop operation means 174.

(Stop symbol judgment means 130)
The stop symbol determining means 130 is a means for determining a symbol when each reel is stopped. The stop symbol determination means 130 determines the reel stop position detected by the left reel position detection means 192L, the middle reel position detection means 192C, or the right reel position detection means 192R of the symbol display means 190, and the effective lines 26a to It is determined whether or not the combination of symbols on the reel that stops at any one of c matches a combination of symbols corresponding to any of the predetermined combinations.

(Payout control means 140)
The payout control means 140 is a means for controlling the payout of medals related to winning, and it is determined by the stop symbol determining means 130 that the symbol that stops on the active line is a combination of symbols corresponding to any combination. In this case, a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the winning combination, or credited and accumulated. When the winning combination is “replay”, the payout control means 140 treats the number of medals that have been inserted in the game again without performing processing such as paying out medals.

(Special role carry-over means 150)
The special role carry-over means 150 is a means to carry over the winning combination when winning the special role, and until the combination of symbols corresponding to the selected special role stops on any of the effective lines 26a to 26c, It is a means to control to carry over the winning.

(Game state control means 160)
The game state control means 160 is a means for controlling a plurality of game states, and includes a normal game control means 161, a special game control means 162, and a re-game high probability game control means 163.
The normal game control means 161 is a means for controlling a “normal game” for giving a player a normal profit without maintaining continuity for each game. The special game control means 162 is a means for controlling various “special games” that can be expected to earn more than a normal game. The re-game high probability game control means 163 is a means for controlling a game using a special game state establishment table so that a re-game player such as “Replay” can be easily won.

(Sub-control means 200)
The sub-control unit 200 is a unit that performs an effect corresponding to the lottery result output from the main control unit 100, and includes an effect control unit 210 and an image sound generation unit 220.

(Production control means 210)
The effect control means is a functional block that determines an effect corresponding to the lottery result output by the main control means 100 and outputs image effect information and sound effect information for executing the effect to the image sound generating means 220. Such effect information may be sent in a predetermined command format. The image effect information includes information that defines which object is arranged in what position and in what posture in the virtual three-dimensional space at the next image update timing.

  For example, the effect control unit 210 outputs image effect information and sound effect information related to the introduction effect in response to the operation detection of the start unit 173. Further, when the first stop operation (hereinafter referred to as “first stop”) is input by the stop operation means 174, the stop operation next to the first stop (hereinafter referred to as “second stop”) of the expectation effect corresponding to the first stop. When “stop” is input), the image effect information and the sound effect information corresponding to each of the expectation effects corresponding to the second stop are output. Furthermore, when the stop operation (hereinafter referred to as “third stop”) is finally input, the effect control means 210 makes a winning effect such as “special role” and “small role” corresponding to the lottery result, “replay”. The image effect information and the sound effect information relating to each of the replay effect corresponding to the “lost”, the lose effect corresponding to “losing” and the like are output.

(Image sound generation means 220)
The image sound generation means 220 is a means for performing an image effect and a sound effect of a gaming machine according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 shows detailed functional blocks of the image sound generation means 220.
As shown in FIG. 4, the image sound generation means 220 includes a celestial sphere modeling unit 301, a celestial sphere object data storage unit 302, a star modeling unit 303, a star object data storage unit 304, a perspective projection conversion unit 305, and a celestial sphere mapping unit. 306, a texture data storage unit 307, a frame data storage unit 308, a star mapping unit 309, and an acoustic generation unit 310.

  Among these, the celestial spherical object data storage unit 302, the star-shaped object data storage unit 304, and the texture data storage unit 307 correspond to the image data ROM 72. The other functional blocks are realized by an image control circuit 71 that operates based on the control of the sub CPU 61.

(Celestial sphere modeling unit 301)
The celestial sphere modeling unit 301 is a functional block that models the celestial sphere based on the celestial sphere object data that defines the celestial sphere object composed of a plurality of section surfaces.

  FIG. 6 shows an outline of the celestial sphere object in the present embodiment. 6A is a plan view of the celestial sphere object CGO in a wire frame representation, FIG. 6B is a side view of the celestial sphere object CGO in a wire frame representation, and FIG. 6C is a celestial sphere object CGO to which a texture is mapped. It is the conceptual diagram which looked at from the outside.

  The celestial sphere object CGO of the present embodiment has a disc shape that is crushed in the vertical direction, unlike the celestial sphere generally represented by a hemisphere. The reason why the celestial sphere object GCO is configured in such a shape is that the line-of-sight direction for imaging often faces the horizontal line direction, and thus there is a high possibility that a plurality of objects are arranged in the horizontal line direction. This is because it is necessary to increase the depth. However, the shape of the celestial sphere object is not limited.

  Further, in the present invention, the “celestial sphere” does not mean a celestial sphere compared with the ground, but a closed space including the ground surface BCG in addition to the sky surface UCG. The viewpoint for imaging the virtual three-dimensional space is arranged inside such a celestial sphere object GCO. The celestial sphere object CGO is divided into a plurality of division planes p. Each section plane p is an object to which the texture is mapped. By mapping a texture for expressing the night sky on each of the division planes p constituting the sky plane UCG, and mapping a texture for expressing the city lights on each of the division planes p constituting the ground surface BCG, From the viewpoint set inside the celestial sphere object CGO, it is possible to generate an image as if flying at night.

  FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the section plane p when the sky UCG side is looked up from the inside of the celestial sphere object CGO to which the texture is mapped. Unique information (number) for identifying each of the plurality of division planes p is attached. The texture is mapped by specifying each section plane p.

  The celestial sphere object data storage unit 302 stores celestial sphere object data including shape information of the section plane p that defines the celestial sphere object CGO. The shape information is, for example, a set of vertex coordinates of each section surface. The vertex coordinates of each section surface are defined by a body coordinate system that is a coordinate system that defines a relative position from a reference point determined for the celestial sphere object CGO. The celestial sphere modeling means 301 reads the celestial sphere object data for the section plane p entering the field of view from the viewpoint from the celestial sphere object data storage unit 302 and models it in a virtual three-dimensional space.

(Star modeling unit 303)
The star modeling unit 303 is a functional block that models a star object on the celestial sphere based on the star object data that defines the star object.

  In the present embodiment, the star object SO is defined as a planar object. The star modeling unit 303 models the star-shaped object SO so that the area of the star-shaped object is composed of a predetermined number of pixels or less after rendering. The star-shaped object SO is defined with a size that becomes an appropriate size after rendering. For example, the size is set to 4 pixels or less, ideally about 1 pixel. This is because when the size of the star-shaped object is extremely small, the outer shape is not recognized, and a star-like expression becomes possible. Since the size of the star object SO corresponding to one pixel after rendering changes depending on the resolution (number of displayable pixels) of the image generation device, the size of the star object is changed in accordance with the resolution of the image generation device. Is preferred.

  In principle, the star object SO is modeled on the surface of the celestial sphere object CGO. However, when the star-shaped object is arranged on the surface of the section plane p constituting the celestial sphere CG, when the size of the star-shaped object at the time of rendering becomes too small, the star-shaped object SO is separated from the celestial sphere, Modeling may be performed close to the viewpoint direction. This is because the apparent size (after perspective projection conversion) becomes larger as the viewpoint is closer.

  Conversely, if the size of the star-shaped object SO is increased too much, its outer shape (outline) is recognized, resulting in an unnatural image. For example, when a star-shaped object is defined as a square shape, the square shape is recognized if the star-shaped object is too large. Even if a star-like object is defined as a circular shape, it is unnatural to be recognized as a clear circle. However, this is not the case when using a star-like object for expressing a specific celestial body, for example, the moon or the sun.

FIG. 8 shows a conceptual diagram of the arrangement of the viewpoint C, the celestial sphere object CGO, and the star object, which are the reference for perspective projection transformation in the virtual three-dimensional space.
As shown in FIG. 8, the star modeling unit 303 models the star-shaped object so that the normal direction of the star-shaped object faces the direction of the viewpoint serving as a reference for perspective projection conversion. That is, the direction of the star-shaped object is set so that both the normal line N1 of the star-shaped object S1 and the normal line N2 of the star-shaped object S2 face the direction of the viewpoint C. However, the normal direction of the star object does not need to exactly match the viewpoint direction, and the projection shadow of the planar object on the plane perpendicular to the line connecting the viewpoint and the star object is pixelated. What is necessary is just to have an area of a grade.

  If the area of the star-shaped object is S, and the angle between the line connecting the viewpoint and the star-shaped object and the normal N of the star-shaped object is θ, the apparent star-shaped object viewed from the viewpoint C Is S · cos θ. This apparent area only needs to correspond to an area of 1 pixel or more.

  In addition, the star modeling unit 303 determines the position at which the star-shaped object is arranged based on a random number for each star-shaped object.

FIG. 9 shows a matrix for determining the arrangement of star-shaped objects set on the surface of the celestial sphere object CGO.
As shown in FIG. 9, the surface of the celestial sphere CG is divided into a lattice shape, and each lattice point is specified by coordinates. The star modeling unit 303 identifies one grid point for each star object based on the random number, and places the star object at the grid point. However, it is not always necessary to provide a grid-like segmentation. One pixel is specified based on a random number from pixels constituting the image display space after perspective projection conversion, and the pixel is set as a star object. Also good.

  If there is an object to be placed on the celestial sphere object CGO other than the star object S, modeling is also performed for such an object. Since the modeling only needs to apply a known modeling method, the description thereof is omitted in the present embodiment.

(Perspective projection conversion unit 305)
The perspective projection conversion unit 305 performs a perspective projection conversion calculation with respect to the viewpoint C on a portion of the modeled object that is within the visual volume from the viewpoint C. Specifically, a perspective projection transformation operation is performed on an object (including a celestial sphere object CGO and a plurality of star-shaped objects S) defined in the global coordinate system and defined in the viewpoint coordinate system. Further, a normalization calculation using a normalized coordinate system may be executed. By this coordinate transformation, coordinates when an object in the viewing volume is projected onto a two-dimensional image plane (view screen) can be obtained.

(Spherical mapping unit 306)
The celestial sphere mapping unit 306 is a functional block that maps a texture to each section surface based on texture data developed on the section surface. With this functional block, color data for each pixel is generated.

  Specifically, the texture data is read from the texture data storage unit 307 for each section plane p constituting the celestial sphere object CGO, and the texture is mapped to the section plane p by a predetermined mapping method. Perform deformation operations such as texture enlargement / reduction / rotation as necessary. The texture data is image data defined in two dimensions with a predetermined area, and is stored in various formats such as TIFF format, PIN format, bitmap format, and JPEG format. Here, the pixel data is information for determining the color of each pixel, and the hue, tone, and saturation are determined by a plurality of color elements (RGB, YUV, etc.).

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the texture stored in the texture data storage unit 307. The image in the present embodiment is roughly divided into four parts: a night sky portion, a mountain range portion that is a silhouette, a distant streetlight portion, and a foreground streetlight portion. The texture data storage unit 307 stores four textures: a texture Tx1 representing a night sky portion, a texture Tx2 representing a mountain range portion, a texture Tx3 representing a distant streetlight portion, and a texture Tx4 representing a near streetlight portion. Yes.

  The celestial sphere mapping unit 306 maps any one of the textures Tx1 to Tx4 to the corresponding divided surface according to the position of the divided surface (see FIG. 7). Here, since only one type of texture is prepared for the night sky portion, the mountain range portion, the distant view street light portion, and the foreground street light portion, the celestial sphere mapping unit 306 is the same for the division planes that are continuous in the horizontal direction. Map textures repeatedly. This is because the mountains and streetlights have a random shape, and unnaturalness does not occur even when applied repeatedly. Even when the same texture is repeated for each texture, the contents of the texture are drawn so that no step is generated in the outline. However, regarding the stars, if the arrangement of the same stars is repeated, an unnatural image is obtained. Therefore, the star-shaped objects are randomly arranged in the above-described star modeling unit 303.

  The celestial sphere mapping unit 306 is configured to store the frame data after mapping the texture and generating the pixel data in the frame data storage unit 308. This frame data is an image before mapping of the star-shaped object.

(Star mapping unit 309)
The star mapping unit 309 is a functional block that selects any one of the pixel data generated by mapping the texture and maps it to the star-shaped object that has been perspective-projected. In particular, the star mapping unit 309 selects pixel data with relatively high brightness from the pixel data generated by the celestial sphere mapping unit 306 and stored in the frame data storage unit 308, and maps the selected pixel data to the star object. It is configured.

FIG. 11 shows an outline of selection of pixel data with high luminance.
As illustrated in FIG. 11, the star mapping unit 309 examines the luminance level of the frame data stored in the frame data storage unit 308 and extracts pixel data of a portion having a relatively high luminance. In this extraction operation, pixel data with a lower address or higher address in the frame data are examined in order, and pixel data having a luminance higher than a predetermined luminance, for example, 90% or higher when 100% is set as the highest luminance, can be found. Do until.

  FIG. 11 shows a state in which a particularly bright portion is extracted from the texture region mapped for the city light portion. When the size of the star-shaped object S is equivalent to one pixel, texture data STx1 for one pixel is extracted and mapped to the star-shaped object. When the size of the star-shaped object S is equivalent to 4 pixels, texture data STx2 for 4 pixels is extracted and mapped to the star-shaped object. There is no limitation on the method of extracting pixel data having relatively high luminance, but it is necessary to have at least sufficient luminance as a star.

  When the selected texture data is mapped to the star-like object as described above, it is overwritten and saved in the frame data storage unit 308. This overwriting saves the stars in the night sky. The frame data stored in the frame data storage unit 308 is transferred to the liquid crystal display device 80 at each image update timing and displayed as a starry sky image.

(Sound generation unit 310)
The sound generation unit 310 is a functional block that generates an acoustic signal corresponding to the sound effect based on the sound effect command from the effect control unit 210 and outputs the sound signal to the speaker 90.

(Description of operation)
Hereinafter, the operation in the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The image generation control program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 5 is periodically called (called) and executed.

  As a premise of the processing, the main control means 100 performs a lottery in response to the player's operation and notifies the effect control means 210 of the lottery result, and the effect control means 210 displays the effect contents corresponding to the lottery result. Assume that the image sound generation unit 220 is notified of the image effect information for determining and implementing the effect.

  In step S <b> 201, the image sound generation unit 220 reads the effect pattern from the effect control unit 210. Then, the process proceeds to step S202, and it is determined whether or not the effect pattern is an image effect related to celestial sphere display. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the image effect is related to the celestial sphere display (YES), the process proceeds to step S203. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the image effect is not related to the celestial sphere display (NO), the process routine is returned to.

  In step S203, the celestial sphere modeling unit 301 models the celestial sphere object. The celestial sphere object data is read from the celestial sphere object data storage unit 302 and modeled in a virtual three-dimensional space.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S204, where the star number counter n is reset. Next, the process proceeds to step S205, and the star modeling unit 303 specifies the arrangement of the star-shaped object with the counter number n based on the random number. For example, it is determined whether to arrange at any of the lattice points as shown in FIG. Then, the process proceeds to step S206, and the star modeling unit 303 models a star object at the specified lattice point. At this time, the star-shaped object is arranged so that the normal of the star-shaped object faces the viewpoint direction.

  In step S207, the star number counter n is incremented by one. In step S208, it is determined whether or not the star number counter n has exceeded the maximum number of stars MAX. As a result of the determination, if it is determined that the star number counter n is still less than or equal to the maximum value MAX (NO), the process proceeds to step S205, and the process from the placement determination by the random number of the next star object to the modeling is repeated. .

  In step S208, when the star number counter n exceeds the maximum number MAX of stars (YES), the process proceeds to step S209, where the perspective projection conversion unit 305 includes the modeled spherical object CG and the plurality of objects. Performs perspective projection transformation calculation for star-shaped objects. As a result of the perspective projection conversion calculation, the two-dimensional coordinates of the object when projected onto the projection plane arranged in front of the viewpoint C are obtained. Coordinate conversion to the normalized coordinate system is performed as necessary.

  In step S210, the celestial sphere mapping unit 306 maps the texture stored in the texture data storage unit 307 to each section surface of the celestial sphere object projected on the projection surface. As shown in FIG. 10, the same texture is mapped to a plurality of partition planes. Each pixel data after the texture is mapped is stored in the frame data storage unit 308.

In step S211, the star mapping unit 309 refers to the pixel data already stored in the frame data storage unit 308, selects one pixel data with relatively high luminance, and is a perspective projection transformed star. To the object. Then, the star object after mapping is arranged at the position of the lattice point determined by the star modeling unit 303 and determined by the perspective projection conversion unit 305 on the projection plane. That is, the pixel data of the coordinate position determined in the frame data is overwritten with the pixel data of the mapped star object.
Through the above processing, a starry sky frame image in which star-like objects are randomly arranged in the night sky is generated and displayed.

(Effect of embodiment)
As described above, the first embodiment has the following advantages.
1) According to the present embodiment, any of the generated pixels is selected for the star-shaped object S modeled in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the texture is applied. It is not necessary to prepare in advance. Moreover, it is possible to express a realistic starry sky while saving the capacity of the texture data.

  2) According to the present embodiment, the star-shaped object S is a planar object, and is modeled so that the normal direction thereof is substantially directed to the direction of the viewpoint serving as a reference for perspective projection transformation. Can be sure to express stars.

  3) According to the present embodiment, the star-shaped object S is modeled to a size corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels or less, so that a star-like expression is possible.

  4) According to the present embodiment, the position at which the star-shaped object S is arranged is determined for each star-shaped object based on a random number. Therefore, the position of the star-shaped object is randomly determined, and the star-shaped object is randomly arranged on the celestial sphere. It is possible to express the stars scattered in the night sky effectively.

  5) According to the present embodiment, the number of textures mapped to the plurality of partition planes is smaller than the number of the plurality of partition planes, and one texture is mapped to two or more partition planes. It is possible to reduce the amount of texture data by repeatedly mapping one texture.

  6) According to the present embodiment, the pixel data to be mapped to the star-shaped object is selected from the pixel data having relatively high brightness among the generated pixel data, so that a texture for the star is specially prepared. Without this, a realistic starry sky can be expressed.

(Embodiment 2)
In the first embodiment, pixel data having relatively high luminance is applied to the star-shaped object. However, in the second embodiment, a method of changing the color or luminance of the pixel mapped to the star-shaped object over time is exemplified. .

The configuration and operation of the gaming machine in the second embodiment are almost the same as those in the first embodiment.
However, it differs from the first embodiment in that a plurality of pixel data arranged in a relatively bright area is extracted from the already generated pixel data and applied to the star-shaped object.

  FIG. 12 shows pixel data of a relatively bright area extracted from the texture in the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the star mapping unit 309 extracts a plurality of pixel data from a region where pixel data with relatively high luminance exists over a wide area. Here, it is assumed that data of a total of 12 pixels of 7 pixels wide × 3 pixels vertical is extracted.

  The star mapping unit 309 changes pixel data selected from a plurality of extracted pixel data with relatively high brightness over time. FIG. 13 shows the order of pixel data extraction. The star mapping unit 309 changes the pixel data applied to the star-shaped object at regular timing or at random timing specified by a random number, for example, in the order shown by the arrows. The timing for changing the texture data is not limited, but the texture data is changed at a timing similar to a change with time of brightness such that a star in the night sky blinks due to air fluctuations. At this time, if the texture data is included in the star object that changes over time, and the star object that does not change the texture data is included, there is a planet that does not blink, mixed with stars that blink. Such a night sky can be expressed.

  As described above, according to the second embodiment, since the color and brightness of the star change with time, it is possible to express how the star blinks in the real world, which is suitable as a realistic starry sky expression.

(Embodiment 3)
In the second embodiment, the color or luminance of the pixel mapped to the star-like object is changed with time by switching a plurality of pixel data having relatively high luminance. The method is illustrated.

The configuration and operation of the gaming machine in the third embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.
However, it differs from the above embodiment in that the star mapping unit 309 is configured to change the size of the star-like object over time.

FIG. 14 illustrates a size change timing chart of the star-shaped object in the third embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 14, in the third embodiment, a large object size (corresponding to four pixels) and a small object size (corresponding to one pixel) are alternately switched over time. The object size switching timing may be changed based on a predetermined timing chart, or may be configured to be changed at random timing based on a random number or the like.
Note that the size of the star-shaped object need not be limited to two types of large and small, and three or more sizes may be changed at random.

  As described above, according to the third embodiment, since the size of the star-like object changes with time, it is possible to realistically express the blink of a star.

(Embodiment 4)
In the second embodiment, a plurality of pixel data having relatively high luminance is switched. In the third embodiment, the size of the star-shaped object is switched. However, the fourth embodiment exemplifies another method.

The configuration and operation of the gaming machine in the fourth embodiment are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment.
However, it differs from the above embodiment in that the star mapping unit 309 is configured to change the normal direction of the star-like object over time.

FIG. 15 shows the concept of changing the normal direction of the star-shaped object in the fourth embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 15, in the fourth embodiment, control is performed so that the normal direction of the star-shaped object varies with respect to the viewpoint C as time passes. As described above, the area of the star-shaped object viewed from the viewpoint C is the sine of this angle when the angle between the line direction from the viewpoint C to the star-shaped object and the normal direction of the star-shaped object is θ. cos θ). That is, assuming that the area of the apparent star-shaped object from the viewpoint C is s and the area of the actual star-shaped object is S, s = S × cos θ. If the angle θ is changed over time, the area of the star-shaped object can be changed linearly, and thus the apparent brightness can be changed linearly. Therefore, by changing the normal direction of the star-shaped object, the apparent size of the star-shaped object viewed from the viewpoint C is also changed, and the luminance thereof also changes with time.

  As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, since the area of the projected shadow of the star-shaped object with respect to the plane perpendicular to the line of sight changes with time, the size of the star is changed over time, and the blink of the star is realistically displayed. It is possible to express.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be variously modified and applied.
For example, in the above embodiment, the star-shaped objects are randomly arranged based on random numbers, but the arrangement may be determined in advance. The position of the star-shaped object on the celestial sphere is set according to the actual constellation, etc., and the brightness and size of the star-shaped object are changed and applied according to the magnitude of each star constituting the constellation. May be. According to this configuration, it is possible to display a night sky that simulates an actual starry sky.

  In the above-described embodiment, the star-like object has been described only for a star (a star or a planet) that shines in a point, but the present invention may be applied to the sun, moon, comet, meteor and the like having a certain size. In this case, the outer shape of the star-like object is a circle or a comet, and the size and brightness are set to the size and brightness according to the type of the celestial body.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the position of the star-shaped object is fixed has been described. However, when a celestial body such as a comet or a meteor is targeted, the position of the star-shaped object is changed along a predetermined trajectory over time. It may be changed. With such a configuration, it is possible to simulate how a comet or a meteor flows.

  In the above embodiment, a slot machine is exemplified as a gaming machine, but it can be applied to a pachinko machine. Further, the image generation processing according to the present invention may be applied to the image display of a game device or a simulation device beyond the frame of the gaming machine.

The front view of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention The block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Functional block diagram of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention Detailed functional block diagram of sub-control means Flow chart showing image generation processing in image sound control means FIG. 6A is a conceptual diagram of a celestial sphere object, FIG. 6A is a plan view of wire frame representation, FIG. 6B is a side view of wire frame representation, and FIG. 6C is an overall view after texture mapping. Arrangement explanatory diagram of the section surface when looking up the celestial sphere from the inside of the celestial sphere object Explanatory drawing of arrangement direction of star-shaped object Lattice matrix diagram for specifying the location of star-shaped objects Examples of textures applied to segmented surfaces Conceptual diagram of pixel data selection method after mapping in embodiment 1 Conceptual diagram of pixel data selection method after mapping in embodiment 2 Explanatory drawing which selects one pixel from the some pixel data with relatively high brightness in Embodiment 2. Timing chart showing change over time of star-shaped object size in the third embodiment Conceptual diagram showing a change over time in the normal direction of the star-shaped object in the fourth embodiment Conventional starry sky texture mapping example Explanatory drawing of inconvenience in conventional starry sky texture mapping

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Slot machine 2 Front panel 10 Main control board 21 Display window 22 Reel 22L Left reel 22C Middle reel 22R Right reel 50 Sub control board 60 Production control board 70 Image sound generation board 80 Liquid crystal display device 100 Main control means 110 Role lottery means 120 Reel control means 130 Stop symbol judgment means 140 Discharge control means 150 Special role carry-over means 160 Game state control means 170 Operation means 180 Setting value setting means 190 Symbol display means 200 Sub-control means 210 Production control means 220 Image sound generation means 301 Celestial sphere Modeling unit 302 Celestial object data storage unit 303 Star modeling unit 304 Star object data storage unit 305 Perspective projection conversion unit 306 Celestial spherical mapping unit 307 Texture data storage unit 308 Frame data storage unit 309 Star mapping unit

Claims (13)

In an image generation apparatus configured to be able to generate an image including a star,
Modeling a star-like object to represent the star in a virtual three-dimensional space;
An image generating apparatus comprising: selecting one of the generated pixels and applying a texture of the selected pixel to the star-shaped object. A celestial sphere modeling unit for modeling the celestial sphere based on celestial sphere object data defining a celestial sphere object composed of a plurality of section surfaces;
A star modeling unit that models the star object on the celestial sphere based on star object data defining the star object;
A perspective projection conversion unit for perspective projection conversion of the modeled spherical object and star object;
A celestial sphere texture mapping unit for mapping a texture to each partition surface based on the texture data developed on the partition surface;
A star mapping unit that selects any one of the pixel data generated by mapping the texture, and maps the selected pixel data to the perspective-projected star object;
The image generation apparatus according to claim 1. The star-shaped object is a planar object, and is modeled such that the normal direction thereof is directed to the direction of the viewpoint serving as a reference for perspective projection transformation.
The image generation apparatus according to claim 1. The star-shaped object is modeled to have a size corresponding to a predetermined number of pixels or less.
The image generation apparatus according to claim 1. The position where the star-shaped object is arranged is determined based on a random number for each star-shaped object.
The image generation apparatus according to claim 1. The number of textures mapped to the plurality of partition planes is less than the number of the plurality of partition planes, and one texture is mapped to two or more of the partition planes.
The image generation apparatus according to claim 2. Pixel data to be mapped to the star-shaped object is selected from pixel data having relatively high brightness among the generated pixel data.
The image generation apparatus according to claim 2. The color or brightness of the pixel mapping to the star object changes over time,
The image generation apparatus according to claim 7. For the pixel data to be mapped to the star-shaped object, pixel data selected from a plurality of relatively bright pixel data is changed over time.
The image generation apparatus according to claim 8. The star-shaped object is a planar object whose normal direction is changed over time.
The image generation apparatus according to claim 8. The size of the star object is changed over time;
The image generation apparatus according to claim 8.   A gaming machine comprising the image generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11. A program for an image generation device configured to generate an image including a star,
On the computer,
A function of modeling the celestial sphere based on celestial sphere object data defining a celestial sphere object partitioned by a plurality of partition planes;
A function for modeling the star object on the celestial sphere based on star object data defining a star object for representing the star;
A function of perspective projection transforming the modeled spherical object and the star-shaped object;
A function of mapping a texture to each section based on the texture data developed on the section;
A function of selecting any of the pixel data generated by mapping the texture and mapping the perspective-transformed star object;
A program for an image generation apparatus for executing the program.