JP2010046524A - Game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a game machine capable of displaying a three-dimensional image which gradually disappears through a relatively easy processing. <P>SOLUTION: A polygon is put within a world coordinate system and the state of the polygon observed from a given visual point is displayed. When an image G of the polygon is displayed, the polygon is projected on a projection plane surface set based on the visual point and a texture deformed according to the shape of the projected polygon is drawn. While the texture is provided with non-display portions, a plurality of mask patterns which work to extinguish the image of the texture by changing the non-display portions are applied to the texture after its deformation according to the shape of the polygon. Accordingly, the image G of the polygon, which is formed by successively pasting those textures, gradually disappears on a display screen 6a. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine, a slot machine, or a coin gaming machine, and more particularly to a technique for displaying a three-dimensional image.

  For example, there is a pachinko machine that is generally known as this type of gaming machine. This pachinko machine has two game states, a jackpot state that is advantageous for a player who can acquire a large number of pachinko balls and a normal state that is disadvantageous for a player who consumes pachinko balls. In any state, in order to perpetuate the interest of the player, a realistic display mode is displayed according to the game state. In particular, the display mode in the normal state includes a normal variation that simply changes the identification symbol, which is a two-dimensional image for the player to identify the gaming state, and an identification symbol that makes the player feel the occurrence of the jackpot state. And reach to fluctuate. In each of these display modes, for example, the player can feel a sense of realism by enlarging, reducing, or moving an identification symbol, which is a two-dimensional image drawn using a perspective method, on the display screen. I am doing so. In addition, since the display mode differs between normal fluctuation and reach, for example, when shifting from normal fluctuation to reach, an identification pattern not related to reach among a plurality of identification symbols displayed with normal fluctuation is used. Is eliminated from the display screen, leaving only the identification symbols related to reach.

However, the conventional pachinko machine described above has the following problems.
In conventional pachinko machines, the identification pattern, which is a two-dimensional image, is simply enlarged, reduced, or moved on the display screen, so that there is a problem that the player cannot feel a sense of reality because the sense of reality is poor overall. It was. Therefore, in recent years, an object formed by a plurality of polygons is arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space, which is a three-dimensional coordinate space, and the object is changed in the virtual three-dimensional space, whereby an object image is displayed on the display screen. Attempts have been made to realize a display mode with a sense of reality by displaying the variation of the identification symbol. Specifically, first, an object for displaying the identification symbol on the display screen of the pachinko machine is arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space. Next, the object is projected onto a projection plane set in the virtual three-dimensional space. Then, a texture, which is an image of an identification pattern deformed in accordance with the shape of each polygon of the object projected on the projection plane, is pasted to each polygon, thereby generating a display image including the image of the object, that is, the identification pattern. By sequentially displaying the display images generated one after another in this way, the change of the identification symbol with a sense of reality is displayed. In addition, when shifting from normal rotation to reach, identification symbols that are not related to reach are not placed in the virtual three-dimensional space so that identification symbols that are not related to reach are eliminated from the display screen.

  However, as described above, if the identification symbol disappears from the display screen by not placing an object in the virtual three-dimensional space, the identification symbol suddenly disappears from the display screen, resulting in an unnatural display mode. There is a problem that the interest cannot be made permanent. Further, in order to solve such a problem, if the identification symbol is gradually disappeared, it is necessary to perform a complicated process of gradually mixing the background image with the identification symbol. Furthermore, it is possible to prepare a semi-transparent texture in which the color is partially thinned out in advance and gradually eliminate the identification symbol by using the semi-transparent texture. Since it is necessary to paste on the polygon after deforming, the thinned portion of the texture will be crushed when deformed. That is, in the image displayed with such a texture, there is a problem that the identification symbol cannot be gradually disappeared from the display screen.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of displaying an image of an object that gradually disappears by a relatively simple process.

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
The configuration of the present invention includes a first storage unit that stores an object formed by a plurality of polygons, a second storage unit that stores a texture to be pasted on each polygon of the object, and an object read from the first storage unit An object placement means for placing the object in the virtual three-dimensional space, a projection means for projecting the object placed in the virtual three-dimensional space onto the projection plane, and a shape of each polygon of the object projected on the projection plane A display image generating unit that deforms the texture read from the second storage unit and generates a display image including an image of the object pasted on the polygon, and a display unit that displays the display image. In the gaming machine, a non-display portion is provided in the texture pasted on the object, and the text It is characterized in further comprising a third storage means for storing a plurality of types of mask patterns that are configured to change the non-display portion of the stepwise until the entire turbocharger is no longer displayed. In addition, if the structure of this invention is the structure 1, this invention can also be comprised as follows.

[Action]
The operation of the present invention is as follows.
The object placement unit reads an object formed by a plurality of polygons stored in the first storage unit, and places the object in the virtual three-dimensional space. The projection unit projects an object in the virtual three-dimensional space onto the projection plane. As a result, the object in the virtual three-dimensional space is converted from three dimensions to two dimensions. The display image generation unit reads the texture to be pasted on each polygon of the object from the second storage unit, transforms the texture into a polygon shape projected on the projection plane, and converts the texture after deformation onto the projection plane. Paste to each polygon. Thereby, a display image including the image of the object is generated. The display means displays the display image. At this time, a plurality of types of mask patterns stored in the third storage means are used, and a non-display part that is not displayed on the texture display means pasted on each polygon is provided, and the entire texture is displayed on the display means. The non-display portion is changed step by step until it is no longer displayed. Therefore, the entire object image is first displayed on the display means, and then the object image is displayed so as to gradually disappear.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the display that the image of the object displayed on the display means gradually disappears by a relatively simple process of applying a plurality of types of mask patterns to the texture. A mode can be realized, and the fun of the player can be made permanent by this display mode. As a result, it is possible to realize a display mode with a desired presence that can perpetuate the fun of the player with relatively simple processing.

It is an external view which shows schematic structure of the pachinko machine which concerns on an Example. It is a functional block diagram of the pachinko machine concerning an example. It is a functional block diagram of a three-dimensional image processing unit. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the control base | substrate of a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the one display mode in the display screen 6a. It is a figure which shows the mode of a polygon and a texture. It is a figure which shows a mode that the polygon was arrange | positioned in the world coordinate system. It is a figure which shows a mode that the polygon was projected on the projection plane. It is a figure which shows a mode that a mask pattern is made to act on the deformed texture. It is a figure which shows multiple types of mask patterns. It is a figure which shows one display mode in a modification. It is a figure which shows the actual display mode in a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the continuation of the actual display mode in a pachinko machine. It is a flowchart which shows the process in an image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows a mode that each object was arrange | positioned in a world coordinate system. It is a figure which shows a mode that the attention point was set to the arrangement position of an object. It is a figure which shows a mode that a viewpoint is set based on an attention point. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the viewpoint in a world coordinate system, and each object. It is a figure which shows the relationship between the viewpoint in a world coordinate system, and each object.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
A pachinko machine will be described as an example of a gaming machine equipped with an image display device. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a pachinko machine according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control board and an image display device provided in the pachinko machine, and FIG. 3 is an image display device. It is a functional block diagram which shows schematic structure of the three-dimensional image process part in FIG.

  The pachinko machine according to this embodiment includes a game board 2 provided with a control board 1 (see FIG. 2) for controlling the entire pachinko machine, a frame 3 to which the game board 2 is attached, and a lower side of the game board 2. An upper receiving tray 4 provided, a rotary handle 5 connected to an unillustrated launching device for launching pachinko balls stored in the upper receiving tray 4 to the surface of the game board 2, and a lower provided on the lower side of the upper receiving tray 4 A display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6 for displaying a receiving tray 8, an identification symbol for identifying the gaming state by the player, and a symbol other than the identification symbol that is displayed to enhance the effect in the gaming state is a board surface of the gaming board 2 And an image display device 7 (see FIG. 2) mounted so as to be arranged at substantially the center. On the display screen 6a, one or a plurality of identification symbols and changes in auxiliary symbols (movement, rotation, deformation, etc.) on the background on which a predetermined pattern is drawn are displayed according to the gaming state in the gaming machine. The pachinko machine has two types of game states, a jackpot state in which the player can acquire a large number of pachinko balls and a normal state in which the player consumes the pachinko balls. In the normal state, a normal variation that is a display mode in which a plurality of identification symbols simply change, and a reach that is a display mode as if a big hit state occurs regardless of whether or not a big hit state has occurred are displayed. The On the other hand, in the jackpot state, auxiliary symbols are mainly displayed, and a different display mode is displayed for each round. In addition, when a game is not performed in the pachinko machine, a demonstration or the like is displayed. Here, the identification symbol refers to the image of a symbol number or symbol number attached to allow the player to recognize the gaming state such as jackpot or reach in the pachinko machine, and the auxiliary symbol is a jackpot or reach etc. The symbol other than the identification symbol displayed in order to enhance the effect.

  The game board 2 includes a rail 2a for guiding a pachinko ball launched by the rotary handle 5 to the board surface, a plurality of non-illustrated nails that guide the pachinko ball to unspecified places, and a pachinko ball that has been induced by the nail. A plurality of winning holes 2b for winning, a starting hole 2c for winning a pachinko ball guided near the center of the game board 2, and a relatively large number of pachinko balls to be awarded at a time in a specific gaming state. And a large winning opening 2d that can be used. A winning detection sensor 11 (see FIG. 2) for detecting the entrance of a pachinko ball is provided in each winning opening 2b, start opening 2c, and large winning opening 2d. When the winning detection sensor 11 detects the entrance of the pachinko ball, a predetermined number of pachinko balls are supplied to the upper tray 4 by the control board 1 provided in the game board 2. A start start sensor 12 (see FIG. 2) is provided in the start port 2c. Furthermore, an open / close solenoid 13 (see FIG. 2) is provided at the special winning opening 2d. The operation of the open / close solenoid 13 allows the special winning opening 2d to be closed. In addition to what has been described above, for example, a holding lamp or the like for storing the number of pachinko balls that have entered the start port 2c is provided, but description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

  The upper receiving tray 4 has a receiving tray shape, and stores the pachinko balls supplied from the ball supply port 4a to which the pachinko balls are supplied. Further, on the opposite side of the upper tray 4 where the ball supply port 4a is disposed, a ball feed port (not shown) that communicates with a launching device that launches a pachinko ball toward the rail 2a is provided. Furthermore, a ball removal button 4b for transferring the stored pachinko balls to the lower tray 8 is provided at the upper part of the upper tray 4 and the pachinko balls stored in the upper tray 4 are pressed by pressing this ball removal button 4b. Can be transferred to the lower tray 8. The lower receiving tray 8 has a receiving tray shape and receives a pachinko ball transferred from the upper receiving tray 4. In addition, the lower tray 8 is provided with a ball removal lever (not shown) for removing the pachinko balls stored therein.

  The rotary handle 5 is connected to a launching device that launches a pachinko ball toward the rail 2a. By rotating the rotary handle 5, the launching device launches a pachinko ball with a strength corresponding to the amount of rotation. Note that when the player holds the rotary handle 5 in a rotated state, the launching device launches one pachinko ball at a predetermined interval.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control board 1 provided in the game board 2 includes a main control unit 16 that is a microcomputer including a memory and a CPU, and a counter 14 that outputs a value that determines a gaming state in the gaming machine. A start start sensor 12 for detecting the entrance of a pachinko ball at the start port 2c (see FIG. 1), a winning detection sensor 11 for detecting the entrance of the pachinko ball at the winning port 2b (see FIG. 1), and a big prize An open / close solenoid 13 that opens and closes the mouth 2d (see FIG. 1), an I / F (interface) 15 that is connected to an I / F (interface) 17 of the image display device 7 so that information can be distributed, and the like. Yes. The control board 1 supplies a predetermined amount of pachinko balls based on the detection of the ball detection sensors at the winning opening 2b and the start opening 2c described above, and executes various events for operating a lamp and a speaker (not shown). Is. In addition, the control board 1 transmits various commands for instructing a display mode according to the gaming state to the image display device 7 through the I / F 15.

Specifically, the processing performed in the control board 1 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
Step S1 (detects the incoming ball)
A player drives a pachinko ball into the game board 2 with the rotary handle 5 and starts a pachinko game. A part of the pachinko balls driven into the game board 2 are led to the vicinity of the center of the board surface and enter the starting port 2c. When the pachinko ball enters the start port 2c, the start sensor 12 that detects the ball that has entered the start port 2c sends a start signal to the main control unit 16 and also receives a prize provided in the start port 2c. The detection sensor 11 sends a winning signal to the main control unit 16. In this embodiment, the start sensor 12 and the winning detection sensor 11 are used together by the same sensor. Even when a pachinko ball enters the winning opening 2b, the winning detection sensor 11 of each winning opening 2b sends a winning signal to the main control unit 16.

Step S2 (supplying pachinko balls)
When detecting a winning signal from the winning detection sensor 11, the main control unit 16 operates a pachinko ball supply mechanism (not shown) to supply a predetermined amount of pachinko balls to the upper tray 4 through the ball supply port 4a.

Step S3 (Lottery lottery)
When the main controller 16 detects a start signal from the start sensor 12, the main controller 16 reads the output value of the counter 14 and performs a lottery lottery. In the big hit lottery, if the output value of the counter 14 is a predetermined value, “big hit” is generated. On the other hand, if the output value of the counter 14 is other than the predetermined value, the normal gaming state of “out of” is continued.

Step S4 (send command)
The main control unit 16 determines a display mode according to the normal gaming state or a specific gaming state, and transmits a command according to the display mode to the image display device 7 via the I / F 15. The command is an instruction for causing the image display device 7 to execute a predetermined display program, and a display pattern corresponding to the gaming state is displayed on the display screen 6a by executing the display program. For example, in the case of a jackpot, the main control unit 16 transmits a command instructing the start of a predetermined reach, and a command instructing the type of jackpot identification symbol to be stopped at the final stage of the reach after a predetermined time has elapsed. Send. As a result, the reach of the type designated by the command is displayed on the display screen 6a of the image display device 7 and then displayed so as to stop at the jackpot identification symbol of the type designated by the command. At this time, the main control unit 16 gives a release signal to the open / close solenoid 13 to open the big winning opening 2d after the stop of the jackpot identification symbol is displayed on the display screen 6a, so that the player has a number of players. Make the pachinko ball ready. Further, in this gaming state, the control board 1 gives, for example, that about 10 balls have won a prize winning opening 2d as one round, and each round ends or the start of the next round is instructed. The command is transmitted to the image display device 7. Thereby, the display mode of a different pattern for every round is displayed on the display screen 6a. On the other hand, in the case of losing, a command for instructing the type of identification symbol of losing to be stopped at the final stage of reach, or a command for stopping the identification symbol that is fluctuated in the normal gaming state with the identifying symbol of losing. It transmits to the image display device 7. As a result, the display screen 6a is displayed so as to stop at the losing identification symbol after displaying the reach, or to stop at the losing identification symbol after normal fluctuation.

Step S5 (new entry detection?)
The main control unit 16 waits until it detects the presence or absence of a new start signal from the start sensor 12 (new entry). If there is no new start signal, this process is terminated and the process waits until a new start signal is detected. The control board 1 that executes the above-described steps S1 to S5 corresponds to a game state generating means. Note that the start-up sensor 12 detects the entrance of the pachinko ball during the variation of the identification symbol (reach, normal variation, etc.), and stores the number of the pachinko balls that have entered the hold lamp, which is omitted from the above description. If it is, the lighting of the holding lamp is detected as a new start signal. If there is a new start signal, steps S2 to S4 are repeated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image display device 7 includes an I / F 17 that receives a command sent from the control board 1, and a 3D that is arranged in a world coordinate system that is a virtual 3D space based on the command. A character storage unit 18 that stores an object that is information, a texture and background image that is image information of the pattern of the object, and executes a program according to the received command to set the object in the world coordinate system, and A three-dimensional image processing unit 19 that generates a display image in which a texture is pasted on an object, an image storage unit 20 that temporarily stores the display image generated by the three-dimensional image processing unit 19, and a liquid crystal that displays the display image And a monitor 6. The world coordinate system is a three-dimensional coordinate system corresponding to the virtual three-dimensional space in the present invention. An object is a three-dimensional virtual object arranged in the world coordinate system, and is three-dimensional information composed of a plurality of polygons. A polygon is a polygonal plane defined by vertices of a plurality of three-dimensional coordinates. A texture is an image that is pasted on each polygon of an object. By pasting a texture on an object, an image corresponding to the object, such as an identification symbol, an auxiliary symbol, or a background, is generated.

  The I / F 17 is connected to the I / F 15 of the control board 1 so as to be able to distribute information, and receives commands sent from the control board 1. The I / F 17 sequentially passes the received commands to the three-dimensional image processing unit 19.

  The character storage unit 18 is a memory that stores an object that is three-dimensional information that is appropriately read from the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 and a texture that is a two-dimensional image of the object. Specifically, the character storage unit 18 displays a jackpot identification pattern such as a fish or octopus texture, a round display pattern texture indicating the number of jackpot rounds, and a presentation effect during the round. Along with various textures such as a texture of a sea turtle pattern, a plurality of types of objects composed of one or a plurality of polygons to which each texture is pasted are stored. Further, the character storage unit 18 also stores a background image on which, for example, a seabed coral reef pattern is displayed as the background of the display screen 6 a of the liquid crystal monitor 6. The data of each object, texture, and background image is appropriately read out by the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 when the display image is generated. The character storage unit 18 that stores objects and textures corresponds to the first storage unit and the second storage unit in the present invention.

  The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that controls and manages the entire image display device, a memory that appropriately stores calculation results in the CPU, an image data processor that generates an image to be output to the liquid crystal monitor 6, and the like. It is what is done. In order to realize a display mode according to the command, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 includes a viewpoint and character storage unit 18 in a world coordinate system that is a three-dimensional coordinate system corresponding to the virtual three-dimensional space of the present invention. Various read-out objects are arranged, and so-called geometry calculation processing is performed in which the objects are changed or the viewpoint is displaced. Also, projection information that is two-dimensional coordinate information obtained by projecting an object in the world coordinate system onto a projection plane based on the line of sight from the viewpoint is generated. Based on the projection information, a position corresponding to the vertex of each polygon of each object in the frame memory provided in the image storage unit 20, that is, an address in the frame memory is obtained. Then, the texture read from the character storage unit 18 is deformed so as to match the vertex of each polygon of each object, and the texture is drawn based on each address in the frame memory. At this time, if the texture is a texture to be attached to an object of an identification symbol that disappears from the display screen 6a, the texture is made translucent by a predetermined mask pattern. When the drawing of the texture on all objects is completed, a display image is generated in the frame memory of the image storage unit 20 and the display image is output to the liquid crystal monitor 6. As will be apparent from the following description, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 corresponds to an object placement unit, a projection unit, a display image generation unit, and a third storage unit in the present invention.

The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 is configured as follows, for example. Hereinafter, an example of the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 includes a CPU 21, a program ROM 22 that stores a program executed by the CPU 21, a work RAM 23 that stores data obtained by executing the program, and an instruction from the CPU 21. A DMA 24 that collectively transfers data stored in the work RAM 23, an I / F 25 that receives data transferred by the DMA 24, and a geometry calculation processing unit 26 that performs coordinate calculation processing based on the data received by the I / F 25 A rendering processing unit 27 that generates a display image based on data received by the I / F 25, a palette processing unit 28 that appropriately supplies color information based on a plurality of types of color palettes to the rendering processing unit 27, and an image storage unit A plurality of frame memories provided in 20 A selector unit 29 for switching, and a video output section 30 for outputting to the liquid crystal monitor 6 to display images. The CPU 21, the program ROM 22, the work RAM 23, the DMA 24, and the I / F 25 are connected to the same data bus, and the character storage unit 18 that stores objects, textures, and the like is independent of the data bus described above. It is connected to the geometry calculation processing unit 26 and the rendering processing unit via a data bus.

  The program ROM 22 is a program that is first executed by the CPU 21 when the gaming machine is powered on, a plurality of types of programs for displaying according to the types of commands sent from the control board 1, and map data The data of the mask pattern for making the color palette and the texture translucent are stored. For example, a program for performing display sets an object and a viewpoint in the world coordinate system in order to realize a display mode according to a command by referring to a prepared table or performing arithmetic processing on the referenced data. Setting information for deriving is derived. The display program includes not only a program that is executed alone, but also a program that generates a task for performing display according to the type of command by combining a plurality of tasks, for example. The setting information includes the coordinate value for placing the object in the world coordinate system, the rotation angle that indicates the posture of the object placed in the world coordinate system by the amount of rotation from the reference posture of the object, The coordinate value for setting the viewpoint in the world, the rotation angle for rotating the line of sight in order to set the line of sight of the viewpoint in the world coordinate system (for example, the z axis) in a predetermined direction, the object, texture, and background stored in the character storage unit 18 It is information for generating a display image for one screen to be displayed on the display screen 6a as well as information including various data such as storage addresses of images and the like.

  The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that manages and controls the entire image display device 7 using a control program stored in the program ROM 22, and mainly executes a program corresponding to a command sent from the control board 1. In order to display a predetermined display mode on the display screen 6a, processing for setting an object and a viewpoint in the world coordinate system is performed. Specifically, the CPU 21 sequentially writes setting information obtained by executing a display program for performing display corresponding to the command in accordance with the type of command received by the I / F 17 to the work RAM 23, The DMA 24 is instructed to transfer setting information in the work RAM 23 at every interrupt processing interval (for example, 1/30 seconds or 1/60 seconds).

  The work RAM 23 temporarily stores setting information that is an execution result obtained by the CPU 21. The DMA 24 is a so-called direct memory access controller that can transfer the data stored in the work RAM 23 without the processing in the CPU 21. That is, the DMA 24 collectively transfers the setting information stored in the work RAM 23 to the I / F 25 based on the transfer start instruction from the CPU 21.

  The I / F 25 receives the setting information transferred by the DMA 24. The I / F 25 performs coordinate operations such as a storage address of an object stored in the character storage unit 18 included in the setting information, an arrangement coordinate value for arranging the object in the world coordinate system, and an arrangement coordinate value for setting a viewpoint. Is provided to the geometry calculation processing unit 26, and data of a storage address such as basic texture data stored in the character storage unit 18 included in the setting information to be image drawn is provided to the rendering processing unit 27. . Further, the I / F 25 provides the palette processing unit 28 with a color palette for instructing the color of the texture included in the setting information.

  The geometry calculation processing unit 26 performs coordinate calculation processing accompanying movement or rotation of a three-dimensional coordinate point based on data given from the I / F 25. Specifically, the geometry calculation processing unit 26 reads a plurality of polygon-configured objects arranged in the local coordinate system based on the storage address of the object stored in the character storage unit 18, and based on the rotation angle. The coordinate value of each polygon of the object in the world coordinate system when the object of the rotated posture is arranged in the world coordinate system based on the arrangement coordinate value is calculated. The local coordinate system is an object-specific coordinate system in which an object having a reference posture is set. Further, the coordinate value of each polygon of the object in the viewpoint coordinate system based on the viewpoint set based on the arrangement coordinate value and the rotation angle of the viewpoint is calculated. Furthermore, projection information including two-dimensional coordinate values of each polygon of the object on the projection plane when the object is projected onto the projection plane set perpendicular to the line of sight based on the viewpoint is calculated. Then, the geometry calculation processing unit 26 gives the projection information to the rendering processing unit 27.

  The palette processing unit 28 includes a palette RAM (not shown) that stores a plurality of types of color palettes composed of a plurality of types of color information written by the CPU 21, and the color palette data instructed from the CPU 21 through the I / F 25. This is given to the rendering processing unit 27. Giving a color palette means giving the storage address of the color palette stored in the palette RAM, for example, to the rendering processing unit 27, and the rendering processing unit 27 stores the display image when the display image is generated. Refer to color information. Each color information is determined by a combination of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). When the color palette data size is, for example, 16 bits, each value of 0 to 15 is used. Is assigned predetermined color information. Further, each data of the color palette, that is, each palette is assigned to each dot constituting the texture, and the entire texture is drawn by drawing each dot with the color information of each palette. It should be noted that by sequentially changing the color information assigned to each palette of this color palette, it is possible to generate a plurality of types of textures having different hues in stages.

  The rendering processing unit 27 first reads a background image based on a storage address where the background image in the character storage unit 18 is stored, and draws the background image in a frame memory provided in the image storage unit 20. Then, each polygon of the object based on the projection information is expanded in the frame memory. Furthermore, the rendering processing unit 27 renders the texture read from the character storage unit 18 on an area corresponding to each polygon in the frame memory based on the texture storage address in the character storage unit 18 and the data of the color palette. . At this time, if an identification symbol to be erased from the display screen 6a is drawn, the rendering processing unit 27 partially thins out the texture color information with the mask pattern instructed by the CPU 21 to make it translucent. As a result, a display image in which images of symbols corresponding to various objects are drawn on the background image is generated in the frame memory. This display image is a display image having a predetermined aspect ratio, for example, an aspect ratio of 3: 4, depending on the capacity of the frame memory. In the above-described geometry calculation processing unit 26 and rendering processing unit 27, clipping processing for determining a portion to be displayed on the screen, hidden surface processing for determining a visible portion and an invisible portion according to the front-rear relationship of the polygon, and light from the light source Processing such as shading calculation processing for calculating the state of hitting and the state of reflection is also performed as appropriate.

  The selector unit 29 selects a plurality of frame memories as appropriate. Specifically, the selector unit 29 is, for example, a first frame memory or a second frame memory, which is a plurality of frame memories provided in the image storage unit 20 when an image is drawn by the rendering processing unit 27 described above. Select one of the frame memories. In this case, a display image is generated in the selected frame memory. On the other hand, the selector unit 29 reads a display image for which a display image has already been generated from the frame memory on the side where drawing has not been performed, and sends the display image to the video output unit 30. The selector unit 29 sequentially switches between the reading-side frame memory and the drawing-side frame memory. The video output unit 30 converts the display image sent from the selector unit 29 into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the liquid crystal monitor 6.

  The image storage unit 20 is a so-called video RAM that stores a display image generated by the rendering processing unit 27. The image storage unit 20 constitutes a so-called double buffer provided with a first frame memory and a second frame memory which are storage areas for storing display images for one screen, for example. Note that the number of frame memories provided in the image storage unit 20 is not limited to two, and may be any number as long as it is one or more.

  The liquid crystal monitor 6 includes a screen 6 a that displays a display image output from the video output unit 30, and is attached so that the screen 6 a is exposed on the board surface of the game board 2. The display screen 6a is, for example, a so-called wide screen with an aspect ratio of 9:16, and the liquid crystal monitor 6 uses the display image output from the video output unit 30 with an aspect ratio of 3: 4 as the aspect ratio of the display screen 6a. In addition, the display image is displayed on the display screen 6a. The liquid crystal monitor 6 also has a function of displaying a display image having an aspect ratio of 3: 4 as it is, and appropriately changes the aspect ratio of the display image displayed on the display screen 6a according to the gaming state. You can also. The liquid crystal monitor 6 corresponds to display means in the present invention.

  First, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, processing when the display mode shown in FIG. 5 is displayed will be described. FIG. 5 illustrates how the image displayed in the trapezoidal shape gradually disappears. As shown in FIG. 5A, the display screen 6a displays a three-dimensional image obtained by viewing a substantially square plane G lying in a predetermined space from diagonally above. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5B to 5D, the display screen 6a displays a state in which the hue of the image on the plane G gradually fades and disappears as time elapses.

  The above-described three-dimensional image of the plane G is displayed by a polygon and a texture pasted on the polygon. In this embodiment, polygons will be described, but the same applies to an object composed of one or a plurality of polygons. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the image of the plane G displayed on the display screen 6a includes, for example, one rectangular polygon GP (see FIG. 6A) set in the local coordinate system, It is generated with the texture T (see FIG. 6B) which is an image pasted on the polygon GP. The polygon GP is composed of four vertices P1 to P4 represented by three-dimensional coordinate values in the local coordinate system. The texture T is composed of an image surrounded by vertices P1 to P4 that coincide with the vertices P1 to P4 of the polygon GP. The polygon GP and the texture T are stored in the character storage unit 18.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads the polygon GP from the character storage unit 18 and arranges the polygon GP in the world coordinate system which is a virtual three-dimensional space. Furthermore, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets a viewpoint SP for displaying the state in the world coordinate system, and sets a projection plane TM perpendicular to the line of sight from the viewpoint SP (in the z-axis direction in the drawing). Then, the vertices P1 to P4 of the polygon GP in the world coordinate system are respectively perspective projected onto the projection plane TM. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8, a substantially square polygon GP in the world coordinate system is projected in a trapezoidal shape on the projection plane TM, and the vertices P1 to P3 of the polygon GP are two-dimensional coordinate values on the projection plane TM. Is converted to

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 deforms the shape of the texture T read from the character storage unit 18 so as to match the shape of the polygon GP on the projection plane TM, and the polygon GP. Affix to That is, drawing is performed so that the vertices P1 to P4 of the polygon GP and the vertices P1 to P4 of the texture T coincide with each other. When the drawing is completed, the display image generated in the projection plane TM, that is, in the frame memory is sent to the liquid crystal monitor 6. Thereby, the image of the plane G shown in FIG. 5A is displayed on the display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6.

  A plurality of types of mask patterns are stored in the program ROM 22 of the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 described above. The plurality of types of mask patterns are for applying a non-displayed portion that is not displayed on the display screen 6a to the texture T after being deformed so as to act on the texture T after being deformed according to the polygon GP. The non-display portion provided in the texture T is changed stepwise until the entire texture T is not displayed so that the plane G which is an image of the polygon GP to which the texture T is pasted is gradually disappeared. ing.

  Specifically, mask patterns M <b> 1 to M <b> 9 shown in FIG. 10 are stored in the program ROM 22. The portion indicated by reference numeral 60 (indicated by the downward slanted line in the figure) of the mask patterns M1 to M9 is data for providing a non-display portion on the texture T, and the portion indicated by reference numeral 61 is an image of the texture T. The remaining portion, that is, the portion displayed on the display screen 6a. More specifically, the mask pattern M1 is stored in the program ROM 22 as 8-byte data of 00H, 11H, 00H, 00H, 00H, 11H, 00H, and 00H. For example, since 11H is a hexadecimal number, when it is expressed in binary, it becomes “00010001”, where “1” corresponds to the portion of reference numeral 60 and “0” corresponds to the portion of reference numeral 61. Similarly, the mask pattern M2 is 8 bytes of 00H, 11H, 00H, 44H, 00H, 11H, 00H, 44H, and the mask pattern M3 is 8 bytes of 00H, 55H, 00H, 55H, 00H, 55H, 00H, 55H. The mask pattern M4 is 8 bytes of 22H, 55H, 88H, 55H, 22H, 55H, 88H, 55H, and the mask pattern M5 is 8 bytes of AAH, 55H, AAH, 55H, AAH, 55H, AAH, 55H, mask. The pattern M6 is 8 bytes of BBH, DDH, AAH, 55H, BBH, DDH, AAH, 55H, and the mask pattern M7 is 8 bytes of BBH, FFH, AAH, 77H, BBH, FFH, AAH, 77H, mask pattern M8 Are BBH, FFH, EEH, FFH, BBH, FFH, EEH, FF 8 bytes, the mask pattern M9 is, FFH, FFH, FFH, FFH, FFH, FFH, FFH, is stored respectively in the program in the ROM22 as 8-byte data of FFH. In this embodiment, nine mask patterns changing in nine steps are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any number of mask patterns changing in two steps or more may be used. Moreover, it is not limited to the pattern of each of these mask patterns.

  The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 draws the texture T in which the portion of the reference numeral 60 overlapping the texture T is not displayed on the polygon GP by sequentially superimposing these mask patterns M1 to M9 on the texture T after deformation. . For example, the case where the mask pattern M5 is used will be described as an example. As shown in FIG. 9A, the maximum pattern M5 is formed on the texture T so that a non-display portion is provided on the entire texture T after deformation. Repeat. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9B, the texture T can be in a state where, for example, non-displayed portions are provided in a staggered pattern, and the display screen 6a is drawn by drawing the texture T on the polygon GP. The image of the plane G having a zigzag pattern can be displayed. As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the mask patterns M1 to M9 are applied to the texture T in such an order that the number of non-display portions increases stepwise. A display mode in which the G image disappears gradually can be realized. In this embodiment, the case where the number of non-display portions increases stepwise has been described. However, for example, a mask pattern in which the area of the non-display portions increases stepwise can be used. When such a mask pattern is used, as shown in FIGS. 11A to 11D, a display in which a non-display part spreads from one point on the image of the plane G to the periphery thereof and the image disappears. An aspect can also be displayed. In contrast to FIG. 11, a mask pattern that disappears from the periphery of the image toward the center may be used. Furthermore, a mask pattern that disappears from one end of the peripheral edge of the image toward the other end may be used.

Next, display modes actually displayed on the pachinko machine according to the present embodiment using the above-described processing will be described with reference to FIGS.
The display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6 has display modes as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C and FIGS. 13A to 13C based on commands sent from the control board 1. FIG. Is displayed. This display mode is one mode when shifting from normal fluctuation to reach in a pachinko machine. Here, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the display screen 6 a includes a plurality of display screens 6 a in the upper region A, the middle region B, and the lower region C divided into three in the vertical direction. The type of identification symbol is displayed. In each of these areas A to C, a plurality of types of identification symbols with sequential symbol numbers 1 to 9 are displayed.

  In the upper region A and the middle region C at the time of normal fluctuation, the identification symbols with the symbol numbers 1 to 9 are displayed so as to move from the right side to the left side so that they appear on the display screen 6a in the order of 1 to 9. Is done. In the lower region C at the time of normal fluctuation, the identification symbols assigned symbol numbers 1 to 9 are displayed so as to move from the right side to the left side so as to appear on the display screen 6a in the order 9 to 1. Then, when the movement of the identification symbol in each of the areas A to B is stopped, one normal variation is completed. At this time, the movement of the upper stage area A, the lower stage area C, and the middle stage area B is stopped in the order of the identification symbols, but the identification symbols stopped in the upper stage region A and the lower stage region C are of the same type in the vertical or diagonal direction. If there is, the shift is made from normal fluctuation to reach, and reach is started. At the time of reach, if only the identification symbols in the middle area B move and finally stop at the same type of identification symbols in the vertical or horizontal direction, a big hit state will occur. Hereinafter, a display mode when shifting from normal variation to reach will be described in detail.

  FIG. 12A shows a state where the same type of identification symbol has stopped on the right side of the upper region A and the lower region C during normal fluctuation, and the identification symbol of the middle region B continues to move in the horizontal direction. ing. For example, in the upper area A of the display screen 6a, an identification symbol A1 which is an image of an octopus with a symbol number “1” on the left side is an image of an eagle with a symbol number “9” on the right side. A certain identification symbol A9 is stopped. Further, in the lower area C, an identification symbol C1 which is an image of an octopus with a symbol number “1” on the left side thereof, and an identification symbol which is an image of a harisenbon with a symbol number “2” on the right side thereof. C2 is stopped. On the other hand, in the middle region B, an identification symbol B7, which is an image of a walrus with a symbol number “7”, an identification symbol B8, which is an image of a fish, and the like move from the right side to the left side. Therefore, the identification patterns A1 and C1 of the same kind of octopus are vertically aligned on the left side of the display screen 6a. A combination of the same kinds of identification symbols A1 and C1 is called an identification symbol related to reach, and other identification symbols A9 and C2 are called identification symbols not related to reach. For example, the identification symbols A9, C2, etc. correspond to identification symbols other than the identification related to the reach in the present invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 12B, 12 </ b> C, and 13 </ b> A to 13 </ b> C, the identification symbol C <b> 1 that has stopped on the left side of the lower region C moves from the left side to the right side. Furthermore, according to the movement of the identification symbol C1, the identification symbols A9 and C2 that are not related to reach gradually disappear. Thereby, it is possible to make the player accurately recognize the identification symbol related to the reach, and it is possible to make the player's interests permanent without confusing the player. Further, when the identification symbol C1 has moved to the right side of the lower region C, whether or not a big hit state is determined according to the type of the identification symbol that stops at the center of the middle region B is determined. Although not shown in this figure, the size of the identification symbol in the middle region B during the reach is displayed larger than the size in the normal variation. As described above, the present pachinko machine has a function of a size changing means for changing (enlarging or reducing) the size of a specific identification symbol to reach.

  Next, processing performed in the image display device 7 to realize the display modes shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

Step T1 (Understanding commands)
The I / F 17 sequentially receives commands sent from the control board 1 and sequentially passes the commands to the three-dimensional image processing unit 19. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 stores the command in a command buffer (not shown) provided in the work RAM 23. Further, each time there is an interrupt process from the liquid crystal monitor 6, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads a command stored in the command buffer and executes a program in the program ROM 22 corresponding to the command to execute one screen worth. Display images are sequentially generated. By executing the program, the following steps are executed in the three-dimensional image processing unit 19. The interrupt process described above is performed in synchronization with, for example, a vertical scanning signal every 1/30 seconds or 1/60 seconds of the liquid crystal monitor 6.

Step T2 (Set viewpoint in world coordinate system)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets an attention point for determining a position in the world coordinate system to be displayed on the display screen. This point of interest is set at a position that substantially matches the arrangement position of a specific object arranged in the world coordinate system, for example. Furthermore, a viewpoint for displaying the state in the world coordinate system on the display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6 is set based on the attention point. This viewpoint is the origin of the three-dimensional coordinate system, and is set so that the direction of the line of sight from the viewpoint faces the point of interest. The line of sight is, for example, the z axis of the coordinate system with the viewpoint as the origin. Hereinafter, a concept and a specific calculation method until a viewpoint having a line of sight directed to the attention point is set in the world coordinate system will be described.

In the initial state where the identification symbol is displayed on the display screen 6a, as shown in FIG. 15, when the objects J1 and the like for displaying the identification symbol A1 and the like are respectively arranged in the world coordinate system, the three-dimensional The image processing unit 19 displays the coordinate value (WP _x , WP _y , WP _x , WP _y , WP) of the arrangement position WP in the world coordinate system of the object J7 for displaying the identification symbol B7 [see FIG. WP _z ). For example, in the case of the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the coordinate value of the arrangement position WP refers to the coordinate value of the world coordinate system prepared in advance in the program, or the controller in the case of a gaming machine other than the pachinko machine, for example. Or the like based on an input signal from the input means. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets the coordinate values (WP _x , WP _y , WP _z ) of the arrangement position WP as the coordinate values of the attention point.

As shown in FIG. 16, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets a new three-dimensional coordinate system having the origin point O as the target point arrangement position WP in the world coordinate system. Also, as shown in FIG. 17A, the new three-dimensional coordinate system is rotated around each two-dimensional axis of the new three-dimensional coordinate system. For example, a new three-dimensional coordinate system is rotated by θ _x ° about the x axis and θ _y ° about the y axis. For example, in the case of the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the rotation angles θ _x ° and θ _y ° refer to the rotation angle data prepared in advance in the program, or in the case of a gaming machine other than the pachinko machine, for example. Or the like based on an input signal from the input means. As a result, as shown in FIG. 17B, the z axis, which is another one-dimensional axis of the new coordinate system, is displaced according to each rotation angle around the point of interest, and the z axis is arbitrary. Turn to the direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 17C, the distance L from the point of interest on the z-axis of the new three-dimensional coordinate system is separated based on the data of the distance L from the point of interest to the viewpoint given in advance. The new coordinate system is moved to the arranged position P ₀ . At this time, the z-axis of the new three-dimensional coordinate system is moved so as to face the point of interest. In this embodiment, the line-of-sight direction is described as being on the positive side of the z-axis, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the line-of-sight direction may be on the negative side of the z-axis. it can. Specifically, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 performs the coordinate value of the above-described attention point arrangement position WP, the rotation angles θ _x and θ _y around each axis of the new coordinate system, and the distance L from the attention point. Are substituted into the following equation (1).

(P _0X , P _0Y , P _0Z ) = (Lsin θ _y cos θ _x + WP _x
, Lsin θ _x + WP _y , L cos θ _y cos θ _x + WP _z ) (1)

The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 calculates the coordinate values (P _0X , P _0Y , P _0Z ) in the world coordinate system of the origin O of the three-dimensional coordinate system in which the point of interest is on the z axis by the above-described equation (1). _Then , the new three-dimensional coordinate system is moved to the arrangement position P ₀ of the world coordinate system specified by the coordinate values (P _0X , P _0Y , P _0Z ). A new three-dimensional coordinate system at the arrangement position P ₀ of the world coordinate system is set as a viewpoint SP having a line of sight facing the point of interest. As will become clear later, the state in the world coordinate system in the direction in which the line of sight from the viewpoint SP faces is displayed on the display screen 6 a of the liquid crystal monitor 6. In this embodiment, the case where the attention point is moved will not be described, but the direction of the line of sight can be displaced by appropriately moving the attention point, for example. Step T2 is a function of attention point setting means and line-of-sight setting means.

Step T3 (place each object)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 identifies an object J1 for displaying the identification symbols A1 and C1 (see FIG. 12) on the display screen 6a, an object J9 for displaying the identification symbol A9 (see FIG. 12), and an identification. An object B7 for displaying the symbol B7 (see FIG. 12), an object J8 for displaying the identification symbol B8 (see FIG. 12), and an object J2 for displaying the identification symbol C2 (see FIG. 12). Read from the character storage unit 18 respectively. Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 arranges the viewpoint SP placement position P ₀ so that each identification symbol is displayed at each position on the display screen 6a shown in FIG. The coordinate values in the world coordinate system are obtained according to the coordinate values (P _0X , P _0Y , P _0Z ) as the reference, and the objects J1, J1 are placed at the respective arrangement positions based on the coordinate values. J2 and J7 to J9 are arranged respectively.

Specifically, an arrangement position P ₂ (P _0X + ΔP _2X , P _0Y + ΔP _2Y , P _0Z + ΔP _2Z ) and an arrangement position P ₄ (P _0X + ΔP _4X , P _0Y + ΔP _4Y , P _0Z + ΔP _4Z ) in the world coordinate system. ) And the object J9 at the arrangement position P ₁ (P _0X + ΔP _1X , P _0Y + ΔP _1Y , P _0Z + ΔP _1Z ) and the arrangement position P ₃ (P _0X + ΔP _3X , P _0Y + ΔP _3Y , P _0Z) , _{respectively.} The object J2 is placed at + ΔP _3Z ), the object J7 is placed at the placement position P ₅ (P _0X + ΔP _5X , P _0Y + ΔP _5Y , P _0Z + ΔP _5Z ), and the placement position P ₆ (P _0X + ΔP _6X , P _0Y + ΔP _6Y , P _0Z + ΔP _6Z ), the objects J8 are respectively arranged. Furthermore, an object for displaying the design of the shellfish is arranged at each arrangement position. In FIG. 18, the shape of each object is illustrated as a spherical shape for convenience, but the shape of each object is formed in a three-dimensional shape corresponding to the shape of each image. Further, in the present embodiment, the objects J1 and the like are arranged with the viewpoint SP as a reference. Therefore, even when the arrangement position and the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint SP are displaced, that is, when the attention point is moved, The identification symbol displayed by the object J1 or the like can be displayed at a certain position on the display screen 6a.

Next, the coordinate values of the X-axis components of the arrangement positions P ₅ and P ₆ of the objects J7 and J8 for displaying the identification symbols B7 and B8 displayed in the middle area B of the display screen 6a are sequentially given for each interrupt process. Update (subtract or add coordinate values) and gradually move the positions of the placement positions P ₅ and P ₆ of the objects J7 and J8 in the horizontal direction (indicated by arrows in FIG. 18). Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the coordinates of the arrangement position P ₄ until the coordinate value of the arrangement position P ₄ of the object J1 for displaying the identification symbol C1 matches the coordinate value of the arrangement position P ₃ of the object J2. by changing the value to move the object J1 to the position P _3. When the coordinate values of the position P ₄ of the object J1 matches the coordinate values of the position P _3, stop locations of objects J2 and object J9. Step T3 corresponds to the function of the object placement means in the present invention. In addition, the moving direction described above is not limited to the horizontal direction, and the coordinate values of the X, Y, and Z of the arrangement position are updated as appropriate, so that the moving direction can be similarly moved in the predetermined direction, for example, from the vertical, diagonal, and rearward directions. Can do.

Step T4 (deformation correction of the viewpoint coordinate system)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 uses a coordinate value such as an arrangement position P _{1 of} each object J1, J2, J7 to J9 (hereinafter simply referred to as “object J1 etc.”) arranged in the world coordinate system as a viewpoint SP. Is converted into a coordinate value of the viewpoint coordinate system with reference to the origin. Here, since the aspect ratio of the display image generated in the frame memory by the rendering processing unit 27 is 3: 4, when this display image is displayed on the display screen 6a having the aspect ratio of 9:16, the display image is extended. This causes the negative effect that the resulting image is displayed. Therefore, by deforming and correcting the viewpoint coordinate system according to the aspect ratio of the display image and the aspect ratio of the display screen, the symbols and the like arranged in the viewpoint coordinate system are deformed.

  Specifically, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 calculates a deformation correction value for correcting the deformation of the viewpoint coordinate system. This deformation correction value is a magnification value for enlarging or reducing the vertical width or horizontal width of each object J1 or the like. The deformation correction value can be calculated by the following equation (2) where the aspect ratio of the display screen 6a is A: B and the aspect ratio of the display image is a: b. The deformation correction value calculated by the following equation (2) is a magnification for deforming and correcting the horizontal width of an object or the like when the horizontal width of the display image is deformed according to the screen based on the vertical magnification of the display image. This is a magnification value for deforming and correcting the vertical width of each object J1 etc. when the vertical width of the display image is deformed according to the screen with reference to the horizontal magnification of the display image.

  (A × b) ÷ (a × B) (2)

  When the aspect ratio of the display image generated in the frame memory is 3: 4 and the aspect ratio of the display screen 6a is 9:16, the aspect ratio of the display image is 9:16 on the display screen 6a. Since it is displayed, it is displayed as if the horizontal width of the display image is enlarged by 4/3 times. At this time, the horizontal width of the symbols of the objects J1 to J3 included in the display image is also enlarged by 4/3 times. Here, by substituting each value of the aspect ratio of the display image and the display screen 6a into Expression (2), the width of each of the objects J1 to J3 is indicated by 3/4 (hereinafter referred to as “3/4 times”). ) To calculate the deformation correction value of the magnification value to be reduced. Further, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reduces the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) of the viewpoint coordinate system to 3/4 times based on the deformation correction value. As a result, each object J1 and the like are reduced to 3/4 times in the x-axis direction of the viewpoint coordinate system. In this embodiment, the viewpoint coordinate system is deformed and corrected in step T4. However, the processes after step T4 can be performed without correcting the deformation.

Step T5 (projection on the projection plane)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets a projection plane TM perpendicular to the z axis that is the direction of the line of sight of the viewpoint coordinate system between the viewpoint SP and the object J1 and the like (see FIG. 18 and the like). Since the projection plane TM is perpendicular to the z-axis of the viewpoint coordinate system and the z value is fixed, it can be handled as a two-dimensional coordinate system on the projection plane TM. The projection plane TM has an area corresponding to a frame memory provided in the image storage unit 20.

  Further, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 performs perspective projection or parallel projection of each object J1 and the like on the projection plane TM. Thereby, each vertex of each polygon constituting each object J1 and the like is projected so as to be perspectively moved or translated on the projection plane TM, and the three-dimensional coordinate value of each vertex is two-dimensionally projected on the projection plane TM. Converted to coordinate values. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 acquires the projection information of each object in the world coordinate system when the projection of all the objects is completed. In this embodiment, in order to recognize the identification pattern for the player to grasp, each object J1 etc. is projected in parallel, for example, in order to express more stereoscopic effect, each object J1 etc. Perspective projection is preferable. Further, in the present embodiment, the auxiliary symbols other than the identification symbols are not particularly described, but the perspective projection or the parallel projection can be similarly applied to the auxiliary symbols. Step T5 corresponds to the function of the projection means in the present invention.

Step T6 (generate display image)
First, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads a background image stored in the character storage unit 18 and draws the background image in a frame memory in the image storage unit 20. This background image is an image that displays, for example, the state of the sea and the seabed as illustrated in FIGS.

  Next, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 addresses the address in the frame memory of the image storage unit 20 corresponding to the coordinate value of each vertex of each polygon such as each object J1 included in the projection information, that is, each object in the frame memory. The positions of the polygons J1 to J3 are obtained. Then, the texture read from the character storage unit 18 is drawn on each polygon while being deformed according to each polygon. As a result, a display image in which an image of each object J1 or the like, that is, the identification symbol A1 or the like is superimposed on the background image is generated in the frame memory.

Further, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sequentially reads out the mask patterns M1 to M9 described above from the program ROM 22 every predetermined number of interrupt processes. Then, as the object J1 moves from position P ₄ to position P ₃ at the step T3, the texture after deformation to fit each polygon object J2, J9, sequentially exerting the mask pattern M1 to M9. A texture provided with a non-display portion by the mask patterns M1 to M9 is drawn on each polygon. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the identification symbols A9 and C2 can be displayed so as to disappear gradually. Step T6 corresponds to the function of the display image generation means in the present invention.

Step T7 (display)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 outputs the display image generated in the frame memory to the liquid crystal monitor 6 via the video output unit 30. The liquid crystal monitor 6 sequentially displays the display image with the aspect ratio of 3: 4 sent from the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 for each interrupt process in accordance with the display screen 6a with the aspect ratio of 9:16. As a result, the display modes shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C and FIGS. 13A to 13C are displayed.

  In the pachinko machine described above, when a texture is drawn after being deformed according to the shape of the polygon, that is, when the texture is drawn on the polygon, a non-display portion is provided on the texture by a plurality of types of mask patterns M1 to M9, and an image on which the texture is pasted is displayed. Since the non-display part is changed so as to disappear gradually, it is possible to display an interesting display mode in which an identification symbol unrelated to reach, for example, disappears by a relatively simple process. The fun of the player can be made permanent. In addition, since the identification symbols once aligned are moved and the identification symbols irrelevant to the reach are extinguished according to the movement of the identification symbols, the player's interest can be made more permanent.

  In the above-described embodiment, the liquid crystal monitor has been described. However, for example, a CRT monitor or an LED monitor can be used instead of the liquid crystal monitor.

  In the above-described embodiment, the transparency of the identification symbol is changed and disappears. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, the area of a part of the non-display portion of the identification symbol spreads and disappears. It can also be done.

  In the above-described embodiments, the pachinko machine has been described as the gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be modified to a gaming machine such as a slot machine or a coin game machine.

  In addition, this specification is disclosing the invention which concerns on the following game machines.

Configuration 1 includes a first storage unit that stores an object formed of a plurality of polygons, a second storage unit that stores a texture to be pasted on each polygon of the object, and an object read from the first storage unit. Object placement means for placing in a three-dimensional space, projection means for projecting an object placed in the virtual three-dimensional space onto a projection plane, and the shape of each polygon of the object projected on the projection plane A gaming machine comprising: a display image generating means for generating a display image including an image of an object obtained by deforming a texture read from the second storage means and pasting the texture on a polygon; and a display means for displaying the display image In
Third storage means for storing a plurality of types of mask patterns configured to provide a non-display portion on the texture to be pasted on the object and to change the non-display portion in stages until the entire texture is not displayed. It is characterized by providing.

  According to Configuration 1, the object placement unit reads an object formed by a plurality of polygons stored in the first storage unit, and places the object in the virtual three-dimensional space. The projection unit projects an object in the virtual three-dimensional space onto the projection plane. As a result, the object in the virtual three-dimensional space is converted from three dimensions to two dimensions. The display image generation unit reads the texture to be pasted on each polygon of the object from the second storage unit, transforms the texture into a polygon shape projected on the projection plane, and converts the texture after deformation onto the projection plane. Paste to each polygon. Thereby, a display image including the image of the object is generated. The display means displays the display image. At this time, a plurality of types of mask patterns stored in the third storage means are used, and a non-display part that is not displayed on the texture display means pasted on each polygon is provided, and the entire texture is displayed on the display means. The non-display portion is changed step by step until it is no longer displayed. Therefore, the entire object image is first displayed on the display means, and then the object image is displayed so as to gradually disappear.

  As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the display that the image of the object displayed on the display means gradually disappears by a relatively simple process of applying a plurality of types of mask patterns to the texture. A mode can be realized, and the fun of the player can be made permanent by this display mode. As a result, it is possible to realize a display mode with a desired presence that can perpetuate the fun of the player with relatively simple processing.

  Configuration 2 is the gaming machine according to Configuration 1, wherein the gaming machine further converts the mask pattern sequentially read from the third storage means into a texture after being deformed according to the shape of each polygon of the object. A gaming machine provided with an object image disappearing means that sequentially acts to gradually disappear an image of an object displayed on the display means. According to this configuration, the object placement unit reads an object formed by a plurality of polygons stored in the first storage unit, and places the object in the virtual three-dimensional space. The projection unit projects an object in the virtual three-dimensional space onto the projection plane. As a result, the object in the virtual three-dimensional space is converted from three dimensions to two dimensions. The display image generation unit reads the texture to be pasted on each polygon of the object from the second storage unit, transforms the texture into a polygon shape projected on the projection plane, and converts the texture after deformation onto the projection plane. Paste to each polygon. Thereby, a display image including the image of the object is generated. The display means displays the display image. Then, the object image disappearance unit reads out a plurality of types of mask patterns stored in the third storage unit. These multiple types of mask patterns provide a non-display portion that is a portion that is not displayed on the texture display means that is pasted to each polygon, and step the non-display portion until the entire texture is no longer displayed on the display means. It is a pattern to change to. The object image disappearing unit further causes the texture after being deformed according to the shape of each polygon to sequentially act on a plurality of types of mask patterns to gradually disappear the object image displayed on the display unit. Therefore, the entire object image is first displayed on the display means, and then the object image is displayed so as to gradually disappear. As a result, a display mode in which the image of the object displayed on the display means gradually disappears can be realized by a relatively simple process of applying a plurality of types of mask patterns to the texture. The fun of the player can be made permanent. Furthermore, since each mask pattern is applied to the texture after being deformed according to the shape of each polygon of the object projected on the projection plane, the texture is applied as if each mask pattern is applied before the texture is deformed. It is possible to prevent the adverse effect that the non-displayed portion is crushed by the deformation of the texture, and the image of the object can be gradually disappeared in a desired display mode. It is possible to realize a display mode with a desired presence that can make a player's fun permanent, with relatively simple processing.

  Configuration 3 is a gaming machine according to Configuration 1, wherein the plurality of types of mask patterns are configured such that the number of non-display portions provided in the texture increases stepwise. According to this configuration, the object image disappearance unit reads out a plurality of types of mask patterns stored in the third storage unit. These multiple types of mask patterns provide a non-display portion that is a portion that is not displayed on the display means in the texture that is pasted on each polygon, and the number of non-display portions until the entire texture is no longer displayed on the display means. It is a pattern that increases gradually. The object image disappearing unit further causes a plurality of types of mask patterns to sequentially act on the texture after being deformed according to the shape of each polygon. As a result, the number of non-displayed portions on the image of the object displayed on the display means increases stepwise, and thereafter the object image is not displayed on the display means. Therefore, the entire object image is first displayed on the display means, and then the object image is displayed so as to gradually disappear. As a result, it is possible to realize a realistic display mode in which the color of an object image becomes almost entirely light and gradually disappears. Furthermore, the same effect as that of Configuration 1 can be obtained.

  Configuration 4 is the gaming machine according to Configuration 1, wherein the plurality of types of mask patterns are configured such that an area of a non-display portion provided in the texture is expanded stepwise. According to this configuration, the object image disappearance unit reads out a plurality of types of mask patterns stored in the third storage unit. These multiple types of mask patterns provide a non-display portion that is a portion that is not displayed on the display means in the texture that is pasted to each polygon, and the area of the non-display portion is reduced until the entire texture is not displayed on the display means. The pattern spreads in stages. The object image disappearing unit further causes a plurality of types of mask patterns to sequentially act on the texture after being deformed according to the shape of each polygon. As a result, the area of the non-display portion on the image of the object displayed on the display means gradually increases, and thereafter the object image is not displayed on the display means. Therefore, the entire object image is first displayed on the display means, and then the object image is displayed so as to gradually disappear. As a result, it is possible to realize a realistic display mode in which the lacking part gradually increases from the lacking part of the object image and the object image gradually disappears. Furthermore, the same effect as that of Configuration 1 can be obtained.

  Configuration 5 is the gaming machine according to Configuration 4, wherein the plurality of types of mask patterns are configured such that an area of a non-display portion provided substantially in the center of the texture gradually increases toward the periphery of the texture. Game machine. According to this configuration, the state of the image in which the non-displayed portion spreads from the center and disappears is displayed on the display means. As a result, the player can feel more realistic.

  Configuration 6 is the gaming machine according to Configuration 4, wherein the plurality of types of mask patterns are configured such that an area of a non-display portion provided at one end of the peripheral edge of the texture gradually increases toward the other end. Game machine. According to this configuration, the display means displays the state of the image in which the non-displayed portion spreads from one end of the peripheral edge of the image and disappears. As a result, the player can feel more realistic.

  Configuration 7 is the gaming machine according to Configuration 4, wherein the plurality of types of mask patterns are configured such that an area of a non-display portion provided on an entire peripheral edge of the texture gradually increases toward the center of the texture. Configured gaming machine. According to this configuration, the display means displays the state of the image in which the non-displayed portion spreads from the periphery of the image toward the center and disappears. As a result, the player can feel more realistic.

  In Configuration 8, the gaming machine according to any one of Configurations 1 to 7 is a pachinko machine. As a basic configuration of this pachinko machine, an operation handle is provided, and a game ball is launched into a predetermined game area in accordance with the operation of the handle, and the game ball is awarded to an operation port arranged at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition, the change of the identification symbol and the auxiliary symbol on the display means is mentioned. In addition, during the occurrence of a specific gaming state, a winning opening arranged at a predetermined position in the gaming area is opened in a predetermined manner so that a gaming ball can be won, and a valuable value according to the winning number (only a prize ball) In addition, writing to a magnetic card is also included. As a result, the interest of the player who plays the pachinko machine can be made permanent.

  Configuration 9 is a pachinko machine according to configuration 8, wherein the image of the object is an identification symbol for identifying a gaming state of the pachinko machine. According to this configuration, the object placement means reads an object formed of a plurality of polygons for displaying an identification pattern for identifying a gaming state by a player playing a pachinko machine from the first storage means, An object is placed in a virtual three-dimensional space. The projection unit projects an object in the virtual three-dimensional space onto the projection plane. As a result, the object in the virtual three-dimensional space is converted from three dimensions to two dimensions. The display image generation means reads the texture that is an image to be pasted on each polygon of the identification symbol object from the second storage means, transforms the texture into the shape of the polygon projected on the projection plane, and the texture after the deformation To each polygon on the projection plane. As a result, a display image including the image of the object, that is, the identification symbol is generated. The display means displays the display image. Then, the object image disappearance unit reads out a plurality of types of mask patterns stored in the third storage unit. These multiple types of mask patterns provide a non-display portion that is a portion that is not displayed on the display means on the texture that is pasted to each polygon, and step the non-display portion until the entire texture is no longer displayed on the display means. It is a pattern to change to. The object image disappearing unit further causes the texture after being deformed according to the shape of each polygon to sequentially act on a plurality of types of mask patterns to gradually disappear the identification symbol displayed on the display unit. Therefore, the entire identification symbol is first displayed on the display means, and thereafter, the identification symbol is displayed so as to gradually disappear. As a result, the player's interest can be made permanent by a realistic display mode in which the identification symbol gradually disappears.

  Configuration 10 is the pachinko machine according to configuration 9, wherein the object image disappearing means gradually adds identification symbols other than the identification symbols related to the reach when shifting from the normal variation of the identification symbols in the pachinko machine to reach. It is a pachinko machine that disappears. According to this configuration, the object image disappearing unit is configured to display an identification symbol other than the identification symbol related to the reach, that is, the identification symbol that is not the target of the reach when shifting from the normal fluctuation in the pachinko machine to the reach. A plurality of types of mask patterns are sequentially applied to the texture after being deformed in accordance with the shape of each polygon, and the identification symbols that are not the target of reach are gradually disappeared. Therefore, the display means displays so that only the identification symbol to be reached remains. Note that the gaming state of the pachinko machine includes a normal state in which the player consumes pachinko balls and a jackpot state in which the player can acquire a large number of pachinko balls. Furthermore, in the normal state, the normal variation that is a display mode in which the identification symbol for the player to identify the gaming state simply varies, and the reach that is the display mode in which the identification symbol varies as if a jackpot state occurs There is. Reach is a display mode in which a predetermined number of identification symbols related to reach among a plurality of identification symbols fluctuate as if they are the same type vertically, horizontally or diagonally. As a result, the identification symbols that are the target of reach continue to be displayed, and the identification symbols that are not the target of reach gradually disappear, so that a realistic display mode can be realized. Furthermore, the same effect as that of Configuration 1 can be obtained.

  As described above, the present invention is suitable for gaming machines such as pachinko machines and slot machines.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control base 6 ... Liquid crystal monitor 6a ... Display screen 7 ... Image display apparatus 18 ... Character memory | storage part 19 ... Three-dimensional image processing part 20 ... Image storage part 22 ... Program ROM
M1 to M9 ... Mask pattern SP ... Viewpoint

Claims (1)

A first storage means for storing an object formed by a plurality of polygons; a second storage means for storing a texture to be attached to each polygon of the object; and an object read from the first storage means in a virtual three-dimensional space. An object placement unit arranged on the projection plane, a projection unit projecting the object placed in the virtual three-dimensional space onto a projection plane, and the second storage unit according to the shape of each polygon of the object projected on the projection plane In a gaming machine comprising a display image generating means for generating a display image including an image of an object in which the texture read from is deformed and pasting the texture on a polygon, and a display means for displaying the display image,
Third storage means for storing a plurality of types of mask patterns configured to provide a non-display portion on the texture to be pasted on the object and to change the non-display portion in stages until the entire texture is not displayed. A gaming machine comprising:

Images