JP4122983B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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 setting a viewpoint for displaying a state in a virtual three-dimensional space.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In this type of pachinko machine, a game state that is advantageous to a player who can obtain a large number of pachinko balls and a game state that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes the pachinko balls are generated. In order to perpetuate the interest of the player in any gaming state, a realistic display mode is displayed according to each gaming state. As the display mode, the player may feel a sense of reality by changing, for example, enlarging, reducing, or moving a pattern, which is a two-dimensional image drawn using a perspective method, on the display screen. The display mode which can be done is realized.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional pachinko machine described above has the following problems.
In conventional pachinko machines, a two-dimensional image that is a two-dimensional image is simply enlarged, reduced, or moved on the display screen, resulting in a lack of realism and an inability for the player to feel realism. It was. Therefore, in recent years, by moving an object composed of polygons in a virtual three-dimensional space, which is a three-dimensional coordinate space, a change in the design of a three-dimensional image is displayed on the display screen, thus providing a realistic display. Attempts have been made to implement the aspects. Specifically, an object is arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space and the object is changed. Further, a viewpoint for displaying the state in the virtual three-dimensional space is set. This viewpoint is the origin of a three-dimensional coordinate system, and an arbitrary one-dimensional axis within each three-dimensional axis is set as a line of sight. The line of sight is displaced by rotating the three-dimensional coordinate system around each axis. The line of sight is directed to the object in the virtual three-dimensional space by the displacement. A display image showing a state in the virtual three-dimensional space in the direction of the line of sight is generated, and the display image is sequentially displayed on the monitor, thereby displaying realistic variations in the design.
[0004]
However, there is a problem that the processing for displacing the line of sight from the viewpoint set in the virtual three-dimensional space and directing the direction of the line of sight toward the object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space is very complicated. . Further, if the direction in which the line of sight is directed is not accurately directed to the direction of the object, for example, there is a problem that the object in the virtual three-dimensional space is not displayed at an accurate position on the display screen.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can set a viewpoint having a line of sight accurately pointing in an arbitrary direction by a relatively simple process. And
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
In the configuration of the present invention, an object arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space is changed according to a gaming state, and a line of sight from a viewpoint set in the virtual three-dimensional space is directed to the changed object. In a gaming machine that displays on the display screen a state in the virtual three-dimensional space to which the line of sight is directed, attention point setting means for setting a point of interest in the virtual three-dimensional space, and a line of sight directed to the point of interest A viewpoint setting means for setting a viewpoint that is the upper base point in the virtual three-dimensional space, and a plurality of identification symbols for identifying a gaming state based on the viewpoint set by the viewpoint setting means An identification symbol arrangement means for arranging the object in the virtual three-dimensional space, and a projection plane in which the object corresponding to the identification symbol is set based on the viewpoint in the virtual three-dimensional coordinate space Image storage means for storing a display image for at least one screen generated by a display image generation means for generating a shadowed display image, and the viewpoint setting means is a new three-dimensional image having the attention point as an origin. The coordinate system is arranged, rotated around each two-dimensional axis in the new coordinate system, and the new coordinate system after the rotation is placed on another one-dimensional axis separated from the point of interest by a predetermined distance. By moving to an arrangement position, a viewpoint having a line of sight toward the attention point is set as the arrangement position, and a coordinate value of the attention point in the virtual three-dimensional space and a new coordinate system at the attention point A coordinate value calculated from the rotation angle around each of the two-dimensional axes and a distance from the target point is obtained, and the target point is placed at the arrangement position in the virtual three-dimensional space specified by the coordinate value. Another one of the new coordinate system that faces It is characterized in that sets a viewpoint for the original axis as direction of gaze. In addition, if the structure of this invention is the structure 1, this invention can also be comprised as follows.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the gaming machine according to the first aspect, the image storage means includes a plurality of storage areas for storing display images for the one screen, and the display means includes the plurality of display areas. One of the storage areas is selected, and the display image stored in the selected storage area is output to the display device.
[0007]
Further, the invention according to claim 1, “The viewpoint setting means arranges a new three-dimensional coordinate system having the attention point as an origin, and around each two-dimensional axis in the new coordinate system. Rotating and moving the new coordinate system after the rotation to an arrangement position on another one-dimensional axis that is separated from the point of interest by a predetermined distance , the viewpoint that is the base point on the line of sight facing the point of interest It is also provided with a feature (configuration 2) that is set to the arrangement position. According to this configuration, the viewpoint setting unit places the new three-dimensional coordinate system in the virtual three-dimensional space so that the origin of the new three-dimensional coordinate system coincides with the attention point set by the attention point setting unit. To place. Further, the new three-dimensional coordinate system is rotated around each two-dimensional axis of the new coordinate system, and is arranged at a predetermined distance from the point of interest on the other one-dimensional axis of the new coordinate system. Move the new coordinate system to the position. As a result, the viewpoint setting means sets the viewpoint, which is the base point on the line of sight facing the point of interest, in the virtual three-dimensional space. In other words, since a point of interest is set in the virtual three-dimensional space and a viewpoint is set so that the line of sight faces the point of interest based on the point of interest, the line of sight is set after, for example, setting the viewpoint as in the past Compared with the case where the user is directed in an arbitrary direction, it is possible to set a viewpoint having a line of sight that accurately points in the arbitrary direction with a relatively simple process. According to the invention described in claim 2, the image storage means includes a plurality of storage areas for storing display images for one screen, and the display means selects one of the plurality of storage areas, The display image stored in the selected storage area is output to the display device.
[0008]
Further, the invention according to claim 1 is described as follows: “The viewpoint setting means includes a coordinate value of an attention point in the virtual three-dimensional space and a rotation angle around each two-dimensional axis of a new coordinate system at the attention point. And a coordinate value calculated from the distance from the point of interest, and another one-dimensional coordinate system in the new coordinate system that faces the point of interest at the arrangement position in the virtual three-dimensional space specified by the coordinate value. It also has a feature (configuration 3) that sets a viewpoint with the axis of the line of sight as the direction of the line of sight. According to this configuration, the viewpoint setting unit calculates the coordinate value in the virtual three-dimensional space of the target point set by the target point setting unit, the rotation angle around each two-dimensional axis of the new coordinate system, and the target point. The coordinate value is calculated from the distance. Further, the viewpoint having the direction of the line of sight as another one-dimensional axis facing the point of interest that is the origin of the new coordinate system is set as the arrangement position in the virtual three-dimensional space specified by the coordinate value. In other words, based on the rotation angle around each two-dimensional axis of the new coordinate system placed at the point of interest, the coordinate value of the point of interest, and the distance from the point of interest, any direction can be achieved with relatively simple processing. A viewpoint having a line of sight facing the camera can be set.
[0009]
In Configuration 4, in the gaming machine according to any one of Configurations 1 to 3, the attention point setting unit sets an attention point at a position that substantially matches an arrangement position of an object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space. It is a gaming machine to play. According to this configuration, the attention point setting unit obtains a coordinate value that substantially matches the coordinate value based on the coordinate value of the arrangement position of the object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the coordinate value Set a point of interest at the position of. Note that “substantially coincident” is a range of coordinate values of the arrangement position of the target point at which the object can be displayed at a desired position on the display screen, and includes a case where it coincides with the coordinate value of the arrangement position of the object. As a result, the line of sight from the viewpoint always faces in the direction in which the object is placed in the virtual three-dimensional space, so that the state of the object changing can always be displayed accurately on the display screen, and the player's interest is made permanent. be able to.
[0010]
In Configuration 5, the gaming machine according to any one of Configurations 1 to 4 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.
[0011]
[Action]
The operation of the present invention is as follows.
The attention point setting means sets the attention point in the virtual three-dimensional space where the object to be changed is arranged. The viewpoint setting means sets a viewpoint in which the line of sight is directed to the attention point in the virtual three-dimensional space based on the attention point. The identification symbol arrangement unit arranges a plurality of objects corresponding to the plurality of identification symbols for identifying the gaming state in the virtual three-dimensional space with the viewpoint set by the viewpoint setting unit as a reference. The image storage means includes at least one screen generated by a display image generation means for generating a display image in which an object corresponding to the identification symbol is projected on a projection plane set based on a viewpoint in a virtual three-dimensional coordinate space. Is stored. The viewpoint setting means arranges a new three-dimensional coordinate system with the attention point as the origin, rotates it around each two-dimensional axis in the new coordinate system, and uses the new coordinate system after the rotation as the attention target. By moving to a placement position on another one-dimensional axis that is a predetermined distance away from the point, the viewpoint that is the base point on the line of sight facing the point of interest is set as the placement position. The viewpoint setting means calculates a coordinate value calculated from the coordinate value of the target point in the virtual three-dimensional space, the rotation angle around each two-dimensional axis of the new coordinate system at the target point, and the distance from the target point. Then, a viewpoint is set at the arrangement position in the virtual three-dimensional space specified by the coordinate value, with the other one-dimensional axis of the new coordinate system facing the attention point as the direction of the line of sight. On the display screen, the state in the virtual three-dimensional space in the direction in which the line of sight from the viewpoint is directed is displayed.
[0012]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
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.
[0013]
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 Here, the identification symbol is a so-called symbol number or symbol image with a symbol number for allowing the player to recognize the jackpot or reach in the pachinko machine, and the auxiliary symbol is the effect in the jackpot or reach etc. An image of a symbol other than the identification symbol displayed to enhance the effect. The jackpot means a state advantageous to a player who can acquire a large number of pachinko balls, and the normal gaming state means a state disadvantageous to a player who consumes pachinko balls. Changes such as the identification symbol displayed in the normal gaming state are called normal fluctuations, and are used to produce effects (including cases where jackpots occur) regardless of whether or not a jackpot has occurred. Fluctuation is called reach. In the case of a big hit, different patterns of display modes are displayed for each round. In addition, when a game is not being played on the pachinko machine, a demonstration or the like is displayed.
[0014]
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.
[0015]
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.
[0016]
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.
[0017]
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), 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.
[0018]
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.
[0019]
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.
[0020]
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.
[0021]
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.
[0022]
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.
[0023]
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. The texture is image information to be pasted on each polygon of the object. When the texture is pasted on the object, an image corresponding to the object, for example, an identification symbol, an auxiliary symbol or a background is generated.
[0024]
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.
[0025]
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 two-dimensional image information 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 is an object storage unit.
[0026]
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. 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 includes object placement means for placing an object in the world coordinate system, object change means for changing (enlarging, reducing, moving, rotating, etc.) the object, It has a function as viewpoint setting means for setting the viewpoint. Furthermore, a function of display image generation means for generating a display image showing a state in the world coordinate system in the direction of the line of sight from the viewpoint is provided.
[0027]
Specifically, 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.
[0028]
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 and map data for displaying according to the type of command sent from the control board 1. And color palettes. 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. In addition, the setting information includes an arrangement coordinate value for arranging the object in the world coordinate system, a rotation angle that indicates the posture of the object arranged in the world coordinate system by the rotation amount from the reference posture of the object, the world coordinate system A coordinate value for setting the viewpoint in the image, a 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, an object stored in the character storage unit 18, a texture, In addition to information including various data such as a storage address such as a background image, it is information for generating a display image for one screen to be displayed on the display screen 6a.
[0029]
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).
[0030]
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.
[0031]
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 gives the palette processing unit 28 a color palette for instructing the hue of the texture included in the setting information.
[0032]
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.
[0033]
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.
[0034]
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. . 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.
[0035]
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.
[0036]
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.
[0037]
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.
[0038]
First, a display mode displayed on the gaming machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
On the display screen 6 a of the liquid crystal monitor 6, for example, display modes as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5 C are displayed based on the command sent from the control board 1. This display mode is one display mode of the reach in the pachinko machine. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the upper region 61, the middle region 62, and the lower region 63 obtained by dividing the display screen 6a into three in the vertical direction. An identification symbol is displayed in the area. Although not shown here, the identification symbols displayed in the areas 61 to 63 move in the horizontal direction at a low speed or at a high speed during normal rotation. When the reach occurs, as shown in FIG. 5, the identification symbols that have moved in the upper area 61 and the lower area 63 are stopped so as to be aligned in the same direction in the diagonal direction (or vertical direction) of the display screen 6a. Only the identification symbol of the middle area 62 is displayed so as to continue moving in the horizontal direction. Hereinafter, this display mode will be specifically described.
[0039]
Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5B, an identification symbol 61 a that is an octopus image with symbol number “1” is displayed on the right side of the upper region 61 of the display screen 6 a. On the left side of the region 61, there is an identification symbol 61b that is an image of a harsenbon with a symbol number “2”, and on the right side of the lower region 63 is an identification symbol 63a that is an image of a harsenbon with a symbol number “2”. On the left side of the lower area 63, an identification symbol 63a, which is an image of an octopus with symbol number “1”, is displayed in a state where the movement is stopped. The Harrisenbon identification symbols 61b and 63b are displayed as if they are swimming with their tail fins stopped at the respective positions. On the other hand, the octopus identification symbols 61a and 63a are operated in such a manner that each of the eight arms undulates as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) to 6 (h) while stopped at the respective positions. Is displayed. In this display state, the identification symbol of the octopus with the symbol number “1” and the identification symbol of the harisenbon with the symbol number “2” are aligned at an angle, and the identification symbol of each symbol number is reachable. It is.
[0040]
Further, in the middle area 62 of the display screen 6a, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, an identification symbol 62a that is an image of a seal with the symbol number “7” is moved in the horizontal direction. When the seal identification symbol 62a approaches the left end of the middle region 62, a series of symbol numbers (not shown) appear so that the identification symbol 62b, which is an image of the fish with the symbol number “8”, appears from the right end of the middle region 62. Various attached identification symbols are sequentially moved in the horizontal direction and displayed. Although not specifically described in this embodiment, a big hit is generated if the identification symbol of the middle region 62 stops so that all of the identification symbols in the display screen 6a are vertically or diagonally the same type, while different types of identification symbols are used. If it stops, it loses and the normal gaming state continues.
[0041]
Next, processing performed in the image display device 7 for realizing the display modes shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
[0042]
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.
[0043]
Step T2 (Set viewpoint in world coordinate system)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets a point of interest 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.
[0044]
In the initial state in which the identification symbol is displayed on the display screen 6a, as shown in FIG. 8, when objects B1 to B4 to be described later for displaying each identification symbol are arranged in the world coordinate system, The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 uses the coordinate values (WP _x , WP) of the arrangement position WP in the world coordinate system of the object B3 for displaying the identification symbol 62a [see FIG. 5 (a)] near the center of the display screen 6a. _y , WP _z ) is obtained. 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.
[0045]
As shown in FIG. 9, 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. Further, as shown in FIG. 10A, 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. 10B, 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. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10 (c), 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 direction of the line of sight is described as being on the positive side of the z axis, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the direction of the line of sight is on the negative side of the z axis. You can also 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).
[0046]
(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)
[0047]
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 _target point 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 corresponds to the functions of the attention point setting means and the line-of-sight setting means of the present invention.
[0048]
Step T3 (place each object)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 displays the object B1 for displaying the octopus identification symbols 61a and 63a (see FIG. 5) on the display screen 6a, and the Harrisenbon identification symbols 61b and 63b (see FIG. 5), respectively. An object B2 for displaying a seal identification symbol 62a (see FIG. 5) and an object B4 for displaying a fish identification symbol 62a (see FIG. 5) are read from the character storage unit 18, respectively. . Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 uses the coordinate value of the arrangement position P ₀ of the viewpoint SP so that each identification symbol is displayed at each position on the display screen 6a shown in FIG. Each coordinate value in the world coordinate system is obtained according to each coordinate value based on (P _0X , P _0Y , P _0Z ), and each object B1 to B4 is placed at each arrangement position based on each coordinate value. Deploy. Specifically, an arrangement position P ₁ (P _0X + ΔP _1X , P _0Y + ΔP _1Y , P _0Z + ΔP _1Z ) and an arrangement position P ₄ (P _0X + ΔP _4X , P _0Y + ΔP _4Y , P _0Z + ΔP _4Z ) in the world coordinate system. ) And an arrangement position P ₂ (P _0X + ΔP _2X , P _0Y + ΔP _2Y , P _0Z + ΔP _2Z ) and an arrangement position P ₃ (P _0X + ΔP _3X , P _0Y + ΔP _3Y , P _0Z + ΔP _3Z). ) And the object B3 are arranged at the arrangement positions P ₅ (P _0X + ΔP _5X , P _0Y + ΔP _5Y , P _0Z + ΔP _5Z ), and the arrangement positions P ₆ (P _0X + ΔP _6X , P _0Y + ΔP) are arranged. _6Y, to place the object B4 to P _0Z + ΔP _6Z). Furthermore, the object for displaying the symbol of the shellfish displayed on the right and left of the seal identification symbol 62a is arranged at each arrangement position. In FIG. 11, 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 this embodiment, the objects B1 to B4 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 symbols displayed by the objects B1 to B4 can be displayed at a certain position on the display screen 6a.
[0049]
Next, the coordinate values of the X-axis components of the placement positions P ₅ and P ₆ of the objects B3 and B4 for displaying the identification symbols 62a and 62b displayed in the middle area 62 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 B3 and B4 in the horizontal direction (indicated by arrows in FIG. 11). When a predetermined time elapses, an identification symbol for displaying the octopus image appears on the display screen 6a so that the arrangement position of the object B1 for displaying the octopus identification symbol is also sequentially changed. Updated and moved. The process of moving the object B1 is a function of the object moving means. In addition, this movement is not limited to the horizontal direction, but can be similarly applied to a predetermined direction, for example, vertical, diagonal, and rearward, by appropriately updating the coordinate values of X, Y, and Z of the arrangement position. .
[0050]
Further, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 changes the forms of the objects B1 to B4. Specifically, the object B2 for displaying the harisenbon and the object B4 for displaying the fish are composed of two part objects that are divided into front and rear parts, and each part object has a predetermined connection point. It is connected. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 swings and displaces the front and rear part objects to the left and right around the connection point, and changes the objects B2 and B4 so that they swim while swinging their tail fins. Further, the object B3 for displaying the seal is composed of three part objects divided in the front and rear, and is connected to each part object at each connection point. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 swings and displaces each component object up and down around the connection point, and fluctuates so that the seal moves while swinging its head and tail.
[0051]
Here, the 3D image processing unit 19 also changes the object B1 in order to display the octopus movement as shown in FIGS. 6A to 6H. At this time, the 3D image processing unit 19 Processing to be performed will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0052]
As shown in FIG. 12, the character storage unit 18 includes, for example, a head part object B1a for displaying the octopus head and an arm part object B1b for displaying the octopus's eight arms. objects B1 for displaying the whole octopus that is constructed by connecting the origin of the coordinate system as a connecting point C ₀ is stored. Arms part object B1b This object B1 is plural for example eight arms are formed radially at regular angle, for example, 45 degrees in the horizontal direction around the connecting point C ₀ (the xy plane) L1 to L8 The arms L1 to L8 are formed in different forms in a series of operations of the octopus arm. Each arm L1~L8 is extending portions, connecting points C ₀ is a reference point of the object.
[0053]
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads the object B1 from the character storage unit 18, arranges the object B1 at the above-described arrangement positions P ₁ and P ₄ of the world coordinate system, and every time there is a predetermined number of interruption processes, the world coordinate system It rotates by a predetermined angle, for example, 45 degrees about the coupling point C ₀ of the arm portion part object B1b objects B1 arranged within varies the object B1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13 which is a plan view of the arm part object B1b and FIG. 14A which is a side view, each arm L1 to L8 is connected to the connecting point every time a predetermined number of interruptions are performed. By rotating 45 degrees around C ₀ in a predetermined direction, for example, clockwise, the rear arm in the rotational direction is substantially moved to the position of the front arm in the rotational direction. Thus, by the same angle as the angle of the arm L1~L8 are formed of the arm portion part object B1b, since the center by rotating the Udebu component object B1b the coupling point C _0, the arrow 50 shown in FIG. 13 Focusing only on the arm AL at the position A from the direction, as shown in FIGS. 14B to 14I, the arm at the position A undulates in the z-axis direction every time it is rotated by 45 degrees. Operate. In this embodiment, the case where the octopus arm (extension portion) formed every 45 degrees is rotated by 45 degrees has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this and is equally within a range of 360 degrees. What is necessary is just to rotate the extension part provided for every angle by the equal angle. Further, the part object B1b corresponds to an object provided with the extending portion of the present invention. In step T3, the objects B1 to B4 that change as described above are arranged in the world coordinate system.
[0054]
Step T4 (deformation correction of the viewpoint coordinate system)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 converts the coordinate values of the objects B1 to B3 arranged in the world coordinate system into the coordinate values of the viewpoint coordinate system with the viewpoint SP as a reference, that is, 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.
[0055]
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 of the objects B1 to B3. 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 of the objects B1 to B3 when the vertical width of the display image is deformed according to the screen on the basis of the horizontal magnification of the display image.
[0056]
(A × b) ÷ (a × B) (2)
[0057]
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 B1 to B3 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 the expression (2), the width of each of the objects B1 to B3 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 of the objects B1 to B3 is 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.
[0058]
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 objects B1 to B3 (see FIG. 11). 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.
[0059]
Further, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 projects the objects B1 to B3 in parallel on the projection plane TM. As a result, the vertices of the polygons constituting the objects B1 to B3 are projected as they are in parallel to the projection plane TM, and the three-dimensional coordinate values of the vertices are two-dimensional coordinates on the projection plane TM. Converted to a value. 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 the present embodiment, the objects B1 to B3 are projected in parallel in order to easily recognize the identification symbol for the player to grasp. However, for example, a perspective projection can be performed to express more stereoscopic effect. . Further, in the present embodiment, auxiliary symbols other than the identification symbol are not described, but it is preferable that the auxiliary symbols are perspectively projected in order to express a three-dimensional effect.
[0060]
Step T6 (generation of 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 for displaying, for example, the state of the sea and the seabed as shown in FIG.
[0061]
Next, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 addresses in the frame memory of the image storage unit 20 corresponding to the coordinate values of the vertices of the polygons of the objects B1 to B3 included in the projection information, that is, the respective items in the frame memory. The position of each polygon of the objects B1 to B3 is obtained. Then, the texture read from the character storage unit 18 is drawn on each polygon. Thus, a display image in which the images of the objects B1 to B3, that is, the identification symbols 61a to 63b are superimposed on the background image is generated in the frame memory. Step T6 corresponds to the function of display image generation means.
[0062]
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. 5A to 5C are displayed.
[0063]
In the pachinko machine described above, the direction of the line of sight of the viewpoint, which is a reference for display on the display screen 6a, is set based on the point of interest, so that, for example, geometry for setting a viewpoint having a line of sight facing an arbitrary direction The burden of arithmetic processing and the like can be reduced. Furthermore, by setting the attention point to a position that substantially matches the position of the object, the identification symbol can be accurately displayed at a desired position on the display screen 6a, and the player's interest can be made permanent. Further, in order to make the octopus arm displayed at the time of rippling move, the arm part object B1b of the object B1 for displaying the octopus is simply rotated. The processing burden can be further reduced. In addition, the fun of the player who plays the pachinko machine can be further perpetuated by a display mode in which the presence of the octopus's arms is undulating.
[0064]
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.
[0065]
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.
[0066]
Further, in the above-described embodiments, the display mode in which the octopus operates at the time of reach has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the display mode at the time of reach. For example, during a big hit round, normal fluctuation, or demonstration A display mode such as time can be applied as appropriate.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
As apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, sets the target point in the virtual three-dimensional space, based on the target point of the virtual three-dimensional space, in the base point of the line of sight facing the point of interest Since a certain viewpoint is set, the viewpoint that is the base point on the line of sight that accurately points in any direction with relatively simple processing compared to the case where the direction of the line of sight is determined after setting the viewpoint as in the past. Can be set. In addition, since the line of sight can be accurately directed in the direction of the object that fluctuates in the virtual three-dimensional space, the object in the virtual three-dimensional space can be accurately displayed on the display screen, and the fun of the player is made permanent. Can be made.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external view showing a schematic configuration of a pachinko machine according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the pachinko machine according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a three-dimensional image processing unit.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing processing on a control board of a pachinko machine.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing one display mode on the display screen 6a.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state of operation of an octopus identification symbol.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing processing in the image display apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which objects are arranged in a world coordinate system.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a point of interest is set at an arrangement position of an object B3.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating how a viewpoint is set based on a point of interest.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a viewpoint in the world coordinate system and each object.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an octopus object in a local coordinate system.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a rotation operation of an arm part object.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a behavior of an arm at a specific position.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control board 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 61a, 63a ... Octopus identification symbol B1 ... Octopus object B1b ... Arm Part object SP ... Viewpoint

Claims (2)

The object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space is changed according to the gaming state, and the line of sight from the viewpoint set in the virtual three-dimensional space is directed to the changed object, and the line of sight is directed In the gaming machine that displays the state in the virtual three-dimensional space on the display screen,
Attention point setting means for setting the attention point in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Viewpoint setting means for setting a viewpoint that is a base point on the line of sight directed to the attention point in the virtual three-dimensional space ;
Identification symbol arrangement means for arranging, in the virtual three-dimensional space, a plurality of objects corresponding to a plurality of identification symbols for identifying a gaming state with the viewpoint set by the viewpoint setting means as a reference;
Display images for at least one screen generated by display image generation means for generating a display image in which an object corresponding to the identification symbol is projected on a projection plane set based on a viewpoint in a virtual three-dimensional coordinate space. Image storage means for storing,
The viewpoint setting means arranges a new three-dimensional coordinate system having the attention point as an origin, rotates it around each two-dimensional axis in the new coordinate system, and sets the new coordinate system after the rotation. By moving to a placement position on another one-dimensional axis that is a predetermined distance away from the attention point, the viewpoint that is the base point on the line of sight facing the attention point is set as the placement position,
A coordinate value calculated from the coordinate value of the point of interest in the virtual three-dimensional space, the rotation angle around each two-dimensional axis of the new coordinate system at the point of interest, and the distance from the point of interest is obtained. A viewpoint having a line-of-sight direction as another one-dimensional axis of the new coordinate system that faces the point of interest is set at an arrangement position in the virtual three-dimensional space specified by the coordinate value. Machine.   In the gaming machine according to claim 1,
  The image storage means includes a plurality of storage areas for storing display images for the one screen,
  The gaming machine is characterized in that the display means selects one of the plurality of storage areas and outputs a display image stored in the selected storage area to the display device.

Images