JP4401081B2 - 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.InRelated.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  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. Like.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  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.etcAs a result, there was a problem that the player was unable to feel a sense of reality because the sense of reality was poor overall..
[0005]
  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and gradually disappears.Identification patternDisplay images with relatively simple processingTo provide players with realistic imagesIt is an object to provide a gaming machine that can be used.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve such an object, the present invention has the following configuration.
  The configuration of the present invention includes a first storage means for storing an object formed by a plurality of polygons, and each polygon of the object.CorrespondSecond storage means storing texture, object placement means for placing an object read from the first storage means in a virtual three-dimensional space, and projecting the object placed in the virtual three-dimensional space onto a projection plane Matching the texture stored in the projection means and the second storage means with the shape of the objectchangeLet the objectPerform the corresponding paste processTexture pasting means;An area of a transparent region that is data to be applied to the texture corresponding to the object and in which the texture is transparentMultiple were provided so thatTransparent pattern dataA third storage means for storing the object and the objectAnd an identification pattern composed of a texture corresponding to the objectAn image storage means for storing a display image for at least one screen generated by a display image generation means for generating a display image including the image, and a display image stored in the image storage means is output and displayed on a display device. Image display meansWhen,The image display means includes:The area of the transparent area of the texture corresponding to the object isSaid to increaseTransparent pattern dataUsing multipleThe identification symbol is gradually hidden from the center toward the periphery.the imageRead from the image storage meansThe output is displayed on the display device..
[0016]
[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.The texture pasting means changes the texture stored in the second storage means in accordance with the shape of the object and performs pasting processing to correspond to the object. The third storage means stores data to be applied to the texture corresponding to the object, and a plurality of transparent pattern data provided so that the areas of the transparent regions where the texture is transparent are different. The display image generation means generates a display image including an image of an identification symbol configured to include an object and a texture corresponding to the object. The image storage means stores at least one screen display image generated by these. The image display means outputs and displays the display image stored in the image storage means on the display device. Further, the image display means uses a plurality of transparent pattern data so as to increase the area of the transparent region of the texture corresponding to the object, and displays an image in which the identification pattern is gradually hidden from the center toward the periphery. The data is read from the storage means and output and displayed on the display device.
[0017]
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.
[0018]
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.
[0019]
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.
[0020]
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.
[0021]
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.
[0022]
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.
[0023]
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.
[0024]
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.
[0025]
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.
[0026]
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.
[0027]
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.
[0028]
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.
[0029]
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.
[0030]
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.
[0031]
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.
[0032]
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.
[0033]
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.
[0034]
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).
[0035]
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.
[0036]
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.
[0037]
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.
[0038]
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.
[0039]
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.
[0040]
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.
[0041]
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.
[0042]
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.
[0043]
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.
[0044]
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.
[0045]
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
[0046]
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.
[0047]
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.
[0048]
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 or more steps may be used. Moreover, it is not limited to the pattern of each of these mask patterns.
[0049]
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.
[0050]
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.
[0051]
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.
[0052]
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.
[0053]
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.
[0054]
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.
[0055]
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.
[0056]
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.
[0057]
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) of the arrangement position WP in the world coordinate system of the object J7 for displaying the identification symbol B7 [see FIG. 12 (a)] in the vicinity of the center of the display screen 6a._x, WP_y, 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 uses the coordinate value (WP) of the arrangement position WP._x, WP_y, WP_z) Is set as the coordinate value of the point of interest.
[0058]
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 θ around the x axis._x°, θ around y-axis_yRotate only °. Rotation angle θ_x°, θ_yFor example, in the case of the pachinko machine of this embodiment, the rotation angle data prepared in advance in the program is referred to, or in the case of a gaming machine other than the pachinko machine, an input signal from an input means such as a controller Or calculated based on the above. 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. Placement position P₀Next, move the new coordinate system. 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 calculates the coordinate value of the above-described attention point arrangement position WP and the rotation angle θ around each axis of the new coordinate system._x, Θ_yAnd the distance L from the point of interest are substituted into the following equation (1).
[0059]
(P_0X, P_0Y, P_0Z) = (Lsinθ_ycosθ_x+ WP_x
, Lsinθ_x+ WP_y, L cos θ_ycosθ_x+ WP_z(1)
[0060]
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 uses the above-described equation (1) to calculate the coordinate value (P_0X, P_0Y, P_0Z) And its coordinate value (P_0X, P_0Y, P_0ZThe position P of the world coordinate system specified by₀To move the new three-dimensional coordinate system. Position P of this world coordinate system₀A new three-dimensional coordinate system at is 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 is directed 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 also 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.
[0061]
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 sets the position SP of the viewpoint SP so that each identification symbol is displayed at each position on the display screen 6a shown in FIG. Coordinate value (P_0X, P_0Y, P_0ZThe coordinate values in the world coordinate system are obtained in accordance with the coordinate values with reference to), and the objects J1, J2, J7 to J9 are arranged at the arrangement positions based on the coordinate values.
[0062]
Specifically, the placement position P in the world coordinate system₂(P_0X+ ΔP_2X, P_0Y+ ΔP_2Y, P_0Z+ ΔP_2Z) And placement position P_Four(P_0X+ ΔP_4X, P_0Y+ ΔP_4Y, P_0Z+ ΔP_4Z) And the position J₁(P_0X+ ΔP_1X, P_0Y+ ΔP_1Y, P_0Z+ ΔP_1Z) With the object J9 and the position P_Three(P_0X+ ΔP_3X, P_0Y+ ΔP_3Y, P_0Z+ ΔP_3Z) To place the object J2_Five(P_0X+ ΔP_5X, P_0Y+ ΔP_5Y, P_0Z+ ΔP_5Z) To place the object J7 at the position P₆(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 based on the viewpoint SP. 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.
[0063]
Next, the arrangement position P 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._Five, P₆The coordinate values of the respective X-axis components are sequentially updated for each interrupt process (the coordinate values are subtracted or added), and the arrangement positions P of the objects J7 and J8_Five , P₆Is gradually moved in the lateral direction (indicated by an arrow in FIG. 18). Further, as shown in FIG. 19, until the coordinate value of the arrangement position P4 of the object J1 for displaying the identification symbol C1 matches the coordinate value of the arrangement position P3 of the object J2, the arrangement position P_FourThe coordinate value of is changed, and the object J1 is placed at the placement position P._ThreeMove to. Arrangement position P of object J1_FourIs the arrangement position P_ThreeThe arrangement of the object J2 and the object J9 is stopped when the coordinate value is matched. 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 from the vertical direction, the diagonal direction, and the back direction in the same way. Can do.
[0064]
Step T4 (deformation correction of the viewpoint coordinate system)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 uses the viewpoint SP as a coordinate value such as an arrangement position P1 of each of the objects J1, J2, J7 to J9 (hereinafter simply referred to as “object J1 etc.”) arranged in the world coordinate system. It is converted into the coordinate value of the viewpoint coordinate system that is the 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.
[0065]
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.
[0066]
(A × b) ÷ (a × B) (2)
[0067]
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.
[0068]
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.
[0069]
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.
[0070]
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.
[0071]
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.
[0072]
Further, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sequentially reads the above-described mask patterns M1 to M9 from the program ROM 22 every predetermined number of interrupt processes. Then, the object J1 in step T3 is placed at the placement position P._FourTo placement position P_ThreeThe mask patterns M1 to M9 are sequentially applied to the texture after deformation according to the polygons of the objects J2 and J9. 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.
[0073]
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.
[0074]
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.
[0075]
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.
[0076]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the transparency of the identification symbol is changed and disappears. However, as shown in FIG. 11, for example, the area of the non-display part of the identification symbol spreads and disappears. You can also do it.
[0077]
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.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
  As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention,Identification pattern isgraduallyRead the hidden image from the image storageCan be displayed on the display device,Realistic tableIndicationCan be realized.
[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 illustrating a state of a polygon and a texture.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a state in which polygons are arranged in a world coordinate system.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a polygon is projected onto a projection plane.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a mask pattern is applied to a deformed texture.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a plurality of types of mask patterns.
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing one display mode in a modified example.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an actual display mode in a pachinko machine.
FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a continuation of an actual display mode in a pachinko machine.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing processing in the image display apparatus.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a state in which each object is arranged in the world coordinate system.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an attention point is set at an object arrangement position;
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating how a viewpoint is set based on a point of interest.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a viewpoint in the world coordinate system and each object.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between a viewpoint in the world coordinate system and each object.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Control infrastructure
6 ... LCD monitor
6a ... Display screen
7: Image display device
18 ... Character storage
19 ... 3D image processing unit
20 ... Image storage unit
22 ... Program ROM
M1 to M9 ... Mask pattern
SP… Viewpoint

Claims (2)

First storage means for storing an object formed by a plurality of polygons, second storage means for storing a texture corresponding to each polygon of the object, and an object read from the first storage means in a virtual three-dimensional space Changing the texture stored in the second storage means in accordance with the shape of the object, the object placing means arranged in the object, the projection means for projecting the object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space onto the projection plane, and the second storage means A plurality of texture pasting means for performing pasting processing corresponding to the object, and data to be applied to the texture corresponding to the object , wherein a plurality of transparent areas having different textures are provided. a third storage means for storing transparent pattern data, said object and said An image storage means for storing the display image of the at least one screen generated by the display image generating means for generating a display image including the image of the composed identification symbols and a texture that is made to correspond to objects,
Image display means for outputting display the display image stored in said image storage means on the display device, a gaming machine having a
The image display means includes
Using the plurality of the transparent pattern data so that the area of the transparent region of the texture corresponding to the object increases, an image in which the identification pattern is gradually hidden from the center toward the periphery is displayed in the image storage unit. A game machine that is read out from the display and displayed on the display device.   The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is a pachinko machine.

Images