JP4985827B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention, pachinko machine relates to the gaming machine such as a slot machine or a coin game machine.

  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 maintain the interest of the player, a display mode with a sense of reality is displayed according to each gaming state. For example, in a conventional pachinko machine, a two-dimensional image drawn by using a perspective method or the like, which is a two-dimensional image for allowing a player to identify the gaming state in the pachinko machine or to enhance the effect of production. A display image superimposed on the background is generated, and this display image is displayed on the display screen of the monitor. At this time, by changing the design on the background, a realistic display mode is realized, and the interest of the player who plays the gaming machine is made permanent.

  However, the conventional pachinko machine described above has the following problems.

In the conventional pachinko machine, the design that is a two-dimensional image is changed on the background drawn by using the perspective method. However, since the design is not three-dimensional, the display mode is poor as a whole. There is a problem .

  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 perpetuate the interest of a player by a realistic display mode.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is
First storage means for storing a three-dimensional virtual object corresponding to a symbol, which is a three-dimensional information composed of a plurality of polygons, and an image of the symbol corresponding to each polygon of the symbol object Second storage means for performing, a symbol object setting means for setting the symbol object stored in the first storage means in a virtual three-dimensional coordinate space, and a first displayed on a predetermined display screen on the back side of the symbol. A background image, a second background image that is displayed on a part of the display screen on the front side or the back side of the symbol, and has the same type as the image of at least a part of the first background; 2. Background information storage means for storing a background object that is three-dimensional information corresponding to an area where a background is displayed; and the background information storage means in a virtual three-dimensional coordinate space A background object setting means for setting a stored background object; an image of the first background; and a second background image corresponding to each polygon of the background object set in the virtual three-dimensional coordinate space by the background object setting means. At least one screen generated by a display image generating means for generating a display image using an image and a design image corresponding to each polygon of the design object set in the virtual three-dimensional space by the design object setting means Image storage means for storing display images of minutes,
Display means having a display screen on which a display image stored in the image storage means is displayed;
With
The display means displays a display image using the first background image, the second background image, and the design image on the display screen,
The second background image is stereoscopically displayed with respect to the first background image based on a viewpoint set in the virtual three-dimensional space,
The symbols include a plurality of identification symbols that are variably displayed, and auxiliary symbols that are separate from the identification symbols,
The image of the auxiliary symbol is displayed three-dimensionally based on the viewpoint, and is displayed so as to change in and out between the first background image and the second background image,
The image of the identification symbol, when a plurality of identification symbols are stopped and displayed at intervals, the identification symbol with the same number is displayed in the same image,
In the virtual three-dimensional coordinate space, the symbol object corresponding to the identification symbol is set at a position closer to the viewpoint than the symbol object corresponding to the auxiliary symbol and the background object, so that the identification symbol becomes the auxiliary symbol. Further, the gist is that it is displayed in front of the second background.

According to the present invention, a realistic display mode can be realized. As a result, the player's interest can be made permanent.

It is an external view which shows schematic structure of the pachinko machine which concerns on an Example. It is a functional block diagram of the pachinko machine concerning an example. It is a functional block diagram of a three-dimensional image processing unit. It is a flowchart which shows the process in the control base | substrate of a pachinko machine. It is a figure which shows the image of the background memorize | stored in the character memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows the image of the pattern memorize | stored in the character memory | storage part. It is a figure which shows the display mode in the pachinko machine which concerns on an Example. It is a figure which shows the display mode in the pachinko machine which concerns on an Example. It is a flowchart which shows the process in an image display apparatus. It is a figure which shows the mode of the viewpoint and object in a world coordinate system. It is a figure which shows a mode that the viewpoint coordinate system was deform | transformed and corrected. It is a figure which shows the mode of an auxiliary symbol object. It is a figure which shows the mode in a viewpoint coordinate system. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of a viewpoint, a projection plane, and each object. It is a figure which shows a mode that each object is projected on a projection plane. It is a figure which shows a mode that all the objects were projected on the projection plane. It is a figure which shows a mode that the viewpoint and the solid-shaped object were set in the world coordinate system. It is a figure which shows the difference in the display mode of the solid-shaped object of perspective projection and parallel projection. It is a figure which shows the mode of the display image produced | generated in the frame buffer.

  Means effective for achieving the above object will be described below. In addition, the operation | movement etc. are demonstrated as needed.

  Means 1. A game state generating means for generating at least one of two types of game states, various symbols displayed according to the game state, and a display image including an auxiliary image separate from the symbols are generated in a predetermined image generation region In the gaming machine provided with the image display means for displaying, the image display means sets a predetermined two-dimensional auxiliary image, which is two-dimensional information stored in advance, in the image generation area, and a predetermined virtual three-dimensional image. Generating the display image by setting the image and the auxiliary image generated based on the object which is the three-dimensional information set in the space in the image generation area so as to be pasted on the two-dimensional auxiliary image. A featured gaming machine.

  According to the means 1, the image display means first sets a predetermined two-dimensional auxiliary image, which is two-dimensional information, in the image generation area. Subsequently, the image display means sets a symbol and an auxiliary image generated based on the object which is the three-dimensional information set in the virtual three-dimensional space in the image generation area. By doing so, it is possible to generate a stereoscopic display image with a sense of reality that combines two-dimensional information and three-dimensional information. Further, since a two-dimensional image having a relatively small amount of information is used as compared with the case where the entire display image is generated based on an object which is three-dimensional information, the image generation processing speed of the image display means is increased. be able to.

  Mean 2. A game state generating means for generating at least one of two types of game states, various symbols displayed according to the game state, and a display image including an auxiliary image separate from the symbols are generated in a predetermined image generation region In the gaming machine provided with the image display means for displaying, the image display means sets a predetermined two-dimensional auxiliary image, which is two-dimensional information stored in advance, in the image generation area, and a predetermined virtual three-dimensional image. An object that is three-dimensional information corresponding to the symbol and auxiliary image is set in the space, and at least a part of the aspect in the virtual three-dimensional space including the object that is the three-dimensional information is superimposed on the two-dimensional auxiliary image. A game machine characterized in that the display image is set in the image generation area as described above.

  According to the means 2, the image display means first sets a predetermined two-dimensional auxiliary image, which is two-dimensional information, in the image generation area. Subsequently, the image display means sets a part of the aspect in the virtual three-dimensional space including the object which is the three-dimensional information corresponding to the design and the auxiliary image in the image generation area. In this way, the subdivision in the depth direction when the display image is generated only from the object that is the three-dimensional information set in the virtual three-dimensional space is the drawing configuration of the two-dimensional auxiliary image, for example, the display image This can be prevented by a configuration in which the same type and size of the symbols and auxiliary images displayed on the near side are drawn. As a result, it is possible to generate a stereoscopic and clear display image with a sense of reality. Further, since a two-dimensional image having a relatively small amount of information is used as compared with the case where the entire display image is generated based on an object which is three-dimensional information, the image generation processing speed of the image display means is increased. be able to.

  Means 3. A game state generating means for generating at least one of two types of game states, various symbols displayed according to the game state, and a display image including an auxiliary image separate from the symbols are generated in a predetermined image generation region In the gaming machine provided with the image display means for displaying, the image display means sets a predetermined two-dimensional auxiliary image, which is two-dimensional information stored in advance, in the image generation area, and a predetermined virtual three-dimensional image. An object that is three-dimensional information corresponding to the symbol and auxiliary image in space, a viewpoint that serves as a reference point for viewing an aspect in the virtual three-dimensional space from a predetermined direction, and the three-dimensional information that can be seen from the viewpoint A projection plane for projecting at least a part of the virtual three-dimensional space including an object and converting it into two-dimensional information is set before being projected onto the projection plane. And setting at least some aspects of the virtual three-dimensional space in the image generation area to be superimposed on the two-dimensional auxiliary image, a game machine, characterized in that to generate the display image.

  According to the means 3, the image display means first sets a predetermined two-dimensional auxiliary image, which is two-dimensional information, in the image generation area. Subsequently, the image display means projects at least a part of the virtual three-dimensional space including the object that is the three-dimensional information corresponding to the design and the auxiliary image from the viewpoint, and projects the projected onto the projection plane. Things are set in the image generation area. In this manner, a portion (depth direction depth side portion) that is distant from the viewpoint generated when a display image is generated only from an object that is three-dimensional information set in a virtual three-dimensional space viewed from the viewpoint. Can be prevented by a drawing configuration of a two-dimensional auxiliary image, for example, a drawing of the same type and the same size as the design and auxiliary image displayed on the front side of the display image. As a result, it is possible to generate a stereoscopic and clear display image with a sense of reality. Further, since a two-dimensional image having a relatively small amount of information is used as compared with the case where the entire display image is generated based on an object which is three-dimensional information, the image generation processing speed of the image display means is increased. be able to.

  Means 4. In the means 3, the image display means projects an object corresponding to the auxiliary image set in the virtual three-dimensional space in parallel on the projection plane.

  According to the means 4, the image display means projects an object, which is three-dimensional information corresponding to the auxiliary image, on the projection plane in parallel. Here, parallel projection is a projection method for projecting three-dimensional information as it is. For this reason, the auxiliary image generated from the three-dimensional information does not include the depth information in the virtual three-dimensional space. When the display image is displayed, the auxiliary image generated from the object that is the three-dimensional information. And the two-dimensional auxiliary image set in the image generation area are displayed in a closer manner. As a result, even if a display image is generated by superimposing the two types of auxiliary images, both are displayed together when displayed, so that a display image without a sense of incongruity is generated and a more realistic feeling is generated. A certain display mode can be realized to make the player's fun more permanent.

  Means 5. In the means 3 or 4, the image display means perspectively projects an object corresponding to the symbol set in the virtual three-dimensional space.

  According to the means 5, the image display means perspectively projects an object, which is three-dimensional information corresponding to the design, onto the projection plane. Here, the perspective projection is a projection method in which three-dimensional information is projected from a viewpoint. For this reason, the symbol generated from the three-dimensional information includes depth information in the virtual three-dimensional space, and a three-dimensional display image with a sense of reality can be generated.

  Means 6. In any one of means 1 to 5, the two-dimensional auxiliary image is a static background image that is not variably displayed.

  According to the means 6, the image display means sets the two-dimensional auxiliary image as the background image in the image generation area. By doing so, the image display means does not need to generate a display image of the background portion occupied by the two-dimensional auxiliary image from the three-dimensional information set in the virtual three-dimensional space. That is, the reduction of the background portion that occurs when the background portion of the display image is generated from the object that is the three-dimensional information set in the virtual three-dimensional space is displayed on the drawing configuration of the two-dimensional auxiliary image, for example, the front side of the display image. This can be prevented by a configuration in which an image of the same type and the same size as the image and auxiliary image is drawn. As a result, it is possible to generate a stereoscopic and clear display image with a sense of reality. Further, since a two-dimensional image having a relatively small amount of information is used as compared with the case where the entire display image is generated based on an object which is three-dimensional information, the image generation processing speed of the image display means is increased. be able to.

  Mean 7 The gaming machine according to claim 6, wherein the auxiliary image generated based on the object that is the three-dimensional information is an image that forms a background portion of the display image together with the two-dimensional auxiliary image.

  According to the means 7, the image display means generates a background portion of the display image from two types of auxiliary images. For this reason, the display image has a realistic three-dimensional background image obtained by combining a plurality of types of images, and it is possible to realize a more realistic display mode and make the player more permanent. .

Means 8. In the means 7, the auxiliary image generated based on the two-dimensional auxiliary image and the object which is the three-dimensional information is an image in which the same kind of pattern is drawn,
The gaming machine, wherein the image display means sets the image generation area so that at least a part of the two types of auxiliary images overlap.

  According to the means 8, when the display image is displayed, the two-dimensional auxiliary image on which the same kind of pattern is drawn and the auxiliary image generated based on the three-dimensional information are displayed in an overlapping manner. That is, the player visually recognizes the background image composed of the two types of auxiliary images as if it were composed of one image. As a result, it is possible to form a stereoscopic display image with a sense of presence constituted by combining a plurality of types of auxiliary images, and it is possible to perpetuate the interest of the player in a display manner with a sense of reality.

Means 9. In the means 7, the auxiliary image generated based on the two-dimensional auxiliary image and the object which is the three-dimensional information is an image in which a display mode is related,
The gaming machine, wherein the image display means sets the image generation area so that at least a part of the two types of auxiliary images overlap.

  According to the means 9, when the display image is displayed, the two-dimensional auxiliary image on which the display mode is related and the auxiliary image generated based on the three-dimensional information are overlapped and displayed. Is done. That is, the player visually recognizes the background image composed of the two types of auxiliary images as if it were composed of one image. As a result, it is possible to form a stereoscopic display image with a sense of presence constituted by combining a plurality of types of auxiliary images, and it is possible to perpetuate the interest of the player in a display manner with a sense of reality.

  Means 10. In any one of the means 1 to 9, the image display means sets an object corresponding to the symbol in the virtual three-dimensional space so that the symbol can be variably displayed at least at one time of the gaming state, A game machine, wherein the display image is generated in the image generation area.

  According to the means 10 described above, the player's interest can be made permanent by a realistic display mode in which a pattern, which is a three-dimensional image generated based on three-dimensional information, is variably displayed during a period of gaming state. it can.

  Means 11. In the means 10, the image display means may display the symbol and the auxiliary so as to be hidden behind the auxiliary image generated based on the three-dimensional information at least at a time when the symbol is variably displayed. An gaming machine, wherein an object corresponding to an image is set in the virtual three-dimensional space.

  According to the means 11, the symbol is displayed so as to be hidden behind the auxiliary image generated based on the three-dimensional information at one time during the fluctuation. In this way, the player forms a three-dimensional display image with a sense of presence that feels a three-dimensional depth in the display image based on the correspondence between the design and the auxiliary image, and the display mode with a sense of presence is used. The fun of the player can be made permanent.

  Means 12. In the means 10 or 11, the image display means performs a change in and out between the two-dimensional auxiliary image and the auxiliary image generated based on the three-dimensional information at least at a time when the symbol is displayed in a variable manner. As described above, an object corresponding to the symbol and the auxiliary image is set in the virtual three-dimensional space.

  According to the means 12, the symbols are displayed so as to enter and exit between the two-dimensional auxiliary image and the auxiliary image generated based on the three-dimensional information at a certain time during the change. By doing in this way, a three-dimensional display image with a sense of presence in which the player feels a three-dimensional depth in the display image from the correspondence relationship between the design and the auxiliary image is formed, and a display mode with a sense of presence The player's fun can be made permanent.

  Means 13. In any one of the means 1 to 12, the image display means can display a plurality of auxiliary images generated based on the object which is the three-dimensional information.

  According to the means 13, it is possible to form a realistic three-dimensional display image configured by combining auxiliary images generated based on a plurality of objects that are three-dimensional information. The player's fun can be made permanent.

  Means 14. In any one of the means 1 to 13, the image display means can display an auxiliary image generated based on the object which is the three-dimensional information in a dynamic display mode at least at one time of the gaming state. A game machine, wherein an object corresponding to the auxiliary symbol is set in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the display image is generated in the image generation area.

  According to the means 14, the player's interest can be made permanent by a realistic display mode in which an auxiliary image, which is a stereoscopic image generated based on three-dimensional information, is moving at a certain time of the gaming state. it can.

  Means 15. In any one of the means 1 to 14, the symbol is displayed to enhance an effect in an identification symbol for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state, or in a gaming state separate from the identification symbol. A gaming machine that is an auxiliary symbol to be played.

  Means 16. In any one of the means 1 to 15, the image display means sets the two-dimensional auxiliary image, which is the two-dimensional information, in the image generation area when a predetermined condition is satisfied at a time of the gaming state. Gaming machine.

  According to the means 16, the image display means generates a display image including a two-dimensional auxiliary image when a predetermined condition is satisfied. By doing so, the image display means can generate a display image generated based only on the three-dimensional information, and a display image including the two-dimensional information and the three-dimensional information. In addition, a display image including a two-dimensional auxiliary image can be displayed only at a specific time, and the amount of information can be relatively reduced as compared with the case where a display image is always generated based on only three-dimensional information. The image generation processing speed of the means can be increased.

  Means 17. In any one of the means 1 to 16, the gaming machine is a pachinko machine. Above all, the basic configuration of a pachinko machine is equipped with an operation handle, and a game ball is fired into a predetermined game area in accordance with the operation of the handle, and the game ball is placed at a predetermined position in the game area. As a necessary condition for winning a prize, a change in the design of the image display means (an identification symbol for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state or an auxiliary symbol separate from the identification symbol) starts, and is specified During the occurrence of the gaming state, the 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 the valuable value according to the winning number (not only a prize ball, Including writing to a magnetic card). The pachinko machine has two special game states (a big hit state) that is advantageous to a player who can acquire at least a large number of game balls, and a normal game state that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes the game balls. There are different types of gaming states. In addition, the fluctuation of the identification symbol etc. displayed in the normal gaming state is called normal fluctuation, and an effect (including the case where a big hit occurs) is performed regardless of whether or not a big hit has occurred. This change is called reach. In addition, the identification symbol in the pachinko machine refers to a so-called symbol number or an image of a symbol with a symbol number for allowing a player to recognize a jackpot, reach, etc., and an auxiliary symbol is an effect in jackpot, reach, etc. An image of a symbol other than the identification symbol displayed to enhance the effect.

  Means 18. In any one of means 1 to means 16, the gaming machine is a slot machine. Among them, as a basic configuration of the slot machine, it is provided with “image display means for confirming and displaying the identification symbol after variably displaying an identification symbol string composed of a plurality of identification symbols for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state, The variation of the identification symbol is started due to the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever), and the variation of the identification symbol is caused by the operation of the operation means for the stop (for example, the stop button) or after a predetermined time elapses. The game machine is provided with a game state generating means that generates a special game state that is advantageous to the player on the condition that it is stopped and the confirmed identification symbol at the time of the stop is a specific identification symbol. In this case, examples of the game media include coins and medals. The gaming machine has a special gaming state (big win state) that is advantageous to a player who can acquire at least a large number of gaming media such as coins and medals, and a disadvantageous state for a player who consumes the gaming media. There are two types of game states, a normal game state. In addition, the fluctuation of the identification symbol etc. displayed in the normal gaming state is called normal fluctuation, and an effect (including the case where a big hit occurs) is performed regardless of whether or not a big hit has occurred. This change is called reach. In addition, the identification symbol in the slot machine is a so-called symbol number or symbol image with a symbol number that allows the player to recognize a jackpot or reach, etc. An image of a symbol other than the identification symbol that is displayed to enhance the image quality.

  Means 19. In any one of the means 1 to 16, the gaming machine is a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are fused. In particular, the basic configuration of the fused gaming machine is “an image display for confirming and displaying an identification symbol after variably displaying an identification symbol string composed of a plurality of identification symbols for identifying the gaming state according to the gaming state. And the identification symbol is changed due to the operation of the starting operation means (for example, the operation lever), and is identified due to the operation of the operation means for the stop (for example, the stop button) or when a predetermined time elapses. Game state generating means for generating a special game state advantageous to the player on the condition that the change of the symbol is stopped and the confirmed identification symbol at the time of stoppage is a specific identification symbol, and a game ball as a game medium In addition, a predetermined number of game balls are required at the start of variation of the identification symbol, and many game balls are paid out when a special game state occurs. The gaming machine "consisting of Te. The above gaming machines include a special game state (a big hit state) that is advantageous to a player who can acquire at least a large number of game balls, and a normal game state that is disadvantageous to a player who consumes the game balls. There are different types of gaming states. In addition, the fluctuation of the identification symbol etc. displayed in the normal gaming state is called normal fluctuation, and an effect (including the case where a big hit occurs) is performed regardless of whether or not a big hit has occurred. This change is called reach. In addition, the identification symbol in the above-mentioned gaming machine means a so-called symbol number or a symbol image with a symbol number for allowing the player to recognize a jackpot, reach, etc., and an auxiliary symbol is an effect in jackpot, reach, etc. An image of a symbol other than the identification symbol displayed to enhance the effect.

  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 image processing part.

  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 There is a display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6 that displays the receiving tray 8, an identification symbol for identifying the gaming state by the player, and an auxiliary symbol that is a symbol other than the identification symbol that is displayed to enhance the effect in the gaming state. An image display device 7 (see FIG. 2) is provided as image display means mounted so as to be disposed substantially at the center of the board surface of the game board 2. The display screen 6a displays one or more identification symbols and changes in auxiliary symbols (movement, rotation, deformation, etc.) in accordance with the gaming state of the gaming machine. An identification symbol is a so-called symbol number or symbol image with a symbol number that allows a player to recognize a jackpot or reach on a pachinko machine, and an auxiliary symbol is a symbol to win a jackpot or reach. An image of a symbol other than the identification symbol displayed on the screen. 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, a display mode for each round, which will be described later, is displayed. In addition, when a game is not being played on the pachinko machine, a demonstration or the like is displayed. The symbol in the present invention is a concept including an identification symbol and an auxiliary symbol.

  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 an unspecified location, and pachinko balls that have 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 in the special winning opening 2d, and the special winning opening 2d can be opened and closed by the operation of the open / close solenoid 13. The game board 2 includes, for example, a holding lamp for storing the number of pachinko balls that have entered the start port 2c in addition to the above-described ones, but description thereof is omitted in this embodiment.

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

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

  As shown in FIG. 2, the control board 1 provided in the game board 2 has a main control unit (base control unit) 16 which is a microcomputer composed of a memory, a CPU, and the like, and values that determine the gaming state in the gaming machine. A counter 14 for outputting, a start sensor 12 for detecting the entrance of the pachinko ball at the start port 2c (see FIG. 1), and a winning detection sensor for detecting the entrance of the pachinko ball at the winning port 2b (see FIG. 1). 11, an open / close solenoid 13 that opens and closes the special winning opening 2 d (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. It is prepared for. The control board 1 supplies a predetermined amount of pachinko balls based on the detection of the ball detection sensors at the winning opening 2b and the start opening 2c described above, and executes various events for operating a lamp and a speaker (not shown). Is. In addition, the control board 1 transmits various commands for instructing a display mode according to the gaming state to the image display device 7 through the I / F 15.

  Specifically, the processing performed in the control board 1 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

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

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

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

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

Step S5 (whether there is a 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 steps S1 to S5 described above corresponds to the gaming state generating means in the present invention. Note that the start-up sensor 12 detects the entrance of the pachinko ball during the variation of the identification symbol (reach, normal variation, etc.), and stores the number of the pachinko balls that have entered the hold lamp, which is omitted from the above description. If it is, the lighting of the holding lamp is detected as a new start signal. If there is a new start signal, steps S2 to S4 are repeated.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image display device 7 includes an I / F 17 that receives a command sent from the control board 1, an object that is three-dimensional information set in the world coordinate system based on the command, A character storage unit 18 that stores texture and background images as image information of the pattern of the object, and a program corresponding to the received command are executed to set the object in the world coordinate system and paste the texture to the object A three-dimensional image processing unit 19 that generates a display image, an image storage unit 20 that temporarily stores the display image generated by the three-dimensional image processing unit 19, and a liquid crystal monitor 6 that displays the display image are provided. Yes. 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 set 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 or an auxiliary symbol is generated.

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

  The character storage unit 18 stores an object that is 3D information that is appropriately read from the 3D image processing unit 19, a texture that is 2D image information of the object, a 2D background image as a 2D auxiliary image, and the like. Memory. Specifically, in the character storage unit 18, as shown in FIG. 5, the first background B1 [see FIG. 5 (a)] which is a photograph of an anemone displayed on the entire display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6. The image and the texture of the image of the second background B2 (see FIG. 5B) as an auxiliary image that is displayed on a part of the display screen 6a and is a photograph of the sea anemone similar to the first background image B1 are stored. ing. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, the character storage unit 18 has a texture of the jackpot identification symbol Z1 [see FIG. 6A] and a round display symbol Z2 indicating the number of jackpot rounds [FIG. b)] and the texture of the auxiliary symbol Z3 (see FIG. 6C) displayed for production during the round are stored. The texture of the jackpot identification symbol Z1 includes the texture of the identification symbol Z1a displayed during normal fluctuation or reach, the texture of the number symbol Z1b displaying the symbol number of the identification symbol Z1a, and the back surface of the identification symbol Z1a and the number symbol Z1b. The window frame of the submarine displayed on the side is composed of the texture of the window frame design Z1c. The texture of the round display design Z2 includes the texture of the numerical design Z2a in which the number of rounds is displayed, and the texture of the window frame design Z2b in which the numerical design Z2a is displayed and the submarine window frame is designed. It is composed of The texture of the auxiliary symbol Z3 is designed for fish (for example, bear only), the texture of the head symbol Z3a where the head is designed, and the texture of the trunk symbol Z3b where the trunk is designed. And the texture of the tail fin part design Z3c for which the tail fin part is designed. Although only the texture from the side surface side of the auxiliary symbol Z3 is shown in FIG. 6, all the textures from the upper surface, the lower surface, the front surface, and the rear surface side are stored in the character storage unit 18. Further, the character storage unit 18 stores a design object that is 3D information to which the texture of each design described above is pasted and a background object that is 3D information to which the texture of the second background B2 is pasted. In addition, the second background B2 described above has a quadrangular planar texture as shown in FIG. 5B. However, the oblique left half is transparent and the oblique right half is an anemone photograph. It has been. The character storage unit 18 further stores multiple types of textures and objects of identification symbols, multiple types of textures and objects of auxiliary symbols, various images, and the like. These objects, textures, and various images are appropriately read out by the three-dimensional image processing unit 19. The character storage unit 18 corresponds to the image display unit and the background information storage unit in the present invention.

  The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 includes a CPU (central processing unit) that controls and manages the entire image display device, a memory that appropriately stores the calculation results in the CPU, and an image data processor that generates an image to be output to the liquid crystal monitor 6. It is composed. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets various objects read from the viewpoint and the character storage unit 18 in the world coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional virtual space, in order to realize a display mode according to the command. Move or displace the viewpoint. Further, so-called geometry calculation processing is performed to generate 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 viewpoint. Based on the projection information, the position corresponding to the vertex of each polygon of each object in the frame buffer provided in the image storage unit 20, that is, the address in the frame buffer is obtained, and the texture read from the character storage unit 18 is obtained. The texture is deformed to match the vertex of each polygon of the object, and the texture is drawn with reference to each address in the frame buffer. When the drawing of the texture on all objects is completed and a display image is generated in the frame buffer of the image storage unit 20, the display image is output to the liquid crystal monitor 6. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 corresponds to a viewpoint setting unit, a symbol object setting unit, a background object setting unit, a projection unit, a display image generation unit, and a background image setting unit in the present invention. The frame buffer provided in the image storage unit 20 corresponds to the image generation area in the present invention.

  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 provides color information to the rendering processing unit 27, and a plurality of units provided in the image storage unit 20. Selector unit 29 for switching the frame buffer and display And a video output section 30 for outputting to the liquid crystal monitor 6 an image. 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. The geometry calculation processing unit 26 and the rendering processing unit 27 are connected via a data bus.

  The program ROM 22 stores a program executed first by the CPU 21 when the gaming machine is turned on, a plurality of types of programs for displaying according to the type of command sent from the control board 1, and the like. It is a thing. 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 arrangement coordinate data for designating the arrangement position of the object to be set in the world coordinate system, attitude data for instructing the attitude of the object, and arrangement coordinates for instructing the arrangement position of the viewpoint to be set in the world coordinate system. Data, rotation data for rotating the line of sight based on the viewpoint, data including the storage addresses of objects, textures and background images stored in the character storage unit 18, and the like for one screen to be displayed on the display screen 6a This is data for generating a display image.

  The CPU 21 is a central processing unit that manages and controls the entire image display device 2 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. Thus, processing such as setting an object and a viewpoint in the world coordinate system and setting a background image of the display screen 6a 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 the setting information in the work RAM 23 at every interrupt interval (for example, 1/30 seconds or 1/60 seconds).

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

  The I / F 25 receives the setting information transferred by the DMA 24. The I / F 25 includes the storage address of the object stored in the character storage unit 18 included in the setting information, the arrangement coordinate data for arranging the object in the world coordinate system, the viewpoint data for setting the viewpoint, and the viewpoint. Data to be subjected to coordinate calculation such as rotation data for rotating the line of sight based on the image is given to the geometry calculation processing unit 26, and images such as storage addresses of textures and background images stored in the character storage unit 18 included in the setting information Data to be rendered is supplied to the rendering processing unit 27. Further, the I / F 25 gives the palette processing unit 28 color palette data for designating texture color information included in the setting information.

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

  The palette processing unit 28 includes a palette RAM (not shown) that holds a color palette, which is a plurality of types of color information written in advance by the CPU 21 at the time of initialization, for example, and corresponds to the color palette data given from the I / F 25. The color palette is given to the rendering processing unit 27. The color information is determined by a combination of red (R), green (G), and blue (B). 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.

  The rendering processing unit 27 first reads a background image based on the storage address of the background image in the character storage unit 18, draws the background image in a frame buffer provided in the image storage unit 20, and stores the background image in the frame buffer. Expand each polygon of the object based on the projection information. Further, 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 buffer based on the texture storage address and color palette data in the character storage unit 18. As a result, a display image having a predetermined aspect ratio, for example, an aspect ratio of 3: 4 is generated in the frame buffer. In the above-described geometry calculation processing unit 26 and rendering processing unit 27, clipping processing for determining a portion to be displayed on the screen, hidden surface processing for determining a visible portion and an invisible portion according to the front-rear relationship of the polygon, and light from the light source Processing such as shading calculation processing for calculating the state of hitting and the state of reflection is also performed as appropriate.

  The selector unit 29 selects a plurality of frame buffers as appropriate. Specifically, the selector unit 29 is, for example, a first frame buffer or a second frame buffer that is a plurality of frame buffers 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 buffers. In this case, a display image is generated in the frame buffer on the selected side. On the other hand, the selector unit 29 reads a display image for which a display image has already been generated from the frame buffer on which 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 buffer and the drawing-side frame buffer. The video output unit 30 converts the display image sent from the selector unit 29 into a video signal and outputs the video signal to the liquid crystal monitor 6.

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

  The liquid crystal monitor 6 includes a screen 6 a that displays a display image output from the video output unit 30, and is attached so that the screen 6 a is exposed on the board surface of the game board 2. The display screen 6a is, for example, a so-called wide screen with an aspect ratio of 9:16, and the liquid crystal monitor 6 uses the display image output from the video output unit 30 with an aspect ratio of 3: 4 as the aspect ratio of the display screen 6a. In addition, the display image is displayed on the display screen 6a. The liquid crystal monitor 6 corresponds to display means in the present invention. The display means for displaying the display image is not limited to the liquid crystal monitor, and may be a CRT monitor or a plasma display monitor, for example. The liquid crystal monitor 6 also has a function of displaying a display image with an aspect ratio of 3: 4 as it is, and can appropriately change the aspect ratio of the display image displayed on the display screen 6a according to the gaming state. it can.

  On the display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6 described above, display modes as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, are displayed based on commands sent from the control board 1. FIG. This display mode is one mode of round display that is displayed after a jackpot is generated in the pachinko machine. Hereinafter, this display mode will be described. In addition, this invention is not limited to the display mode at the time of a round, For example, it can also apply suitably about the display mode at the time of reach, the time of normal fluctuation, or a demonstration.

  As shown to Fig.7 (a), the jackpot identification symbol Z1 and the round display symbol Z2 are displayed on the forefront on the display screen 6a which is a wide screen. The identification symbol Z1a included in the jackpot identification symbol Z1 is displayed so as to swing the tail fin as if swimming while stopped at the place. On the back side of the jackpot identification symbol Z1 and the round display symbol Z2, the second background B2 [see FIG. 5 (b)] is displayed in the diagonally lower right part, and further on the back side of the second background B2 The symbol Z3 is displayed. Further, a first background B1 [see FIG. 5A] is displayed on the backmost surface of the display screen 6a.

  As shown in FIG. 7 (a), the auxiliary symbol Z3, which had the head out from the back side of the second background B2, appears so that the whole body appears from the second background B2, as shown in FIG. 7 (b). Start swimming. And as shown in FIG.7 (c), the auxiliary | assistant symbol Z3 starts to swim so that the whole body may be reversed and it may return to the back side of 2nd background B2. Further, as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C, the auxiliary symbol Z3 is displayed so as to protrude from the second background B2 again after being hidden behind the second background B2. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C and FIGS. 8A to 8C, the auxiliary symbol Z3 appears from the back side of the second background B2, and the back side of the second background B2. In order to hide again, for example, it is displayed to swim in an eight-shaped circular orbit. At this time, the auxiliary symbol Z3 moves at a low speed when appearing from the second background B2, for example, while changing the moving speed on the trajectory, and at a high speed when returning to the back side of the second background B2. Is displayed.

  Hereinafter, processing performed in the image display device 7 to realize the display modes shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 will be described in detail with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

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

Step T2 (Set viewpoint in world coordinate system)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets a world coordinate system corresponding to a virtual three-dimensional space for setting a plurality of objects. Next, the viewpoint for displaying the state in the world coordinate system on the display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6 is set in the world coordinate system. The viewpoint is a reference point of a coordinate system having a z-axis as a line of sight that faces a predetermined direction in the world coordinate system, for example, the direction of the space in which the object is set. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 generates coordinate data in the world coordinate system for arranging the viewpoint derived by the program and rotation data for determining the direction of the line of sight. Based on this, a viewpoint SP is set such that the line of sight faces, for example, a symbol object OZ3 described later. A 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 viewpoint SP fixed at a predetermined position in the world coordinate system will be described. However, the position of the viewpoint SP is based on coordinate values and rotation data whose values change every interrupt processing. It is also possible to set a viewpoint SP in which the line of sight is displaced. Step T2 corresponds to the function of the viewpoint setting means in the present invention.

Step T3 (Set a symbol object)
As shown in FIG. 10, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 is a symbol object OZ3 (hereinafter, referred to as three-dimensional information corresponding to the auxiliary symbol Z3) so as to move on the circular orbit K having an eight shape in the world coordinate system. Simply called “auxiliary symbol object OZ3”). At this time, in order to make the fish swim, the symbol objects constituting the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 are changed along with the movement of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3. That is, by setting the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 shaped like a fish that swims on the circular orbit K in the world coordinate system, it is possible to display a display mode in which fish swim around on the display screen 6a. Details of the form and operation of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 will be described with reference to FIG. 12, but in the drawings other than FIG. 12, the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 is illustrated as a spherical object for convenience. Step T3 corresponds to the function of the symbol object setting means in the present invention.

  Specifically, first, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads the auxiliary symbol object OZ3, which is three-dimensional information corresponding to the auxiliary symbol Z3, from the character storage unit 18. As shown in FIG. 12A, the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 includes a head object OZ3a to which the texture of the head symbol Z3a of the auxiliary symbol Z3 is pasted, and a torso object OZ3b to which the texture of the trunk symbol Z3b is pasted. The tail fin part object OZ3c to which the texture of the tail fin part pattern Z3c is pasted, the head object OZ3a and the trunk part object OZ3b are coupled at a coupling point P1, and the trunk part object OZ3b and the tail fin part object OZ3c are They are connected at a connection point P2.

Next, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 determines the form of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3. This type of determination is made every time there is an interrupt process. For example, as shown in FIGS. 12B to 12D, there are three basic forms (seconds) of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 in which the head object OZ3a and the tail fin portion object OZ3c are swung left and right with reference to the connection points P1 and P2. Basic form data for determining each of the first to third basic forms) is read from the program ROM 22. Furthermore, intermediate form data for determining an intermediate form between these basic forms is calculated as appropriate. Based on the basic form data and the intermediate form data, the form of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 is determined so that the fish swims smoothly. For example, the first basic form data is that the head object OZ3a is θ ₁ ° around the y axis with respect to the connecting point P1, and the tail fin object OZ3c is −θ ₂ ° around the y axis with respect to the connecting point P2. The second basic form data is the data for rotation, the head object OZ3a is 0 ° around the y axis with respect to the connection point P1, and the tail fin object OZ3c is around the y axis with respect to the connection point P2. In the case of data for rotation by 0 °, intermediate form data is obtained by appropriately obtaining rotation angles between θ ₁ ° to 0 ° and −θ ₂ ° to 0 °.

  Further, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sequentially arranges the auxiliary symbol objects OZ3 whose forms have been sequentially changed as described above so as to move on the eight-shaped annular trajectory K. The movement on the circular trajectory K is realized by sequentially arranging the movement based on the movement amount and movement data given to the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 with reference to the initial arrangement position of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3. In this embodiment, first, the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 is arranged at the coordinate value (X, Y, Z) in the world coordinate system, and then, the coordinate value (X, Y, Z) is interrupted, that is, every frame. The movement amount Δl of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 and the rotation angle Δθ for rotating the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 are sequentially given, so that the movement is made on the eight-shaped annular trajectory K. More specifically, (number of frames, amount of movement) = (31,12), (31,08), (15,000), (63,08), (190,16), (63,08) The data of each moving amount and (the number of frames, the rotation angle around the x axis, the rotation angle around the y axis, the rotation angle around the z axis) = (64,0,0,0), (16,0,1, 0), (84, 0, -2, 0), (64, 0, 0, 0), (92, 0, 2, 0), (32, 0, 0, 0), (16, 0,- 2, 0), (16, 0, 0, 0), and the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 can be moved on the circular orbit K. As a result, the movement of the auxiliary symbol Z3 can be displayed as shown in FIGS. Here, (number of frames, amount of movement) means that the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 is moved by the amount of movement (dots) for each frame between the number of frames specified by “number of frames”. The rotation angle around the x-axis, the rotation angle around the y-axis, and the rotation angle around the z-axis) rotate the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 by the rotation angle for each frame between the number of frames specified by “number of frames”. Represents each. The rotation angle around each axis is a numerical value representing, for example, 360 ° in 256 steps (for one byte). Further, the movement speed of the auxiliary symbol Z3 displayed on the display screen 6a is changed by changing the movement amount Δl in the movement amount data.

Step T4 (deformation correction of the viewpoint coordinate system)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 arranges the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 in the world coordinate system in the viewpoint coordinate system based on the viewpoint SP, and the viewpoint coordinate system is based on the aspect ratio of the display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6. Correct deformation.

  Specifically, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 converts the world coordinate system into a viewpoint coordinate system with the viewpoint SP as a reference, that is, the origin. Thereby, the coordinate value of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 in the world coordinate system is converted into the coordinate value in the viewpoint coordinate system. Here, since the aspect ratio of the display image generated in the frame buffer 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. The resulting image. At this time, if the auxiliary symbol Z3 displayed in order to enhance the effect is extended, the effect may be impaired. Therefore, in order not to extend the auxiliary symbol Z3, the viewpoint coordinate system is deformed and corrected, and the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 to which the texture of the auxiliary symbol Z3 is pasted is deformed in advance.

  The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 calculates deformation correction data for correcting the deformation of the viewpoint coordinate system. This deformation correction data is a magnification value for enlarging or reducing the vertical width or horizontal width of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3. The deformation correction data can be calculated by the following equation (1), 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 data calculated by the following equation (1) is for correcting the deformation of the horizontal width of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 when the horizontal width of the display image is deformed according to the screen with reference to the vertical magnification of the display image. The magnification value. Further, when the vertical width of the display image is deformed according to the screen, the reciprocal of the deformation correction data is a magnification value for deforming and correcting the vertical width of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3. .

(A × b) ÷ (a × B) (1)
When the aspect ratio of the display image generated in the frame buffer 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 width of the auxiliary symbol Z3 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 (1), the width of the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 is 3/4 times (hereinafter referred to as “3/4 times”). The deformation correction data of the magnification value to be reduced to is calculated. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the 3D image processing unit 19 3/4 in the horizontal direction (x-axis direction) of the virtual space of the viewpoint coordinate system SB in which the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 is set based on the deformation correction data. Reduce to double. As a result, the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 is reduced to 3/4 times in the x-axis direction of the viewpoint coordinate system.

Step T5 (set background object etc.)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads the background object OB2 for pasting the texture of the second background B2 from the character storage unit 18, and, as shown in FIG. 13, the background object OB2 is the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 in the viewpoint coordinate system. Rather than the viewpoint SP side. Further, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 includes a jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 for pasting the texture of the jackpot identification symbol Z1 and a round display symbol object OZ2 for pasting the texture of the round display symbol Z2. The jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 and the round display symbol object OZ2 are set closer to the viewpoint SP than the background object OB2. The round display symbol object OZ2 and the jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 have the same shape as that of the texture shown in FIG. 6, but will be described as spherical objects for convenience of explanation. Further, the identification symbol object OZ1a included in the jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 is set so as to change the form so that the fish swims, like the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 described above.

  Specifically, the 3D image processing unit 19 refers to a table prepared in advance in the program in the program ROM 22, and arranges the background object OB2, the round display symbol object OZ2, and the jackpot identification symbol object OZ1, respectively. Deriving coordinate values for The derived coordinate value is a coordinate value based on the viewpoint. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 arranges the background object OB2, the round display symbol object OZ2, and the jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 read from the character storage unit 18 based on each coordinate value. That is, the background object OB2 and the like are set in the viewpoint coordinate system. The process of setting the background object OB2 in step T5 corresponds to the function of the image display means in the present invention.

Step T6 (projection on the projection plane)
As shown in FIG. 14, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets a projection plane SC for projecting a state in the visual field range TM in the visual line direction from the viewpoint SP, and is included in the visual field range TM in this projection plane. Project each object. Step T6 corresponds to the function of the projection means in the present invention.

  Specifically, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sets a projection plane SC perpendicular to the z-axis, which is the line-of-sight direction of the viewpoint coordinate system, between the viewpoint SP and the jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 and the round display symbol object OZ2. Set. Since the projection plane SC is perpendicular to the z-axis of the viewpoint coordinate system and the z value is fixed, the projection plane SC can be handled as a two-dimensional coordinate system. The projection plane SC has an area corresponding to a frame buffer provided in the image storage unit 20.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 15A, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 projects the jackpot identification symbol object OZ1, the round display symbol object OZ2, and the background object OB2 in parallel on the projection plane SC. Thereby, each vertex of each polygon constituting each object is projected as it is in parallel to the projection plane SC, and the three-dimensional coordinate value of each vertex is converted into a two-dimensional coordinate value on the projection plane SC. The On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 15B, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 perspectively projects the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 on the projection plane SC. Thereby, the vertices of each polygon constituting the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 are projected so as to move in the viewpoint SP direction, and the three-dimensional coordinate values of each vertex are converted into the two-dimensional coordinate values on the projection plane SC. . When the projection of all the objects in the field of view TM is completed, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 acquires the two-dimensional coordinate values of each projected object on the projection plane SC as projection information, as shown in FIG. To do. FIG. 16 illustrates two-dimensional projection information.

  Here, a specific example will be described in order to facilitate understanding of the effect of parallel projection of a specific object and perspective projection of another object. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, cube-shaped objects OBa and OBb are set side by side in the world coordinate system, and the viewpoint SP is set so that the line of sight is directed almost to the center between the objects OBa and OBb. Set. In this case, when a projection plane (not shown) based on the viewpoint SP is set and the objects OBa and OBb are perspectively projected on the projection plane, as shown in FIG. 18A, the symbol Ba corresponding to the objects OBa and OBb. , Bb are displayed on the left and right sides of the display screen 6a at intervals. As is clear from FIG. 18A, the front number “1”, the upper surface number “2”, and the right surface number “3” are displayed in the symbol Ba. On the other hand, the front number “1”, the upper surface number “2”, and the left surface number “4” are displayed on the symbol Bb. As a result, the symbols Ba and Bb, which should be the same symbol for the player to identify, are displayed in a different pattern, causing a problem that it is difficult to identify. Therefore, as described in this step, the objects OBa and OBb are projected in parallel, and the same symbol is displayed in a similar pattern as shown in FIG. The effect that it becomes easy to identify a symbol is acquired. On the other hand, the perspective-projected object is three-dimensionally displayed on the display screen 6a based on the viewpoint, so that a realistic display mode is displayed.

Step T7 (set background image)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads the image of the first background B1 from the character storage unit 18 and sets the image of the first background B1 in the frame buffer in the image storage unit 20. That is, the image of the first background B1 is drawn in the frame buffer before the texture is pasted on each object described above. Step T7 corresponds to the function of the background image setting means in the present invention.

Step T8 (generate display image)
The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 obtains a position in the frame buffer of the image storage unit 20 corresponding to the coordinate value of each vertex included in the projection information, that is, an address. Then, the three-dimensional image processing unit 19 reads the texture of the auxiliary symbol Z3 to be pasted on the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 from the character storage unit 18, and places the texture at a corresponding position in the frame buffer on which the first background B1 is drawn. draw. Similarly, the texture of the second background B2 to be pasted to the background object OB2 and the texture of the jackpot identification symbol Z1 and the round display symbol Z2 to be pasted to the jackpot identification symbol object OZ1 and the round display symbol object OZ2 are read from the character storage unit 18. These textures are drawn in order from an object at a position far from the viewpoint SP. When the pasting of the texture to all objects is completed, a display image S having an aspect ratio of, for example, 3: 4 is generated in the frame buffer as shown in FIG. In this display image S, the image of the first background B1 is on the back side, the auxiliary symbol Z3 is on the front side of the first background B1, the second background B2 is on the front side of the auxiliary symbol Z3, and the front side is a big hit. An identification symbol Z1 and a round display symbol Z2 are respectively drawn. The three-dimensional image processing unit 19 sends the display image S generated in the frame buffer of the image storage unit 20 to the liquid crystal monitor 6 for each interrupt process. Step T8 corresponds to the function of the display image generation means in the present invention.

Step T9 (display)
The liquid crystal monitor 6 sequentially displays the display image S having 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 having the aspect ratio of 9:16. By setting the auxiliary symbol object OZ3 that moves in the world coordinate system in step T3 described above, the display screen 6a of the liquid crystal monitor 6 is behind the second background B2 as shown in FIGS. The display mode of the change of the auxiliary symbol Z3 that swims so as to start swimming and return to the back side of the second background B2 again is displayed. Further, the auxiliary symbol Z3 displayed on the display screen 6a is displayed in a real manner without becoming an extended image.

  According to the above-described embodiment, since the first background B1 and the second background B2 are images of the same pattern, the player can recognize the background displayed on the display screen 6a as a single one. It can be displayed as a fish swims out of its background. As a result, a realistic display mode can be realized. Further, since the three-dimensional image processing is not performed on the first background B1, the processing can be reduced as the entire image display device 7.

  In the embodiment described above, the first background B1 and the second background B2 of the same kind of pattern (sea anemone) have been described. However, the first background B1 and the second background B2 may be related patterns. For example, the first background B1 may be a riverbed pattern and the second background B2 may be a rock pattern. In this case, it is also possible to adopt a display mode in which the fish auxiliary symbols are swimmed out of the rocks.

  In the above-described embodiment, the first background B1 and the second background B2 are displayed as a stationary background using a single image, but the first background B1 and the second background B2 are displayed using a plurality of types of images, for example. For example, the background sea anemone can be displayed so that the pattern of the background B2 moves.

  In the above-described embodiment, a single auxiliary symbol is displayed between the first background B1 and the single second background B2. For example, a plurality of auxiliary symbols are displayed on the back side of the background object of the second background B2. It is also possible to set a background object and display a single or a plurality of background images together with auxiliary symbols between the first background B1 and the second background B2.

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

  In the above-described embodiments, the pachinko machine has been described as a gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a slot machine, a gaming machine in which a pachinko machine and a slot machine are integrated, and a coin game machine. The present invention can be modified to various game machines such as an arcade game machine and a home video game machine.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Control board 6 ... Liquid crystal monitor 6a ... Display screen 7 ... Image display apparatus as an image display means 18 ... Character memory | storage part 19 ... 3D image processing part 20 ... Image storage part B1 ... 1st background as a two-dimensional auxiliary image B2 ... Second background as an auxiliary image generated based on three-dimensional information Z3 ... Auxiliary symbol

Claims (1)

First storage means for storing a three-dimensional virtual object corresponding to a symbol, which is a three-dimensional information composed of a plurality of polygons, and an image of the symbol corresponding to each polygon of the symbol object Second storage means for performing, a symbol object setting means for setting the symbol object stored in the first storage means in a virtual three-dimensional coordinate space, and a first displayed on a predetermined display screen on the back side of the symbol. A background image, a second background image that is displayed on a part of the display screen on the front side or the back side of the symbol, and has the same type as the image of at least a part of the first background; 2. Background information storage means for storing a background object that is three-dimensional information corresponding to an area where a background is displayed; and the background information storage means in a virtual three-dimensional coordinate space A background object setting means for setting a stored background object; an image of the first background; and a second background image corresponding to each polygon of the background object set in the virtual three-dimensional coordinate space by the background object setting means. At least one screen generated by a display image generating means for generating a display image using an image and a design image corresponding to each polygon of the design object set in the virtual three-dimensional space by the design object setting means Image storage means for storing display images of minutes,
Display means having a display screen on which a display image stored in the image storage means is displayed;
With
The display means displays a display image using the first background image, the second background image, and the design image on the display screen,
The second background image is stereoscopically displayed with respect to the first background image based on a viewpoint set in the virtual three-dimensional space,
The symbols include a plurality of identification symbols that are variably displayed, and auxiliary symbols that are separate from the identification symbols,
The image of the auxiliary symbol is displayed three-dimensionally based on the viewpoint, and is displayed so as to change in and out between the first background image and the second background image,
The image of the identification symbol, when a plurality of identification symbols are stopped and displayed at intervals, the identification symbol with the same number is displayed in the same image,
In the virtual three-dimensional coordinate space, the symbol object corresponding to the identification symbol is set at a position closer to the viewpoint than the symbol object corresponding to the auxiliary symbol and the background object, so that the identification symbol becomes the auxiliary symbol. And a gaming machine that is displayed in front of the second background .

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