JP5008903B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine such as a pachislot gaming machine, a pachinko gaming machine, or a slot machine.

Conventionally, in a gaming machine such as a pachislot gaming device, an image corresponding to the progress of the game is displayed. Such a video is switched to a different video when the game situation changes (for example, the start of reel rotation, the occurrence of reach), thereby notifying the player of the change in the game situation and creating a new one. There is an effect to increase the player's interest and interest in the game situation.

Such video is not normally displayed with data generated in the gaming machine. That is, a plurality of types of video data generated in advance are stored in the memory, video data corresponding to a change in the game situation is selected from the video data, and video based on the video data is displayed. Thus, in the conventional gaming machine, if there are a plurality of types of video patterns, the number of video data corresponding to the patterns is stored in the memory.

However, with the advancement of video technology in recent years, players have come to feel staleness and unnaturalness in video unless it is more beautifully devised. In order to meet such demands, it is necessary to increase the amount of data of each video data. However, video data corresponding to each production pattern must be recorded in a memory for a gaming machine with a predetermined data capacity. There was a problem that was difficult. Further, since the video pattern is determined in advance, there is a problem that the player gradually gets bored with the performance while playing the game.

As a conventional gaming machine, for example, there is a gaming machine that determines a viewpoint of a virtual camera according to an internal winning combination and displays a video from this viewpoint as an effect image (see, for example, Patent Document 1). According to the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, since image data is generated and displayed in the gaming machine, the amount of data can be reduced. In addition, even if the images have the same content, the images from different viewpoints are displayed according to the internal winning combination, so that the production can have diversity.

JP 2004-290515 A

However, even if the viewpoints are changed according to the winning combination, the change patterns of a plurality of viewpoints are only predetermined, so that the player gradually gets bored with the performance while playing the game. There was a problem. In this way, it is difficult to satisfy a discerning player with respect to the video with the conventional method of making the presentation proceed by patterning the viewpoint switching and selecting one of them. Accordingly, it is desired to provide a gaming machine capable of performing an effect that can satisfy a player without feeling bored.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to provide a variety of effects without increasing the data capacity, and to provide a continuous effect over a plurality of games. The object is to provide a gaming machine that can be used.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following.
(1) A variable display unit that stops and displays a plurality of pieces of identification information after being displayed in a variably displayed manner, and a result of the game is determined based on a combination of the plurality of pieces of identification information that are stopped and displayed on the variable display unit A gaming machine,
A game control device that determines the result of each game, an effect control device that performs processing for generating an effect three-dimensional image by arranging objects that perform continuous motion over a plurality of games in the world coordinate space, and the above A display device for displaying a three-dimensional image generated by the effect control device,
The game control device sets a movement path of a viewpoint in the world coordinate space, generates a three-dimensional image while moving the viewpoint along the movement path, and the object and the viewpoint approach a predetermined distance. A game machine characterized by setting a detour route that does not contact the object and generating a three-dimensional image while moving the viewpoint along the detour route.

According to the invention of (1), an object that performs a continuous motion over a plurality of games is placed in the world coordinate space, the movement path of the viewpoint is set, and the viewpoint is moved along the movement path while performing the tertiary Generate the original image. Therefore, it is possible to perform a variety of effects without preparing a plurality of types of video data. In addition, when the object and the viewpoint approach each other up to a predetermined distance, a bypass path is set separately, and a three-dimensional image is generated while moving the viewpoint along the bypass path. Therefore, the viewpoint collides with the object. Display of unnatural images. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from having an impression that the presentation is stale or uncomfortable, and to satisfy a player who is familiar with the video.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(2) The gaming machine of (1) above,
The effect control apparatus arranges a virtual object surrounding the object in the world coordinate space, selects two points belonging to a predetermined viewpoint defining area in the world coordinate space, and sets the two points as a start end and an end Set the movement route to be, and execute a process of generating a three-dimensional image while moving the viewpoint along the movement route,
When the viewpoint touches the virtual object, a detour path from the contact position to the other intersection of the moving path and the virtual object via the surface of the virtual object is determined, and the detour path A process of returning the viewpoint to the movement path is performed after generating the three-dimensional image while moving the viewpoint along the path.

According to the invention of (2), a virtual object (for example, a spherical virtual object) surrounding the object is arranged, two points belonging to a predetermined viewpoint defining area in the world coordinate space are selected, and the two points Set up a movement path starting with and ending with. Then, a three-dimensional image is generated while moving the viewpoint along the movement path. When the viewpoint comes into contact with the virtual object, a new detour path (contact position → the surface of the virtual object → the other intersection of the movement path and the virtual object) is set, and the detour path along the detour path A three-dimensional image is generated while moving the viewpoint, and then the viewpoint is returned to the movement path. Therefore, since it is possible to prevent the viewpoint from colliding with the object and displaying an unnatural image, it is possible to prevent the player from having an impression that the presentation is obsolete or uncomfortable. .

In addition, since a detour route can be easily set by arranging a virtual object, when setting a viewpoint movement route, an operation that takes into account the positional relationship between the object and the movement route becomes unnecessary. For example, a simple method of randomly extracting two points in the viewpoint definition area in the world coordinate space and using the line (straight line or curve) connecting the two points as the viewpoint movement path, a variety of viewpoints Can be set.

Furthermore, when setting the viewpoint movement path, it is not necessary to consider the positional relationship between the object and the viewpoint movement path. For example, each time the viewpoint movement in the movement path ends, the object starts from the current viewpoint. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the movement pattern of the object is randomly changed each time such that the end coordinates of the movement path are randomly extracted from the world coordinate space and the object is moved to the end coordinates.
In the conventional configuration, if an object is moved at random, it is necessary to prepare a movement path of the viewpoint according to the movement mode of the object, which requires a lot of development cost and data amount. There is a problem that increases. However, according to the invention of (2), since it is not necessary to consider the relationship between the object and the viewpoint movement path, it is possible to move the viewpoint without preparing a viewpoint movement path according to the movement mode of the object. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the moving path of the object is randomly changed while the path is set at random.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(3) The gaming machine of (2) above,
The production control apparatus is characterized in that the end of the viewpoint movement path set last time is set as the start of the viewpoint movement path set this time.

According to the invention of (3), since the end of the viewpoint movement path set last time becomes the start of the viewpoint movement path set this time, the viewpoint can be continuously moved over a plurality of games. . Therefore, each of the movement of the object and the movement of the viewpoint can be continuously performed over a plurality of games, and an uninterrupted presentation is possible. As a result, it is possible to prevent the image from feeling stale or unnatural.

Furthermore, the present invention provides the following.
(4) The gaming machine of (2) or (3) above,
The viewpoint defining area is a surface of a virtual viewpoint restricting object having a shape surrounding the virtual object arranged in the world coordinate space.

According to the invention of (4), two points are selected from the surface of the virtual viewpoint restricting object having a shape surrounding the virtual object, and a movement path is set with the two points as the start and end points. Therefore, in a configuration in which a viewpoint movement path is set each time in accordance with the movement of an object that continuously moves over a plurality of games, a viewpoint movement path that can always capture the object at a relatively short distance is set. be able to. At that time, calculation in consideration of the positional relationship between the object and the movement route is not necessary, and setting of the movement route of the viewpoint is easy.

Furthermore, since it is not necessary to consider the positional relationship between the object and the movement path when setting the movement path of the viewpoint, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the motion pattern of the object is changed randomly each time. . In the conventional configuration, if an object is moved at random, it is necessary to prepare a movement path of the viewpoint according to the movement mode of the object, which requires a lot of development cost and data amount. There is a problem that increases. However, according to the invention of (4), objects are always compared by extracting two points from the surface of the viewpoint-regulated object and connecting the two points without considering the relationship between the object and the viewpoint movement path. Since it is possible to set the movement path of the viewpoint that can be captured at a short distance, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which the movement path of the object is randomly changed while setting the movement path of the viewpoint at random. It is.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of performing a variety of effects without increasing the data capacity and capable of performing a continuous effect over a plurality of games.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following, a case where the present invention is applied to a pachislot gaming device will be described as a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a gaming machine including a variable display unit, a game control device, an effect control device, and a display device. For example, the present invention is applied to a slot machine and a pachinko gaming device. It is possible to apply. Further, the variable display unit may be configured by a mechanical reel having a plurality of rotatable reels, and is configured by a display device such as an LCD that displays a plurality of identification information that is displayed in a variable manner and stopped. Also good. When the variable display unit is configured by the display device, a part of the screen of the display device on which the three-dimensional image is displayed may be the variable display unit, and the display device and the variable display unit on which the three-dimensional image is displayed The display device to be configured may be provided as a separate body.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a pachislot gaming device.
In addition to coins, medals, tokens, and the like, the pachislot gaming device 1 can play a game using a game medium such as a card that is given to a player or stores information on the game value that is given. Although it is a gaming machine, in the following, it is assumed that a medal is used.

A liquid crystal display device 5 is installed on the front surface of the housing 2 forming the entire pachislot gaming device 1. The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown). A part or all of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 can be switched to a transparent / non-transparent state. An effect image can be displayed.
The liquid crystal display device 5 corresponds to the display device in the present invention.

In addition, three rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R are provided on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5. Each of the three rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R has a plurality of symbols and other identification information (hereinafter also referred to as symbols) displayed on the outer peripheral surface thereof, and is rotatably arranged in a horizontal row. In addition, a plurality of pay lines are provided on the entire surface of the rotary reel 3 (not shown).
In the pachi-slot gaming apparatus 1, the variable display unit according to the present invention is configured by the rotating reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) having identification information such as a plurality of symbols displayed on the outer peripheral surface.

A pedestal portion 10 having a horizontal surface is formed below the liquid crystal display device 5. A medal slot 22 is provided on the right side of the pedestal portion 10, and a 1-BET switch 11 is provided on the left side of the pedestal portion 10. And a maximum BET switch 13 is provided.
Prior to the start of the game, different numbers of winning lines are activated according to the number of medals inserted by the player from the medal slot 22. Hereinafter, the activated winning line is referred to as an activated winning line.

A stored medal settlement switch 14 is provided on the left side of the front portion of the pedestal 10 to switch the credit / payout of medals acquired by the player by a push operation.
When “payout” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, medals are paid out from the medal payout opening 15 at the lower front, and the paid out medals are stored in the medal receiving unit 16. On the other hand, when “credit” is selected, the number of medals is stored as a credit in a memory (for example, a RAM 43 described later) provided in the pachislot gaming apparatus 1.

On the right side of the stored medal settlement switch 14, a start lever 6 for rotating the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R by a player's operation is rotatably attached within a predetermined angular range. Three stop buttons 7L, 7C, and 7R for stopping the rotation of the three rotary reels 3L, 3R, and 3C are provided at the center of the front surface of the pedestal unit 10, respectively.

An enter button 26 and a cancel button 27 are provided on the right side of the front portion of the base 10. By operating the enter button 26 and the cancel button 27, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 can be switched, an instruction can be input, and the like.
A door opening / closing / clamping release device 29 is further provided on the right side of the front surface of the pedestal 10, and a predetermined key is inserted into the key hole of the door opening / closing / clamping release device 29 and turned to the right to rotate the front door. Open / close and turn counterclockwise to release the stop.

Speakers 21L and 21R are provided on the left and right above the housing 2, and a decorative LED lamp 23 is provided between the two speakers 21L and 21R.

The gaming state of the pachislot gaming apparatus 1 in the present invention includes “general gaming state”, “RB (regular bonus)”, and “RT (replay time)”. Each of these gaming states is basically distinguished according to the type of winning combination that may be won internally, the type of bonus that can be established, the mode of reel stop control (maximum number of sliding symbols), and the like. The “RB internal winning state” is a state in which a combination of symbols corresponding to the bonus has not yet been displayed on the activation line after the internal winning of the bonus, and is hereinafter also referred to as “internal winning state”.

“RB” exists in the winning combination that triggers the occurrence of the RB gaming state. The bonus request flag of “RB” is carried over to the game after the flag is set, and the symbol combination of “RB” (in this embodiment, “red 7”-“red 7”-“red 7”) is valid. When the winning line is actually established, the bonus requirement flag is cleared.
Flags other than the bonus requirement flag are valid only in the game in which the flag is set, and are cleared at the end of the game and are not carried over after the next game. Note that carrying over the internal winning combination is sufficient as long as the function as the internal winning combination determined in the internal lottery process can be exhibited in the following unit games, and can be appropriately configured in various modes. . For example, as in the present embodiment, a predetermined internal winning combination flag is cleared, and other flags can be used until the internal winning combination function is exhibited.

The RB operating flag is information for identifying whether or not the RB gaming state is set. The condition for updating the RB flag to be on is that RB is satisfied. The condition for updating the RB operating flag to OFF is either a predetermined number of games (12 times in this embodiment) or a predetermined number (8 times in this embodiment) of winning. Is satisfied.

When the condition that the RB operating flag is updated to OFF is satisfied, the RB operating flag is updated to OFF. When this RB operating flag is updated to OFF, the “RT game number counter” is updated. "100". The value of the RT game number counter is decremented by 1 each time a game is played, but when the value of the RT game number counter exceeds 0, the replay winning probability is set high, and the game is won for replay. It becomes easy to do.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of the liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming apparatus shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, on the back side of the liquid crystal display device 5, three rotating reels 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) having a plurality of identification information symbols drawn on their outer peripheral surfaces are rotatable. It is provided in a horizontal row.

The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 31 and a transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (not shown) provided on the back surface of the front panel 31. The front panel 31 includes a transparent display window 31 a and a pattern formation region 31 b on which a pattern is drawn. A screen image displayed on the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 provided on the back surface of the front panel 31 is displayed on the front panel 31. Visible through the display window 31a.

On the left side of the left side of the liquid crystal display device 5 are a game start display lamp 25, a WIN lamp 17, a medal insertion lamp 24, various BET lamps 9c, 2-BET lamp 9b and 1-BET lamp 9a, and the number of payouts. A display unit 18, a medal stored number display unit 19, and various display units such as an accessory operation number display unit 20 are provided. In addition, in the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, the front portions of the various lamps and the various display units described above are transparent, and the various lamps and the various display units can be visually recognized.

The 1-BET lamp 9a, the 2-BET lamp 9b, and the maximum BET lamp 9c are turned on according to the number of medals betted to play one game (game) (hereinafter also referred to as a BET number). One game ends when all the rotating reels are stopped, or when medals are paid out, when medals are paid out.

The WIN lamp 17 is also turned on when the “RB” winning is established. The game medal insertion lamp 24 blinks when the medal insertion is acceptable. The game start display lamp 25 is lit when at least one line is activated.

The number-of-payout display unit 18 displays the number of medals to be paid out when a winning is established, and the medal stored number display unit 19 displays the number of stored medals, and an accessory operation number display unit. 20 displays the number of medals paid out in RB, the number of games in RB, and the like. These display units consist of a 7-segment display.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1. 4 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG.
The liquid crystal display device 5 includes a front panel 31 composed of a protective glass 32 and a display plate 33, a transparent liquid crystal panel 34, a light guide plate 35, a reflective film 36, fluorescent lamps 37a, 37b, 38a, 38b, which are so-called white light sources, and a lamp holder. 39a to 39h, and a table carrier package (TCP) on which an IC for driving a transparent liquid crystal panel is mounted. The TCP is constituted by a flexible substrate (not shown) connected to a terminal portion of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34, or the like. .

The liquid crystal display device 5 is provided on the near side by rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. The rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R and the liquid crystal display device 5 are provided with a predetermined interval.

The protective glass 32 and the display board 33 are comprised with the transparent member.
On the display board 33, patterns and the like are formed at positions corresponding to the BET lamps 9a to 9c. That is, the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is formed is the pattern formation area 31b of the front panel 31, and the area where the pattern or the like of the display board 33 is not formed is the display window 31a of the front panel 31. (See FIG. 3). 3. Note that the entire surface of the front panel 31 may be used as the display window 31a without forming the pattern forming region 31b on the front panel 31. In this case, a pattern is not formed on the display board 33 or the display board 33 may be omitted.
Note that various lamps arranged on the back side of the display plate 33, electric circuits for operating the various display units, and the like are not shown.

The transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is formed by sealing liquid crystal in a gap between a transparent substrate such as a glass plate on which a thin film transistor layer is formed and a transparent substrate facing the transparent substrate.
The display mode of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 is set to normally white. The normally white is a configuration in which white display is performed (light transmitted to the display surface side is visible from the outside) in a state where the liquid crystal is not driven. By adopting a normally white transparent liquid crystal panel 34, even if a situation where the liquid crystal cannot be driven occurs, identification information such as symbols displayed on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R The variable display and stop display can be visually recognized, and the game can be continued. That is, even when such a situation occurs, it is possible to play a game centered on the variation display mode and the stop display mode of the identification information displayed on the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

The light guide plate 35 is for guiding light from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b to the transparent liquid crystal panel 34 (illuminating the transparent liquid crystal panel 34), and is provided on the back side of the transparent liquid crystal panel 34. It is composed of a transparent member (having a light guiding function) such as an acrylic resin having a thickness.

The reflective film 36 is, for example, a white polyester film or an aluminum thin film formed with a silver vapor deposition film, and reflects light introduced into the light guide plate 35 toward the front side of the light guide plate 35. The reflective film 36 includes a reflective area 36A and a non-reflective area (transmissive area) 36B.

The fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b are disposed along the upper end and the lower end of the light guide plate 35, and both ends are supported by a lamp holder 39 (see FIG. 3). The light emitted from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b is reflected by the reflection area 36A of the reflection film 36 to illuminate the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

The fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are arranged toward the rotary reels 3L, 3C, and 3R at the upper position and the lower position on the back side of the reflective film 36, respectively. The light coming out of the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b, reflected by the surfaces of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.

Thus, in the liquid crystal display device 5, the light irradiated from the fluorescent lamps 37a and 37b and reflected from the reflection region 36A of the reflective film 36 and the fluorescent lamps 38a and 38b are irradiated, and the rotation reels 3L, 3C and 3R The light reflected from the surface and incident on the non-reflective region 36B illuminates the transparent liquid crystal panel 34.
Accordingly, the region of the liquid crystal display device 5 corresponding to the non-reflective region 36B of the reflective film 36 is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state depending on whether or not the liquid crystal is driven. The region of the liquid crystal display device corresponding to is in a non-transparent state regardless of whether or not the liquid crystal is driven.

In the pachislot gaming device 1, only a part of the liquid crystal display device is a region that switches to a transparent / non-transparent state. In the gaming machine of the present invention, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is entirely transparent. / A region that switches to a non-transparent state may be used. In this case, in the pachislot gaming device 1, when the entire area of the liquid crystal display device 5 is an area to be switched to the transmission state or the non-transmission state, the reflection film 36 is all set to the non-reflection area 36 </ b> B or the reflection film 36 is omitted. Good.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG.
The main control circuit 81 has a microcomputer 40 disposed on a circuit board as a main component.
The main control circuit 81 corresponds to the game control device in the present invention.
The microcomputer 40 includes a CPU 41 that performs a control operation according to a preset program, a ROM 42, and a RAM 43. Connected to the CPU 41 are a clock pulse generation circuit 144 and a frequency divider 145 for setting a reference clock pulse, and a random number generator 146 and a sampling circuit 147 for generating a random number to be sampled. In addition, as a means for random number sampling, you may comprise so that the sampling of a random number may be performed on the operation | movement program of CPU41.

The ROM 42 stores various control commands (commands) to be transmitted to the sub control circuit 82. Examples of commands to be transmitted to the sub-control circuit 82 include commands related to display control for the liquid crystal display device 5 and commands related to audio control for the speaker 21. In addition, a command related to setting or releasing of RB is also stored in the ROM 42, and the setting or releasing of RB is notified to the sub-control circuit 82 by the command.

Various commands as described above are called from the ROM 42 by the CPU 41 and set in the RAM 43 when the predetermined condition is satisfied. The command set in the RAM 43 is supplied to the sub control circuit 82 at a predetermined timing. The sub control circuit 82 executes various processes based on the supplied command.

The sub control circuit 82 does not input a command or the like to the main control circuit 81, and communication is performed in one direction from the main control circuit 81 to the sub control circuit 82.

The ROM 42 is provided with a storage area for storing various tables and sequence programs. The ROM 42 stores a symbol arrangement table for associating the rotational positions of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the rotating reel, and a combination of symbols for winning, A winning symbol combination table (not shown) in which a winning medal dividend number is associated with a winning determination code representing the winning, an internal lottery table necessary for performing a lottery for determining an internal winning combination, and the like are stored. In addition to the above-described commands, the RAM 43 stores variables, flags, and the like related to game progress such as the number of credits corresponding to the number of medals.

The ROM 42 stores various control commands (commands) and the like for transmission to each circuit that controls the operation of the peripheral device (actuator).
Major peripheral devices (actuators) whose operations are controlled by control signals from the microcomputer 40 include various lamps (1-BET lamp 9a, 2-BET lamp 9b, maximum BET lamp 9c, WIN lamp 17, and game medal insertion. A lamp 24, a game start display lamp 25), various display units (payout number display unit 18, medal accumulated number display unit 19, and accessory operation number display unit 20), and medal are stored. There are a hopper (including a payout driving unit) 50 for paying out a predetermined number of medals, and stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R for rotating the rotary reels 3L, 3C, 3R.

Further, a motor drive circuit 49 for driving and controlling the stepping motors 59L, 59C and 59R, a hopper drive circuit 51 for driving and controlling the hopper 50, a lamp driving circuit 55 for driving and controlling various lamps, and a display for driving and controlling various display units. The unit drive circuit 58 is connected to the output unit of the CPU 41 via the I / O port 48. Each of these drive circuits receives a control signal such as a drive command output from the CPU 41, and controls the operation of each actuator.

The main input signal generator for generating an input signal necessary for the microcomputer 40 to generate a control command includes a start switch 6S as a game start command means, a 1-BET switch 11, a maximum BET switch 13, There are a stored medal settlement switch 14, a inserted medal sensor 22S, a reset switch 62, a setting key switch 63, a reel stop signal circuit 56, a reel position detection circuit 60, and a payout completion signal circuit 61. These are also connected to the CPU 41 via the I / O port 48.

The start switch 6S detects the operation of the start lever 6. The inserted medal sensor 22 </ b> S detects a medal inserted into the medal slot 22. The reel stop signal circuit 56 serving as a stop command means generates a stop command signal in response to the operation of each stop button 7L, 7C, 7R. With these operations, the decision button 26 and the cancel button 27 can switch the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 5 and input an instruction.

The reel position detection circuit 60 receives the pulse signal from the reel rotation sensor and transmits a signal for detecting the position of each of the rotating reels 3L, 3C, 3R to the CPU 41.
The payout completion signal circuit 61 generates a medal payout completion signal when the count value of the medal detection unit 50S (the number of medals paid out from the hopper 50) reaches a designated number. When the CPU 41 receives this medal payout completion signal, the driving of the hopper 50 is stopped via the hopper drive circuit 51 to complete the payout of medals. The medal detection unit 50S includes a medal sensor including a physical sensor for detecting medals paid out from the hopper 50, and can count the number of medals paid out by the medal sensor.

In the circuit shown in FIG. 5, the random number generator 146 generates a random number belonging to a certain numerical range, and the sampling circuit 147 samples one random number at an appropriate timing after the start lever 6 is operated. . Based on the random numbers sampled in this way and the internal lottery table stored in the ROM 42, an internal winning combination is determined.

After the rotation of the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is started, the number of drive pulses supplied to each of the stepping motors 59L, 59C, 59R is counted, and the counted value is written in a predetermined area of the RAM 43. From the reels 3L, 3C, 3R, reset pulses are obtained for each rotation, and these pulses are input to the CPU 41 via the reel position detection circuit 60. The count value of the drive pulse counted in the RAM 43 is cleared to “0” by the reset pulse thus obtained. As a result, the RAM 43 stores a count value corresponding to the rotation position within the range of one rotation for each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R.

In order to associate the rotational positions of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R with the symbols drawn on the outer peripheral surface of the reel, a symbol arrangement table is stored in the ROM. In this symbol arrangement table, with reference to the rotational position at which the reset pulse is generated as described above, the code number sequentially given for each fixed rotation pitch of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R, and the corresponding code number A symbol code indicating the symbol provided is associated with the symbol.

When internal winning is performed by lottery processing (internal lottery processing) based on the random number sampling, the CPU 41 receives an operation signal sent from the reel stop signal circuit 56 at the timing when the player operates the stop buttons 7L, 7C, 7R, and Based on the stop table, a signal for stopping the reels 3L, 3C, 3R is sent to the motor drive circuit 49.

In the stop mode indicating that the winning combination of the internal winning combination is established, when “payout” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, the CPU 41 supplies the hopper drive circuit 51 with a payout command signal. A predetermined number of medals are paid out from 50. At that time, the medal detection unit 50S counts the number of medals to be paid out from the hopper 50, and when the count value reaches a designated number, a medal payout completion signal is input to the CPU 41. As a result, the CPU 41 stops driving the hopper 50 via the hopper drive circuit 51 and ends the “medal payout process”.
On the other hand, when “credit” is selected by switching the stored medal settlement switch 14, the number of medals to be paid out is stored in the RAM 43 as credits.

A sub control circuit 82 is connected to the main control circuit 81 including the CPU 41.
The sub-control circuit 82 controls display of the liquid crystal display device 5, output control of sound from the speakers 21 </ b> L and 21 </ b> R, and LED (decorative LED lamp) 23 based on a control command (command) from the main control circuit 81. Control the lighting of. Further, although not shown, the determination button 26 and the cancel button 27 are connected to the sub control circuit 82.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sub control circuit shown in FIG. 5, and FIG. 6B is a diagram for explaining data and programs stored in the control ROM of the sub control circuit. .
In the present embodiment, the command is supplied from the main control circuit 81 to the sub-control circuit 82 and the signal cannot be supplied from the sub-control circuit 82 to the main control circuit 81. Not limited to this, the sub control circuit 82 may be configured to transmit a signal to the main control circuit 81.

The sub control circuit 82 includes a sub CPU 206, a control ROM 208, an SDRAM 210, a rendering processor 212, an SDRAM (frame buffer) 216, a driver 218, a D / A converter 232, and an amplifier 236.
The sub control circuit 82 corresponds to the effect control device in the present invention.
The sub CPU 206 is connected to the main control circuit 81 and is also connected to the control ROM 208, SDRAM 210, rendering processor 212, D / A converter 232, and LED 23. The rendering processor 212 is connected to the SDRAM (frame buffer) 216 and is connected to the liquid crystal display device 5 via the driver 218. The D / A converter 232 is connected to the speaker 21 via the amplifier 236.

The sub CPU 206 has a function of executing various processes in accordance with programs stored in the control ROM 208, and controls the sub control circuit 82 in accordance with various commands supplied from the CPU 41.

As shown in FIG. 6B, the control ROM 208 includes a program storage area and a data storage area.
The program storage area stores a sub CPU control program and the like.
In the data storage area, an effect determination table, drawing control data, audio control data for determining audio output contents, LED control data for determining LED lighting patterns, etc., which are referred to when determining the contents of effects Etc. are stored.

The sub CPU control program includes an inter-board communication thread including a main board communication task, an LED / audio control thread including an LED control task and an audio control task, a drawing thread including an effect registration task and a drawing control task, and the like. In addition, an operating system and a device driver are included. Each thread does not use the same address and does not destroy the address space of other threads. Tasks belonging to each thread are sequentially executed every time a predetermined time slice elapses. The main board communication task, the effect registration task, and the drawing control task will be described later.

The storage area for drawing control data includes an animation data storage area. In the animation data storage area, a main character object, a secondary character object, and a stage object are stored. The main character object data includes data indicating global coordinates, local coordinates, texture, camera viewpoint position, camera viewpoint angle, and the like.

The sub CPU 206 reads the program from the control ROM 208 and executes it based on the command supplied from the main control circuit 81 and the like. Then, in cooperation with the rendering processor 212, a process of generating a three-dimensional image and displaying it on the liquid crystal display device 5, a process of outputting sound from the speaker 21 via the D / A converter 232 and the amplifier 236, and the LED 23 The process of lighting up is performed.

Next, various tables and storage areas will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the symbol arrangement table.
The symbol arrangement table includes symbol information drawn on the reel outer peripheral surface corresponding to the symbol positions (code numbers) of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R. Based on the symbol arrangement table and a symbol combination table to be described later, the combination of symbols arranged along the activated pay line can be grasped.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the symbol combination table.
The symbol combination table is referred to when the display combination is determined in step S20 and the medal payout number is determined in step S22 in a main flowchart (see FIG. 15) described later. The symbol combination table stores the relationship among symbol combinations, medal payout numbers (payouts), and display combinations displayed on the activated pay line for the left reel 3L, middle reel 3C, and right reel 3R. In the same figure, when the combination of symbols shown in each of the reels 3L, 3C, and 3R is displayed on the activated pay line, the number shown in the corresponding payout number column and the display shown in the display combination column The combination is specified as the medal payout number and the display combination.

As shown in the figure, when “red cherry-ANY-ANY” is lined up along the activated pay line, a small combination of “red cherry” is specified as a display combination, and four medals are specified as a payout number. “ANY” indicates that any symbol may be used.
When “Bell-Bell-Bell” is lined up along the activated pay line, a small combination of “Bell” is specified as a display combination, and 15 medals are specified as a payout number.
When “watermelon-watermelon-watermelon” are arranged along the activated pay line, the small combination of “watermelon” is specified as the display combination, and 6 medals are specified as the payout number.

In addition, when “Replay-Replay-Replay” is arranged along the activated pay line, “Replay” is specified as a display combination, 0 medals are specified as the number of payouts, and the number of bets placed on the game in the unit game The same number of medals will be automatically inserted in the next unit game.
When “Red 7-Red 7-Red 7” are arranged along the activated pay line, “RB” is specified as the display combination, 0 medals are specified as the payout number, and the RB gaming state is activated.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal lottery table determination table.
This internal lottery table determination table is used when determining the number of times to win the internal winning combination in the internal lottery process (FIG. 15, S15) described later. In this table, numerical data representing the number of lotteries and the type of the internal lottery table used for lottery are assigned to each gaming state of the general gaming state and the RB gaming state. In an internal lottery process to be described later, lottery is performed for the number of lotteries represented by the numerical data using an internal lottery table corresponding to each gaming state.

In the general gaming state, data representing the number of lottery times 5 and the internal winning table for the general gaming state are allocated. In each unit game in the general gaming state, the number of lottery times is 5 times, and the general gaming state is set as the internal winning table. An internal winning table (see FIG. 10A) is determined.
Data representing the number of lottery times 3 and the internal lottery table for the RB gaming state is assigned to the RB gaming state. In each unit game in the RB gaming state, the number of lottery times is 3 times, and the RB gaming state is designated as the internal winning table. An internal winning table (see FIG. 10B) is determined.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the internal lottery table.
The internal lottery table is used when an internal winning combination is lottered in an internal lottery process (FIG. 15, S15) of a main flowchart described later. The internal lottery table stores random numbers in a predetermined range of 0 to 65535 generated by the random number generator 146 and extracted by the sampling circuit 147 as numerical data lower limit values and upper limit values that are divided into the respective winning numbers 1 to 5. (In the figure, “width” is shown for convenience of explanation).
Each winning number is associated with an internal winning combination, and numerical data is stored in each inserted number. Each winning number 1 to 5 has an upper limit value and a lower limit value that define each numerical range among numerical data of 0 to 65535 assigned to each gaming state in pairs, and the numerical range to which the extracted random number value belongs The winning number assigned in is selected.

In the internal lottery table for a general gaming state shown in FIG. 10A, an upper limit value and a lower limit value are assigned to each winning number when the inserted number is 1, 2, or 3, respectively.
Each winning number corresponds to a winning combination as follows. The winning number 1 corresponds to “Cherry”. The winning number 2 corresponds to “bell”. The winning number 3 corresponds to “watermelon”. The winning number 4 corresponds to “replay”. The winning number 5 corresponds to “RB”. When the random number extracted by the sampling circuit 147 is not included in the numerical range assigned to these winning numbers, the winning number is 0, and the winning number 0 corresponds to “losing”.

When the RT game number counter is not 0 (when it is 1 or more), the upper limit value corresponding to the winning number 4 of 3 inserted sheets is changed from 16864 to 65530. In this case, the replay can be won with a high probability.

In the general gaming state, the number of lotteries is five (see FIG. 9), and whether or not the winning numbers 5-1 are won based on the internal winning table for general gaming state shown in FIG. Is judged. However, when there is a carryover combination of “RB”, the number of lotteries is four (FIG. 17, step S42), and based on the internal winning table for general gaming state shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not each of them is won. Therefore, there is no possibility of winning “RB”.

In the RB gaming state, the number of lotteries is three (see FIG. 9), and whether or not the winning numbers 3 to 1 are won based on the RB gaming state internal winning table shown in FIG. 10B. Is judged.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of an internal winning combination determination table.
The internal winning combination determination table includes information (data) of an internal winning combination (flag information) corresponding to the winning number. The flag is represented by a binary number.
The winning number 0 is associated with “00000000” as an internal winning combination corresponding to “losing”.
The winning number 1 is associated with “00000001” as an internal winning combination corresponding to the small combination of “Cherry”.
The winning number 2 is associated with “00000010” as an internal winning combination corresponding to “bell”.
The winning number 3 is associated with “00000100” as an internal winning combination corresponding to “watermelon”.
The winning number 4 is associated with “00001000” as an internal winning combination corresponding to “Replay”.
The winning number 5 is associated with “00010000” as an internal winning combination corresponding to “RB”.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an example of the RB operation time table.
This RB operation time table is used in a bonus operation check process (FIG. 20) described later. This table stores a data storage area and data stored in the storage area in association with each other. As shown in the figure, in this table, the operating flag storage area is associated with the RB operating flag representing the gaming state as data, and the game possible number counter storage area is the upper limit of the number of games. A numerical value representing 12 times is associated as data, and a numerical value representing 8 times which is the upper limit of the number of winning times is associated as data in the winning possible number counter storage area.

The tables shown in FIGS. 7 to 12 are stored in the program ROM 42 of the main control circuit 81. In addition, the program ROM 42 stores a stop table, a stop table determination table, a pull-in priority table, and the like. ing.
The stop table shows information on the stop operation position and the stop control position (code number) of each reel 3L, 3C, 3R when a combination corresponding to the winning combination is arranged along a predetermined pay line (valid pay line). It is a provided table.
The stop table determination table is a table that is referred to when determining the stop table.
The pull-in priority table includes information on the relative priority of pulling in the symbol combinations corresponding to the combinations.

Next, a storage area of the control RAM 43 used for processing executed by the main CPU 41 will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 13A shows an example of the internal winning combination storage area, and FIG. 13B shows an example of the carryover combination storage area.
In this internal winning combination storage area, data representing the type of the internal winning combination determined by the internal lottery process (FIG. 15, S15) with reference to the internal winning combination determination table shown in FIG. 11 is stored.
On the other hand, in the carryover combination storage area, data of a carryover combination flag indicating the type of the carryover combination determined in the internal lottery process (S15 in FIG. 15) is stored.
Each storage area is composed of 8 bits from bit 0 to bit 7, and a numerical value shown in the data column is set in each bit.

In addition to the storage area shown in FIG. 13, the control RAM 43 is used for a stop for storing random number value storage areas in which random number values sampled by the sampling circuit 147 are stored, and data representing winning numbers determined in the internal winning process. A select counter storage area, an internal lottery result information storage area for storing the result of the internal lottery, and the like are provided.

A table stored in the data storage area of the control ROM included in the sub control circuit will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14A shows an example of the stage selection table.
The stage selection table is a table that is referred to when a bonus start command or a bonus end command is received. The general gaming state is associated with a town stage, the RB gaming state is associated with a coliseum stage, and the RT gaming state is associated with a castle stage.

FIG. 14B is a diagram illustrating an example of the effect determination table for the city stage.
In this effect determination table, an effect identifier and a random value (numerical range: 0 to 127) are associated with each internal winning combination. In the figure, the winning probability of each effect identifier is shown.
FIG. 14C shows an example of the effect data table.
In this effect data table, the contents of effects corresponding to each operation and the effect identifier are associated. This table is referred to when an effect content determination process (see FIG. 23) is performed.

Next, the control operation of the main CPU 41 of the main control circuit 81 will be described with reference to the flowchart showing the main routine shown in FIG.

First, the main CPU 41 performs an initialization process at the start of the game (step S10). Specifically, the contents stored in the control RAM 43 are initialized, the communication data is initialized, and the like. Next, the main CPU 41 clears the designated storage area in the control RAM 43 used for the previous game (step S11). Next, a medal acceptance / start check process (see FIG. 16) is performed (step S12). Next, a random value (numeric range: 0 to 65535) is extracted and stored in the random value storage area (step S13). Next, a gaming state monitoring process is performed (step S14). In this process, if the RB operating flag is ON, an identifier (flag) indicating the RB gaming state is stored in the control RAM 43, while if the RB operating flag is OFF, the identifier (flag) indicating the general gaming state. Is stored in the control RAM 43.

Next, an internal winning process (see FIG. 17) is performed (step S15). Next, the RT game number counter is updated (step S16). In this process, when the number of RT games is 1 or more, a process of subtracting 1 from the value of the RT game number counter set in the control RAM 43 is performed. Next, a start command is transmitted to the sub control circuit 82 (step S17). The start command includes data indicating a gaming state, a winning combination, and the like. Next, a request to start rotation of all the reels 3 is set (step S18). Thereby, rotation of all the reels 3 is started.
Next, a reel stop control process (see FIG. 18) is performed (step S19).

Thereafter, with reference to the symbol combination table (see FIG. 8), a display combination or the like is determined based on the symbol combination displayed along the active line (step S20). Next, a display command is transmitted to the sub control circuit 82 (step S21). The display command includes the type of symbol combination that is actually displayed on the activated pay line. Next, the main CPU 41 performs medal payout processing (step S22). In this process, if a game is being played with credits, the number of stored medals displayed on the medal stored number display unit 19 is increased by the number of medals acquired by winning, and the medal to the medal insertion slot 22 is increased. If a game is being performed by throwing in, the number of medals won by winning is paid out to the medal receiving unit 16.

Next, it is determined whether or not the RB operating flag is on (step S23). If it is determined that the flag is on, bonus end check processing (see FIG. 19) is executed (step S24). When it is determined in step S23 that the RB operating flag is off, or when the process of step S24 is executed, a bonus operation check process (see FIG. 20) is executed (step S25). The processes of steps S11 to S25 are processes performed in one game. When the process of step S25 is completed, the process returns to step S2 to start a new unit game.

Next, with reference to FIG. 16, the medal acceptance / start check process performed in step S12 (see FIG. 15) will be described.

First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a medal has been detected by the medal sensor 8S (step S30). When the passage of medals is detected, it is determined whether or not the inserted number counter in the control RAM 43 is the maximum value (step S31). This maximum value is 1 when the RB operating flag is on, and is 3 when the RB operating flag is off. If it is determined that the inserted number counter is not the maximum value, the inserted number counter is incremented by 1 (step S32), 5 is stored in the valid line counter (step S33), and a medal insertion command is transmitted to the sub-control circuit 82 (step S33). Step S34). The medal insertion command is a command for notifying the sub control circuit 82 of the number of medals bet on the unit game.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S31 that the inserted number counter is the maximum value, 1 is added to the credit counter in the control RAM 43 (step S35). If no medal passage is detected in step S30, or if the process of step S35 is executed, the BET switch (1-BET switch 11, maximum BET switch 13) is checked (step S36). In this process, when pressing of the BET switch is detected, a value for adding the insertion number counter is calculated based on the type of the BET switch, the insertion number counter, the credit counter, and the maximum value of the insertion number counter. Update the input number counter.

Next, it is determined whether or not the insertion number counter is 0 (step S37). If it is determined that the value is 0, the process returns to step S30. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not 0, it is determined whether or not the start switch is on (step S38). In this process, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not there is a signal input from the start switch 6S based on the operation of the start lever 6. If it is determined that the start switch is not on, the process returns to step S30. On the other hand, if it is determined that the start switch is on, this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the internal winning process that is called and executed in step S15 of the process shown in FIG.
First, the main CPU 41 refers to the internal lottery table determination table (see FIG. 9), and determines the type of the internal lottery table and the number of lotteries based on the gaming state set in step S14 (step S40). Subsequently, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not an RB identifier is stored in the carryover combination storage area (see FIG. 13B) (step S41). If it is determined that the RB identifier is stored, the number of lotteries is changed to 4 (step S42).

Next, the main CPU 41 sets the same value as the number of lotteries as a winning number (step S43). Next, the random number value stored in the random number storage area is compared with the lower limit value and the upper limit value according to the number of inserted sheets (step S44). Next, it is determined whether the random number value is not less than the lower limit value and not more than the upper limit value (step S45). When it is determined that the random number value is greater than or equal to the lower limit value and less than or equal to the upper limit value, the internal winning combination determination table is referred to and an internal winning combination is determined based on the winning number (step S46). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the internal winning combination is RB (step S47). If the internal winning combination is RB, an identifier indicating RB is stored in the carryover combination storing area (step S48). When it is determined in step S47 that the internal winning combination is not RB, or when the process of step S48 is executed, the logical sum of the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storing area is stored in the internal winning combination storing area (step S49). ).

If it is determined in step S45 that the random number value is greater than or equal to the lower limit value and less than or equal to the upper limit value, or if the process of step S49 is executed, a process of subtracting one lottery number is performed (step S50). Next, it is determined whether or not the number of lotteries is 0 (step S51). If it is determined that the number of lotteries is not 0, the process returns to step S43 while the number of lotteries is determined to be 0. Stores the logical sum of the internal winning combination and the carryover combination storing area in the internal winning combination storing area (step S52), and ends this subroutine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a reel stop control process subroutine called and executed in step S19 of the process shown in FIG.
In this reel stop control process, first, the main CPU 41 makes an effective operation by pressing one of the stop buttons 7 (7L, 7C, 7R) by rotating the reel 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) at a constant speed. It is determined whether or not the stop switch is “ON” (step S60). If it is determined that a valid stop switch is not “ON”, the process returns to step S60. On the other hand, if it is determined that a valid stop switch is turned on, data indicating that detection by the stop switch is invalid is stored in the control RAM 43 to invalidate the stop switch (step S61). . Next, 5 is set as the number of checks stored in the control RAM 43 (step S62). Next, the symbol position having the highest priority within the range of the number of checks is searched from the symbol position corresponding to the symbol counter (step S63). Next, the number of sliding frames is determined based on the search result (step S64). As a result, the amount of movement of the symbol position becomes the number of sliding frames. The number of checks includes the number of sliding frames “0”. In addition, when there are a plurality of symbol positions having the highest priority, the number of sliding symbols in a predetermined priority (for example, 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 4) is determined from the number of sliding symbols that can be determined. To decide. Next, the process proceeds to waiting for the stop control position, and a process of waiting until the symbol moves to the determined stop scheduled position is performed (step S65). Thereafter, a reel stop command is transmitted (step S66). As a result, the reel 3 is stopped and the liquid crystal display device 5 and the speaker 21 produce an effect when the reel is stopped.
Next, it is determined whether or not a valid stop switch exists (step S67). If there is a valid stop switch (if there is still a rotating reel 3), the process returns to step S60, while if there is no valid stop switch (all reels 3 are stopped). ), This subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of bonus end check processing called and executed in step S24 of the processing shown in FIG.
First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not a winning has been established (step S70). If it is determined that a winning has been established, the main CPU 41 performs a process of subtracting 1 from a winning possible number counter (step S71). It is determined whether it is 0 (step S72).

If it is determined in step S70 that no winning has been established, or if it is determined in step S72 that the number of possible winnings is not 0, a process of subtracting 1 from the possible number of games counter is performed (step S73). Subsequently, a process of determining whether or not the game possible number counter is 0 is performed (step S74).

If it is determined in step S72 that the possible number of winnings is 0, or if it is determined that the possible number of games counter is 0, processing at the end of RB is performed (step S75). In this processing, processing such as clearing the game possible number counter or the possible winning number counter, or setting the RB operating flag to OFF is performed. Thereafter, 100 is stored in the RT game number counter (step S76), and this subroutine is terminated. Therefore, the RT gaming state is set until 100 games are played after the RB gaming state ends.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of bonus operation check processing that is called and executed in step S25 of the processing shown in FIG.
First, the main CPU 41 determines whether or not the display combination is RB (step S80). If it is determined that the display combination is not RB, this subroutine is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the display combination is RB, a bonus activation process is performed based on the bonus activation table (step S81). In this process, a game possible number counter and a winning possible number counter are set, and an RB operation flag is turned on. Thereafter, the carryover combination storage area is cleared (step S82), and this subroutine is terminated.

Next, processing performed in the sub control circuit 82 will be described.
In the sub control circuit 82, as described above, the main board communication task (see FIG. 21), the effect registration task (see FIGS. 22 to 24), and the image control task (FIG. 25) are sequentially switched around a predetermined periphery. Done.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the main board communication task.
First, the sub CPU 206 receives a command from the main control circuit 81 (step S100), and subsequently receives a command type from the main control circuit 81 (step S101). Next, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not a command different from the previous one has been received (step S102). If the sub CPU 206 determines that a command different from the previous one has been received, the sub CPU 206 stores the message queue (in the FIFO method) in the SDRAM 212. (Data structure) (step S103), and the process returns to step S100.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the effect registration task.
First, the sub CPU 206 performs processing for extracting a message (command) from the message queue (step S110), and determines whether or not there is a message (step S111). If it is determined that there is a message, game information is copied from the message (step S112), and based on the game information, an effect content determination process (see FIG. 23) is performed (step S113).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S111 that there is no message, or if the process of step S113 is executed, an animation data registration process (see step S24) is performed (step S114). Thereafter, LED data / sound data is registered (step S115), and the process returns to step S110.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of effect content determination processing that is called and executed in step S113 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the start command is received based on the game information (step S120). If the start command is received, the sub CPU 206 refers to the effect table stored in the control ROM 208 to determine the effect. The contents are determined (step S121). The effect table includes a stage effect determination table (for example, see FIG. 14B), an effect data table (for example, see FIG. 14C), and the like. For example, the sub CPU 206 extracts a random number belonging to a predetermined numerical range (0 to 127) by a random number generation program stored in the control ROM 208, refers to the stage effect determination table based on the random number value, and determines an effect identifier. decide. Subsequently, based on the effect identifier, the effect data table is referenced to determine the effect content. After executing the processing of step S121, this subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in step S120 that the start command is not received, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not the reel stop command is received based on the game information (step S122). In step S123, an effect is advanced based on the type of reel (step S123), and this subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in step S122 that the reel stop command is not received, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not it is a display combination command reception (step S124). The performance is advanced based on the combination (step S125), and this subroutine is finished.

If it is determined in step S124 that the display combination command is not received, the sub CPU 206 determines whether or not it is a bonus start command or bonus end command reception (step S126). First, a stage is selected based on the stage selection table (step S127), and this subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in step S126 that neither the bonus start command nor the bonus end command is received, the presentation proceeds based on the inserted number (step S128), and this subroutine is terminated.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of animation data that is called and executed in step S114 of the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the sub CPU 206 acquires animation data from the control ROM 208 based on the determined effect content (step S130). This animation data includes an object.

Next, it is determined whether or not the RT is operating, that is, whether or not the RT game number counter is 1 or more (step S131). If it is determined that the RT is in operation, it is determined whether or not the production identifier is “coin” (step S132). If it is “coin”, it is changed to a target capturing camera and registered (step S133). ). As a result, the position of the attention point set in the world coordinate space is changed, and a different three-dimensional image is generated. Thereafter, this subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S132 that the effect identifier is not “coin”, it is determined whether or not the effect identifier is “return” (step S134), and if the effect identifier is “return”, The global coordinates in the world coordinate space set for the secondary character object are changed (rotated with reference to a predetermined axis) and registered (step S135). As a result, a three-dimensional image in which only the secondary character object rotates is generated. Thereafter, this subroutine ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S134 that the effect identifier is not “return”, it is determined whether or not the effect identifier is “paper airplane” (step S136), and the effect identifier is “paper airplane”. Acquires a specific viewpoint position (specific point) from the world coordinate space (step S137), divides the virtual line connecting the current viewpoint to the specific viewpoint position (specific point) into 10 parts, and registers each point as a viewpoint candidate point (Step S138). Thereafter, by generating a three-dimensional image while sequentially moving the viewpoint to the viewpoint candidate points, it is possible to realize display of a three-dimensional image in which the viewpoint is switched in stages. After the process of step S138, this subroutine is terminated. Even when it is determined in step S136 that the effect identifier is not “paper airplane”, the present subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in step S131 that the RT is operating, it is determined whether or not the viewpoint position and the movement restriction object (viewpoint restriction object) collide (step S139). If it is determined that there is a collision, two points on the circumference of the movement restriction object are determined as the start and end of the viewpoint position (step S140). The movement-restricted object is a colorless and transparent object that is included in the view volume but is not included in the three-dimensional image, and has a shape surrounding the object of the main character. Move. Further, the viewpoint moves along a straight line connecting the start and end points.
After the process of step S140 is terminated, this subroutine is terminated.

If it is determined in step S139 that the viewpoint position does not collide with the movement restriction object, it is next determined whether or not the viewpoint position collides with the collision restriction object (step S141). If it is determined that there has been a collision, the viewpoint position is changed within the surface of the collision restricting object (step S142).
The collision-restricted object is a colorless and transparent object that is included in the view volume but is not included in the three-dimensional image. Each character object has a shape surrounding the object, and the object It moves with the movement of.
For the main character object, a collision restricting object is disposed so as to surround the object, and a movement restricting object is disposed so as to surround the collision restricting object. If it is determined in step S141 that the two do not collide, or if the process of step S142 is executed, this subroutine is terminated.

22 to 24 determine the environment in the world coordinate space (for example, the arrangement of objects, the movement path of the viewpoint, the position of the point of interest, etc.). In the image control task shown in FIG. 25, processing for generating a three-dimensional image is performed based on the determined environment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the image control task.
First, waiting for 1/30 second is performed (step S150), and then coordinate conversion is performed (step S151). This processing includes conversion from local coordinates of each object to world coordinates, setting of a viewpoint coordinate system / uvn coordinate system, and the like. Next, the texture is replaced (step S152), and writing to the SDRAM (frame buffer) 216 is performed (during vblank) (step S153). Thereafter, the frame is waited for the specified number of times (step S154), and the process returns to step S150. As a result, the three-dimensional image data is output from the SDRAM (frame buffer) 216 at a period of 1/30 seconds, and the three-dimensional image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5.

[3D image generation processing]
Subsequently, the generation process of the three-dimensional image will be described in detail.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of 3D image generation processing performed in the sub control circuit 82. This processing corresponds to steps S151 to S152 of the subroutine shown in FIG. 25, and is processing performed when generating one frame of 3D image data. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the process shown in FIG. 26, it is possible to display a video composed of a three-dimensional image. Further, the following processing is processing performed by the sub CPU 206 and the rendering processor 212 connected to each other by a bus. That is, the sub CPU 206 performs object modeling and texture mapping. On the other hand, the rendering processor 212 performs rendering in accordance with an instruction (command) from the sub CPU 206 and also performs pixel drawing. Note that data and programs necessary for tasks executed by the rendering processor 212 are expanded in the SDRAM 216 at the time of activation.

In the process shown in FIG. 26, first, the object stored in the animation data storage area (see FIG. 6B) is read based on the data determined or registered in the effect registration task (see FIGS. 22 to 24). Then, modeling of objects (main character object, secondary character object, stage object, collision restriction object, movement restriction object) to be arranged in the world coordinate space is performed (step S1), and the shape of each object is determined. At this time, the shape of each object is expressed by a local coordinate system set for each object. The collision restricting object corresponds to a virtual object in the present invention. The movement restriction object corresponds to the viewpoint restriction object in the present invention.

Next, rendering is performed in steps S2 to S6 described later.
First, projection (coordinate conversion) is performed (step S2), and then clipping is performed (step S3). This process will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 27 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the world coordinate space.
Each object described above is arranged in the world coordinate space W (X, Y, Z). In the figure, only the main character object MC, the sub-character object SC, and the collision restriction object (virtual object) VO are shown for convenience of explanation. The object VO has a shape surrounding both the object MC and the object SC.

Each object is represented by a local coordinate space set for each object. For example, the object MC is represented by a local coordinate space L (Lx, Ly, Lz). The viewpoint coordinate system E (x, y, z) is a coordinate system for setting the viewpoint P, the visual axis A, and the point of interest S. Note that the attention point S is set in the face portion of the object MC.
The uvn coordinate system U (u, v, n) is a coordinate system for setting a field window, the n axis coincides with the x axis of the viewpoint coordinate system, and the uv plane becomes the view window Vw. In the figure, Vv indicates a view volume, F indicates a front clip surface, and R indicates a rear clip surface.

In step S2, each object is arranged in the world coordinate space by converting the local coordinates of each object to world coordinates, and the viewpoint P, the visual axis A, and the attention point S are set. In step S3, the uvn coordinate system U is set, and objects not included in the view volume Vv are deleted.

Next, a hidden surface process is performed (step S4), and the surface that is not visually recognized from the viewpoint is deleted. Next, shading for setting brightness for each pixel is performed (step S5), texture mapping is performed (step S6), and this subroutine is terminated.

In the pachislot gaming device 1, the environment of the world coordinate space is changed every time the unit process (the process shown in FIG. 26) is repeatedly executed. This environment includes, for example, the arrangement position and shape of each object, the viewpoint position, and the point of interest (visual axis). Due to this change in environment, a video image composed of a three-dimensional image is displayed.

FIGS. 28A to 28F are diagrams schematically showing changes in the environment of the world coordinate space.
FIGS. 29A to 29F are diagrams schematically showing a three-dimensional image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 when the environment in the world coordinate space shown in FIG. 28 is changed.

An object MC and an object SC are arranged in the world coordinate space.
Further, a spherical collision restricting object (virtual object) VO surrounding the objects MC and SC is arranged. Furthermore, an annular (donut-shaped) movement restriction object (viewpoint restriction object) RO surrounding the collision restriction object VO is arranged.
Each time the unit processing is performed on the objects MC and SC, the positions of the objects MC and SC move, and the shapes of the objects MC and SC sequentially change in a manner of running in the moving direction. The moving direction is set according to the contents of the effect determined each time the game is played. Further, the collision restricting object VO and the movement restricting object RO move as the objects MC and SC move. In the present embodiment, the attention point S is fixed at the center of the spherical collision restricting object VO.

First, when the viewpoint P and the movement-restricted object RO collide (FIG. 24, step S139: YES), two points on the surface of the movement-restricted object RO are determined at random, and these two points are set as the start end Ps and the end Pe. The movement path T of the viewpoint P is set (FIG. 24, step S140).
Then, the viewpoint P is moved from the start end Ps along the movement path T (see FIG. 28A).
When a three-dimensional image is generated based on this world coordinate space, a three-dimensional image showing how the main character MC ′ and the sub-character SC ′ run in the depth direction is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (FIG. 29). (See (a)).

Thereafter, when the viewpoint P is moved along the movement path T, the viewpoint P collides with the collision restricting object VO (see FIG. 28B).
When a three-dimensional image is generated based on this world coordinate space, a three-dimensional image showing the enlarged main character MC ′ and subordinate character SC ′ is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (see FIG. 29B). .

Since the viewpoint P has collided with the collision regulation object VO (FIG. 24, step S141: YES), the detour route Z is set. In the detour path Z, the contact position between the viewpoint P and the collision restricting object VO is the starting end Zs, and the other intersection of the movement path T and the collision restricting object VO is the end Ze via the surface of the collision restricting object VO. It is a route. Then, the viewpoint P is moved along the detour path Z, and the viewpoint P is moved onto the collision restricting object VO (see FIG. 24, step S142) (see FIG. 28C).
When a three-dimensional image is generated based on this world coordinate space, a three-dimensional image showing the main character MC ′ and the sub-character SC ′ drawn at an angle from the side is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (FIG. 29). (See (c)).

When the viewpoint P reaches the end Ze of the detour path Z, the viewpoint P is returned to the movement path T (see FIG. 28D). When a three-dimensional image is generated based on this world coordinate space, a three-dimensional image showing the main character MC ′ and the sub-character SC ′ drawn from the front angle is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (FIG. 29 ( d)).

Then, the viewpoint P reaches the end Pe of the movement route T (see FIG. 28E).
When a three-dimensional image is generated based on the world coordinate space, a three-dimensional image showing the reduced main character MC ′ and subordinate character SC ′ is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (see FIG. 29 (e)). .

Since the viewpoint P collides with the movement restriction object RO (FIG. 24, step S139: YES9), two points on the surface of the movement restriction object are determined (FIG. 24, step S140). Here, the current viewpoint is set as one point, and the other point is randomly determined from the surface of the movement restricted object. Then, a movement route T is set with the current viewpoint as the start point Ps and the other point as the end point Pe, and the viewpoint P is moved along the movement route T (see FIG. 28F).
When a three-dimensional image is generated based on this world coordinate space, a three-dimensional image showing the main character MC ′ and the sub-character SC ′ drawn from an oblique angle is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 5 (FIG. 29 (f) )reference).

As described above, according to the pachislot gaming apparatus 1, the collision restriction object VO surrounding the objects MC and SC is arranged, and the movement restriction object RO surrounding the collision restriction object VO is arranged. Then, two points are selected at random from the surface of the movement restriction object RO, and a movement route T is set with the two points as the start and end points. Then, a three-dimensional image is generated while moving the viewpoint P along the movement path T. When the viewpoint P comes into contact with the collision restriction object RO, a new detour path Z is set, and a three-dimensional image is generated while moving the viewpoint P along the detour path Z. Return to the movement path T.
Therefore, even if the movement route T is set at random, it is possible to prevent the viewpoint P from colliding with the objects MC and SC and displaying an unnatural image, so that the impression that the presentation is obsolete or It is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

Note that the continuous movement over a plurality of games means that the position of an object at the end of a certain game is substantially the same as the position of the object at the start of the next game. Therefore, the movement of an object that has moved in a predetermined direction in a different direction at the start of the next game corresponds to a continuous motion over a plurality of games. For example, each time a game is started, the movement mode of the object is determined, and the object is moved based on the movement mode, so that a continuous operation over a plurality of games can be performed.

In the present embodiment, the case where the collision restricting object (virtual object) is a spherical shape has been described. However, in the present invention, the shape of the collision restricting object is not particularly limited as long as the shape surrounds the object. In the present embodiment, the case where the collision restricting object has a shape that collectively surrounds a plurality of objects has been described. However, in the present invention, for each of the plurality of objects arranged in the world coordinate space, A collision restricting object having a shape surrounding the object may be arranged. When the collision restricting object has a shape that collectively surrounds the plurality of objects, the plurality of objects move within the collision restricting object. At that time, the collision restricting object may be stopped or moved. On the other hand, when a collision restricting object having a shape surrounding the object is arranged for each of the plurality of objects, the collision restricting object moves as each object moves.

In the present invention, it is desirable that all the objects arranged in the world coordinate space are surrounded by the collision restricting object. This is because the collision between the object and the viewpoint can be surely prevented. Note that enclosing an object does not necessarily mean enclosing the entire object. For example, the virtual object may have a shape surrounding a part of the object as long as it can prevent contact between the viewpoint and the object.

In the present embodiment, the case where the movement restriction object (virtual viewpoint restriction object) has a donut shape has been described. However, in the present invention, the shape of the movement restriction object is not particularly limited. The viewpoint restriction area in the present invention is desirably the surface of a movement restriction object (virtual viewpoint restriction object).

In the present invention, the method for setting the viewpoint movement route is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include the following methods.
A method of selecting one movement path each time a game is played, from a plurality of predetermined movement paths (for example, a movement path relatively determined with reference to the position of a predetermined character object).
From the world coordinate space, two points at a predetermined distance from a predetermined character object are randomly selected by lottery or the like, and a virtual line (straight line or curve) connecting the two points as the start and end points is generated. How to set a line as a travel path.

When two points on the surface of the movement restriction object are selected and a virtual line connecting the two points as the start and end points is set as a movement route, first, one point is selected by lottery or the like, and then from that one point One point separated by a predetermined distance can be selected by lottery.

In the present invention, the setting method of the detour route is not particularly limited, and a plurality of predetermined detour routes (relatively determined on the surface of the collision restricting object on the basis of the contact position with the moving route). A detour route), and a method of selecting one movement route each time a game is played. In this case, different bypass routes may be set for each of a plurality of internal winning combinations, and a detour route corresponding to the internal winning combination determined by the game control device may be selected. In this case, it is possible to notify the player of the internal winning combination with the difference in camera angle while maintaining the development of the video and the story, and there are many variations without increasing the amount of data. It is possible to give notice of the internal winning role by the video.

In the present invention, the moving speed of the viewpoint is not particularly limited, and may be constant or may be changed according to the length of the moving path. Alternatively, different values (speed values) may be set for each of the plurality of internal winning combinations, and the moving speed of the viewpoint corresponding to the internal winning combination determined by the game control device may be selected. In this case, it is possible to notify the player of the internal winning combination by the difference in the change speed of the camera angle while maintaining the development of the video and the story, without increasing the amount of data. A wide variety of images enables the advance notice of internal winning roles.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described, it is merely a specific example, and the present invention is not particularly limited, and the specific configuration of each means and the like can be appropriately changed in design. The effects described in the embodiments of the present invention are only the most preferable effects resulting from the present invention, and the effects of the present invention are limited to those described in the embodiments of the present invention. is not.

It is a perspective view showing typically an example of a pachislot gaming device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged front view showing the vicinity of a liquid crystal display device included in the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows schematic structure of the liquid crystal display device with which the pachislot gaming machine shown in FIG. 1 is provided. FIG. 4 is a development view of a part of the configuration of the liquid crystal display device shown in FIG. 3. It is a block diagram which shows the internal structure of the pachislot gaming device shown in FIG. (A) is a block diagram showing a configuration of the sub-control circuit shown in FIG. 5, and (b) is a diagram for explaining data and programs stored in a control ROM of the sub-control circuit. It is a figure which shows an example of a symbol arrangement | positioning table. It is a figure which shows an example of a symbol combination table. It is a figure which shows an example of an internal lottery table determination table. (A) is a figure which shows an example of the internal lottery table for general gaming states, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the internal winning table for RB gaming states. It is a figure which shows an example of an internal winning combination determination table. It is a figure which shows an example of a table at the time of a bonus action | operation. (A) is a figure which shows an example of an internal winning combination storage area, (b) is a figure which shows an example of a carryover combination storage area. (A) is a figure which shows an example of a stage selection table, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the effect determination table for town stages, (c) is a figure which shows an example of an effect data table. . It is a flowchart which shows the main routine performed in a main control circuit. 16 is a flowchart showing a subroutine of medal acceptance / start check processing that is called and executed in step S12 of the processing shown in FIG. 15; FIG. 16 is a first flowchart showing a subroutine of an internal lottery process called and executed in step S15 of the process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of a reel stop control process called and performed in step S19 of the process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the bonus completion | finish check process called and performed in step S24 of the process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the bonus operation | movement check process called and performed in step S25 of the process shown in FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the main board | substrate communication task performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the effect registration task performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the production content determination process performed in a sub-control circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the animation data registration process performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the image control task performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a flowchart which shows the subroutine of the three-dimensional image generation process performed in a subcontrol circuit. It is a perspective view which shows an example of a world coordinate space typically. (A)-(f) is a figure which shows typically the change of the environment of a world coordinate space. (A)-(f) is a figure which shows typically the three-dimensional image displayed on a liquid crystal display device, when the change of the environment of the world coordinate space shown in FIG. 28 is performed.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Pachislot gaming device 2 Case 3 (3L, 3C, 3R) Rotating reel 5 Liquid crystal display device 6 Start lever 6S Start switch 7 (7L, 7C, 7R) Stop button 34 Transparent liquid crystal panel 41 CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
82 Sub-control circuit

Claims (4)

A gaming machine that includes a variable display unit that displays a plurality of pieces of identification information in a variable manner and then stops and displays the result of the game based on a combination of the plurality of pieces of identification information that are stopped and displayed on the variable display unit. There,
A game control device that determines a winning combination from multiple types of winning combinations and determines the result of each game, and an object that performs continuous movements over multiple games is placed in the world coordinate space to produce a tertiary An effect control device that performs processing for generating an original image, and a display device that displays a three-dimensional image generated by the effect control device,
The production control device arranges a virtual object surrounding the object in the world coordinate space, selects two points belonging to a predetermined viewpoint defining area in the world coordinate space, and sets the two points as a start end and an end Set a movement route and execute a process of generating a three-dimensional image while moving the viewpoint along the movement route,
When the viewpoint touches the virtual object, a detour path from the contact position to the other intersection of the movement path and the virtual object via the surface of the virtual object is determined, and the detour path after generating the three-dimensional image while moving the viewpoint along, it executes a process attempting to bring the viewpoint to the movement path,
In the determination of the bypass route by the effect control device, there is a bypass route according to the winning combination determined by the game control device from a plurality of bypass routes set differently for each of the plurality of types of winning combinations. A gaming machine that is selected . 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 , wherein the effect control device sets the end of the viewpoint movement path set last time as the start of the viewpoint movement path set this time. The viewpoint defined region, game machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the surface of the virtual viewpoint restriction object that has a shape that surrounds the virtual object placed in the world coordinate space. The production control device selects a moving speed of the viewpoint according to a winning combination determined by the game control device from speeds set in advance so as to be different for each of the plurality of types of winning combinations. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images