JP5057378B2 - Image processing apparatus and method, and gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for combining and displaying a plurality of images (still images, moving images).

  Conventionally, for example, in a situation where three image objects A, B, and C are drawn and combined individually (when image objects A, B, and C are included in different sprites or moving images), A (back) → B When creating a composite image that overlaps in the order of (middle) → C (front), an image X including an image object A (FIG. 14A), an image Y including an image object B (FIG. 14B), and an image object An image Z including C (FIG. 14C) was drawn in the order of X, Y, and Z to create a composite image (FIG. 14D).

  In the conventional method, it is not possible to create a composite image in an overlapping manner in which an image object included in another image is sandwiched between a plurality of image objects included in one image.

  For example, consider a situation in which a moving image P in which characters A and C appear as image objects and a moving image Q in which character B appears are combined and displayed for each frame.

  In this case, how the frame image X of the moving image P including the characters A and C (FIG. 15A) and the frame image Y of the moving image Q including the character B (FIG. 15B) are combined. However, an overlapping composite image in which character B is sandwiched between characters A and C, that is, a composite image overlapping in order of A (back) → B (middle) → C (front) (FIG. 15C). ) Cannot be created.

  If drawing is performed in the order of the frame image X and the frame image Y, a composite image is overlapped in the order of A (back) → C (middle) → B (front) (FIG. 15D). This is because if the images are drawn in this order, the resultant images overlap in the order of B (back) → A (middle) → C (front) (FIG. 15E).

  Therefore, the present invention provides a new framework capable of creating a composite image in an overlapping manner in which an image object included in another image is sandwiched between a plurality of image objects included in one image. With the goal.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus of the present invention includes image objects A and C, and includes image X data set so that the alpha values of the image objects A and C are different, and an image object B. The compositing target storage means for storing the data of the image Y, the data of the image X and the image Y are read with reference to the compositing target storage means, and the range including the alpha value of the image object A is made opaque. , And then draw the image Y including the image object B, and then draw the image X so that the range not including the alpha value of the image object A and including the alpha value of the object C is opaque, Synthesizing means for creating a synthesized image.

  Preferably, the image Y includes the image object D and is set so that the alpha values of the image objects B and D are different from each other, and the combining means makes the range including the alpha value of the image object A opaque. Draw the image X, then draw the image Y so that the range including the alpha value of the image object B is opaque, and then the range not including the alpha value of the image object A and including the alpha value of the object C Image X is rendered opaque, and then image Y is rendered such that the range not including the alpha value of image object B and including the alpha value of object D is opaque to create a composite image It is characterized by that.

  Also preferably, means for storing data of the moving images P and Q, an image X as a frame image of the moving image P, an image Y as a frame image of the moving image Q, and the generated images X and Means for writing the data of the image Y into the compositing target storage means.

  A gaming machine according to the present invention includes the image processing apparatus according to the present invention.

  Here, the “gaming machine” is not limited, but includes, for example, a rotary gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “slot machine”), a pachinko machine (including a first kind pachinko machine and a second kind pachinko machine), and the like.

  The image processing method of the present invention stores image data including image objects A and C and image X set to have different alpha values for image objects A and C and image Y including image object B. A step of reading the data of the image X and the image Y with reference to the compositing target storage unit, and based on the read data, the image X is drawn so that the range including the alpha value of the image object A is opaque, The image Y including the image object B is drawn, and then the image X is drawn so that the range including the alpha value of the object C and not including the alpha value of the image object A is opaque, thereby creating a composite image. And a synthesis step.

  The image processing method of the present invention can be implemented by a computer. A computer program therefor can be used, for example, for business use or home use through various media such as a CD-ROM, a magnetic disk, a semiconductor memory, and a communication network. It can be installed or loaded into a memory in an information processing apparatus such as a video game machine or a personal computer. In this case, these video game machines and personal computers function as game devices that simulate the game machine of the present invention. In this case, each component of the gaming machine (reel, switch, etc.), a character displayed on the display screen of the gaming machine, etc. can be grasped as an image object / image area displayed on the display or the like by the gaming device. it can.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a new framework capable of creating a composite image in an overlapping manner in which an image object included in another image is sandwiched between a plurality of image objects included in one image. Can do.

  Hereinafter, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gaming machine (slot machine, slot game) (hereinafter also referred to as “actual machine”) installed in a game hall or the like by reading a simulation program from a recording medium into a consumer entertainment device. The case of simulating the operation of. However, the following embodiment is merely an application example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the embodiment and can be variously modified and applied.

(Composition of entertainment equipment)
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic external configuration of a consumer entertainment device 1 (for example, a home game machine).

  As shown in FIG. 1, the entertainment device 1 is roughly composed of a device main body 10, an operation input device 20, and a display device 30.

  The apparatus main body 10 includes a disc holder unit 11 for setting a first external recording medium 44a such as a DVD-ROM on which a simulation program is recorded at a position where data can be read by a first external recording medium drive 44 described later, a program The insertion port 12 for setting a second external recording medium 45a such as a memory card for recording the progress information (save data) in a position where the second external recording medium drive 45 described later can read / write data; A controller terminal 13 for connecting a cable of the operation input device 20 to an operation input processing unit 48 to be described later, a POWER button 14 for turning on the power of the apparatus body 10, an open / close switch 15 for opening and closing the disk holder unit 11, AV cable 16 for connection with display device 30 and external commercial power supply And a power cable 17 for connection.

  The operation input device 20 includes a START button 21, an arrow key 22, a ○ button 23a, an X button 23b, a □ button 23c, a Δ button 23d, an R1 button 24a, an R2 button 24b, and an L1 button for an operator to perform various game operations. 25a, L2 button 25b and the like. These operation buttons are assigned to operation switches of a gaming machine to be simulated when the entertainment apparatus 1 executes a simulation program.

  The display device (monitor device, TV device) 30 externally outputs a display screen 31 such as a CRT type or a flat panel type for displaying an image generated by the device main body 10 and an effect sound generated by the device main body 10. Left and right speakers 32a and 32b are provided.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration inside the entertainment apparatus 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus body 10 includes a CPU 41, a ROM 42, a control system CNTL including a main memory (RAM) 43, first and second external recording medium drives 44 and 45, an image processing unit 46, and an audio processing unit. 47, an operation input processing unit 48, a power supply interface unit 49, and the like.

  The CPU 41 becomes the center of the control operation of the entertainment apparatus 1, outputs an I / O address via the system bus SB, selects a specific component, inputs / outputs data, and controls the entire apparatus centrally. . In particular, the CPU 41 transfers the simulation program of the first external recording medium 44a to the game program recording area 43a of the main memory 43 via the first external recording medium drive 44, and executes the simulation program, for example, an image The entertainment apparatus 1 is caused to function as the simulation apparatus of the present invention by transmitting data and commands necessary for the drawing to the image processing unit 46.

  The ROM 42 is a non-volatile memory that stores an activation program used when the entertainment apparatus 1 is activated, a basic system program for operating the apparatus, and the like. Immediately after the power is turned on, the CPU 41 executes the startup program of the ROM 42 and confirms that the first external recording medium 44a is mounted on the disk holder unit 11, and stores the data of the external recording medium 44a in the main memory 43. Operates to forward.

  The RAM 43 is a main memory, and a part or all of the simulation program and various data (video image file, effect sound file, text file, etc.) transferred from the first external recording medium 44a are temporarily stored in the game program recording area 43a. In addition to recording and holding, the save data read from the second external recording medium 45a or work data in progress of the game is temporarily recorded and held in the game progress data recording area 43b. The program data is recorded as binary data, and the video image file is recorded as data compressed by a predetermined moving image compression format (such as MPEG) as necessary.

  Note that the control system CNTL indicated by the chain line in the figure includes a DMAC (not shown). This DMAC is used for interrupt control and direct memory access (DMA) for peripheral devices connected to the system bus SB. By performing the transfer control, data can be directly exchanged between various peripheral devices and the RAM 43 via the system bus SB without going through the CPU 41, thereby allowing high speed and large capacity without the overhead of the CPU 41. Data transfer is realized.

  The first external recording medium drive 44 reads a simulation program and various information recorded on a first external recording medium 44a such as a DVD-ROM. The second external recording medium drive 45 reads and writes save data and the like with respect to the second external recording medium 45a such as a memory card.

  The image processing unit 46 includes semiconductor devices such as an image decoder 46a, a GPU 46b having a frame buffer (VRAM) 46c, and a display controller 46d, and can generate and reproduce both a three-dimensional CG image and a video image (moving image). It is configured.

  The image decoder 46a of the image processing unit 46 reads effect moving image data of an arbitrary chapter from a video image file stored in the first external recording medium 44a, and performs a video frame by decoding processing corresponding to the moving image compression format. Generate an image.

  The GPU 46b of the image processing unit 46 executes a predetermined image generation algorithm for generating 3DCG image data in response to a command from the CPU 41, performs a geometry process, a rendering process, and the like to generate a 3D CG image of the gaming machine. For example, it is drawn in the frame buffer 46c in a bitmap format. In addition, a plurality of video frame images generated by the image decoder 46a are combined as necessary, and are drawn in the frame buffer 46c in a bitmap format, for example, so as to be developed into a part of the 3D CG image of the gaming machine.

  The display controller 46d reads the image data (output frame image) drawn in the frame buffer 46c according to the frame rate, and outputs a luminance signal (brightness information) and a color signal (color information) corresponding to the read image data. The generated video signal is generated and output to the display device 30.

  The sound processing unit 47 is a semiconductor device that generates and processes sound effects output from the left and right speakers 32a and 32b of the display device 30 and game sound such as BGM. Specifically, the sound processing unit 47 includes a sound buffer, an SPU, and the like not shown. The SPU synthesizes the sound data read from the sound buffer to generate an audio signal and outputs it to the display device 30.

  The operation input processing unit 48 is an I / O port that exchanges various signals between the CPU 41 and the operation input device 20. For example, when a predetermined stop operation is performed in the operation input device 20, the operation input processing unit 48 stops the operation. A stop signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted to the CPU 41 via the system bus SB.

  The power supply interface unit 49 has an AC adapter function and supplies power from an external commercial power source to the inside of the apparatus main body 10.

  Hereinafter, an apparatus that operates when the entertainment apparatus 1 executes a simulation program is referred to as a “simulation apparatus”. The simulation apparatus according to the present embodiment simulates the function and appearance of a slot machine SM that is an actual spinning machine.

  FIG. 3 is an example of image display displayed on the display screen 31 of the simulation apparatus, FIG. 3A is an example of the top screen 50, and FIG. 3B is an example of the simulation screen 60.

  The top screen 50 is an initial screen that is initially displayed by executing the simulation program according to the present invention, and the first external recording medium 44a storing the simulation program is inserted into the disc holder unit 11. Is displayed when the power of the game apparatus 1 is turned on. On the initial screen 50, a “game start” icon 51 for instructing the start of the simulation game and an “end” icon 52 for ending the simulation game are displayed. The simulation operation is started by selecting the “game start” icon 51 with the direction key 22 of the operation input device 20 and operating the ○ button 23a or the like.

  FIG. 3B is an example of a simulation screen 60 that is executed when the “game start” icon 51 on the top screen 50 is selected. On the simulation screen 60, a partial image of the front surface of the actual machine casing is displayed. In FIG. 3B, as a partial image of the front of the housing, a reel display area 63 that displays a plurality of reels 61L, 61C, and 61R in which a plurality of symbols are arranged, and various effects are displayed. A display screen area 64 is shown.

(Configuration and operation of actual machine)
Since the simulation apparatus of the present embodiment faithfully reproduces the operation of the actual slot machine SM, the configuration of the actual slot machine SM will be described first. Note that elements corresponding to those displayed on the simulation screen 60 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

  FIG. 4 shows a front view of the housing of the actual slot machine SM.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a decorative part is provided in the housing of the actual slot machine SM, and a display screen area 64 is provided in the upper front portion. A reel display area 63 is provided below the display screen area 64.

  As described above, the reel group 61 is displayed in the reel display area 63. The reel group 61 is composed of three reels having a hollow winding structure in the actual machine, and is displayed in the order of the left reel 61L, the middle reel 31C, and the right reel 31R. A plurality of types of symbols are displayed on the outer periphery of each reel. There are various types of symbols such as “Red Seven”, “White Seven”, “BAR”, “Cherry”, “Bag”, “Bell”, “Replay”.

  In the actual machine, the reels 61L, 61C and 61R are rotationally controlled by a stepping motor or the like, and when the reels rotate, the symbols of the reels 61L, 61C and 61R are scrolled up and down. Is done.

  In FIG. 4, a broken line shown in the reel display area 63 indicates an effective line group 62 including effective lines 62a, 62b, and 62c. The effective line group 62 includes a horizontal effective line 62a in the horizontal direction, two effective lines 62b in the upper and lower horizontal directions, and two effective lines 62c in the diagonally downward and leftward directions. ing. The symbols attached to the reels 61L, 61C and 61R are spaced so that all nine symbols visible from the display window 21 are positioned on these effective line groups 62 when the reels 61L, 61C and 61R are stopped. Is arranged in.

  A medal slot 65 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower right side of the display screen area 64. The actual machine is configured such that when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 65, it is collected as a bet, and one to five lines of the effective lines 62a, 62b and 62c are activated according to the number of inserted medals. Yes. That is, when one medal is inserted, one effective line 62a is effective. When two medals are inserted, three horizontal effective lines 62a and 62b are effective. Thus, a total of five effective lines 62a to 62c including the two effective lines 62c in the diagonal direction become effective. For example, when three medals are inserted, if a combination of specific symbols is stopped on at least one effective line 62a to 62c when the reels 61L, 61C, and 61R are stopped, the combination is determined. It will be a prize for the corresponding role.

  Various operation switches are provided in the front center portion of the housing. For example, a start switch 66, a stop switch group 67, and a bet switch group 68 are provided.

  The start switch 66 is a switch operated when starting the rotation of the reels 61L, 61C and 61R, for example, a button or a lever. The stop switch group 67 includes a left stop switch 67L that is operated when stopping the left reel 61L, a middle stop switch 67C that is operated when stopping the middle reel 61C, and a right stop that is operated when stopping the right reel 61R. Switch 67R.

  The bet switch group 68 is a switch group that designates the number of bets (the number of bets) when inserting medals in credits, and includes a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 68a and a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 68b. Yes. In the actual machine, when the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 68a is operated, one or two medals are bet, and when the MAX bet switch 68b is operated, three medals, which is the maximum bet number, are bet. . Then, the number of medals is collected (subtracted) from the credit by the number of bets designated by the operation of the bet switch group 68.

  An outline of the normal game executed in the actual slot machine SM will be briefly described.

  In the slot machine SM, when a medal is inserted or the bet switch group 68 is operated, the valid lines 62a to 62c are activated according to the number of bets.

  Next, when the start switch 66 is operated, the lottery for the combination according to the number of bets is performed, and the reels 61L, 61C and 61R start to rotate. If any of the stop switches 67L, 67C, and 67R is operated while the reel group 61 is rotating, the rotation of the reels 61L, 61C, or 61R corresponding to the operated button is stopped. When the stop switch is operated for the first time and the corresponding reel stops, it becomes “first stop”, and when the stop switch is operated for the second time and the corresponding reel stops, it becomes “second stop”, and the stop switch is operated last. When all the reels are stopped, a “third stop” is set. At this time, if the lottery result of the combination executed in response to the operation of the start switch 66 is a win, they are arranged on the activated effective line group 62 according to the operation timing of the user's stop switch. The reels are controlled to stop so that the combination of symbols matches a predetermined combination of symbols, and medals are paid out according to the winning combination. Even if the lottery result of the winning combination is won, depending on the operation timing of the user's stop switch, the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line group 62 may not match the combination of the winning symbols. There is also a possibility. In addition, when the lottery result of the combination is out of place, the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line group 62 does not match the combination of symbols of the combination regardless of the operation timing of the user's stop switch. Thus, the reel is controlled to stop.

  Along with the operation of the start switch 66, the display screen area 64 displays an effect pattern along the story that is the theme of the slot machine SM. This effect pattern can be a three-dimensional CG image generated by modeling conversion, coordinate conversion, perspective projection conversion, color development, or the like of a character object or background object. The effect pattern is switched when the start switch 66, the stop switches 67L, 67C, and 67R are operated. A combination (effect sequence) of effect patterns corresponding to a series of switch operations is selected from a plurality of effect sequences according to a lottery result executed when the start switch 66 is operated.

(Basic operation in simulation equipment)
Next, the operation of the simulation apparatus of this embodiment will be described.

  The simulation apparatus generates a simulation image of the actual slot machine SM and displays it on the simulation screen 60.

  For example, the simulation apparatus performs processing such as coordinate transformation, perspective projection transformation, texture mapping, and the like based on object data modeling the actual slot machine SM, and generates a three-dimensional CG image of the actual slot machine SM. Displayed on the simulation screen 60. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the simulation screen 60 is configured to display a three-dimensional CG image corresponding to a part of the actual slot machine SM. Which part of the actual machine is displayed on the simulation screen 60 can be selected by operating the operation input device 20.

  For example, the simulation apparatus generates and synthesizes a video frame image based on the video image file stored in the first external recording medium 44a, and uses the texture mapping to display the display screen area 64 of the simulation screen 60 in chronological order. indicate.

  Using the simulation image displayed on the simulation screen 60 in this manner, the simulation device substitutes the medal insertion and the operation of each switch with the operation of the operator with respect to the operation input device 20, and operates the actual slot machine SM. To simulate.

  For example, when the operator performs an operation assigned to pressing the MAX bet switch 68b (for example, pressing the R1 button 24a), the simulation apparatus inserts three medals in the actual slot machine SM, and further, the MAX bet switch 68b. The number of medals inserted in the slot machine SM displayed on the simulation screen 60 is set to MAX. That is, the operator has hung three medals at once.

  In addition, when the operator performs an operation assigned to pressing the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 68a (for example, pressing the L1 button 25a) once, the simulation apparatus inserts one medal into the actual slot machine SM, Further, it operates as if the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 68a is pressed once, and the number of medals inserted in the slot machine SM displayed on the simulation screen 60 is set to 1 bet. That is, the operator places one medal. When the operator once again performs the operation assigned to pressing the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 68a, the simulation apparatus inserts two medals in the actual slot machine SM and further presses the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 68a twice. The number of medals inserted in the slot machine SM displayed on the simulation screen 60 is set to 2 bets. That is, the operator has placed two medals. Since the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 68a is set to toggle, the operation of the simulation apparatus is such that the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 68a is repeatedly pressed every time the operation input device 20 is repeatedly operated.・ Display.

  After the bet, when the operator performs an operation assigned to pressing the start switch 66 (for example, an operation in the downward direction of the direction key 22), the simulation apparatus determines whether the start switch 66 is pressed in the actual slot machine SM. The display of the reels 61L, 61C, and 61R of the slot machine SM displayed on the simulation screen 60 is changed (hereinafter referred to as “change display”).

  When the operator performs an operation assigned to pressing each stop switch of the stop switch group 67 (for example, pressing the □ button 23c, the x button 23b, and the ○ button 23a) after the fluctuation starts, the simulation apparatus Depending on whether it is 1 stop, 2nd stop, or 3rd stop, it operates as if the corresponding stop switch 67L, 67C, or 67R is pressed in the actual slot machine SM, and is variably displayed on the simulation screen 60. Display is performed to stop the variation of the symbols of the reels 61L, 61C, and 61R.

  As described above, one play game is performed by a series of operations of bet → reel rotation start → reel stop, and when all reels 61L, 61C, and 61R are stopped, a combination of specific symbols is placed on the effective lines 62a to 62c. A result (whether or not a winning combination is established or not established) is notified according to whether or not it is stopped.

  In this way, the operator presses the □ button 23c, the x button 23b, and the ○ button 23a in a timely manner in the simulation apparatus (that is, presses each of the stop switches 67L, 67C, and 67R in the actual machine) A slot game can be performed in which desired symbols (such as “bell” or “bag”, small role symbols such as “BAR”, RB symbols such as “BAR”, and BB symbols such as “7”) are arranged.

(Video image file structure)
The video image file stored in the first external recording medium 44a is a file including data in which an effect pattern displayed in the display screen area 64 in the actual machine is recorded as a moving image, and is stored in association with the simulation program. Yes. Since the video image file is a file containing a large amount of image data, the video image file can be processed so as to be read and reproduced directly from the first external recording medium 44a when necessary without being transferred to the memory of the simulation apparatus. preferable.

  In the actual machine, the production pattern changes each time each of the plurality of operation switches is operated. Specifically, when the start switch 66 is operated, the change of the symbol is started in the reel display area 63, the effect pattern is displayed in the display screen area 64 during the change period of the symbol, and the stop switch The production pattern is changed each time one is operated. The combination of effect patterns (effect sequence) that changes according to such a series of switch operations is determined immediately after the start of variation based on the result of the lottery executed when the start switch 66 is pressed. That is, in the actual machine, based on the lottery result when the start switch 66 is operated, the effect pattern that is displayed first at the start of the change, the effect pattern that is displayed from the first stop, the effect pattern that is displayed from the second stop, The effect pattern to be displayed is determined from the third stop, and then the determined effect pattern is switched and displayed at the timing when the stop switch is pressed.

  The video image file of the present invention includes effect moving image data obtained by moving the effect pattern displayed in the display screen area 64 of such a real machine, and reproduces the effect moving image data (video frame image is reproduced). By generating and displaying in chronological order), it is possible to simulate the display of the production pattern.

  A chapter number is assigned to the production moving image data corresponding to each production pattern, and a combination of production patterns (production sequence) is represented as a combination of chapter numbers. Then, one effect sequence is specified according to the result of the lottery executed when the start switch 66 is pressed, and the effect moving image data of a series of chapter numbers recorded as the effect sequence is reproduced in order. By going, it is possible to simulate the display of a series of effect patterns comprising an effect pattern immediately after pressing the start switch, an effect pattern after the first stop, an effect pattern after the second stop, and an effect pattern after the third stop. .

  FIG. 9 shows a format diagram of a video image file in the present embodiment. The format is merely an example and can be variously modified.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the video image file 200 includes index information 201 at the beginning, and thereafter includes a predetermined number (N here) of chapter data including a chapter number 202 and effect moving image data 203. It is configured.

  The chapter number 202 is a header of each effect moving image data 203, and the first external recording medium drive 44 is provided for cueing each chapter. The effect moving image data 203 is a main body of a moving image corresponding to the effect pattern, and is recorded as a compressed file encoded according to a predetermined moving image compression format (such as MPEG) as described above. The effect moving image data is decoded by a decoder corresponding to the moving image compression format and reproduced as a continuous video frame image, that is, a moving image.

  As will be described later, in this embodiment, the effect moving image data is created so that a video frame image having an alpha channel is generated based on the effect moving image data.

  The index information 201 stores a predetermined number (M in this case) of information (effect sequence information) for specifying the effect sequence corresponding to the result of the lottery result. One effect sequence information includes an effect sequence number 210, a start chapter number 211, a first stop chapter number 212, a second stop chapter number 213, and a third stop chapter number 214. The production sequence number corresponds to a lottery result determined based on a random number by a lottery execution unit (that is, a lottery execution unit in an actual machine) of the simulation device. The production sequence according to the content of is uniquely specified. Each chapter number 211 to 214 is information for specifying an effect pattern (effect moving image data 203) that is changed for each switch operation. For example, if the rendering sequence number is determined to be “m” shown in FIG. 9 as a result of the lottery, the rendering moving image data 203 with the chapter number “10” is read simultaneously with the operation corresponding to the start switch 66, and the first At the same time as the operation corresponding to the stop, the effect moving image data 203 of the chapter number “1” is the operation corresponding to the second stop, and at the same time the effect moving image data 203 of the chapter number “8” is the operation corresponding to the third stop. At the same time, the effect moving image data 203 with the chapter number “3” is read and reproduced.

  Here, as will be described later, the simulation apparatus of this embodiment can synthesize and display a plurality of video frame images generated based on a plurality of effect moving image data 203. Therefore, for example, when composite display is performed based on a plurality of effect moving image data 203 at the start, the effect sequence information includes a plurality of chapter numbers as the start chapter number 211.

  In order to speed up the processing, it is preferable to read the index information 201 into the main memory 43 of the simulation apparatus before disclosing the game and refer to the index information in the main memory 43 during the simulation operation.

(Function block of simulation device)
Next, functional blocks of the simulation apparatus in this embodiment will be described.

  5 and 6 are functional block diagrams of the simulation apparatus.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the simulation device of the present invention includes an allocation switch recognition unit 101, a switch allocation table 102, a simulation execution unit 103, a lottery execution unit 104, an effect image specifying unit 105, an image generation unit 106, a modeling unit 107, A coordinate conversion unit 108, a mapping unit 109, an image reproduction unit 110, a memory 111, and a display control unit 112 are provided.

  Of these configurations, the switch assignment table 102 is provided as part of the simulation program. Further, the image generation unit 106 is realized by a GPU 46 b that operates based on the control of the CPU 41, the image reproduction unit 110 is realized by an image decoder 46 a and a GPU 46 b that operate based on the control of the CPU 41, and the display control unit 112 is controlled by the CPU 41. This is realized by a display controller 46d that operates based on the above. The memory 111 corresponds to the frame buffer 46c and the like, and the video image storage unit 100 in which the video image file 200 is stored corresponds to the first external storage medium 44a. Other functional blocks are realized by the CPU 41 executing a simulation program.

(Assignment switch recognition unit 101)
The assignment switch recognition unit 101 is a functional block that replaces the operation information (switch code) of the operation input device 20 with the operation information (switch code) in the actual slot machine SM. The reason for this replacement is that many of the processes executed in the simulation execution unit 103 are realized by the same execution module as the slot machine SM of the actual machine, so when operating information is passed to the same execution module as the actual machine, This is because it is necessary to translate the switch code used in the entertainment apparatus into a switch code recognized by the execution module for the actual machine.

  The correspondence between the actual operation switch and the assignment switch of the operation input device 20 is stored in the switch assignment table 102. For example, as described above, the R1 button 24a of the operation input device 20 is assigned to the actual machine MAX bet switch 68b, and the L1 button 25a of the operation input device 20 is assigned to the actual 1-bed / 2-bet switch 68a. The actual start switch 66 is assigned a downward operation of the direction key 22 of the operation input device 20, and the stop buttons 67L, 67C and 67R of the actual device are assigned to the □ button 23c of the operation input device 20, A x button 23b and a circle button 23a are respectively assigned.

(Simulation execution unit 103)
The simulation execution unit 103 is a functional block that executes various processes related to the slot game. FIG. 5 shows only the lottery execution unit 104 and the effect image specifying unit 105 among the functional blocks included in the simulation execution unit 103.

  The lottery execution unit 104 is a functional block that executes a lottery process when the operation of the operation input device 20 by the user is an operation corresponding to the start switch 66 of the actual machine (for example, an operation in the downward direction of the direction key 22). is there.

  The effect image specifying unit 105 is a functional block that specifies an effect sequence number corresponding to the result of the lottery process.

  As described above, the video image file 200 stored in the first external recording medium 44a includes a plurality of effect sequence information (effect sequence number 210 and effect moving image data 203 corresponding to each switch operation in the index information 201. By specifying the effect sequence number, the effect moving image data 203 to be displayed when the start switch is pressed and the effect moving image data 203 to be displayed when the first to third stops are respectively unique. It has come to be decided.

  The effect image specifying unit 105 specifies the effect sequence number 210 corresponding to the lottery result, refers to the index information 201 of the video image file 200, and determines the chapter numbers 211 to 211 associated with the specified effect sequence number 210. 214 is acquired. Then, the series of chapter numbers are designated in the first external recording medium drive 44, and the corresponding effect moving image data 203 is sequentially read.

  Other functional blocks included in the simulation execution unit 103 will be described later with reference to FIG.

(Image generation unit 106)
The image generation unit 106 is a functional block for generating a three-dimensional CG image of the slot machine SM.

  The image generation unit 106 generates all images other than the display screen area 64 among the images displayed on the simulation screen 60 as a three-dimensional CG image.

  Specifically, the image generation unit 106 includes functional blocks such as a modeling unit 107, a coordinate conversion unit 108, and a mapping unit 109.

  The modeling unit 107 uses the object data transferred from the first external recording medium 44a to the RAM 43 to execute modeling conversion that determines the orientation and arrangement of the slot machine object. Specifically, the posture and arrangement of the slot machine object in the virtual three-dimensional space (world coordinate system) are determined based on object data composed of polygons that define the part shape of each part of the slot machine SM.

  The coordinate conversion unit 108 performs a viewing conversion on the slot machine object after the modeling conversion using the viewpoint set in the virtual three-dimensional space as a reference, and replaces the coordinate system with the viewpoint as the center. Further, the coordinate conversion unit 108 performs normalization conversion for conversion into a normalized coordinate system. Then, in order to obtain an image viewed from the viewpoint, the coordinate conversion unit 108 performs perspective projection conversion to project the normalized slot machine object onto a predetermined projection plane, and the slot when projected onto the display screen 31. Determine the coordinate position of the machine object on the two-dimensional plane.

  The mapping unit 109 performs a hidden line process and a hidden surface process based on the distance (z value) from the viewpoint, and then refers to the texture data transferred from the first external recording medium 44a to the RAM 43 to make a slot machine object. A texture is mapped on the surface, and a three-dimensional CG image of the slot machine SM is drawn (written as an output frame image on the memory 111). Note that shading processing and shadowing processing may be executed as necessary.

  For example, the reels 61L, 61C, and 61R displayed in the reel display area 63 are modeled as three three-dimensional cylinder (reel) reel objects formed by a plurality of polygons. After the coordinate conversion of the reel object, a plurality of types of textures (symbol images) specified by the symbol row recording unit 78 are mapped on the outer peripheral surface of the reel object, and as a result, a predetermined centered on the reel axis is obtained. Image data for rendering the reels 61L, 61C, and 61R is generated as a three-dimensional CG image obtained by virtually capturing a display portion in the range of the angle α from a predetermined viewpoint specified in advance.

(Image reproduction unit 110)
The image reproducing unit 110 is a functional block that reproduces a series of effect moving image data 203 specified by the effect image specifying unit 105 described later and read from the first external recording medium 44a. The image reproduction unit 110 has a standard function of a moving image compression format image decoder such as MPEG, for example, predicting a frame from a reference frame and difference information, and produces an effect according to the standard of the moving image compression format. The moving image data 203 can be decoded.

  That is, when the lottery number 210 is specified by the effect image specifying unit 105, the image reproducing unit 110 refers to the effect sequence information corresponding to the specified lottery number 210 among the effect sequence information included in the index information 201. Then, the effect moving image data 203 corresponding to any of the chapter numbers 211 to 214 is read according to the switch operation state at that time. Then, the effect moving image data 203 is decoded at each image update timing to generate a video frame image, which is written (drawn) in the memory 111. The switch operation state depends on whether an operation corresponding to the start switch 66 is performed, or one of the first stop, the second stop, and the third stop is performed.

  The video frame image generated by the image reproduction unit 110 is stored as texture data in an area M different from the area where the output frame image on the memory 111 is stored. Then, the mapping unit 109 texture-maps the video frame image stored as texture data on the polygon surface constituting the display screen area 64 of the slot machine object. As a result, a moving image obtained by reproducing the rendering moving image data 203 is mapped on the display screen area 64, and an output frame to be displayed as the simulation screen 60 together with the three-dimensional CG image of the slot machine drawn on other than the display screen area 164. The image is complete.

  Here, the image reproduction unit 110 is configured to be able to synthesize and display a plurality of video frame images based on the plurality of effect moving image data 203. By using such a composite display function, the following flexible effects can be realized.

  For example, during the symbol change period, characters A to C (image objects A to C) corresponding to the stop switches 67L, 67C, and 67R are displayed, and when the user operates any stop switch, the corresponding character is displayed. Consider the production of deleting from the screen.

  In this case, since the order in which the user operates the stop switches cannot be predicted, displaying the single effect moving image data 203 corresponds to all possible patterns. The production moving image data 203 must be prepared.

  On the other hand, when the composite display function of a plurality of effect moving image data 203 can be used, the effect can be realized by combining the effect moving image data 203 for each character.

  That is, as three effect moving image data having the same background, effect moving image data P in which only character A appears, effect moving image data Q in which only character B appears, and effect moving image data R in which only character C appears Prepare.

  Until any stop switch is pressed, the video frame images of effect moving image data P, Q, and R are combined and displayed. For example, when the stop switch 67L is pressed, the effect moving image data The video frame images of Q and R are combined and displayed. For example, when the stop switch 67C is pressed, the video frame images of effect moving image data P and R are combined and displayed.

  In this way, by combining and displaying each video frame image of the plurality of effect moving image data 203, a moving image corresponding to an arbitrary stop switch operation can be displayed flexibly.

  However, when it is desired to display the characters appearing in the production so as to overlap with each other, the following problem arises if they are simply displayed based on the plurality of production moving image data 203 as described above.

  For example, during the symbol change period, characters A to F are displayed, and characters A and D, characters B and E, and characters C and F correspond to stop switches 67L, 67C, and 67R, respectively. Consider the effect of deleting two corresponding characters from the screen when a switch is operated.

  Here, it is assumed that characters A to C are rear guard characters and D to F are front guard characters, and that the front guard characters are displayed in front of the rear guard characters as shown in FIG. In the example shown in the figure, the characters are displayed so as to overlap from the back to the front in the order of A, B, D, E and the order of C, B, F, E.

  However, as the three effect moving image data having the same background, effect moving image data P in which characters A and D appear, effect moving image data Q in which characters B and E appear, and an effect movie in which characters C and F appear When image data R is prepared and each of these video frame images is simply combined and displayed, there is a problem that an inaccurate composite image is generated in which the rear guard character overlaps the front guard character. Arise.

  For example, when each video frame image is drawn in the order of the effect moving image data P, R, and Q, the rear guard character B is drawn after the front guard characters D and F, as shown in FIG. , It is drawn so as to overlap in front of the avant-garde characters D and F. Further, for example, when each video frame image is drawn in the order of effect moving image data Q, R, and P, the rear guard characters A and C are drawn after the front guard character E, so that as shown in FIG. , It is drawn so as to overlap in front of the avant-garde character E.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the above problem is solved by adopting the following configuration.

  First, as preprocessing, each effect moving image data is created so that each video frame image has an alpha channel, and is stored in the first external recording medium 44a. At this time, different alpha values (0 or more and 1 or less) are set for different characters displayed as moving images based on one effect moving image data. For example, the effect moving image data P of the characters A and D is created so that the alpha values of the characters A and D are different in each video frame image. Note that a conventional authoring tool or the like can be used to create such effect moving image data.

  In the following, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, each of the moving image data is set with an alpha value of 0.5 for the rear characters A to C and an alpha value of 1.0 for the rear characters D to F. As an example, a method for generating a composite image will be described. In addition, in this specification, each process shown in a flowchart etc. (including a partial process to which no reference numeral is assigned) is arbitrarily changed or executed in parallel within a range that does not contradict the processing contents. Can do.

  The image reproducing unit 110 reads the effect moving image data P, Q, and R to be synthesized from the video image file stored in the video image recording unit 44a (S200).

Next, the image generating unit 110, based on the effect moving image data P, decodes the video frame image p _t that contains characters A and D, based on the effect moving image data Q, video frame containing the character B and E decoding the image q _t, based on the effect moving image data R, decodes the video frame image r _t that contains characters C and F, respectively written to the area for storing the synthesis target image memory 111 (S201). FIG. 12 shows an example of each video frame image. Note that the subscript t represents a video frame number.

Next, the image generating unit 110 refers to the alpha channel of the video frame image p _t, so that the range that includes the alpha values of the character A becomes opaque, rendering a video frame image p _t (memory 111 video (It is written in the area M for storing the frame image) (S202).

  FIG. 13A shows an example in which a range in which the alpha value exceeds 0.0 is adopted as a range including the alpha value of character A, and rendering is performed so that pixels having the alpha value in the range are opaque. is there. The range where the alpha value exceeds 0.0 includes not only the alpha value of character A but also the alpha value of character D, so that characters A and D are rendered opaque (that is, as they are).

Next, the image generating unit 110 refers to the alpha channel of the video frame image r _t, so that the range that includes the alpha values of the character C composed of opaque, rendering a video frame image r _t (memory 111 Area M is overwritten) (S203).

  FIG. 13B shows an example in which a range in which the alpha value exceeds 0.0 is adopted as a range including the alpha value of the character C, and pixels having an alpha value in the range are rendered opaque. is there. The range where the alpha value exceeds 0.0 includes not only the alpha value of the character C but also the alpha value of the character F, so that the characters C and F are rendered opaque (that is, as they are).

Next, the image generating unit 110 refers to the alpha channel of the video frame image q _t, so that the range that includes the alpha value of the character B becomes opaque, rendering a video frame image q _t (memory 111 Area M is overwritten) (S204).

  FIG. 13C shows an example in which a range in which the alpha value exceeds 0.0 is adopted as the range including the alpha value of character B, and rendering is performed so that pixels having the alpha value in the range are opaque. is there. The range where the alpha value exceeds 0.0 includes not only the alpha value of character B but also the alpha value of character E, so that characters B and E are rendered so as to be opaque (that is, as they are).

Next, the image generating unit 110 refers to the alpha channel of the video frame image p _t, so that the range that includes the alpha values and character D does not contain the alpha value of the character A becomes opaque, a video frame image p _t is drawn (overwriting the area M of the memory 111) (S205).

  FIG. 13D adopts a range in which the alpha value exceeds 0.5 as a range that does not include the alpha value of character A and includes the alpha value of character D, and pixels having an alpha value in the range are opaque. This is an example of drawing in such a manner. Character A not included in the range where the alpha value exceeds 0.5 is not drawn (becomes transparent), while character D included in the range where the alpha value exceeds 0.5 is made opaque (ie, It is drawn.

Next, the image generating unit 110 refers to the alpha channel of the video frame image r _t, so and contains no alpha value of the character C is a range that contains the alpha value of the character F becomes opaque, a video frame image r _t is drawn (overwriting the area M of the memory 111) (S206).

  FIG. 13E adopts a range in which the alpha value exceeds 0.5 as a range that does not include the alpha value of character C and includes the alpha value of character F, and pixels having an alpha value in the range are opaque. This is an example of drawing in such a manner. Character C not included in the range where the alpha value exceeds 0.5 is not drawn (becomes transparent), while character F included in the range where the alpha value exceeds 0.5 is opaque (ie, It is drawn.

Next, the image generation unit 110 refers to the alpha channel of the video frame image q _t so that the range that does not include the alpha value of the character B and includes the alpha value of the character E becomes opaque. _t is drawn (overwriting the area M of the memory 111) (S207).

  FIG. 13 (f) adopts a range where the alpha value exceeds 0.5 as a range not including the alpha value of character B and including the alpha value of character E, and pixels having an alpha value in the range are opaque. This is an example of drawing in such a manner. Character B not included in the range where the alpha value exceeds 0.5 is not drawn (transparent), while character E included in the range where the alpha value exceeds 0.5 is opaque (ie, It is drawn.

  In the present embodiment, since the backgrounds of the video frame images of the three effect moving image data P, Q, and R are the same, the background is drawn at least once in any of the steps S202 to S207. Just go. For example, with respect to the background of each video frame image of the effect moving image data P, the alpha value is set within the range that is adopted as the range including the alpha value of the character A (in the above example, the range where the alpha value exceeds 0.0). If so (for example, if the same alpha value as the character A is set), the background is drawn in S202. Alternatively, background effect moving image data may be separately prepared and a video frame image based on this may be drawn first.

Thus, a composite image based on the effect moving image data P, Q, and R is completed. As shown in FIG. 13 (f), in the finally generated composite image, all of the avant-garde characters D to F are drawn so as to overlap the front of the rear-guard characters A to C. For example, it is possible to realize an overlapping manner in which a character B included in another video frame image q _t is sandwiched between characters A and D included in one video frame image p _t .

(Display control unit 112)
The display control unit 112 displays a simulation screen 60 on the display screen 31 of the display device 30 by generating and outputting a composite-format video signal from the output frame image developed in the memory 111.

  Through the above processing, the simulation screen 60 of the slot machine in which the moving image reproduced from the video image file is displayed in the display screen area 64 like a child screen is displayed.

(Functional block of simulation execution unit 103)
With reference to FIG. 6, the functional block of the simulation execution part 103 is demonstrated.

  The simulation execution unit 103 includes a coin processing unit 71, a game information recording unit 72, a flag recording unit 73, a lottery execution unit 104, a lottery table 75, an effect image specifying unit 105, a stop position determining unit 77a, a past position recording unit 77b, and A reel image processing unit 77 having a slip control table 77c, a symbol sequence recording unit 78, a game result determination unit 79, a special game process execution unit 80, and the like are configured.

  When an operation signal assigned to “coin insertion” is received from the operation input device 20 via the assignment switch recognition unit 101, the signal is transmitted to the coin processing unit 71, and the coin processing unit 71 receives the game information recording unit 72. When the number of coins inserted reaches the predetermined value (for example, 3), the start flag in the flag recording unit 73 is updated. Set to ON.

  The lottery execution unit 104 confirms that the simulation execution unit 103 has received an operation signal (rotation signal) assigned to “reel rotation start” from the operation input device 20 in a state where the start flag is set to ON. As a condition, random numbers in a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535) are generated, and the lottery result (the presence / absence of winning and the type of winning combination in the case of winning is determined according to the correspondence between the random number values defined in the lottery table 75 and winning combinations ).

  If the lottery result determined by the lottery execution unit 104 is winning of any winning combination, the winning combination flag corresponding to the winning combination won in the flag recording unit 73 is set to ON, and the winning winning combination is set. A predetermined signal is transmitted to the effect image specifying unit 105 in order to display on the simulation screen 60 the effect pattern according to the combination and the instruction about the stop operation order of the reels.

  The reel image processing unit 77 includes a stop position determination unit 77a, a past position recording unit 77b, and a slip control table 77c, and executes a simulation of reel fluctuation display. The reel object is rendered by the image generator 106 in accordance with the reel fluctuation display status specified by the reel image processor 77.

  The symbol row recording section 78 includes a plurality of types (“red seven”, “white seven”, “BAR”, “cherry”, “bag”, “bell”, “bell” displayed on the reels 61L, 61C, and 61R. "Replay" and other design texture data, and table format data defining the pasting position of each texture on each reel object (including pasting to multiple positions) are recorded. Based on this, the symbol row is arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the reel object generated as described above.

  The game result determination unit 79 operates on the condition that the stop operation for the reels 61L, 61C, and 61R is completed, and has any winning combination been established based on the array of the nine stop symbols that are stopped and displayed? If it has been established, the number of acquired coins recorded in the game information recording unit 72 is incremented and updated by the number of coins corresponding to the winning combination. In addition, a predetermined signal is transmitted to the effect image specifying unit 105 in order to display an effect pattern corresponding to the established winning combination in the display screen area 64. The established winning combination is “BB” (the winning combination established when “Red Seven” or “White Seven” is aligned on the active line) or “RB” (“BAR” is aligned on the effective line) In the case of a special role such as a winning combination), a special game process in which the type of winning combination, the winning probability, or the number of coins to be incremented when the winning combination is established is changed in a predetermined number of game processes after the next time. In order to execute, a predetermined signal is transmitted to the special game process execution unit 80.

(Description of operation)
Next, the simulation process in this embodiment is demonstrated based on the flowchart of FIG.

  FIG. 7 shows a switch fetch routine when the operation input device 20 is operated in the simulation device.

  When the switch of the operation input device 20 is pressed, the operation input device 20 outputs one switch code corresponding to the switch. When receiving the switch code output from the operation input device 20, the operation input processing unit 48 of the apparatus body 10 outputs an interrupt request signal indicating that the switch has been pressed to the CPU 41.

  The routine shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is a program that is called when this interrupt request signal is output. When the interrupt request signal is output, the CPU 41 jumps to step S10, and the operation input processing unit 48. Fetches the received switch code, stores it in the switch buffer, and returns from the routine.

  FIG. 8 shows a main control routine of the simulation program. The main control routine is repeatedly executed at an appropriate timing (for example, every frame period).

  In step S100 of FIG. 8, the allocation switch recognition unit 101 refers to the switch buffer. Next, the process proceeds to step S101, and the allocation switch recognition unit 101 determines whether any switch code has been output by the operation input device 20 (whether any switch code has been input to the device body 10). If the switch code has not been input (NO), the allocation switch recognition unit 101 continues to monitor the switch buffer in step S100.

  On the other hand, if a switch code has been input (YES), the allocation switch recognition unit 101 proceeds to step S102, and what is the operation switch in the actual slot machine SM allocated in accordance with the input switch code. See if there is. That is, the allocation switch recognizing unit 101 refers to the switch allocation table 102 and determines what operation switch of the actual slot machine SM is associated with the switch of the operation input device 20 that has been pressed.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S103, where the lottery execution unit 104 of the simulation execution unit 103 determines whether the assigned operation switch of the actual machine slot machine SM is an operation switch for lottery execution. That is, it is determined whether or not the input switch code corresponds to the start switch 66 of the actual slot machine SM. If it corresponds to the start switch 66 (YES), the process proceeds to step S104, and the lottery execution unit 104 executes a lottery process. That is, the same lottery process as that performed when the start switch 66 is actually operated in the actual slot machine SM is executed.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S105, and the effect image specifying unit 105 specifies the effect sequence number 210 corresponding to the effect sequence to be displayed in the display screen area 64 according to the lottery result.

  Next, the image generation unit 110 refers to the index information 201 of the video image file 200 recorded in the first external storage medium 44a, and acquires the chapter number 211 corresponding to the specified effect sequence number 210. Then, the effect moving image data 203 (the effect moving image data 203 displayed when the start switch is pressed) corresponding to the acquired chapter number 211 is read from the video image file 200 and reproduced.

  If it is determined in step S103 that the switch is not an operation switch for lottery execution (NO), the process proceeds to step S106.

  Next, in step S106, the allocation switch recognition unit 101 performs a switch operation corresponding to one of the stop switches 61L, 61C, and 61R of the actual slot machine SM, that is, whether the switch code is valid stop, It is determined whether or not the operation is an effective operation pressed during the variable display period.

  As a result, when it is determined that the operation is an effective operation (YES), that is, when it is determined that the operation is one of the first stop, the second stop, and the third stop, the process proceeds to step S107, and the image reproducing unit 110 Obtains the corresponding one of the chapter numbers 212 to 214 corresponding to the specified effect sequence number. Then, the effect moving image data 203 corresponding to the acquired chapter number is read from the video image file 200 and reproduced. That is, when the effective operation is the first stop (when the first stop switch operation is performed), the chapter number 212 corresponding to the first stop is referred to, and the corresponding effect moving image data 203 is read. It is played back. When the effective operation is the second stop (when the second stop switch operation is performed), the chapter number 213 corresponding to the second stop is referred to, and the corresponding effect moving image data 203 is read. It is played back. Further, when the effective operation is the third stop (when the third stop switch operation is performed), the chapter number 214 corresponding to the third stop is referred to, and the corresponding effect moving image data 203 is read. It is played back.

  If it is determined in step S106 that the operation is not effective (NO), the effect moving image data 203 is not changed, and the process proceeds to step S108.

  Next, in step S108, the modeling unit 107 performs modeling conversion of the slot machine object into a virtual three-dimensional space. This slot machine object includes a reel object and a display screen area 64.

  Next, in step S109, the coordinate conversion unit 109 performs viewing conversion, normalization conversion, and perspective projection conversion on the slot machine object subjected to modeling conversion.

  In step S110, the mapping unit 109 maps the texture to the slot machine object that has undergone perspective projection transformation. At this time, the design texture is mapped onto the polygon surface of the reel object, and the video frame image generated and synthesized by the image reproduction unit 110 into texture data is mapped onto the polygon surface of the display screen area 64.

  Through the above processing, the simulation screen 60 in which the video frame image generated and synthesized from the video image file is mapped is displayed in the display screen area 64 in the three-dimensional CG image of the slot machine SM.

(Advantages of this embodiment)
According to this embodiment, there are the following advantages.

  (1) According to the present embodiment, the same display content as the effect pattern displayed in the display screen area of the actual machine is reproduced in the display screen area of the simulation image by reproducing the effect moving image data in which the effect pattern is animated. Since it is displayed, it is possible to simulate the display content of the display screen area of the actual machine, in addition to displaying the actual machine casing as a three-dimensional CG image, even for an entertainment device with relatively low processing capability. .

  (2) According to this embodiment, the relationship between the lottery result and the production sequence in the actual machine is the combination of the production sequence number determined according to the lottery result and the chapter number of the production moving image data corresponding to each switch operation. Since the effect sequence information is stored in the video image file, the effect sequence can be displayed for the lottery result in the same relationship as the actual machine.

  (3) According to the present embodiment, for a video frame image including a plurality of characters to be combined, a plurality of characters are changed by changing the masking character among the plurality of characters in the frame image based on the alpha value of the video frame image. Since the image is drawn once, it is possible to realize an overlapping method in which a character included in another video frame image is sandwiched between two characters included in one video frame image.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above and can be implemented with various modifications.

  The basic idea of the present invention is that when an image X including A and C and an image Y including B are combined and overlapped in the order of A, B, and C, A is masked using an alpha value. The image X is drawn so as not to be performed, the image Y including B is drawn next, and then the image X is drawn using the alpha value so that A is masked and C is not masked. According to the design based on such a basic idea, the number of characters (image objects) included in one video frame image, the number of video frame images to be combined, and the way in which characters overlap are determined according to the design. Can be changed.

  For example, if the image X including A, C, E and the image Y including B, D are combined and overlapped in the order of A, B, C, D, E, A, The alpha values of C and E are made different, the alpha values of B and D are made different in the image Y, and the image X is drawn so that A is not masked by using the alpha value. The image Y is drawn so that B is not masked using the alpha value, and then the image X is drawn so that A is masked and C is not masked using the alpha value. The image Y is drawn so as to be masked and D is not masked, and then the image X is drawn using the alpha value so that A and C are masked and E is not masked.

  In the above-described embodiment, the area other than the display screen area 64 is displayed as a three-dimensional CG image. However, the area other than the display screen area 64 may be displayed as a still image or a video image.

  In the above embodiment, the video frame image generated and synthesized by the image playback unit 110 is texture-mapped to the polygon surface of the display screen area 64. However, the video frame image generated and synthesized by the image playback unit 110 is directly used as a moving image. It is good also as a structure displayed on the display screen area 64 as an image.

  In the above-described embodiment, the video frame images generated based on the production moving image data are combined. However, the present invention may be applied when the video frame image and the still image are combined. Good.

  In the above embodiment, the present invention is applied when the entertainment device is used as a simulation device for a slot game. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a simulation device for other gaming machines such as a pachinko machine or a normal game device. The present invention may be applied to the case where it is used. The present invention can also be applied when displaying an image on an information processing apparatus other than an entertainment apparatus.

It is a figure which shows the external appearance schematic structure of the entertainment apparatus (simulation apparatus) which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the entertainment apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is an image display example of a simulation apparatus, (a) is a top screen, (b) is a display example of a simulation screen. It is a front view of the housing of the actual slot machine SM. It is a functional block diagram of the simulation apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a detailed functional block diagram of a simulation execution part. It is a flowchart which shows an operation switch taking-in process. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the main control program which concerns on this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a format of the video image file in embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the synthetic | combination process of a video frame image. It is a figure which shows the example of a display at the time of synthesize | combining a video frame image, (a) is a target synthesized image, (b) And (c) is a display example of the synthesized image when synthesize | combining by the conventional method. It is a figure which shows the example of each video frame image used as composition object. It is a figure for demonstrating the synthetic | combination process of the video frame image based on this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the conventional image synthetic | combination method, (a) is the target synthetic | combination image, (b)-(d) is a display example of each image used as a synthetic | combination object. It is a figure for demonstrating the conventional image composition method, (a) is the target synthetic image, (b)-(c) is each image used as a synthetic | combination object, (d)-(e) is a conventional method. It is a display example of a synthesized image when synthesized.

Explanation of symbols

SM slot machine 1 Entertainment equipment (simulation equipment)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Apparatus main body 20 Operation input apparatus 30 Display apparatus 41 CPU
42 ROM
43 RAM
43a Game program recording area 43b Game progress data recording area 44 First external recording medium drive 44a First external recording medium (DVD-ROM, etc.)
45 Second external recording medium drive 45a Second external recording medium 46 Image processing unit 46a Image decoder 46b GPU
46c Frame buffer 46d Display controller 47 Audio processing unit 48 Operation input processing unit 49 Power supply interface unit 60 Simulation screen 61 Reel group 61L Left reel 61C Middle reel 61R Right reel 63 Reel display area 64 Display screen area 65 Medal slot 66 Start switch 67 stop switch group 67L left stop switch 67C middle stop switch 67R right stop switch 68 bet switch group 68a 1 bet / 2 bet switch 68b MAX bet switch 100 video image storage unit 101 allocation switch recognition unit 102 switch allocation table 103 simulation execution unit 104 Lottery execution unit 105 Production image specifying unit 106 Image generation unit 107 Modeling unit 108 Image conversion unit 1 9 mapping section 110 the image reproduction unit 111 memory 112 display control unit

Claims (6)

A compositing target storage means for storing image X data including image objects A and C, the image objects A and C having different alpha values, and image Y data including the image object B;
The data of the image X and the image Y are read with reference to the compositing target storage means, the image X is drawn so that the range including the alpha value of the image object A becomes opaque, and then the image Y including the image object B is displayed. And a combining unit that draws and then draws the image X so that a range that does not include the alpha value of the image object A and includes the alpha value of the object C is opaque, thereby creating a composite image. An image processing apparatus. The image Y includes the image object D, and the image objects B and D are set to have different alpha values.
The synthesizing unit draws the image X so that the range including the alpha value of the image object A becomes opaque, and then draws the image Y so that the range including the alpha value of the image object B becomes opaque. Draws the image X so that the range including the alpha value of the image object A and the alpha value of the object C is opaque, and then does not include the alpha value of the image object B and includes the alpha value of the object D The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the composite image is created by drawing the image Y so that the range becomes opaque. Means for storing data of moving images P and Q;
Means for generating an image X as a frame image of the moving image P, generating an image Y as a frame image of the moving image Q, and writing the data of the generated image X and image Y into the compositing target storage means. 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image processing apparatus is characterized in that:   A gaming machine comprising the image processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Reference is made to a compositing target storage means for storing image X data including image objects A and C, the image objects A and C having different alpha values, and image Y data including the image object B. Reading the data of image X and image Y;
Based on the read data, the image X is drawn so that the range including the alpha value of the image object A becomes opaque, then the image Y including the image object B is drawn, and then the alpha value of the image object A is set. And a synthesis step of drawing the image X such that the range including the alpha value of the object C is opaque and creating a synthesized image.   A program for causing a computer to execute the image processing method according to claim 5.

Images