JP5116161B2 - Image generating apparatus, game machine, and image generating program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image generation device, a game machine, and a program.

  In gaming machines such as pachinko and pachislot machines, image production using a display device is an important element for making a player feel a sense of expectation and a thrill of a big hit. In particular, in order to enhance the realistic sensation of the player, a more realistic video expression is desired. From this point of view, the use of so-called three-dimensional computer graphics, in which various objects and viewpoints are arranged in a virtual space and an image showing the virtual space viewed from the viewpoint, is displayed on a monitor. According to this three-dimensional computer graphics technology, the viewpoint and the position of the object are moved in real time, and the image showing the virtual space viewed from the viewpoint is updated in real time, so that the movement of the character full of realism can be achieved. It can be expressed (for example, refer to Patent Document 1 below).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-3432

  However, in order to realistically express the feeling of character movement in the conventional configuration, it is necessary to create motion data and background object data for the character for the scene and to move the virtual camera and virtual light. Motion data and background object data are required, and control processing associated with movement of objects to be placed, virtual lights, and virtual cameras becomes complicated, increasing the processing load on the apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and provides an image generation technique capable of expressing a sense of movement of a character full of realism while suppressing the processing burden on the apparatus. Objective.

An image generation apparatus according to the present invention is an image generation apparatus that generates an image of an object viewed from a virtual camera arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space, and includes a background object that forms a background, a character object that forms a character, A movement control means for controlling the relative movement of the light, a light control means for changing the relative position between the virtual light and the character object set in the virtual three-dimensional space and the direction in which the virtual light illuminates, a color information updating means for updating the color information of the character object according to the movement, and a rendering means for generating successive frame images of the background object and the character object, the light control means, the background object and the character object and relative to correspond to the movement, the character of Characterized in that rotating the virtual write about a predetermined axis which is positioned relative to-object.

According to such a configuration, the movement of the virtual light relative to the character object is changed, and the color information of the character object is updated according to the change of the movement, thereby causing a shadow on the surface of each object. This makes it possible to express the movement (movement feeling) of each character object in a manner that is more realistic than in the past.

Furthermore, according to the method according to the present embodiment, a realistic sense of movement can be expressed with a simple process of changing the movement of the virtual light relative to the character object . Can reduce the processing burden.

Here, in the above configuration, it is preferable that the light control unit changes the rotation speed of the virtual light .

  Further, in the above configuration, it is preferable that the light control unit changes at least one of the light intensity and the color of the virtual light in accordance with the rotation of the virtual light.

In the above configuration, it is preferable that there are a plurality of the virtual lights, and the virtual light control means changes the movement of at least one virtual light.

The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine that changes the progress of the game according to the lottery result, and corresponds to the movement of the background object and the character object in the virtual three-dimensional space according to the progress of the game. The image generation apparatus for generating an image to be generated is provided. Here, the gaming machine is not particularly limited, but includes, for example, a pachinko machine (including a first-class pachinko machine and a second-class pachinko machine), a rotary gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “slot machine”), and the like. .

An image generation program according to the present invention is an image generation program for causing a computer to realize a function of generating an image of an object viewed from a virtual camera arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space, and forms a background. Control function for controlling the relative movement between the background object to be played and the character object constituting the character , the relative position between the virtual light and the character object set in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the direction in which the virtual light illuminates A light control function that changes the color, a color information update function that updates the color information of the character object according to the movement of the virtual light, and a rendering function that generates a continuous frame image of the background object and the character object there is, light control function, background Obuji In correspondence with the relative movement of the transfected and character object, wherein the rotating the virtual write about a predetermined axis which is positioned relative to the character object.

  Here, the image generation program according to the present invention is stored and distributed, for example, in a storage medium. Such a storage medium is a computer-readable medium such as various ROMs, USB memories equipped with flash memories, SD memories, memory sticks, memory cards, FDs, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, etc. A typical storage medium. Of course, in addition to those provided via a storage medium, those provided via a communication line (wireless, wired, infrared, etc.) are also included.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to express the sense of movement of a character with a sense of reality while suppressing the processing burden on the apparatus.

  Hereinafter, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, one applied to a gaming machine (slot machine) installed in a game hall or the like will be exemplified. The following embodiments are merely examples of application of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and can be applied in various modifications.

A. The present embodiment relates to a gaming machine provided with an image generating apparatus according to the basic configuration of the present invention.
First, the individual structure will be described.
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an appearance of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, a front panel 2 is attached to the front surface portion of the housing of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment so as to be freely opened and closed. A display area is provided with a liquid crystal display device 80 having a display function at the upper part of the front panel 2, and an operation unit is provided at the center.

  The liquid crystal display device 80 includes a liquid crystal panel, and is configured to be able to display images for various effects and information necessary for a game on a display screen. However, the display method is not limited to the liquid crystal display, and various other methods such as an EL display, a plasma display, and a CRT display can be applied. The liquid crystal display device 80 is provided with one transparent display window 21. The area of the display window 21 is not provided with a liquid crystal for displaying an image, a member constituting the liquid crystal (such as a polarizing plate), or a circuit for controlling the liquid crystal, and transmits light. It is an area that cannot physically display an image.

  Three reels (rotating drums) are arranged in a position inside the housing and visible through the display window 21. From the left side when viewed from the front, the left reel 22L, the middle reel 22C, and the right reel 22R are arranged in this order.

  The reels 22L, 22C and 22R are formed in a ring-shaped hollow structure. The outer periphery of the reel is formed in the width of the reel tape that is affixed to the outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of openings are provided on the outer peripheral surface in accordance with the shape of the pattern printed on the reel tape. The inside of the reel is hollow, and the rotating shaft is supported by a frame extending from the outer peripheral surface.

  Each reel tape on which a winning symbol (a symbol constituting a winning combination) is printed is affixed to the outer peripheral surface of the reel. On each reel tape, for example, 21 symbols are printed at regular intervals. The arrangement of the symbols is different for each reel tape. The design of the reel tape corresponds to the opening provided on the outer peripheral surface of the reel. From the display window 21, the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are observed through the display window, and the size of the display window 21 is such that three symbols that are continuous in the vertical direction of the outer peripheral surface of each reel can be seen. Is set. In FIG. 1, a circle shown on the reel group 22 (meaning a group of reels 22L, 22C, and 22R) represents one symbol.

  Stepping motors (not shown) are coupled to the respective rotation shafts of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. This stepping motor is capable of rotating the reels 22L, 22C and 22R at an arbitrary speed or stopping at an arbitrary angle (position). When each reel rotates, the symbols of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are visually recognized as moving up and down in the display window 21.

  A back lamp (not shown) is provided inside the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. Three back lamps are arranged for each reel, and light is emitted through the openings on the outer peripheral surface of the reel for a total of nine symbols visible from the display window 21 when the reels are stopped.

  A broken line on the display window 21 shown in FIG. 1 indicates an effective line group 26 including effective lines 26a, 26b, and 26c. The effective line group 26 includes a horizontal effective line 26a in the horizontal direction, two effective lines 26b in the upper and lower horizontal directions, and two effective lines 26c in the diagonally downward and left-down directions. ing. The symbols attached to the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are such that when the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are stopped, all nine symbols that can be seen from the display window 21 are positioned on these effective line groups 26. It is arranged at an interval.

  A medal slot 43 (selector) is provided at the center of the casing of the slot machine 1. When medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 43, the effective lines 26a, 26b, and 26c, 1 line to 5 lines, are activated according to the number of inserted medals. That is, the inserted number of medals is collected as a premium. When one medal is inserted, one effective line 26a is effective. When two medals are inserted, three horizontal effective lines 26a and 26b are effective. In total, including two effective lines 26c in the direction, five effective lines 26a to 26c become effective. These controls are performed by a later-described main CPU (central processing unit) 11 (see FIG. 2). For example, when three medals are inserted, if a combination of specific symbols is stopped on at least one effective line 26a to 26c when the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R are stopped, the combination It will be won in the role according to.

  Various operation switches operated by the player are provided at the center of the housing. For example, in this embodiment, a start switch 46, a stop switch group 47, and bet switch groups 44 and 45 are provided.

  The start switch 46 is a switch, for example, a button or a lever operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. The stop switch group 47 is operated when the left reel 22L is stopped, the left reel stop switch 47L operated when the left reel 22L is stopped, the middle reel stop switch 47C operated when the middle reel 22C is stopped, and the right reel 22R is stopped. And a right reel stop switch 47R. These stop switches 47L, 47C, and 47R are juxtaposed as buttons, for example.

  The bet switch groups 44 and 45 are switch groups for designating the number of bets (the number of bets) when a player inserts a medal in a credit. The 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44 and the MAX bet switch (3-bet switch). 45. These bet switches 44 and 45 are also arranged as buttons, for example. When the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44 is operated, one or two medals are bet (collected as a game amount), and when the MAX bet switch 45 is operated, the maximum bet number is 3 Medals are bet. That is, the number of bets designated by the operation of the bet switch group is collected from the number of medals that are credited, and the credit is subtracted by the number of bets.

  Further, a medal payout opening (hopper device) 31 is provided in the lower central portion of the housing, and speakers 90 (left speaker 90L and right speaker 90R) are provided on both sides of the medal payout opening 31. During the game (game), various effects such as lighting of the back lamp, image display using the liquid crystal display device 80, and output of sound from the speaker 90 are performed.

  An outline of the normal game executed in the slot machine having these configurations will be briefly described. In the slot machine 1, when the player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 43 or operates the bet switch groups 44 and 45, the effective lines 26a to 26c are activated according to the number of bets.

  When the player who has designated the bet number operates the start switch 46, a lottery according to the bet number is performed, and the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R start to rotate. When the player operates one of the stop switches 47L, 47C, and 47R, the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R stop rotating according to the operated button. At this time, if the lottery result of the winning combination performed simultaneously with the operation of the start switch 46 is winning, the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line group 26 is a certain predetermined role. The reels are controlled so as to match the combination of symbols, and medals are paid out according to the winning combination.

(System configuration)
Next, a system configuration such as an internal configuration of the slot machine 1 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Inside the housing of the slot machine 1, a main control board 10, and a sub control board 50, a reel board 20, a power supply board 30, and a central display board 40 connected to the main control board 10 are arranged.

(Main control board 10)
The main control board 10 is a board for controlling the entire game executed in the slot machine 1. The main control board 10 is provided with a main CPU 11, a random number generator 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, and an interface circuit (I / F circuit) 15, which are connected to each other via a bus.

  The main CPU 10 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the main CPU 10 reads programs and data stored in the ROM 13 and controls the entire slot machine 1 based on these.

  The random number generator 12 is a block that generates a random number for the role lottery. Specifically, the random number generator 12 includes a clock generation circuit, a count circuit, and a storage circuit, and when the power is turned on, the count circuit repeatedly generates a numerical value of a predetermined number of bits (for example, 16 bits) based on the clock signal. Then, at a predetermined timing (for example, operation of a specific switch by the player), one numerical value is latched in the memory circuit and output as a random value.

  In the ROM 13, the main CPU 11 stores a lottery execution program as shown in a flowchart described later, a main control program necessary for controlling other games, data, and the like. In particular, the ROM 13 includes a combination lottery table used for a combination lottery process and a stop position determination table used for reel stop control.

  The RAM 14 is used when the main CPU 11 performs various controls, and is particularly configured to be able to temporarily store data related to the role lottery process and reel stop control.

  The I / F circuit 15 is a block that transmits and receives commands between the main control board 10, the sub control board 50, the reel board 20, the power supply board 30, and the central display board 40.

(Sub control board 50)
The sub-control board 50 is a board for controlling effects by image and sound, and is a board for generating image data and sound data related to effects lottery and effects based on commands from the main control board 10. The sub control board 50 is roughly divided into an effect control board 60 and an image sound generation board 70. The effect control board 60 is a board for mainly controlling the entire effect, and is electrically connected to the main control board 10 and the lamp 66. The effect control board 60 is provided with a sub CPU 61, a random number generator 62, a ROM 63, a RAM 64, and an I / F circuit 65. The image sound generation board 70 is connected to the effect control board 60 via a liquid crystal display device 80, a speaker 90, and a bus. The image sound generation board 70 is a board that generates data for image effects and sound effects corresponding to effects drawn by the effect control board 60. The image sound generation board 70 is provided with an image control circuit 71, an image ROM 72, a video RAM 73, a sound source circuit 74, a sound source ROM 75, and an amplifier 76.

  The sub CPU 61 is an arithmetic element that controls the operation on the effect control board 60, and reads (fetches) and interprets (decodes) instructions constituting the effect control program stored in the ROM 63, and stores the data stored in the ROM 63. Are read out, and numerical calculation, information processing, and various device control are performed. Note that there are no restrictions on the processing capability or development language of the sub CPU 61.

  The random number generator 62 is a block for generating a random number for effect lottery, and is configured to output one random number value by the same operation as the random number generator 12.

  The ROM 63 stores an effect control program and data to be executed by the sub CPU 61. In particular, the ROM 63 stores an effect lottery table used for an effect lottery process. The RAM 64 is used when the sub CPU 61 performs various controls, and is configured to be able to temporarily store data and the like.

  Note that the ROM 63 and the RAM 64 may be the same as the ROM 13 and the RAM 14, respectively, but those having a capacity larger than these may be used. The ROM 13 and RAM 14, ROM 63 and RAM 64 may be included on the same chip as the main CPU 11 and sub CPU 61 as a so-called one-chip microcomputer.

  The I / F circuit 65 is a board that receives a command from the main control board 10, and controls timing and the like when receiving a command from the main control board 10. Note that transmission of signals from the main control board 10 to the sub control board 50 is performed, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 50 to the main control board 10 is not performed. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

  Based on the image effect information from the effect control board 60, the image control circuit 71 generates image data for image effect while reading the original image data stored in the image ROM 72. The image ROM 72 is a memory that stores a program used for image rendering for the image control circuit 71 and original image data for generating image data such as characters, characters, and background for image rendering. The video RAM 73 executes temporary storage of programs and data used for image rendering stored in the image ROM 72, has a capacity capable of storing a frame image of a plurality of pages, and is an original image read from the image ROM 72. Image data generated based on data or the like is expanded as frame image data. The liquid crystal display device 80 is electrically connected to the image sound generation board 70 and receives image data generated by the image sound generation board 70 to display an image.

  The sound source circuit 74 generates sound data mainly for sound production. Specifically, the sound source circuit 74 includes a sound generation circuit for a predetermined number of channels, for example, eight acoustic channels, and can simultaneously reproduce phrases for the number of acoustic channels. The sound source circuit 74 reads predetermined sound source data from the sound source ROM 75 based on the sound effect information from the effect control board 60 and generates sound signals for the right channel and the left channel. Then, it is D / A converted and output as an analog sound signal. The amplifier 76 outputs the stereo sound from the right speaker 90R and the left speaker 90L by power-amplifying and outputting the analog sound signals of the left and right channels.

(Reel board 20)
The reel board 20 receives a control signal from the main control board 10 and is connected to the left reel motor 21L, the middle reel motor 21C, and the right reel motor 21R. The reel board 20 is connected to the left reel sensor 23L, the middle reel sensor 23C, the right reel sensor 23R, the external concentration terminal plate 24, and the door switch 25.

  The left reel motor 21L rotates the left reel 22L, the middle reel motor 21C rotates the middle reel 22C, and the right reel motor 21R is a stepping motor for rotating the right reel 22R. A control signal from the main control board 10 Based on the above, each reel can be accelerated, decelerated and forcibly stopped.

  The left reel sensor 23L detects a detection piece provided on the left reel 22L, the middle reel sensor 23C detects a detection piece provided on the middle reel 22C, and the right reel sensor 23R is a detection piece provided on the right reel 22R. And a reel sensor signal representing the rotation angle of each reel is output to the main control board 10 via the reel board 20.

  The external concentration terminal board 24 receives signals related to game information such as medal payout signals and medal insertion signals, door opening signals, setting change signals, insertion error signals, and payout error signals from the main control board 10. This is a board for outputting to a host computer that manages a plurality of gaming machines in a game arcade.

  The door switch 25 outputs a door opening / closing switch signal to the main control board 10 via the reel board 20 in response to opening / closing of the front panel 2 of the gaming machine 1.

(Power supply board 30)
The power supply substrate 30 is a substrate for supplying power to the gaming machine 1. A main control board 10, a hopper device 31, a reset switch 32, a power switch 33, and a setting change enable switch 34 are connected to the power supply device board 30.

  The power supply device board 30 receives the hopper motor signal from the main control board 10 and supplies it to the hopper device 31. The hopper motor provided in the hopper device 31 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the hopper motor signal. The payout sensor provided in the hopper device 31 detects an actual payout of medals and outputs it as a payout sensor signal to the main control board 10 via the power supply board 30.

  When operated, the reset switch 32 outputs a reset button signal to the main control board 10 via the power supply board 30. This reset button signal is for stopping the output of the error signal and recovering from the error state of the gaming machine. The power switch 33 is a switch for switching between supply and interruption of a DC voltage for the operation of the entire gaming machine. The setting change validation switch 34 is configured to output a setting change validation signal to the main control board 10 via the power supply board 30 when operated. The setting change enabling switch 34 is a switch that is operated when the setting change in the setting switch 41 is made possible. The setting change enabling switch 34 is set only when the setting change enabling switch 34 is on. The setting used can be changed.

(Central display board 40)
The central display substrate 40 is attached to, for example, a central portion on the back side of the front panel 2. The central display board 40 includes a setting switch 41, a settlement switch 42, a selector 43, a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44, a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 45, a start switch (lever) 46, and a left reel stop switch (button). 47L, a middle reel stop switch (button) 47C, and a right reel stop switch (button) 47R are connected.

  The setting switch 41 is a switch for setting a plurality of stages corresponding to the payout rate, and the main control board 10 sets the setting switch 41 when the setting change enabling switch 34 is in an ON state. The lottery is executed with the probability based on the above.

  The settlement switch 42 is a switch for paying out medals obtained by insertion or winning by a player, and when operated, the settlement switch signal is output to the main control board 10 via the central display board 40. It has become.

  The selector 43 is provided at the medal insertion slot. The selector 43 functions to prevent the insertion of a medal when receiving a blocker signal from the main control board 10 via the central display board 40. Is detected, a closing sensor signal is output to the main control board 10 via the central display board 40. Further, when the inserted medal is an illegal medal, such an illegal medal is excluded.

  The 1-bet and 2-bet switch 44 outputs a bet switch signal according to the operation, the MAX bet switch 45 receives a MAX bet sensor signal according to the operation, and the start switch 46 receives a start switch sensor signal according to the operation. 40 to output to the main control board 10. Each of the stop switches 47L, 47C, and 47R outputs a stop switch sensor signal to the main control board 10 via the central display board 40 in accordance with the operation.

(Functional block in the main control board 10)
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the main control board 10.
As shown in FIG. 3, the gaming machine 1 includes a main control unit 100, an operation unit 170, a set value setting unit 180, a symbol display unit 190, and a sub control unit 200.

(Operating means 170)
The operation means 170 is a functional block corresponding to a switch group operated by the player and a function of detecting the operation state of these switch groups. The betting means 171, the MAX betting means 172, the start means 173, the left reel stop means 175L, Stop operation means 174 including middle reel stop means 175C and right reel stop means 175R is provided.

  The bet means 171 is one of means for a player to insert a game medium such as a medal, and corresponds to a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 44 and a function for detecting and recognizing its operation state. The MAX bet means 172 is one of means for a player to insert a game medium such as a medal, and corresponds to the MAX bet switch 45 and its operation state detection / recognition function. The start means 173 is means for starting a game, and corresponds to the start switch 46 and its operation state detection / recognition function. The stop operation means 174 has an operation / operation state detection / recognition function for the player to stop each reel. The left reel stop means 175L is the left reel stop switch 47L, and the middle reel stop means 175C is The right reel stop means 175R corresponds to the middle reel stop switch 47C and the right reel stop switch 47R, respectively.

(Set value setting means 180)
The set value setting means 180 is a means for setting one from a plurality of stages of payout rates, and includes a set value change validation means 181 and a setting means 182.

  The set value change validating means 181 is a means for validating the change in the set value, and corresponds to the set value change valid switch 34 and its switch state detection / recognition function. The setting unit 182 is a unit that determines a setting value, and is a unit that detects and stores a setting value corresponding to the operation state of the setting switch 41.

(Symbol display means 190)
The symbol display means 190 is a means for displaying symbols constituting the winning combination, and includes a left reel 22L having a left reel driving means 191L and a left reel position detecting means 192L, a middle reel driving means 191C and a middle reel position detecting means 192C. And a right reel 22R having a right reel driving means 191R and a right reel position detecting means 192R.

  The reel driving means 191L, 191C, and 191R are means for accelerating, decelerating, and forcibly stopping the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R. The left reel motor 21L, the middle reel motor 21C, the right reel motor 21R, and their The drive function is equivalent.

  Each reel position detection means 192L, 192C, and 192R is a means for detecting the rotation position of the reels 22L, 22C, and 22R, and the reel rotation angle (based on the detection position of the detection piece of each reel from the reference position ( Position).

(Main control means 100)
The main control means 100 is a functional block realized, for example, by the main CPU 11 executing a program recorded in the ROM 13. Specifically, the main control means 100 includes the role lottery means 110, the reel control means 120, A stop symbol determination means 130, a payout control means 140, a special role carry-over means 150, and a game state control means 160 are provided.

(Role lottery means 110)
The role lottery means 110 is a functional block for lottery of a role (special role, small role, replay (continuation), etc.). The random number generation means 111, the random number extraction means 112, the random number determination means 113, and the role lottery table storage means 114. Note that the role lottery means 110 corresponds to the random number generator 12 or the like.

  The random number generation means 111 is a means for generating a random number for the lottery drawing, for example, a means for periodically generating a random number of a predetermined number of bits (for example, 16 bits). The random number extraction means 112 is a means for extracting a random number for performing the lottery drawing, and extracts the random number generated by the random number generation means 111 at a predetermined timing, for example, when the start switch 46 is operated. The random number determination unit 113 is a unit that determines a winning combination based on a random number for performing a combination lottery. The combination lottery table stored in the combination lottery table storage unit 114 based on the random number extracted by the random number extraction unit 112. To determine the winning combination.

  The lottery table storage unit 114 stores data for performing the lottery, and according to the set value set by the set value setting unit 180, the type of the lottery to be won and the winning probability of each of the combinations Is stored.

(Reel control means 120)
The reel control unit 120 is a unit that controls acceleration / deceleration / forced stop of the reel group 22 and includes a reel rotation control unit 121, a reel stop control unit 122, and a stop position determination table 123.

  The reel rotation control means 121 is a means for driving the reel, and when the start means 173 instructs the start of the reel, the left reel drive means 191L, the middle reel drive means 191C, and the right reel drive means of the symbol display means 190. A rotation control signal is output to 191R to start the reel group 22.

  The reel stop control means 122 is a means for stopping the reel. When stop of the reel is instructed by the stop operation means 174, the stop position is specified with reference to the stop position determination table 123, and the stop position is determined. A stop control signal for stopping the reels is output to the left reel driving unit 191L, the middle reel driving unit 191C, and the right reel driving unit 191R of the symbol display unit 190, and each reel is stopped within a predetermined time.

  The stop position determination table 123 is a table used to determine the stop position of the reel, and is based on the lottery result output by the hand lottery means 110 and the position of each reel at the moment when the stop operation means 174 is operated. FIG. 6 is a table that defines a stop position of a reel symbol. The reel stop control means 122 refers to the stop position determination table 123 and determines the reel stop position within several frames from the operation of the stop operation means 174.

(Stop symbol judgment means 130)
The stop symbol determining means 130 is a means for determining a symbol when each reel is stopped. The stop symbol determination means 130 determines the reel stop position detected by the left reel position detection means 192L, the middle reel position detection means 192C, or the right reel position detection means 192R of the symbol display means 190, and the effective lines 26a to It is determined whether or not the combination of symbols on the reel that stops at any one of c matches a combination of symbols corresponding to any of the predetermined combinations.

(Payout control means 140)
The payout control means 140 is a means for controlling the payout of medals related to winning, and it is determined by the stop symbol determining means 130 that the symbol that stops on the active line is a combination of symbols corresponding to any combination. In this case, a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the winning combination, or credited and accumulated. When the winning combination is “replay”, the payout control means 140 treats the number of medals that have been inserted in the game again without performing processing such as paying out medals.

(Special role carry-over means 150)
The special role carry-over means 150 is a means to carry over the winning combination when winning the special role, and until the combination of symbols corresponding to the selected special role stops on any of the effective lines 26a to 26c, It is a means to control to carry over the winning.

(Game state control means 160)
The game state control means 160 is a means for controlling a plurality of game states, and includes a normal game control means 161, a special game control means 162, and a re-game high probability game control means 163.
The normal game control means 161 is a means for controlling a “normal game” for giving a player a normal profit without maintaining continuity for each game. The special game control means 162 is a means for controlling various “special games” that can be expected to earn more than a normal game. The re-game high probability game control means 163 is a means for controlling a game using a special game state probability table so that a re-game player such as “Replay” can be easily won.

(Sub-control means 200)
The sub-control unit 200 is a unit that performs an effect corresponding to the lottery result output from the main control unit 100, and includes an effect control unit 210 and an image sound generation unit 220.

(Production control means 210)
The effect control unit 210 is a functional block that determines an effect corresponding to the lottery result output by the main control unit 100 and outputs image effect information and sound effect information for executing the effect to the image sound generation unit 220. . Such effect information may be sent in a predetermined command format. The image effect information includes information that defines which object is arranged in what position and in what posture in the virtual three-dimensional space at the next image update timing.

  For example, the effect control unit 210 outputs image effect information and sound effect information related to the introduction effect in response to the operation detection of the start unit 173. Further, when the first stop operation (hereinafter referred to as “first stop”) is input by the stop operation means 174, the stop operation next to the first stop (hereinafter referred to as “second stop”) of the expectation effect corresponding to the first stop. When “stop” is input), the image effect information and the sound effect information corresponding to each of the expectation effects corresponding to the second stop are output. Furthermore, when the stop operation (hereinafter referred to as “third stop”) is finally input, the effect control means 210 makes a winning effect such as “special role” and “small role” corresponding to the lottery result, “replay”. The image effect information and the sound effect information relating to each of the replay effect corresponding to the “lost”, the lose effect corresponding to “losing” and the like are output.

(Image sound generation means 220)
The image sound generation means 220 is a means for performing an image effect and a sound effect of a gaming machine according to the present invention.

  Although the functional configurations of the main control unit 100 and the sub control unit 200 have been described above, functions other than the functions described above may be provided.

(Operation on the main control board)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing control by the main control board 10.
When a player inserts a medal and the start switch 46 is operated, the start means 173 detects that the start switch 46 is turned on, and the part lottery means 110 performs a lottery process for the part (step S101, Step S102). On the other hand, if the start switch 46 is not operated by the player and it is not detected that the start switch 46 is turned on, the start means 173 does not repeat step S101 until it detects that the start switch 46 is turned on. Repeat the process.

  In the combination lottery process in step S102, the combination lottery means 110 acquires a random number and performs a combination lottery process by comparing the acquired random number with the lottery table. The lottery result by the combination lottery means 110 is transmitted to the sub-control means 200 as winning combination information (step S103).

  The reel control unit 120 determines whether any one of the stop switch groups 47 has been operated (step S104). When any one of the stop switches is operated (step S104 / YES), reel control is performed so that the winning combination can be won, and the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped (step S104). S105).

  If no winning combination has been won in the winning combination lottery process in step S102 (in the case of “losing”), the reel control unit 120 has not won any winning combination in step S105. The reel control corresponding to is performed.

  Subsequently, the reel control unit 120 determines whether all the stop switches are operated and all the reels are stopped (step S106). When all the reels have not stopped yet (step S106 / NO), the processing from the detection processing of presence / absence of the stop switch operation in step S104 is repeated.

  When all the reels are stopped (step S106 / YES), the stop symbol determination means 130 determines whether or not there is a winning based on the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line (step S107). As a result, if there is any winning (step S107 / YES), a winning process corresponding to the winning combination is executed (step S108).

Specifically, when the winning combination is a “special combination”, the game state control unit 160 performs a transition process for executing the “special game” from the next game until a predetermined end condition is satisfied.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S107 that there is no winning (step S107 / NO), the process returns to step S101.

  Subsequently, during the “special game”, the game state control means 160 gives the reel control means 120 a “special game” so as to provide the player with a game state corresponding to the big bonus or regular bonus that is the “special role”. In addition to the internal reel control, the sub-control means 200 is caused to perform an effect for “special game”. When the specified number of games of the big bonus or the regular bonus is finished, a process of shifting to the “normal game” is performed.

  On the other hand, if the winning combination is not “special”, the special combination carry-over means 150 carries over the special combination until the combination of symbols corresponding to the selected special combination stops on one of the active lines 26a to 26c. To control.

  When the winning combination is “small role”, the gaming state control means 160 performs reel control so that symbols such as bells are aligned on the active line, and the sub-control means 200 uses “small role”. Production of a production or a small role announcement (display of a notification object, etc.) is performed. When the winning combination is “replay”, the bet (the number of bets) in the game is carried over to the next game, and when the winning combination is neither “special role” nor “replay”, the payout control means 140 Causes the hopper device 31 to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the image sound generation means 220.
As shown in the figure, the image sound generation means 220 includes an image control unit 2200, an object data storage unit 2201, a texture data storage unit 2202, an object generation unit 2203, a camera motion control unit 2204, a light motion control unit 2205, and a movement control unit. 2206, an object information update unit 2207, a rendering unit 2208, an image data storage unit 2209, and a display control unit 2210.

  In the above configuration, the object data storage unit 2201, the texture data storage unit 2202, and the image data storage unit 2209 correspond to the image ROM 72. The image data storage unit 2209 corresponds to the video RAM 73. The object generation unit 2203, camera motion control unit 2204, light motion control unit 2205, movement control unit 2206, object information update unit 2207, rendering unit 2208, and display control unit 2210 are functionally realized by the image control IC 71.

(Image control unit 2200)
The image control unit 2200 specifies the objects to be displayed in the window, the arrangement of the objects, the type of texture to be developed on the object, and the virtual three-dimensional space into a two-dimensional image according to the presentation pattern selected by the presentation control unit 210. The position of the virtual camera and the virtual light to be developed is continuously indicated every frame period. The image control unit 2200 determines a story on the image according to the production pattern, and controls its development. In the following description, a scene in which a female character C2 runs through the background C1 in the background (in the present embodiment, in the warehouse) is assumed as an aspect of the effect (see FIG. 6).

(Object data storage unit 2201)
The object data storage unit 2201 stores numerical information that defines the shape and arrangement of each object displayed in the virtual three-dimensional space. For example, the object data storage unit 2201 generates a background object BM1 that represents a factory warehouse as shown in FIG. Background object data to be used, character object data to generate a character object BM2 representing a female character, and the like are stored.

  The contents of these object data are determined according to the modeling method. For example, when a surface model is used, one object data is a set of vertex coordinates of each polygon constituting the object when the reference coordinates preset for each object are used as the origin. Therefore, if each polygon is arranged at a relative position from the reference coordinates, the outer shape of the object is defined. By such object data, the relative position (shape, orientation, size) of the polygon in the local coordinate system of each object is three-dimensionally defined.

(Texture data storage unit 2202)
The texture data storage unit 2202 stores a plurality of texture data.
Texture data is data defining a texture that is mapped (expanded and pasted) to each object to be displayed. Texture is data relating to a pattern, transparency, and color mapped to the surface of an object or polygon that is a set of vertex coordinates. The texture data is image data created at a predetermined resolution for representing a pattern or the like, for example, bitmap data. In order to paste a texture onto a predetermined polygon, mapping processing is performed on the texture data by performing predetermined image conversion, for example, affine conversion, and expanding (expanding / reducing / deforming) the texture into a polygon shape. By changing the texture data used for each frame, a continuous animation image with a texture is formed.

  In addition to the premise that texture data is mapped to polygons, the texture data includes sprites, that is, bitmap data for images that are directly arranged in a developed two-dimensional image as a single picture. . Such a sprite is suitable for displaying an image that does not require a three-dimensional effect. However, since it can be used as a part of the object, a part of the object described above may be configured by the sprite.

  In the present embodiment, the texture data storage unit 2202 stores a plurality of textures representing background objects and character objects.

(Object generation unit 2203)
The object generation unit 2203 generates various corresponding objects (background object BM1, character object BM2, etc.) based on the notification given from the image control unit 2200. Specifically, the object generation unit 2203 first reads out the object data specified according to the effect pattern or the like from the object data storage unit 2201 for each frame period. Then, the object generation unit 2203 performs a coordinate conversion operation for converting the body coordinate system that defines the object data into the world coordinate system that defines the position in the virtual three-dimensional space. By this coordinate transformation, arbitrary three-dimensional geometric transformation (translation, rotation, scale transformation, shear, reflection) is performed, and the position, orientation, size, etc. of the object in the virtual three-dimensional space are determined. For example, a vertex coordinate (x, y, z) in a local coordinate system of a polygon is changed to a vertex coordinate (X, Y, Z) in the world coordinate system by modeling conversion calculation, and the vertex position in the virtual three-dimensional space is defined Is done.

(Camera motion control unit 2204)
The camera motion control unit 2204 controls the motion of the virtual camera CM according to the virtual camera position, orientation, rotation instruction, and the like given from the effect control unit 210. 7 to 9 are diagrams showing the positional relationship between the virtual camera, the virtual light, and each object. FIG. 7 is a side view, FIG. 8 is a rear view, and FIG. 9 is a top view. FIG. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, a virtual camera CM is arranged diagonally forward and to the right of the character object BM2, and operations such as yaw, pitch, and roll are performed with the virtual camera CM fixed at this position. Although the case where it performs is assumed, you may move virtual camera CM so that the path | route set as mentioned later may be followed.

(Light motion control unit 2205)
The light motion control unit (light control unit) 2205 controls the motion of the virtual light LT according to the virtual light position, orientation, rotation instruction, and the like given from the image control unit 2200. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9, it is assumed that the virtual light LT performs an operation such as rotation (yaw) or the like (hereinafter referred to as “rotation operation”) around the y axis. It is possible to arbitrarily set and change which rotation is performed about which axis. The virtual light LT may be moved.

(Movement control unit 2206)
The movement control unit 2206 moves various objects (such as a background object and a character object) in response to a movement request (including a movement speed, a movement direction, a movement distance, and the like) given from the image control unit 2200. In the present embodiment, the movement control unit 2206 represents a character object or a warehouse representing a female character in response to a movement request given from the image control unit 2200 in order to realize an effect in which the female character runs through the warehouse. Move the background object.

(Object information update unit 2207)
The object information update unit (color information update unit) 207 updates the color information of the object in accordance with the rotation operation of the virtual light, so that a dynamic shadow caused by light from the light source (virtual light) is formed on the surface of each object. Cause it to occur. This shading process can be realized by a known shading process or the like. Thus, by updating the color information of the object according to the rotation operation of the virtual light, the female character C2 moves through the background (in the warehouse) C1 as shown by α1 → α2 → α3 in FIG. It becomes possible to increase feeling and presence.

(Rendering unit 2208)
The rendering unit 2208 performs rendering based on the arrangement of the object and setting information (position, direction, etc.) of the virtual camera and virtual light in the virtual three-dimensional space.
The rendering unit 2208 reads texture data for various objects whose arrangement is determined from the texture data storage unit 2202, performs affine transformation on the texture data, and maps the texture to each polygon constituting the object. Then, the arrangement of each object defined in the world coordinate system is converted into a viewpoint coordinate system based on the viewpoint set in the virtual three-dimensional space. By this conversion, each object is defined in a coordinate system in which the viewpoint position is the origin (0, 0, 0) and the depth direction is the Z-axis direction. Further, the rendering unit 2208 performs a perspective projection calculation process on each object, and calculates coordinates on the projection plane corresponding to the display area. In the perspective projection calculation processing, an object farther away is developed on a projection plane in inverse proportion to the set distance from the viewpoint of the three-dimensional space. At this time, if objects appear to overlap each other from the viewpoint, hidden line removal and hidden surface removal are performed.

(Image data storage unit 2209)
The image data storage unit 2209 stores the rendered image data. The stored image data is output to the liquid crystal display device 80, whereby a three-dimensional graphics image is displayed.

(Display control unit 2210)
The display control unit 2210 transfers the frame image data to the liquid crystal display device 80 at each drawing timing. Based on the transferred frame image data, the liquid crystal display device 80 displays an image corresponding to the frame image data in the display area.

  Next, image generation processing executed in the image sound generation means 220 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. In the following description, as described above, it is assumed that the female character C2 draws a scene that runs through the background (in the warehouse) C1 (see FIGS. 6 and 10).

  First, the image sound generation means 220 determines whether or not it is the drawing timing (step S201). Here, the drawing timing is a predetermined timing in time for the next frame image data update process, and is appropriately determined by the system. The drawing timing may be set every frame period, or may be set every one or more frame periods. If it is not yet the drawing timing (NO), the process proceeds to step S206, and the display control unit 2207 continues the display control based on the frame image data at the previous drawing timing.

  If it is determined in step S201 that the drawing timing has been reached (YES), the process proceeds to step S202, where the object generation unit 2203 reads object data for generating a background object and a character object from the object data storage unit 2201, and A modeling conversion operation is executed on the vertex coordinates to determine polygon coordinates in the world coordinate system. Then, the object generation unit 2203 models each object using a wire frame or the like. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the character object BM2 and the background object BM1 are modeled by a wire frame or the like.

  Next, in step S203, the camera motion control unit 2204 arranges the virtual camera CM according to the instruction given from the image control unit 2200, while the light motion control unit 2205 similarly performs the virtual operation according to the instruction given from the image control unit 2200. A light LT is arranged (see FIGS. 7 to 9).

  Next, in step S204, the rendering unit 2208 executes a rendering process. First, the rendering unit 2208 performs viewing conversion. A normalization transformation is then performed, followed by a perspective projection transformation. Then, necessary hidden line removal processing and hidden surface removal processing are executed.

  Next, when there is texture data, the rendering unit 2208 reads the texture data from the texture data storage unit 2202 in units of polygons, and generates a frame image by mapping the texture.

  Next, in step S206, the rendering unit 2208 outputs the generated frame image data to the image data storage unit 2209. Finally, in step S207, the display control unit 2210 displays the frame stored in the image data storage unit 2209. The image data is output to the liquid crystal display device 80. As a result, an image representing a character object or a background object is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 80.

  The object information update process executed in the image sound generation unit 220 will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG.

  First, the movement control unit 2206 determines whether or not there is an object movement instruction from the image control unit 2200. For example, when there is an instruction to move the background object together with the female character, the movement control unit 2206 moves each object according to the instruction (step S301 → step S302). On the other hand, if there is no such instruction, the movement control unit 2206 skips step S302 and proceeds to step S303.

  In step S303, the camera motion control unit 2204 determines whether there is a virtual camera motion instruction from the image control unit 2200. For example, if there is an instruction to execute yaw according to the movement of a character object representing a female character, the virtual camera is rotated (motion) according to this instruction (step S304), and the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, the camera motion control unit 2204 skips step S304 and proceeds to step S305 when there is no virtual camera motion instruction from the image control unit 2200.

  In step S305, the light motion control unit 2205 determines whether there is a virtual light motion instruction from the image control unit 2200. If there is no such instruction, step S307 is skipped and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is an instruction to rotate around the y axis according to the movement of the object, the light motion control unit 2205 rotates the virtual light according to this instruction (step S306), and the process proceeds to step S307. move on. In step S307, the object information update unit 207 updates the color information of the object in accordance with the rotation operation of the virtual light, thereby causing a shadow due to light from the light source (virtual light) on the surface of each object, The process ends. This shading process can be realized by a known shading process or the like. In this way, by updating the color information of the object in accordance with the rotation operation of the virtual light, it is possible to increase the sense of movement and realism that the female character runs through the warehouse.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the virtual light is rotated according to the movement of the object, and the color information of the object is updated, so that the shadow of the light from the light source (virtual light) is applied to the surface of each object. Give rise to Thereby, it becomes possible to express the movement (feeling of movement) of each character in a manner that is more realistic than in the past.

  Furthermore, according to the method according to the present embodiment, it can be realized by a simple process of rotating the virtual light according to the movement of the character, and further, the control of the virtual light and the virtual camera is also simplified. The processing burden on the apparatus can be reduced.

B. Modification (1) In the present embodiment described above, a scene in which a female character runs through a warehouse with a virtual camera fixed in a virtual three-dimensional space is described. The virtual camera may be moved accordingly. Specifically, the image control unit 2200 instructs the camera motion control unit 2204 to move the virtual camera CM so as to draw a movement trajectory TR as shown by a solid line in FIG. The camera motion control unit 2204 moves the virtual camera CM in accordance with this instruction, thereby making it possible to express a more powerful sense of movement.

(2) In the above-described embodiment, the case where the virtual light is rotated around the y-axis according to the movement of the object has been described. However, which axis is rotated around can be arbitrarily set and changed. is there. Furthermore, it is not always necessary to set the rotation speed to be constant. For example, the rotation speed may be adjusted according to the movement of the object. Further, the light intensity of the virtual light may be changed in accordance with the movement of the object, and further, the color of the light emitted from the virtual light may be changed. The image control unit 2200 sets the light-related parameters such as rotation speed, light intensity, and light color in the light motion control unit 2205. The light motion control unit (light control unit ) 2205 adjusts the rotation speed, light intensity, light color, and the like of the virtual light based on the light-related parameters set from the image control unit 2200. On the other hand, the object information update unit 207 updates the color information of the object in accordance with the adjustment of the rotation speed, light intensity, light color, etc. of the virtual light by the light motion control unit 2205. In this way, by updating the color information of the object according to the parameters related to the virtual light as well as the rotation operation of the virtual light, it is possible to increase the sense of movement and realism that a female character runs through the warehouse. It becomes.

(3) In the above-described embodiment, the case where one virtual light is used as the light source has been described, but it is needless to say that a plurality of virtual lights may be used as the light source. In this case, it is not necessary to rotate all the virtual lights, and some of the virtual lights may be rotated.

C. Application example (pachinko machine)
In the first embodiment, the slot machine has been described as an example. However, the image generation apparatus according to the present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines such as a pachinko machine.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing an example of the external configuration of the pachinko machine.
In FIG. 14, the pachinko machine is configured to include a game board (gauge board) that constitutes a game board surface and a game machine frame that supports and fixes the game board. The game board includes a plurality of nails 101, windmills 102a and 102b, a normal symbol operating gate 103, a normal electric accessory 104, a center decorative part 105, a special symbol display device 106, an effect display device 107, a normal symbol display device 108, an outside A rail 110, an inner rail 109, and the like are provided as game parts. Further, the game board is provided with a general winning port 111, a starting winning port 112, a big winning port 113, and an out port 114.

  The effect display device 107 is a display device for displaying an image including a decorative design, and is provided at a substantially central position of the game area 115 so that the player can easily recognize it, and displays related to various effects. A liquid crystal display device for performing the above is provided. The effect display device 107 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be configured by a display device such as a plasma display. The image generation device according to the present invention is incorporated in the effect display device 107, and the image generated by the image generation device is displayed on the display screen 118 of the effect display device 107.

The front view of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention The block diagram which shows the system configuration | structure of the slot machine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. Functional block diagram of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention The flowchart which shows control of the main control board which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The block diagram which shows the functional structure of the image sound production | generation means which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which illustrated the positional relationship of each object which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which illustrated the positional relationship of the virtual camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention, a virtual light, and each object. The figure which illustrated the positional relationship of the virtual camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention, a virtual light, and each object. The figure which illustrated the positional relationship of the virtual camera which concerns on embodiment of this invention, a virtual light, and each object. The figure which illustrated the character which updated the color information which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 6 is a flowchart of image generation processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart of the object information update process which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which illustrated the positional relationship of the virtual camera which concerns on the modification of this invention, a virtual light, and each object. The front view of the pachinko machine which concerns on the application example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1 slot machine, 2 front panel, 10 main control board, 21 display window, 22 reel, 22L left reel, 22C middle reel, 22R right reel, 50 sub control board, 60 effect control board, 70 image sound generation board, 80 liquid crystal Display device, 100 main control means, 110 role lottery means, 120 reel control means, 130 stop symbol judgment means, 140 payout control means, 150 special role carry-over means, 160 gaming state control means, 170 operation means, 180 set value setting means , 190 Symbol display means, 200 Sub control means, 210 Production control means, 220 Image sound generation means, 2200 Image control section, 2201 Object data storage section, 2202 Texture data storage section, 2203 Object generation section, 2204 Camera motion control section 2205 Light motion control unit, 2206 a movement control unit, 2207 object information updating unit, 2208 a rendering unit, 2209 an image data storage unit, 2209 a display controller.

Claims (6)

An image generation device that generates an image of an object viewed from a virtual camera arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space,
A movement control means for controlling relative movement between the background object constituting the background and the character object constituting the character;
And write control means for a relative position and said virtual light between the character object and the virtual light set in the virtual three-dimensional space changes the direction of illumination,
Color information updating means for updating color information of the character object in accordance with the movement of the virtual light;
Rendering means for generating continuous frame images of the background object and the character object;
With
The light control means rotates the virtual light around a predetermined axis arranged relative to the character object , corresponding to the relative movement of the background object and the character object .
An image generation apparatus characterized by that. The light control means changes a rotation speed of the virtual light;
The image generation apparatus according to claim 1. Said write control means, in accordance with the rotation of the virtual light, changing at least either the virtual light intensity or color,
The image generation apparatus according to claim 1. There are a plurality of the virtual lights,
The virtual light control means changes movement of at least one virtual light;
The image generation apparatus according to claim 1. A gaming machine that changes the progress of the game according to the lottery result,
As the game progresses, the image corresponding to the movement of the background object and the character object in the virtual three-dimensional space is generated.
A gaming machine comprising the image generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An image generation program for causing a computer to realize a function of generating an image of an object viewed from a virtual camera arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space,
A movement control function for controlling the relative movement between the background object constituting the background and the character object constituting the character;
A light control function relative position and the virtual write of the character object and the virtual light set in the virtual three-dimensional space changes the direction of illumination,
A color information update function for updating color information of the character object in accordance with the movement of the virtual light;
A rendering function for generating continuous frame images of the background object and the character object;
Which realizes
The light control function rotates the virtual light around a predetermined axis disposed relative to the character object in correspondence with the relative movement of the background object and the character object .
An image generation program characterized by that.