JP5616143B2 - Game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine which is changed in accordance with demonstration screen to the playing state improve the enjoyment of the game.

  2. Description of the Related Art Recent gaming machines have become mainstream in which an effect image composed of various moving images and still images is displayed on a liquid crystal display device, and an effect that excites a player's game is performed. As an example, in such a gaming machine, a lottery is performed by the main control device (main control board) when a game ball enters the starting port (starting area), and an effect pattern determined based on the lottery The control command is transmitted to the effect control device (effect control board), and the effect control board causes the image control board that controls the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device to perform an image effect corresponding to the control command. In particular, in recent gaming machines, the production patterns have been diversified by increasing the size of the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device, mounting various types of accessories, and increasing the number of lamps in the lamp device, etc., providing various effects to the players It is devised to do.

  In such a gaming machine, when a game ball enters the start opening, for example, three numerical symbol display areas on the liquid crystal screen are displayed in a variable manner, and all three numeric symbols are aligned in a horizontal line such as “777”. If it is, the game shifts to a special game state that is a big hit. In addition, when three numerical symbols are stopped from the variable display, for example, the left and right numerical symbols of the three numerical symbols are stopped first, and only the central numerical symbol is displayed in a variable state to reach a reach state. . During this reach state, various effect images are displayed on the liquid crystal screen, and the central number symbol is finally stopped while enhancing the player's expectation for occurrence of the jackpot.

  Also, in recent gaming machines, various types of moving image data can be switched and displayed during one presentation, or objects arranged in a virtual space can be projected and displayed from various viewpoints. The effect image is displayed on the liquid crystal screen to improve the interest of the player's game (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

  In Patent Literature 1, when switching between the first mode variation symbol and the second mode variation symbol displayed on the display screen of the pachinko machine, the mode switching is performed in advance in the storage unit. There is described a gaming machine that switches through the stored relay video data. In the gaming machine, the relay animation display of the effect that the character changes in the middle from the main character in the first mode to another main character in the second mode is performed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, an object is arranged in a preset virtual space, and when the movement amount, movement speed, or the like is large, the object is drawn as a three-dimensional image (polygon data), and the other objects are 2 A gaming machine that draws a three-dimensional image is described. The gaming machine can reduce the burden on the three-dimensional image drawing means as compared to the case where all objects are drawn as a three-dimensional image, and even a gaming machine having a relatively low three-dimensional drawing processing capability has a three-dimensional effect. It is intended to provide an image.

JP 2002-078883 A JP 2003-117138 A

  In general, a two-dimensional animation effect is still effective as a production image because an animation or the like richer in aesthetics than a three-dimensional CG constructed with polygon data can be prepared in advance. In addition, the three-dimensional image production has an advantage of enabling an image production full of stereoscopic effect that is not present in the two-dimensional video production. Therefore, in order to perform more various effects, it is conceivable to continuously perform image effects by a plurality of two-dimensional moving images arranged at different positions in the three-dimensional space, but two moving images having different contents are connected. There is a problem that a sense of incongruity occurs at the time of switching by combining them.

  On the other hand, considering the use of the relay video data as used in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 described above, the relay video stored in advance to increase the variation of the relay effect itself. There is no choice but to increase the number of data. Moreover, in order to adjust the relay effect time, only the methods such as deleting the previous and subsequent data, skipping the frame, or repeatedly using it can be used. The relay video data must be stored.

  Further, in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 2 described above, although an image obtained by arranging the object in the virtual space and projecting the scene is used as the effect image, there is no concept of adjusting the effect time.

The present invention has been made in consideration of such circumstances, and relay moving image data that relays between a plurality of two-dimensional image data arranged in a virtual space without a sense of incongruity adjusted according to the production time. It is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that can be suitably generated and can show a player an effect as if a series of moving image data is displayed on a liquid crystal screen in a three-dimensional effect.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention performs main control means for outputting a control command, display means for displaying an effect image, and display control of the effect image on the display means in accordance with the control command. A game machine including presentation control means, storage means for storing the first image and the second image, arrangement means for arranging the first image and the second image in a virtual space, and Production of the effect image in which the effect control means determines a series of relay moving images having a three-dimensional movement from the first image arranged in the virtual space to the second image. First generation means for generating only the production time determined from the time and the unique production time of the first and second images, and the first image and the second image arranged in the virtual space Via the series of relay videos Comprises a second generating means for generating the presentation image by projecting each frame image in a predetermined plane of videos combined calm, and the first image and the second image is moving image data, the second The first generation unit generates the same frame as the last frame of the first image as the first frame of the relay moving image at the position where the first image is arranged, and the first frame of the second image The same frame as the frame is generated as the final frame of the relay video at the position where the second image is arranged, and the generated frame image between the first frame and the final frame is generated by interpolation processing A series of moving image data is generated as the relay moving image .

Furthermore, before Symbol displacement information storing means for storing a plurality of displacement information about the three-dimensional trajectory of the relay video in the virtual space, the displacement of the relay video from the plurality of displacement information stored in the displacement storage means Specifying means for specifying information, wherein the first generating means generates the relay moving image in which the shape of the three-dimensional trajectory is partially changed according to the determined performance time , One trajectory can be specified from a plurality of trajectories, and the size of the trajectory changes in consideration of the effect time, so that variations of effect images (relay moving images) can be suitably increased.

Further , the designation means can further designate at least one displacement of the orientation, size, or shape of the frame image included in the relay video, so that the frame image included in the relay video in addition to the trajectory can be specified . Variations in the effect image can be further increased by changing the orientation, size, shape, and the like.

Furthermore , main control means for outputting a control command, display means for displaying an effect image, effect control means for controlling display of the effect image on the display means in response to the control command, a first image, A control method for a gaming machine comprising storage means for storing a second image, wherein the first image and the second image are arranged in a virtual space, and are arranged in the virtual space. Further, the production time of the production image determined by the production control means, and the first and the series of relay moving images in a mode that changes from the first image to the second image with a three-dimensional movement. A first generation step of generating an effect time determined from a specific effect time of the second image; and the series of relays of the first image and the second image arranged in the virtual space. Video connected via video That having a second generation step of generating the presentation image by projecting each frame image in a predetermined plane.

Furthermore , main control means for outputting a control command, display means for displaying an effect image, effect control means for controlling display of the effect image on the display means in response to the control command, a first image, In a gaming machine comprising a storage means for storing a second image, an arrangement procedure for arranging the first image and the second image in a virtual space, and the first image arranged in the virtual space The production control means determines the production time of the production image and the first and second images of a series of relay videos that change from the image to the second image with a three-dimensional movement. The first generation procedure for generating only the production time determined from the unique production time, and the first image and the second image arranged in the virtual space are connected via the series of relay moving images. Each frame image of the combined video By projecting a predetermined plane Ru to execute a second generation step of generating the effect image.

According to the present invention, even if two pieces of moving image data have different contents, the transition of image effects between moving image data arranged at different places in the virtual space can be performed without a sense of incongruity .

It is a front view which shows the structure of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the back surface side of the gaming machine shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is an enlarged view showing a configuration near the effect button and cross key of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the main control board of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a timing chart for demonstrating the production time of a series of animation data in the gaming machine concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the production | generation method of the relay moving image data in the gaming machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of operation | movement of the game machine 1 for demonstrating the production | presentation animation data generation process of the game machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the reach | attainment process (step S13) of the gaming machine which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the back side of the gaming machine 1 shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

  The gaming machine 1 is provided with a gaming board 2 in which a gaming area 6 in which gaming balls flow down is formed, and a glass frame 110 is provided on an outer peripheral portion of the gaming area 6 of the gaming board 2. An operation handle 3 is rotatably provided on the glass frame 110.

  When the player touches the operation handle 3, the touch sensor 3 b in the operation handle 3 detects that the player has touched the operation handle 3 and transmits a touch signal to the firing control board 106. When the firing control board 106 receives a touch signal from the touch sensor 3b, the firing control board 106 permits energization of the firing solenoid 4a. When the rotation angle of the operation handle 3 is changed, the gear directly connected to the operation handle 3 rotates and the knob of the firing volume 3a connected to the gear rotates. A voltage corresponding to the detection angle of the firing volume 3a is applied to a firing solenoid 4a provided in the game ball launching mechanism. When a voltage is applied to the firing solenoid 4a, the firing solenoid 4a is operated according to the applied voltage, and the game ball is directed toward the game area 6 with a strength according to the rotation angle of the operation handle 3. Fire.

  The game ball fired as described above moves up between the rails 5 a and 5 b and reaches the upper position of the game board 2, and then falls in the game area 6. At this time, the game ball falls unpredictably by a plurality of nails and windmills (not shown) provided in the game area 6.

  The game area 6 is provided with a plurality of general winning ports 7. Each general winning opening 7 is provided with a general winning opening detecting switch 7a. When the general winning opening detecting switch 7a detects the entering of a game ball, a predetermined winning ball (for example, 10 game balls) is provided. Will be paid out.

  Further, at the lower position of the game area 6, similarly to the general winning port 7, a first start port 9 and a second start port 10 through which game balls can enter are provided. The second starting port 10 has a pair of movable pieces 10b, a first mode in which the pair of movable pieces 10b is maintained in a closed state, and a second mode in which the pair of movable pieces 10b are in an open state. It is movable and controlled. When the second starting port 10 is controlled in the first mode, it is impossible or difficult to receive the game ball due to the obstacle 10d positioned right above the second starting port 10. On the other hand, when the second starting port 10 is controlled to the second mode, the pair of movable pieces 10b function as a tray, and it is easy to enter the game ball into the second starting port 10. That is, when the second start port 10 is in the first mode, there is almost no opportunity for entering a game ball, and when the second start port 10 is in the second mode, the opportunity for entering a game ball is increased.

  The first start port 9 and the second start port 10 are provided with a first start port detection switch 9a and a second start port detection switch 10a for detecting the entrance of a game ball, respectively. When the switch detects the entry of a game ball, a lottery for acquiring a right to execute a jackpot game, which will be described later (hereinafter referred to as “hit a lottery”), is performed. Also, when the detection switches 9a and 10a detect the entry of a game ball, a predetermined prize ball (for example, 3 game balls) is paid out.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1, a first grand prize winning port 11 is provided below the game area 6 (just below the second starting port). The first grand prize opening 11 is normally kept closed by the first big prize opening opening / closing door 11b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball. On the other hand, when the long hit game is started, the first big prize opening / closing door 11b is opened, and the big prize opening / closing door 11b serves as a tray for guiding the game ball into the first big winning opening 11. It functions and the game ball can enter the first grand prize opening 11.

  In addition, a second grand prize winning port 90 is provided immediately below the first starting port 9 below the game area 6. The second grand prize opening 90 normally contains the second big prize mouth tray device 90b, and it is impossible to enter a game ball, but a short hit game or a small hit game is started. Then, the second grand prize receiving tray device 90b slides in the forward direction, and the game ball can enter.

  The first grand prize port 11 and the second grand prize port 90 are provided with a first grand prize port detection switch 11a and a second grand prize port detection switch 90a, respectively. When the two major winning opening detection switch 90a detects the entry of a game ball, a preset prize ball (for example, nine game balls) is paid out.

  Furthermore, in the gaming area 6, a normal symbol gate 8 is provided on the right side of the second starting port 10 so as to pass the game ball. The normal symbol gate 8 is provided with a gate detection switch 8a for detecting the passage of the game ball. When the gate detection switch 8a detects the passage of the game ball, the normal symbol lottery is performed.

  The lowermost part of the game area 6 is a discharge port for discharging game balls that have not entered any of the general winning port 7, the first starting port 9, the second starting port 10, and the first major winning port 11. 12 is provided.

  In addition, the game board 2 is provided with an effect device for performing various effects. Specifically, a liquid crystal display device 13 composed of a liquid crystal screen (LCD) or the like is provided at a substantially central portion of the game area 6. Further, both the upper position and the lower position of the game board 2 are An effect lighting device 16 is provided. On the left side of the operation handle 3, an effect button 17 on which a player can select an effect or the like is provided, and between the effect button 17 and the operation handle 3. Is provided with a cross key 25 for performing operations such as volume adjustment and history display. The effect buttons 17 are also called “operation buttons” or “chance buttons”, and are constituted by convex buttons, and the player performs operations such as pressing the buttons. The effect button 17 may be an input pad or the like that employs a touch panel method, instead of a button that is pressed.

  Further, with respect to the effect button 17, an effect button image resembling the effect button 17 is displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13, and an effect is made to prompt the player to operate the effect button 17. In addition, the operation of the effect button 17 by the player is accepted as an effective operation only when the effect button image is displayed on the liquid crystal screen, for example. The effect button 17 is provided with an effect button detection switch 17a. When the effect button detection switch 17a detects the player's operation, the liquid crystal display device 13, the effect lighting device 16 and the audio output are output in response to the operation. Further effects are executed by the device 18 or the like.

  On the other hand, in the gaming machine 1, the cross key 25 functions as an operating means or an adjusting means for the player to adjust the volume of the effect sound during the game. The cross key 25 is displayed not only for adjusting the volume of the effect sound but also for displaying history information during standby in a non-game state, or for improving the player's interest during the big hit. It is also used when selecting the contents of a production image. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing a configuration in the vicinity of the effect button 17 and the cross key 25 of the gaming machine 1.

  The cross key 25 is used to move the cursor displayed on the liquid crystal display screen in the history display state or the big hit state, and the up key 201 and the down key 202 used when changing the volume of the effect sound as a cursor key. And a left key 203 and a right key 204 used for the operation, and an enter key 205 used when the volume value selected by operating the cursor key is confirmed. The cross key 25 is provided with a cross key detection switch 25a connected to the effect control board 102. When the cross key detection switch 25a detects a player's operation, this is used as a trigger for the effect control board 102. Control of the liquid crystal display device 13 and the audio output device 18 is performed.

  For example, the liquid crystal display device 13 displays a “volume bar” (to be described later) for notifying the player of the volume level of the effect sound, displays a demo image while the game is not being performed, Or display an image according to. For example, when a game ball enters the first start port 9 or the second start port 10, the effect symbol 30 for notifying the player of the lottery result is variably displayed.

  For example, the effect symbol 30 scrolls and displays three numbers, and stops the scrolling after a predetermined time, and displays a specific symbol (number) in an array. As a result, while the symbols are being scrolled, the player is given an impression that the lottery is currently being performed, and the player is notified of the lottery result by the symbols displayed when the scrolling is stopped. By displaying various images, characters, and the like during the variation display of the effect symbol 30, a high expectation that the player may win a big hit is given to the player.

  The effect lighting device 16 includes a plurality of lights 16a, and performs various effects while changing the light irradiation direction and emission color of each light 16a.

  In addition to the above-described each production device, the audio output device 18 can also produce a production sound by outputting a production sound. The gaming machine 1 is configured such that the player can adjust the effect sound output from the audio output device 18 using the cross key 25.

  Below the game area 6, a first special symbol display device 19, a second special symbol display device 20, a normal symbol display device 21, a first special symbol hold indicator 22, a second special symbol hold indicator 23, a normal symbol A hold indicator 24 is provided.

  The first special symbol display device 19 notifies a jackpot lottery result performed when a game ball enters the first starting port 9, and is composed of 7-segment LEDs. In other words, a plurality of special symbols corresponding to the jackpot lottery result are provided, and the lottery result is notified to the player by displaying the special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result on the first special symbol display device 19. I am doing so. For example, “7” is displayed when the jackpot is won, and “−” is displayed when the player wins. “7” and “−” displayed in this way are special symbols, but these special symbols are not displayed immediately, but are displayed in a stopped state after being displayed for a predetermined time. .

  More specifically, when a game ball enters the first starting port 9, a jackpot lottery will be performed. However, the jackpot lottery result is not immediately notified to the player, and a predetermined time is passed. The player is notified when it has passed. When a predetermined time has elapsed, a special symbol corresponding to the jackpot lottery result is stopped and displayed so that the player is notified of the lottery result. The second special symbol display device 20 is for informing the lottery result of the jackpot that was performed when a game ball entered the second starting port 10, and the display mode is as described above. This is the same as the special symbol display mode in the one special symbol display device 19.

  Further, the normal symbol display device 21 is for notifying the lottery result of the normal symbol that is performed when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8. When the normal symbol is won by the normal symbol lottery, the normal symbol display device 21 is turned on, and then the second starting port 10 is controlled to the second mode for a predetermined time. Note that this normal symbol also does not immediately notify the lottery result when the game ball passes through the normal symbol gate 8, but the normal symbol display device 21 blinks until a predetermined time elapses. Is displayed in a variable manner.

  Furthermore, if a game ball enters the first start port 9 or the second start port 10 during special symbol fluctuation display or a special game to be described later, and if the big hit lottery cannot be performed immediately, a certain condition The right to win a jackpot is reserved. More specifically, the right to win a jackpot where a game ball enters and is retained at the first start port 9 is retained as a first hold, and a game ball is retained and retained at the second start port 10. The jackpot lottery right is reserved as a second hold.

  For these holds, the upper limit reserved number is set to four, and the reserved number is displayed on the first special symbol hold indicator 22 and the second special symbol hold indicator 23, respectively. When there is one first hold, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 22 lights up, and when there are two first holds, the two LEDs on the first special symbol hold indicator 22 Lights up. Further, when there are three first holds, the LED on the left side of the first special symbol hold indicator 22 blinks and the right LED is lit. When there are four first holds, the first special symbol hold The two LEDs on the display 22 flash. In addition, the second special symbol hold indicator 23 displays the number of the second reserved reserves as described above.

  The upper limit reserved number of normal symbols is also set to four, and the reserved number of normal symbols is displayed in the same manner as the first special symbol hold indicator 22 and the second special symbol hold indicator 23. Displayed on the device 24.

  The glass frame 110 supports a glass plate (not shown) that covers the game area 6 so as to be visible in front of the game board 2 (on the player side). The glass plate is detachably fixed to the glass frame 110.

  The glass frame 110 is connected to the outer frame 100 via a hinge mechanism portion 111 on one end side in the left-right direction (for example, the left side facing the gaming machine), and the other end side in the left-right direction using the hinge mechanism portion 111 as a fulcrum. (For example, the right side facing the gaming machine) can be rotated in a direction to release from the outer frame 100. The glass frame 110 covers the game board 2 together with the glass plate 111, and can be opened like a door with the hinge mechanism 111 as a fulcrum to open the inner part of the outer frame 100 including the game board 2. On the other end side of the glass frame 110, a lock mechanism for fixing the other end side of the glass frame 110 to the outer frame 100 is provided. The fixing by the lock mechanism can be released by a dedicated key. The glass frame 110 is also provided with a door opening switch 33 that detects whether or not the glass frame 110 is opened from the outer frame 100.

  On the back surface of the gaming machine 1, a main control board 101, an effect control board 102, a payout control board 103, a power supply board 107, a game information output terminal board 108, and the like are provided. In addition, a power plug 50 and a power switch (not shown) for supplying power to the gaming machine 1 are also provided on the back surface of the gaming machine 1.

  Next, game progress control by the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The main control board 101 is a device that controls the basic operation of the game. The main control board 101 includes a main CPU 101a, a main ROM 101b, and a main RAM 101c. The main CPU 101a reads out a program stored in the main ROM 101b based on an input signal from each detection switch or timer, performs arithmetic processing, directly controls each device or display, or outputs the result of the arithmetic processing. In response, a command is transmitted to another board. The main RAM 101c functions as a data work area during the arithmetic processing of the main CPU 101a.

  On the input side of the main control board 101, a general winning opening detection switch 7a, a gate detection switch 8a, a first starting opening detection switch 9a, a second starting opening detection switch 10a, a first large winning opening detection switch 11a, a second A big prize opening detection switch 90 a is connected so that a detection signal of a game ball is input to the main control board 101.

  Further, on the output side of the main control board 101, a start opening / closing solenoid 10c for opening / closing the pair of movable pieces 10b of the second start opening 10 and a large winning opening opening / closing operation for opening / closing the first large winning opening opening / closing door 11b. A solenoid 11c and a second grand prize opening / closing solenoid 90c are connected, and a first special symbol display device 19, a second special symbol display device 20, a normal symbol display device 21, and a hold display, which constitute the symbol display device. The first special symbol hold indicator 22, the second special symbol hold indicator 23, and the normal symbol hold indicator 24 that constitute the device are connected, and various signals are output via the output port.

  Further, the main control board 101 outputs an external information signal necessary for managing a gaming machine in a hall computer or the like of a gaming store to the gaming information output terminal board 108.

  The main ROM 101b of the main control board 101 stores a game control program and data and tables necessary for determining various games.

  For example, the main ROM 101b has a jackpot determination table that is referred to when determining whether or not a special symbol variation stop result is a big hit, and when determining whether or not a normal symbol variation stop result is a hit. Reference hit determination table, fall determination table for determining whether or not to end the high probability gaming state, symbol determination table for determining a stop symbol of a special symbol, determination for determining a gaming state change flag based on the special symbol Table, jackpot end setting data table for determining the gaming state based on the gaming state change flag and the data in the gaming state buffer, special electric accessory operating mode determination for determining the opening / closing conditions of the big prize opening / closing door 11b Table, long hit release mode determination table, short hit release mode determination table, small hits release mode determination table, special figure Variation pattern determination table or the like for determining the fluctuation pattern is stored.

  Note that the above-described table is merely an example of characteristic tables among the tables in the present embodiment, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. ing.

  The main RAM 101c of the main control board 101 has a plurality of storage areas. For example, the main RAM 101c includes a normal symbol reserved number storage area, a normal symbol reserved storage area, a first special symbol reserved number storage area, a second special symbol reserved number storage area, a determination storage area, a first special symbol storage area, a first 2 special symbol memory area, remaining probability count storage area for high probability gaming state, remaining variation count storage area for short-time gaming state, round game count storage area, open count storage area, winning prize entry pitch storage area, gaming status storage An area, a game state buffer, a stop symbol data storage area, a game state change flag storage area, an effect transmission data storage area, and various timer counters are provided. The game state storage area includes a short-time game flag storage area, a high-probability game flag storage area, a special-purpose special electric processing data storage area, and a general-purpose normal electric processing data storage area. Note that the above-described storage area is merely an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  The game information output terminal board 108 is a board for outputting an external information signal generated in the main control board 101 to a hall computer or the like of the game shop. The game information output terminal board 108 is wired to the main control board 101 and provided with a connector for connecting external information to a hall computer or the like of the game store.

  The power supply board 107 supplies power to the gaming machine via the power plug 50, and includes a backup power source composed of a capacitor. The power supply voltage supplied to the gaming machine is monitored, and the power supply voltage is less than a predetermined value. When this happens, a power interruption detection signal is output to the main control board 101. More specifically, when the power interruption detection signal becomes high level, the main CPU 101a becomes operable, and when the power interruption detection signal becomes low level, the main CPU 101a becomes inactive state. The backup power source is not limited to a capacitor, and may be a battery, for example, or a capacitor and a battery may be used in combination.

  The effect control board 102 mainly controls each effect such as during game play or standby. The effect control board 102 includes a sub CPU 102a, a sub ROM 102b, and a sub RAM 102c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be communicable in one direction from the main control board 101 to the effect control board 102. . The sub CPU 102a reads out a program stored in the sub ROM 102b based on a command transmitted from the main control board 101 or an input signal from the effect button detection switch 17a, the cross key detection switch 25a, and the timer, and performs arithmetic processing. And corresponding data is transmitted to the lamp control board 104 or the liquid crystal / audio control board 105 based on the processing. The sub RAM 102c functions as a data work area when the sub CPU 102a performs arithmetic processing.

  The sub ROM 102b of the effect control board 102 stores an effect control program, data necessary for determining various games, tables, and the like.

  For example, the sub ROM 102b stores a variation effect pattern determination table or the like for determining an effect pattern based on a variation pattern designation command received from the main control board 101. Note that this table only lists characteristic tables among the tables of the present embodiment as an example, and a number of other tables and programs (not shown) are provided for the progress of the game. .

  The sub RAM 102c of the effect control board 102 has a plurality of storage areas. For example, the sub RAM 102c is provided with a command reception buffer, a game state storage area, an effect mode storage area, and the like. Note that these storage areas merely list characteristic storage areas of the storage areas of the present embodiment as an example, and many other storage areas are provided.

  In the present embodiment, the effect control board 102 is equipped with an RTC (real time clock) 102d for outputting the current time. The sub CPU 102a inputs a date signal indicating the current date or a time signal indicating the current time from the RTC 102d, and executes various processes based on the current date and time. The RTC 102d is normally operated by power from the gaming machine 1 when power is supplied to the gaming machine 1, and is supplied from backup power mounted on the power supply board 107 when the power of the gaming machine 1 is turned off. It operates with a power source that operates. Therefore, the RTC 102d can measure the current date and time even when the gaming machine 1 is powered off. Note that the RTC 102d may be provided with a battery on the effect control board 102 and operated by the battery.

  Alternatively, the RTC 102d may not be provided, and the time may be measured by counting up a counter provided in the sub RAM 102c having a function as a backup RAM every predetermined time (for example, every 2 ms).

  The payout control board 103 performs game ball launch control and prize ball payout control. The payout control board 103 includes a payout CPU 103a, a payout ROM 103b, and a payout RAM 103c, and is connected to the main control board 101 so as to be capable of two-way communication. The payout CPU 103a reads out the program stored in the payout ROM 103b based on the input signals from the payout ball count detection switch 32, the door opening switch 33, and the timer that detect whether or not the game ball has been paid out, and performs arithmetic processing. At the same time, based on the processing, the corresponding data is transmitted to the main control board 101. The payout control board 103 is connected to a payout motor 31 of a prize ball payout device for paying out a predetermined number of prize balls from the game ball storage unit to the player. The payout CPU 103a reads out a predetermined program from the payout ROM 103b based on the payout number designation command transmitted from the main control board 101, performs arithmetic processing, and controls the payout motor 31 of the prize ball payout device to execute a predetermined prize. Pay the ball to the player. At this time, the payout RAM 103c functions as a data work area during the calculation process of the payout CPU 103a.

  Also, it is confirmed whether a game ball lending device (card unit) (not shown) is connected to the payout control board 103, and if a game ball lending device (card unit) is connected, the game ball is fired on the launch control board 106. Sending fire control data that allows

  When the launch control board 106 receives the launch control data from the payout control board 103, the launch control board 106 permits the launch. Then, the touch signal from the touch sensor 3b and the input signal from the launch volume 3a are read out, the energization control of the launch solenoid 4a is performed, and the game ball is launched.

  Here, the rotational speed of the firing solenoid 4a is set to about 99.9 (times / minute) based on the frequency based on the output period of the crystal oscillator provided on the firing control board 106. As a result, the number of games played in one minute is about 99.9 (pieces / minute) since one piece is fired every time the firing solenoid rotates. That is, the game ball is fired about every 0.6 seconds.

  The lamp control board 104 includes a lamp CPU 104a, a lamp ROM 104b, and a lamp ROM 104b for controlling the lighting of the effect lighting device 16 provided on the game board 2 and controlling the motor for changing the light irradiation direction. A lamp RAM 104c is provided. The lamp control board 104 is connected to the effect control board 102, and performs the above-described controls based on data transmitted from the effect control board 102.

  The liquid crystal / audio control board 105 includes an image CPU 105a, an image ROM 105b, an image RAM (VRAM) 105c, an audio CPU 105d, an audio ROM 105e, and an audio RAM 105f for performing image display control of the liquid crystal display device 13. The liquid crystal / audio control board 105 is connected to the effect control board 102 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and the liquid crystal display device 13 and the audio output device 18 are connected to the output side thereof.

  The image ROM 105b stores a large number of image data such as volume bars, effect symbols 30 and backgrounds displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13, and the image CPU 105a performs a predetermined process based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102. While reading the program, predetermined image data is read from the image ROM 105b to the VRAM 105c, and the display control in the liquid crystal display device 13 is performed. For example, based on a command transmitted from the effect control board 102, the image CPU 105a reads a background image, various effect design images such as a reach effect and a special reach effect, a character image, a notification image, and the like from the image ROM 105b and writes them into the VRAM 105c. These images are displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13.

  On the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device 13, the effect design image and the character image are displayed so as to appear in front of the background image, and the notification image is displayed so as to be in front of the effect image and the character image. . At this time, if the background image and the design image overlap at the same position, the design image is preferentially stored in the VRAM 105c by referring to the Z value of the Z buffer of each image data by a known hidden surface removal method such as the Z buffer method. .

  The audio ROM 105e stores a large number of audio data output from the audio output device 18, and the audio CPU 105d reads out a predetermined program based on the command transmitted from the effect control board 102 and Audio output control in the output device 18 is performed. For example, the sound ROM 105e stores various fluctuating sounds output during the game, sound information dedicated to sound adjustment corresponding to fluctuating sounds, and the like. In addition, the sound RAM 105f stores information about the adjustment range of the volume of the effect sound preset by the game store and information about the initial value (default value) of the effect sound, as will be described later.

  Next, image effect control displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the liquid crystal display device of the gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the main control board 101 of the gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Note that the processing described below is realized by the main CPU 101a of the main control board 101 executing a program stored in the main ROM 101b.

When the main CPU 101a of the main control board 101 detects that a game ball has won a winning winning opening as a main process with each detection switch (step S1), it acquires a random number (step S2). Then, the main CPU 101a transmits an effect pattern control command to the effect control board 102 based on the acquired random number value (step S3).
Then, in the effect control board 102 that has received the effect pattern control command from the main control board 101, the sub CPU 102a executes the program stored in the sub ROM 102b to perform image / audio control on the liquid crystal / audio control board 105. A control instruction is issued by transmitting a control command for execution.

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the effect time of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 or the like by the liquid crystal / audio control board 105 is predetermined for each control command from the effect control board 102. Here, in conventional gaming machines, in order to correspond to different lengths of production time, video data of different times is held, or video data of a predetermined length is cut in the middle according to the production time, Alternatively, it is necessary to perform time adjustment such as skipping frames and finish the production with a predetermined production time.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, as an example, a series of effect video data having a length corresponding to an effect time determined in advance is generated using two movie data and relay movie data in which the effect time has been adjusted. Correspond. That is, at the time of generating the effect moving image data, the data for the specific effect time is used as it is for the two moving image data, and the relay moving image data is obtained from the effect time of the effect image determined according to the control command. Only the effect time calculated by subtracting the effect time inherent in the moving image data is generated.

  Note that when generating the series of effect moving image data described above, the length of the effect time of both or one of the two pieces of moving image data may be shortened together. Further, another relay video data and video data are added, and three or more video data and two or more relay video data are connected to generate a series of effect video data for the effect time. May be.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, as an example, the effect time of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 or the like by the liquid crystal / audio control board 105 is predetermined for each control command from the effect control board 102. Shall. In addition, the production time may be determined by a control command from the main control board 101 or by the liquid crystal / audio control board 105.

  Next, a specific example of a series of moving image data generation processing of the gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining the production time of a series of moving image data in the gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 6, effect movie data A and B are shown as effect movie data of two different effect times.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the moving image data 1 and 2 used in the effect moving image data A and the effect moving image data B are the same moving image data, the same effect contents, and the same effect time. For these video data, two relay video data A generated with different production contents and different production times, such as relay video data A included in production video data A and relay video data B contained in production video data B , B can be used to generate two effect movie data A, B having different effect times.

  In addition, when generating the above-described relay moving image data, the same frame as the final frame of the moving image data 1 is generated as the first frame of the relay moving image data at the position where the moving image data 1 is arranged, and the first of the moving image data 2 is generated. The same frame as the frame is generated as the final frame of the relay moving image data at the position where the moving image data 2 is arranged.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of generating relay video data in the gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 shows an example of a virtual space in which two moving image data are arranged. Here, the moving image data 1 located on the left side and the moving image data 2 located on the right side are moving image data stored in the storage means such as the image ROM 105b. The three-dimensional trajectories a and b connecting the two moving image data indicate the trajectories of the relay moving image data A and B shown in FIG. In other words, in the present embodiment, the relay moving image data is such that the frame image of the relay moving image data is displaced along the three-dimensional locus a or the three-dimensional locus b from the position of the moving image data 1 arranged in the virtual space to the position of the moving image data 2. It takes the form to do.

  More specifically, the frame image of the relay moving image data is three-dimensionally specified from the position of the moving image data 1 to the position of the moving image data 2 arranged in the virtual space by taking the length of the calculated production time. Move along the trajectory. Then, the displayed frame image is updated when moving along the three-dimensional trajectory. For example, if the relay moving image data is a moving image composed of 100 frame images, the display frame moves from the position of the moving image data 1 to the position of the moving image data 2 and the frame image is displayed at the display timing of each frame. By switching, the first frame image changes to the 100th frame image. Note that the frame image of the first frame is the last frame of the moving image data 1 as described above, and the frame image of the 100th frame is the first frame of the moving image data 2.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the contents of the relay moving image data after the second frame are not particularly limited as long as the change mode of the image contents from the first frame to the last frame changes smoothly. Therefore, a frame image between the first frame and the last frame may be generated by various interpolation processes, and a series of moving image data may be generated as a relay moving image. For example, all moving image data may be generated while generating intermediate images so as to smoothly change from a frame image of the first frame to a frame image of the final frame after a production time, or other still images or moving images It may be changed by performing processing such as morphing with a gap between them.

  As a result, even if the two moving image data 1 and 2 have different contents, the moving image data for relay is generated by a suitable interpolation process, and the image effect between the moving image data arranged at different locations in the virtual space The transition can be done without any sense of incongruity.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a pattern in which the frame image is displaced in a straight line from the moving image data 1 to the moving image data 2 is indicated by a three-dimensional locus a, and a pattern that is displaced while drawing a curve is indicated by a three-dimensional locus b. That is, if the movement in the virtual space, towards the effect time t _b based on 3-dimensional trajectory b is longer than the presentation time t _a which is based on the three-dimensional trajectory a presentation frame image substantially the same speed of the relay video data It corresponds to time.

  Although only two types of three-dimensional trajectories are shown in FIG. 7, information regarding the three-dimensional trajectories of two or more patterns is stored in the gaming machine 1 in advance, and a player or One pattern can be designated by a control command or the like. Therefore, the moving speed of the frame image of the relay moving image data in the virtual space may be fixed in advance, and a three-dimensional trajectory pattern having a length corresponding to the calculated effect time may be designated. In addition, even for a three-dimensional trajectory of the same pattern, the size of a specific trajectory portion in the effect pattern (for example, a curve having a larger turning radius R) is set in accordance with the effect time assigned to the relay effect data. You may make it change a lot or repeat a specific pattern (for example, the frequency | count of a loop etc.) about the range of a specific locus | trajectory.

  That is, the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment stores a plurality of displacement information related to the three-dimensional trajectory of the relay movie in the virtual space in the image ROM 105b or the like, and relay movie data from the stored plurality of displacement information. Specify displacement information for. At this time, the relay moving image data is generated by changing the size of the three-dimensional trajectory in accordance with the determined effect time. Thereby, one trajectory can be designated from a plurality of trajectories, and the size of the trajectory changes in consideration of the staging time, so that it is possible to suitably increase the variation of the staging image (relay video). In addition, since a series of moving image data is generated by connecting the moving image data stored in advance and the moving image data generated, for example, at the time of reach production or prior thereto, the gaming machine 1 has to hold it in advance. The amount of data of still images and moving images that cannot be reduced can be suppressed. At the same time, since it is not necessary to generate all of the effect image data in real time, the calculation amount of the gaming machine 1 can be suppressed.

  Further, in the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment, at the time of the production of the relay video data 1 that relays the video data 1 and the video data 2, at least one of the orientation, size, and shape of each frame image of the relay video is displaced. May be further specified. Thereby, the variation of the effect image can be further increased by changing the orientation, size, shape, and the like of the frame image included in the relay moving image in addition to the three-dimensional trajectory.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation of the gaming machine 1 for explaining the effect moving image data generation processing of the gaming machine 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the processing described below, the sub CPU 102a of the effect control board 102 executes a program stored in the sub ROM 102b, and the image CPU 105a of the liquid crystal / audio control board 105 executes a program stored in the image ROM 105b. At the same time, the voice CPU 105d executes the program stored in the voice ROM 105e as necessary.

  When receiving the effect pattern control command from the main control board 101 (step S11), the sub CPU 102a of the effect control board 102 determines whether or not the effect pattern control command is a specific command (step S12). In the present embodiment, a reach effect command is taken as an example of the specific command, and description will be made assuming that effect movie data using the relay movie data described above at the time of the reach effect command is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the received effect control command is a specific command (YES), the sub CPU 102a controls the image control board 105 to display a reach effect pattern on the liquid crystal display device 13 (step S12). S13).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the reach effect process (step S13) of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
First, the image CPU 105a reads moving image data 1 and moving image data 2 from the image ROM 105b based on a command from the sub CPU 102a, and arranges them in a virtual space constructed by the VRAM 105c or the like (step S13a). 7 shows a state in which the moving image data 1 and 2 shown in FIG. 7 are arranged in the virtual space. Note that the location of the moving image data 1 and 2 in the virtual space may be based on the above command, or may be performed by the player using the effect button 17, the cross key 25, or the like.

  Next, a three-dimensional trajectory pattern of a series of relay moving image data in a manner that changes with a three-dimensional movement from the position of moving image data 1 arranged in the virtual space to the position of moving image data 2 1 is designated from a plurality of displacement information related to the three-dimensional trajectory stored in 1 (step S13b). Further, the production time of the designated relay video data is generated for the production time determined from the production time of the production image determined according to the control command and the production time unique to the video data 1 and 2 (step S13c). .

  Then, the moving image data 1 and the moving image data 2 arranged in the virtual space are generated by connecting the moving image data 1 and the moving image data 2 through a series of relay moving image data, and each frame image of the effect moving image data is projected onto the projection plane. The effect image is generated (step S13d). Here, the projection plane on which the effect moving image data generated in the virtual space is projected may be set in the gaming machine 1 in advance, or set or set arbitrarily by the player or the like each time by a control command or the like. You may do.

  Further, in generating the production moving image data in step S13d, as described above, the same frame as the final frame of the moving image data 1 is generated as the first frame of the relay moving image data at the position where the moving image data 1 is arranged. To do. Further, the same frame as the first frame of the moving image data 2 is generated as the final frame of the relay moving image data at the position where the moving image data 2 is arranged. Then, a series of moving image data generated by various interpolation processes for the frame image between the first frame and the last frame of the generated relay moving image data is generated as the relay moving image data.

  Then, the projection images of the production movie data including the generated relay movie data are displayed on the liquid crystal display device 13 in order from the projection image of the movie data 1 (step S13e). In other words, in the present embodiment, the projection image of the video data 1 is displayed for the unique production time of the video data 1, and then the projection image of the relay video data is displayed for the production time determined in step S13c. The projection image of the moving image data 2 is displayed for the production time unique to the moving image data 2.

  As described above, after the reach effect is performed by displaying the effect moving image data in step S13, the effect control board 102 determines whether or not the confirmation of the symbol indicates a jackpot (step S14). In the present embodiment, as an example, a jackpot is generated when all three rows of numeric symbols are aligned with the same number. As a result, when it is determined that the jackpot is a big hit (YES), for example, after erasing the number symbol and the decorative symbol from the screen, or at the same time or before and after, for example, a symbol for the jackpot is displayed as the background symbol. (Step S15). If it is determined in step S14 that the game is not a big hit, an off-stage effect is performed (step S16).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the received effect pattern command is not a specific command (NO), the sub CPU 102a performs another effect process according to the received effect pattern command (step S17).

  The specific configuration of the gaming machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention described above is not limited to the embodiment, and the present invention can be applied even if there is a design change or the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. included. For example, in the above embodiment, the reach effect command is used as an example of the specific command, but other commands may be used. For example, the specific command includes a jackpot command transmitted during the continuation of the jackpot state, a jackpot start command for starting the jackpot state processing, a jackpot end command for ending the jackpot state processing, A jackpot reach command for executing processing in the normal reach state, a power-on command for executing processing at the time of power-on in the peripheral portion, and a customer waiting demo command for executing a demonstration display in the non-game state in the peripheral portion , A customer waiting demonstration stop command for stopping the demonstration display in the non-gaming state in the peripheral part, a detach command for executing processing when the lottery result at the lottery is out of the peripheral part, a normal electric accessory (electric tulip ) Special lottery is short as well as open lottery and so-called fake jackpot Only it may be small per command and the like transmitted for the duration of the small contact state so as to open. In addition to the above, the specific command may be, for example, a power off command, a miss reach command, a miss non-reach command, a round start command, a round end command, or the like.

  Moreover, although the example which applies this invention to a pachinko game machine was shown in the said embodiment, it is not limited to this, This invention is a ball game machine other than pachinko game machines, such as a sparrow ball game machine and an arrangement ball. The present invention can also be applied to other gaming machines such as a spinning machine such as a slot machine. Also in these gaming machines, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained by configuring in the same manner as in the above embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Game machine 13 Liquid crystal display device 101 Main control board 101a Main CPU
101b Main ROM
101c Main RAM
102 Production control board 102a Sub CPU
102b Sub ROM
102c Sub RAM
105 Image control board 105a Image CPU
105b Image ROM
105c Image RAM (VRAM)

Claims (1)

A gaming machine comprising main control means for outputting a control command, display means for displaying an effect image, and effect control means for performing display control of the effect image on the display means in response to the control command,
Storage means for storing the first image and the second image;
Arrangement means for arranging the first image and the second image in a virtual space;
Production of the effect image in which the effect control means determines a series of relay moving images having a three-dimensional movement from the first image arranged in the virtual space to the second image. First generating means for generating only the production time determined from the time and the unique production time of the first and second images;
A frame image of a moving image obtained by connecting the first image and the second image arranged in the virtual space via the series of relay moving images is projected onto a predetermined plane to generate the effect image. Two generating means ;
Equipped with a,
The first image and the second image are moving image data;
The first generation means includes:
The same frame as the last frame of the first image is generated as the first frame of the relay video at the position where the first image is arranged, and the same frame as the first frame of the second image is generated. A series of moving image data generated by interpolation processing of the generated frame image between the first frame and the final frame is generated as a final frame of the relay moving image at a position where the second image is arranged. A game machine characterized by being generated as a relay video .

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