JP4702798B2 - Image generating apparatus, game machine, image generating method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image generation apparatus used in a game machine, and more particularly to an image generation technique that can realistically display a screen by a monitor, a projector, or the like arranged in a virtual three-dimensional space.

Conventionally, as a technique for displaying a sub-image in a main image, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-218043, a display unit that displays a large screen and a sub-screen of a part of the large screen is provided. The large screen displays the operation image of the operation target, the sub screen displays the operation image of the pseudo operator, and the real operator impersonates the pseudo operator via the operation means. A game device has been developed that can operate a typical operation object (Patent Document 1, paragraphs 0007 and 0008). The small screen as described in Patent Document 1 masks a large screen and displays an image based on image data generated by another three-dimensional image display device in the masked area. With such a sub-screen display, it is possible to represent an image of a projector or monitor device projected on the virtual three-dimensional space. Since the sub-screen image by the conventional sub-screen display technology is generated by the same image display device as the large screen, the sub-screen is a clean image that is not disturbed like the large screen. It was.
JP 2000-218043 A (paragraphs 0007 and 0008)

  However, if there is no disturbance in the sub-screen image, there is a problem that it is difficult to produce a realistic feeling as if it is displayed by a projector, a monitor, or the like. On the other hand, if the scanning line is shifted, or if there is a dark display band that occurs when a television screen is shot with a VTR, the atmosphere projected by the projector or the like can be expressed intentionally. There was no device that caused distortion on the screen.

  In addition, if the memory capacity limit and the limit of image processing capability are ignored, it is possible to intentionally create “disturbances” such as misalignment of scanning lines and dark display bands in the sub-screen image. For this reason, it is not appropriate to generate a small-screen image only for further processing and further process the image as compared with the degree of effect.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an image generation technique capable of effectively expressing the disturbance of an in-image image with relatively simple processing.

In order to solve the above problems, an image generation apparatus according to the present invention includes an arrangement unit that arranges a predetermined object in a virtual three-dimensional space, and an object image generation unit that develops the object into a two-dimensional image and generates an object image. A dark display setting means for setting a dark display band in the object image, a brightness changing means for changing the brightness of the area set in the dark display band, and a display control means for outputting the object image for image display. The dark display band has a setting position with respect to the object image that changes over time in a certain direction, and the dark display band moves in one direction from one end of the object image to the other end. The required time is controlled to be constant regardless of the size of the object image .

The image generation method of the present invention includes a step of arranging a predetermined object in a virtual three-dimensional space on a computer, a step of developing the object into a two-dimensional image to generate an object image, and a dark display band on the object image. An image generation method that executes a setting step, a step of changing the luminance of a region set as a dark display band, and a step of outputting an object image for image display, wherein the dark display band is an object The set position with respect to the image changes with time in a certain direction, and the time required for the dark display band to move in one direction from one end of the object image to the other end is the size of the object image. Regardless of this, it is controlled constantly .

According to the present invention, since a dark display band is displayed on an object image, it is possible to simulate a dark display that occurs when an image based on a television system using a projector or a monitor is captured by a VTR.
Further, according to the present invention, the dark display band is displayed so that the set position with respect to the object image changes with time in a certain direction. A dark display band generated when an image based on an actual television system is taken with a VTR moves so as to flow in a certain direction due to a difference in the period of the synchronization signal. Since the band moves, the actual dark display band can be effectively simulated.
Further, according to the present invention, the time required for the dark display band to move in a certain direction from one end of the object image to the other end is controlled to be constant regardless of the size of the object image. A dark display band generated when an image based on an actual television system is taken with a VTR has a constant flow cycle. In this respect, according to the present invention, since the time that flows from one end to the other end is the same regardless of the size of the object image that looks like a television screen in the two-dimensional image, it is the same as the actual dark display band. It becomes a moving speed and does not feel unnatural.

In this process, the object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space is developed into a two-dimensional image. If this is transferred to the display device as it is, a conventional image display is obtained. However, according to the present invention, a part of the object image developed into the two-dimensional image is further specified, and after the specified part is shifted in a predetermined direction, the image is displayed. It is possible to intentionally create a disturbance due to a shift of a part of the scanning lines when the child screen is used. In addition, since only the manipulated object image is manipulated into the original two-dimensional image for display, a temporary storage capacity for the small-screen image data is unnecessary, and the capacity of the image memory can be relatively small. In addition, since it is not necessary to separately generate a child screen and temporarily store it in the virtual three-dimensional space, it can be executed even by a device having a relatively low processing capability.
For example, by setting a part to be shifted to a narrow linear region, it is possible to simulate a situation in which the scanning lines are pseudo-shifted due to the influence of synchronization shift or the like. By such a shift process, it is possible to express the state of screen disturbance in a real-world monitor video or projector video on a sub-screen. It is suitable for a realistic game device, a screen for an entertainment device for gaming machines, a screen for a simulation device, and the like.
In the present invention, it is preferable that a different part of the object image is specified as a part to be shifted as time passes. According to this process, the portion that is in the shift state varies with time, so that it is possible to suitably simulate the disturbance of the scanning line.

  In the present invention, it is preferable that a part of the shift is changed in an amount to be shifted with time. According to this processing, since the shift amount of a part varies with time, it is possible to intentionally simulate the shift of the scanning line position due to the disturbance of the synchronization signal.

  In the present invention, preferably, the object image is set in a translucent state. This is because the semi-transparent state can effectively represent a projection image such as a hologram image from a projector or the like.

  Here, it is preferable that the arrangement of the object image in the image display space is periodically controlled to vary. This is because if the position of the entire object image changes over time, it can be effectively expressed that the projected image is a hologram image from a projector or the like.

The present invention is also a gaming machine provided with the image generating apparatus of the present invention.
Here, the “gaming machine” is not limited, but includes, for example, a rotary gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as “slot machine”), a pachinko machine (including a first kind pachinko machine and a second kind pachinko machine), and the like.

  The present invention is also a program for causing a computer to execute the image generation method of the present invention. The program of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute the image generation method of the present invention. Such a program is stored in a storage medium and distributed. Such storage media include various types of ROM, USB memory with flash memory, USB memory, SD memory, memory stick, memory card, and other physical storage media such as FD, CD-ROM, and DVD-ROM. It also includes a transmission medium such as the Internet capable of transmitting the program.

According to the present invention, a dark display band that changes in a fixed direction in a fixed direction is displayed on an object image, so that a dark display that occurs when an image based on a television system using a projector or a monitor is captured by a VTR is expressed in a pseudo manner. This is possible, and it is possible to effectively simulate a dark display band that occurs when an image based on an actual television system is taken with a VTR. Therefore, it is possible to express the atmosphere of the screen displayed on the projector or the monitor in the virtual three-dimensional space with richness and relatively simple processing.

Hereinafter, as a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an example in which the image generation apparatus (method) of the present invention is 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 embodiments and can be applied with various modifications.
(Definition)
The terms used in this specification are defined as follows.
“Game” refers to a series of operations from the insertion of a medal to the operation of a stop switch before the next medal is inserted.
“Normal game” refers to a “game” executed with an expected value set for a default state.
The “special game” is a “game” that is different from the “normal game” and is advantageous to the player.

“Lottery” refers to a process in which a computer draws a lottery with a predetermined expected value using a random number or the like when a gaming machine reaches a predetermined condition (switch operation state or the like).
“Winning” refers to a case where the result of the “lottery” is a win, in particular, a case where a win is obtained by a computer lottery. In the present embodiment, it is distinguished from “winning” determined mechanically.
“Winning” means that a combination of symbols on the active line indicated by the stopped reels is in a state indicating a specific combination.

The “combination” is to specify the type of winning when the result of the lottery is winning. It is also called “winning role” when the “winning role” or the design is complete.
The “special role” is a role for shifting to “special game”.
The “small role” is a role for paying out to the player the number of medals corresponding to the type of the small role.

“Replay” is a role for giving the right to replay while maintaining the number of medals inserted in the previous game.
The “effective line” indicates the arrangement of the stopped symbols for the sake of convenience, and indicates whether the symbol is a specific “combination” or “losing” depending on the combination of symbols arranged on the effective line. When a plurality of “effective lines” are set, they are collectively referred to as “effective line group”.

(Embodiment)
First, the case configuration 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 20 is attached to a front surface portion of a housing of the slot machine 10 according to the present embodiment so as to be freely opened and closed. It is a display area in which an effect display device 40 having a display function is provided in the upper part of the front panel 20, and an operation unit is provided in the center.

  An effect display device 40 having a display function is provided in the upper part of the housing. The effect display device 40 is configured to include, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and is configured to be able to display images for various effects and information necessary for the game. The effect display device 40 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 31L, the middle reel 31C, and the right reel 31R are arranged in this order.

  The reels 31L, 31C and 31R 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 31L, 31C, and 31R are observed through the display window. The size of the display window 21 is such that three consecutive symbols 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 31 (meaning a group of reels 31L, 31C, and 31R) represents one symbol.

  Stepping motors (not shown) are connected to the respective rotation shafts of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. This stepping motor is capable of rotating the reels 31L, 31C and 31R at an arbitrary speed or stopping at an arbitrary angle (position). When each reel rotates, the symbols of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are visually recognized as moving up and down in the display window 21.

  A back lamp (not shown) is provided inside the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. 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 22 including effective lines 22a, 22b, and 22c. The effective line group 22 includes a horizontal effective line 22a in the horizontal direction, two effective lines 22b in the upper and lower horizontal directions, and two effective lines 22c in the diagonally downward and leftward directions. ing. The symbols attached to the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are spaced so that all nine symbols visible from the display window 21 are positioned on these effective line groups 22 when the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are stopped. Is arranged in.

  A medal slot 23 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower right side of the effect display device 40 in the center of the casing of the slot machine 10. When medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 23, one to five lines of the effective lines 22a, 22b and 22c 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 22a is effective. When two medals are inserted, three horizontal effective lines 22a and 22b are effective. In total, including two effective lines 22c in the direction, five effective lines 22a to 22c become effective. These controls are performed by a later-described main CPU (central processing unit) 51 (see FIG. 2). For example, when three medals are inserted, if a combination of specific symbols is stopped on at least one of the effective lines 22a to 22c when the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped, the combination is selected. It will be a prize for the corresponding role.

  Various operation switches operated by the player are provided at the center of the housing. For example, in this embodiment, a start switch 41, a stop switch group 42, and a bet switch group 43 are provided.

  The start switch 41 is a switch, for example, a button operated by the player when starting the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R. The stop switch group 42 includes a left stop switch 42L that is operated when stopping the left reel 31L, a middle stop switch 42C that is operated when stopping the middle reel 31C, and a right stop that is operated when stopping the right reel 31R. Switch 42R. These stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R are juxtaposed as buttons, for example.

  The bet switch group 43 is a switch group for designating the number of bets (the number of bets) when the player inserts a medal in the credit. The bet switch group 43 includes a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a and a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b. It is configured. These bet switches 43a and 43b are also arranged as buttons, for example. When the 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a is operated, one or two medals are bet (collected as a game amount), and when the MAX bet switch 43b is operated, the maximum 3 bets Medals are bet. That is, the number of bets designated by operating the bet switch group 43 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 90 is provided in the lower central portion of the housing, and speakers 71 are provided on both sides of the medal payout opening 90. During the game (game), various effects, for example, lighting of a back lamp, image display using the effect display device 40, output of sound from the speaker 71, and the like are performed. Further, as such an effect, there is a case where a notification effect of the possibility of winning is performed.

An outline of the normal game executed in the slot machine having these configurations will be briefly described.
In the slot machine 10, when a player inserts a medal from the medal insertion slot 23 or operates the bet switch group 43, the effective lines 22a to 22c are activated according to the number of bets.

  When the player who has designated the bet number operates the start switch 41, a winning combination according to the bet number is performed and the reels 31L, 31C and 31R start to rotate. When the player operates the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R, the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R stop rotating according to the operated button. At this time, if the lottery result of the combination being performed simultaneously with the operation of the start switch 41 is a winning combination, the combination of symbols arranged on the activated effective line group 22 is a predetermined combination of combinations. 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 10 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the slot machine 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention. Inside the casing of the slot machine 10, a main control board 50, a sub control board 60, a reel board 11, a central display board 12, and a power supply board 13 connected to the main control board 50 are arranged.

(Main control board 50)
The main control board 50 is provided with a main CPU 51, ROM 52, RAM 53, and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 54, which are connected to each other via a bus 55.

  The main CPU 51 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes), and executes instructions constituting the program. The main CPU 51 reads out programs, data, and the like stored in the ROM 52, and controls the entire slot machine 10 based on these.

  The ROM 52 stores software programs and data necessary for lottery processing and other game controls based on operations as shown in the flowchart of FIG. The RAM 53 is used when the main CPU 51 performs various controls, and is configured to be able to temporarily store data and the like.

  The I / F circuit 54 performs timing control and the like when signals are transmitted and received between the main control board 50, the sub control board 60, the reel board 11, the central display board 12, and the power supply board 13. It is like that. However, transmission of signals from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60 is performed between the main control board 50 and the sub control board 60, but transmission of signals from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50 is not performed. It is configured not to be performed.

(Sub control board 60)
The sub control board 60 is provided with a sub CPU 61, ROM 62, RAM 63, image control processor 64, image data ROM 65, video RAM 66, tone generator circuit 67, amplifier 68 and interface circuit (I / F circuit) 69. The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, control RAM 63, image control processor 64, sound source circuit 67 and I / F circuit 69 are connected to each other via a bus 70. The image data ROM 65 and the video RAM 66 are connected to the image control processor 64, and the amplifier 68 is connected to the sound source circuit 67.

  The sub CPU 61 reads (fetches), interprets (decodes) and executes instructions constituting the program. Then, the sub CPU 61 reads out programs and data stored in the ROM 62, and controls the entire sub control board 60, in particular, controls the effects for the player. Note that there are no restrictions on the processing capability or development language of the sub CPU 61.

  The ROM 62 stores a software program, data, and the like necessary for the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 to be described later and other effects during the game. The RAM 63 is used when the sub CPU 61 performs various controls, and is configured to be able to temporarily store data and the like.

  The sub CPU 61, ROM 62, and RAM 63 have the same functions as the main CPU 51, ROM 52, and RAM 53 provided on the main control board 50, respectively. The ROM 62 and the RAM 63 may be the same as the ROM 52 and the RAM 53, respectively, but those having a capacity larger than these may be used.

  The above-described effect display device 40 is connected so that frame image data stored in the video RAM 66 can be transferred under the control of the image control processor 64. The image data ROM 65 stores original image data for generating image data such as characters, characters, and backgrounds displayed on the effect display device 40. The video RAM 66 is used when the image control processor 64 generates image data to be displayed on the effect display device 40, and image data generated based on the original image data read from the image data ROM 65 is frame image data. As shown in FIG.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, a speaker 71, the above-described back lamp, and the like are provided in addition to the effect display device 40 as effect peripheral devices. The speaker 71 is connected to the amplifier 68. These effect peripheral devices output effects during the game (such as a notification effect of the possibility of winning a role), and are connected only to the sub-control board 60 and connected to the main control board 50. Not.

  The I / F circuit 69 performs timing control and the like when receiving a signal from the main control board 50. As described above, the signal is transmitted from the main control board 50 to the sub control board 60, but the signal is not transmitted from the sub control board 60 to the main control board 50. That is, only one-way transmission is possible.

(Reel board 11)
A stepping motor (not shown) for driving the left reel 31L, the middle reel 31C, and the right reel 31R is connected to the reel substrate 11. Each stepping motor is further connected to the rotation shafts of these reels 31L, 31C and 31R. Control signals for controlling the operations of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are supplied from the main CPU 51 to the reel substrate 11.

(Central display board 12)
The central display substrate 12 is attached to, for example, a central portion on the back side of the front panel 20.
The central display board 12 includes a selector 81, a 1-bet / 2-bet switch 43a, a MAX bet switch (3-bet switch) 43b, a start switch (lever) 41, a left stop switch (button) 42L, and a middle stop switch (button) 42C. A right stop switch (button) 42R, a setting display section 82, and a setting change switch 83 are connected.

  The selector 81 is configured to identify whether or not the medal inserted from the medal insertion slot 23 is a genuine one, and to eliminate an illegal medal. The setting display unit 82 is arranged so as to be visible from the back side of the front panel 20, and displays settings relating to probability and payout (for example, settings 1 to 6). The setting change switch 83 is a switch operated when changing the setting related to the probability and the payout.

(Power supply board 13)
A setting change enabling switch 91, a power switch 92, a hopper device 93, and a power device 94 are connected to the power device board 13.
The setting change enable switch 91 is a switch that is operated when a setting change using the setting change switch 83 is enabled. That is, the setting change using the setting change switch 83 can be performed only when the setting change enable switch 91 is in the ON state. The power switch 92 is a switch for switching on / off the power supply device 94. The hopper device 93 is a device for storing and paying out medals. Based on an instruction from the main CPU 51 via the power supply device board 13, a predetermined number of medals are stored in the medal payout opening 90 from medals stored in advance. It comes to pay out.

(Function block on main control board)
Next, a functional configuration of the main control board 50 will be described.
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the main control board 50.
As shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, for example, the main CPU 51 executes a program recorded in the ROM 52, whereby the following control unit 101, role lottery unit 103, reel control unit 106, winning determination unit 107. The gaming state control unit 108 and the payout control unit 109 are functionally realized. For example, the RAM 53 functions as the following flag information storage unit 105, and the following lottery table 102 data is stored in the ROM 52, for example.

(Role lottery section 103)
The role lottery unit 103 is a functional block for performing lottery of a role (special role, small role, replay, etc.). The combination lottery unit 103 obtains one random number after generating a random number internally for each game, refers to the lottery table 102 stored in the ROM 52, and determines the combination of the combination based on the area to which the acquired random number belongs. The presence / absence of winning and the winning combination are determined.

  For example, the role lottery unit 103 performs a lottery when the start switch 41 is operated, and determines whether the “game” is “winning” or “losing” and “winning” when it is “winning”. decide. That is, the role lottery unit 103 generates a random number within a predetermined range (for example, 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) when the start switch 41 is pressed, and the predetermined lot is selected when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Get a random value. In the lottery table 102, a special role winning area, a small role winning area, a replay winning area, a non-winning area (losing) area, and the like are set at a predetermined ratio with respect to random numbers that can be acquired by the role lottery unit 103. ing.

  Furthermore, if the winning lottery unit 103 “wins” the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R after having pressed each of the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R, an arrangement of symbols representing the winning combination. The stop is controlled so that the winning combination is won. Further, when the lottery result is “losing” (non-winning), stop control is performed so that the symbol arrangement does not represent any combination. In any case, the stop symbol does not change even if the pressing timing of the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R is changed.

The lottery performed by the combination lottery unit 103 may be performed only once per game and may be determined up to the combination, but may be configured to perform a plurality of lotteries.
In addition to the configuration led by the role lottery unit 103 in which a lottery is performed at the timing of pressing the start switch 41 or the stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R and the lottery result is determined, the reels can be operated without any special pull-in operation. The group 31 may be stopped, and as a result, the winning determination unit 107 may detect the positions where the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped, and determine whether there is a winning or a winning combination. In this case, there is no concept of lottery or winning combination, and the combination lottery unit 103 may not exist. Further, depending on the type of game, whether or not the role lottery unit 103 is led, that is, whether to make a lottery or make a winning determination by reel may be switched.

(Control unit 101)
The control unit 101 is a central functional block that controls the operation timing of the combination lottery unit 103, the reel control unit 106 and the winning determination unit 107, which will be described later.
For example, on the condition that the start switch 41 is operated, the control unit 101 causes the combination lottery unit 103 to perform combination lottery, causes the reel control unit 106 to start the rotation of the reel group 31, and the stop switch. The reel control unit 106 is controlled to stop the reel group 31 on the condition that the group 42 has been operated, and further, the winning determination unit 107 performs the winning determination on the condition that the reel group 31 has stopped. It is.
Note that the operation of the control unit 101 is not limited to these, and governs general control required for the main control board 50.

(Flag information storage unit 105)
The flag information storage unit 105 is configured to be able to store the type of the winning combination and the fact that the flag is turned on when a flag for a certain combination is turned on by the lottery result of the combination lottery unit 103.

(Reel control unit 106)
The reel control unit 106 is a functional block that controls the rotation and stop of the reel group 31 (reels 31L, 31C, and 31R) based on an instruction from the control unit 101.
More specifically, the reel control unit 106 has a gaming state (for example, a normal gaming state, a special gaming state, etc.), a lottery result by the combination lottery unit 103, and a stop switch group 42 (stop switches 42L, 42C, and 42R). Based on the operated timing, etc., the stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are determined, and the driving of the stepping motor is controlled to stop the rotation of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R at the determined positions. It has become.

  For example, if the winning lottery unit 103 results in “losing” and no winning combination is won, each reel is set so that the combination of symbols of any winning combination is not stopped on the activated effective line. The stop positions of 31L, 31C and 31R are determined, and each reel is stopped at the determined position. On the other hand, if a winning combination is selected for a certain role, the symbol combination is determined so that the winning symbol combination is stopped on the active line that is active, and the symbol combination is valid at that time. The stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are determined so as to appear in the effective lines, and each reel is stopped at the determined position.

In particular, when the special combination is “winned”, the stop combinations of the reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are controlled so that the combination of the special combination symbols is stopped on the active line that is enabled (for example, (Within 4 symbols), pull-in control is performed so that the symbols related to the special role are aligned as much as possible. However, even if the special role is “winned”, the combination of symbols of the special role will not stop on the activated active line when “winning” for a small role or replay. Then, stop positions of the reels 31L, 31C and 31R are determined, and stop control is performed.
Such control when stopping the reels 31L, 31C and 31R may be performed using a reel control table.

(Winning determination unit 107)
The winning determination unit 107 is a functional block for determining the final winning state.
The winning determination unit 107 determines whether or not a combination of symbols in the active line group 22 is arranged in any of the active lines that are active, and if there is an in-line combination, it is determined in the game. It is determined that the winning combination has been won. The lottery of the combination is determined in advance by the combination lottery unit 103. However, when a mechanical reel is used, the reel may not be stopped as scheduled, so the position of the finally stopped reel is detected. Because you have to do it.

  The winning determination unit 107 determines a symbol positioned on the active line by detecting, for example, an angle at the time when the stepping motor is stopped, the number of steps, and the like, and based on this, determines the presence / absence of a winning combination.

  Instead of pre-determining a combination by the combination lottery unit 103 and stopping the reels 31L, 31C and 31R together, the reels are stopped one after another at a retractable position, and finally the actual reels 31L, The positions of 31C and 31R may be detected, and the winning determination unit 107 may determine the combination of symbols and determine the combination.

(Game state control unit 108)
The gaming state control unit 108 is a functional block for controlling the special game from the next game until the predetermined end condition is satisfied when the winning determination unit 107 has won a special role as a result of the determination. It is.

  For example, the game state control unit 108 causes the reel control unit 106 to perform reel control for special games according to the lottery result of the role lottery unit 103 during the special game, or causes the sub control board 60 to perform special game effects. Or let it be done.

(Payout control unit 109)
The payout control unit 109 is a functional block for causing the hopper device 93 to pay out medals according to the winning combination as a result of the determination by the winning determination unit 107.

(Functional block on sub control board)
Next, a functional configuration of the sub control board 60 will be described.
FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing a functional configuration of the sub control board 60.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, for example, when the sub CPU 61 executes a program recorded in the ROM 62, the effect pattern selection unit 201 is functionally realized. In addition, the effect control unit 202 is functionally realized by controlling the image control processor 64 by the sub CPU 61 executing the program recorded in the ROM 62.

  The effects implemented by the sub-control board 60 are effects by an image displayed in the image display area around the display window 21 by the effect display device 40 and effects by sound generated from the speaker 71. Unlike the operations on the main control board 50, these effects do not change the direction of the game itself, such as lottery. However, the effects of the image and sound stimulate the player and give them a sense of expectation for winning the prize. It plays an important role in improving the quality and eliminating monotony.

(Production pattern selection unit 201)
The effect pattern selection unit 201 is a functional block that selects an effect pattern according to the gaming state.
Specifically, the effect pattern selection unit 201 receives a signal from the role lottery unit 103 of the main control board 50 and selects an effect pattern according to the winning combination or the like, or a winning determination unit of the main control board 50 In response to signals from 107 and the special role game control unit 108, an effect pattern corresponding to a winning combination or a gaming state is selected.

  Here, the effect pattern is determined based on the progress of the game such as whether the start switch 41 is pressed, which stop switch 42 is pressed, and which reels 31L, 31C, and 31R are stopped, as a result of lottery. Is selected in accordance with the type of game, such as a normal game or a special game.

(Production control unit 202)
The production control unit 202 is a functional block that controls production based on the production pattern selected by the production pattern selection unit 201.
The effect control unit 202 creates stereoscopic image data for displaying a pre-programmed image for the selected effect pattern, converts it into two-dimensional image data, and supplies it to the effect display device 40. Then, it operates to display an image on the image display area. In addition, the production control unit 202 performs control for causing the sound source circuit 67 to generate a pre-programmed sound for the selected production pattern.

(Sound source circuit 67)
The sound source circuit 67 includes a sound generation circuit for a predetermined number of channels, for example, eight sound source channels, and can simultaneously reproduce phrases corresponding to the number of sound source channels. The sound source circuit 67 is controlled by an effect request command output from the effect control unit 202. The sound source circuit 67 reads out and synthesizes sound source data of a corresponding sound source channel from a sound ROM (not shown) in response to the effect request command transmitted from the effect control unit, and generates the sound channel separately for the right channel and the left channel. Then, it is D / A converted and output as an analog sound signal. The amplifier 68 amplifies the analog sound signals of the left and right channels, and sends the stereo sound to the right speaker 71R and the left speaker 71R.

(Detailed function blocks of the production control unit)
Next, the configuration of the effect control unit 202 will be described.
In particular, the effect control unit 202 includes a configuration for intentionally displaying “disturbance” in an image displayed by projector projection in a virtual three-dimensional space as the image generation processing according to the present invention. The projector projection image is an image expressed in a space like a hologram, but the same processing can be applied to a projection image projected on a screen and an image projected on a display of a monitor device. The image generation apparatus (method) of the present invention is functionally realized by the effect control unit 202 as follows.

FIG. 5 shows detailed functional blocks of the effect control unit 202.
As shown in FIG. 5, the effect control unit 202 includes, as functional blocks, an image control unit 301, a sound control unit 302, an object data storage unit 3031, a texture data storage unit 3032, an image data generation unit 304, and an image data storage unit 305. And display control means 306. The image data generation unit 304 includes an object arrangement unit 3041, an object image generation unit 3042, a shift portion specifying unit 3043, a shift unit 3044, a dark display setting unit 3045, and a luminance change unit 3046.

  In the above configuration, the image control unit 301 and the sound control unit 302 are functionally realized by the sub CPU 61 executing a program stored in the ROM 62. The object data storage unit 3031 and the texture data storage unit 3032 correspond to the image data ROM 65. The image data storage unit 305 corresponds to the video RAM 66. Each component of the image data generation unit 304 and the display control unit 306 are functionally realized by the image control processor 64 that operates based on the control of the sub CPU 61.

(Image control unit 301)
The image control unit 301 can instruct various effects to the image data generation unit 304 in accordance with the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201. When the projector projection image display related to the present invention is executed, the image control unit 301 can designate object specifying information that is symmetrical to the projector projection image display to the image data generation unit 304. In addition, the image control unit 301 is configured to continuously instruct the position of the viewpoint (camera) for expanding the virtual three-dimensional space into a two-dimensional image for each frame period. The image control unit 301 determines a story on the image according to the production pattern, and controls its development.

(Sound controller 302)
The sound control unit 302 is configured to control the sound source circuit 67 so as to generate and generate a sound signal corresponding to the effect pattern selected by the effect pattern selection unit 201. The sound controlled by the sound control unit 302 is temporally linked with the image control unit 301 so as to have a close relationship with the progress of the image displayed by the control of the image control unit 301. ing.

(Object data storage unit 3031)
The object data storage unit 3031 stores shape definition information of various objects to be displayed in the virtual three-dimensional space.
Each object data is relative to the minute polygons (polygons, etc.) that form the outline of the object in the body coordinate system (local coordinate system, object coordinate system, modeling coordinate system) with the reference coordinates preset for each object as the origin. This data defines the position (including direction and size). If each minute polygon is arranged at a relative position from the reference coordinates, the outer shape of the object is defined. Each object is a self-contained body coordinate system in which the relative positions (directions and sizes) of the minute polygons are three-dimensionally defined. By modeling conversion of object data defined in the body coordinate system, an object can be defined in the world coordinate system. That is, an object can be arranged at an arbitrary position in the virtual three-dimensional space.

  In particular, in the present embodiment, the object data storage unit 3031 stores object data that defines the projector projection (referred to as “specific object”) of the present invention, that is, the shape definition data of the object that forms the projector projection. Yes. The object to be projected by the projector is not limited in any way. For example, in the example of the present embodiment, a “target” shot by a bow or arrow is expressed. As the object data, aggregate data for constituting the “target” outline as a set of minute polygons is stored.

  FIG. 8 illustrates a specific object in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, in the virtual three-dimensional space, a viewpoint C serving as a reference for performing the viewing conversion from the world coordinate system to the viewpoint coordinate system or the perspective projection conversion is set. A projection plane (view screen) image 600 obtained by developing the virtual three-dimensional space into a two-dimensional image from this viewpoint C is conceptually shown.

  Here, the projector projection (specific object) OBJS of the present invention is defined as a collection of three objects OBJ1 to OBJ1-3. An image after rendering processing in a projection plane image obtained by two-dimensional development as an image observed from the viewpoint C is a specific object image 400. The specific object does not need to have a complicated structure as shown in FIG. 8 and may be a simple shape such as a sphere, a disk, a prism, or a cylinder.

(Texture data storage unit 3032)
The texture data storage unit 3032 stores texture data that is mapped (expanded and pasted) on objects arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space.
A texture is mapped onto the surface of an object or polygon that is only a set of vertex coordinates. The texture data is image data created at a predetermined resolution for representing a pattern, and is, for example, bitmap data. When a texture based on this texture data is pasted as a texture on a predetermined polygon, it is realized by a mapping process in which the texture data is subjected to predetermined image conversion, for example, affine conversion, and the texture is developed into a polygon shape.
In this embodiment, the texture data includes mapping data that gives a special texture to the polygonal surface, but the range of the texture data in the present invention also includes image data that gives such a special pattern. It is. For example, instead of using special mapping data displayed on the polygon surface, instead of image data generated by rendering processing based only on polygon vertex information (color information and light source information set for each vertex), etc. There may be. Also included is image data generated by further rendering the special texture data based on the light source information indicated by the vertex information of the polygon.

  In particular, the texture data stored in the texture data storage unit 3032 includes a “target” pattern that is mapped to each minute polygon that forms the “target”. The texture expressed by the texture data is a target of application of intentional “disturbance” according to the present invention. Note that when a special texture or pattern is not “targeted”, it is not necessary to perform special texture mapping, and the light source and polygon may be colored during the rendering process.

  In the example of the specific object OBJS shown in FIG. 8, a first texture 401, a second texture 402, and a third texture 403 are mapped as textures.

(Object placement means 3041)
The object placement unit 3041 is a functional block for placing each object in the virtual three-dimensional space.
Specifically, the object placement unit 3041 reads out object data stored in the object data storage unit 3031. Since this object data is defined in the body coordinate system set for each object, modeling conversion is required to arrange this object in the virtual three-dimensional space. The object placement unit 3041 executes a modeling conversion calculation process on the object data defined in the body coordinate system, and determines an absolute placement in the virtual three-dimensional space defined in the world coordinate system. At that time, the direction and size of the object are also determined by the coordinate conversion process. The object placement unit 3041 further performs a viewing conversion on each object data defined in the world coordinate system and converts the object data to a viewpoint coordinate system based on the viewpoint C. If necessary, normalization conversion calculation is performed on the viewpoint coordinate system, and normalization processing such as hidden surface (line) elimination is performed.

  In the example of the specific object OBJS shown in FIG. 8, the object placement unit 3041 configures the specific object OBJS by arranging the objects OBJ1 to OBJ3 defined by the object data in the virtual three-dimensional space at the positions shown in the figure. .

(Object image generation means 3042)
The object image generation unit 3042 performs perspective projection conversion on each object arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space defined by the viewpoint coordinate system, and projects the virtual three-dimensional world onto the projection plane from a predetermined viewpoint. Rendering calculation processing is performed to obtain a plane image.

  Here, the object image generation unit 3042 performs clipping, hidden surface (line) deletion, and shading processing in the course of rendering processing. In addition, as part of the rendering process, the object image generation unit 3042 reads texture data for a texture to be developed on an object whose arrangement in the virtual three-dimensional space is determined from the texture data storage unit 3032. Then, the texture corresponding to the surface of each minute polygon forming the object is mapped. Since each texture data is texture information of a predetermined unit area, the selected texture data is subjected to predetermined image conversion, for example, affine conversion, and is mapped onto the surface of each object.

  Here, the object image generation unit 3042 uses the specific object in the image data storage unit 305 for the image data of the object image (referred to as “specific object image”) to be displayed as the “disturbance” of the image according to the present invention. Store in the image storage layer 3051. The image data of other object images is stored in the normal object image storage layer 3052 of the image data storage unit 305 by the object image generation unit 3042.

  In the example of the specific object OBJS shown in FIG. 8, the specific object OBJS arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space is subjected to perspective projection conversion using the viewpoint C as a reference and developed into a projection plane image 600 defined in the perspective coordinate system. . At this time, the specific object OBJS is a specific object image 400 having a “target” shape as a projected image that is perspective-transformed from the direction of the viewpoint C. In addition, a first texture 401, a second texture 402, and a third texture 403 corresponding to the objects OBJ1 to OBJ3 are mapped.

  Here, it is preferable that the position of the specific object image OBJS in the image display space is periodically controlled to vary within the two-dimensional image 600. For example, in the example of FIG. 8, the control is such that the specific object OBJS slowly reciprocates up and down in the frame of the projection plane image 600. The position control of the specific object image is performed by the object image generation unit 3042 that controls the position of the specific object image 400 after the two-dimensional development, even if the object placement unit 3041 controls to change the position of the specific object in the virtual three-dimensional space. You may make it change-control.

  Moreover, it is preferable that the specific object image 400 is set in a translucent state. In other words, the object image generation unit 3042 sets the transparency (transmittance) of the texture mapped to the specific object OBJS to an intermediate value between 0% and 100%. With this process, the texture density is set so that the background can be seen through the specific object image 400 when the images are finally combined.

(Shift portion specifying means 3043)
The shift part specifying unit 3043 specifies a part of the specific object image stored in the specific object image storage layer 3051 to be shifted in a predetermined direction.
Although there is no limitation on the shifted part, when “disturbance” of the image is expressed by the shift of the scanning line, it is preferable to specify the part to be shifted into a line shape with a minute width. It is preferable that the part to be shifted is not one place of the specific object image but a plurality of places. This is because scanning line misalignment due to the occurrence of noise or the like usually occurs at a plurality of locations, and thus it is possible to realistically express “disturbance” if a shift occurs at a plurality of portions.

FIG. 9 shows a method for setting a portion to be shifted in the specific object image 400.
In FIG. 9, the specific object image 400 is separated into 20 pseudo “scanning lines” for easy understanding. Since the actual number of scanning lines is, for example, 256 in the vertical direction, it is preferable to determine the lines to be shifted in actual subdivision. When the pseudo “scan line” lines SL1 to SL20 are determined as shown in FIG. 9, the shift portion specifying unit 3043 determines one or more lines to be shifted. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the shift part specifying unit 3043 sets the lines to be shifted to three lines SL5, SL10, and SL16.

  The shift part specifying unit 3043 preferably specifies a different part of the specific object image as a part to be shifted over time. For example, when the “scan line” line is shifted, the “disturbance” of the image can be suitably expressed if the shifted scan line changes one after another. For example, the shift part specifying unit 3043 generates random numbers and determines the positions of lines to be shifted at random. Since it is not regular, “disturbance” can be suitably expressed.

(Shifting means 3044)
The shift unit 3044 performs an operation of shifting a specified part of the specific object image in a predetermined direction with respect to the specific object image data stored in the specific object image storage layer 3051.
The predetermined direction is, for example, a normal scanning line extending direction, but is not limited thereto. By shifting in at least the same direction as the extending direction of the scanning line, an image imitating the deviation of the scanning line can be displayed.

  About a shift direction, when shifting a some part, it is preferable to change a shift direction at random so that it may not become the same direction. This is because an irregular shift can express the “disturbance” of the image.

FIG. 11 shows an example of shifting when a line to be shifted is defined as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 11, in the specific object image 400, the portion p2 corresponding to the line SL5 is shifted rightward by the shift amount Δs1, and the portion p4 corresponding to the line SL10 is shifted leftward by the shift amount Δs2. The portion p6 corresponding to the line SL16 is shifted rightward by the shift amount Δs3.

  Further, it is preferable that the shift unit 3044 determines a maximum value of the shift amount of a part to be shifted and arbitrarily determines the shift amount within a range that is equal to or less than the maximum value. Moreover, it is preferable that the shift means 3044 changes this shift amount according to progress of time.

FIG. 12 illustrates the shift amount variation control over time in the line shift illustrated in FIG. In FIG. 12, a shift in the right direction is illustrated as a positive direction (+), and a shift in the left direction is illustrated as a negative direction (−).
As shown in FIG. 12, the shift amount control is set such that any shift amount converges from the maximum value to the minimum value (zero). The shift amount Δs1 has the largest maximum value but converges the earliest. The shift amount Δs2 varies in the same cycle as the shift amount Δs1, but shifts from the negative direction and takes a long time to converge. The shift amount Δs3 is set so as to fluctuate with a half period compared to other shift amounts. Thus, the shift amount and the variation period of the shift amount can be arbitrarily set for each portion to be shifted. When the shift amount can be set for a plurality of portions, it is preferable to set the shift amount so that there is as little periodicity as possible.

(Dark display setting means 3045)
The dark display setting unit 3045 sets a dark display band in the specific object image.
Specifically, the specific object portion OBJS is specified with a specific width portion (dark display band) set so that the luminance is displayed low and dark. This reproduces a black band generated on the screen when an image displayed in the television system is taken with a VTR. This dark display band is generated because the scanning cycle of the image to be captured and the scanning cycle of the VTR are not synchronized, but are very close.

  Here, the dark display setting means 3045 changes the position of the dark display band every time so that the dark display band moves slowly in a certain direction. This reproduces that the dark display band moves so as to flow in the captured image if there is a slight difference in the scanning cycle when the scanning cycle of the captured image is not synchronized with the scanning cycle of the VTR. Is. The direction of this flow is arbitrary, and it may be moved at a constant speed, but may be set so that the direction of the flow changes midway due to fluctuations in the synchronization frequency.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of setting a dark display band for the specific object image 400 obtained in the example of FIG. The dark display band usually has a certain width. In FIG. 13, dark display bands 410 are set on the lines “SL4” and “SL5” of the “scanning lines”.

  FIG. 14 shows a display example when the setting position of the dark display band 410 is changed over time. As shown in FIG. 14, if the dark display band 410 is moved so as to flow from the top to the bottom of the specific object image 400, the dark display band not displayed at time T0 is set to the top at time T1. The time is sequentially moved downward from time T2 to time T7, and the dark display band is not set again at time T8. It is preferable to move the dark display band so as to flow in this way.

  Here, it is preferable that the dark display band setting means 3045 make the time required for the dark display band 410 to move from the top to the bottom constant regardless of the size of the specific object image 400. The size of the specific object image simply depends on the distance between the viewpoint and the specific object OBJS. On the other hand, a dark display band that actually occurs in a captured image has a constant movement time from one end to the other end regardless of the size of the image. If the moving speed of the dark display band is absolutely determined, if the size of the specific object image 400 is small, the dark display band may appear to move at high speed on the surface, or the specific object image 400 When the size is large, the dark display band may appear to move at a low speed on the surface. This is unnatural. Therefore, the dark display band setting unit 3045 of this embodiment sets the speed at which the dark display band is moved from one end of the specific object image 400 to the other end, regardless of the size of the specific object image. To do. For example, the dark display band setting unit 3045 previously determines the dark display band moving time on the specific object image, divides the width of the specific object image 400 by the dark display band moving time, and darkens the dark at each drawing timing. Control may be performed so as to determine the amount of movement of the display band.

(Luminance changing means 3046)
The brightness changing unit 3046 changes the brightness of the area set as the dark display band.
That is, the brightness changing unit 3046 reduces the brightness (brightness) of the specific object image in the set dark display band area in the specific object image data stored in the specific object image storage layer 3051, and is darker than the surroundings. Set so that the texture of the area set in the display band is darkly displayed.

(Display control means 306)
The display control unit 306 reads out the frame image data stored in the image data storage unit 305 for each frame period and transfers the frame image data to the effect display device 40. Specifically, the display control means 306 combines the object image data stored in the specific object image storage layer 3051 and the object image data stored in the normal object image storage layer 3052 with a predetermined priority order. Then, it is synthesized with the background image data and output as frame image data. Based on the transferred frame image data, the effect display device 40 displays an image corresponding to the frame image data in the image display area.

(Operation on the main control board)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing control by the main control board 50.
In FIG. 6, when a player inserts a medal and the start switch 41 is operated, the control unit 101 detects that the start switch 41 is turned on, and the combination lottery unit 103 performs a combination lottery process. (Step S101 / YES, Step S102). On the other hand, when the start switch 41 is not operated by the player and the control unit 101 cannot detect that the start switch 41 is turned on, the process proceeds to step S101 until it detects that the start switch 41 is turned on. Repeat the process.

  In the combination lottery process in step S102, the combination lottery unit 103 acquires a random number and performs a combination lottery process by comparing the acquired random number with the lottery table. As a result of the lottery, when any winning combination is won, the winning combination flag is turned on in the flag information storage unit 105. The lottery result by the combination lottery unit 103 is transmitted as winning combination information to the sub-control board 60 via the I / F circuit 54 (step S103).

  The reel control unit 106 determines whether any one of the stop switch groups 42 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 lottery process in step S102 (when “losing” has been won), the reel control unit 106 has not won any winning combination in step S105. The reel control corresponding to is performed.

  Subsequently, the reel control unit 106 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 winning determination unit 107 determines the presence / absence of 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).

When the winning combination is a “special combination”, the game state control unit 108 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 gaming state control unit 108 provides the reel control unit 106 with a “special game” so as to provide the player with a gaming state corresponding to the big bonus game or regular bonus game that is the “special role”. The reel control during “game” is performed, or the sub-control board 60 is performed for “special game”. When the specified number of games of the big bonus game or the regular bonus game is finished, a process of shifting to the “normal game” is performed.

  If the winning combination is not “special combination”, if the flag of the special combination is stored in the flag information storage unit 105 in the on state, the storage state of the flag in the flag information storage unit 105 is carried over to the next game. .

  When the winning combination is “replay”, the winning determination unit 107 causes the control unit 101 to carry over the bet (the number of bets) in the game to the next game. On the other hand, when the winning combination is neither “special combination” nor “replay”, the payout control unit 109 causes the hopper device 93 to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination.

(Operation on sub-control board)
Next, the operation of the sub control board 60 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control by the sub-control board 60.
In FIG. 7, first, the effect pattern selection unit 201 reads the effect pattern from the main control board 50 and transfers it to the effect control unit 202 (step S201). Next, the process proceeds to step S202, in which the image control unit 301 of the effect control unit 202 determines whether or not the drawing timing is reached.

  If it is the drawing timing in step S202 (YES), the process moves to step S203, and the object placement unit 3041 displays object data related to the object designated by the image control unit 301 to be displayed at the next drawing timing. Modeling conversion processing that sequentially reads from 3031 and arranges the virtual three-dimensional space is performed. In step S204, the object image generation unit 3042 sequentially calls texture data related to the texture that is associated with each of the objects that have undergone the viewing conversion and the normal conversion from the texture data storage unit 3032, and renders the texture data on the surface of the object. I will do it.

  At the same time, in step S205, the object image generation unit 3042 executes a perspective projection conversion process with respect to each object defined in the virtual coordinate space in the virtual coordinate system with the viewpoint coordinates as a reference. In step S206, when the object subjected to perspective projection conversion is not the specific object according to the present invention (NO), the process proceeds to step S207, and the object image generation unit 3042 converts the generated object image data into the normal object image layer 3052. To store. If it is not a specific object, the process proceeds to step S214.

  On the other hand, if the object subjected to perspective projection conversion in step S206 is the specific object according to the present invention (YES), the process proceeds to step S208, and the object image generation unit 3042 uses the generated object image data as the specific object image layer. Stored in 3051. The following processing is further performed on the specific object image data stored in the specific object image layer 3051.

  In step S209, the shift part specifying unit 3043 specifies a part to be shifted in the specific object image OBJS. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when simulating the shift of the “scan line”, a line is set in the horizontal direction in the projection plane image 600 and one of the lines is specified as a line to be shifted.

  Next, in step S210, the shift part specifying unit 3043 specifies the shift amount of the part specified to be shifted. This shift amount specification includes the shift direction, the shift amount, and the change over time of the shift amount as described with reference to FIGS.

  When the shift amount is specified, the process proceeds to step S211, and the shift unit 3044 shifts a part of the specific object image so that the specified shift amount is obtained. This shift processing is executed, for example, by directly referring to the specific object image storage layer 3051 and changing a part of the address. Of course, if there is room in the image memory, it can also be realized by transferring the specific object image data to another area while controlling the read address.

  In step S212, the dark display setting unit 3045 sets the position of the dark display band in the specific object image OBJS. As described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, the setting of the position of the dark display band can be processed in such a manner that the display position is sequentially changed so as to flow in a certain direction, for example, the vertical direction of the projection plane image 600. Further, as described above, the moving speed of the dark display band can be changed and controlled in accordance with the size of the OBJS of the specific object image.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S213, and the luminance changing unit 3046 performs a rendering process for reducing the luminance (brightness) of the set dark display band portion. This process is executed, for example, by directly changing the pixel data of the dark display band with reference to the specific object image storage layer 3051. Further, if there is room in the image memory, it is also possible to change the brightness of only the pixel data in the dark display band and store it when transferring the specific object image data to another area.

  In step S214, it is checked whether or not there is another object to be displayed. If there is another object (NO), steps S203 to S213 are repeated. On the other hand, if there is no other display target object in step S214 (YES), the display control unit 306 stores the specific object image data stored in the specific object image storage layer 3051 and the normal object image storage layer 3052. The other object image data is synthesized, the process proceeds to step S216, and is transferred to the effect display device 40 as frame image data. Through the above processing, the “disturbance” of the specific object image of the present embodiment is displayed.

16 and 17 show display examples of the projection plane image 600 displayed by performing the above processing. FIGS. 16 and 17 show the same object displayed at different times.
In the projection plane image 600, a specific object image 602 for expressing “target” is displayed in front of the objects 610 and 612 constituting the background. The specific object image 602 is obtained by mapping a texture having a pattern indicating “target” to an object for expressing “target”.

  Here, the shift line 606 is specified by the shift portion specifying means 3043 of this embodiment. Then, the shift amount is set to be slightly random and is shifted in the left-right direction of the screen.

  Further, the dark display band 604 is set in a part of the specific object image 602 by the dark display setting unit 3045 of the present embodiment. The brightness of the dark display band 604 is set lower than the surroundings.

  As can be seen from a comparison between FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, the number, position, and shift amount (including direction) of the shift lines 606 change with time. Further, the position of the dark display band 604 also changes over time.

(Modification)
The present invention is not limited to the above and can be implemented with various modifications.
For example, in the above embodiment, both the shift specifying process by the shift part specifying unit 3043 and the dark display setting process by the dark display setting unit 3045 are performed. However, since both are independent processes, only one of them is performed. It may be the process.

  In the above embodiment, the “scan line” is simulated as the portion to be shifted, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the specific object image 400 may be roughly divided into two parts p10 and p11, and the part p11 may be set to be shifted by a shift amount Δs10 relative to the part p10. This is because if the image is greatly disturbed, the object may be divided and the image may be shifted.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the shift in the horizontal direction (horizontal direction) is performed in order to simulate the shift of the “scan line”, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, shifting in the vertical direction (vertical direction) and the diagonal direction can be handled simply by changing the address of the specific object image data in the memory. In addition, the part to be shifted does not necessarily have a “line” shape. That is, an arbitrary shape can be shifted in a specific direction.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the brightness | luminance (brightness) of the specific area was reduced by naming "a dark display zone", it is not limited to this. By increasing the brightness of a specific portion to express a bright band, or changing the hue and saturation, bands having different hues and color densities may be expressed. Further, the portion does not necessarily have a “band” shape. That is, the lightness, hue, and saturation can be changed for an arbitrary shape.

  Moreover, the said embodiment is realizable when a computer runs a program. The means for supplying the program to the computer may be a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM recording the program or a transmission medium such as the Internet for transmitting the program.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention has been explained in full detail with reference to drawings, a concrete structure is not restricted to said embodiment, In the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention, it can change suitably.

(effect)
As mentioned above, according to this embodiment, there exist the following effects.
1) According to the present embodiment, a part of the specific object image 400 developed into a two-dimensional image is further specified, and after the specified part is shifted in a predetermined direction, the image is displayed. Disturbances due to scan line shifts can be intentionally created. In addition, since the expanded object image stored in the specific object image storage layer 3051 is only manipulated, a temporary storage capacity for small-screen image data is not required, and the image memory capacity can be relatively small. In addition, since it is not necessary to separately generate a child screen and temporarily store it in the virtual three-dimensional space, it can be executed even by a device having a relatively low processing capability.

  2) According to the present embodiment, since the portion to be shifted changes with time, it is possible to suitably simulate the disturbance of the scanning line in an actual projector or the like.

  3) According to the present embodiment, since the shift amount of the portion to be shifted changes with time, it is possible to preferably simulate the shift of the scanning line position due to the actual disturbance of the synchronization signal.

  4) According to the present embodiment, since the specific object image 400 is set in a semi-transparent state, it can be effectively expressed that the image is a projection image such as a hologram image from a projector or the like.

  5) According to the present embodiment, the specific object image 400 is a projection image such as a hologram image from a projector or the like because the arrangement of the projection plane image 600 in the image display space is periodically controlled to vary. Can be expressed effectively.

  6) According to the present embodiment, since the dark display band 410 is set in the specific object image 400, the dark display that occurs when the television or other image by the projector or the monitor is photographed by the VTR is effectively expressed in a pseudo manner. Is possible.

  7) According to this embodiment, since the position of the dark display band 410 with respect to the specific object image changes with time, the dark display band that moves so as to flow in a certain direction from the difference in the period of the actual synchronization signal is effective. Can be simulated.

  8) According to the present embodiment, the time required for the dark display band 410 to move in a certain direction from one end of the specific object image 400 to the other end of the specific object image 400 is Regardless of size, it is controlled constantly, so you don't feel unnaturalness.

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 showing the functional configuration of the main control board Functional block diagram showing the functional configuration of the sub-control board Functional block diagram showing the detailed functional configuration of the production control unit Flow chart showing control by main control board The flowchart which shows control of the sub control board in the embodiment Layout of specific object OJBS in virtual 3D space Conceptual diagram of shift part specification in specific object image Specific object image with the shift part specified Example of shifting the shift part set in a specific object image Example of shift amount variation setting Example of dark band setting The figure explaining movement according to the passage of time of a dark display belt Variation of shift part setting Specific object image display example of the embodiment (part 1) Specific object image display example of the embodiment (part 2)

Explanation of symbols

10 slot machine 21 display window 31 reel 31L left reel 31C middle reel 31R right reel 40 effect display device 50 main control board 51 main CPU
52, 62 ROM
53, 63 RAM
54, 69 I / F circuit 60 Sub control board 101 Control unit 102 Lottery table 103 Role lottery unit 105 Flag information storage unit 106 Reel control unit 107 Winning determination unit 108 Game state control unit 201 Production pattern selection unit 202 Production control unit 301 Image Control unit 302 Sound control unit 3031 Object data storage unit 3032 Texture data storage unit 304 Image data generation unit 3041 Object placement unit 3042 Object image generation unit 3043 Shift portion identification unit 3044 Shift unit 3045 Dark display setting unit 3046 Brightness change unit 305 Image data Storage unit 3051 Specific object image storage layer 3052 Normal object image storage layer 306 Display control means

Claims (9)

Arrangement means for arranging a predetermined object in a virtual three-dimensional space;
An object image generation means for generating an object image by developing the object to a two-dimensional image,
Dark display setting means for setting a dark display band on the object image;
Brightness changing means for changing the brightness of the area set in the dark display zone;
Display control means for outputting the object image for image display;
With
In the dark display band, the set position with respect to the object image changes with time in a certain direction, and the dark display band moves in the certain direction from one end of the object image to the other end. The image generation apparatus characterized in that the time required for the control is controlled to be constant regardless of the size of the object image . A shift part specifying means for specifying a part of the object image to be shifted in a predetermined direction;
Shift means for shifting the identified portion in the predetermined direction;
The image generation apparatus according to claim 1. As time passes, a different part of the object image is specified as the part to be shifted,
The image generation apparatus according to claim 2 . The amount of the portion changes with time.
The image generating apparatus according to claim 2 or 3. The object image is set in a translucent state;
The image generation apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4 . The object image is periodically variably controlled in arrangement in the image display space.
The image generation apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5 . A gaming machine comprising the image generating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . Arranging means for arranging a predetermined object in a virtual three-dimensional space; Object image generating means for developing the object into a two-dimensional image to generate an object image; and Dark display setting means for setting a dark display band on the object image; A computer comprising: luminance changing means for changing the luminance of the area set in the dark display band; and display control means for outputting the object image for image display.
Placing the object in a virtual three-dimensional space by the placement means ;
Expanding the object into a two-dimensional image by the object image generating means to generate an object image;
Setting a dark display band on the object image by the dark display setting means;
Changing the brightness of the area set in the dark display zone by the brightness changing means;
Outputting the object image for image display by the display control means;
An image generation method for executing
In the dark display band, the set position with respect to the object image changes with time in a certain direction, and the dark display band moves in the certain direction from one end of the object image to the other end. The required time to do is controlled to be constant regardless of the size of the object image,
Image generation method. A program for causing a computer to execute the image generation method according to claim 8 .

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