JP6662005B2 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

  As one type of gaming machines, pachinko gaming machines, slot machines, and the like are known. As these gaming machines, those equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display device are known. The gaming machine has a memory in which image data is stored in advance, and a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit of the display device using the image data read from the memory. Becomes

  In recent years, attempts have been made to display a more three-dimensional image by using image data defined in three dimensions rather than simply displaying a two-dimensional image. When performing the display, an object that is three-dimensional image data is set in the virtual three-dimensional space, and generated data is generated by projecting the object on a plane from a desired viewpoint. Then, by outputting a signal to the display device based on the generated data, a three-dimensional image is displayed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2008-295554 A

  Here, in order to increase a player's interest in the display effect, it is preferable to further improve the display effect. On the other hand, in order to further improve the display effect, it is not preferable that the processing load is extremely increased.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances and the like, and has as its object to provide a gaming machine capable of realizing image display while reducing the processing load.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 includes an arrangement unit that arranges image data of an object that is three-dimensional information in a virtual three-dimensional space, and a viewpoint setting unit that sets a viewpoint in the virtual three-dimensional space. Drawing setting means for projecting image data of the object on a projection plane set based on the viewpoint and generating data based on the data projected on the projection plane. Storage means for storing the generated data obtained,
Display control means for outputting and displaying an image corresponding to the generated data stored in the storage means on the display means,
In a gaming machine equipped with
The image data of the object has a plurality of vertex data,
The drawing setting means,
A texture use unit that enables display of an image corresponding to the image data of the object by using texture data corresponding to the image data of the object;
Color information setting means for setting vertex color information in the vertex data,
Changing means for changing the content of the image determined by the texture data according to the vertex color information,
Equipped with a,
The color information setting means,
A grasp of a range in which the contents of the image determined by the texture data are included in a set range that is changed by the changing means according to the vertex color information, and the vertex data to be set with the vertex color information is grasped. Means,
Means for deforming the set range,
Characterized in that it comprises a.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to display a realistic image while reducing the processing load.

It is a front view showing a pachinko machine. (A)-(j) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display content on the display surface of a symbol display device. (A), (b) is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the display content on the display surface of a symbol display device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the pachinko machine. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of various counters used for a success / failure lottery. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process executed by the main control device. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a normal process executed by a main control device. It is a flowchart which shows the game time control processing performed by a main control device. It is a flowchart which shows the fluctuation | variation start process performed by a main control apparatus. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a V interrupt process executed by the display CPU. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a task process executed by the display CPU. (A)-(c) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the content of a drawing list. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a drawing process performed by the VDP. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for describing a state in which drawing data is created along with execution of a drawing process. (A)-(e) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the method of laminating the fur fur display object and displaying one linear fur. (A)-(c) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating that the thickness of the displayed hair can be changed by adjusting the lamination | stacking interval of a circular area. (A)-(d) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating that the size of a circular area | region changes when the surrounding area | region is translucent. (A)-(d) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the method of laminating the fur fur display object and displaying a plurality of linear fur. (A), (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the method of displaying the moving fur by moving the fur display object in parallel, (c), (d) rotating the fur display object. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a method of displaying a moving fur by means of the method. (A) is a schematic diagram of a fur display texture when a real image is used as a texture, and (b) to (e) are explanatory diagrams for describing types of α data in a UV coordinate system. (A)-(d) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the area | region where transparency information is set, and the area | region where transparency information is not set when various alpha data are applied to the fur display object. (A)-(e) In the case where a real image is used as a texture, it is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the appearance of the real image after setting transmission information. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation processing for fur display effects performed by a display CPU. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of grasping α data and textures executed by the display CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the setting process of the furry display object performed by VDP. It is a flowchart which shows the transparency process of the fur display object performed by VDP. (A)-(d) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating that a vertex vicinity can be displayed with brightness different from surroundings by setting a vertex color. (A) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a lawn texture, (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating how a shadow is displayed on a lawn texture by vertex color setting, (c) It is explanatory drawing for the lawn texture for shade. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating, (d) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a mode that a vertex color is set, (e) Explains that a bright area is displayed on a shade lawn texture by vertex color setting. FIG. (A) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the shadow area object and shadow of 1st form, (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the shadow area object and shadow of 2nd form, (c) It is explanatory drawing. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for describing three types of shadow area objects and shadows. (A) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the mode that a shadow changes from a 1st form to a 2nd mode, (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the mode that a shadow changes from a 2nd mode to a 3rd mode. (C) An area designation table for designating an area included in a shadow at each timing. 9 is a range designation table for grasping coordinates of vertices included in each area. (A) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a mode that a shadow generation object and a shadow move in parallel on the ground display object, (b) A shadow generation object and a shadow move on the ground display object with a shape change. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which It is a flowchart which shows the arithmetic processing for light shadow display effects performed by a display CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation process for the dark area display effect accompanying movement performed by a display CPU. (A) It is a flowchart which shows the reading process of various data performed by a display CPU, (b) It is a flowchart which shows the calculation process of the representative vertex performed by a display CPU. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation process for dark area | region display effect accompanying movement and shape change performed by the display CPU. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an object setting process performed by the VDP. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a color information blending process performed by the VDP. (A), (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the aspect which displays the shadow area of a bone. FIG. 3A is an explanatory diagram for explaining a shadow region texture, and FIG. 4B is an explanatory diagram for explaining a shape of a shadow region object deformed according to the coordinates of a bone object. (A) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the relationship between the screen area in a world coordinate system, and the object for shadow areas, (b), (c) In order to explain the angle with respect to the screen area of the object for shadow areas in a cutting plane. FIG. (A) is a transparency table for grasping a uniform α value to be set for a shadow area object according to a display angle, and (b) to (e) are connections between a bone object and a shadow area object at each display angle. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating an aspect. It is a flowchart which shows the calculation process for shadow area display effects performed by a display CPU. 9 is a flowchart showing a process of grasping various data executed by the display CPU. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a setting process of various objects performed by the VDP. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a color information setting process performed by the VDP. (A) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the object for shadow areas which have 10 vertices, (b) It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the aspect which the object for shadow areas which has ten vertices deforms.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of a pachinko gaming machine (hereinafter, referred to as a “pachinko machine”) that is a type of gaming machine will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view of the pachinko machine 10.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the pachinko machine 10 has an outer frame 11 forming an outer shell of the pachinko machine 10, and a game machine main body 12 rotatably mounted forward with respect to the outer frame 11. . The game machine main body 12 includes an inner frame (not shown), a front door frame 14 arranged in front of the inner frame, and a back pack unit (not shown) arranged behind the inner frame.

  The inner frame of the gaming machine body 12 is rotatably supported by the outer frame 11 with one of the left and right side portions as a support side. A front door frame 14 is rotatably supported by the inner frame, and is rotatable forward with one of the left and right side portions being a supporting side. A back pack unit is rotatably supported by the inner frame, and is rotatable rearward with one of the left and right sides being a support side.

  The gaming machine main body 12 is provided with a locking device (not shown) at the tip end of its rotation, and has a function of locking the gaming machine main body 12 so that it cannot be opened with respect to the outer frame 11. And has a function to lock the front door frame 14 so that it cannot be opened with respect to the inner frame. Each of these locked states is released by performing an unlocking operation using an unlocking key on the cylinder lock 17 exposed on the front of the pachinko machine 10.

  A game board 20 is mounted on the inner frame. A plurality of large and small openings penetrating in the front-back direction are formed in the game board 20. Each opening is provided with a general winning opening 21, a variable winning device 22, an upper operating opening 23, a lower operating opening 24, a through gate 25, a variable display unit 26, a main display unit 33, a display unit 34 for accessory, and the like. ing.

  When a ball enters the general winning opening 21, the variable winning device 22, the upper working opening 23, and the lower working opening 24, it is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) arranged on the back side of the game board 20, Payout of a predetermined number of prize balls is executed based on the detection result. In addition, an out port 27 is provided at the lowermost portion of the game board 20, and game balls that have not entered various winning ports and the like are discharged from the game area through the out port 27. Further, on the game board 20, a large number of nails 28 are planted in order to appropriately disperse and adjust the falling direction of the game ball, and various members such as a windmill are provided.

  Here, the entering ball means that the game ball passes through a predetermined opening, and is not only discharged from the game area after passing through the opening, but also discharged from the game area after passing through the opening. Some embodiments are not included. However, in the following description, in order to clearly distinguish game balls from entering the out port 27, game balls enter the variable winning device 22, the upper operating port 23, the lower operating port 24, or the through gate 25. Is also expressed as winning.

  The upper working port 23 and the lower working port 24 are unitized as working port devices and installed on the game board 20. Both the upper working port 23 and the lower working port 24 are open upward. The two working ports 23 and 24 are arranged in a vertical direction such that the upper working port 23 faces upward. The lower working port 24 is provided with an electric accessory 24a as a guide piece (support piece) composed of a pair of left and right movable pieces. In the closed state (non-support state or non-guide state) of the electric accessory 24a, the game ball cannot enter the lower operation port 24, and the electric operation object 24a is in the open state (support state or guide state) so that the lower operation port is opened. 24 can be awarded.

  The variable winning device 22 has a large winning opening 22a communicating with the back side of the gaming board 20, and also has an opening / closing door 22b for opening and closing the large winning opening 22a. The opening / closing door 22b is normally in a closed state in which game balls cannot be won or hard to win, and is switched to a predetermined open state in which game balls are easily won when a transition to the open / close execution mode is won in the internal lottery. It has become. Here, the open / close execution mode is a mode to which a shift is made when a big hit is won. The open / close execution mode will be described later in detail. As an opening mode of the variable prize device 22, the lapse of a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) or a predetermined number (for example, 10) of prizes is one round, and the variable prize device 22 is repeatedly opened with a plurality of rounds (for example, 15 rounds) as an upper limit. There is a mode that is performed.

  The main display section 33 and the accessory display section 34 are provided on the lower side of the game area. In the main display section 33, the display of the variation of the picture is performed with the winning of the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variable display, the winning of the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24 is performed. The result of the internal lottery performed based on this is clearly indicated by the display. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, the winning in the upper operating port 23 and the winning in the lower operating port 24 are not distinguished in the internal lottery, and the winning based on the winning in the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24 is performed. The result of the drawn internal lottery is clearly shown on the main display section 33 which is a common display area. When the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the open / close execution mode, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the main display unit 33. After the display and the fluctuation display are stopped, the mode shifts to the open / close execution mode.

  In addition, the main display unit 33 is configured by a segment display in which a plurality of segment light emitting units are arranged in a predetermined manner, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and a liquid crystal display device, an organic EL display device, Other types of display devices such as a CRT and a dot matrix may be used. Further, as the pattern that is variably displayed on the main display unit 33, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of symbols are variably displayed, a configuration in which a plurality of types of characters are variably displayed, or a plurality of types are displayed. A configuration in which different colors are switched and displayed may be considered.

  In the accessory display unit 34, the pattern change display is performed with the winning in the through gate 25 as a trigger, and as a result of stopping the variable display, the result of the internal lottery performed based on the winning in the through gate 25 is displayed. Specified by indication. If the result of the internal lottery based on the winning in the through gate 25 is a winning result corresponding to the shift to the electric open state, a predetermined stop result is displayed on the accessory display unit 34 and displayed in a fluctuating manner. Is stopped, the state shifts to the electric utility open state. In the electric-power-opened state, the electric-powered accessory 24a provided in the lower working port 24 is opened in a predetermined manner.

  The variable display unit 26 is provided with a symbol display device 31 for variably displaying a symbol, which is a kind of symbol. The variable display unit 26 is provided with a center frame 32 surrounding the symbol display device 31. The center frame 32 has an upper portion extending forward of the pachinko machine 10. As a result, the game balls are prevented from falling in front of the display surface G of the symbol display device 31, and there is no inconvenience that the visibility of the display surface G is reduced due to the game balls falling. ing.

  The symbol display device 31 is configured as a liquid crystal display device having a liquid crystal display, and the display content is controlled by a display control device 130 described later. Note that the symbol display device 31 is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be another display device such as a plasma display device, an organic EL display device, or a CRT.

  In the symbol display device 31, the variable display of the symbol is started based on the winning in the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24. That is, when the variable display is performed on the main display unit 33, the variable display is performed on the symbol display device 31 in accordance with the variable display. Then, for example, in a game cycle in which the game result is a big hit, the symbol display device 31 stops and displays a symbol of a predetermined combination on a preset pay line.

  The display content of the symbol display device 31 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a diagram individually showing symbols variably displayed on the symbol display device 31, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display surface G of the symbol display device 31.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 (a) to 2 (j), the pattern, which is a kind of pattern, is composed of nine types of main patterns, each of which has a numeral “1” to “9”, and a shell-shaped pattern. It is composed of sub-designs. More specifically, a main symbol is configured by attaching numbers “1” to “9” to nine types of character symbols such as an octopus.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, on the display surface G of the symbol display device 31, three symbol rows SA1, SA2, and SA3 are set as a plurality of display areas. Each of the symbol rows SA1 to SA3 is configured by arranging a main symbol and a sub symbol in a predetermined order. In detail, in the upper symbol row SA1, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in descending numerical order, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol. . In the lower symbol row SA3, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and one sub symbol is arranged between each main symbol.

  That is, the upper symbol row SA1 and the lower symbol row SA3 are composed of 18 symbols. On the other hand, in the middle symbol row SA2, nine types of main symbols “1” to “9” are arranged in ascending numerical order, and the main symbol “9” and the main symbol “1” are arranged. , A main symbol of “4” is additionally arranged, and one sub symbol is arranged between each of the main symbols. That is, only the middle symbol row SA2 is composed of 20 symbols with 10 main symbols arranged. Then, on the display surface G, the symbols in each of the symbol rows SA1 to SA3 are displayed in a variable manner so as to scroll in a predetermined direction with a periodicity.

  As shown in FIG. 3B, three symbols are stopped and displayed on the display surface G for each symbol row, and as a result, a total of 9 symbols of 3 × 3 are stopped and displayed. It has become. Further, five effective lines, that is, a left line L1, a middle line L2, a right line L3, a right-down line L4, and a right-up line L5 are set on the display surface G. Then, the variable display is stopped in the order of the upper symbol row SA1 → the lower symbol row SA3 → the middle symbol row SA2, and all the symbol rows SA1 are formed in a state where a combination of the symbols having the same numeral assigned to any of the activated lines is formed. When the variable display of ~ SA3 is completed, the big hit movie is displayed as the occurrence of the normal big hit result or the 15R certain change big hit result described later.

  In the present pachinko machine 10, the main symbols with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) correspond to “specific symbols”, and when a 15R certainty-variable jackpot result occurs, the same specific symbols are used. The combination is stopped and displayed. The main symbols with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8) correspond to “non-specific symbols”, and when a jackpot result usually occurs, the same combination of non-specific symbols is stopped and displayed. You.

  In addition, when an explicit 2R probability change jackpot result to be described later is obtained, the variable display of all the symbol rows SA1 to SA3 ends in a state where a predetermined symbol combination different from the same symbol combination is formed. An explicit movie is displayed.

  In addition, the mode of the variable display of the symbol in the symbol display device 31 is not limited to the above, and is arbitrary. The number of symbol columns, the direction of the variable display of the symbol in the symbol column, the number of symbols in each symbol column, etc. Can be changed as appropriate. Further, the pattern variably displayed on the symbol display device 31 is not limited to the above-described symbol, and for example, a configuration in which only numbers are variably displayed as the symbol may be employed.

  Further, based on the winning of one of the operating ports 23, 24, the variable display is started on the main display unit 33 and the symbol display device 31, and a predetermined stop result is displayed until the variable display is stopped. This corresponds to one game time.

  In the upper left portion on the front side of the center frame 32, a first reserved light emitting unit 35 corresponding to the main display unit 33 and the symbol display device 31 is provided. The number of game balls that have won the upper operation port 23 or the lower operation port 24 is retained up to a maximum of four, and the number of the retained balls is displayed by turning on the first reserved light emitting unit 35.

  In the upper right portion of the center frame 32, a second reserved light emitting unit 36 corresponding to the accessory display unit 34 is provided. The number of times that the game balls have passed through the through gate 25 is held up to four times, and the number of the held balls is displayed by turning on the second holding light emitting unit 36. Note that the function of each of the reserved light emitting units 35 and 36 may be performed by display in a partial area of the symbol display device 31.

  A rail portion 37 is attached to the game board 20, and the rail portion 37 constitutes a guide rail, and is fired from a game ball firing mechanism 58 (not shown) mounted below the game board 20 in the inner frame. Game balls are guided to the upper part of the game area. The game ball firing mechanism 58 performs a shooting operation of the game ball by operating a firing handle 41 provided on the front door frame 14.

  A front door frame 14 is provided so as to cover the entire front side of the inner frame. As shown in FIG. 1, the front door frame 14 is formed with a window portion 42 so that almost the entire game area can be visually recognized from the front. The window 42 has a substantially elliptical shape, and a window panel (not shown) is fitted therein. The window panel is formed of glass and is transparent and colorless, but is not limited thereto, and may be formed of synthetic resin and transparent and colorless.

  A light emitting unit is provided around the window 42. A display light emitting section 44 is provided above the window section 42 as a part of the light emitting means. Further, on both left and right sides of the display light emitting section 44, speaker sections 45 for outputting sound effects and the like according to a game state are provided.

  Below the window portion 42 of the front door frame 14, an upper bulging portion 46 and a lower bulging portion 47 bulging toward the near side are vertically arranged side by side. An upper plate 46a that opens upward is provided inside the upper bulging portion 46, and a lower plate 47a that also opens upward is provided inside the lower bulging portion 47. The upper plate 46a has a function of temporarily storing the game balls dispensed from the dispensing device 56, which will be described later, and guiding the game balls to the game ball firing mechanism while aligning them in a line. The lower plate 47a has a function of storing surplus game balls in the upper plate 46a. Game balls paid out from the payout device 56 mounted on the back pack unit are discharged to the upper plate 46a and the lower plate 47a.

  In a region facing the front of the pachinko machine 10 in the upper bulging portion 46, a rendering operation device 48 having an operation portion manually operated by a player is provided. The operation unit of the effect operation device 48 is manually operated by a player to make the effect content on the display surface G of the symbol display device 31 or the like a predetermined effect content.

  On the back side of the inner frame, a main control device 50, a sound emission control device 60, and a display control device 130 are mounted. As described above, the back pack unit is provided on the back surface of the inner frame. The back pack unit includes a payout mechanism including a payout device 56, a payout control device, a power supply and a firing control device. 57 are mounted. Hereinafter, the electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10 will be described.

<Electrical configuration of pachinko machine 10>
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a basic electrical configuration of the pachinko machine 10. As shown in FIG.

<Main controller 50>
The main control device 50 includes a main control board 51 that performs main control of the game. In the main control device 50, the substrate box accommodating the main control substrate 51 and the like may be provided with a trace means for leaving a trace of the opening or a trace structure for leaving a trace of the opening. It may be. Examples of the trace means include a structure of a connecting portion (caulking portion) that inseparably couples a plurality of case bodies constituting the substrate box and requires destruction of a predetermined portion at the time of the separation, and a method of peeling off the adhesive layer so that the adhesive layer is adhered. A configuration is conceivable in which a sealing sticker that leaves a trace of being peeled off by being left over is attached across a boundary between a plurality of case bodies. Further, as the trace structure, a configuration in which an adhesive is applied to a boundary between a plurality of case bodies constituting the board box is considered.

  The main control board 51 has an MPU 52 mounted thereon. The MPU 52 includes a ROM 53 storing various control programs executed by the MPU 52 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 53. A certain RAM 54, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like are built in.

  As the ROM 53, a storage unit (that is, a non-volatile storage unit) that can be randomly accessed when reading out a control program or fixed value data and does not require external power supply for storage and storage is used. Further, the configuration in which the control and calculation portion, the ROM 53, and the RAM 54 are integrated into one chip is not essential, and each function may be configured as a separate chip, and some functions may be implemented as separate chips. It is good also as a structure mounted.

  The MPU 52 is provided with an input port and an output port. The power supply and the launch control device 57 are connected to the input side of the MPU 52. The power supply and the launch control device 57 are connected to, for example, a commercial power supply (external power supply) in a game arcade or the like. Then, based on the external power supplied from the commercial power supply, it generates the necessary operating power for the main control board 51 and supplies the generated operating power. Incidentally, the operating power is supplied not only to the main control board 51 but also to other devices such as the payout control device 55 and a display control device 130 described later.

  A power failure monitoring board may be provided on a power path between the MPU 52 and the power supply and the launch control device 57. In this case, the occurrence of a power failure is monitored by the power failure monitoring board, and when the occurrence of the power failure is confirmed, a power failure signal is transmitted to the MPU 52 so that the MPU 52 executes processing for a power failure. It is possible to do.

  Various sensors (not shown) are connected to the input side of the MPU 52. As a part of the various sensors, there are detection sensors provided in a one-to-one manner with respect to a winning corresponding ball portion such as a general winning opening 21, a variable winning device 22, an upper operating opening 23, a lower operating opening 24, and a through gate 25. The MPU 52 performs a winning determination (ball entry determination) for each ball entry unit. In addition, the MPU 52 executes a jackpot occurrence lottery and a jackpot result type lottery based on winning in the upper operation port 23 and the lower operation port 24, and executes a reach generation lottery of each game time and a determination lottery for a display continuation period.

  Here, a configuration for performing various lotteries in the MPU 52 will be described.

  The MPU 52 uses the various counter information during the game to perform a jackpot occurrence lottery, set the display on the main display unit 33, set the symbol display on the symbol display device 31, set the display on the accessory display unit 34, and the like. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, a jackpot random number counter C1 used for a jackpot occurrence lottery, a jackpot type counter C2 used for determining a jackpot type such as a probability change jackpot result or a normal jackpot result, and a symbol The reach random number counter C3 used for the reach generation lottery when the display device 31 comes off and fluctuates, the random number initial value counter CINI used for setting the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1, and the fluctuations in the main display unit 33 and the symbol display device 31 A variation type counter CS for determining the display time is used. Further, an electric accessory opening counter C4 used for a lottery to determine whether or not the electric accessory 24a of the lower working port 24 is to be in the electric opening state is used. The counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 are provided in a lottery counter area 54a of the main RAM 54.

  Each of the counters C1 to C3, CINI, CS, and C4 is a loop counter in which 1 is added to the previous value each time it is updated, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. Each counter is updated at short time intervals. The information corresponding to the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 is stored in the reserved ball storage area 54b as the acquired information storage means when a prize occurs in the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24. Is stored.

  The reserved ball storage area 54b includes a reserved area RE and an execution area AE. The holding area RE includes a first holding area RE1, a second holding area RE2, a third holding area RE3, and a fourth holding area RE4, and matches the winning history to the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24. , The numerical value information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 are stored in any of the holding areas RE1 to RE4 as holding information.

  In this case, the first holding area RE1 to the fourth holding area RE4 include a first holding area RE1 → a second holding area when a winning in the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24 occurs continuously plural times. Each numerical information is stored in time series in the order of RE2 → third reserved area RE3 → fourth reserved area RE4. Since the four holding areas RE1 to RE4 are provided in this manner, up to four winning histories of game balls to the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24 are stored on hold. Further, the holding area RE includes a number-of-holds storage area NA. The number-of-holds storage area NA specifies the number of the winning histories to be stored in the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24. Is stored.

  It should be noted that the number of items that can be held and stored is not limited to four, but may be any number, such as two, three, five or more, or a single number.

  The execution area AE is an area for moving each value stored in the first holding area RE1 of the holding area RE when starting the variable display on the main display unit 33. Based on various types of numerical information stored in the execution area AE, a determination as to whether or not a hit is made is made.

  Each of the above counters will be described in detail.

  More specifically, each of the counters is configured such that the jackpot random number counter C1 is incremented by one in the range of, for example, 0 to 599, and returns to 0 after reaching the maximum value. In particular, when the jackpot random number counter C1 makes one round, the value of the random number initial value counter CINI at that time is read as the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1. The random number initial value counter CINI is a loop counter similar to the jackpot random number counter C1 (value = 0 to 599). The jackpot random number counter C1 is updated periodically, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 54b at the timing when the gaming ball has won the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24.

  The value of the random number for winning the jackpot is stored as a win / fail table in a win / fail table storage area as a win / fail information group storage means in the ROM 53. As the success / failure table, a success / failure table for the low probability mode and a success / failure table for the high probability mode are set. That is, in the pachinko machine 10, the low probability mode and the high probability mode are set as the lottery modes in the winning / failing lottery means.

  Under the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the low probability mode is referred to at the time of the lottery, the number of the random numbers for the jackpot winning is two. On the other hand, in the gaming state in which the winning / failing table for the high-probability mode is referred to at the time of the above-mentioned lottery, the number of random numbers to be a big hit is 20. If the winning probability is higher in the high-probability mode than in the low-probability mode, the number of random numbers to be won is arbitrary.

  The jackpot type counter C2 is configured to be incremented by one in order within the range of 0 to 29, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The jackpot type counter C2 is periodically updated, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 54b at the timing when the gaming ball has won the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24.

  In this pachinko machine 10, a plurality of jackpot results are set. The plurality of jackpot results are (1) the mode of opening / closing control of the variable winning device 22 in the opening / closing execution mode, (2) the lottery mode of the winning / rejecting lottery means after the end of the opening / closing execution mode, and A plurality of jackpot results are set by providing a difference between the three conditions, that is, the support mode of the electric accessory 24a of the operating port 24.

  The opening / closing control of the variable prize device 22 in the opening / closing execution mode is performed in such a manner that the frequency of winning in the variable prize device 22 during the period from the start of the opening / closing execution mode to the end thereof is relatively high or low. A frequency winning mode and a low frequency winning mode are set. Specifically, in the high frequency winning mode, the opening and closing of the special winning opening 22a is performed 15 times (the number of times of high frequency) from the start to the end of the opening and closing execution mode, and one opening is performed for 30 seconds (high frequency time). ) Elapses or until the winning number in the special winning opening 22a reaches 10 (high-frequency number). On the other hand, in the low frequency winning mode, the opening and closing of the special winning opening 22a is performed twice (the number of times of low frequency) from the start to the end of the opening and closing execution mode, and one opening is performed for 0.2 seconds (low frequency time). Is continued or until the winning number in the large winning opening 22a becomes 6 (low-frequency number).

  In the present pachinko machine 10, when the firing handle 41 is operated by the player, the game ball firing mechanism 58 is driven and controlled such that one game ball is fired toward the game area in 0.6 seconds. . On the other hand, in the low-frequency winning mode, the opening time of one large winning opening 22a is 0.2 sec as described above. That is, in the low-frequency winning mode, the opening time of one large winning opening 22a is shorter than the firing cycle of the game balls. Therefore, in the opening / closing execution mode related to the low frequency prize mode, the prize of the game ball does not substantially occur.

  The number of times of opening and closing the large winning opening 22a in the high frequency winning mode and the low frequency winning mode, the opening time limit for one opening, and the opening limit number for one opening are set in the low frequency winning mode in the high frequency winning mode. The value is not limited to the above value as long as the frequency of winning in the variable winning device 22 during the period from the start to the end of the open / close execution mode becomes higher than the above. Specifically, if the high-frequency winning mode has a larger number of times of opening and closing than the low-frequency winning mode, the opening time limit for one opening is longer, or the opening limit number for one opening is set larger. Good.

  However, in order to clarify the difference in benefits between the high-frequency winning mode and the low-frequency winning mode, in the opening / closing execution mode related to the low-frequency winning mode, substantially no winning to the variable winning device 22 occurs. It is good to have composition. For example, in the high frequency winning mode, for one opening, the product of the launch cycle of the game ball and the opening number is set to be shorter than the opening time limit, while in the low frequency winning mode, the product is The product of the launch cycle of the game balls and the limited number of openings may be set to be longer than the limited opening time. Further, even if the firing interval of the game balls and the opening time of one large winning opening 22a are not the above, in the low frequency winning mode, the latter is set to be shorter than the former, It is possible to easily realize a configuration in which the winning in the variable winning device 22 does not substantially occur.

  As the support mode of the motorized accessory 24a of the lower working port 24, the electric accessory 24a of the lower working port 24 is compared with a situation where the launch of the game ball is continued in the same manner with respect to the game area. The low-frequency support mode (low-frequency support state or low-frequency guide state) and the high-frequency support mode (high-frequency support state or high-frequency guide state) so that the frequency of the open state per unit time is relatively high and low. Is set.

  More specifically, in the low-frequency support mode and the high-frequency support mode, the probability of winning the electric-power-opening state in the electric-power-operated-object opening lottery using the electric-powered-object opening counter C4 is the same (for example, both are 4/5). However, in the high frequency support mode, the number of times the electric accessory 24a is opened when the electrification is released is set to be greater than in the low frequency support mode. The time is set long. In this case, in the high frequency support mode, in the case where the open state of the electric accessory is won in the high frequency support mode and the open state of the electric accessory 24a occurs a plurality of times, the electric accessory 24a is closed from the end of one open state to the start of the next open state. The time is set shorter than one open time. Furthermore, in the high-frequency support mode, a shorter time is secured than the low-frequency support mode as a minimum time to be secured after one electric-powered-object opening lottery is performed and then the next electric-powered-object opening lottery is performed. Is set to be selected.

  As described above, in the high-frequency support mode, the probability that a winning will occur in the lower operation port 24 is higher than in the low-frequency support mode. In other words, in the low frequency support mode, there is a higher probability that a prize will occur in the upper working port 23 than in the lower working port 24, but in the high frequency support mode, the winning to the lower working port 24 is higher than in the upper working port 23. The probability of winning is increased. When a prize is generated in the lower operating port 24, a predetermined number of game balls are paid out. In the high-frequency support mode, the player plays a game while not reducing the number of balls so much. be able to.

  In addition, the configuration for increasing the frequency of the electric utility opening state per unit time in the high frequency support mode compared to the low frequency support mode is not limited to the above-described configuration. It is good also as a structure which makes the probability of electrification open state winning high in. Further, a securing time secured after one electric-power-operated-object opening lottery is performed and then the next electric-powered-object opening lottery is performed (for example, the special-effects display portion 34 is displayed based on a prize in the through gate 25). In the configuration in which a plurality of types of variable display time are executed, a setting is made such that a shorter securing time is more easily selected or the average securing time is shorter in the high frequency support mode than in the low frequency support mode. It may be. Further, increasing the number of times of opening and lengthening the opening time, shortening the securing time secured after one electric accessory opening lottery is performed after one electric accessory opening lottery is performed (ie, , One of the change display times on the accessory display unit 34), the average time of the securing time is shortened, and the winning probability is increased. This may increase the advantage of the high frequency support mode over the low frequency support mode.

  The distribution destination of the game result to the jackpot type counter C2 is stored as a distribution table in a distribution table storage area in the ROM 53 as distribution information group storage means. Then, as the distribution destination, a normal jackpot result, an explicit 2R probability-change jackpot result, and a 15R probability-change jackpot result are set.

  The normal jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes the high frequency winning mode, and after the end of the opening / closing execution mode, the success / failure lottery mode becomes the low probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. However, the high frequency support mode shifts to the low frequency support mode when the number of games reaches the end reference number (specifically, 100 times) after the shift. In other words, the normal jackpot result is a jackpot result that shifts the game state to the normal jackpot state (low-probability-compatible special game state).

  The explicit 2R probability change jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes the low frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the success / failure lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. . The high probability mode and the high frequency support mode are continued until the lottery result in the winning / non-winning lottery becomes a big hit state and the state shifts to a big hit state. In other words, the explicit 2R probability-change jackpot result is a jackpot result that shifts the gaming state to the explicit 2R probability-variable jackpot state (specific high-probability-compatible gaming state).

  The 15R probability change jackpot result is a jackpot result in which the opening / closing execution mode becomes the high frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the success / failure lottery mode becomes the high probability mode and the support mode becomes the high frequency support mode. The high probability mode and the high frequency support mode are continued until the lottery result in the winning / non-winning lottery becomes a big hit state and the state shifts to a big hit state. In other words, the 15R probability-change jackpot result is a jackpot result that shifts the game state to the 15R probability-change jackpot state (high-probability-compatible special game state).

  The normal gaming state in relation to the above gaming states refers to a state in which the winning / rejecting lottery mode is a low probability mode and the support mode is a low frequency support mode.

  In the distribution table, among the values of the jackpot type counter C2 of “0 to 29”, “0 to 9” corresponds to the normal jackpot result, and “10 to 14” corresponds to the explicit 2R sure-change jackpot result. "15-29" corresponds to the 15R probability change jackpot result.

  As described above, since the explicit 2R probability-change jackpot result is set as the probability-change jackpot result, the modes of the probability-change jackpot result are diversified. That is, when comparing the two types of the probability change jackpot results, the degree of advantage for the player is that the 15R probability change jackpot result in which the open / close execution mode is the high frequency winning mode and the support mode is the high frequency support mode is the highest, In the mode, the low frequency winning mode is set, but in the support mode, the explicit 2R certainty variable jackpot result in the high frequency support mode is the lowest. Thereby, the monotony of the game is suppressed, and the degree of attention to the game can be increased.

  As one type of the probability change jackpot result, the opening / closing execution mode becomes the low frequency winning mode, and after the opening / closing execution mode ends, the success / failure lottery mode becomes the high probability mode, and the support mode is maintained in the previous mode. A non-explicit 2R probable change jackpot result (a non-explicit high probability corresponding game result or a result of a latent probable change state) may be included. In this case, further diversification of the probability variable jackpot result is achieved.

  Furthermore, as one type of the deviation result in the success / failure lottery, a special deviation result in which the transition to the success / failure lottery mode and the support mode does not occur after the transition to the open / close execution mode of the low frequency winning mode may be included. . In a configuration in which both the implicit 2R probability change jackpot result and the special outlier result are set as described above, the opening / closing execution mode shifts to the low frequency winning mode, and the support mode is maintained in the previous mode. In contrast to this, when the transition mode of the winning / rejecting lottery mode is different, for example, when one of the non-explicit 2R sure-change jackpot result or the special off result occurs in the normal game state, the Can actually be predicted by the player as to which result corresponds.

  The reach random number counter C3 is configured to be added one by one in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 238, and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The reach random number counter C3 is updated periodically, and is stored in the reserved ball storage area 54b at the timing when the gaming ball has won the upper operating port 23 or the lower operating port 24.

  Here, in the pachinko machine 10, an expected effect is set as a type of display effect on the symbol display device 31. A game machine in which the expected effect is provided with a symbol display device 31 capable of performing variable display of symbols, and in a gaming cycle in which the open / close execution mode is a high-frequency winning mode, a stop display result after the variable display is a special display result. In a stage before the stop display result is derived and displayed after the symbol variable display is started on the symbol display device 31 in the symbol display device 31, the display state for causing the player to think that the variable display state is likely to be the special display result is displayed. Say.

  Two types of expected effects are set: the above-mentioned reach display, and a preview display for expecting the occurrence of a reach display or the occurrence of a special display result before the reach display is generated.

  In the reach display, a combination of the big hit symbols corresponding to the occurrence of the high-frequency winning mode by stopping and displaying the symbols in some of the symbol columns among the plurality of symbol columns displayed on the display surface G of the symbol display device 31. Is displayed, in which a combination of reach symbols that may be satisfied is displayed, and in that state, symbols are variably displayed in the remaining symbol columns. In addition, in the state where the combination of the reach symbols is displayed as described above, while performing the variation display of the symbols in the remaining symbol columns, and performing a reach effect by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image in the background image or , A combination of reach symbols is reduced or displayed, and a reach effect is displayed by displaying a predetermined character or the like as a moving image on substantially the entire display surface G.

  Specifically, the reach display relating to the variable display of the symbol, as a pre-stage for terminating the variable display of the symbol, the occurrence of the high-frequency winning mode on a preset effective line in the display surface of the symbol display device 31 The reach line is formed by stopping and displaying the reach symbol combination in which the combination of the corresponding jackpot symbols may be established, and in the situation where the reach line is formed, the variation display of the symbol is displayed by the final stop symbol column. Is to do.

  When the display contents of FIG. 3 are specifically described, first, the variable display of symbols in the upper symbol row SA1 is finished, and in the state where the variable display of symbols is finished in the lower symbol row SA3, any valid When the main symbols with the same numerals attached to the lines L1 to L5 are stopped and displayed, a reach line is formed, and in a situation where the reach line is formed, the symbol variation display is performed in the middle symbol row SA2. Is displayed. When the high-frequency winning mode occurs, the main symbol having the same number as the main symbol forming the reach line is stopped and displayed on the reach line so as to be displayed in the middle symbol row SA2. The variable display of the symbol is ended.

  In the notice display, in the situation in which the symbols are variably displayed in all the symbol columns SA1 to SA3 after the symbol variable display is started on the display surface G of the symbol display device 31, or in some symbol columns. In a situation where a symbol is variably displayed in a plurality of symbol columns, a mode in which a character is displayed separately from the symbols on the symbol columns SA1 to SA3 is included. In addition, the background image may have a predetermined mode different from the previous mode, or the symbols on the symbol rows SA1 to SA3 may have a predetermined mode different from the previous mode. Such a notice display may occur in any of the game times when the reach display is performed and when the reach display is not performed, but the display when the reach display is performed is higher than that when the reach display is not performed. It is set to occur with probability.

  The reach display is executed irrespective of the value of the reach random number counter C3 in the game cycle that shifts to the open / close execution mode in which the high frequency winning mode is set. It is not executed regardless of the value of the counter C3. Further, in the game times in which the mode does not shift to the opening / closing execution mode, the reach random number counter C3 acquired at a predetermined timing with reference to the reach table stored in the reach table storage area of the ROM 53 corresponds to the occurrence of the reach display. Will be executed if On the other hand, the determination as to whether or not to display the advance notice is made not by the main control device 50 but by the audio light emission control device 60.

  The fluctuation type counter CS is configured to be incremented by one in order within a range of, for example, 0 to 198, and to return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The variation type counter CS is used in the MPU 52 to determine the variation display time on the main display unit 33 and the symbol variation display time on the symbol display device 31. The fluctuation type counter CS is updated once each time a normal process described later is executed once, and is repeatedly updated even within the remaining time in the normal process. Then, the value of the variation type counter CS is acquired at the time of determining the variation pattern at the start of the variation display on the main display unit 33 and at the time of the symbol variation start by the symbol display device 31. When determining the variable display time, a variable display time table stored in advance in the variable display time table storage area of the ROM 53 is referred to.

  The electric accessory opening counter C4 is configured to, for example, be incremented by one in the range of 0 to 250 and return to 0 after reaching the maximum value. The electric accessory opening counter C4 is updated periodically, and is stored in the electric utility holding area 54c at the timing when the game ball wins the through gate 25. Then, at a predetermined timing, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to control the electric accessory 24a to the open state based on the stored value of the electric accessory open counter C4.

  The output side of the MPU 52 is connected to a payout control device 55 and a power supply and a firing control device 57. For example, a prize ball command is transmitted to the payout control device 55 based on the result of the prize determination to the prize-corresponding ball entry section. The payout control device 55 controls the payout device 56 to pay out prize balls and loaned balls based on the prize ball command received from the main control device 50. The firing permission command is transmitted to the power supply and the firing control device 57 based on the fact that the firing handle 41 is operated. The power supply and launch control device 57 drives the game ball launching mechanism 58 based on the launch permission command received from the main control device 50 to launch the game ball toward the game area.

  The output side of the MPU 52 is connected to the main display unit 33 and the accessory display unit 34, and the display control of the main display unit 33 and the accessory display unit 34 is directly performed by the MPU 52. That is, the display control of the main display unit 33 is executed in the MPU 52 at each game time. In addition, when the lottery result indicating whether or not the electric accessory 24a is to be opened is specified, the display control of the accessory display unit 34 is executed in the MPU 52.

  On the output side of the MPU 52, a variable winning drive unit for opening and closing the opening and closing door 22b of the variable winning device 22 and an electric accessory driving unit for opening and closing the electric accessory 24a of the lower operating port 24 are connected. . That is, in the open / close execution mode, the MPU 52 controls the driving of the variable winning drive unit so that the special winning opening 22a is opened and closed. In addition, when the open state of the electric accessory 24a is won, the MPU 52 controls the driving of the electric accessory drive unit so that the electric accessory 24a is opened and closed.

  Further, an audio light emission control device 60 is connected to the output side of the MPU 52, and transmits various commands for effects to the audio light emission control device 60.

<Process Performed by MPU 52 of Main Controller 50>
Next, processing executed by the MPU 52 will be described.

  The MPU 52 repeatedly executes a predetermined game progress process after the power is turned on. In the pachinko machine 10, as the game progress processing, the normal processing repeatedly executed in the first cycle and the normal processing which is started in the second cycle shorter than the first cycle are executed by interrupting the normal processing. Timer interrupt processing is set.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the timer interrupt processing. This process is started by the MPU 52 periodically (for example, at a cycle of 2 msec).

  First, in step S101, a reading process is performed. In the reading process, the state of the various prize detection sensors is read, the state of the various prize detection sensors is determined, and processing for storing the prize detection information is executed. Further, when the winning of the game ball is detected by the winning detection sensor corresponding to the occurrence of the winning ball, a winning ball command for instructing the payout control device 55 to pay out the winning ball is set.

  In a succeeding step S102, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by one, and cleared to zero when the counter value reaches the maximum value.

  In the following step S103, the big hit random number counter C1, the big hit type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3 and the electric accessory opening counter C4 are updated. Specifically, the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, the reach random number counter C3, and the electric accessory opening counter C4 are each incremented by one, and are cleared to 0 when their counter values reach the maximum value.

  In a succeeding step S104, a prize-for-through process associated with a prize to the through gate 25 is executed. In the prize-for-through processing, the value of the electric accessory opening counter C4 updated in the above-mentioned step S103 is used as the electric It is stored in the reservation area 54c.

  After that, in step S105, a winning process for the operating ports accompanying the winning to the operating ports 23 and 24 is executed. In the prize processing for the working port, if a winning has occurred in the upper working port 23 or the lower working port 24, the starting hold storage number stored in the holding ball storage area 54b is the upper limit number (for example, “ 4 "), the numerical information of the jackpot random number counter C1, the jackpot type counter C2, and the reach random number counter C3 updated in step S103 is stored in the holding area RE of the holding ball storage area 54b. . In this case, the data is stored in the first reserved area of the available reserved areas RE1 to RE4 of the reserved area RE, that is, the reserved area corresponding to the current number of start pending storages. After executing the processing in step S105, the timer interrupt processing ends.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the normal processing. The normal process is a process that is started after the main process that is started when the power is turned on is executed. As an outline, the processing of steps S201 to S209 is executed as processing of a 4 msec cycle, and the counter updating processing of steps S210 and S211 is executed in the remaining time.

  In step S201, output data such as a command set in the timer interrupt processing or the previous normal processing is transmitted to each control device on the sub side. Specifically, it determines the presence or absence of a prize ball command, and if the prize ball command is set, transmits it to the payout control device 55. If a predetermined effect command is set, the command is transmitted to the sound emission control device 60.

  In a succeeding step S202, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the variation type counter CS is incremented by one, and when the counter value reaches the maximum value, the counter value is cleared to zero.

  In the following step S203, a game time control process for controlling a game in each game time is executed. In the game round control processing, a jackpot determination, setting of symbol variable display by the symbol display device 31, and display control of the main display unit 33 are performed.

  After that, in step S204, a game state shift process for shifting the game state is executed. In the game state shift processing, when the game round corresponding to the jackpot winning has ended, the shift processing to the open / close execution mode is executed, and the open / close processing of the variable winning device 22 is started. When the opening / closing execution mode is started, during the opening / closing execution mode, and when the opening / closing execution mode is ended, various commands for the opening / closing execution mode are transmitted to the sound emission control device 60. When the opening / closing execution mode is ended, the shift of the winning / rejection lottery mode and the shift of the support mode are executed in accordance with the jackpot type related to the game time that triggered the start of the mode.

  In a succeeding step S205, a process for demonstration display is executed. In the demo display process, a predetermined start time for demo start (for example, 0.1 sec) elapses without a new game time being started after the game time has ended in a situation where the opening / closing execution mode is not being performed. A determination process is performed to determine whether or not the operation has been performed. In addition, after the power supply to the MPU 52 is started or the pachinko machine 10 is reset, a predetermined start start waiting period (for example, 3 seconds) for starting a demonstration elapses without newly starting a game round. A determination process is performed to determine whether or not the operation has been performed. When it is determined that the time has elapsed, a command for demonstration display is transmitted to the sound emission control device 60.

  Note that the demonstration display refers to a start waiting effect displayed on the display surface G of the symbol display device 31 when a predetermined start waiting period has elapsed. In the demonstration image, an image in which the symbols stopped and displayed on the symbol rows SA1 to SA3 perform a predetermined operation is displayed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the symbol performs a predetermined operation. After or instead of displaying the displayed image, a moving image using a manufacturer name, a model name, or a predetermined character may be displayed. Further, in the configuration in which the demonstration display is performed by the animation of the symbols that are variably displayed on the symbol columns SA1 to SA3, the symbol that is finally stopped and displayed in the immediately preceding game round may be used as the symbol. In this case, the demonstration display is diversified.

  In a succeeding step S206, a process for supporting the electric combination for driving and controlling the electric accessory 24a provided in the lower working port 24 is executed. In the electric role support processing, it is determined whether or not the electric accessory 24a is to be opened using the information stored in the electric role holding area 54c of the RAM 54, the opening and closing process of the electric accessory 24a, and the The display control of the display unit 34 is performed.

  Thereafter, in step S207, a game ball launch control process is executed. In the game ball launch control process, the solenoid of the game ball launch mechanism 58 is excited once every predetermined period (for example, 0.6 sec) on condition that a launch permission signal is input from the power supply and the launch control device 57. . Thereby, the game ball is launched toward the game area.

  In a succeeding step S208, it is determined whether or not the power interruption flag is stored in the RAM. The power interruption flag is a flag that is stored when occurrence of a power interruption is confirmed, and is deleted in the next main processing.

  If the power interruption flag is not stored, it means that the last processing of the plurality of processings to be repeatedly executed has been completed. Therefore, in step S209, it is determined whether or not the execution timing of the next normal processing has been reached, that is, It is determined whether a predetermined time (4 msec in this embodiment) has elapsed from the start of the normal processing. Then, the update of the random number initial value counter CINI and the variation type counter CS are repeatedly executed within the remaining time until the next normal processing execution timing.

  That is, in step S210, the random number initial value counter CINI is updated. Specifically, the random number initial value counter CINI is incremented by one, and cleared to zero when the counter value reaches the maximum value. In step S211, the variation type counter CS is updated. Specifically, the fluctuation type counter CS is incremented by one, and is cleared to zero when the counter value reaches the maximum value.

  Here, since the execution time of each processing of steps S201 to S207 changes according to the state of the game, the remaining time until the execution timing of the next normal processing is not constant but fluctuates. Therefore, by repeatedly executing the update of the random number initial value counter CINI using the remaining time, the random number initial value counter CINI (that is, the initial value of the jackpot random number counter C1) can be updated at random, and similarly, The fluctuation type counter CS can also be updated at random.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S208 that the power interruption flag is stored, it means that the power supply has been interrupted, and the processing at the time of power interruption from step S212 is executed. That is, in step S212, the occurrence of the timer interrupt process is prohibited, then the RAM determination value is calculated and stored in step S213, and after the access to the RAM 54 is prohibited in step S214, the power is completely cut off and the process is performed. Continues an infinite loop until can no longer be executed.

  Next, the game times control processing in step S203 will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIG.

  In the game round control process, first, in step S301, it is determined whether or not the vehicle is in the open / close execution mode. If the opening / closing execution mode is in progress, the game round control process ends without executing the process of step S302 and thereafter. In other words, when the opening / closing execution mode is in progress, the game round is not started regardless of whether or not a prize has occurred in the operating ports 23 and 24.

  If it is not in the open / close execution mode, it is determined in step S302 whether the main display unit 33 is performing variable display. If the main display unit 33 is not performing the variable display, the process proceeds to the game times start processing of steps S303 to S305.

  In the processing for starting the game round, first, in step S303, it is determined whether or not the number N of pending start balls is “0”. The case where the number N of start-reserved balls is “0” means that the reserved information is not stored in the reserved ball storage area 54b. Therefore, the present game time control process is terminated.

  If the number N of reserved balls to be started is not “0”, a data setting process for setting data stored in the reserved area RE of the reserved ball storage area 54b for variable display is executed in step S304. Specifically, the data stored in the first holding area RE1 of the holding area RE is shifted to the execution area AE. After that, the data stored in the first reserved area RE1 to the fourth reserved area RE4 is sequentially shifted to the lower area side. Then, after performing the fluctuation start processing in step S305, the game round control processing ends.

  The change start processing in step S305 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

  In step S401, a win / fail determination process is performed to determine whether or not the hold information corresponding to the current fluctuation start process corresponds to a jackpot win. More specifically, it is determined whether or not a jackpot is won by referring to the numerical information relating to the jackpot random number counter C1 of the hold information shifted to the execution area AE and the hit / fail table corresponding to the current hit / win lottery mode. I do.

  In a succeeding step S402, it is determined whether or not a big hit is won. If it is a jackpot, the type determination process is executed in step S403. In the type determination process, the jackpot type is specified with reference to the numerical information on the jackpot type counter C2 and the distribution table in the hold information shifted to the execution area AE.

  In a succeeding step S404, a stop result setting process corresponding to the jackpot result is executed. Specifically, in the game time related to the start of the current fluctuation, the information on the pattern form to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 33 is specified from the stop result table for the jackpot result stored in the ROM 53 in advance, The specified information is stored in the RAM 54. In the stop result table for the jackpot result, the type of the pattern that is stopped and displayed on the main display unit 33 is set differently for each type of the jackpot result, and in step S404, it is specified in step S403. The information on the mode of the picture according to the type of the jackpot result is stored in the RAM 54.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S402 that the jackpot has not been won, in step S405, a stop result setting process for a miss is executed. Specifically, in the game times related to the start of the current fluctuation, the information of the form of the pattern to be finally stopped and displayed on the main display unit 33 is specified from a stop result table for an off-state stored in the ROM 53 in advance, The specified information is stored in the RAM 54. In this case, the information on the pattern aspect selected is different from the information on the pattern aspect selected in the case of the jackpot result.

  After executing the processing in step S404 or S405, in step S406, a variable display time setting processing is executed.

  In this process, the value of the variation type counter CS is obtained. In addition, it is determined whether or not reach display occurs on the symbol display device 31 in the current game round. Specifically, when the game times related to the start of the current fluctuation are the jackpot results, it is determined that the reach display is generated. Further, even when the result is not the jackpot result, when the numerical information related to the reach random number counter C3 stored in the execution area AE is the numerical information corresponding to the reach occurrence, it is determined that the reach display is generated.

  When it is determined that the reach display occurs, the variable display time table corresponding to the value of the current variation type counter CS is acquired by referring to the reach display variable display time table stored in the ROM 53, and the fluctuation display time information is obtained. The display time information is set in a variable display time counter provided in the RAM 54. On the other hand, when it is determined that the reach display does not occur, the fluctuation display time information corresponding to the current value of the fluctuation type counter CS is obtained by referring to the reach non-occurrence fluctuation display time table stored in the ROM 53. Then, the variable display time information is set in the variable display time counter. Incidentally, the variable display time that can be obtained with reference to the reach non-occurrence variable display time table is different from the variable display time that can be obtained with reference to the reach generation variable display time table.

  It should be noted that the variable display time information when no reach occurs is set such that the larger the number of start-reserved balls, the shorter the variable display time. In addition, in the situation where the support mode is the high frequency support mode, the reach time is set so that a shorter variable display time is selected compared to the case where the number of hold information is the same as in the case where the support mode is the low frequency support mode. An occurrence fluctuation display time table is set. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration may be employed in which the variable display time does not vary according to the number of start-reserved balls or the support mode, and the above relationship may be reversed. Further, the above-described configuration may be applied to a variable display time when a reach occurs. Further, a variable display time table may be individually set for each of various jackpot results, the case of out-of-reach reach, and the case of no reach.

  After the variable display time setting process is performed in step S406, a variable command and a type command are set in step S407. The fluctuation command includes information on the fluctuation display time. Here, as described above, the variable display time acquired with reference to the reach non-occurrence variable display time table is different from the variable display time acquired with reference to the reach occurrence variable display time table. Even if the information on whether or not reach has occurred is not included in the command for use, the sound emission control device 60 as the sub-side control device can specify whether or not reach has occurred from the information on the variable display time. In this regard, it can be said that the fluctuation command includes information indicating whether or not the reach has occurred. Note that the fluctuation command may include information directly indicating whether or not the reach has occurred.

  The type command includes information on the game result. That is, the type command includes, as the game result information, any one of the information on the normal jackpot result, the information on the explicit 2R probability changing jackpot result, the information on the 15R probability changing jackpot result, and the information on the off result.

  The variation command and the type command set in step S407 are transmitted to the sound emission control device 60 in step S201 in the normal processing (FIG. 7). After executing the processing of step S407, the main display unit 33 starts displaying the variation of the picture in step S408. After that, the present fluctuation start processing is ended.

  Returning to the description of the game times control process (FIG. 8), when the main display unit 33 is performing variable display, the processes of steps S306 to S309 are executed. In this process, first, in step S306, it is determined whether or not the fluctuation display time of the current game has elapsed.

  If the variable display time has not elapsed, a variable display process is executed in step S307. In the variable display processing, the display mode on the main display unit 33 is changed. Thereafter, the game round control process ends.

  If the fluctuation display time has elapsed, a fluctuation end process is executed in step S308. In the fluctuation end processing, the information stored in the RAM 54 in the processing of the above step S404 or step S405 is specified, and the main display unit 33 is displayed so that the pattern form corresponding to the information is displayed on the main display unit 33. Display control.

  In a succeeding step S309, a fluctuation end command is set. The change end command set here is transmitted to the sound emission control device 60 in step S201 in the normal processing (FIG. 7). The sound emission control device 60 ends the effect in the game round based on the received change end command. In addition, a command corresponding to the command is transmitted from the sound emission control device 60 to the display control device 130, and the display control device 130 determines and displays the final stop symbol combination (final stop display) in the game. Thereafter, the game round control process ends.

<Sound emission control device 60>
Next, the sound emission control device 60 will be described.

  The sound light emission control device 60 includes a sound light emission control board 61 on which the MPU 62 is mounted, as shown in FIG. The MPU 62 includes a ROM 63 storing various control programs executed by the MPU 62 and fixed value data, and a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 63. A certain RAM 64, an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data input / output circuit, various counter circuits as a random number generator, and the like are built in.

  As the ROM 63, a storage unit (that is, a non-volatile storage unit) that can be randomly accessed when reading out a control program or fixed value data and does not require external power supply for storage and storage is used. Further, the configuration in which the control and calculation part, the ROM 63, and the RAM 64 are integrated into one chip is not essential, and each function may be configured as a separate chip, and some functions may be implemented as separate chips. It is good also as a structure mounted.

  The MPU 62 is provided with an input port and an output port. The operation device 48 and the main controller 50 are connected to the input side of the MPU 62, and the various light emitting units 35, 36, 44, the speaker unit 45, and the display controller 130 are connected to the output side of the MPU 62. I have.

  The MPU 62 receives the variation command transmitted from the main control device 50, recognizes that it is necessary to start the game effect, and executes the game effect effect start process. In addition, by receiving the end command transmitted from the main control device 50, it recognizes that it is necessary to end the game effect, and executes the game effect end process. Also, by receiving various commands for the jackpot effect transmitted from the main control device 50, it recognizes that it is necessary to start or advance the jackpot effect, and executes the jackpot effect process. Further, by receiving the command for demonstration display transmitted from main controller 50, it recognizes that demonstration display needs to be started, and executes the process for demonstration display.

  It should be noted that receiving a command from main controller 50 in MPU 62 is not limited to a configuration in which a command is directly received from main controller 50, but also includes a configuration in which a command relayed to a relay board is received.

  In the game effect presentation start process, based on both the command for the change and the type command, the process of grasping the variable display time of the corresponding game, and the process of grasping the reach display to grasp the presence or absence of the reach display. Then, a jackpot result occurrence grasping process for grasping the presence or absence of the jackpot result and a jackpot type grasping process for grasping the jackpot type when the jackpot result occurs are executed. In addition, based on the grasping results in the reach display grasping process, the jackpot result occurrence grasping process, and the jackpot type grasping process, a symbol for determining the type of the symbol to be finally stopped and displayed on the display surface G of the symbol display device 31 in this game time. Execute the type grasp process. Then, based on a result of each of the above grasping processes, a display pattern control command including a variable pattern command including information on a variable display time and information on a type of a display effect and a symbol designating command including information on a type of a symbol to be finally stopped and displayed are provided. Send to 130.

  In the game effect presentation start process, in addition to the above grasping processes, a preview display lottery process of whether or not to perform a preview display is executed. In this case, in the lottery process, the type lottery of the notice display is also executed. Then, in the case of the winning of occurrence of the notice display, a notice command including information on the type of the notice display is transmitted to the display control device 130.

  In the game effect presentation start process, the display light emission table for the game and the audio table for the game are read from the ROM 63 based on the processing results of the above processes. The display mode light emitting table for the game round defines the light emission mode of the display light emitting unit 44 in the course of the progress of the game round. Further, the output form from the speaker unit 45 in the course of the progress of the corresponding game time is defined by the audio table for the game time.

  In the game end effect processing, the light emission control of the display light emitting unit 44 and the sound output control of the speaker unit 45 in the current game time are ended. Further, in the game rendition effect ending process, an end command including information to end the game rendition effect is transmitted to the display control device 130.

  In the jackpot effect processing, based on the various commands for the jackpot effect received, the effect state such as opening, each round, between rounds and at the end time is grasped, and the jackpot effect corresponding to the grasped result is obtained. Is transmitted to the display control device 130. Further, based on the grasp result, the display light emission table for the jackpot effect and the audio table for the jackpot effect are read from the ROM 63, and the light emission mode of the display light emitting unit 44 and the sound output mode from the speaker unit 45 during the jackpot effect. Is specified.

  In the demonstration display process, the demonstration mode of the demonstration display is grasped based on the received demo display command, and the demonstration display command corresponding to the grasped result is transmitted to the display control device 130. Further, based on the grasp result, the display light emission table for the demonstration display and the audio table for the demonstration display are read from the ROM 63, and the light emission mode of the display light emitting section 44 and the sound output mode from the speaker section 45 during the demonstration display. Is specified.

  The processing executed by the MPU 62 based on the command transmitted from the main control device 50 includes, in addition to the above-described processing, processing for controlling the light emission of the first reserved light emitting unit 35 and the second reserved light emitting unit 36. included.

  In addition, the MPU 62 recognizes that the staging operation device 48 has been operated by receiving an operation signal transmitted from the staging operation device 48 based on the operation of the operation unit of the staging operation device 48. Then, an operation corresponding process is executed. Also, when the operated state is released, the operation signal is recognized by the fall of the operation signal, and the operation corresponding processing is executed.

  Here, as a part of the effect corresponding to the operation of the effect operation device 48, an effect in which the display mode is changed based on the operation of the effect operation device 48 is executed. The display mode is a state in which the type of the standby image displayed before the game round is started or the type of the game round image displayed in the situation where the game round is being executed is set to a predetermined type. Display mode is set. The detailed contents of the display mode and the processing configuration related to the switching of the display mode based on the operation of the effect operation device 48 will be described later in detail.

<Display control device 130>
The hardware configuration of the display control device 130 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the display control device 130 includes a display control board 136 on which a display CPU 131, a work RAM 132, a memory module 133, a VRAM 134, and a video display processor (VDP) 135 are mounted. .

  The display CPU 131 has a function as a main control unit in the display control device 130, and reads, interprets, and executes a control program and the like. Specifically, the display CPU 131 is connected to an input port 137 mounted on the display control board 136 via a bus, and various commands transmitted from the audio light emission control device 60 are input to the display CPU 131 through the input port 137. Is done. The reception of a command from the sound emission control device 60 in the display CPU 131 is not limited to a configuration in which a command is directly received from the sound emission control device 60, but also includes a structure in which a command relayed to a relay board is received. It is.

  The display CPU 131 is connected to the work RAM 132, the memory module 133, and the VRAM 134 via a bus, and transfers various data stored in the memory module 133 to the work RAM 132 and the VRAM 134 based on a command received from the sound emission control device 60. A transfer instruction to transfer is issued. The display CPU 131 is connected to the VDP 135 via a bus, and issues a drawing instruction for displaying a three-dimensional image (3D image) on the symbol display device 31 based on a command received from the sound emission control device 60. Do. Hereinafter, the memory module 133, the work RAM 132, the VRAM 134, and the VDP 135 will be described.

  The memory module 133 is a storage unit that stores control data including control programs and fixed value data in advance and various image data for displaying a three-dimensional image in advance. The memory module 133 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory that does not require external power supply for storing and storing. Incidentally, the storage capacity is 4 Gbits, but the storage capacity is arbitrary as long as the control in the display control device 130 is performed well. When the pachinko machine 10 is used, the memory module 133 is used as a non-write and read-only memory (ROM).

  The various types of image data stored in the memory module 133 include image data for an object such as a symbol or a character displayed on the symbol display device 31, image data for a texture to be pasted on the object, and one frame worth of image data. And the image data for the back which constitutes the back image.

  Here, the object is a three-dimensional virtual object arranged in a world coordinate system, which is a three-dimensional coordinate system corresponding to a virtual three-dimensional space, and is three-dimensional information constituted by a plurality of polygons. A polygon is a polygon plane defined by a plurality of vertices of three-dimensional coordinates. In order to apply, for example, a surface model to image data for an object, vertex coordinate information of each polygon is set with reference coordinates preset for each object as the origin. That is, in the image data for each object, the relative position (ie, direction and size) of each polygon is three-dimensionally defined in a self-contained local coordinate system.

  The texture is an image to be pasted on each polygon of the object. When the texture is pasted on the object, an image corresponding to the object, for example, a display image including a design or a character is generated. How to hold the image data for texture is arbitrary, but includes at least a combination of bitmap format data and a color palette table referred to when determining the display color at each pixel of the bitmap image. I have.

  The rearmost image forms a two-dimensional image (2D image). The way of holding the image data for the back side is arbitrary, but for example, two-dimensional still image data is stored and held as compressed JPEG format data. Incidentally, when the back image data is arranged in the world coordinate system, a plate polygon is used.

  The work RAM 132 is a storage unit for temporarily storing control data read and transferred from the memory module 133, and for temporarily storing flags and the like. The work RAM 132 includes a volatile semiconductor memory that requires an external power supply for storing and holding, and a DRAM is used as the semiconductor memory in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to a DRAM, and another RAM such as an SRAM may be used. Although the storage capacity is 1 Gbit, the storage capacity is arbitrary as long as the control in the display control device 130 is executed well. The work RAM 132 is used for both reading and writing when the pachinko machine 10 is used.

  Control data is transferred from the memory module 133 to the work RAM 132 based on a data transfer instruction from the display CPU 131 to the memory module 133. Then, the display CPU 131 reads the control data transferred to the work RAM 132 into an internal memory area (register group) as necessary, and executes various processes.

  The VRAM 134 is a storage unit for temporarily storing various data necessary for outputting an image to the symbol display device 31. The VRAM 134 includes a volatile semiconductor memory that requires an external power supply for storing and holding data. In detail, an SDRAM is used as the semiconductor memory. However, the present invention is not limited to the SDRAM, and another RAM such as a DRAM, an SRAM, or a dual port RAM may be used. Although the storage capacity is 2 Gbits, the storage capacity is arbitrary as long as the control in the display control device 130 can be performed well. The VRAM 134 is used for both reading and writing when the pachinko machine 10 is used.

  The VRAM 134 includes an expansion buffer 141. Image data is transferred from the memory module 133 to the expansion buffer 141 based on a data transfer instruction from the display CPU 131 to the memory module 133. In this case, the image data is transferred in advance before the execution timing of the process in the VDP 135 using the image data. Further, the VRAM 134 is provided with a frame buffer 142 in which drawing data (generation data) is created by the VDP 135. The VRAM 134 is provided with a Z buffer 143, a screen buffer 144, and a mode buffer 145, the details of which will be described later.

  The VDP 135 is an image generation device that draws on the symbol display device 31 by processing the data based on the drawing instruction from the display CPU 131 using data stored and held in the expansion buffer 141. This is a kind of drawing circuit for operating an image processing device 31b incorporated so as to drive and control a liquid crystal display unit 31a in the symbol display device 31. The VDP 135 is also called a “drawing chip” because it is formed as an IC chip, and its substance can be called a microcomputer chip having firmware dedicated to drawing.

  Specifically, the VDP 135 includes a geometry calculation unit 151, a rendering unit 152, a register 153, a display mode control unit 154, and a display circuit 155. These circuits are connected to each other via a bus, and are also connected to an I / F 156 for the display CPU 131 and an I / F 157 for the VRAM 134.

  The I / F 156 for the display CPU 131 causes the register 153 to store the drawing list as the drawing instruction information transmitted from the display CPU 131. Based on the drawing list stored in the register 153, the geometry calculation unit 151 places the object specified as the placement target in the world coordinate system. In addition, the geometry calculation unit 151 executes various coordinate conversion processes when and after arranging the object in the world coordinate system. Then, the object is finally clipped corresponding to the three-dimensional space corresponding to the screen coordinates of the display surface G.

  Based on the drawing list stored in the register 153, the rendering unit 152 adjusts the light source and pastes a texture on each clipped object to determine the appearance of the object. Further, the rendering unit 152 projects each object on a predetermined two-dimensional plane to create two-dimensional data, performs various adjustments based on depth information, and renders one-frame drawing data as two-dimensional data in a frame buffer. 142. The drawing data for one frame is data necessary for displaying an image at one update timing in a configuration in which an image on the display surface G of the symbol display device 31 is updated at a predetermined update timing. Say.

  Note that all of the control programs for operating the geometry calculation unit 151 and the rendering unit 152 may be provided by a drawing list, and a memory in which the control programs are stored in advance is built in the VDP 135, and the control program and the drawing list are stored. The configuration may be such that the geometry calculation unit 151 and the rendering unit 152 execute processing according to the contents of the above. Further, the control program may be read from the memory module 133 in advance. Further, the configuration may be such that the geometry calculation unit 151 and the rendering unit 152 execute processing only by the operation of the hardware circuit corresponding to the drawing list without using a program.

  Here, the frame buffer 142 is provided with a plurality of frame areas 142a and 142b. Specifically, a first frame area 142a and a second frame area 142b are provided. Each of these frame areas 142a and 142b is set to a capacity capable of storing one frame of drawing data. Specifically, each of the frame regions 142a and 142b includes a number of unit areas corresponding to dots (pixels) of the liquid crystal display unit 31a (that is, the display surface G) at a predetermined magnification. Each unit area has a storage capacity capable of storing data for specifying which color is to be displayed. More specifically, a full-color method is adopted, and 256 colors can be set for each of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) in each dot. Correspondingly, in each unit area, one byte (8 bits) is allocated to each color of RGB. That is, each unit area has a storage capacity of at least 3 bytes.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the full-color system. For example, in a configuration in which only 256 colors can be displayed in each dot, the storage capacity required for storing color information in each unit area may be 1 byte.

  By providing the first frame area 142a and the second frame area 142b in the frame buffer 142, in a situation where drawing on the symbol display device 31 is executed using drawing data created in one frame area. Then, creation of drawing data to be used in the future for other frame areas is executed. That is, the frame buffer 142 adopts the double buffer method.

  In the display circuit 155, an image signal corresponding to each dot of the liquid crystal display unit 31a is generated based on the drawing data created in the first frame area 142a or the second frame area 142b, and the image signal is transmitted to the display circuit 155. It is output to the symbol display device 31 via the connected output port 138. More specifically, drawing data is transferred from the output target frame areas 142a and 142b to the display circuit 155. The transferred drawing data is converted into gradation data by performing resolution adjustment by a scaler (not shown) so as to correspond to the resolution of the symbol display device 31. Then, based on the gradation data, an image signal corresponding to each dot of the symbol display device 31 is generated and output. Note that the display circuit 155 also outputs a synchronization signal such as a horizontal synchronization signal or a vertical synchronization signal.

  Further, when displaying an image corresponding to the display mode, the display mode control unit 154 executes a predetermined process based on the drawing list stored in the register 153. The predetermined processing will be described later.

<Basic Processing in Display CPU 131>
Next, basic processing in the display CPU 131 will be described.

<Main processing>
First, the main process that is started when the supply of the operation power to the display CPU 131 is started or when the pachinko machine 10 is reset will be described. In the main process, first, an initial setting process is executed.

  In the initial setting process, an initial adjustment process of the scaler of the display circuit 155 is performed. In the initial adjustment process, when an image signal is output based on the drawing data created in each of the frame areas 142a and 142b of the VRAM 134, the image signal is output corresponding to the number of dots of the liquid crystal display unit 31a. As described above, the resolution initial adjustment command is transmitted to the VDP 135. This initial adjustment value is adjusted at the design stage of the pachinko machine 10, and the adjustment result is set as a resolution initial adjustment command.

  By transmitting the resolution initial adjustment command to the VDP 135, numerical information corresponding to the initial adjustment value is stored in the resolution adjustment area of the scaler in the register 153 of the VDP 135. Thus, when an image signal is output from the VDP 135 to the symbol display device 31, the image signal corresponding to the drawing data is output in a state adjusted to the number of dots of the liquid crystal display unit 31a.

  In the initial setting process, an initial adjustment process of the ground color is executed. In the initial adjustment process, a ground color initial adjustment command is transmitted to the VDP 135 so that the numerical information set as the initial value in the unit area of each of the frame areas 142a and 142b of the VRAM 134 becomes the initial numerical information. The initial numerical information is adjusted in the design stage of the pachinko machine 10, and the adjustment result is set as a ground color initial adjustment command.

  The VDP 135 transmits the ground color initial adjustment command, so that the initial numerical value information is stored in the ground color adjustment area in the register 153 of the VDP 135. As a result, the background color is displayed at the dots corresponding to the unit areas that have not been updated from the initial numerical information when the drawing data is created. Although black is set in the pachinko machine 10 as an initial ground color, it is not limited to this and is arbitrary.

  After executing the initial setting process, various interrupts are permitted. This allows the display CPU 131 to execute the command interrupt processing and the V interrupt processing. Thereafter, in the main process, the process of permitting various interrupts is repeated.

<Command interrupt processing>
Next, the command interrupt processing will be described.

  The command interrupt process is a process to be started with the highest priority when a strobe signal is received from the sound emission control device 60, whatever the process being executed at that time. In the command interrupt processing, the command received at the input port 137 is transferred to a command buffer provided in the work RAM 132, and a flag indicating that the command has been newly received is set in the corresponding area. Thereafter, the command interrupt process is terminated, and the process returns to the process before the start of the command interrupt process.

<V interrupt processing>
Next, the V interrupt processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The V interrupt processing is repeatedly started at a predetermined cycle, specifically, at a cycle of 20 msec.

  When outputting an image signal for one frame to the symbol display device 31, the VDP 135 starts outputting the image signal from a dot at the upper left corner of the display surface G, and outputs the image signal on a horizontal line including the dot at one end. An image signal is output sequentially for the dots arranged, and an image signal is output for each horizontal line from left to right in order from the top. Then, an image signal is finally output for the dot at the lower right corner of the display surface G. In this case, the VDP 135 outputs a V interrupt signal to the display CPU 131 at the timing when the image signal is output for the last dot to make the display CPU 131 recognize that the update of the image of one frame is completed. The output cycle of this V interrupt signal is 20 msec. In this regard, the V interrupt processing can be considered to be started in synchronization with the reception of the V interrupt signal. However, even if the V interrupt signal has not been received, if 20 msec has elapsed since the previous V interrupt process was started, a new V interrupt process is started.

  In the V interrupt processing, first, in step S501, a command analysis processing is executed. Specifically, the contents of the command stored in the command buffer of the work RAM 132 are analyzed. In a succeeding step S502, it is determined whether or not a new command has been received based on the analysis result of the step S501. If a new command has been received, a command corresponding process is executed in step S503.

  In the command corresponding process, a data table for executing a program corresponding to the received command is read from the memory module 133. The data table defines processing necessary for displaying one frame of image at each update timing of an image when displaying a moving image corresponding to the received command on the display surface G of the symbol display device 31. Information group.

  Here, the commands that the display CPU 131 receives from the sound emission control device 60 include a variation pattern command, a symbol designation command, and a notice command as described above. When these commands are received, a data table necessary for executing the effect for the game corresponding to each command on the symbol display device 31 is read. In addition, there is an end command as the command to be received, and when the command is received, a data table necessary for finally stopping the currently executed game effect is read out. As the received command, there are various commands for a jackpot effect, and when the command is received, a data table necessary for executing the jackpot effect is read. The received command includes a command for demonstration display. When the command is received, a data table necessary for executing the demonstration display is read. Further, based on the read data table, other program data necessary for executing processing is also read.

  After executing the command corresponding process in step S503, a pointer update process is executed in step S504. In the pointer update process, the information of the pointer set in the data table is updated so as to be advanced by one frame. This allows the display CPU 131 to grasp the processing required to display an image for one frame corresponding to the current update timing.

  In a succeeding step S505, task processing is executed. In the task processing, in order to display an image for one frame corresponding to the current update timing, calculation of parameters necessary for instructing the VDP 135 to draw is performed. The details of the task processing will be described later.

  In a succeeding step S506, a drawing list output process is executed. In the drawing list output process, a drawing list for displaying an image for one frame corresponding to the update timing related to the current process is created, and the created drawing list is transmitted to the VDP 135. In this case, in the drawing list, the image grasped in the immediately preceding task processing is to be drawn, and information of the parameter updated in the task processing is also set. The VDP 135 creates drawing data in the frame areas 142a and 142b of the VRAM 134 according to the drawing list. The processing in the VDP 135 will be described later in detail. Thereafter, the V interrupt processing ends.

<Task Processing in Display CPU 131>
Here, the task processing will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the task processing, first, in step S601, control start setting processing is executed. In the control start setting process, the display CPU 131 executes a process for setting an individual image for newly starting control (calculation) in the current process. Note that an individual image is one two-dimensional image defined by still image data such as back image data, or one three-dimensional image defined by a combination of object image data and texture image data. An image.

  More specifically, the control start setting process first determines whether or not there is an individual image to be control-started this time based on the currently set data table. If it exists, the work RAM 132 searches for an empty buffer area for performing various operations in controlling the individual image, and corresponds one-to-one with the individual image that is grasped as the control start target. To secure a free buffer area. Further, an initialization process is performed on all the secured free buffer areas, and a control start parameter corresponding to an individual image is set for the initialized free buffer areas.

  In a succeeding step S602, a control update target is grasped. The control update target is an individual image for which the control start processing has been completed and which may be included in an image for one frame after the current processing.

  In a succeeding step S603, a background calculation process is executed. In the background calculation processing, the coordinates, rotation angle, scale, light information for adding light and darkness, and projection of the background image and the background character, which constitute the background image, in the world coordinate system are calculated. A process of calculating and deriving various parameters necessary for creating a drawing list such as camera information to be performed and Z test designation is executed.

  In a succeeding step S604, effect calculation processing is executed. In the effect calculation process, a process of calculating and deriving the above-mentioned various parameters is performed for an individual image to be displayed in various effects such as reach display, notice display, and jackpot effect.

  In a succeeding step S605, a symbol calculation process is executed. In the symbol calculation process, a process of calculating and deriving the above-described various parameters is performed on the image of the symbol to be subjected to the fluctuation display in each game time.

  By the way, in each processing of steps S603 to S605, processing for updating the control start parameter set in step S601 is executed. In each of the processes of steps S603 to S605, animation data set to change various parameters of an individual image according to a specific pattern each time an image update timing is used. The animation data is stored in the memory module 133 in advance, and is determined according to the type of the individual image.

  After that, in step S606, a process of grasping an arrangement target in the world coordinate system is performed, and then the present task process ends. In the process of grasping an arrangement target in the world coordinate system, a process of grasping an individual image to be set as a drawing target in the current drawing list among the individual images subjected to the control update by the processes of steps S603 to S605. Execute The determination is performed based on the currently set data table. The individual image grasped here is set as a drawing target in the drawing list.

  That is, since the number of the individual images to be controlled by the display CPU 131 is set to be larger than that of the individual images to be controlled by the VDP 135, the adjustment is performed in step S606. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The individual image to be controlled in the display CPU 131 may be the same as the individual image to be controlled in the VDP 135. In this case, the process of step S606 is performed. Eliminates the need.

  In the control start setting process in step S601, the control start timing of each individual image may be set to be dispersed in order to distribute the processing load of the display CPU 131.

<Basic processing in VDP 135>
Next, a basic process executed by the VDP 135 will be described.

  In the VDP 135, a process of setting the value of the register 153 based on the command transmitted from the display CPU 131, a process of generating drawing data in the frame areas 142a and 142b of the frame buffer 142 based on the drawing list transmitted from the display CPU 131, At least a process of outputting an image signal to the symbol display device 31 based on the drawing data created in the frame regions 142a and 142b is executed.

  Of the above processes, the process of setting the value of the register 153 is executed each time a command is received by a circuit (not shown) attached to the I / F 156 for the display CPU 131. The process of creating the drawing data is repeatedly executed at a predetermined cycle (for example, 20 msec) in cooperation with the geometry calculation unit 151 and the rendering unit 152. The process of outputting an image signal is executed by the display circuit 155 at a predetermined image signal output start timing.

  Hereinafter, the process of creating the drawing data will be described in detail. Prior to the description of the processing, the contents of the drawing list transmitted from the display CPU 131 to the VDP 135 will be described. FIGS. 12A to 12C are explanatory diagrams for explaining the contents of the drawing list.

  Header information is set in the drawing list. In the header information, information of a target buffer, which is information indicating which of the first frame area 142a and the second frame area 142b is to be created, for an image of one frame related to the drawing list is set. I have. Also, various designation information is set in the header information. The contents of the various designation information will be described later. When moving image data is included as image data handled by the VDP 135, the header information includes information on whether or not decoding is specified and the address of the address where the moving image data to be decoded is stored in the memory module 133. It may be set.

  In the drawing list, in addition to the header information, a plurality of types of image data to be arranged in the world coordinate system at the time of creating the current drawing data are set, and further information on the drawing order of each image data, Parameter information of each image data is set. More specifically, the drawing order information is set so as to be serial number information, and parameter information is set in one-to-one correspondence with each numerical information.

  In the drawing list of FIG. 12A, the back image data is set as the first drawing target, the background object A is set as the second, the background object B is set as the third, and so on. I have. In addition, the rendering image data is set as an order after the background image data. For example, the rendering object A is set as the mth, the rendering object B is set as the (m + 1) th,... I have. In addition, the image data for symbols is set as an order after the image data for effects, for example, the symbol object A is set as the n-th symbol, the symbol object B is set as the n + 1-th symbol, and so on. I have.

  Note that the order in which the image data is set in the drawing list is not limited to the above, and the order in which the image data is set may be the reverse of the above order, Direction image data or background image data may be set after the data, and design image data is set in order between predetermined effect image data and other effect image data. It may be.

  , P (m), P (m + 1),..., P (n), P (n + 1),. Is set with a plurality of types of parameters. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 12B, the parameter P (1) of the image data for the back surface includes information on the address of the area where the image data for the back surface is stored in the memory module 133, (X-value information, Y-value information, Z-value information) indicating the position in the world coordinate system when the image data is set, and the world coordinate system when the back image data is set. The rotation angle information indicating the rotation angle in the image, the scale information indicating the magnification when setting to the world coordinate system with respect to the scale set as the initial state of the back image data, and the back image And information of a uniform α value indicating the entire transparent information (or transparent information) when data is set.

  Here, the coordinate information is set individually for all vertices of the image data for the object. Further, the coordinate information is set for the image data for the object, but is not set for the image data for the texture. In the image data for texture, the coordinate value of each pixel is predetermined in association with each vertex of the image data for object. This coordinate value is a UV coordinate value different from the coordinate value in the world coordinate system, and is stored in the memory module 133 in a state attached to a combination of the image data for the object and the image data for the texture. This UV coordinate value is referred to by the VDP 135 when performing texture mapping.

  The parameter (P1) includes camera information including information on the coordinates and orientation of the virtual camera when projecting the back image data onto the virtual two-dimensional plane for drawing, and rendering the back image data. And light information including information on the position and orientation of the virtual light source that determines the shadow in.

  In the parameter (P1), information on Z test designation indicating whether or not the Z buffer method, which is a type of hidden surface erasing method, is set. The Z-buffer method means that when many objects or two-dimensional images overlap in the depth direction (Z-axis direction) in the world coordinate system, each pixel (or each voxel, each pixel, each polygon) arranged on the Z-axis This is a depth adjustment processing method of sequentially referring to the distance from the viewpoint with respect to, and setting the numerical information set for the pixel closest to the viewpoint to the corresponding unit area in the frame regions 142a and 142b. When applying the Z-buffer method, a Z-buffer 143 provided in the VRAM 134 is used.

  In addition to the Z-buffer method, a Z-sort method is set as a method for performing the above-described hidden surface removal. The Z sorting method is a depth adjustment processing method for sequentially setting numerical information set for each pixel on the Z axis in corresponding unit areas in the frame regions 142a and 142b. When applying the Z sorting method, the α value set for each pixel is referred to, and the corresponding α value is applied to the numerical information corresponding to the color information of each pixel arranged on the Z axis. In such a state, the addition processing of these numerical information and the arithmetic processing for fusion are executed. The description of the specific processing configuration of the hidden surface processing by Z sorting is omitted, but the processing is started when an effect image is displayed.

  The parameter (P1) includes α data designation information indicating whether or not α data is applied and an application target, fog designation information indicating whether fog is applied and an application target, and a background created for displaying a background image. And information of another storage designation indicating whether or not the image drawing data is separately stored.

  Here, the α value is transmission information of a corresponding pixel. As a method of setting the α value on the drawing list, there are a method of specifying the uniform α value and a method of specifying α data. The uniform α value is transmission information applied to all pixels of one image data, and is numerical information derived as a calculation result in the display CPU 131. The uniform α value is uniformly applied to all pixels of the image data. On the other hand, α data is transmission information applied to each pixel of two-dimensional still image data or texture image data, and is stored in the memory module 133 in advance as image data. The α data can have different transmission information for each pixel within the range of the same still image data or the same image data for texture. The α data has a larger data capacity than the program data for setting a uniform α value.

  Since the uniform α value and α data are set as described above, the transparency of the two-dimensional still image data and the image data for texture is not finely controlled in pixel units, but is uniform for all pixels. In the situation where the control is necessary, the required data capacity can be reduced by being able to cope with the uniform α value, and the transmittance can be finely controlled in pixel units by applying the α data.

  The fog is information for adjusting the degree of brightness with respect to a position in a predetermined direction, specifically, the Z-axis direction in the world coordinate system. Fog is used to represent fog or inside a cave. Here, a single fog may be applied to the entire image of one frame. In this case, fog is applied to an image for one frame in a certain manner. Alternatively, a plurality of fogs may be applied to the entire image of one frame. In this case, another fog is set for the object located in the back side in the Z-axis direction in a situation where applying the same fog to the object as to the other object is too dark to have a texture. It is good to have composition. Thereby, it is possible to obtain the effect of setting the fog while keeping the texture from being impaired.

  Separate storage refers to writing and storing the once created background image drawing data in a mode buffer 145 provided separately from the frame regions 142a and 142b so that the drawing data for the background image can be used as it is in subsequent frames. As shown in FIG. 4, the mode buffer 145 is provided with a first mode area 145a and a second mode area 145b so as to correspond to each display mode on a one-to-one basis.

  As shown in FIG. 12 (c), other parameters such as the parameter P (2) replace object information and texture information in place of the back image data among the various information shown in FIG. 12 (b). Information and are set. As these pieces of information, information on addresses of areas where objects and textures are stored in the memory module 133 is set.

  The drawing process in the VDP 135 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In the following description, how the drawing data is created as the drawing process is performed will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S701, it is determined whether a new drawing list has been received from the display CPU 131. If a new drawing list has been received, background setting processing is executed in step S702.

  In the setting process for the background, of the image data designated in the current drawing list, the image data for the back surface for displaying the background image and the object for the character are grasped. Then, it is determined whether or not the image data and the character object are already arranged in the world coordinate system.

  If not, a free buffer area to be referenced for placement in the world coordinate system is searched for each image data, and if a free buffer area is secured, the area is initialized. Thereafter, the address at which the image data is stored in the memory module 133 is grasped and read out, and the coordinate values of the local coordinate system for the image data are set so that the coordinates, rotation angle, and scale specified in the drawing list are obtained. Is converted into a coordinate value in the world coordinate system, and is set in the buffer area secured above.

  When the parameters are arranged, the update processing of various parameters set in the already secured buffer area is executed. In the background setting process, a control end process of deleting background image data not specified in the current drawing list from among image data already arranged in the world coordinate system is executed.

  In a succeeding step S703, an effect setting process is executed. In the effect setting processing, an object for displaying the effect image is grasped from the image data designated in the current drawing list. Then, it is determined whether or not the grasped object is already arranged in the world coordinate system. If not arranged, a process for starting the arrangement is executed as in the case of the background setting process described above. If they are arranged, the process of updating various parameters is executed. In the effect setting process, a control end process of erasing effect image data not specified in the current drawing list among image data already arranged in the world coordinate system is executed.

  In a succeeding step S704, a setting process for symbols is executed. In the setting process for the symbol, an object for displaying the symbol is grasped from the image data specified in the current drawing list. Then, it is determined whether or not the grasped object is already arranged in the world coordinate system. If not arranged, a process for starting the arrangement is executed as in the case of the background setting process described above. If they are arranged, the process of updating various parameters is executed. In the symbol setting process, a control end process of deleting image data for a symbol not specified in the current drawing list from among image data already arranged in the world coordinate system is executed.

  By executing the processing of the above steps S702 to S704, as shown in FIG. 14, in the world coordinate system defined by the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis, the drawing target is designated as the placement target by the drawing list. The setting of the scene in which the rearmost image PC1 and the various objects PC2 to PC10 are arranged at the coordinates, the rotation angle, and the scale similarly designated by the drawing list is completed.

  FIG. 14 simply shows how the rearmost image PC1 and the various objects PC2 to PC10 are arranged. The rearmost image PC1 does not need to have the coordinates in the Z-axis direction on the back side for all of the various objects PC2 to PC10. For example, the rearmost image PC1 is in a bent state or an inclined state. , The coordinates in the Z-axis direction may be closer to the near side than some of the objects. However, in the region of the rearmost image PC1 in which the coordinates in the X-axis direction and the coordinates in the Y-axis direction are the same as those of some of the objects, all the coordinates in the Z-axis direction are on the back side of the object. The object is not covered by the rearmost image PC1.

  In a succeeding step S705, a conversion process to a camera coordinate system (camera space) is executed. In the conversion process to the camera coordinate system, the coordinates and direction of the viewpoint are determined based on the information of the camera specified by the drawing list, and the world coordinate system is used as the origin, based on the coordinates and direction of the viewpoint. Convert to camera coordinate system (camera space). Thereby, as shown in FIG. 14, the viewpoint PC11 represented by the camera shape is set, and the coordinate system corresponding to the viewpoint PC11 is set.

  Here, camera information is set for each individual image (backmost image PC1 and various objects PC2 to PC10), and a camera coordinate system actually exists for each individual image. By setting the camera coordinate system for each individual image in this way, it is possible to switch viewpoints individually, and the degree of freedom in creating drawing data is increased. However, for convenience of explanation, FIG. 14 shows a state in which all individual images are set to a single viewpoint.

  In a succeeding step S706, a conversion process to a view coordinate system (view space) is executed. In the conversion process to the view coordinate system, each camera coordinate system is converted into a view coordinate system corresponding to the view (view angle) from the viewpoint. Thus, if each individual image is included in the field of view of the corresponding viewpoint, it is extracted, and the individual image close to the viewpoint is enlarged, and the individual image far from the viewpoint is reduced.

  In a succeeding step S707, a clipping process is executed. In the clipping process, each individual image extracted in step S706 is grasped with the corresponding viewpoint as a common origin. Then, in this state, extraction is performed in step S706 with reference to a space corresponding to the screen area PC12 (see FIG. 14) corresponding to the frame areas 142a and 142b to be drawn (that is, the display surface G of the symbol display device 31). Clip each of the individual images.

  In a succeeding step S708, a writing process is executed. In the lighting process, the type, coordinates, and direction of the virtual light source are determined based on the information of the light specified by the drawing list, and the shadow, reflection, and the like are calculated for each object extracted by the clipping process based on the virtual light source. .

  In subsequent steps S709 and S710, two-dimensional data is created. The two-dimensional data is extracted in step S707, and each of the individual images, for which the lighting process has been completed in step S708, is projected onto the screen area PC12, which is a virtual two-dimensional plane (for example, perspective projection or parallel projection). Created by

  Specifically, first, in step S709, a drawing data creation process for the background is executed. In the background drawing data creation processing, two-dimensional data used for the background is created by projecting the background image and the object set as the background image onto the screen area PC12 while erasing the hidden surface. I do.

  Here, the VRAM 134 is provided with a screen buffer 144 as shown in FIG. 4. The screen buffer 144 includes a background buffer in which background drawing data is written, and effect drawing data and symbols. An effect and a design buffer are set in which drawing data for writing is collectively written. In the buffer for the background, the buffer for the effect and the design, an area having the same number of dots as the number of pixels in the screen area PC12 is set. The two-dimensional data used for the background created in step S709 is written to the background buffer.

  Then, the color information is set for the two-dimensional data. In the setting of the color information, drawing data corresponding to each object in the virtual three-dimensional space is created by setting color information in units of pixels or vertices for the two-dimensional data obtained by projection. . In setting such color information, basically, a texture mapping process of pasting a corresponding texture to two-dimensional data obtained by projection is executed. Further, depending on circumstances, a bump mapping process, a transparency mapping process, and the like are also performed. If background image data is not specified in the drawing list, background drawing data is not created.

  In a succeeding step S710, a process of creating two-dimensional data used for effects and symbols is executed. In the process of creating two-dimensional data used for effects and symbols, the object set as an effect image and the objects set as symbols are projected onto the screen area PC12 while erasing hidden surfaces. Then, two-dimensional data used for effects and symbols is created in the effects and symbols buffer for the effects in the screen buffer 144.

  Then, the color information is set for the two-dimensional data. In the setting of the color information, drawing data corresponding to each object in the virtual three-dimensional space is created by setting color information in units of pixels or vertices for the two-dimensional data obtained by projection. . In setting such color information, basically, a texture mapping process of pasting a corresponding texture to two-dimensional data obtained by projection is executed. Further, depending on circumstances, a bump mapping process, a transparency mapping process, and the like are also performed. In addition, when the image data for effects and symbols are not specified in the drawing list, the drawing data for effects and symbols is not created.

  Then, in step S711, after performing the drawing data synthesizing process, the drawing process ends. In the drawing data synthesizing process in step S711, the drawing data for the background and the drawing data for the effect and the pattern, which are individually written in the screen buffer 144 by the processes in steps S709 and S710, are synthesized, and The synthesis result is written as one frame of drawing data in the frame areas 142a and 142b to be drawn.

  In this case, the writing order is defined such that the drawing data for the background → the drawing data for the effect and the design are arranged in order from the back side to the front side. Therefore, the drawing data for the background is first written into the frame areas 142a and 142b to be drawn, and then the drawing data for the effects and the symbols are written. At this time, if a completely transparent α value is set for the pixel subjected to rendering, the image on the back side is used as it is, and if a semi-transparent α value is set, the α value is set. The image on the back side and the image on the front side are merged at the reference ratio, and when an opaque α value is set, the image on the front side is overwritten on the image on the back side. Then, an operation for fusion is performed.

Here, the calculation for fusion will be described in more detail. Each numerical information of RGB of each dot in the frame areas 142a and 142b to be rendered is set to a pixel to be rendered in rendering data for effect and design. Based on the α value
R: “R value of rear image” × (“1” − “α value”) + “R value of front image” × “α value”
G: “G value of rear image” × (“1” − “α value”) + “G value of front image” × “α value”
B: “B value of back image” × (“1” − “α value”) + “B value of front image” × “α value”
Becomes

  Incidentally, each drawing data is defined so as to have an area for one frame. However, a completely transparent α value is set for a blank portion of the rendering data for effects and designs that has not been projected.

  The creation of the drawing data for one frame is performed so as to be completed within a period of 20 msec. In addition, an image signal is output from the display circuit 155 to the symbol display device 31 based on the created drawing data. However, since the double buffer method is employed as described above, the output of the image signal is output to the output. This is performed in parallel with the creation of the drawing data one frame after the frame. The display circuit 155 has a selector circuit for alternately switching the frame areas 142a and 142b to be referred each time the output of the image signal for one frame is completed. The frame regions 142a and 142b to be drawn are regulated so as not to be output targets for outputting image signals.

  Steps S702 to S707 are processes executed by the geometry calculation unit 151, and steps S708 to S711 are processes executed by the rendering unit 152.

<Configuration for fur display effect>
The fur display effect is an effect of displaying the fur three-dimensionally. In the fur display effect, the plate-shaped polygons are arranged so as to be stacked in the normal direction of the plate-shaped polygon. Then, transmission information is set for the projection data of the plurality of laminated plate-shaped polygons, and image data for displaying the fur is applied. In the fur display effect, a large number of furs constituting the fur are displayed and controlled collectively. Thus, an increase in the data capacity for displaying the fur can be suppressed as compared with the method of displaying the fur by controlling each fur individually. In addition, heavy calculation processing for displaying the fur can be avoided. According to this display method, it is possible to three-dimensionally display a surface having an uneven structure such as a lawn or a carpet in addition to the fur.

  Hereinafter, a method of executing the fur display effect will be specifically described. First, a method of displaying one straight hair will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 15A shows a fur display object 221 which is a plate-like polygon, and FIG. 15B shows a state in which the fur display objects 221a to 221e are arranged in a stacked manner above the background. 15C shows a fur display texture 223 applied to the projection data of the fur display object 221. FIG. 15D shows α data 222 applied to the fur display object 221. (E) is a display mode of the hair when the α data 222 and the hair texture 223 are applied to the projection data of the fur display objects 221a to 221e.

  As shown in FIG. 15A, a plate-shaped polygon having four vertices is stored in the memory module 133 as a fur display object 221. As shown in FIG. 15B, five fur coat display objects 221 are arranged above an object for displaying the background. The five furry display objects 221a to 221e are arranged so as to be stacked in five layers. In the initial state of the fur display effect, the five layers are in a parallel relationship with each other, and the lamination interval of the portion corresponding to the root of the hair is small and the lamination interval of the portion corresponding to the hair tip is large. The interval between the five layers changes when the timing of changing the stacking interval comes.

  As shown in FIG. 15C, the furry display texture 223 is stored in the memory module 133 as image data for setting color information in the projection data of the furry display object 221. The fur display texture 223 exists in the UV coordinate system. The outer edge of the fur display texture 223 is a rectangle congruent with the outer edge of the corresponding fur display object 221. The coordinates corresponding to the four vertices of the rectangle are (0, 0), (1, 0), (0, 1), and (1, 1) in UV coordinates.

  The coordinates of the corresponding UV coordinates are set in advance for each dot of the fur display object 221. The fur display object 221 is projected onto the screen area PC12 in such a manner that dot information of the fur display object 221 projected on each dot of the projection data of the fur display object 221 can be grasped. The VDP 135 grasps dot information of the fur display object 221 corresponding to each dot of the projection data of the fur display object 221, and grasps a coordinate value of a UV coordinate corresponding to the dot of the fur display object 221. Then, the color information set in the coordinate values of the fur display texture 223 existing in the UV coordinate system is set for each dot of the projection data of the fur display object 221. Thus, the fur display texture 223 is applied to the projection data of the fur display object 221.

  On the fur display texture 223, a circle having the same size as the cross section of the fur to be displayed is drawn. If the inside of the circle is a circular area 223b, the color of the circular area 223b is the same as the color of the hair to be displayed. The peripheral region 223a surrounding the circle is white.

  As shown in FIG. 15D, the memory module 133 stores α data 222 in which transparency information applied to the fur display object 221 is set. In the α data 222, an α value to be set for each dot of the fur display object 221 is stored. In the fur display object 221, “1” is set as the α value by applying the α data 222 to the dots associated with the pixels of the circular area 223 b of the fur display texture 223. Further, in the fur display object 221, the α value smaller than “1” is set to the dot associated with the pixel in the peripheral area 223 a of the fur display texture 223 by applying the α data 222. .

  In the α data 222, an area composed of pixels having an α value set to “1” is an opaque area 222b, and an area composed of pixels having an α value smaller than “1” is a transparent area 222a. And When the α value set in the transparent region 222a is “0”, the peripheral region 223a is completely transparent. When the α value set in the transparent region 222a is larger than “0” and smaller than “1”, the peripheral region 223a is translucent. Since the α value set in the opaque area 222b is “1”, the circular area 223b is opaque.

  When the peripheral region 223a is completely transparent, a texture that is not completely transparent and that corresponds to an object located behind the peripheral region 223a when viewed from the viewpoint is displayed. As an example, a case will be described where the fur display object 221 is the foreground at the time of projection onto the screen area PC12. In the pixel corresponding to the completely transparent area in the screen area PC12, color information that is a texture existing on the back of the fur display object 221 and is not completely transparent is set. As such a texture, a fur display texture 223 corresponding to another fur display object 221 existing on the back of the fur display object 221 or an object present on the back of the five fur display objects 221a to 221e. , A texture for background display corresponding to. On the other hand, in the screen area PC12, the color information of the fur display texture 223 corresponding to the fur display object 221 is set to the pixel corresponding to the opaque area 222b.

  When the α data 222 includes a translucent α value, the color information of the fur display texture 223 corresponding to the fur display object 221 to which the α data 222 is applied, and the fur display as viewed from the viewpoint The above-described calculation for fusion is performed on the color information of the texture corresponding to the object on the back side of the object 221. That is, the numerical value information of RGB of each pixel in the drawing target frame areas 142a and 142b is based on the α value set by the α data 222 as the reference of translucent color information on the near side and opaque color information on the back side. It is calculated by fusion. In this case, the larger the α value set by the α data 222 is, the stronger the effect of the semi-transparent color information on the front side is, and the smaller the α value set by the α data 222 is, the more the color information of the back opaque color information is The effect becomes stronger. In any case, the opaque texture on the back side is displayed lightly, and the outer edge thereof is blurred.

  In this manner, by applying the α data 222 to the fur display object 221 and applying the fur display table texture 223 to the projection data of the fur display object 221, only the circular region 223 b is displayed as colored and opaque. The person appears to have one hair extending in one direction (FIG. 15 (e)).

  Next, a method of changing the appearance of the displayed hair by adjusting the stacking interval of the fur display object 221 in the world coordinate system will be described. The fur display objects 221a to 221e are arranged in layers in the world coordinate system. The arrangement of the fur display objects 221a to 221e is performed by specifying the coordinates in the world coordinate system for the four vertices of the fur display objects 221a to 221e. Therefore, at the design stage, the stacking interval can be set by adjusting the coordinates of the vertices of the fur display objects 221a to 221e.

  By applying the fur display texture 223 to the projection data of the fur display objects 221a to 221e arranged in a stacked manner in the world coordinate system, a circular region 223b of the same color as the fur surface is laminated in the normal direction. Is displayed. When the viewpoint is located at a position shifted from the front of the hair, the appearance of the hair changes according to the lamination interval of the fur display objects 221a to 221e.

  FIGS. 16A and 16B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the relationship between the stacking interval of the fur- fur display object 221 and the appearance of the fur. FIG. 16A shows how hair of a predetermined length is displayed in three circular regions 223b, and FIG. 16B shows hair of a predetermined length in five circular regions 223b. This is how it looks when you do it. When the hairs of the same length are represented by three circular regions 223b and when they are represented by five circular regions 223b, they look different when viewed from a distance. Specifically, the area of the same color as the surface of the hair is different inside the outline of the hair.

  When the lamination interval of the circular regions 223b is wide, the number of regions having the same color as the surface of the hair inside the outline of the hair decreases. Therefore, when viewed from a distance, the color of the hair appears pale. When the lamination interval of the circular region 223b is wide, the region of the same color as the fur surface becomes smaller. As a result, the outline of the region of the same color as the fur-lined surface becomes ambiguous, and the hair looks thin when viewed from a distance. On the other hand, when the lamination interval of the circular regions 223b is small, the region of the same color as the surface of the hair becomes wide inside the outline of the hair. Therefore, when viewed from a distance, the color of the hair appears dark. In addition, when the lamination interval of the circular regions 223b is small, the region of the same color as the fur surface becomes large. As a result, the outline of the area of the same color as the hair fur surface is clear, and the hair looks thick when viewed from a distance.

  Thus, by changing the lamination interval of the circular region 223b, the hair can be displayed thin and thin, or the hair can be displayed dark and thick. Further, with respect to one hair, the shade of the hair color can be partially changed, and the thickness of the hair can be changed. Referring to FIG. 16 (c), a case where the hair color is displayed dark and thick at the root of the hair and the hair color is displayed light and thin at the tip of the hair will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 16C, in one hair, the fur interval display object 221 for displaying the root portion of the fur is reduced, and the fur display object for displaying the tip of the fur is reduced. The stacking interval of 221 is widened. As a result, the root portion of the hair has a dark hair color and a sharp outline, and looks thick when viewed from a distance. On the other hand, the tip portion of the hair becomes lighter in hair color and the outline becomes ambiguous, so that the hair looks thin when viewed from a distance. Therefore, by adjusting the stacking interval of the fur row display object 221, it is possible to express a state in which one hair gradually becomes thinner and thinner from the root to the tip.

  Next, a description will be given of a display method in which the periphery of the hair is set to be translucent so that the tip of the hair looks thin. FIG. 17A shows how a circular region 223b existing at the forefront with respect to the viewpoint is seen, and FIG. 17B shows a circular region when a translucent plate-shaped polygon is arranged in front of the circular region 223b. This is how the 223b looks. In the case of FIG. 17A, since the color information of the circular region 223b is displayed as it is, the outer edge of the circular region 223b is clearly visible. On the other hand, in FIG. 17B, the white color information set in the translucent plate-shaped polygon and the color information of the circular area 223b are blended according to the magnitude of the α value set in the translucent plate-shaped polygon. Is done. Then, the obtained color information is displayed. Therefore, the circular area 223b displayed via the translucent plate-shaped polygon is displayed lighter than the case where the circular area 223b is displayed as it is. As described above, by passing through the translucent plate-shaped polygon, the outer edge of the circular region 223b is blurred, and the circular region 223b looks large.

  FIG. 17C shows how the circular region 223b looks when two translucent plate-like polygons are arranged in front of the circular region 223b. A plate-shaped polygon located far from the circular region 223b (the foreground with respect to the viewpoint) is a first-layer plate-shaped polygon, and a plate-shaped polygon located near the circular region 223b (the first layer with respect to the viewpoint). The plate-shaped polygon (on the back of the polygon) is defined as a second-layer plate-shaped polygon. In this case, first, the white color information set in the plate polygon of the second layer and the color information of the circular area 223b are blended according to the magnitude of the α value set in the plate polygon of the second layer. . Next, the color information set for the first-layer plate polygon and the color information obtained by blending are blended in accordance with the value of the α value set for the first-layer plate polygon. Then, the color information obtained by the second blending is reflected. For this reason, when two translucent plate-shaped polygons are interposed, the outer edge of the circular region 223b is more blurred and the circular region 223b is larger than in the case where one translucent plate-shaped polygon is interposed.

  In this manner, as the number of translucent plate-shaped polygons in front of the circular region 223b with respect to the viewpoint increases, the circular region 223b is displayed thinner, and the outer edge is blurred, so that the circular region 223b looks larger. Become.

  FIG. 17D is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the hair looks when the peripheral region 223a is translucent. A case where the viewpoint is not in front of the fur display object 221 will be described. In this case, the circular area 223b of the first layer exists at the forefront with respect to the viewpoint. From the viewpoint, one translucent fur display object 221 exists in front of the second layer circular region 223b, and two translucent fur display objects 221 exist in front of the third layer circular region 223b. Object 221 exists. Also, with respect to the viewpoint, three semi-transparent furry display objects 221 exist in front of the fourth layer circular area 223b, and four semi-transparent furry objects 221 exist in front of the fifth layer circular area 223b. There is a fur display object 221.

  The larger the number of translucent fur display objects 221 existing in front of the circular region 223b with respect to the viewpoint, the thinner the circular region 223b is displayed, and the outer edge is blurred, so that the circular region 223b looks larger. . That is, the circular region 223b of the fifth layer looks the largest, and the circular region 223b appears smaller as approaching the first layer. Therefore, the hair displayed by the five-layered circular region 223b appears to have a thick root and a thin hair tip. In addition, when the viewpoint is present in front of the fur display object 221, only the first-layer circular area 223 b existing on the foreground is displayed, and when the transparent area 222 a is completely transparent, it is translucent. In this case, the display contents are the same.

  Next, a method of collectively displaying a plurality of hairs will be described. FIG. 18A is an explanatory diagram for explaining a fur display object 221 arranged in a stacked manner in the world coordinate system, and FIG. 18B is applied to projection data of the fur display object 221. FIG. 18C is an explanatory diagram for explaining the α data 224, and FIG. 18C is an explanatory diagram for explaining the fur display texture 225 applied to the projection data of the fur display object 221. 12 is an explanatory diagram for describing a hair display mode when the α data 224 and the fur display texture 225 are applied to the projection data of the fur display object 221. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18A, in the method of displaying a plurality of hairs, five hair furnishing display objects 221a to 221e arranged so as to be stacked at intervals in the world coordinate system have α data 224. Is applied. Here, in the α data 224, a transparent region 224a in which the α value is set to a value smaller than “1” and an opaque region 224b in which the α value is set to “1” will be described with reference to FIG. I will explain it. As shown in FIG. 18B, the outer edge of the transparent region 224a of the α data 224 is a rectangle that is the same as the outer edge of the furry display object 221 corresponding to the α data 224. The inside of the outer edge of the rectangle is divided into a transparent region 224a and an opaque region 224b. The opaque region 224b has a circular shape, and its size is equal to the cross section of the hair to be displayed. There are a plurality of opaque regions 224b. In the region surrounded by the outer edge of the rectangle, the region other than the plurality of opaque regions 224b is the transparent region 224a.

  The fur display texture 225 is applied to the projection data of the fur display object 221. FIG. 18C is an explanatory diagram for describing the fur display texture 225. The outer edge of the fur display texture 225 is a rectangle congruent with the outer edge of the fur display object 221 corresponding to the fur display texture 225. The fur-like display texture 225 has a plurality of circular regions 225b surrounded by a circle having the same size as the cross section of the hair to be displayed. Each circular region 225b is entirely surrounded by a peripheral region 225a. The circular area 225b is painted in the same color as the hair to be displayed. The region inside the outer edge of the rectangle other than the circular region 225b is a white peripheral region 225a.

  The shape and size of the opaque area 224b and the circular area 225b are equal. In the UV coordinate system, the relative positional relationship between the origin of the α data 224 and the opaque region 224b is equal to the relative positional relationship between the origin of the fur display texture 225 and the circular region 225b. Therefore, when the coordinates of the α data 224 and the coordinates of the fur display texture 225 are overlapped, the opaque region 224b and the circular region 225b overlap, and the transparent region 224a and the peripheral region 225a overlap.

  FIG. 18D shows a hair display mode in a case where the fur display texture 225 is applied to the projection data of the fur display objects 221a to 221e arranged in a stack in the world coordinate system. The α value set in the circular area 225b of the fur display texture 225 is “1”. On the other hand, the α value set in the peripheral region 225a is a value smaller than “1”. For this reason, a state in which the plurality of circular regions 225b are stacked at intervals in the normal direction of the fur display object 221 is displayed. When the α value set in the peripheral region 225a is “0”, the peripheral region 225a becomes completely transparent. When the α value set in the peripheral region 225a is a numerical value larger than “0” and smaller than “1”, the peripheral region 225a becomes translucent.

  Next, a method of displaying the movement of hair by moving the fur display object 221 that is arranged in a stacked manner in the world coordinate system will be described. At the start timing of the fur display effect, the fur display object 221 is arranged in the world coordinate system, and the α data 224 is applied. Then, the fur display texture 225 is applied to the projection data of the fur display object 221. At the subsequent update timing, the coordinates of the vertices of the fur display object 221 are rewritten in the world coordinate system, so that the fur display object 221 moves. At this time, the same α data 224 is applied to the plurality of fur display objects 221. Further, the same fur display texture 225 is applied to the projection data of the plurality of fur display objects 221. Therefore, a state in which the circular region 225b of the same color as the fur is moving is displayed. By moving the fur display object 221, all the circular regions 225 b included in the fur display texture 225 applied to the projection data of the fur display object 221 can be moved at the same time. The fur display object 221 stacked in the world coordinate system can be moved for each layer. By moving the fur display object 221 for each layer, it is possible to express a state in which the shape of the hair constituting the fur changes.

  Hereinafter, a case in which the second layer and the fourth layer of the fur display object 221 stacked in five layers are selectively moved in different directions will be described with reference to FIGS. 19A to 19D. This will be specifically described. First, the case where the second layer and the fourth layer move in parallel will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 (a) and 19 (b). FIG. 19A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the moving direction of the furry display objects 221a to 221e arranged in a stack, and FIG. 19B is a diagram showing the furry displayed by the circular area 225b after the movement. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a shape. At the start timing, the five furry display objects 221a to 221e are stacked and arranged in the normal direction of the furry display objects 221a to 221e. Then, at the update timing, the fur display objects 221b and 221d of the second and fourth layers move in parallel in different directions. As a result, as shown in FIG. 19B, a state in which the linearly extending hairs undulate is displayed. In this case, all the hairs displayed by the five-layer circular area 225b undulate with the same movement.

  When an effect of moving the fur display object 221 is performed, whether or not to use an arithmetic expression to update the coordinates of the fur display object 221 arranged in the world coordinate system by referring to the data table Is determined. Further, by referring to the data table, it is also determined whether or not it is the update timing of the arithmetic expression for calculating the coordinates of the fur display object 221. That is, in the data table, for each coordinate of the update, information on whether or not to perform an operation and information on whether or not to update the operation expression used for the operation are recorded for the coordinates of the fur display object 221. Have been.

  The calculation for moving the fur display object 221 in parallel is performed using a vector. A vector required when the fur display object 221b of the second layer is moved by the first movement distance in the first movement direction is defined as a first vector. By adding the first vector to the four vertices of the fur display object 221b of the second layer, the fur display object 221b of the second layer is translated in the first movement direction by the first movement distance. I do.

  A vector necessary when the fur display object 221d of the fourth layer is moved by the second movement distance in the second movement direction is defined as a second vector. By adding the second vector to the four vertices of the fur display object 221d on the fourth layer, the fur display object 221d on the fourth layer is translated in the second movement direction by the second movement distance. I do.

  Specifically, the display CPU 131 refers to the data table and grasps the update timing for rewriting the coordinates of the vertices of the fur display objects 221a to 221e. Each time the update timing is reached, the first vector is added to the coordinates of the current vertex of the furry display object 221b of the second layer, and the coordinates of the current vertex of the furry display object 221d of the fourth layer are added. On the other hand, the second vector is added. By continuously recording the update timing for rewriting the coordinates of the vertices of the fur display objects 221b and 221d in a data table over a predetermined period, it is possible to display a state in which the fur is continuously moving. .

  When the first moving distance and the second moving distance are the same and the second moving direction is opposite to the first moving direction, the furry display object 221b of the second layer and the furry display of the fourth layer are displayed. A common vector can be used for the object 221d. That is, when calculating the coordinates of the furry display object 221b on the second layer, the common vector is added, and when calculating the coordinates of the furry display object 221d on the fourth layer, the common vector is subtracted. The fur coat display object 221b on the second layer and the fur coat display object 221d on the fourth layer can be moved in opposite directions. By using a common vector for movement of the two fur display objects 221b and 221d, it is possible to suppress an increase in the amount of data stored in the memory module 133 in advance.

  Next, a case where the second layer and the fourth layer rotate will be described with reference to FIGS. 19C and 19D. FIG. 19C is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation direction of the furry display objects 221a to 221e arranged in a stack, and FIG. 19D is a view showing the furry displayed by the circular area 225b after the rotation. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a shape. At the start timing, the five furry display objects 221a to 221e are stacked and arranged in the normal direction of the furry display objects 221a to 221e. Then, as shown in FIG. 19C, at a certain update timing, the furry display objects 221b and 221d of the second and fourth layers rotate in different directions. As a result, as shown in FIG. 19D, a state in which the linearly extending hair undulates is displayed. In this case, the hair closer to the center of rotation is not affected by the rotation, and the hair farther from the center of rotation is affected by the rotation. In other words, hairs closer to the center of rotation have smaller waves, and hairs farther from the center of rotation have larger waves.

  The operation for rotating the fur display object 221 is performed using a matrix. A matrix required when the fur display object 221b of the second layer is rotated by the first rotation angle in the first rotation direction is defined as a first matrix. By multiplying the four vertices of the furry display object 221b of the second layer by the first matrix, the furry display object 221b of the second layer is rotated by the first rotation angle in the first rotation direction. .

  A matrix required when rotating the fur display object 221d of the fourth layer in the second rotation direction by the second rotation angle is defined as a second matrix. By multiplying the four vertices of the furry display object 221d of the fourth layer by the second matrix, the furry display object 221d of the fourth layer is translated in the second rotation direction by the second rotation angle. I do.

  Specifically, the display CPU 131 refers to the data table and grasps the update timing for rewriting the coordinates of the vertices of the fur display objects 221a to 221e. Every time the update timing is reached, the coordinates of the current vertex of the fur display object 221b of the second layer are multiplied by the first matrix, and the coordinates of the current vertex of the fur display object 221d of the fourth layer are multiplied. Is multiplied by a second matrix. By storing the update timing for rewriting the coordinates of the vertices of the fur display objects 221b and 221d intermittently over a predetermined period in the data table, it is possible to display a state in which the fur is continuously moving.

  By setting the first rotation direction and the second rotation direction to be opposite to each other, the furry display object 221b of the second layer rotates in the first rotation direction and then returns to the original state while rotating. After the fur display object 221d of the layer rotates in the second rotation direction, it can return to its original state while rotating with a small amount of data. This is because the second matrix can be used when the furry display object 221b on the second layer returns to the original state while rotating, and the first matrix when the furry display object 221d on the fourth layer returns to the original state while rotating. This is because it can be used. As a result, the number of matrices stored in the memory module 133 in advance can be reduced.

  Next, a method of displaying the fur using an actual image as a texture will be described. In the fur display effect using real images, a part of the fur display object 221 which is a plate-like polygon is set to be completely transparent. The outer shape of the fur display object 221 is rectangular. In the world coordinate system, a plurality of fur display objects 221 are stacked in the normal direction at intervals. The α data 227a to 227d are applied to the fur display object 221. However, for the layer farthest from the viewpoint in the world coordinate system, the α data 227a to 227d are not applied. Then, the same fur-display texture 226 composed of the data of the real image is applied to the projection data of all fur-display objects 221. Thereby, a surface having irregularities is displayed, and the fur can be displayed three-dimensionally.

  Also, by shifting or rotating some of the five layers stacked in the world coordinate system, the three-dimensional movement is displayed by changing the uneven pattern on the surface of the display target. Can be.

  Specifically, a method of displaying a carpet in three dimensions will be described. FIG. 20A is a schematic diagram of a fur display texture 226 used to display a carpet in three dimensions. One real image of the carpet surface is used as the fur display texture 226. The actual image is a two-dimensional image obtained by photographing the carpet surface from directly above.

  Next, the α data 227 for setting the transmission information in the fur display texture 226 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 20B to 20E show the α data 227 existing in the UV coordinate system. 20 (b) shows the α data 227a of the pattern A, FIG. 20 (c) shows the α data 227b of the pattern B, and FIG. 20 (d) shows the α data 227c of the pattern C. FIG. 20E shows the α data 227d of the pattern D. Among them, only the α data 227a of the pattern A shown in FIG. 20B is stored in the memory module 133 in advance. The α data 227b of the pattern B, the α data 227c of the pattern C, and the α data 227d of the pattern D are generated by rotating the α data 227a of the pattern A, and are applied to the fur display object 221.

  First, the α data 227a of the pattern A will be described with reference to FIG. The outer shape of the α data 227 is a square. In the square, one set of opposing sides is parallel to the U axis, and another set of opposing sides is parallel to the V axis. Here, for the sake of explanation, a square having a length equal to an integral length of one side of the α data 227 is set as a unit lattice, and the unit lattice is spread over the α data 227 of the square. The U-axis direction is a row and the V-axis direction is a column. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 20B to 20E, 16 unit cells are set so that the α data 227 has 4 rows and 4 columns.

  In the α data 227a of the pattern A, the α value is set so that all the regions in the unit cell on the first and third rows are completely transparent. As shown in FIG. 20C, the α data 227b of the pattern B is generated by rotating the α data 227a of the pattern A by 90 °. For this reason, in the α data 227b of the pattern B, the α value is set so that all the regions in the unit cell in the second and fourth columns are completely transparent. As shown in FIG. 20D, the α data 227c of the pattern C is generated by rotating the α data 227a of the pattern A by 180 °. For this reason, in the α data 227c of the pattern C, the α value is set so that all the regions in the unit cell on the second and fourth rows are completely transparent. As shown in FIG. 20E, the α data 227d of the pattern D is generated by rotating the α data 227a of the pattern A by 270 °. For this reason, in the α data 227d of the pattern D, the α value is set so that the areas in all the unit cells in the first and third columns are completely transparent.

  Next, a method of applying the α data 227a to 227d to the fur display object 221 will be described. Five fur display objects 221a to 221e are arranged in the world coordinate system. Then, the first layer and the second layer are arranged in order from the side (outside) closer to the viewpoint, and the layer farthest (innermost) from the viewpoint is the fifth layer. The α data 227a of pattern A is applied to the first layer, the α data 227b of pattern B is applied to the second layer, the α data 227c of pattern C is applied to the third layer, and the α data of pattern D is applied to the fourth layer. Apply the data 227d. Then, the α data 227a to 227d are not applied to the fifth layer.

  In the first layer, one or more α data 227a of the pattern A are applied to the fur display object 221 so as to be spread over one or more. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21A, three pieces of the α data 227a of the pattern A are arranged in the short side direction of the fur display object 221a, and four pieces of the α data 227a are arranged in the long side direction. That is, the α-data 227a of a total of twelve patterns A is spread over the fur display object 221a. At this time, the α data 227a of the twelve patterns A are all arranged in the same direction. Then, the vertex (0, 0) of the UV coordinate overlaps with the vertex A of the zx coordinate, the vertex (1, 0) of the UV coordinate overlaps with the vertex B of the zx coordinate, and the vertex (1, 1) of the UV coordinate becomes the zx coordinate. , And the vertex (0, 1) of the UV coordinate overlaps the vertex D of the zx coordinate.

  The length of one side of the α data 227a is set in advance so that twelve α data 227a of the pattern A are arranged so that the surface of the fur display object 221a is covered with no excess or shortage. When the α data 227a of the pattern A is applied to the furry display object 221a of the first layer, as shown in FIG. 21A, the transmission information is set so that the area in the unit grid of the odd-numbered rows is completely transparent. You.

  In the second layer, the α data 227b of the pattern B is applied to the fur display object 221b. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 21B, three pieces of α data 227b of the pattern B are arranged in the short side direction of the fur display object 221b, and four pieces of the α data 227b are arranged in the long side direction. That is, the application is performed such that the α data 227b of a total of twelve patterns B is spread on the fur display object 221b. At this time, the α data 227b of the twelve patterns B are all arranged in the same direction. Then, the vertex (0, 1) of the UV coordinate overlaps with the vertex A of the zx coordinate, the vertex (0, 0) of the UV coordinate overlaps with the vertex B of the zx coordinate, and the vertex (1, 0) of the UV coordinate becomes the zx coordinate. And the vertex (1, 1) of the UV coordinate overlaps the vertex D of the zx coordinate. When the α data 227b of the pattern B is applied to the furry display object 221b of the second layer, as shown in FIG. 21B, the transmission information is set so that the area in the unit grid of the even-numbered row is completely transparent. You.

  In the third layer, the α data 227c of the pattern C is applied to the fur display object 221c. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 21C, the α data 227c of the pattern C are arranged three by three in the short side direction of the fur display object 221c, and four in the long side direction. That is, the application is performed such that the α data 227c of a total of twelve patterns C is spread over the fur display object 221c. At this time, the α data 227c of the twelve patterns C are all arranged in the same direction. Then, the vertex (1, 1) of the UV coordinate overlaps with the vertex A of the zx coordinate, the vertex (0, 1) of the UV coordinate overlaps with the vertex B of the zx coordinate, and the vertex (0, 0) of the UV coordinate becomes the zx coordinate. , And the vertex (1, 0) of the UV coordinate overlaps with the vertex D of the zx coordinate. When the α data 227c of the pattern C is applied to the fur display object 221c of the third layer, as shown in FIG. 21C, the transmission information is set so that the area in the unit grid of the even-numbered row is completely transparent. You.

  In the fourth layer, the α data 227d of the pattern D is applied to the fur display object 221d. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 21D, the α data 227d of the pattern D are arranged three by three in the short side direction of the fur display object 221d, and four in the long side direction. That is, the application is performed so that the α data 227d of the twelve patterns D is spread all over the fur display object 221d. At this time, the α data 227d of the twelve patterns D are all arranged in the same direction. Then, the vertex (1, 0) of the UV coordinate overlaps with the vertex A of the zx coordinate, the vertex (1, 1) of the UV coordinate overlaps with the vertex B of the zx coordinate, and the vertex (0, 1) of the UV coordinate becomes the zx coordinate. , And the vertex (0, 0) of the UV coordinate overlaps the vertex D of the zx coordinate. When the α data 227d of the pattern D is applied to the fur display object 221d of the fourth layer, as shown in FIG. 21D, the transmission information is set so that the area in the odd-numbered unit grid is completely transparent. You.

  The fur display texture 226 is applied to the projection data of the fur display object 221. In the fur display texture 226, the vertex (0, 0) of the UV coordinates corresponds to the vertex A of the fur display object 221 and the vertex (1, 0) of the UV coordinates corresponds to the vertex B of the fur display object 221. , The vertex (1, 1) of the UV coordinate corresponds to the vertex C of the fur display object 221 and the vertex (0, 1) of the UV coordinate corresponds to the vertex D of the fur display object 221.

  In the projection data of the fur display object 221, the fur display texture 226 is not displayed in the area where the α value is set to “0” by applying the α data 227 a to 227 d and remains completely transparent. On the other hand, in the projection data of the fur display object 221, a fur display texture 226 is displayed on the surface of the area where the α value is set to “1”.

  Next, the appearance of the fur displayed using the photographed image will be described. When the fur display texture 226 is applied to the projection data of the fur display object 221 arranged in the world coordinate system, even rows of the first layer, odd columns of the second layer, and odd numbers of the third layer are obtained. A fur-like surface image is displayed in rows and even columns of the fourth layer.

  FIGS. 22A to 22E are explanatory diagrams for explaining a manner in which a fur display effect is performed using a photographed image as a texture. First, the α data 227a to 227d are applied to the fur display object 221. Then, the fur display texture 226 is applied to the projection data of the fur display object 221. FIG. 22A shows the display mode of the first layer, FIG. 22B shows the display mode of the second layer, FIG. 22C shows the display mode of the third layer, and FIG. FIG. 22 shows a display mode of the fourth layer, and FIG. 22E shows a display mode of the fifth layer. First, the stationary state will be described. When the viewpoint is in the normal direction of the fur display object 221, the first layer (FIG. 22A), the second layer (FIG. 22B), and the third layer (FIG. 22C) are used. A surface image of the fur displayed on the surface is displayed. The fur surface image displayed on the surface of the layer (FIG. 22 (e)) below the fourth layer (FIG. 22 (d)) is below the first, second and third layers. Not displayed because it is hidden.

  If the viewpoint is not in the normal direction of the furry display object 221, the furry display object 221 is displayed diagonally, so that the first, second, third, and fourth layers are displayed. A surface image of the fur displayed on the surface of the layer is displayed. The fur-like surface image displayed on the surface of the fifth layer is not displayed because it is hidden under the first, second, third, and fourth layers. In any case, since the surface image of the fur displayed on the surface of the plurality of layers at different distances from the viewpoint is displayed, a three-dimensional fur with depth can be displayed with a small amount of data.

  Next, an operation state involving the parallel movement or rotation of the fur display object 221 will be described. When the viewpoint is in front of the fur display object 221 and the first layer moves in the z-axis direction, a part of the fourth layer that has been hidden until then is displayed. When the movement of the fourth layer in the x-axis direction is performed together with the movement of the first layer in the z-axis direction, the fifth layer which has been hidden so far may be displayed. When the viewpoint is not in front of the fur display object 221, the fifth layer that has been hidden may be displayed by moving the fourth layer.

  Here, since the α data 227 is not applied to the fifth layer, “1” is set as the α value. Therefore, no matter how the four layers above the fifth layer move, a fur-like surface image is always displayed. Further, there is a possibility that the first layer and the third layer are completely overlapped and displayed, and there is a possibility that the second layer and the fourth layer are completely overlapped and displayed. However, there is no possibility that the first layer and the second layer are completely displayed. Therefore, even when the first layer and the third layer are completely overlapped and displayed, and the second layer and the fourth layer are completely overlapped and displayed, the first layer, the second layer, and the fifth layer are displayed. Is displayed. Thus, no matter how the four layers above the fifth layer move, at least three layers are displayed. Since the fur surface image displayed on the surface of the plurality of layers at different distances from the viewpoint is always displayed, a three-dimensional fur movement with depth is displayed.

  Hereinafter, a specific processing configuration for executing a fur display effect using the fur display object 221 will be described. FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the calculation processing for fur display effect performed by the display CPU 131. The calculation processing for the fur display effect is activated when a data table corresponding to the number of games in which the fur display effect is executed is set. The calculation formulas for calculating the fur coat display object 221, the fur coat display textures 223, 225, and 226, and the updated coordinate data of the fur coat display object 221 are stored in the memory module 133 in advance.

  First, in step S801, it is determined based on the currently set data table whether or not a fur display effect is being executed. If the fur display effect is not being executed, it is determined in step S802 whether or not it is time to start the fur display effect. If it is not the start timing, the present arithmetic processing is terminated as it is, and if it is the start timing, the flow proceeds to step S803.

  In step S803, based on the currently set data table, the fur display object 221 is grasped as a control target. By the way, at the execution timing of the processing of step S803, the control start processing for the fur display object 221 has been completed in the immediately preceding control start setting processing (step S601). The control information of the fur display object 221 for which the control has been started is stored and held in the work RAM 132 until the fur display effect is completed.

  In the following step S804, based on the currently set data table, the initial coordinate data for stacking and arranging the fur display objects 221 in the world coordinate system is read. By determining the coordinates of the fur display object 221, the stacking interval of the fur display object 221 is also determined. That is, the stacking interval of the fur display object 221 is determined by the initial coordinates selected based on the currently set data table. Specifically, in the initial state, the five fur fur display objects 221a to 221e are laminated such that the space corresponding to the root of the hair is small and the space corresponding to the tip of the hair is large. . The stacking interval is changed at the timing of changing the stacking interval. In step S805, the initial coordinate data is stored in the work RAM 132 as the latest coordinate data. Then, in step S806, the first arithmetic expression required to move the fur display object 221 that is stacked and arranged in the world coordinate system is read from the memory module 133 and stored in the work RAM 132. When the furry display object 221 is translated, the arithmetic expression includes a vector to be added to the latest coordinates. When the furry display object 221 is rotated, the arithmetic expression is multiplied by the latest coordinates. Contains a matrix for After that, in step S807, a process of grasping the α data and the texture is performed.

  Here, the process of grasping the α data and the texture will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the process of grasping the α data and the texture. First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not fur coat display is to be performed by laminating cross-sectional images based on the current data table. When the fur is displayed by laminating the cross-sectional images (step S901: YES), the process proceeds to step S902. In step S902, based on the current data table, the fur display texture 225 is specified, and use instruction information of the fur display texture 225 is stored.

  In step S903, it is determined whether to apply the illusion effect based on the current data table. Here, the case where the illusion effect is applied is a case where the periphery of the hair cross-section image is made translucent, so that the root of the hair is displayed thick and the hair tip is displayed thin. If the illusion effect is not applied (step S903: NO), in step S904, the α data 224 in which the periphery of the hair is completely transparent is specified, the use instruction information of the α data 224 is stored, and The grasp process ends. If the illusion effect is to be applied (step S903: YES), in step S905, the α data 224 in which the periphery of the hair is translucent is specified, the use instruction information of the α data 224 is stored, and the book The grasp process ends.

  If the real image is used as the texture (step S901: NO), in step S906, the fur display texture 226 for the real image is specified, and use instruction information of the fur display texture 226 is stored. After that, in step S907, the α data 227a for the photographed image is specified, the use instruction information of the α data 227a is stored, and the present grasping process is ended as it is.

  Return to the description of the calculation processing for fur display effect (FIG. 23). After performing the process of grasping the α data and the texture in step S807, in step S808 the start designation information of the fur display effect is stored, and the calculation process ends.

  When the calculation processing for the fur display effect is executed as described above, the drawing list created in the subsequent drawing list output processing includes information on the use instruction of the fur display object 221 as α data 224, 227a and The fur coat display textures 223, 225, and 226 are set together with information on the use instruction, and the initial coordinate data of the fur coat display object 221 read out in step S804 is set. Further, the start designation information of the fur display is set in the drawing list.

  If it is determined in step S801 that the fur display effect is being performed, then in step S809, based on the currently set data table, it is determined whether or not it is the change timing of the stacking interval of the fur display object 221. judge. If it is the change timing of the stacking interval of the fur display object 221 (step S809: YES), a process of updating the stacking interval is executed in step S810. In the process of updating the stacking interval, the coordinates of the fur display objects 221a to 221e arranged in the world coordinate system are updated based on the currently set data table. The coordinates are updated by moving the fur display objects 221a to 221e in parallel along the normal direction of the fur display objects 221a to 221e. Accordingly, the stacking interval of the fur display objects 221a to 221e changes, and the length, thickness, and density of the displayed fur change. That is, the display mode of the hair can be changed during the effect. Specifically, when the stacking interval is shortened, the displayed bristle length is shortened, and the bristle is displayed thick and dark. In addition, when the stacking interval becomes longer, the displayed hair length becomes longer, and the hair becomes thinner and thinner.

  If it is not the change timing of the stacking interval of the fur display objects 221a to 221e (step S809: NO), or after the update process of the stacking interval is performed in step S810, in step S811 based on the currently set data table. Then, it is determined whether or not it is the update timing of the arithmetic expression. The update timing corresponds to a timing at which the operation mode of the fur display object 221 changes. Specifically, it corresponds to the timing at which the speed and direction of the parallel movement change. Also, it corresponds to the timing at which the speed or direction of rotation changes. If it is the update timing of the arithmetic expression (step S811: YES), a new arithmetic expression is read from the memory module 133 in step S812 and stored in the work RAM 132.

  If it is not the update timing of the arithmetic expression (step S811: NO) or if a new arithmetic expression is read out in step S812, the fur display object 221 is determined in step S813 based on the currently set data table. As a control target. In the following step S814, the latest coordinate data stored in the work RAM 132 is read out, and in step S815, arithmetic processing of the coordinate data is executed in order to calculate new coordinate data of the fur display object 221. In the arithmetic processing of the coordinate data, the coordinate data read in step S814 is substituted into the arithmetic expression, and the next coordinate data is calculated. More specifically, the coordinates of the four vertices are calculated for each of the five furry display objects 221a to 221e stacked and arranged in the world coordinate system. Then, in step S816, the coordinate data of the fur display object 221 stored in the work RAM 132 is updated. That is, the coordinate data calculated in step S815 is stored as the latest coordinate data.

  In step S817, the α data and texture comprehension process (FIG. 24) is executed. In step S818, the furry display effect update designation information is stored, and the calculation process ends.

  When the calculation processing for the fur display effect is executed as described above, the drawing list created in the subsequent drawing list output processing includes information on the use instruction of the fur display object 221 as α data 224, 227a and The updated coordinate data is set together with the information of the instruction to use the fur display textures 223, 225, and 226, and the coordinates of the four vertices of the five fur display objects 221a to 221e calculated in step S815. Is set. In addition, the update designation information of the fur display is also set in the drawing list.

  Next, a setting process of the fur display object 221 performed by the VDP 135 will be described with reference to FIG. The setting process of the fur display object is performed in the rendering setting process in step S703 of the drawing process (FIG. 13). The furry display object setting process is started when furry display effect start designation information or furry display effect update designation information is set in the drawing list.

  First, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the value of the variable n is 5. Here, the variable n represents the number of furry display objects 221 stacked in the world coordinate system for furry display. The variable n is an integer of any one of 0 to 5. Therefore, in step S1001, it is determined whether the fur display object 221 is in the state where the furry display objects 221 are arranged from the first layer to the fifth layer in the world coordinate system. If the value of the variable n is not 5 in step S1001, the process proceeds to step S1002.

  In step S1002, the address at which the fur display object 221 is stored in the memory module 133 is grasped based on the current drawing list, and the fur display object 221 is read. Reading of the fur display object 221 is performed when the value of the variable n is an integer of any one of 0 to 4 in step S1001, and regardless of the value of n, the fur display object to be read is read. 221 are the same.

  In a step S1003, a process of adding 1 to a variable n is performed, and in a succeeding step S1004, a setting process of the n-th layer is performed. In the setting process of the n-th layer, the coordinates of the four vertices of the fur display object 221 arranged on the n-th layer are grasped with reference to the current drawing list, and the coordinates of the four vertices are set in step S1002. This is applied to each of the four vertices of the fur display object read out. Thus, the fur display object 221 read in step S1002 is arranged as the nth layer in the world coordinate system.

  After performing step S1004, the process returns to step S1001 again to determine whether the value of the variable n is 5. If the value of the variable n is 5 (step S1001: YES), the value of the variable n is cleared to 0 in step S1005, and the setting process ends. In this way, the same furry display object 221 is read out five times and arranged in a position corresponding to the first to fifth layers in the world coordinate system. Thereby, the same fur display object 221 is stacked and arranged in the world coordinate system. By using the same fur display object 221 as an object of each layer, the amount of data stored in the memory module 133 can be reduced as compared with a case where different objects are used for each layer.

  Next, the transmission processing of the fur display object 221 will be described with reference to FIG. The transparent processing of the fur display object 221 is executed in the rendering and pattern drawing data creation processing in step S710 of the drawing processing (FIG. 13). The setting process of the furry display object 221 is started when furry display effect start designation information or furry display effect update designation information is set in the drawing list.

  First, in step S1101, based on the current drawing list, it is determined whether or not the fur is displayed by laminating the cross-sectional images. The determination is made based on whether or not a hair cross-sectional image is set in the drawing list as the fur display textures 223, 225, and 226. If the fur is displayed by laminating the cross-sectional images (step S1101: YES), the process proceeds to step S1102. In step S1102, the α data 224 set in the current drawing list is grasped. In subsequent step S1103, the α data 224 grasped in step S1102 is applied to the fur display object 221.

  If the fur is displayed by laminating the photographed images (step S1101: NO), in step S1104, the α data 227a set in the current drawing list is grasped. After that, in step S1105, the α data 227a is applied to the fur display object 221a of the first layer without rotating it. In step S1106, the α data 227a is applied to the fur display object 221b of the second layer while being rotated by 90 °. In step S1107, the α data 227a is applied to the fur display object 221c of the third layer while being rotated by 180 °. In step S1108, the α data 227a is applied to the fur coat display object 221d of the fourth layer while being rotated by 270 °. As described above, by applying the α data 227a rotated at different angles to the fur display objects 221a to 221d from the first layer to the fourth layer, a two-dimensional real photograph image is displayed three-dimensionally. be able to.

  After applying the α data 224 and 227d in step S1103 or step S1108, the fur fur display objects 221a to 221e are projected on the screen area PC12 in step S1109 to create projection data. In step S1110, the fur coat display textures 223, 225, and 226 set in the current drawing list are grasped. In step S1111, the fur coat display texture is applied to the projection data of the fur coat display objects 221a to 221e. By applying 223, 225, and 226, this transmission processing ends. As a result, the color information of the fur display textures 223, 225, and 226 and the transmission information of the α data 224, 227a to 227d are set for the fur display objects 221a to 221e.

  As described above, by specifying the coordinates of the vertices, a plurality of furry display objects 221a to 221e are stacked and arranged in the world coordinate system, and the furry display objects 221a to 221e are updated by updating the coordinates. You can move it. Thereby, by updating the coordinates of the vertices of the fur display objects 221a to 221e, it is possible to display moving three-dimensional fur. The fur fur display objects 221a to 221e are arranged at intervals, and the fur fur display objects 221a to 221e are moved by designating the coordinates of the vertices, so that moving fur is displayed using a three-dimensional polygon with nodes. As compared with the case, the amount of data to be stored in advance and the amount of calculation performed in real time can be suppressed.

  By using plate-like polygons, which are two-dimensional information and have no thickness, as the fur display object 221, a three-dimensional fur is displayed with a smaller amount of data as compared with the case of using a three-dimensional polygon which is three-dimensional information. can do.

  By setting the plurality of furry display objects 221 to be arranged in the world coordinate system to be the same, the memory module 133 can store a plurality of furry display objects 221 differently in the world coordinate system. The amount of data to be stored can be reduced.

  By applying the fur display texture 225 having a plurality of patterns of the same color as the fur to be displayed to the projection data of one fur display object 221 and moving the fur display object 221 in the world coordinate system, Multiple patterns can be moved at once. A plurality of hairs can be displayed by one set of fur display objects 221a to 221e arranged at intervals in the world coordinate system, so that one set of fur display objects 221a to 221e can be used. The processing load can be reduced as compared with the case where the hair is displayed. In addition, by moving one fur display object 221, a plurality of hairs can be given a motion. Therefore, compared to a case where the motion of each hair is individually controlled, an operation performed in real time Can be reduced.

  At the update timing of the fur display effect, the coordinates of the fur display objects 221a to 221e stacked in the world coordinate system are updated to move or rotate the fur display objects 221a to 221e. It is possible to display the moving fur by moving it. At this time, when the moving amount and the moving direction of the fur display objects 221a to 221e do not change or when the rotating amount and the rotating direction do not change, the same calculation formula is used over a plurality of update timings to display the fur display. The coordinates of the objects 221a to 221e are updated. Thus, the number of arithmetic expressions stored in the memory module 133 can be reduced.

  At the update timing of the fur display effect, by performing the lamination interval changing process of changing the lamination interval of the plurality of fur display objects 221a to 221e arranged in the world coordinate system, the fur is displayed even during the fur display effect. The display mode can be changed. Specifically, by reducing the lamination interval, it is possible to display thick and thick hair. In addition, by increasing the lamination interval, it is possible to display hairs finer and thinner. The α data 222 and 224 and the fur texture 223 and 225 for displaying thick and dark hairs and thin and thin hairs are stored in the memory module 133 in advance in comparison with the case where the memory modules 133 store the textures 223 and 225 in advance. Various types of hair can be displayed while reducing the data amount.

  By making the transparent areas 222a and 224a of the α data 222 and 224 applied to the fur display object 221 semi-transparent rather than completely transparent, it is possible to perform an effect that blurs the periphery of the hair and makes the hair tip look thin. . Unlike the case where the size of the same color pattern as the hair to be displayed in the fur display textures 223 and 225 is different at the root and tip of the fur, only the single fur display textures 223 and 225 are used. In addition, the amount of data stored in the memory module 133 in advance can be reduced.

  A plurality of fur display objects 221a to 221e are stacked and arranged at intervals in the world coordinate system. A plurality of different types of α data 227a to 227d are applied to the fur display objects 221a to 221e of each layer. Here, the α data 227a to 227d include a completely transparent area and an opaque area. Then, a single two-dimensional image data is applied as the furry display texture 226 to the projection data of the furry display objects 221a to 221e. Thereby, the two-dimensional image data is displayed over a plurality of layers at different distances from the viewpoint, and the two-dimensional image data is displayed three-dimensionally. Compared with the case where a large number of three-dimensional objects are moved side by side, the amount of data stored in the memory module 133 in advance can be reduced, and the amount of calculations performed in real time can be reduced.

  Of the plurality of α data 227a to 227d, there is one type of α data 227a to 227d stored in the memory module 133, and the remaining α data 227b to 227d are generated by rotating the α data 227a stored in the memory module 133. I do. Thus, the number of α data 227a to 227d stored in the memory module 133 can be reduced.

<Another form of method for displaying hair three-dimensionally>
The method of displaying hair three-dimensionally by using a plate-shaped polygon, which is two-dimensional information, as the fur display object 221 has been described above. In this method, the α data 222 and 224 are applied to the fur display object 221 which is a plate-like polygon. The fur display textures 223 and 225 are applied to the projection data of the fur display object 221. However, objects for displaying hair in three dimensions are not limited to plate-like polygons. A three-dimensional polygon, which is three-dimensional information, may be used as an object for displaying hair in three dimensions.

  Specifically, a plurality of spherical objects are arranged in the world coordinate system, and a texture of the same color as the hair to be displayed is applied to the projection data of the spherical object, thereby displaying the hair three-dimensionally. Can be. Thereby, the hair can be displayed three-dimensionally without the process of applying the α data. In addition, by setting color information of the same color as the hair to be displayed on the spherical object in advance, it is possible to display three-dimensional hair simply by arranging the object in the world coordinate system.

<Another form of method for setting α value for fur display object>
The method of setting the α value in the furry display object 221 by applying the α data 222 and 224 to the furry display object 221 has been described above. However, the method of setting the α value to the fur display object 221 is not limited to this. The configuration may be such that the α value is previously set in the fur display object 221. As a result, the process of applying the α data 222 and 224 to the fur display object 221 can be omitted.

<Another form of method for displaying and moving multiple hairs in three dimensions>
Furry display objects 221a to 221e that are stacked and arranged in the world coordinate system, α data 222 and 224 applied to the furry display objects 221a to 221e, and projection of furry display objects 221a to 221e. The method of displaying a plurality of hairs three-dimensionally by using the fur display textures 223 and 225 applied to the data has been described above. In this method, a plurality of displayed hairs can all be moved in the same manner by moving the fur display objects 221a to 221e. However, a method of displaying and moving a plurality of hairs three-dimensionally is not limited to this.

  For example, the fur display objects 221a to 221e that are arranged in a stacked manner in the world coordinate system, the α data 222 and 224 applied to the fur display objects 221a to 221e, and the fur display objects 221a to 221e. The fur coat display textures 223 and 225 applied to the projection data of the above may be configured as one unit, and a plurality of the units may be arranged in the world coordinate system. In this case, the fur display objects 221a to 221e of each unit can be moved in different directions. Therefore, a plurality of hairs can be displayed and moved in a three-dimensional manner in a manner in which the movement of the hairs differs for each unit.

<Another form of method for displaying hairs of various shapes>
The display method for making the tip of the hair thinner by setting the periphery of the hair to be translucent has been described above. In this method, the same fur display texture 223 is applied to the projection data of a plurality of fur display objects 221a to 221e arranged in a stacked manner in the world coordinate system. However, instead of this method, a configuration may be adopted in which different textures are applied to the projection data of the plurality of furry display objects 221a to 221e arranged in a stacked manner in the world coordinate system. In this method, hair with a fine tip can be displayed without making the periphery of the hair translucent. In addition, it is possible to display hairs of various shapes, such as hairs with thick hair tips.

  Specifically, a texture having a large circular area 223b in a layer corresponding to the root of the hair is applied to the projection data of the plurality of fur display objects 221a to 221e arranged in a stack in the world coordinate system. At the same time, by applying a texture having a small circular region 223b to the layer corresponding to the tip of the hair, hair with a fine tip can be displayed while the periphery of the hair is completely transparent. Similarly, by applying a texture having a small circular area 223b to the layer corresponding to the root of the hair and applying a texture having a large circular area 223b to the layer corresponding to the tip of the hair, the hair having a thick tip can be removed. Can be displayed. The types of hair that can be displayed can be increased as compared with the case where the periphery of the hair is set to be translucent.

<Another form of α data for displaying a real image in three dimensions>
The method of storing only the α data 227a of the pattern A in the memory module 133 and generating the α data 227b to 227d of the patterns B to D from the α data 227a of the pattern A has been described above. However, instead of this method, a configuration may be used in which different α data is applied to the projection data of the plurality of furry display objects 221a to 221e that are stacked and arranged in the world coordinate system. In this method, the ratio of the transparent region and the opaque region of each layer can be changed.

  Specifically, the projection data of a plurality of furry display objects 221a to 221e stacked and arranged in the world coordinate system has many transparent areas, In addition to the α data having few transparent regions, the α data having few transparent regions and many opaque regions is applied to the projection data far from the viewpoint. Thus, the area of the displayed portion of each layer can be made uniform as compared with the case where the α data 227a to 227d have the same ratio between the transparent region and the opaque region for each layer. Since a plurality of layers having different distances from the viewpoint are uniformly displayed, a real image can be displayed more stereoscopically.

<Another form of moving the fur display object>
The method of translating and rotating the fur display object 221 has been described above. However, the movement of the fur display object 221 is not limited to translation and rotation. For example, a configuration is also possible in which the fur display object 221 rotates and translates at the same time. The coordinates of the four vertices of the fur display object 221 are multiplied by a matrix for rotation, and then the vectors are added for parallel movement, thereby moving the fur display object 221 in the world coordinate system. Can be translated while rotating. Thereby, the fur that moves more complicated can be displayed.

  Further, the fur display object 221 may be configured to rotate so as to protrude out of the plane to which the fur display object 221 belongs. Due to the rotation, the distance between the fur display object 221 on the layer immediately above and below the fur display object 221 changes, and the appearance of the fur partially changes. Thereby, the fur that moves more complicated can be displayed.

<Another form of effect performed by stacking and moving objects>
A plurality of furry display objects 221a to 221e stacked and arranged in the world coordinate system are moved, and the furry display objects 221a to 221e are displayed on the projection data of the furry display objects 221a to 221e in a pattern having the same color as the surface of the fur to be displayed. The effect of displaying the moving fur by applying the texture 223 has been described above. The amount of data stored in advance and the amount of calculation performed in real time can be suppressed as compared with the case where moving hair is displayed using a knotted three-dimensional polygon.

  However, the effect performed by moving a plurality of objects arranged in the world coordinate system is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to perform an effect in which the leaves of the forest seen from above are shaken. By moving the leaves little by little, the blowing wind is weak, notifying the player that the expectation of the jackpot is low, and moving the leaves large, indicating that the blowing wind is strong, Can be informed that the jackpot is highly expected.

  Specifically, in the world coordinate system, a plurality of plate-like objects are stacked and arranged above an object representing the ground. Then, a texture in which countless leaf images are scattered is applied to the projection data of the object.

  When an effect with a low jackpot expectation is executed, animation data in which the coordinates of the plate-like object do not change much is read. As a result, an effect is produced in which the leaves of the forest seen from the sky move little by little. On the other hand, when an effect with a high jackpot expectation is executed, animation data in which the coordinates of the plate-shaped object are greatly changed is read. Thus, an effect is produced in which the leaves of the forest seen from the sky move greatly. By moving the plate-like object, countless leaf movements can be displayed collectively, so that the amount of real-time computation can be reduced compared to the case where the movement of each leaf is controlled. A three-dimensional effect can be performed.

<Configuration for performing light and shadow display effect>
The light / shadow display effect is an effect of displaying an area illuminated by light brighter than the surroundings, or displaying a shadowed area of a person or an object darker than the surroundings. Specifically, on a floor or a wall, an effect of displaying a bright area that is a lighter area than the surrounding area or a dark area that is a darker area than the surrounding area by setting the vertex colors of polygons that form the floor or the wall. It is. As described above, by setting the vertex color and displaying the bright area, an increase in the data capacity can be suppressed as compared with the case where the texture for the bright area is used. Similarly, by setting a vertex color and displaying a dark area, an increase in data capacity can be suppressed as compared with a case where a texture for a dark area is used.

  First, a case where a vertex color is specified for a plate-like polygon having four vertices will be described. Here, a plate-shaped polygon having four vertices is defined as a unit polygon 241. FIG. 27A shows a display mode in which a black vertex color is set to one vertex of the unit polygon 241 and a white vertex color is set to the remaining three vertices. By setting the vertex color to the vertex of the unit polygon 241, color information around the vertex can be set. As shown in FIG. 27A, by setting a black vertex color to the upper left vertex of the unit polygon 241 and setting a white vertex color to the remaining three vertices, the upper left vertex of the projection data of the unit polygon 241 is set. The area can be displayed in black.

  FIG. 27B shows a display mode when a black vertex color is set for all the vertices of the unit polygon 241. By setting a black vertex color to all vertices of the unit polygon 241, the entire projection data of the unit polygon 241 can be painted in black.

  Next, a case in which a total of nine unit polygons 241 are arranged in three rows and three columns will be described. The unit polygon 241 located at the center (second row, second column) is defined as a central polygon 242. FIG. 27C shows a display mode in which a black vertex color is set for one vertex of the central polygon 242, and a white vertex color is set for all the remaining vertices. When a black vertex color is set for the upper left vertex of the central polygon 242, the vicinity of the vertex can be displayed in black in the projection data.

  FIG. 27D shows a display mode in which a black vertex color is set for the four vertices of the central polygon 242, and a white vertex color is set for all the remaining vertices. By setting a black vertex color to the four vertices of the central polygon 242, the central polygon 242 can be painted black in the projection data. Further, in this case, in the projection data, the area inside the central polygon 242 and the vicinity outside the central polygon 242 are displayed in black.

  Here, in FIG. 27D, the upper left vertex of the unit polygon 241 in the upper left (first row, first column) is set as the vertex A, and the upper left vertex of the unit polygon 241 in the first column (third column in the first row). The upper right vertex is defined as vertex B. The lower right vertex of the lower right (third row, third column) unit polygon 241 is defined as vertex C, and the lower left vertex of the lower left (third row, first column) unit polygon 241 is defined as vertex D. And Then, a lawn texture 251 (FIG. 28A), which is lawn image data, is applied to projection data of a region (square ABCD) specified by the four vertices A to D.

  FIG. 28A shows a lawn texture 251 existing in the UV coordinate system. In the lawn texture 251, the vertex (0, 0) overlaps the vertex A, the vertex (1, 0) overlaps the vertex B, the vertex (1, 1) overlaps the vertex C, and the vertex (0, 1) overlaps the vertex D. Is applied to the projection data of the square ABCD. When the lawn texture 251 is applied to the projection data of the rectangular ABCD in a state where the vertex colors are set inside the rectangular ABCD, the color information is specified twice in each pixel constituting the rectangular ABCD. In this case, the color information is blended by multiplication.

  When performing blending by multiplication of color information, each color to be displayed is decomposed into three elements of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), and the brightness of each element is set to “0”. And a numerical value between “1”. Here, for each element, “0” is the minimum brightness and “1” is the maximum brightness. That is, for each element, the lightness is lower as the numerical value is smaller, and the lightness is higher as the numerical value is larger. Specifically, the smaller the R value, the lower the red lightness, and the larger the R value, the higher the red lightness. In addition, the smaller the G value, the lower the green lightness, and the larger the G value, the higher the green lightness. The smaller the B value, the lower the brightness of blue, and the larger the B value, the higher the brightness of blue.

  Each pixel has color information specified by the vertex color and color information specified by the lawn texture 251. In each of the two pieces of color information, the R value is represented by a numerical value between “0” and “1”, the G value is represented by a numerical value between “0” and “1”, and the B value is “0”. "And" 1 ". Then, the product of the R value specified by the vertex color and the R value specified by the lawn texture 251 is the R value actually displayed. Similarly, the product of the G value specified by the vertex color and the G value specified by the lawn texture 251 becomes the actually displayed G value, and the B value specified by the vertex color and the specified by the lawn texture 251. The product of the obtained B values becomes the B value actually displayed.

  When the value set in the vertex color is “1”, the value set in the lawn texture 251 becomes the value actually displayed as it is. If the value set for the vertex color is less than “1”, a value smaller than the value set for the lawn texture 251 is the value actually displayed. Specifically, for a certain pixel, the (R value, G value, B value) specified by the vertex color is (0.5, 1.0, 0.2) and specified by the lawn texture 251 ( When (R value, G value, B value) is (0.8, 0.3, 0.5), (0.4, 0.3, 0.1) which is the product of the values is displayed. (R value, G value, B value). Therefore, when the color information of the lawn texture 251 and the color information of the vertex color are blended by multiplication, except for the case where the color information of the vertex color is “1”, each element is compared with the case where the lawn texture 251 is displayed as it is. Lightness is reduced. That is, the lawn texture 251 is displayed dark.

  In the square ABCD shown in FIG. 27D, dark vertex colors are set at four vertices of the central polygon 242, and bright vertex colors are set at the remaining vertices. Specifically, (0.2, 0.2, 0.2) is set as a dark vertex color, and (1.0, 1.0, 1.0) is set as a bright vertex color. Then, the lawn texture 251 is applied to the projection data of the square ABCD. As a result, as shown in FIG. 28B, the color information darker than the color information set by the lawn texture 251 is set in the area inside and outside the center polygon 242 in the square ABCD. On the other hand, the same color information as the color information set by the lawn texture 251 is set in the peripheral region of the central polygon 242 (the region where the vertex colors are set by the vertices not included in the central polygon 242). As a result, a dark area darker than the surrounding area is displayed at the center of the lawn. As described above, by setting the vertex color, a dark area as the shadow 361 can be set. The data capacity can be reduced as compared with the case where the lawn texture and the shadow texture are used.

  FIG. 28C shows the shade lawn texture 252 existing in the UV coordinate system. The shade lawn texture 252 is created by setting the color information of each pixel of the lawn texture 251 shown in FIG. The shade lawn texture 252 has a vertex (0,0) overlapping a vertex A, a vertex (1,0) overlapping a vertex B, a vertex (1,1) overlapping a vertex C, and a vertex (0,1). This is applied to the projection data of the square ABCD so as to overlap the vertex D. When the shade lawn texture 252 is applied to the projection data of the rectangular ABCD in a state where the vertex colors are set inside the rectangular ABCD, the color information is specified twice in each pixel constituting the rectangular ABCD. . In this case, blending of the color information by addition is performed.

  A blend by adding color information will be described. Even when blending by adding color information, each color to be displayed is decomposed into three elements of red (R), green (G), and blue (B), and the brightness of each element is set to “0”. And a numerical value between “1”.

  Each pixel has color information specified by the vertex color and color information specified by the shade lawn texture 252. In each of the two pieces of color information, the R value is represented by a numerical value between “0” and “1”, the G value is represented by a numerical value between “0” and “1”, and the B value is “0”. "And" 1 ". Then, the sum of the R value specified by the vertex color and the R value specified by the shade lawn texture 252 is the R value actually displayed. Similarly, the sum of the G value specified by the vertex color and the G value specified by the shade lawn texture 252 becomes the actually displayed G value, and the B value specified by the vertex color and the shade lawn texture The sum of the B values designated by 252 is the B value actually displayed.

  When the value set in the vertex color is “0”, the value set in the texture is the value actually displayed as it is. If the value set for the vertex color is larger than “0”, a value larger than the value set for the texture is the value actually displayed. Specifically, for a certain pixel, the (R value, G value, B value) specified by the vertex color is (0.4, 0.4, 0.4), and the (R value) specified by the texture , G value, B value) are (0.2, 0.4, 0.5), (0.6, 0.8, 0.9) which is the sum of the values is displayed. (R value, G value, B value). Therefore, when the color information of the texture and the color information of the vertex color are blended by addition, the display is brighter than when the texture is displayed as it is, except when the color information of the vertex color is “0”.

  In the quadrangle ABCD of FIG. 28D, the vertex color of the right vertex of the three unit polygons 241 present in the third column is (0.4, 0.4, 0.4). As a result, vertex colors are set for the four vertices on the side BC. The remaining vertex colors are set to (0.0, 0.0, 0.0). Then, the shade lawn texture 252 shown in FIG. 28C is applied to the projection data of the square ABCD. FIG. 28E shows a display mode when the shade lawn texture 252 is applied to the rectangular ABCD projection data. As shown in FIG. 28E, in the projection data of the square ABCD, color information brighter than the color information set by the shade lawn texture 252 is set near the side BC. On the other hand, the same color information as the color information set by the shade lawn texture 252 is set in the remaining area. As a result, a bright area brighter than the surrounding area is displayed at the right end of the lawn. In this way, by setting the vertex colors, it is possible to set a bright area as the sun. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the data capacity as compared with the case where the shade texture and the sunshine texture are used.

  Next, the light and shadow display effect will be described. In this gaming machine, a dark area display effect and a bright area display effect are performed as light and shadow display effects. In the dark area display effect, light is applied to the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c (FIGS. 29A to 29C) which are rectangular parallelepipeds, so that dark areas as shadows 281 to 283 are displayed on the ground. In the bright area display effect, an area displayed as a dark area in the dark area display effect is displayed as a bright area. In this gaming machine, by switching the blending method of the color information set by the ground display texture and the color information set by the vertex colors, the dark area display effect can be changed to the bright area display effect. Hereinafter, the dark area display effect will be described.

  First, how the shapes of the shadows 281 to 283 change over time will be described. FIG. 29A is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape of the shadow generation object 271a of the first mode and the shape of the shadow 281 of the shadow generation object 271a of the first mode. FIG. FIG. 29C is an explanatory diagram for describing the shape of the shadow generation object 271b in the form and the shape of the shadow 282 of the shadow generation object 271b in the second form. FIG. 29C illustrates the shape of the shadow generation object 271c in the third form. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the shape of a shadow 283 of the shadow generation object 271c of the third embodiment. The ground display object 272 is arranged in the world coordinate system.

  Specifically, the ground display object 272 having a flat surface is arranged so that the flat surface is parallel to the xz plane. Then, the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are arranged so as to be in contact with the plane of the ground display object 272, and the shadows 281 to 283 of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are displayed on the plane of the ground display object 272. The shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are cuboid polygons, and the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are arranged such that one surface of the cuboid is in contact with the plane of the ground display object 272.

  As shown in FIG. 29A, the shadow generation object 271a of the first embodiment is a rectangular parallelepiped that is longer in the x-axis direction than in the y-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 29 (b), the shadow generation object 271a of the first mode contracts in the x-axis direction and expands in the y-axis direction to become the shadow generation object 271b of the second mode. Further, as shown in FIG. 29C, the shadow generation object 271b of the second embodiment becomes a shadow generation object 271c of the third embodiment by contracting in the x-axis direction and expanding in the y-axis direction.

  As the shapes of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c change, the shapes of the shadows 281 to 283 of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c also change. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 29A, the shadow 281 of the shadow generation object 271a of the first embodiment is longer in the x-axis direction than in the z-axis direction. As shown in FIG. 29B, the shadow 282 of the shadow generation object 271b of the second mode is smaller in the x-axis direction than the shadow 281 of the first mode and extends in the z-axis direction. Further, as shown in FIG. 29C, the shadow 283 of the shadow generation object 271c of the third mode is smaller than the shadow 282 of the second mode in the x-axis direction and extends in the z-axis direction.

  FIG. 30A is an explanatory diagram for explaining how the shadows 281 to 283 of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c change from the first mode to the second mode, and FIG. 30B is a diagram illustrating the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating a mode that the shadow 281-283 of 271c changes from 2nd form to 3rd form. As shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, in the ground display object 272, a vertex exists at a position corresponding to a grid point on the xz plane. Then, by setting (0.2, 0.2, 0.2) as the vertex color for the vertex, the regions corresponding to the shadows 281 to 283 of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are displayed darker than the surroundings. You.

  The coordinates of the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are divided into five regions and stored in the memory module 133. As shown in FIG. 30A, an area commonly included in the shadow 281 of the first mode and the shadow 282 of the second mode is a first area 285, which is included in the shadow 281 of the first mode and a second area. An area that is not included in the shadow 282 of the form is the second area 286, and an area that is not included in the shadow 281 of the first form but is included in the shadow 282 of the second form is a third area 287. Further, as shown in FIG. 30B, a region commonly included in the shadow 282 of the second mode and the shadow 283 of the third mode is a fourth area 288, which is not included in the shadow 282 of the second mode. A region included in the shadow 283 of the third mode is a fifth region 289.

  FIG. 30C shows an area specification table TB1 for specifying the areas 285 to 289 included in the shadows 281 to 283 at the start timing and the respective deformation timings. The area designation table TB1 is stored in the memory module 133. (0.2, 0.2, 0.2) is set as the vertex color for the vertices included in the area specified at the start timing and each transformation timing, and the vertices of the unspecified area are set to the vertices. (1.0, 1.0, 1.0) is set as the color.

  Specifically, at the start timing, (0.2, 0.2, 0.2) is set as the vertex color for the vertices included in the first area 285 and the second area 286, and the vertices are set to the other vertices. By setting (1.0, 1.0, 1.0) as the color, the shadow 281 of the first mode is displayed. At the first deformation timing, (0.2, 0.2, 0.2) is set as the vertex color for the vertices included in the first area 285 and the third area 287, and the vertex colors are set for the other vertices. Is set as (1.0, 1.0, 1.0), the shadow 282 of the second mode is displayed. Then, at the second deformation timing, (0.2, 0.2, 0.2) is set as the vertex color for the vertices included in the fourth area 288 and the fifth area 289, and the vertex colors are set for the other vertices. Is set to (1.0, 1.0, 1.0), the shadow 283 of the third mode is displayed.

  As described above, the regions 285 to 289 that become the shadows 281 to 283 are divided and stored, and the shapes of the shadows 281 to 283 are determined by specifying the divided regions 285 to 289 at the start timing and each deformation timing. I do. Accordingly, when the data amount of the common portion of each of the shadows 281 to 283 is large and the number of shape changes of the shadows 281 to 283 is large, the memory module is compared with the case where the vertex color data is stored for each of the shapes. 133 can reduce the amount of data stored.

  As shown in FIGS. 30A and 30B, one vertex included in the shadow 281 of the first embodiment is set as a representative vertex 284, and the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 are set as (x, z). The coordinates of the representative vertex 284 are calculated from the center coordinates of the bottom surfaces of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c. Specifically, the coordinates (x, z) of the representative vertex 284 are calculated by moving the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c by a in the x-axis direction and b in the y-axis direction. That is, the x coordinate of the representative vertex 284 is calculated by subtracting a from the x coordinate of the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c, and b is calculated from the y coordinate of the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c. By subtraction, the y coordinate of the representative vertex 284 is calculated. The center coordinates of the bottom surfaces of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c do not change even if the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are deformed. Therefore, a and b are constants and are stored in the memory module 133 in advance. Here, the bottom surfaces of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are surfaces that are in contact with the ground display object 272. The memory module 133 stores the coordinates of the vertices included in each of the regions 285 to 289 in relation to the representative vertex 284.

  Specifically, the memory module 133 stores a range designation table TB2. FIG. 31 shows the range designation table TB2. The coordinates of the vertices included in each of the regions 285 to 289 are stored in the range designation table TB2 in the form of (x + c, z + d). Here, c and d are integers. In other words, the coordinates of the vertices included in each of the regions 285 to 289 are stored as vertices located at positions shifted by c in the x-axis direction and d in the y-axis direction from the coordinates (x, z) of the representative vertex 284.

  By calculating the coordinates of all the vertices included in each of the regions 285 to 289 from one representative vertex 284 in this manner, when displaying how the shadows 281 to 283 translate in the xz plane, It is possible to reduce the amount of calculation performed to grasp the coordinates of the vertices included in 281 to 283. Specifically, when the shadows 281 to 283 move in the xz plane by e in the x direction and f in the z direction, the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 are changed from (x, z) to (x + e, z + f), By referring to the range designation table TB2, the coordinates of all vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 can be grasped. Therefore, the operation of moving the coordinates of all the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 by e in the x-axis direction and f in the z-axis direction can be omitted. Here, e and f are integers.

  A specific example of the shadows 281 to 283 that translate in a plane will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32A shows a state in which the shadow generation object 271 a of the first mode and the shadow 281 of the first mode are translated along the plane of the ground display object 272. The shadow generation object 271a and the shadow 281 move in the x-axis direction after moving in the z-axis direction. In this way, the effect that the shadow generation object 271a moves without deformation is performed as an effect that notifies the player that the expectation degree of the big hit is low.

  By referring to the data table and the animation data of the shadow generation object 271a at the start timing and each update timing, the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation object 271a are grasped. The memory module 133 stores parameters of the shadow generation object 271a as animation data of the shadow generation object 271a. Specifically, a plurality of pieces of pointer information are set so as to be serial numbers, and a parameter of the shadow generation object 271a is set in each piece of the pointer information. The parameters include the coordinates, rotation angle, and scale of the shadow generation object 271a. The center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation object 271a are grasped from the parameters of the shadow generation object 271a.

  The coordinates of the representative vertex 284 of the shadow 281 are calculated from the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation object 271a, and the coordinates of all the vertices of the first area 285 and the second area 286 included in the shadow 281 are calculated from the coordinates of the representative vertex 284. Is calculated. Then, (0.2, 0.2, 0.2) is set as the vertex color for all the vertices included in the shadow 281, and (1.0, 1.0, 1) is set as the vertex color for the other vertices. .0) is set.

  Each time the update timing comes, the center coordinate of the bottom surface of the shadow generation object 271a moves in the z-axis direction and then moves in the x-axis direction. With the movement of the center coordinates, the shadow 281 also moves in the z-axis direction and then moves in the x-axis direction. Thereby, the shadow 281 that translates in the plane of the ground display object 272 can be displayed. The amount of data stored in the memory module 133 can be reduced as compared with the case where all the vertices included in the shadow 281 are stored in advance corresponding to each update timing.

  Next, a case where the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are deformed while moving will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 32B shows a state in which the shadow generation object 271a of the first mode moves in the z-axis direction and deforms in the second mode, and then moves in the x-axis direction and deforms in the third mode. At the same time as the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c move and deform, the shadows 281 to 283 also move and deform. After the shadow 281 of the first form moves in the z-axis direction and transforms into the second form, it moves in the x-axis direction and transforms into the third form. As described above, the effect in which the shadow generation object 271a moves with deformation is performed as an effect that informs the player that the jackpot expectation degree is high.

  By referring to the data table and the animation data of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c at the start timing and each update timing, the center coordinates of the bottom surfaces of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are grasped. Representative vertices 284 of the shadows 281 to 283 are calculated from the center coordinates of the bottom surfaces of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c. Each time the update timing comes, the center coordinate of the bottom surface of the shadow generation object 271a moves in the z-axis direction and then moves in the x-axis direction. With the movement of the center coordinates, the representative vertex 284 also moves in the z-axis direction, and then moves in the x-axis direction.

  At the start timing, the areas 285 and 286 included in the shadow 281 are grasped by referring to the area specification table TB1 and the areas 285 and 286 are stored in the work RAM 132. After that, the regions 285 and 286 stored in the work RAM 132 are used as the regions 285 and 286 included in the shadow 281 until the timing at which the shadow 281 is deformed. When the update timing is the deformation timing of the shadows 281 to 283, the areas 285 to 289 included in the shadows 281 to 283 are grasped by referring to the area designation table TB1, and the areas 285 to 289 stored in the work RAM 132 are determined. Is updated.

  The manner in which the regions 285 to 289 included in the shadows 281 to 283 change and the shapes of the shadows 281 to 283 change will be specifically described with reference to FIG. The position of the shadow 281 at the start timing of the effect is set as the start position, and the position of the shadow 283 at the end timing of the effect is set as the end position. In addition, a position before the movement of the shadow 282 in the x-axis direction after the movement in the z-axis direction from the start position of the shadow 281 is completed is set as an intermediate position.

  At the start position, the first area 285 and the second area 286 are grasped as the areas 285 to 289 included in the shadow 281 by the area specification table TB1. Therefore, the shadow 281 of the first mode is displayed at the start position. The first deformation timing of the shadows 281 to 283 is the timing at which the shadow 281 reaches the intermediate position. At the intermediate position, the first area 285 and the third area 287 are grasped as the areas 285 to 289 included in the shadows 281 to 283 by the area designation table TB1. For this reason, the shadow 281 of the first mode is displayed from the start position to the intermediate position, and is transformed into the shadow 282 of the second mode at the intermediate position.

  The second deformation timing of the shadows 281 to 283 is the timing at which the shadow 282 reaches the end position. At the end position, the area designation table TB1 identifies the fourth area 288 and the fifth area 289 as the areas 285 to 289 included in the shadows 281 to 283. For this reason, the shadow 282 of the second mode is displayed from the intermediate position to the end position, and is transformed into the shadow 283 of the third mode at the end position.

  At the start timing and each change timing, the coordinates of the vertices included in each of the regions 285 to 289 are grasped from the coordinates of the representative vertex 284, and at this timing, all the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 are set to (0 .2, 0.2, 0.2) and (1.0, 1.0, 1.0) are set to the other vertices as vertex colors. The shadows 281 to 283 move as the representative vertex 284 moves. Further, each time the deformation timing is reached, the regions 285 to 289 included in the shadows 281 to 283 change. Therefore, it is possible to display the shadows 281 to 283 deforming while moving the surface of the ground display object 272 in parallel. The amount of data stored in the memory module 133 can be reduced as compared with the case where all vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 are stored in advance corresponding to each update timing.

  Hereinafter, a specific processing configuration of the light and shadow display effect will be described.

  FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the calculation processing for the light and shadow display effect performed by the display CPU 131. The calculation process for the light and shadow display effect is executed in the effect operation process in step S604 of the task process (FIG. 11). The calculation process for the light and shadow display effect is started when a data table corresponding to the number of games in which the light and shadow display effect is executed is set.

  First, in step S1201, it is determined based on the currently set data table whether or not it is time to execute a dark area display effect. If it is the execution timing of the dark area display effect in step S1201 (step S1201: YES), in step S1202, it is determined whether or not the jackpot expectation degree is high based on the currently set data table. I do. If the jackpot expectation degree is low (step S1202: NO), in step S1203, a calculation process for a dark area display effect involving movement is performed, and the calculation process ends as it is. If the jackpot has a high degree of expectation (step S1202: YES), in step S1204, a calculation process for displaying a dark area accompanied by movement and shape change is executed, and the calculation process ends as it is.

  If it is not the execution timing of the dark area display effect (step S1201: NO), it is determined in step S1205 whether or not the jackpot expectation degree is high based on the currently set data table. If the jackpot expectation degree is low (step S1205: NO), in step S1206, a calculation process for a bright area display effect involving movement is executed, and the calculation process ends as it is. If the jackpot expectation degree is high (step S1205: YES), in step S1207, calculation processing for a bright area display effect involving movement and shape change is executed, and the calculation processing ends as it is.

  Here, the calculation processing of the dark area display effect involving movement in step S1203 and the calculation processing of the bright area display effect involving movement in step S1206 are substantially the same processing. The difference between the two is that the former sets the vertex color to display a specific area darker than the surroundings, while the latter sets the vertex color to display the specific area brighter than the surroundings. Only points. The calculation processing of the dark area display effect involving movement and shape change in step S1204 and the calculation processing of the bright area display effect involving movement and shape change in step S1207 are substantially the same processing. The difference between the two is that the former sets the vertex color to display a specific area darker than the surroundings, while the latter sets the vertex color to display the specific area brighter than the surroundings. Only points. For this reason, in the following, the calculation processing for a dark area display effect involving movement and the calculation processing for a dark area display effect involving movement and shape change will be described in detail.

  First, a specific processing configuration for executing a dark area display effect involving movement will be described. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a calculation process for a dark area display effect accompanying movement executed by the display CPU 131. The calculation process for the dark area display effect accompanying the movement is executed in step S1203 of the calculation process for the light and shadow display effect (FIG. 33).

  First, in step S1301, it is determined based on the currently set data table whether or not a dark area display effect involving movement is being executed. If the dark area display effect with movement is not being executed (step S1301: NO), it is determined in step S1302 whether or not it is time to start the dark area display effect with movement. If it is not the start timing, the present arithmetic processing is ended as it is, and if it is the start timing, in step S1303, various data read processing is executed.

  Here, the reading process of various data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 35A is a flowchart illustrating a process of reading various data executed by the display CPU 131. Note that the animation data of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c, the arithmetic expression for calculating the representative vertex 284, and the range designation table TB2 are stored in the memory module 133 in advance.

  First, in step S1401, animation data of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c is read. In the animation data, the parameters of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are set in each of the pointer information. The parameters include coordinates, rotation angle, and scale. In step S1402, an arithmetic expression for calculating the representative vertex 284 is read based on the currently set data table. In step S1403, based on the currently set data table, the range designation table TB2 is read, and then, the process of reading the various data ends.

  Returning to the description of the calculation processing for the dark area display effect accompanying the movement (FIG. 34), after performing the reading processing of various data in step S1303, the calculation processing of the representative vertex is performed in step S1304.

  Here, the calculation processing of the representative vertex will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 35B is a flowchart illustrating the calculation processing of the representative vertex executed by the display CPU 131. Note that the ground display object 272 and the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are stored in the memory module 133 in advance.

  First, in step S1501, use instruction information of the ground display object 272 is stored based on the currently set data table. In step S1502, coordinates, a rotation angle, and a scale are grasped as parameters of the ground display object 272 based on the currently set data table. In step S1503, use instruction information of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c is stored based on the currently set data table. In step S1504, the coordinates, the rotation angle, and the scale are grasped as the parameters of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c based on the currently set data table and the animation data of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c that have already been read. . Thereby, the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are also grasped. In the following step S1505, the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 are applied by applying the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c grasped in step S1503 to the arithmetic expression for calculating the representative vertex 284 already read. Is calculated, and this calculation processing ends.

  Returning to the description of the calculation process for the dark area display effect involving movement (FIG. 34), after performing the calculation process of various coordinates in step S1304, the range designation table TB2 stored in the work RAM 132 in step S1305 and The coordinates of the vertex included in the shadow 281 are calculated from the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 calculated in step S1304. In step S1306, the use instruction information of the ground display texture is stored based on the currently set data table.

  In step S1307, the blending method of the color information for the dark area is grasped based on the currently set data table, and the blend instruction information for the dark area is stored. Specifically, as a method of blending color information for a dark area, a product of (R value, G value, B value) set by texture and (R value, G value, B value) set by vertex color Is determined as the final (R value, G value, B value). Then, in step S1308, the designated information is stored, and the calculation processing ends. Here, the designation information stored in step S1308 is start designation information when it is a start timing, and is update designation information when it is an update timing.

  When the calculation processing for the dark area display effect accompanying the movement as described above is executed, the drawing list created in the subsequent drawing list output processing includes the ground display object 272, the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c, and The use instruction information of the ground display texture is set. In the drawing list, the center coordinates of the bottom surfaces of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c grasped in step S1304 and the position information of the vertices included in the shadow 281 are also set. Further, blend instruction information for dark areas is also stored in the drawing list.

  Next, a specific processing configuration for executing a dark area display effect involving movement and shape change will be described. FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating a calculation process for a dark area display effect accompanying movement and shape change performed by the display CPU 131. The calculation processing for the dark area display effect accompanying the movement and the shape change is executed in step S1204 of the operation process for the light and shadow display effect (FIG. 33).

  First, in step S1601, it is determined based on the currently set data table whether or not a dark area display effect involving movement and shape change is being executed. If the dark area display effect with movement and shape change is not being executed (step S1601: NO), it is determined in step S1602 whether or not it is the start timing of the dark area display effect with movement and shape change. . If it is not the start timing, the present arithmetic processing is terminated as it is, and if it is the start timing, the flow proceeds to step S1603.

  In step S1603, various data read processing (FIG. 35A) is executed. In the reading process of various data, a table for grasping the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c stored in the memory module 133, an arithmetic expression for calculating the representative vertex 284, and a range designation table TB2 are used. Read it out and store it in the work RAM 132. In step S1604, the area specification table TB1 stored in the memory module 133 is read based on the currently set data table, and the area specification table TB1 is stored in the work RAM 132 in step S1605.

  In step S1606, a process of calculating a representative vertex (FIG. 35B) is performed. In step S1607, the region included in the shadows 281 to 283 is grasped based on the region designation table TB1 stored in the work RAM 132. Specifically, the first area 285 and the second area 286 are set as areas included in the shadows 281 to 283 at the start timing, and the shadow 281 in the first mode is displayed. In step S1608, the first area 285 and the second area 286 grasped in step S1607 are stored in the work RAM 132 as areas included in the shadow 281.

  In step S1609, based on the area included in the shadow 281 stored in the work RAM 132, the range designation table TB2 stored in the work RAM 132, and the representative vertex 284 calculated in step S1606, all of the Calculate the coordinates of the vertex. Specifically, since the first area 285 and the second area 286 are stored in the work RAM 132 as the areas included in the shadow 281, they are included in the first area 285 and the second area 286 based on the range designation table TB2. The coordinates of all the vertices included in the shadow 281 are calculated by grasping the coordinates of all the vertices in relation to the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 and applying the coordinates of the representative vertex 284. Thereby, all vertices included in the shadow 281 are grasped.

  In step S1610, the use instruction information of the ground display texture stored in the memory module 133 is stored based on the currently set data table. In step S1611, the blending method of the color information for the dark area is grasped based on the currently set data table, and the blend instruction information for the dark area is stored. Thereafter, in step S1612, the start designation information is stored, and the calculation processing ends.

  When the calculation processing of the dark area display effect involving movement and shape change is executed as described above, the drawing list created in the subsequent drawing list output processing includes the ground display object 272, the shadow generation object 271a, The use instruction information of the ground display texture is set. In the drawing list, the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation object 271a grasped in step S1606 and all the vertices included in the shadow 281 grasped in step S1609 are also set. Further, blend instruction information for dark areas is also stored in the drawing list.

  If it is determined in step S1601 that the dark area display effect accompanying movement and shape change is being executed (step S1601: YES), it is determined whether or not it is the deformation timing based on the data table currently set in step S1613. Is determined. If it is the deformation timing (step S1612: YES), the area included in the shadows 281 to 283 is grasped based on the area specification table TB1 stored in the work RAM 132 in step S1614. When the current deformation timing is the first deformation timing, the first area 285 and the third area 287 are grasped as areas included in the shadow 282. When the current deformation timing is the second deformation timing, the fourth area 288 and the fifth area 289 are grasped as areas included in the shadow 283. In a succeeding step S1615, the areas included in the shadows 281 to 283 stored in the work RAM 132 are updated to the respective areas 285 to 289 grasped in the step S1614.

  After making a negative determination in step S1613 or updating the region included in the shadows 281 to 283 in step S1615, the representative vertex calculation process (FIG. 35B) is executed in step S1616. In step S1617, the area included in the shadows 281 to 283 stored in the work RAM 132 is grasped, and the shadow 281 is determined based on the range designation table TB2 stored in the work RAM 132 and the representative vertex 284 calculated in step S1616. 283 are calculated. Specifically, based on the range designation table TB2, the coordinates of all the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 are grasped in relation to the coordinates of the representative vertex 284, and the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 are applied. The coordinates of all vertices included in 281 to 283 are calculated. Thereby, all vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 are grasped.

  In step S1618, the use instruction information of the ground display texture stored in the memory module 133 is stored based on the currently set data table. In step S1619, based on the currently set data table, the blending method of the color information for the dark area is grasped, and the blend instruction information for the dark area is stored. Thereafter, in step S1620, the update designation information is stored, and the calculation processing ends.

  When the calculation processing of the dark area display effect involving the movement and the shape change is executed as described above, the drawing list created in the subsequent drawing list output processing includes the ground display object 272 and the shadow generation objects 271a to 271a. 271c and use instruction information of the ground display texture are set. In the drawing list, the center coordinates of the bottom surfaces of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c grasped in step S1615 and all the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 grasped in step S1616 are also set. Further, blend instruction information for dark areas is also stored in the drawing list.

  Next, an object setting process executed by the VDP 135 will be described with reference to FIG. The object setting process is executed in the effect setting process in step S703 of the drawing process (FIG. 13).

  First, in step S1701, the address where the ground display object 272 is stored in the memory module 133 is grasped and read out with reference to the current drawing list. In step S1702, the parameters of the ground display object 272 are grasped by referring to the current drawing list. Specifically, the coordinates, the rotation angle, and the scale necessary for arranging the ground display object 272 in the world coordinate system are grasped. Then, in step S1703, the ground display object 272 is arranged in the world coordinate system so as to have the coordinates, the rotation angle, and the scale grasped in step S1702.

  In step S1704, with reference to the current drawing list, the address where the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are stored in the memory module 133 is grasped and read. In step S1705, the parameters of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are grasped by referring to the current drawing list. Specifically, the coordinates, the rotation angle, and the scale required to arrange the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c in the world coordinate system are grasped. Then, in step S1706, the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are arranged in the world coordinate system so as to have the coordinates, the rotation angle, and the scale grasped in step S1705, and the setting processing of this object ends.

  Next, the blending process of the color information performed by the VDP 135 will be described with reference to FIG. The color information blending process is executed in the rendering and pattern drawing data creation process in step S710 of the drawing process (FIG. 13).

  First, in step S1801, the ground display object 272 and the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c arranged in the world coordinate system are projected onto the screen area PC12, so as to produce effects and patterns for the effect in the screen buffer 144. Create two-dimensional projection data in the buffer.

  In step S1802, among the vertices of the ground display object 272, the vertices included in the dark area or the bright area are grasped with reference to the current drawing list. In step S1803, it is determined whether or not the effect is to display a dark area with reference to the current drawing list. If the effect is to display a dark area (step S1803: YES), in step S1804, (0.2, 0.2, 0.2) is set as the vertex color for the vertex grasped in step S1802. Then, in step S1805, (1.0, 1.0, 1.0) is set as the vertex color for the remaining vertices of the ground display object 272.

  In step S1806, the ground display texture is grasped by referring to the current drawing list. In the following step S1807, a blending process of color information by multiplication is performed. In the blending process of color information by multiplication, first, the color information set for each pixel is grasped by the vertex color set for each vertex of the ground display object 272. The color information is set as first color information. Next, when the ground display texture is applied to the projection data of the ground display object 272, the color information set for each pixel by the ground display texture is grasped. The color information is referred to as second color information. Then, blending is performed by multiplying the first color information and the second color information for each pixel. In the blending process, a product of (R value, G value, B value) set as the first color information and (R value, G value, B value) set as the second color information is calculated.

  Specifically, the product of the R value of the first color information and the R value of the second color information is the final R value, and the product of the G value of the first color information and the G value of the second color information is the final R value. It becomes a G value, and the product of the B value of the first color information and the B value of the second color information becomes the final B value. After that, in step S1808, the final R value, G value, and B value calculated for each pixel in step S1807 are set as color information of each pixel, and the blending process of the main color information ends.

  If the effect is not to display a dark area (step S1803: NO), in step S1809, (0.4, 0.4, 0.4) is set as the vertex color for the vertex grasped in step S1802. Then, in step S1810, (0, 0, 0) is set as the vertex color for the remaining vertices of the ground display object 272.

  In step S1811, the ground display texture is grasped by referring to the current drawing list. In a succeeding step S1812, a blending process of color information by addition is performed. In the blending process of the color information by the addition, first, the color information set to each pixel is grasped from the vertex color set to each vertex of the ground display object 272. The color information is set as first color information. Next, when the ground display texture is applied to the projection data of the ground display object 272, the color information set for each pixel by the ground display texture is grasped. The color information is referred to as second color information. Then, blending is performed by adding the first color information and the second color information for each pixel. In the blending process, the sum of (R value, G value, B value) set as the first color information and (R value, G value, B value) set as the second color information is calculated.

  More specifically, the sum of the R value of the first color information and the R value of the second color information is the final R value, and the sum of the G value of the first color information and the G value of the second color information is the final R value. The G value is obtained, and the sum of the B value of the first color information and the B value of the second color information becomes the final B value. Then, in step S1813, the final R value, G value, and B value calculated for each pixel in step S1812 are set as the color information of each pixel, and the blending process of the main color information ends.

  As described above, the ground display texture is applied to the ground display object 272 having a plurality of vertices, the vertex colors are set, and the ground display texture is set by the color information and the vertex colors set by the ground display texture. By blending the color information for each pixel and setting the final color information, it is possible to display a bright area or a dark area different in brightness from the surrounding area. The amount of data stored in the memory module 133 can be reduced as compared with a case where a bright area or a dark area is displayed using textures having different brightness from the surroundings.

  By blending the color information set by the ground display texture and the color information set by the vertex colors by addition, it is possible to display a bright region brighter than the surroundings. Also, by blending the color information set by the ground display texture and the color information set by the vertex colors by multiplication, a dark region darker than the surroundings can be displayed. As described above, when the light area is displayed and the dark area is displayed, by changing the color information blending method, both the light area display and the dark area display can be performed by setting the vertex color. it can. There is one type of color information blending method, and the types of effects that can be executed can be increased as compared with the case where only one of the bright area display and the dark area display is executable.

  The areas 285 to 289 that become the shadows 281 to 283 are divided and stored in the memory module 133, and the shapes of the shadows 281 to 283 are determined by designating the divided areas 285 to 289 at the production start timing and each deformation timing. . Accordingly, when the data amount of the common portion of each of the shadows 281 to 283 is large and the number of shape changes of the shadows 281 to 283 is large, the memory module is compared with the case where the vertex color data is stored for each of the shapes. 133 can reduce the amount of data stored.

  The coordinates of all vertices included in each of the regions 285 to 289 are stored in a form calculated from one representative vertex 284. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of calculation performed to grasp the coordinates of the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 when displaying the state in which the shadows 281 to 283 move in parallel in the plane.

<Another form of method for grasping vertex coordinates included in shadow>
The vertex coordinates included in each of the regions 285 to 289 forming the shadows 281 to 283 are stored in the range specification table TB2 in a form calculated from the coordinates of the representative vertices, and the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 are calculated at the start timing and each update timing. The method of grasping the vertices included in each of the regions 285 to 289 by substituting is described above. In this method, by changing the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 at the start timing and each update timing, all the vertex coordinates included in the regions 285 to 289 included in the shadows 281 to 283 can be translated. Therefore, it is possible to display the shadows 281 to 283 that move in parallel while suppressing the amount of data stored in the memory module 133.

  However, the method of displaying the parallel-moving shadows 281 to 283 while suppressing the amount of data stored in the memory module 133 is not limited to this. For example, the initial coordinates of the vertices included in the regions 285 to 289 forming the shadows 281 to 283 are stored for the start timing, and the vector for translating the shadows 281 to 283 from the initial coordinates for each update timing is stored. A configuration in which one is stored may be used.

  First, at the start timing, the vertices included in the regions 285 to 289 constituting the shadows 281 to 283 are grasped based on the initial coordinates. Next, at the update timing, the vertices included in the regions 285 to 289 constituting the shadows 281 to 283 at the timing can be grasped by translating the initial coordinates using the stored vector. The amount of data stored in the memory module 133 can be reduced as compared with the case where the vertex coordinates included in the regions 285 to 289 forming the shadows 281 to 283 are stored at each update timing.

<Another form of a method for grasping vertices included in a shadow accompanying a shape change>
The method for grasping the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 accompanying the shape change has been described above. Specifically, at each timing, the regions 285 to 289 constituting the shadows 281 to 283 are grasped by referring to the region designation table TB1, and the regions 285 to 289 are determined based on the coordinates of the range designation table TB2 and the representative vertex 284. By calculating the coordinates of the vertices included in, the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 are grasped. As a result, as compared with the case where all vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 are stored in the memory module 133 for each of the shapes of the shadows 281 to 283, the shape of the shadow is reduced while the amount of data stored in the memory module 133 is suppressed. It is possible to display shadows 281 to 283 accompanied by changes.

  However, the method of grasping the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 accompanying the shape change is not limited to this. For example, in a configuration in which the vertices existing in a range surrounded by four straight lines are set to the vertex colors and the shadows 281 to 283 are displayed, the formula of the four straight lines may change at each update timing. Specifically, a vertex color is set at the vertex of the ground display object 272 within a range surrounded by two straight lines parallel to the x axis and two straight lines parallel to the z axis in the xz plane. The shadows 281 to 283 are displayed.

  For two straight lines parallel to the x-axis, the z-intercept of the start timing and the z-intercept of the end timing are stored in the memory module 133 as key data. For two straight lines parallel to the z-axis, the x-intercept of the start timing and the end timing is stored in the memory module 133 as key data. Then, at each update timing, a blend table is stored in the memory module 133 for grasping the ratio of blending the key data of the start timing and the key data of the end timing. The blending table specifies a different blending ratio for each update timing.

  The display CPU 131 mixes key data with reference to the blend table, and updates the z-intercept of two straight lines parallel to the x-axis and the x-intercept of two straight lines parallel to the z-axis at each update timing. Thus, the range surrounded by the four straight lines can be changed continuously. When the range enclosed by the four straight lines changes, the vertices included in the range change, and the shapes of the shadows 281 to 283 displayed by setting the vertex colors to the vertices also change.

  Therefore, shape changes of the shadows 281 to 283 can be continuously displayed. As compared with the case where all the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 are stored in the memory module 133 for each shape of the shadows 281 to 283, the continuous shape is controlled while the amount of data stored in the memory module 133 is suppressed. It is possible to display shadows 281 to 283 accompanied by changes. Although a set of straight lines parallel to the x-axis and the z-axis has been described, the present invention is not limited to a straight line parallel to the axes as long as a closed area is specified by four straight lines.

  Also, the description has been given of the mode in which the intercept of the four straight lines is changed at each update timing according to the combination of the key data. The changing shadows 281 to 283 can be displayed. In this case, in a formula that defines a straight line on the xz plane, the coefficient of x or z is calculated by combining key data. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the inclination and intercept of the four straight lines change simultaneously according to the combination of the key data.

  The configuration in which the coordinate range surrounded by four straight lines is grasped and vertex colors are set at the vertices of the ground display object 272 included in the range has been described, but the number of straight lines defining the coordinate range is limited to four. I can't. The number of straight lines may be three or five or more. Accordingly, it is possible to define various shape ranges, and it is possible to display shadows 281 to 283 of various shapes while suppressing the amount of data stored in the memory module 133.

<Another form of method for displaying moving shadow>
The coordinates of the representative vertex 284 are grasped from the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c, and the coordinates of the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 are grasped from the coordinates of the representative vertex 284. Has been described above. However, the method of displaying the moving shadows 281 to 283 is not limited to this.

  For example, the coordinate table of the representative vertex 284 at the start timing and each update timing is stored in the memory module 133 in advance. A plurality of pieces of pointer information are set in the coordinate table so as to be serial numbers, and the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 are set in each piece of pointer information. The display CPU 131 grasps the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 by referring to the coordinate table at the start timing and each update timing, and grasps the coordinates of the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 from the coordinates of the representative vertex 284.

  Thereby, it is possible to display the shadows 281 to 283 that move differently from the motions of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c. In addition, a vertex color for a light area is set for a vertex grasped from the coordinates of the representative vertex 284, and color information is blended by addition for a light area, so that the vertex color can be set along the ground or the wall. To display a moving bright area. Specifically, it is possible to display an area of the ground illuminated by the light of the spotlight or an area of a wall illuminated by the light of the mirror ball.

  Further, by calculating the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c from the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 grasped from the coordinate table, the shadows 281 to 283 that follow the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are displayed. You may. The amount of data stored in the memory module 133 can be reduced as compared with a case where the coordinates of the shadows 281 to 283 and the coordinates of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c are separately grasped.

<Another form of method for setting vertex colors in the range grasped by the range specification table>
By substituting the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 into the range specification table TB2, the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 are grasped, and the same vertex color for displaying the shadows 281 to 283 is set to all of the vertices. Has been described above. However, the method of setting the vertex colors in the range grasped by the range specification table TB2 is not limited to this. For example, a configuration may be employed in which information other than vertex coordinates is stored in the range specification table TB2.

  Specifically, the vertex coordinates and the color information of the vertex colors set to the vertices having the vertex coordinates are set in the range specification table TB2 in association with each other. The display CPU 131 grasps the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 and also grasps the color information of the vertex colors set for each vertex. This makes it possible to display the shadows 281 to 283 in a plurality of colors while suppressing an increase in the number of the areas 285 to 289 stored in the range designation table TB2. For example, it is possible to give a gradation such that the color becomes darker from the outer edges of the shadows 281 to 283 toward the center.

<Another form of effect that changes the shape of the shadow by specifying the area included in the shadow>
The effect has been described above in which the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c have a plurality of shapes, and the shapes of the shadows 281 to 283 change with the shape change of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c. In the effect, by setting the vertex colors for the dark area to the vertices included in the areas 285 to 289 specified by the area specification table TB1, the shadows 281 to 283 are suppressed while the data amount stored in the memory module 133 is suppressed. Can be displayed. However, by specifying a region included in the shadow and setting a vertex color for a dark region to a vertex included in the specified region, a shadow whose shape changes while suppressing the amount of data stored in the memory module 133 can be obtained. The effect to be displayed is not limited to this.

  For example, in a performance in which a light source such as the sun exists above the shadow generation object 271a and the shadow of the shadow generation object 271a illuminated by the light source is displayed by setting the vertex color, the light source moves, and the light source moves. An effect in which the shape of the shadow changes accordingly may be performed. As the light source moves, the shadow takes a plurality of shapes. The shadow is divided into a plurality of areas and stored.

  Specifically, when the shadow changes from the start shape to the end shape via the intermediate shape, the region included only in the start shape, the region included only in the intermediate shape, the region included only in the end shape, the start The area included in the shape and the intermediate shape, the area included in the intermediate shape and the end shape, and the area included in all the shapes are separately stored in the memory module 133. Then, at the start timing and the update timing, an area included in the shadow is designated to display the shadow. This makes it possible to display a shadow whose shape changes while suppressing the amount of data stored in the memory module 133 as compared with a case where all vertices included in the shadow are stored for each shape.

<Another form of method to grasp vertices included in shadow>
An aspect in which the ground display object 272 is arranged in the world coordinate system so that the vertex of the ground display object 272 is a grid point on the xz plane, and the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 are grasped from the coordinates of the vertices. Has been described above. However, the method of grasping the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 is not limited to this. For example, a number may be set for each vertex of the ground display object 272 to identify the vertex, and the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 may be grasped based on the number. Accordingly, even when the ground display object 272 is arranged in the world coordinate system in such a manner that the vertex of the ground display object does not become a grid point on the xz plane, it is possible to grasp the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283. it can. Further, in the case where the surface of the ground display object 272 has irregularities, the vertex of the surface can be grasped and the vertex color can be set.

<Another form of effect that displays an image that moves following another image>
The effect of displaying the shadows 281 to 283 that move following the movement of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c has been described above. By grasping the coordinates of the representative vertex 284 based on the center coordinates of the bottom surface of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c and grasping the coordinates of the vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 based on the coordinates of the representative vertex 284, In this case, the amount of data to be stored in advance can be suppressed as compared with the case where all vertices included in the shadows 281 to 283 are grasped. However, the effect of displaying an image that moves following another image is not limited to this.

  For example, there is a predetermined region displayed by setting a vertex color to the vertex of the ground display object 272, and a specific region displayed by setting a vertex color to the vertex of the ground display object 272, An effect in which the specific region moves following the movement of the predetermined region while maintaining the relative positional relationship between the predetermined region and the specific region may be performed. By grasping the reference coordinates based on the coordinates of the predetermined area and grasping the coordinates of the vertices included in the specific area based on the reference coordinates, it is possible to suppress the amount of data to be stored in advance. it can.

  Further, a configuration may be adopted in which the coordinates of a specific vertex included in the predetermined region are grasped as reference coordinates, and the coordinates of the vertices included in the specific region are grasped based on the reference coordinates. Thereby, the processing load can be reduced.

<Another form of production in which the shape of the shadow of the shadow generation object changes>
The effect that the shapes of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c change and the shapes of the shadows 281 to 283 change with the shape change has been described above. However, the effect of changing the shape of the shadows 281 to 283 of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c is not limited to this. For example, when the expectation of the jackpot is low, the shapes of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c and the shadows 281 to 283 are not changed. When the expectation of the jackpot is high, the shapes of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c do not change. An effect in which only the shapes of the shadows 281 to 283 change may be performed. By breaking the correspondence between the shapes of the shadow generation objects 271a to 271c and the shapes of the shadows 281 to 283, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that a special event will occur, and to notify that the expectation of the jackpot is high. .

<Another form of production performed by setting vertex colors>
The effect that the shadows 281 to 283 move or the effect that the shape changes while the shadows 281 to 283 move are executed by setting the vertex color for the vertex of the ground display object 272 and changing the vertex for setting the vertex color. The method for doing so has been described above. However, the effect that can be executed by setting the vertex color to the vertex of the object that does not move and changing the vertex for setting the vertex color is not limited to this. For example, a shooting star flowing through the night sky can be displayed by setting a vertex color for a light area to a vertex of an object for displaying a window and changing a vertex for setting the vertex color at each change timing. Depending on the presence or absence and the number of shooting stars, an effect of notifying the player of the expectation of the jackpot can be performed.

<Configuration for performing shadow area display effect>
First, the shadow area display effect will be described. When light from a light source such as the sun shines on the character 411, a shadow 414 of the character 411 is formed on the ground 413 or the like. In the shadow area display effect, the character 411 and the shadow 414 of the character 411 that can be the ground 413 are connected by a plane, and a state in which the shadow 414 extends from the character 411 toward the ground 413 or the like is displayed in a translucent shadow area 412. It is a production to do.

  The character 411 having a skeletal structure such as a human can be displayed by connecting undeformed bones with deformable joints. The part of the bone that does not deform is represented by a rectangular parallelepiped block and is described as a bone. A three-dimensional object for displaying the bone is referred to as a bone object 421. FIG. 39A is an explanatory diagram for describing a mode of displaying the shadow area 412 of the character 411 configured by the bone object 421. In FIG. 39A, a character 411 composed of a bone object 421 stands on the ground 413, and the character 411 is exposed to sunlight and a shadow 414 of the character 411 is formed on the ground 413. I have. A shadow area 412 is displayed between the character 411 and the shadow 414 of the character 411 formed on the ground 413.

  In the shadow area 412, the shadow area object 423 (FIG. 39B) is arranged in the world coordinate system, and the shadow area texture 424 (FIG. 40A) is applied to the projection data of the shadow area object 423. Is displayed. FIG. 39B is an explanatory diagram for describing the shadow area object 423 used when displaying the shadow area 412 of one bone object 421. The shadow area object 423 is a two-dimensional plate-like polygon having four vertices. The shadow area object 423 is deformed according to the shape of the shadow area 412 and placed in the world coordinate system. The shape of the shadow area 412 is determined by the coordinates of the bone object 421 and the coordinates of the shadow object 425 of the bone object 421 in the world coordinate system.

  A method for determining the shape of the shadow area object 423 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. A ground object 426 and a bone object 421 are set in the world coordinate system. The ground object 426 is a three-dimensional object having a flat surface, and is set in the world coordinate system such that the flat surface faces upward with the flat surface included in the xz plane. Here, the upper side is the positive direction of the y-axis. The bone object 421 is arranged above the ground object 426.

  The parameters of the bone object 421 are stored in the memory module 133 as bone animation data. Specifically, a plurality of pieces of pointer information are set in the bone animation data so as to be serial numbers, and parameters of the bone object 421 are set in each piece of the pointer information. The parameters include the coordinates, rotation angle, and scale of the bone object 421. The bone object 421 is uniquely set in the world coordinate system by specifying a coordinate, a rotation angle, and a scale.

  The shadow 414 of the bone object 421 is displayed on the plane of the ground object 426 using the two-dimensional shadow object 425 and the shadow texture. The coordinates of the vertices of the shadow object 425 are stored in the memory module 133 as shadow animation data. Specifically, a plurality of pieces of pointer information are set in the shadow animation data so as to be serial numbers, and the parameters of the shadow object 425 are set in each of the pieces of pointer information. The parameters include the coordinates, rotation angle, and scale of the shadow object 425. A shadow 414 is displayed by applying a shadow texture to the projection data of the shadow object 425.

  As shown in FIG. 39B, at the start timing, the bone object 421 is set in the world coordinate system such that the bottom surface is parallel to the plane of the ground object 413. Of the two types of sides forming the bottom surface of the bone object 421, one longer side is a connection side with the shadow area object 423. The vertices at both ends of the connection side are referred to as a first vertex 431 and a second vertex 432.

  The VDP 135 grasps the coordinates of the first vertex 431 and the second vertex 432 at the start timing and the update timing with reference to the bone animation data. The VDP 135 has the same coordinates as the coordinates of the first vertex 431 and the other of the two vertices above the shadow area object 423 (on the side of the bone object 421) having the same coordinates as the coordinates of the second vertex 432. The shadow area object 423 is set in the world coordinate system in the following manner. Thus, even if the coordinates of the bone object 421 change, the shadow area object 423 follows the bone object 421.

  The coordinates of the vertices of the shadow object 425 are obtained by extending a straight line from each vertex of the bone object 421 toward the ground 413, and storing the straight line in the shadow animation data as coordinates that intersect with the plane of the ground 413 object 426. I have. Here, straight lines extending from each vertex of the bone object 421 toward the ground 413 are parallel to each other. Therefore, each vertex of the shadow object 425 is in correspondence with one vertex of the bone object 421. Of the vertices of the shadow object 425, a vertex that is in correspondence with the first vertex 431 of the bone object 421 is a third vertex 433, and a vertex that is in correspondence with the second vertex 432 of the bone object 421 is a fourth vertex. The vertex 434 is set.

  The VDP 135 grasps the coordinates of the third vertex 433 and the fourth vertex 434 at the start timing and the update timing with reference to the shadow animation data. The VDP 135 has the same coordinates as the coordinates of the third vertex 433, and the other has the same coordinates as the coordinates of the fourth vertex 434, of the two vertices below the shadow area object 423 (the shadow object 425 side). The shadow area object 423 is set in the world coordinate system in the form of coordinates.

  The coordinates of the shadow object 425 also change with the changes in the coordinates of the bone object 421. The shadow area object 423 follows the bone object 421 while deforming according to the change in the coordinates of the first vertex 431 to the fourth vertex 434. The shadow area texture 424 is applied to the projection data of the shadow area object 423.

The texture 424 for a shadow area will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 40A shows a shadow region texture 424 in the UV coordinate system. The shadow area texture 424 is a square having four vertices. In the UV coordinate system, the coordinates of the four vertices of the shadow area texture 424 are (0, 0), (1, 0), (0, 1), and (1, 1). Black color information is set in the texture 424 for the shadow area. The α value smaller than “1” is set for the texture 424 for the shadow area.

  In the shadow area texture 424 in the UV coordinate system, the eleventh area 424a in which v is greater than “0” and equal to or less than “0.2” is set to “0.1” as an α value, and v is In the twelfth region 424b that is larger than “0.2” and equal to or smaller than “0.4”, “0.4” is set as the α value, and v is larger than “0.4” and “0.6”. In the thirteenth area 424c that is equal to or less than ".", "0.7" is set as the α value. In the fourteenth region 424d where v is larger than "0.6" and equal to or smaller than "0.8", "0.4" is set as the α value, and v is larger than "0.8". In the fifteenth region 424e that is equal to or less than “1”, “0.1” is set as the α value.

  The point (0,0) in the UV coordinate system corresponds to the first vertex 431, the point (1,0) corresponds to the second vertex 432, and the point (0,1) corresponds to the third vertex 433. At the same time, the shadow area texture 424 is applied to the projection data of the shadow area object 423 in such a manner that the point (1, 1) corresponds to the fourth vertex 434. As a result, in the shadow area 412, areas near the bone object 421 and the ground 413 are displayed with high transparency.

  As shown in FIG. 39B, at the start timing, the line segment connecting the first vertex 431 and the second vertex 432 and the line segment connecting the third vertex 433 and the fourth vertex 434 are parallel. Therefore, the shape of the shadow area object 423 is a parallelogram. However, the coordinates of the first vertex 431 to the fourth vertex 434 may change at the update timing. For example, as shown in FIG. 40B, when the first vertex 431 and the second vertex 432 have different heights from the ground 413, the shape of the shadow area object 423 becomes a trapezoid.

  The shadow area object 423 is stored in the memory module 133 in a size corresponding to the maximum size of the shadow area 412 in the effect of displaying the shadow area 412. The shadow area texture 424 is stored in the memory module 133 in such a manner that each dot of the maximum size shadow area object 423 and each pixel of the shadow area texture 424 correspond one-to-one. Therefore, the shadow area object 423 is deformed only in the direction in which the size decreases. The VDP 135 deforms the shadow area texture 424 by thinning out the dots in accordance with the deformation of the shadow area object 423. For this reason, the deformation of the shadow area texture 424 is also performed only in the direction in which the number of dots decreases.

  In FIG. 40A, rows of dots in the u-axis direction of the shadow area texture 424 are rows, and rows of dots in the v-axis direction are columns. In the deformation that reduces the size of the shadow area texture 424 in the v-axis direction, the color of the shadow area texture 424 after the deformation changes depending on the method of selecting the dots to be thinned out.

  The VDP 135 includes, for each column, the number of dots belonging to the eleventh region 424a, the number of dots belonging to the twelfth region 424b, the number of dots belonging to the thirteenth region 424c, the number of dots belonging to the fourteenth region 424d, The thinning of the dots of the texture 424 for the shadow area is executed in such a manner that the ratio of the number of the dots belonging to the fifteenth area 424e does not change. Specifically, for a certain row, when the number of dots arranged in the row is thinned by 20%, the number of dots belonging to each of the regions 424a to 424e is thinned by 20%. Therefore, the ratio of the number of dots belonging to each of the regions 424a to 424e does not change before and after the dot thinning in the shadow region texture 424, and the color shade of the displayed shadow region 412 is maintained.

  Next, a method of adjusting the density of the displayed shadow region 412 by adjusting the uniform α value applied to the shadow region 412 according to the angle at which the shadow region 412 is displayed will be described. First, a display angle necessary to determine a uniform α value applied to the shadow area object 423 is defined. FIG. 41A shows the relationship between the screen area PC12 and the shadow area object 423 in the world coordinate system. FIG. 41B shows a cut surface obtained by cutting the screen area PC12 and the shadow area object 423 on a plane orthogonal to the screen area PC12. Specifically, in the world coordinate system, a plane parallel to the xz plane is selected as a plane orthogonal to the screen area PC12 parallel to the xy plane, and the screen area PC12 and the shadow area object 423 are cut by the plane. The cut surface in this case is shown in FIG.

  In the cutting plane, both the screen area PC12 and the shadow area object 423 form one line segment. In the cut plane, the angle between the extension of the normal vector of the shadow area object 423 on the screen area PC12 side and the screen area PC12 is defined as the display angle. In the cut plane, the shadow area object 423 and the screen area PC12 are orthogonal to each other, and the display angle when the extension of the normal vector of the shadow area object 423 does not intersect the screen area PC12 is 0 ° or 180 °. I do.

  As shown in FIG. 41C, when the display angle is 90 °, a shadow area object 423 facing the screen area PC12 is projected on the screen area PC12. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 41B, when the display angle is not 90 °, the shadow area object 423 that is oblique to the screen area PC12 is projected onto the screen area PC12. As the display angle decreases from 90 °, the shadow area object 423 is projected in a state of being inclined with respect to the screen area PC12. Similarly, as the display angle increases from 90 °, the shadow area object 423 is projected in an inclined state with respect to the screen area PC12.

  Since the α value smaller than “1” is set in the shadow area texture 424, the color information set for each dot of the projection data of the shadow area object 423 is the color information of the background image data and the shadow information. It is determined by blending the color information of the area texture 424. When the display angle is 90 °, the blending of the color information of the background image data and the color information of the shadow area texture 424 is performed once, and the color information obtained by the blending is used as the shadow area object 423. Are set to the dots of the projection data. On the other hand, when the display angle is around 0 ° or around 180 °, the blending of the color information obtained by the blending and the color information of the shadow area texture 424 is performed a plurality of times, and the obtained color information is obtained. Is set to the dot of the projection data of the shadow area object 423.

  When the display angle is less than 90 °, the contribution of the shadow region texture 424 increases as the display angle decreases, and the shadow region 412 is displayed darker. When the display angle is larger than 90 °, the contribution of the shadow area texture 424 increases as the display angle increases, and the shadow area 412 is displayed darker. When the display angle is 0 ° or 180 °, the shadow area 412 is displayed as one dark line. In this manner, as the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12 changes, the mode in which the density of the displayed shadow area 412 changes and the mode in which the shadow area 412 is displayed as a single line are as follows. This is not preferable because the three-dimensional effect of the shadow region 412 is lost.

  On the other hand, by setting different uniform α values for the shadow area object 423 in accordance with the magnitude of the display angle, the stereoscopic effect of the shadow area 412 can be maintained. By setting the shadow area object 412, the uniform α value that brings the blended color information at each display angle closer to the blended color information when the display angle is 90 ° is grasped experimentally in the design stage. , Are stored in the transparency table TT1 (FIG. 42A).

  FIG. 42A shows a transparency table TT1 storing uniform α values set in the shadow area object 423 according to the display angle. The transparency table TT1 is stored in the memory module 133. As shown in FIG. 42A, when the display angle is 0 ° or more and less than 15 °, “0” is set to the shadow area object 423 as a uniform α value. When the display angle is in the range of 0 ° or more and less than 90 °, the uniform α value that is set increases as the display angle increases, and when the display angle is 75 ° or more and less than 105 °, the uniform α value is “1”. Is set in the shadow area object 423. When the display angle is in the range of 90 ° or more and 180 ° or less, the uniform α value that is set decreases as the display angle increases, and when the display angle is 165 ° or more and 180 ° or less, the uniform α value is “0”. Is set in the shadow area object 423.

  The final α value set for each dot of the projection data of the shadow area object 423 is set by applying the uniform α value set based on the transparency table TT1 and the shadow area texture 424. It is a value obtained by multiplying the value. Therefore, when the display angle is 75 ° or more and less than 105 °, “1” is set as the uniform α value, and the α value set by the shadow area texture 424 becomes the final α value. In this case, since the color information and the transmission information set in the dots of the texture 424 for the shadow area corresponding to the dots of the projection data of the object 423 for the shadow area are set, the display according to the texture 424 for the shadow area is performed. Done. When the display angle is 0 ° or more and less than 15 ° or 165 ° or more and 180 ° or less, “0” is set as the uniform α value, so that the final α value is also “0”. Become. In this case, since “0” is set as the α value for each dot of the projection data of the shadow area object 423, the shadow area 412 is not displayed.

  As described above, the density of the shadow area 412 can be kept constant by changing the uniform α value set in the shadow area object 423 in accordance with the inclination of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12. .

  Further, in the range where the display angle is the smallest and the largest range, the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12 may be corrected so that the display angle does not take a value of less than 15 ° or a value of 165 ° or more. . This makes it possible to avoid a situation where the uniform α value set in the shadow area object 423 becomes “0” and the shadow area 412 is not displayed.

  42 (b) to (e) show the connection modes of the bone object 421 and the shadow area object 423. FIG. 42 (b) shows a connection mode when the display angle is 15 ° or more and less than 90 °, and FIG. 42 (c) shows a connection mode when the display angle is 0 ° or more and less than 15 °. As shown in FIG. 42B, when the display angle is 15 ° or more and less than 90 °, the angle correction of the shadow area object 423 is not performed. Therefore, the angle of the bone object 421 with respect to the screen area PC12 is equal to the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 42C, when the display angle is 0 ° or more and less than 15 °, the angle correction of the shadow area object 423 is performed. Specifically, two vertex coordinates of the shadow area object 423 on the bone object 421 side are changed so that the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12 is 15 °. Therefore, the angle of the bone object 421 with respect to the screen area PC12 is different from the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12.

  FIG. 42D shows a connection mode when the display angle is 90 ° or more and less than 165 °, and FIG. 42E shows a connection mode when the display angle is 165 ° or more and 180 ° or less. As shown in FIG. 42D, when the display angle is 90 ° or more and less than 165 °, the angle correction of the shadow area object 423 is not performed. Therefore, the angle of the bone object 421 with respect to the screen area PC12 is equal to the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 42E, when the display angle is 165 ° or more and 180 ° or less, the angle correction of the shadow area object 423 is performed. Specifically, the two vertex coordinates of the shadow area object 423 on the bone object 421 side are changed so that the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12 becomes 164 °. Therefore, the angle of the bone object 421 with respect to the screen area PC12 is different from the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12.

  As described above, by correcting the angle of the shadow area object 423 when the display angle is 0 ° or more and less than 15 ° or 165 ° or more and 180 ° or less, the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12 is changed. By keeping the predetermined range, it is possible to avoid a situation where the uniform α value set in the shadow area object 423 becomes “0”. Therefore, the uniform α value is set to “0” in the shadow area object 423, and the shadow area 412 is temporarily hidden, thereby preventing the player from feeling uncomfortable.

  Hereinafter, a specific processing configuration for executing the shadow area display effect will be described.

  FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a calculation process for a shadow area display effect performed by the display CPU 131. The calculation process for the shadow area display effect is performed in the effect operation process in step S604 of the task process (FIG. 11). The calculation process for the shadow area display effect is started when a data table corresponding to the number of games in which the shadow area display effect is executed is set. Note that the bone animation data, the shadow animation data, the transparency table TT1, the shadow texture, and the shadow area texture 424 are stored in the memory module 133 in advance.

  First, in step S1901, it is determined whether or not the shadow area display effect is being executed based on the currently set data table. If the shadow area display effect is not being executed (step S1901: NO), it is determined in step S1902 whether or not it is time to start the shadow area display effect. If it is not the start timing, the present arithmetic processing is terminated as it is, and if it is the start timing, the flow proceeds to step S1903.

  In step S1903, bone animation data for grasping the coordinates of the bone object 421 in the world coordinate system is read. In a succeeding step S1904, shadow animation data for grasping the coordinates of the shadow object 425 in the world coordinate system is read. Then, in step S1905, the transparency table TT1 for grasping the uniform α value set for the shadow area object 423 according to the display angle is read. After making an affirmative determination in step S1901, or reading out the transparency table TT1 in step S1905, a process of grasping various data is executed in step S1906.

  Here, the process of grasping various data will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing various data grasping processes executed by the display CPU 131. The bone object 421, the ground object 426, the shadow object 425, and the shadow area object 423 are stored in the memory module 133 in advance.

  First, in step S2001, the use instruction information of the bone object 421 is stored based on the currently set data table. In step S2002, the use instruction information of the ground object 426 is stored based on the currently set data table. Remember. In subsequent step S2003, use instruction information of the shadow object 425 is stored based on the currently set data table. In step S2004, use instruction information of the shadow area object 423 is stored based on the currently set data table. Is stored.

  In step S2005, the coordinates of the bone object 421 in the world coordinate system are grasped by referring to the bone animation data that has already been read. In the following step S2006, the coordinates of the shadow object 425 in the world coordinate system are grasped by referring to the shadow animation data that has already been read. In step S2007, the coordinates of the four vertices of the shadow area object 423 are grasped from the coordinates of the bone object 421 grasped in step S2005 and the coordinates of the shadow object 425 grasped in step S2006. The process of grasping various data ends.

  Returning to the description of the calculation processing for shadow area display effect (FIG. 43), after performing various data grasp processing in step S1906, the shadow area object 423 is determined based on the currently set data table in step S1907. It is determined whether or not the effect is that the angle correction is performed. If the effect is to perform angle correction (step S1907: YES), the display angle is calculated from the coordinates of the screen area PC12 and the shadow area object 423 in step S1908, and the display angle is 0 ° or more and less than 15 °. It is determined whether it is within the range or the range from 165 ° to 180 °.

  When the display angle is in the range of 15 ° or more and less than 165 ° (step S1908: NO), the angle is not corrected. If the display angle is in the range of 0 ° to less than 15 ° or in the range of 165 ° to 180 ° (step S1908: YES), the angle of the shadow area object 423 is changed in step S1909. In the angle change processing, when the display angle is 0 ° or more and less than 15 °, the coordinates of the shadow area object 423 are changed so that the display angle becomes 15 °, and the display angle is 165 ° or more and 180 ° or less. In some cases, the coordinates of the shadow area object 423 are changed so that the display angle becomes 164 °.

  After making a negative determination in step S1907, making a negative determination in step S1908, or performing an angle change process in step S1909, the transparency table TT1 already read in step S1910 is read. By referencing, the uniform α value corresponding to the display angle is grasped. In the following step S1911, the texture for shadow is grasped based on the currently set data table, and in step S1912, the texture 424 for shadow area is grasped based on the currently set data table. Then, in step S1913, the designated information is stored, and the arithmetic processing for the main shadow area display effect is completed. In step S1913, when it is the start timing of the shadow area display effect, the start designation information is stored, and when it is the update timing of the shadow area display effect, the update designation information is stored.

  When the calculation processing for the shadow area display effect is executed as described above, the drawing list created in the subsequent drawing list output processing includes the bone object 421, the ground object 426, the shadow object 425, and the shadow object. Use instruction information of the area object 423, the shadow texture, and the shadow area texture 424 is set. In the drawing list, the coordinates of the bone object 421, the shadow object 425, and the shadow area object 423 grasped in step S1906 are also set. If the angle change processing has been performed in step S1909, the changed coordinates are set as the coordinates of the shadow area object 423.

  Next, various object setting processes performed by the VDP 135 will be described with reference to FIG. The setting processing of various objects is executed in the rendering setting processing in step S703 of the drawing processing (FIG. 13).

  First, in step S2101, the address where the bone object 421 is stored in the memory module 133 is read out with reference to the current drawing list. In the following step S2102, the coordinates of the bone object 421 are grasped by referring to the current drawing list. In step S2103, the bone object 421 is set in the world coordinate system based on the coordinates grasped in step S2102. In step S2104, referring to the current drawing list, the memory module 133 grasps and reads the address where the ground object 426 is stored, and in step S2105, sets the ground object 426 in the world coordinate system.

  In step S2106, the address at which the shadow object 425 is stored in the memory module 133 is read out with reference to the current drawing list. In the subsequent step S2107, the coordinates of the shadow object 425 are grasped by referring to the current drawing list. In step S2108, the shadow object 425 is set in the world coordinate system based on the coordinates grasped in step S2107.

  In step S2109, the address where the shadow area object 423 is stored in the memory module 133 is read out with reference to the current drawing list. In the following step S2110, the coordinates of the shadow area object 423 are grasped by referring to the current drawing list. Then, in step S2111, the shadow area object 423 is set in the world coordinate system based on the coordinates grasped in step S2111, and the setting processing of the various objects ends.

  Next, the color information setting processing executed by the VDP 135 will be described with reference to FIG. The color information setting processing is executed in the rendering and pattern drawing data creation processing in step S710 of the drawing processing (FIG. 13).

  First, in step S2201, the current drawing list is referred to, the memory module 133 grasps and reads the address where the shadow texture is stored, and in step S2202, the current drawing list is referred to and the memory module 133 displays the shadow list. The address where the area texture 424 is stored is grasped and read.

  In step S2203, the uniform α value applied to the shadow area object 423 is grasped by referring to the current drawing list. In the following step S2204, the α value set for each dot by applying the shadow area texture 424 to the shadow area object 423 is blended with the α value set by applying a uniform α value. . Specifically, for each dot, the product of the α value set by referring to the shadow area texture 424 and the α value set by applying a uniform α value is calculated, and the calculation result is assigned to each dot. This is the final α value to be set.

  In step S2205, the final α value calculated in step S2204 is applied to each dot of the shadow area object 423. In step S2206, the screen buffer 144 is projected by projecting the bone object 421, the ground object 426, the shadow object 425, and the shadow area object 423 set in the world coordinate system onto the screen area PC12. The two-dimensional projection data is created in the effect and symbol buffer in. In step S2207, a shadow texture is applied to the projection data of the shadow object 425.

  In step S2208, a deformation process is performed to match the shadow area texture 424 read in step S2202 with the shape of the current shadow area object 423. In the deformation process, dots of the shadow area texture 424 are thinned out. The number of dots to be thinned out depends on the degree of deformation. Specifically, when the area of the shadow area object 423 becomes half of the area before the deformation by the current deformation of the shadow area object 423, the number of dots of the shadow area texture 424 becomes the number of dots before the thinning. The transformation process is performed in such a manner as to be half of. If the area of the shadow area object 423 becomes ４ of the area before deformation due to the current deformation of the shadow area object 423, the number of dots of the shadow area texture 424 becomes smaller than the number of dots before thinning. The deformation process is performed in a manner that is a quarter of.

  Since the dots are thinned out in a manner in which the ratio of the dots included in the regions 424a to 424e of the shadow region texture 424 does not change, the color of the shadow region texture 424 does not change. Then, in step S2209, the R value, G value, and B value are set to each dot as color information other than the α value by applying the shadow area texture 424 to the projection data of the shadow area object 423. Then, the setting process of the main color information ends.

  As described above, the shadow area 412 of the bone object 421 is displayed using the shadow area object 423 that moves following the bone object 421. By using a plate-shaped polygon as the shadow area object 423, the shadow area can be displayed by real-time rendering without a large processing load.

  By always setting the two vertices on the shadow object 425 side among the four vertices of the shadow area object 423 on the surface of the ground object 426, the two vertices are lower than the surface of the ground object 426. Not to be located. Thus, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the color information of the shadow area texture 424 corresponding to the shadow area object 423 is interrupted on the surface of the ground object 426 and the shadow area 412 is displayed halfway.

  Even if the coordinates, rotation angle, and scale of the bone object 421 are changed, the two vertices on the ground side of the shadow area object 423 are always smaller than the surface of the ground object 426, and the shadow area Object 423 is stored in the memory module 133 in advance. Thus, the change in the size of the shadow area object 423 and the shadow area texture 424 is always a change to reduce the size of the shadow area object 423 and the shadow area texture 424. The types of processing performed by the display CPU 131 can be reduced as compared with the case where both the change to increase the size of the shadow area object 423 and the change to reduce the shadow area texture 424 need to be performed.

  The deformation of the shadow area texture 424 is performed by thinning out the dots of the shadow area texture 424. The dot thinning is performed by classifying the dots of the shadow area texture 424 according to the type of color information set for the dot, and fixing the ratio of the dots having each type of color information. This makes it possible to maintain the color of the shadow area 412 before and after the dot thinning.

  The uniform α value applied to the shadow area object 423 is changed according to the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12. In the range where the display angle is 0 ° or more and less than 90 °, the α value is uniformly increased as the display angle increases. When the display angle is in the range of 90 ° or more and less than 180 °, the α value is uniformly reduced as the display angle increases. Thus, even if the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12 changes, the density of the displayed shadow area 412 can be kept within a certain range. Therefore, when the display angle is around 0 ° or around 180 °, the shadow region 412 is displayed extremely dark, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which the player feels strange.

  When the display angle is less than 15 °, the coordinates of the shadow area object 423 are changed so that the display angle becomes 15 °. When the display angle is 165 ° or more, the coordinates of the shadow area object 423 are changed so that the display angle becomes 164 °. Thereby, the display angle is always kept in the range of 15 ° or more and less than 165 °. Since the display angle does not take a value in the vicinity of 0 ° or 180 °, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the shadow area object 423 is uniformly set to “0” as the α value and the shadow area 412 is not displayed. .

<Another form of method for keeping shadow area density within a certain range>
A method of changing the uniform α value set for the shadow area object 423 in accordance with the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12 so that the density of the displayed shadow area 412 is always within a certain range. Has been described above. However, a method of always keeping the density of the displayed shadow area 412 within a certain range is not limited to this. For example, the color information of the shadow area texture 424 applied to the projection data of the shadow area object 423 may be changed according to the angle of the shadow area object 423 with respect to the screen area PC12.

  Specifically, as the display angle decreases from 90 ° to 0 °, the color information of the shadow region texture 424 is reduced from black to gray. As a result, as the display angle decreases from 90 ° to 0 °, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the shadow region 412 is displayed darker. Similarly, as the display angle increases from 90 ° to 180 °, the color information of the shadow area texture 424 is reduced from black to gray. Accordingly, it is possible to avoid a situation where the shadow area 412 is displayed darker as the display angle increases from 90 ° to 180 °.

<Another form of method for displaying a shadow area to be deformed>
The method of grasping the coordinates of the four vertices 431 to 434 from the bone animation data and the shadow animation data and deforming the shadow area object 423 in accordance with the coordinates to display the shadow area 412 has been described above. By transforming the shadow area object 423, the transparency of the shadow area 412 near the bone object 421 and the shadow object 425 can always be kept high even if the coordinates of the bone object 421 change. Become.

  However, the method for displaying the shadow area 412 to be deformed is not limited to this. For example, the shadow area 412 may be displayed by transforming the shadow area texture 424 with UV coordinates and reducing the shadow area texture 424 performed by thinning out the dots without deforming the shadow area object 423.

  Of the four vertices of the shadow area object 423, two vertices on the bone object 421 side are set as fifth and sixth vertices, and two vertices on the ground 413 side are set as seventh and eighth vertices. . The VDP 135 arranges the shadow area object 423 in the world coordinate system such that the coordinates of the fifth and sixth vertices are the same as the coordinates of the two vertices on the bottom surface of the bone object 421. Therefore, the shadow area object 423 follows the bone object 421.

  Even when the bone object 421 is at the highest position from the ground 413, the shadow area object 423 is stored in the memory module 133 in such a size that the seventh vertex and the eighth vertex are located below the ground 413. Keep it. The VDP 135 converts the UV coordinates of the shadow area texture 424 according to the height of the fifth vertex and the sixth vertex from the ground 413. For example, when the height of the fifth vertex and the sixth vertex from the ground 413 is half of the maximum, the point (0, 1) is changed to the point (0, 1) with respect to the texture 424 for the shadow area in the UV coordinate system. 0.5), and the coordinates in the v-axis direction are converted so that the point (1, 1) becomes the point (1, 0.5).

  At the time of the coordinate conversion, dots of the shadow area texture 424 are also thinned out. Specifically, thinning is performed so that the number of dots belonging to each of the regions 424a to 424e is halved in such a manner that the ratio of the number of dots belonging to each of the regions 424a to 424e does not change. Thus, when the shadow area texture 424 is applied to the projection data of the shadow area object 423, all the areas 424a to 424e of the shadow area 412 are displayed in a range corresponding to the upper half of the shadow area object 423. The shadow area 412 that follows the bone object 421 can be displayed without impairing the hue of the shadow area texture 424.

<Another form of method for deforming shadow area>
The configuration in which the shadow area object 423 is stored in the memory module 133 at a size corresponding to the case where the size of the shadow area 412 is maximized in the effect, and only the deformation in which the size of the shadow area object 423 decreases is described above. In this case, since the deformation of the shadow area texture 424 is also limited to the deformation in which the number of dots is reduced, both the deformation of increasing the size of the shadow area object 423 and the deformation of reducing the size of the shadow area object 423 are performed. As compared with the case, the data amount of the program stored in advance can be reduced.

  However, the method of deforming the shadow area 412 is not limited to this. For example, the configuration may be such that the shadow area object 423 is stored in the memory module 133 at a size corresponding to the case where the size of the shadow area 412 is minimized in the effect, and only the deformation for increasing the size of the shadow area object 423 is performed. . In this case, since the deformation of the shadow area texture 424 is also limited to the deformation in which the number of dots increases, both the deformation of increasing the size of the shadow area object 423 and the deformation of reducing the size of the shadow area object 423 are performed. As compared with the case, the data amount of the program stored in advance can be reduced. Note that the shadow area texture 424 is deformed in such a manner that the ratio of the number of dots belonging to each of the areas 424a to 424e does not change.

  Further, both the modification for increasing the size of the shadow area object 423 and the modification for decreasing the size of the shadow area object 423 may be performed. By storing the shadow area object 423 in the memory module 133 at a size corresponding to the shadow area 412 of the size most frequently displayed in the effect, the amount of calculations performed in real time can be reduced.

<Another form of method for displaying shadow area>
The method for displaying the shadow area 412 of the bone object 421 by applying the shadow area texture 424 to the projection data of the shadow area object 423 and setting the color information has been described above. However, the method of setting the color information in the shadow area object 423 is not limited to this. For example, the color information is set by using a shadow area object 523 having vertices other than the four vertices for determining the shape of the shadow area object 423, and setting the vertex colors to the vertices of the shadow area object 523. It is good also as a structure which performs. Since the shadow area display is performed without using the shadow area texture 424, the amount of data stored in the memory module 133 can be reduced.

  A specific method for setting a vertex color and displaying a shadow area will be described with reference to FIGS. 47 (a) and 47 (b). FIG. 47A shows a state in which a vertex color is set in the projection data of the shadow area object 523 without deformation, and FIG. 47B shows a state of the shadow area object 523 with deformation. This shows how the vertex colors are set in the projection data. As shown in FIG. 47A, the shadow area object 523 is rectangular. The vertices of the four corners of the quadrangle are point G, point H, point I, and point J. The shadow area object 523 has six vertices K to P in addition to the four vertices G to J.

  The vertex K exists at the midpoint of the line segment GJ, and the vertex L exists at the midpoint of the line segment HI. Also, a vertex M exists at the midpoint of the line segment GK, and a vertex N exists at the midpoint of the line segment HL. The vertex O exists at the midpoint of the line segment KJ, and the vertex P exists at the midpoint of the line segment LI. By setting vertex colors to these ten vertices, shadow region display is performed.

  For the four vertices G to J, “0” is set as the R value, the G value, and the B value, and “0.1” is set as the α value. In addition, “0” is set as the R value, the G value, and the B value for the four vertices M, N, O, and P, and “0.4” is set as the α value. Then, “0” is set as the R value, the G value, and the B value for the two vertices K and L, and “0.7” is set as the α value.

  As a result, in the shadow area object 523, “0.1” is set as the α value near the line segment GH and the line segment JI, and “0. 0” is set as the α value near the line segment MN and the line segment OP. 4 "is set. Also, “0.7” is set as the α value near the line segment KL. In this way, without applying a texture to the shadow area object 523, a shadow area display having a gradation in which the α value increases from the line segment GH to the line segment KL and decreases from the line segment KL to the line segment JI. It can be performed.

  When the coordinates of the bone object 421 in the world coordinate system change, the shadow area object 523 is deformed. In this case, the ratio of the length of the line segment GM, the line segment MK, the line segment KO, and the line segment OJ to the line segment GJ is fixed, and the line segment HN, the line segment NL, the line segment LP, and the line By deforming the shadow area object 523 while fixing the ratio of the length of the minute PI, the color of the shadow area 412 can be maintained.

  As shown in FIG. 47 (b), in the shadow area object 523 after deformation, “0.1” is set as the α value near the line segment GH and the line segment JI, and the line segment MN and the line “0.4” is set as the α value near the minute OP. Also, “0.7” is set as the α value near the line segment KL. Therefore, the ratio of the length of the line segment GM, the line segment MK, the line segment KO, and the line segment OJ to the line segment GJ, and the length of the line segment HN, the line segment NL, the line segment LP, and the line segment PI with respect to the line segment HI. By maintaining the ratio, the shade of the shadow area 412 is also maintained.

<Another form of effect that displays a follow-up image using a plate-shaped polygon>
The method of displaying the shadow area 412 that follows the bone object 421 by real-time rendering without using a large processing load by using a plate-shaped polygon as the shadow area object 423 has been described above. However, the method of displaying a moving object following another object using the plate-shaped polygon can be used other than the display of the shadow area 412. For example, when performing an effect of displaying a spotlight, by using a plate-shaped polygon, it is possible to display a streak of light until light emitted from the light reaches the ground.

  Specifically, a plate-like polygon for displaying the streak of light moves so as to follow the light. Thereby, the angle of the streak of light emitted from the light can be changed according to the change in the angle of the light. An effect of displaying the light of a spotlight whose angle changes by real-time rendering can be performed without a large processing load.

  In addition, when performing an effect of displaying a person moving on a motorcycle, a muffler fluttering in the wind can be displayed by using a plate-shaped polygon. Specifically, in the muffler wrapped around the neck, a portion that is not fixed around the neck and moves in the wind is displayed by a plate-shaped polygon. The plate-shaped polygon moves so as to follow the neck of an object for displaying a person riding a motorcycle. In the muffler, a large processing load is achieved by periodically changing the connection angle between the object for displaying the part fixed around the neck and the plate-like polygon for displaying the part moving in the wind It is possible to display the muffler swaying in the wind in real-time rendering without the accompanying.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, it may be changed as follows. Incidentally, the configuration of the following another embodiment may be individually applied to the configuration of the above embodiment, or may be applied in combination.

  (1) A rendering buffer in which rendering data for rendering is written and a symbol buffer in which rendering data for symbols are written are separately provided. When the final generated data is generated, the buffer for the background is used. , The drawing data written in the effect buffer, and the drawing data written in the pattern drawing data may be combined. Instead of this, there is a buffer in which the drawing data for the first effect is created, and a buffer in which the drawing data for the second effect is created, and the drawing data for the first effect is for the background. And the drawing data for the second effect may be present between the drawing data and the drawing data for the design, and the drawing data for the second effect may be present at the forefront.

  (2) Although the camera (viewpoint) is set individually for each object placed in the world coordinate system, a single camera may be used for all the objects placed in the world coordinate system instead. A configuration that is commonly set may be used.

  (3) The configuration in which the texture is applied to the projection data obtained by projecting the object onto the screen area PC12 has been described above. However, the method of reflecting the color information of the texture on the projection data of the object is not limited to this. For example, after the texture is pasted on the object, the object may be projected on the screen area PC12.

  In the fur display effect, the fur display textures 223, 225, 226 and the α data 222, 224, 227a to 227d are attached to the fur display objects 221a to 221e arranged in a stack in the world coordinate system. After the application, the fur display objects 221a to 221e are projected on the screen area PC12.

  In the light shadow display effect, first, for each dot of the ground display object 272 arranged in the world coordinate system, color information set by pasting the ground display texture and color information set by using the vertex color Are blended. Next, the color information obtained by blending the color information is set for each dot of the ground display object 272. Then, the ground display object 272 is projected on the screen area PC12.

  In the shadow area display effect, after the shadow area texture 424 is pasted on the shadow area object 423 arranged in the world coordinate system, the shadow area object 423 is projected on the screen area PC12.

  (4) A pachinko machine of another type different from the above-described embodiment, for example, a pachinko machine in which an electric accessory opens a predetermined number of times when a game ball enters a specific region of a special device, or a game ball in a specific region of a special device. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that becomes a jackpot when a right is entered and a gaming machine such as a pachinko machine equipped with another accessory, an arrangement ball machine, a sparrow ball and the like.

  In addition, a gaming machine that is not a ball-and-ball type, for example, is provided with a plurality of reels as a plurality of orbiting bodies having a plurality of types of symbols attached in the circumferential direction, starts the rotation of the reels by inserting a medal and operating a start lever, and stops. After a reel is stopped by operating a switch, if a specific symbol or a combination of specific symbols is established on an effective line that can be visually recognized from the display window, a slot such as a medal payout is provided to the player. The present invention can be applied to a machine. In this case, the present invention can be applied to various controls of the slot machine, and in a configuration including a display device such as a liquid crystal display device separately from the reels, the present invention can be applied to control of image display in the display control device. Can be applied.

  A pachinko machine, a slot machine, and a slot machine, comprising a capturing device, and starting rotation of the reel by operating a start lever after a predetermined number of game balls stored in the storage unit are captured by the capturing device. The present invention can also be applied to a gaming machine in which is integrated.

<About the invention group extracted from the above embodiment>
Hereinafter, features of the invention group extracted from the above-described embodiment will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above-described embodiment is appropriately shown in parentheses and the like, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses and the like.

<Characteristic A group>
Feature A1. An arranging means (a function of executing the processing of steps S702 to S704 in the VDP 135) for arranging image data of an object (furry display object 221) which is three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space; Viewpoint setting means for setting a viewpoint (a function of executing the process of step S705 in the VDP 135), and projecting image data of the object on a projection plane (screen area PC12) set based on the viewpoint, and A data generation unit (display CPU 131, geometry calculation unit 151) having a drawing setting unit (a function of executing the processing of steps S709 to S711 in VDP 135) for generating generation data (drawing data) based on the projected data And the rendering unit 152) Storage means (frame buffer 142) for storing the generated data generated I,
Display control means (display circuit 155 of VDP 135) for outputting and displaying an image corresponding to the generated data stored in the storage means on a display means (symbol display device 31);
In a gaming machine equipped with
The arrangement means includes first object data (furry display object 221a) and second object data (furry display object 221b) as image data of the object in order to display a predetermined individual image (hair or fur to be displayed). ) Are arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, and the arrangement of at least one of the first object data and the second object data in the virtual three-dimensional space is changed to display the predetermined individual image. Predetermined arranging means for changing the mode (function of executing processing of steps S804, S809, S810 and S814 to S816 in display CPU 131, function of executing processing of steps S1002 and S1004 in VDP 135) Gaming machine, characterized in that it comprises.

  According to the feature A1, the first object data and the second object data are arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, and at least one of the first object data and the second object data is changed in arrangement mode, so that a predetermined individual image of the individual image is changed. This is a configuration for changing the display mode. This makes it possible to stereoscopically display a predetermined moving individual image while suppressing the amount of data stored in advance and the amount of calculation performed in real time.

  Feature A2. The gaming machine according to Feature A1, wherein the image data of the object is plate-shaped object data.

  According to the feature A2, by using the plate-shaped object data as the image data of the object, the amount of data to be stored in advance can be suppressed and the processing load can be reduced as compared with the case of using three-dimensional three-dimensional object data. Can be reduced.

  Feature A3. The arranging unit arranges a plurality of image data of the same object in the virtual three-dimensional space by accessing the address of the image data of one object stored in the data storage unit (memory module 133) a plurality of times. The gaming machine according to feature A1 or A2, wherein

  According to the feature A3, since a plurality of image data of one object stored in the data storage means are arranged in the virtual three-dimensional space, the image data of all different objects is compared with the arrangement of image data of all different objects in advance. A predetermined individual image can be displayed while suppressing the amount of data to be stored.

  Feature A4. The predetermined arranging means arranges the first object data, the second object data, and the third object data (furry display object 221c) in the virtual three-dimensional space in such a manner that an interval between adjacent object data is different. Changing a display mode of the predetermined individual image by changing a layout mode in the virtual three-dimensional space of at least one of the first object data, the second object data, and the third object data. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A3, wherein the gaming machine is a game machine.

  According to the feature A4, the first object data, the second object data, and the third object data are arranged and moved in the virtual three-dimensional space in such a manner that the intervals between adjacent object data are different. By using a configuration in which the density of object data for displaying a predetermined individual image is not constant, it is possible to stereoscopically display the movement of the predetermined individual image composed of portions having different display modes.

  Feature A5. The predetermined arranging unit includes an interval changing unit (a function of executing the processing of steps S809 and S810 in the display CPU 131) for changing an interval between the first object data and the second object data in the virtual three-dimensional space. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A4, wherein:

  According to the feature A5, by changing the interval between the object data in the virtual three-dimensional space, it is possible to change the display mode of the predetermined individual image during the effect while using the same set of object data. Compared with a configuration in which the display mode of the predetermined individual image is switched to a different set of object data to change the display mode of the predetermined individual image, the display mode of the predetermined individual image can be changed while the number of object data stored in advance is suppressed. .

  Feature A6. The drawing setting means sets transparency data (α data 222, 224) that makes a part of the image data of the object transparent, and sets a transparent area (transparent areas 222a, 224a) and a plurality of isolated opaque areas. Any one of features A1 to A5 characterized by having transparency data setting means for generating (opaque areas 222b, 224b) (function of executing the processing of steps S1103 and S1105 to step S1108 in VDP 135). A gaming machine according to claim 1.

  According to the feature A6, by setting the transparency data, the image data of the object is divided into a transparent region and a plurality of isolated opaque regions. For this reason, the arrangement mode of the plurality of opaque regions can be changed collectively, and the processing load can be reduced as compared with a case where the arrangement mode of the plurality of isolated opaque regions is individually changed.

  Feature A7. The drawing setting unit sets translucent data (α data 222, 224) that makes a part of the image data of the object translucent, and sets a translucent area (transparent areas 222a, 224a) and a plurality of isolated areas. Semi-transmissive data setting means (a function of executing the processing of step S905 in the display CPU 131 and a function of executing the processing of step S1103 in the VDP 135) for generating opaque areas (opaque areas 222b and 224b). The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A6.

  According to the feature A7, the boundary between the semi-transparent region and the opaque region can be blurred by setting the semi-transparent data. The boundary is displayed in a manner different from the boundary between the completely transparent area and the opaque area. Therefore, by setting the semi-transparent data, it is possible to display a predetermined individual image in a mode different from the case where completely transparent data is set. Therefore, it is possible to increase the types of individual images that can be displayed while suppressing the amount of data stored in advance.

Feature A8. The predetermined arrangement means arranges a plurality of juxtaposed object data (hair fur display objects 221a to 221e) including the first object data and the second object data so as to be arranged in a predetermined direction in the predetermined individual image. ,
The data generating unit is configured to provide image data (textures 223, 225, and 226 for fur coat display) of a texture in which color information corresponding to a part of the predetermined individual image in the predetermined direction is set. A texture setting unit (a function of executing the processing of steps S902 and S906 in the display CPU 131 and a function of executing the processing in the VDP 135) which enables display of an image corresponding to the plurality of juxtaposed object data by using the object data in association with each other. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A7, further comprising a function of executing the process of step S1111).

  According to the feature A8, by setting image data of a texture in which color information corresponding to a part of a predetermined individual image in a predetermined direction is set for a plurality of juxtaposed object data, a predetermined individual Images can be displayed. As compared with the case of using one three-dimensional object data for displaying a predetermined individual image, the predetermined individual image can be displayed while suppressing the amount of data stored in advance.

Feature A9. The predetermined arranging means includes a plurality of juxtaposed object data (hair fur display objects) including the first object data and the second object data so as to be arranged in a predetermined direction in the image in which the plurality of the predetermined individual images are arranged. 221a to 221e),
The data generating unit is configured to convert the image data of the texture (furry display texture 225) in which color information corresponding to a part of the position in the predetermined direction in the image in which the plurality of predetermined individual images is arranged is set. A plurality of texture setting means (the processing of steps S902 and S906 in the display CPU 131) which can display an image corresponding to the plurality of juxtaposed object data by using the corresponding juxtaposed object data. The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A8, which has a function of performing a process of step S1111 in the VDP 135).

  According to the feature A9, for a plurality of juxtaposed object data, image data of a texture in which color information corresponding to a part of a predetermined direction in an image in which a plurality of predetermined individual images are arranged is set. By doing so, a plurality of predetermined individual images can be displayed collectively. The processing load can be reduced as compared with a case where a plurality of predetermined individual images are individually displayed.

  Feature A10. The data generation means accesses the address of the image data of one texture (textures 223, 225, 226 for fur coat display) stored in the data storage means (memory module 133) a plurality of times, so that the first object The same texture setting means (the function of executing the processing of steps S902 and S906 in the display CPU 131 and the function of executing the processing of step S1111 in the VDP 135) for setting the same image data of the texture in the data and the second object data The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A9, comprising:

  According to the feature A10, by setting image data of one texture for a plurality of object data, the amount of data to be stored in advance can be reduced as compared with the case of using image data of a plurality of textures. .

Feature A11. The predetermined individual image is an image of hair,
The gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A10, wherein the plurality of juxtaposed object data including the first object data and the second object data are juxtaposed in the hair length direction. .

  According to the feature A11, by displaying a plurality of object data in parallel in the hair length direction and displaying the hair, compared with the case where the hair is displayed using one three-dimensional object image data, The processing load can be reduced.

  Note that, for any one of the features A1 to A11, one of the features A1 to A11, the features B1 to B11, the features C1 to C12, the features D1 to D3, the features E1 to E3, and the features F1 to F4. Alternatively, a plurality of configurations may be applied. As a result, a synergistic effect of the combined configuration can be achieved.

  The invention of the feature A group can solve the following problems.

  As one type of gaming machines, pachinko gaming machines, slot machines, and the like are known. As these gaming machines, those equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display device are known. The gaming machine has a memory in which image data is stored in advance, and a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit of the display device using the image data read from the memory. Becomes

  In recent years, attempts have been made to display a more three-dimensional image by using image data defined in three dimensions rather than simply displaying a two-dimensional image. When performing the display, an object that is three-dimensional image data is set in the virtual three-dimensional space, and generated data is generated by projecting the object on a plane from a desired viewpoint. Then, by outputting a signal to the display device based on the generated data, a three-dimensional image is displayed.

  Here, in order to increase a player's interest in the display effect, it is preferable to further improve the display effect. On the other hand, in order to further improve the display effect, it is not preferable that the processing load is extremely increased.

<Characteristic B group>
Feature B1. An arranging means (a function of executing the processing of steps S702 to S704 in the VDP 135) for arranging the image data of the object (ground display object 272) as the three-dimensional information in the virtual three-dimensional space; Viewpoint setting means for setting a viewpoint (a function of executing the process of step S705 in the VDP 135), and projecting image data of the object on a projection plane (screen area PC12) set based on the viewpoint, and A data generation unit (display CPU 131, geometry calculation unit 151) having a drawing setting unit (a function of executing the processing of steps S709 to S711 in VDP 135) for generating generation data (drawing data) based on the projected data And the rendering unit 152) Storage means for storing the generated data generated Te and (frame buffer 142),
Display control means (display circuit 155 of VDP 135) for outputting and displaying an image corresponding to the generated data stored in the storage means on a display means (symbol display device 31);
In a gaming machine equipped with
The image data of the object has a plurality of vertex data,
The drawing setting means,
A texture using unit (the processing of steps S1806 and S1811 in the VDP 135) that enables display of an image corresponding to the image data of the object by using texture data (texture for displaying the ground) corresponding to the image data of the object. Function to perform)
A color information setting means for setting vertex color information (vertex color) in the vertex data (a function of executing steps S1305, S1607, S1609, S1614, S1615 and S1617 in the display CPU 131, step S1802 in the VDP 135) , Steps S1804, S1805, S1809, and S1810).
Changing means for changing the content of the image determined by the texture data in accordance with the vertex color information (the function of executing the processing of steps S1807, S1808, S1812, and S1813 in the VDP 135);
A gaming machine comprising:

  According to the feature B1, since the content of the image determined by the texture data is changed according to the vertex color information, a plurality of images can be changed from one texture data by changing the setting mode of the vertex color information. Can be created. Therefore, the number of pieces of texture data to be stored in advance can be reduced as compared with the case where texture data is stored for each image content. Further, the number of pieces of texture data stored in advance can be reduced as compared with a case where the content of an image determined by texture data is changed according to another texture data.

  Feature B2. The color information setting unit sets the same information setting unit that sets the same vertex color information for a plurality of adjacent vertex data (the function of executing the processing of steps S1804, S1805, S1809, and S1810 in the VDP 135). The gaming machine according to feature B1, comprising:

  According to the feature B2, since the same vertex color information is set for a plurality of adjacent vertex data, the color information around each vertex data is changed in the same manner. Specifically, by changing the area determined in the image determined by the texture data so that a certain area becomes dark, a shadow area can be displayed. In addition, by changing a certain area in the image determined by the texture data so as to be bright, it is possible to display the area that is illuminated. Compared with the case where a texture for displaying a dark area or a texture for displaying a bright area is used, the amount of texture data stored in advance can be reduced.

Feature B3. The color information setting means,
Range grasping means for grasping the setting range of the vertex data for which the vertex color information is to be set (the processing of steps S1305, S1604, S1605, S1607 to S1609, S1614, S1615, and S1617 in the display CPU 131) , A function of executing the processing of step S1802 in the VDP 135),
Range moving means for changing position information of the set range in the virtual three-dimensional space (a function of the display CPU 131 for executing the processing of step S1505);
The gaming machine according to Feature B1 or B2, comprising:

  According to the feature B3, since the setting range in which the vertex color information is set moves, an effect in which the range in which the content is changed in the image determined by the texture data can be performed. By using a plurality of texture data, the amount of texture data stored in advance can be reduced as compared with the case where an effect in which the range in which the content is changed moves is performed.

  Feature B4. The range grasping means is a setting range grasping means (steps S1305, S1609 and step S1609 in the display CPU 131) for grasping the set range based on positional information of reference vertex data (representative vertex 284) as a reference in the virtual three-dimensional space. The gaming machine according to Feature B3, further comprising a function of executing the process of S1617).

  According to the feature B4, since the setting range is grasped based on the reference vertex data, the setting range is determined at each timing as compared with a case where all the vertex data for which the vertex color information is set at each timing is stored. The amount of data needed to understand can be reduced.

Feature B5. The arrangement means,
A tracking target arranging unit (a function for executing the processing of steps S1704 to S1706 in the VDP 135) for arranging image data (shadow generation objects 271a to 271c) of the object to be tracked;
A tracking target changing unit (a function of executing the processing of steps S1401, S1503, and S1504 in the display CPU 131) for changing the arrangement mode of the image data of the tracking target object;
With
The range moving means changes the position information of the set range in the virtual three-dimensional space in accordance with a change in the arrangement mode of the image data of the object to be followed (the processing of step S1505 in the display CPU 131 is executed). The gaming machine according to feature B3 or B4, comprising:

  According to the feature B5, in the virtual three-dimensional space, the position information of the set range changes in accordance with the change of the position information of the image data of the object to be tracked. It can be moved following. By using a plurality of pieces of texture data, the range in which the content is changed in the image determined by the texture data is stored in advance in comparison with the case of performing an effect of moving following the image data of the object to be tracked. The data amount of the texture data can be reduced.

Feature B6. The range grasping unit grasps the set range based on positional information of the reference vertex data (representative vertex 284) as a reference in the virtual three-dimensional space,
The range moving means is a reference vertex grasping means for grasping the reference vertex data based on position information of the image data of the object to be followed in the virtual three-dimensional space (a function of executing the processing of step S1505 of the display CPU 131). The gaming machine according to Feature B5, comprising:

  According to the feature B6, since the reference vertex data is grasped based on the position information of the image data of the object to be followed in the virtual three-dimensional space, the reference vertex data is obtained in the virtual three-dimensional space of the image data of the object to be followed. Compared to the case where the position information and the reference vertex data are individually stored, the amount of data to be stored in advance can be reduced.

  Feature B7. The range grasping means includes a range changing means for changing the setting range (a function of executing the processing of steps S1604, S1605, S1607, S1608, S1613, and S1614 in the display CPU 131). The gaming machine according to any one of features B3 to B6.

  According to the feature B7, since the setting range can be changed, in the image determined by the texture data, an effect in which the shape and size of the range in which the content is changed can be performed. Compared with a configuration in which the content of an image determined by texture data is changed by another texture data, the amount of texture data stored in advance can be reduced.

  Feature B8. The range grasping means is configured to convert the set range from a first set range (combination of the first area 285 to the fifth area 289) which can be grasped based on the reference vertex data grasped by the reference vertex grasping means. Range changing means (step S1604, step S1605 in the display CPU 131) for changing to a second set range (combination of the first area 285 to the fifth area 289) which can be grasped based on the reference vertex data grasped by the vertex grasping means. The gaming machine according to feature B6, further comprising: a function of executing steps S1607, S1608, S1614, and S1615).

  According to the feature B8, since both the first setting range and the second setting range are grasped based on the reference vertex data grasped by the reference vertex grasping means, the setting range follows the image data of the object to be followed. The setting range can be changed in the middle of the effect of moving.

  Feature B9. The range changing means is a type grasping means (display) for grasping the type of the setting range for which the vertex color information is to be set from among a plurality of types of setting ranges that can be grasped based on the reference vertex data. The gaming machine according to Feature B7 or B8, further comprising: a function of executing the processes of Steps S1607 and S1614 in the CPU 131).

  According to the feature B9, there are a plurality of types of setting ranges that can be grasped based on the reference vertex data, and a setting range in which the vertex color information is set this time is grasped from the plurality of kinds of setting ranges. It is. By combining a plurality of setting ranges, vertex color information can be set for more types of ranges than the number of stored setting ranges. For all types of setting ranges, the amount of data for grasping the range can be reduced as compared with the case where data for grasping the setting range is individually stored.

  Feature B10. The changing unit includes a first changing unit (a function of executing the process of step S1807 in the VDP 135) that darkens the content of the image determined by the texture data based on the vertex color information set in the vertex data. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B9, comprising:

  According to the feature B10, the color set in the image determined by the texture data is changed to a dark color based on the vertex color information set in the vertex data. The vicinity can be displayed darker than the surroundings. A shadow or the like can be introduced into an image determined by the texture data.

  Feature B11. The changing unit includes a second changing unit (a function of executing the process of step S1812 in the VDP 135) that brightens the content of the image determined by the texture data based on the vertex color information set in the vertex data. The gaming machine according to any one of features B1 to B10, comprising:

  According to the feature B11, the color set in the image determined by the texture data is changed to a bright color based on the vertex color information set in the vertex data. The vicinity can be displayed brighter than the surroundings. An area illuminated with light can be introduced into an image determined by the texture data.

  Note that for any one of the features B1 to B11, one of the features A1 to A11, the features B1 to B11, the features C1 to C12, the features D1 to D3, the features E1 to E3, and the features F1 to F4. Alternatively, a plurality of configurations may be applied. As a result, a synergistic effect of the combined configuration can be achieved.

  The invention of the feature B group can solve the following problems.

  As one type of gaming machines, pachinko gaming machines, slot machines, and the like are known. As these gaming machines, those equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display device are known. The gaming machine has a memory in which image data is stored in advance, and a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit of the display device using the image data read from the memory. Becomes

  In recent years, attempts have been made to display a more three-dimensional image by using image data defined in three dimensions rather than simply displaying a two-dimensional image. When performing the display, an object that is three-dimensional image data is set in the virtual three-dimensional space, and generated data is generated by projecting the object on a plane from a desired viewpoint. Then, by outputting a signal to the display device based on the generated data, a three-dimensional image is displayed.

  Here, in order to increase a player's interest in the display effect, it is preferable to further improve the display effect. On the other hand, in order to further improve the display effect, it is not preferable that the processing load is extremely increased.

<Characteristic C group>
Feature C1. An arranging means (a function of executing the processing of steps S702 to S704 in the VDP 135) for arranging image data of objects (bone objects 421 and shadow area objects 423) as three-dimensional information in a virtual three-dimensional space; Viewpoint setting means for setting a viewpoint in a virtual three-dimensional space (a function of executing the processing in step S705 in the VDP 135), and projecting image data of the object on a projection plane (screen area PC12) set based on the viewpoint. A data setting unit (display CPU 131) including: a drawing setting unit (a function of executing the processing of steps S 709 to S 711 in the VDP 135) for generating generation data (drawing data) based on the data projected on the projection plane. , The geometry calculation unit 151 and Storage means for storing the generated data generated by Ndaringu 152) and (frame buffer 142),
Display control means (display circuit 155 of VDP 135) for outputting and displaying an image corresponding to the generated data stored in the storage means on a display means (symbol display device 31);
In a gaming machine equipped with
The arranging means includes, as image data of the object, specific object data (a bone object 421) for displaying a specific individual image, and a follow-up image for displaying a follow-up image that follows the movement of the specific individual image. Means for arranging object data (shadow area object 423) in the virtual three-dimensional space;
A gaming machine, wherein the following object data is plate-shaped object data.

  According to the feature C1, by using the plate-shaped object data as the following object data, it is possible to display a following image that moves following a specific individual image by real-time rendering without a large processing load.

  Feature C2. In the virtual three-dimensional space, the arranging means includes position information of the specific object data and other object data (shadow object 425, ground object 426) for displaying another image (ground 413, shadow 414). A) a position grasping means (a function of executing the processing of steps S2007 and S2110 in the display CPU 131) for grasping the position information of the following object data based on the position information of (1). The gaming machine described.

  According to the feature C2, since the position information of the following object data in the virtual three-dimensional space is grasped based on the position information of the specific object data and the other object data, the position information of the following object data, the specific object data, and the other object data is obtained. The amount of data to be stored in advance can be reduced as compared with the case where the position information in the virtual three-dimensional space is individually stored.

Feature C3. The arrangement means,
Means for arranging ground object data (ground object 426) for displaying a ground image (ground 413) as image data of the object in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Means for arranging the specific object data above the ground object data in the virtual three-dimensional space;
Means for arranging the following object data in the virtual three-dimensional space so that the following object data extends from the specific object data toward the ground object data;
The gaming machine according to feature C1 or C2, comprising:

  According to the feature C3, since the follow-up image is displayed in a manner extending from the specific individual image toward the ground image, a shadow is cast from the specific individual image toward the ground image by real-time rendering without a large processing load. The state of extension can be displayed.

  Feature C4. The following object data, even when the distance between the specific object data and the ground object data is the longest, has a size in which a part of the following object data is located below the ground object data in an initial state. The gaming machine according to Feature C3, wherein the gaming machine is a game machine.

  According to the feature C4, since a part of the following object data is always located below the ground object data, it is not necessary to expand the following object data so that the following object data reaches the ground object data. Compared with a configuration in which the following object data is enlarged or reduced according to the distance between the specific object data and the ground object data, the data amount of the program stored in advance can be reduced.

  Feature C5. The arranging means may be configured such that, when a part of the following object data is located below the ground object data, the lowest position of the following object data is the same as the upper surface of the ground object data. The gaming machine according to feature C3 or C4, further comprising an object deforming unit (a function of executing steps S2007 and S2110 in the display CPU 131) for deforming the object data.

  According to the feature C5, since the following object data is deformed in such a manner that the lowest position of the following object data is the same as the upper surface of the ground object data, the target to which the texture corresponding to the following object data is applied is the ground object. Located above the upper surface of. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the application target of the texture data corresponding to the following object data exists below the ground object, and the image of the texture data is hidden behind the ground object and is displayed in an interrupted state.

Feature C6. The drawing setting means uses texture data (shadow area texture 424) corresponding to the tracking object data to enable display of an image corresponding to the tracking object data (step in the display CPU 131). A function of executing the processing of S1912, a function of executing the processing of steps S2202 and S2209 in the VDP 135), and
When the texture data is deformed in accordance with the shape of the following object data deformed by the object deforming means, the texture deforming means for adjusting the number of dots of the texture data (the processing of step S2208 in the VDP 135 is executed) Function),
The gaming machine according to feature C5, comprising:

  According to the feature C6, since the texture data is deformed in a manner corresponding to the shape of the deformed following object data, the entire image of the texture data after the deformation can be displayed. For this reason, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the image of the texture data is partially displayed, thereby giving the player an uncomfortable feeling.

Feature C7. The following object data, even when the distance between the specific object data and the ground object data is the longest, has a size in which a part of the following object data is located below the ground object data in an initial state,
The texture deforming means reduces the number of dots of the texture data when deforming the texture data in accordance with the shape of the following object data deformed by the object deforming means. The gaming machine according to C6.

  According to the feature C7, since the deformation of the texture data is limited to the deformation that reduces the size of the texture data, it is compared with the configuration that performs both the deformation that increases the size of the texture data and the deformation that reduces the size of the texture data. Thus, the data amount of the program stored in advance can be reduced. Further, when the texture data is deformed, in order to reduce the number of dots of the texture data, the color information used for the texture data before the deformation can be set to the dots of the texture data after the deformation.

Feature C8. The texture data includes a first same-color area (for example, an eleventh area 424a) in which first color information is set in adjacent dots and a second same-color area in which second color information is set in adjacent dots. (For example, a twelfth region 424b),
The texture deforming unit includes a tint holding unit (a function of executing the process of step S2208 in the VDP 135) for thinning out the dots of the texture data in such a manner that the ratio of the number of dots belonging to each of the same color regions does not change. The gaming machine according to Feature C7.

  According to the feature C8, since the deformation of the texture data is performed in such a manner that the ratio of the number of dots belonging to each same color area does not change, the color tone of the texture data can be maintained before and after the deformation.

  Feature C9. The drawing setting means is configured to transmit transparency information (α value) to dots constituting the tracking object data in accordance with a projection angle (display angle) of the tracking object data in the virtual three-dimensional space with respect to the projection plane. (A function of executing the processing of step S1910 in the display CPU 131, and a function of executing the processing of steps S2203 and S2205 in the VDP 135). 2. The gaming machine according to 1.

  According to the feature C9, the transparency information is set for the dots constituting the following object data according to the angle of the following object data with respect to the projection plane. Thus, it is possible to prevent a change in the tint of the following image due to a change in the projection angle of the following object data with respect to the projection plane.

Feature C10. The transparency setting means,
When the projection angle is in a first range (a display angle is in a range of 0 ° or more and less than 15 °), first transparency information (uniform α value of “0”) is applied to the dots constituting the following object data. (A function of executing the processing of step S1910 in the display CPU 131 and a function of executing the processing of step S2203 in the VDP 135)
When the projection angle is in the second range (the display angle is in the range of 15 ° or more and less than 30 °), the second transparency information (uniform α of “0.2”) is applied to the dots constituting the following object data. (A function of executing the processing of step S1910 in the display CPU 131 and a function of executing the processing of step S2203 in the VDP 135).
The gaming machine according to Feature C9, comprising:

  According to the feature C10, the transparency information set in the following object data differs when the projection angle is in the first range and when the projection angle is in the second range. By changing the transparency information set in the following object data according to the projection angle, it is possible to prevent a change in the hue of the following image due to a change in the projection angle.

  Feature C11. The transparency setting unit may be configured such that the projection angle is in a specific range (a display angle is 0 ° or more and less than 15 ° and 165 ° or more and 180 ° or less), and the following object data is displayed in a specific area or less. In this case, the complete transparency setting means (the function of executing the processing of step S1910 in the display CPU 131) for setting the transparency information of complete transparency (uniform α value of “0”) for the dots constituting the following object data , A function of executing the process of step S2203 in the VDP 135).

  According to the feature C11, when the projection angle is in a specific range and the following object data is displayed in a specific area or less, complete transparency information is set in the following object data, and the following object data is displayed. Is not performed. For this reason, the display area of the following object data is reduced, and it is possible to prevent the following image from being displayed linearly and giving the player a sense of discomfort.

  Feature C12. When the projection angle (display angle) of the following object data with respect to the projection plane deviates from a predetermined range (a display angle of 15 ° or more and less than 165 °), the arranging means sets the projection angle to the predetermined value. Any one of features C1 to C11, further including an arrangement mode changing unit (a function of executing the process of step S1909 in the display CPU 131) for changing an arrangement mode of the following object data so as to fall within the range. A gaming machine according to claim 1.

  According to the feature C12, the tracking object data is arranged such that the projection angle with respect to the projection plane always falls within a predetermined range. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the projection angle of the following object data from being out of the predetermined range, and to prevent the following image from being displayed in a manner that gives a sense of strangeness to the player.

  In addition, for any one of the features C1 to C12, one of the features A1 to A11, the features B1 to B11, the features C1 to C12, the features D1 to D3, the features E1 to E3, and the features F1 to F4. Alternatively, a plurality of configurations may be applied. As a result, a synergistic effect of the combined configuration can be achieved.

  The invention of the feature C group can solve the following problems.

  As one type of gaming machines, pachinko gaming machines, slot machines, and the like are known. As these gaming machines, those equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display device are known. The gaming machine has a memory in which image data is stored in advance, and a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit of the display device using the image data read from the memory. Becomes

  In recent years, attempts have been made to display a more three-dimensional image by using image data defined in three dimensions rather than simply displaying a two-dimensional image. When performing the display, an object that is three-dimensional image data is set in the virtual three-dimensional space, and generated data is generated by projecting the object on a plane from a desired viewpoint. Then, by outputting a signal to the display device based on the generated data, a three-dimensional image is displayed.

  Here, in order to increase a player's interest in the display effect, it is preferable to further improve the display effect. On the other hand, in order to further improve the display effect, it is not preferable that the processing load is extremely increased.

<Feature D group>
Feature D1. Storage means for storing generated data (drawing data) generated by data generation means (display CPU 131, geometry calculation section 151 and rendering section 152) based on image data (shadow generation objects 271a to 271c, ground display object 272). (Frame buffer 142),
Display control means (display circuit 155 of VDP 135) for outputting and displaying an image corresponding to the generated data stored in the storage means on a display means (symbol display device 31);
In a gaming machine equipped with
The data generation unit displays the predetermined image when generating the generation data when displaying the specific image (shadow 281 to 283) so as to follow the movement of the predetermined image (shadow generation object 271a to 271c). Utilizing display position information applied to the data (shadow generation objects 271a to 271c) for generating the generated data, the data for displaying the specific image when generating the generated data (vertexes included in the shadows 281 to 283). A game characterized by having position deriving means (a function of executing processing of steps S1305, S1402, step S1505, step S1609, and step S1617 in the display CPU 131) for deriving display position information applied to (coordinate data). Machine.

  According to the feature D1, the display position information to be applied to the data for displaying the specific image is derived using the display position information to be applied to the data for displaying the predetermined image. A specific image to be followed can be displayed. Compared to the case where the data for moving the predetermined image and the data for moving the specific image are separately stored, the amount of data to be stored to grasp the display position information applied to the data for displaying the specific image is reduced. Can be reduced.

  Feature D2. The position deriving unit uses display position information that applies display position information of reference data (representative vertex 284) among data for displaying the specific image to data for displaying the predetermined image. The gaming machine according to Feature D1, wherein the derived display position information is used to derive display position information of other data for displaying the specific image using the derived display position information.

  According to the feature D2, the display position information of the data for displaying the specific image is derived using the display position information of the reference data, so that the display position information of the data for displaying the specific image is obtained. The processing load can be reduced as compared with the case of individually deriving.

  Feature D3. The position deriving means uses display position information of the reference data, and among the data for displaying the specific image, to derive display position information of data other than the reference data, The gaming machine according to Feature D2, characterized by using a position data group (coordinate data stored in a range designation table TB2) in which information of a relative positional relationship with reference data is set.

  According to the feature D3, among the data for displaying the specific image, the display position information of the data other than the reference data uses a position data group in which information of a relative positional relationship with respect to the reference data is set. Therefore, the amount of data to be stored in advance can be reduced as compared with the case where all the position information groups at each timing are stored.

  Note that for any one of the features D1 to D3, one of the features A1 to A11, the features B1 to B11, the features C1 to C12, the features D1 to D3, the features E1 to E3, and the features F1 to F4. Alternatively, a plurality of configurations may be applied. As a result, a synergistic effect of the combined configuration can be achieved.

  The invention of the feature D group can solve the following problems.

  As one type of gaming machines, pachinko gaming machines, slot machines, and the like are known. As these gaming machines, those equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display device are known. The gaming machine has a memory in which image data is stored in advance, and a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit of the display device using the image data read from the memory. Becomes

  In recent years, attempts have been made to display a more three-dimensional image by using image data defined in three dimensions rather than simply displaying a two-dimensional image. When performing the display, an object that is three-dimensional image data is set in the virtual three-dimensional space, and generated data is generated by projecting the object on a plane from a desired viewpoint. Then, by outputting a signal to the display device based on the generated data, a three-dimensional image is displayed.

  Here, in order to increase a player's interest in the display effect, it is preferable to further improve the display effect. On the other hand, in order to further improve the display effect, it is not preferable that the processing load is extremely increased.

<Feature E group>
Feature E1. Storage means for storing generated data (drawing data) generated by data generation means (display CPU 131, geometry calculation section 151 and rendering section 152) based on image data (shadow generation objects 271a to 271c, ground display object 272). (Frame buffer 142),
Display control means (display circuit 155 of VDP 135) for outputting and displaying an image corresponding to the generated data stored in the storage means on a display means (symbol display device 31);
In a gaming machine equipped with
The data generating means is configured to display a predetermined range image (shadow 281 to 283) in the generation target data (ground display object 272) for generating the generated data in order to display a predetermined range image (shadow 281 to 283). Predetermined process execution means (step S1305, step S1607, step S1609, step S1614, step S1615, and step S1615 in the display CPU 131) for executing a predetermined process (a process of setting a vertex color to the vertex) on the included vertex of the ground display object 272. S1617, a function of executing steps S1802, S1804, S1805, S1809, and S1810 in the VDP 135).
The predetermined processing execution means includes:
Determining means (a function of executing processing of steps S1402 and S1505 in the display CPU 131) for determining reference data (coordinates of the representative vertex 284) in the generation target data;
Deriving means (display) for deriving data included in the predetermined range data among the generation target data by using positional relationship data (range designation table TB2) in which a relative positional relationship corresponding to the reference data is determined. A function of executing the processing of steps S1305, S1609, and S1617 in the CPU 131);
A gaming machine comprising:

  According to the feature E1, the reference data is determined, and the data included in the predetermined range data is derived using the positional relationship data. In addition, the amount of data stored in advance in order to grasp the data included in the predetermined range data can be reduced.

  Feature E2. The gaming machine according to Feature E1, wherein the determining means includes a reference changing means (a function of executing the processing of Step S1505 in the display CPU 131) for changing the reference data.

  According to the feature E2, in the configuration in which the data included in the predetermined range data is calculated by using the positional relationship data in which the relative positional relationship corresponding to the reference data is determined, by changing the reference data, Data included in the data can be changed. This makes it possible to change the display position of the predetermined range image while suppressing the amount of data stored in advance to grasp the data included in the predetermined range data.

Feature E3. The positional relationship data includes first positional relationship data (for example, coordinate data of the first area 285 stored in the range designation table TB2) in which a first relative positional relationship corresponding to the reference data is determined. Second positional relationship data (for example, coordinate data of the second area 286 stored in the range designation table TB2) in which a second relative positional relationship corresponding to the reference data is determined;
The deriving unit includes a positional relationship changing unit that changes positional relationship data used when deriving data included in the predetermined range data from the generated data from the first positional relationship data to the second positional relationship data. The gaming machine according to feature E1 or E2, wherein

  According to the feature E3, the data included in the predetermined range data is changed by changing the type of the positional relationship data used when deriving the data included in the predetermined range data. Since the range of the predetermined range image can be changed while using the same reference data, it is not necessary to newly determine the reference data, and the processing load can be reduced.

  Note that, for any one of the features E1 to E3, one of the features A1 to A11, the features B1 to B11, the features C1 to C12, the features D1 to D3, the features E1 to E3, and the features F1 to F4. Alternatively, a plurality of configurations may be applied. As a result, a synergistic effect of the combined configuration can be achieved.

  The invention of the feature E group can solve the following problems.

  As one type of gaming machines, pachinko gaming machines, slot machines, and the like are known. As these gaming machines, those equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display device are known. The gaming machine has a memory in which image data is stored in advance, and a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit of the display device using the image data read from the memory. Becomes

  In recent years, attempts have been made to display a more three-dimensional image by using image data defined in three dimensions rather than simply displaying a two-dimensional image. When performing the display, an object that is three-dimensional image data is set in the virtual three-dimensional space, and generated data is generated by projecting the object on a plane from a desired viewpoint. Then, by outputting a signal to the display device based on the generated data, a three-dimensional image is displayed.

  Here, in order to increase a player's interest in the display effect, it is preferable to further improve the display effect. On the other hand, in order to further improve the display effect, it is not preferable that the processing load is extremely increased.

<Characteristic F group>
Feature F1. An arrangement means (a function for executing the processing of steps S702 to S704 in the VDP 135) for arranging image data (objects for bones 421 and objects 423 for shadow areas) of objects as three-dimensional information in a virtual three-dimensional space; Viewpoint setting means for setting a viewpoint in a virtual three-dimensional space (a function of executing the processing in step S705 in the VDP 135), and projecting image data of the object on a projection plane (screen area PC12) set based on the viewpoint. A data setting unit (display CPU 131) including: a drawing setting unit (a function of executing the processing of steps S 709 to S 711 in the VDP 135) for generating generation data (drawing data) based on the data projected on the projection plane. , The geometry calculation unit 151 and Storage means for storing the generated data generated by Ndaringu 152) and (frame buffer 142),
Display control means (display circuit 155 of VDP 135) for outputting and displaying an image corresponding to the generated data stored in the storage means on a display means (symbol display device 31);
In a gaming machine equipped with
The drawing setting means,
Texture utilization means (display CPU 131) that enables display of an image (shadow area 412) corresponding to the image data of the object by using image data of the texture (shadow area texture 424) corresponding to the image data of the object. , The function of executing the processing of step S1912 in the VDP 135, and the function of executing the processing of step S2209 in the VDP 135)
Changing means for changing the number of dots of the image data of the texture (a function of executing the process of step S2208 in the VDP 135);
A gaming machine comprising:

  According to the feature F1, by changing the dots of the texture image data, it is possible to make a change to increase the size of the texture image data and a change to reduce the size of the texture image data.

  Feature F2. When the image data of the texture is reduced, the changing unit includes a texture reducing unit (a function of executing the process of step S2208 in the VDP 135) for reducing the number of dots of the image data of the texture. The gaming machine according to Feature F1.

  According to the feature F2, in order to reduce the number of dots in the texture image data when the texture image data is reduced, the color information set in the texture image data before the reduction is converted into the texture image data after the reduction. Dot can be set.

Feature F3. The arranging unit includes an object reducing unit (a function of executing the processing of steps S2007 and S2110 in the display CPU 131) for reducing the image data of the object,
The gaming machine according to Feature F2, wherein the texture reducing unit reduces the image data of the texture in a mode corresponding to the image data of the object reduced by the object reducing unit.

  According to the feature F3, since the texture image data is reduced in a manner corresponding to the reduced object image data, the entire texture image data after the reduction can be displayed. Therefore, the image data of the texture is partially displayed, and it is possible to avoid a situation in which the player feels uncomfortable.

Feature F4. In the image data of the texture, a first same-color area (for example, an eleventh area 424a) in which the first color information is set to the adjacent dot and a second color information in which the second color information is set to the adjacent dot. The same color area (for example, a twelfth area 424b) is included,
The texture reducing unit includes a tint holding unit (a function of executing the processing of step S2208 in the VDP 135) that thins out the dots of the texture data in such a manner that the ratio of the number of dots belonging to each of the same color areas does not change. The gaming machine according to Feature F2 or Feature F3.

  According to the feature F4, the image data of the texture is reduced in such a manner that the ratio of the number of dots belonging to each same color area does not change, so that the color of the image data of the texture can be held before and after the reduction.

  Note that, for any one of the features F1 to F4, one of the features A1 to A11, the features B1 to B11, the features C1 to C12, the features D1 to D3, the features E1 to E3, and the features F1 to F4. Alternatively, a plurality of configurations may be applied. As a result, a synergistic effect of the combined configuration can be achieved.

  The invention of the feature F group can solve the following problems.

  As one type of gaming machines, pachinko gaming machines, slot machines, and the like are known. As these gaming machines, those equipped with a display device such as a liquid crystal display device are known. The gaming machine has a memory in which image data is stored in advance, and a predetermined image is displayed on the display unit of the display device using the image data read from the memory. Becomes

  In recent years, attempts have been made to display a more three-dimensional image by using image data defined in three dimensions rather than simply displaying a two-dimensional image. When performing the display, an object that is three-dimensional image data is set in the virtual three-dimensional space, and generated data is generated by projecting the object on a plane from a desired viewpoint. Then, by outputting a signal to the display device based on the generated data, a three-dimensional image is displayed.

  Here, in order to increase a player's interest in the display effect, it is preferable to further improve the display effect. On the other hand, in order to further improve the display effect, it is not preferable that the processing load is extremely increased.

  Hereinafter, a basic configuration of a gaming machine to which the above features can be applied will be described.

  Pachinko gaming machine: operating means operated by a player, gaming ball firing means for firing a game ball based on the operation of the operating means, a ball path for guiding the fired game ball to a predetermined game area, A gaming machine comprising: a plurality of game components arranged in a region; and a bonus is provided to a player when a game ball passes through a predetermined passage portion of the game components.

  Spinning-type gaming machines such as slot machines: the rotation of the orbiting body is started based on the operation of the starting operation means, the rotation of the orbiting body is stopped based on the operation of the stopping operation means, and the player is operated according to the pattern after the stoppage. A gaming machine that grants benefits.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Pachinko machine, 31 ... Symbol display device, 131 ... Display CPU, 133 ... Memory module, 135 ... VDP, 142 ... Frame buffer, 151 ... Geometry operation unit, 152 ... Rendering unit, 155 ... Display circuit, 221,221a, 221b, 221c ... fur display objects, 222, 224 ... alpha data, 222a, 224a ... transparent regions, 222b, 224b ... opaque regions, 223, 225, 226 ... fur display textures, 271a to 271c ... shadow generation objects, 272 .., Ground display objects, 281 to 283, shadows, 284, representative vertices, 285, first area, 286, second area, 287, third area, 288, fourth area, 289, fifth area, 413, ground 414: shadow, 421: bone object, 423: shadow area Object, 424 ... shadow area for texture, 424a ... 11 region, 424b ... 12th area, 425 ... shadow for object 426 ... ground for objects, PC12 ... screen area, TB2 ... range specification table.

Claims (1)

Arranging means for arranging image data of an object which is three-dimensional information in a virtual three-dimensional space; viewpoint setting means for setting a viewpoint in the virtual three-dimensional space; and setting the object on a projection plane set based on the viewpoint Storage means for storing the generated data generated by the data generating means, comprising: drawing setting means for projecting the image data of the image data and generating the generated data based on the data projected on the projection plane;
Display control means for outputting and displaying an image corresponding to the generated data stored in the storage means on the display means,
In a gaming machine equipped with
The image data of the object has a plurality of vertex data,
The drawing setting means,
A texture use unit that enables display of an image corresponding to the image data of the object by using texture data corresponding to the image data of the object;
Color information setting means for setting vertex color information in the vertex data,
Changing means for changing the content of the image determined by the texture data according to the vertex color information,
Equipped with a,
The color information setting means,
Grasping a range in which the content of the image determined by the texture data is included in a set range that is changed by the changing unit according to the vertex color information, and the vertex data to be set with the vertex color information is grasped; Means,
Means for deforming the set range,
Gaming machine, characterized in that it comprises.

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