JP7633646B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

The decorative design (selection design) that indicates the winning or losing lottery result often includes letters such as numbers that indicate the type of design, and characters that accompany the letters (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2019-198505 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the entertainment value of the game by using decorative patterns.

The gaming machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, comprises a display means having a display area, a notification means for notifying the result of a winning/losing lottery by a combination of selected patterns selected from each of a plurality of decorative pattern groups including a plurality of types of decorative patterns and displayed in the display area, and a pattern control means for changing the style of the decorative pattern to a composite style having a main element part indicating the type of pattern and a sub-element part associated with the main element part, and a simple style having the main element part but not the sub-element part, and a plurality of types of the sub-element part are set, and one of the plurality of types is set as a specific type based on a predetermined condition, and among the composite styles, a sub-element part of the specific type is set as a specific composite style, and in a notification performance for notifying a winning/losing lottery result, the style of each decorative pattern included in a target decorative pattern group, which is at least one of the plurality of decorative pattern groups, may change from the simple style to the specific composite style while the target decorative pattern group is fluctuating.

The gaming machine of the present invention makes it possible to improve the entertainment value of the game by using decorative patterns.

FIG. A diagram showing decorative patterns and reserved patterns displayed in the display area. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the style of decorative patterns. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of selecting a specific type. A diagram to explain a presentation using a specific type (style change presentation). FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining specific example 1-2 of a presentation using a specific type. FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining specific example 1-2 of a presentation using a specific type. A figure to explain specific example 1-3 of a presentation using a specific type. FIG. 1 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining specific example 1-4 of a presentation using a specific type. FIG. 2 is a second diagram for explaining specific example 1-4 of a presentation using a specific type. A figure to explain specific example 1-5 of a presentation using a specific type. A figure to explain specific example 1-6 of a presentation using a specific type. A figure to explain specific example 1-7 of a presentation using a specific type. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a covering effect. A diagram for explaining specific example 2-1 of covering performance. A diagram for explaining specific example 2-2 regarding covering performance. A diagram to explain specific example 2-5 of covering performance.

1) Basic Configuration of the Gaming Machine A gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 1. In the following description, when the term "image" is used without any particular specification, it is intended to include both moving images and still images. In addition, each area described below is provided with a sensor (not shown) capable of detecting a gaming ball, and the sensor detects whether or not the gaming ball has entered (won) each area. For example, "a gaming ball has entered (won) an XX area" strictly means that a sensor provided in the XX area has detected a gaming ball.

The housing of the gaming machine 1 is provided with a launching device 908 for launching gaming balls. By operating the launching device 908, the gaming balls stored in the upper tray 909a are launched. So-called prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 909a, and gaming balls that overflow from the upper tray 909a are sent to the lower tray 909b.

The play area 902 where the launched game balls arrive can be seen through a transparent plate located in front of it. The gaming machine 1 has a game board 90 on which the play area 902 is formed on the front side. The game board 90 is made of a substantially square plywood, and a guide rail 903 that forms a passageway that guides the game balls launched by operating the launching device 908 (launching handle) to the play area 902 is provided so as to have a substantially arc shape.

The game area 902 is provided with a starting area 904 (first starting area 904a, second starting area 904b), a big prize area 906, an outlet 907, etc. The display area 911 of the display device 91 which executes various effects is an area which can be seen through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. The shape of the display area 911 can be changed as appropriate (the shape of the display area 911 can be changed by changing the shape and size of the opening 901, or the shape and size of the display device 91 itself).

In addition, the play area 902 is provided with multiple game pegs as obstacles that change the way the game ball flows down when the game ball collides with them. The game ball flowing down the play area 902 changes into various forms depending on the conditions when it collides with the game pegs.

In this type of gaming machine 1, gaming balls are launched toward the gaming area 902 by operating the launching device 908. When a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area 902 enters a winning area such as the big winning area 906, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by the payout device.

The lottery for the big win is executed by a winning/losing lottery means provided on a control board (not shown) when a game ball enters the starting area 904. In this embodiment, a first starting area 904a (the so-called "special chart 1" starting area) and a second starting area 904b (the so-called "special chart 2" starting area) are provided as the starting area 904. When a game ball enters the starting area 904, a number (winning/losing lottery information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the number is the same as a predetermined big win number, it is a big win, and if it is different, it is a loss.

In this embodiment, the results of the winning/losing lottery will start to be announced (so-called fluctuations will start) in the order in which the numbers are obtained, but if there is winning/losing lottery information for which the results have not yet been announced, the newly acquired winning/losing lottery information will be stored as reserved information in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown). The fact that reserved information is stored in the storage means is displayed as a reserved symbol 70. In other words, the reserved symbol 70 indicates the presence of winning/losing lottery information for which the results have not yet been announced.

In this embodiment, as the reserved pattern 70, a pending pattern 71 (a pattern indicating the existence of the so-called "reserved change") corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as pending information during change) in which the notification effect for notifying the winning/losing lottery result (the effect from the start of the change of the decorative pattern 10 (decorative pattern group 10g) to the complete stop at the combination showing the winning/losing lottery result (the selected pattern combination described later is shown), which is the so-called performance during one change) has started but the notification of the winning/losing lottery result has not been completed, and a pre-change reserved pattern 72 corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as pre-change reserved information) in which the notification effect for notifying the winning/losing lottery result has not started (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the basic form of the pending pattern 71 during change and the pre-change reserved pattern 72 are the same. The basic form of the pending pattern 71 during change and the pre-change reserved pattern 72 may be completely different. In addition, the pending pattern 71 during change may not be displayed. In addition, the order in which the winning/losing lottery results corresponding to the pre-change reserved patterns 72 are notified (the so-called reserved "consumption order") is earlier for those located to the right.

The maximum number of pre-change reserved information that can be stored is limited. In this embodiment, the maximum number of first pre-change reserved information (special chart 1 reserved) that can be obtained by winning the first starting area 904a is four, and the maximum number of second pre-change reserved information (special chart 2 reserved) that can be obtained by winning the second starting area 904b is four. Therefore, with regard to the reserved pattern 70 that corresponds to either special chart 1 or special chart 2, one currently changing reserved pattern 71 and up to four pre-change reserved patterns 72 may be displayed (see Figure 2).

In this embodiment, when both the first pre-change reserved information (Special Chart 1 reserved) and the second pre-change reserved information (Special Chart 2 reserved) are stored in the storage means, the result of the winning/losing lottery (the result of the Special Chart 2 lottery) corresponding to the second pre-change reserved information is notified preferentially ("Special Chart 2 reserved priority consumption").

In this embodiment, as in known gaming machines, the winning/losing lottery result is notified to the player by the decorative pattern 10 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, the decorative pattern group 10g (left decorative pattern group 10gL, middle decorative pattern group 10gC, right decorative pattern group 10gR) including a plurality of types of decorative patterns 10 starts to fluctuate, and finally one decorative pattern 10 is selected from each decorative pattern group 10g and stops. If one decorative pattern 10 selected from each decorative pattern group 10g is the selected pattern 15 (the selected pattern 15 is a subordinate concept of the decorative pattern 10), the winning/losing lottery result is notified by the combination (selected pattern combination) of the left selected pattern 15L, middle selected pattern 15C, and right selected pattern 15R selected and displayed from the left decorative pattern group 10gL, middle decorative pattern group 10gC, and right decorative pattern group 10gR, respectively. If the player wins the jackpot, the selected symbol combination will be a predetermined combination (for example, three of the same type of selected symbol 15 (decorative symbol 10)). If the player loses, the selected symbol combination will be something other than the jackpot combination (a combination other than the jackpot combination).

As mentioned above, the selection pattern 15 is a subordinate concept to the decorative pattern 10, so unless specifically described as the "selection pattern," the following explanation of the decorative pattern 10 also applies to the selection pattern 15.

2) Structure of decorative pattern (selected pattern) and performance using the same 2-1) Style of decorative pattern (selected pattern) The decorative pattern 10 has a main element part M (see FIG. 3). The main element part M is a part that indicates the type of decorative pattern 10. In this embodiment, the main element part M is a part that includes "numbers". If the numbers are the same, the type of decorative pattern 10 is the same, and if the numbers are different, the type of decorative pattern 10 is different. Even if the font of the numbers is different, if the numbers are the same, the type of decorative pattern 10 is the same. Note that the main element part M may include characters other than "numbers". The type of decorative pattern 10 is determined by whether the characters match or do not match. In this embodiment, the main element part M includes any of the numbers "1" to "7". That is, in this embodiment, there are seven types of decorative patterns 10. The decorative pattern group 10g is displayed in a variable manner so as to reach approximately the center of the display area 911 in the vertical direction in the order of the numbers.

At least some of the decorative patterns 10 (decorative patterns 10 expressed in a composite format, the details of which will be described later) have a sub-element S associated with a main element M (see FIG. 3(b)). In this embodiment, the sub-element S represents one of the characters A to G. Characters include not only people (including imaginary people such as anime characters) but also objects. The concept of the sub-element S can also be set to things other than characters. There are seven types of characters, the same as the types of main element M (numbers). The appearance of each character may be changed as long as the player can understand that they represent the same character.

The style of the decorative pattern 10 is roughly divided into a simple style (see FIG. 3(a)) and a composite style (see FIG. 3(b)). A simple style has a main element part M but no sub-element part S. A composite style has a main element part M and a sub-element part S associated with it. In other words, the simple style and the composite style differ in the presence or absence of a sub-element part S. However, as mentioned above, since the type of decorative pattern 10 is determined based on the main element part M (number), if the number of the decorative pattern 10 expressed in the simple style is the same as the number of the decorative pattern 10 expressed in the composite style, the two are considered to be the same type of pattern. In other words, the difference between the types of decorative pattern 10 is determined by the difference between the main element part M.

Composite styles are divided into normal composite styles (see FIG. 3(b-1)) and specific composite styles (see FIG. 3(b-2)). In normal composite styles, the correspondence between the main element part M and the sub-element part S is determined. Specifically, the number "1" corresponds to "character A", the number "2" corresponds to "character B", the number "3" corresponds to "character C", and the number "7" corresponds to "character G". In other words, in normal composite styles, the type of sub-element part S (character) changes according to the change in the type of decorative pattern 10. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R are considered to be the normal composite style. Note that, unlike this embodiment, the sub-element part S may not overlap in the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R. For example, the normal composite style may be one in which the "1" in the left decorative pattern 10L corresponds to character A, the "2" to character B, and the "7" to character G, while the "1" in the right decorative pattern 10R corresponds to character H, the "2" to character I, and the "7" to character N.

A specific composite style has a specific type of sub-element part S, regardless of the type of decorative pattern 10 (main element part M). In other words, the decorative pattern 10 expressed in a specific composite style has a specific type of sub-element part S, regardless of the type of main element part M (numbers) (the example shown in Figure 3 (b-2) is a case where the character F is a specific type). In this respect, the specific composite style differs from the normal composite style.

The specific type can be selected by the player at will. In this embodiment, the player can select a favorite character from among the characters A to G by operating the operating means in the standby state (meaning a state in which the notification performance is not being executed). The type of the sub-element part S corresponding to the favorite character (selected character) becomes the "specific type". Any method can be used to allow the player to make a selection, so detailed explanations will be omitted. In this embodiment, one of the characters A to G can be selected by operating the cross key (cursor movement) and the push button (confirmation) provided as the operating means (see FIG. 4). In this embodiment, one of the characters is automatically set as the selected character when the power is turned on. In other words, one of the characters is set as the selected character even if the player does not make the above selection. The setting may be such that a predetermined character is set as the selected character when the power is turned on (a default character is determined), or the setting may be such that which character is set as the selected character is determined by a lottery when the power is turned on (a default character is not determined). In this way, since the specific type corresponds to the character selected by the player, it can be said that the decorative pattern 10 of the specific composite style includes the character of the player's preference.

During the notification presentation, a presentation (selection presentation) may be generated to prompt the player to make a specific type of selection.

2-2) Performance using a specific type During the notification performance (during one change) that notifies the result of one winning or losing lottery, the style of each decorative pattern 10 included in the target decorative pattern group, which is at least one of the multiple decorative pattern groups 10g, may change from one of the specific composite style and the simple style to the other. The performance in which this change occurs is the style change performance (hereinafter, the notification performance (change) in which the style change performance occurs may be referred to as the target notification performance). In this embodiment, the middle decorative pattern group 10gC is the target decorative pattern group (the middle decorative pattern 10C is the target decorative pattern). In other words, in the style change performance, the style of each middle decorative pattern 10C included in the middle decorative pattern group 10gC changes from one of the specific composite style and the simple style to the other.

In this embodiment, the style of each decorative pattern 10 (left decorative pattern 10L, right decorative pattern 10R) included in the decorative pattern groups other than the target decorative pattern group, i.e., the left decorative pattern group 10gL and the right decorative pattern group 10gR, is normally considered to be a composite style.

In addition, in the target notification performance, the selected patterns 15 are displayed in the order of left selected pattern 15L selected from left decorative pattern group 10gL, right selected pattern 15R selected from right decorative pattern 10R, and middle selected pattern 15C selected from middle decorative pattern group 10gC. In other words, the selected patterns 15 are determined in the order of left → right → middle, and the winning/losing lottery result (selected pattern combination) is notified, leading to a confirmed state. The middle selected pattern 15C selected from middle decorative pattern group 10gC (middle decorative pattern 10C), which is the target decorative pattern group (target decorative pattern), is the selected pattern 15 displayed last among the three selected patterns 15. If the order in which the selected symbols 15 are displayed (stop order) is given the terms "first," "second," and "third," then the left decorative symbol 10L (left decorative symbol group 10gL) and the left selected symbol 15L are the first decorative symbol (first decorative symbol group) and the first selected symbol, the right decorative symbol 10R (right decorative symbol group 10gR) and the right selected symbol 15R are the second decorative symbol (second decorative symbol group) and the second selected symbol, and the middle decorative symbol 10C (middle decorative symbol group 10gC) and the middle selected symbol 15C are the third decorative symbol (third decorative symbol group) and the third selected symbol.

The target notification performance progresses as follows. The target notification performance that progresses as follows is for cases where a reach (meaning that the first selected pattern and the second selected pattern are the same type) is not achieved and a miss is notified (a so-called "total miss"). First, from a state in which the three decorative pattern groups 10g have changed (see FIG. 5(a)), the change of the left decorative pattern group 10gL stops, and the left selected pattern 15L is displayed (see FIG. 5(b)). The left selected pattern 15L is displayed in the normal composite format. Next, the change of the right decorative pattern group 10gR stops, and the right selected pattern 15R is displayed (see FIG. 5(c)). The right selected pattern 15R is displayed in the normal composite format.

At least until the left selected pattern 15L and the right selected pattern 15R are displayed, each of the middle decorative patterns 10C included in the middle decorative pattern group 10gC is displayed in a simple format (first state) (see Figures 5(a) to (c)). After the first state, it transitions to a state (second state) in which it is displayed in a specific composite format (assuming that the character F is a specific type) (see Figure 5(d)). Then, the change in the middle decorative pattern group 10gC stops, and the middle selected pattern 15C is displayed in a specific composite format (third state) (see Figure 5(e)). In this way, the middle decorative pattern 10C included in the middle decorative pattern group 10gC, which is the target decorative pattern group, changes from a simple format to a specific composite format during the change. Then, the specific composite format state is maintained until it is displayed as the middle selected pattern 15C. When the middle selection pattern 15C is displayed, all the selection patterns 15 are displayed (selection pattern combinations are displayed), and a fixed state is reached in which the result of the winning/losing lottery is announced; the period that includes this fixed state (the period that includes the conclusion of the target announcement performance) is considered to be a specific composite format.

Finally, the selected symbol combination is displayed in the order of left selected symbol 15L, middle selected symbol 15C, and right selected symbol 15R from the left of the display area 911 (see FIG. 5(e)). In other words, the middle selected symbol 15C is positioned between the left selected symbol 15L and the right selected symbol 15R in the width direction, so that the middle selected symbol 15C is displayed in the most "prominent" position toward the center of the display area 911.

The target notification effect described above is for the case of a "total miss", but it can also be controlled in the same way for cases where a "reach" is achieved (including both cases where a "reach" ends in a miss and a "reach" ends in a big win). However, it is also possible to configure the target notification effect to occur only in the case of a "total miss".

In this way, in the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, in the notification effect (target notification effect) that notifies the result of a winning or losing lottery, the style of each of the middle decorative patterns 10C included in the middle decorative pattern group 10gC (target decorative pattern group) changes from a simple style to a specific composite style, which is novel and interesting.

The decorative pattern 10 of the specific composite style contains a specific type of sub-element part S (a favorite character) selected by the player, so that in the target notification performance, the specific type of sub-element part S selected by the player can be seen every time at the point when the winning/losing lottery result is definitively shown by the selection pattern 15 (the point when the player is likely to pay attention to it).

Considering the order in which the selection symbols 15 are displayed, the left selection symbol 15L (first selection symbol) and the right selection symbol 15R (second selection symbol) are usually displayed in a composite format, so the sub-element parts S of both selection symbols 15 can change type each time a new winning/losing lottery result is announced (they change according to the type of selection symbol 15 (main element part M)). On the other hand, the sub-element part S of the middle selection symbol 15C (third selection symbol) that is displayed last is of a specific type, regardless of the type of middle selection symbol 15C (main element part M). In other words, the selection symbol combination is revealed by the middle selection symbol 15C being displayed last, and the winning/losing lottery result is definitively shown, so the middle selection symbol 15C is the symbol that the player is most likely to pay attention to, and the sub-element part S of that middle selection symbol 15C is made to be of a predetermined specific type.

The specific type (character) is the one selected by the player and is his/her preference, so the specific type of sub-element part S will be displayed in the design that the player is most likely to notice.

In addition, in this embodiment, the last selection symbol 15 shown is the middle selection symbol 15C, which is displayed in a more prominent position (toward the center of the display area 911) than the left selection symbol 15L and the right selection symbol 15R. In other words, the specific type of sub-element part S selected by the player is displayed in a prominent position.

The following are specific examples of improvements, modifications, and concretizations of the above-mentioned specific types of performances. Note that, to the extent possible, multiple combinations of the items described in the following specific examples may be used.

○Specific example 1-1
Although it has been explained that the specific type (character) is determined by the player's selection, it may be determined based on other conditions. For example, an RTC (real-time clock) may be provided, and the specific type may change according to the real time (calendar) obtained by the RTC. If the specific type changes on an hourly basis, a game feature is realized in which the specific type changes during play. If the specific type changes on a daily (month, year) basis, a game feature is realized in which the specific type changes depending on the day (month, year) on which the game is played.

○Specific example 1-2
As described above, each of the multiple types represents a different type of object (character in the above embodiment). A configuration is made in which multiple pattern images with different aspects are set as images representing the same type of object (character) that can be displayed as the sub-element portion S. For example, a configuration is made in which ten types of pattern images A1 to A10 are set as images representing character A, ten types of pattern images B1 to B10 are set as images representing character B, and ten types of pattern images G1 to G10 are set as images representing character G (see FIG. 6). Note that the number of types of pattern images corresponding to each object (character) may be different.

Based on this premise, the mode of the specific type of pattern image displayed as the sub-element part S of the middle decorative pattern 10C (middle selection pattern 15C) is changed in the target notification performance. In other words, the sub-element part S of the middle selection pattern 15C is kept as a specific type through the target notification performance, but the mode of the pattern image representing the specific type of sub-element part S is changed. For example, when the character C is a specific type, the middle decorative pattern 10C transitions from a first state (see FIG. 7(a)) in which it is displayed in a simple format to a second state, in which the middle decorative pattern 10C having the pattern image C1 is displayed as the sub-element part S (see FIG. 7(b)), and in the subsequent third state, the middle selection pattern 15C having the pattern image C6 is displayed as the sub-element part S (see FIG. 7(c)). In other words, the mode of the pattern image displayed in the second state is different from that of the pattern image displayed in the third state (determined state).

In this way, a game feature is realized in which multiple images representing a specific type of target can be viewed during the target notification presentation (during one change). If the specific type is determined by the player's selection, this means that multiple images representing a preferred target (character) can be viewed.

○Specific example 1-3 (a more specific example of specific example 1-2)
The configuration may be such that the form of the pattern image changes during the second state. For example, when the character C is a specific type, at the beginning of the second state, a middle decorative pattern 10C having a pattern image C1 is displayed as the sub-element part S (see FIG. 8(a)), which changes to a middle decorative pattern 10C having a pattern image C3 before the third state is reached (see FIG. 8(b)), and when the third state is reached, a middle selection pattern 15C having a pattern image C6 is displayed as the sub-element part S (see FIG. 8(c)). By doing so, the number of pattern images that can be seen in the target notification performance (during one change) is increased.

In the case of this example, the aspect of the pattern image may change each time the type of the middle decorative pattern 10C (main element part M) displayed in the second state changes (so-called frame advance is performed). For example, after the middle decorative pattern 10C of "4" is displayed in the second state, the state transitions to a state in which the middle decorative pattern 10C of "5" is displayed, and finally, frame advance (frame advance of "4" → "5" → "6") is performed so that the middle selected pattern 15C of "6" is displayed in the third state. In this case, the middle decorative pattern 10C of "4" has the pattern image C1 as the secondary decorative part (see FIG. 8(a)), the middle decorative pattern 10C of "5" has the pattern image C3 as the secondary decorative part (see FIG. 8(b)), and the middle selected pattern 15C of "6" has the pattern image C6 as the secondary decorative part (see FIG. 8(c)). By doing so, the aspect of the secondary decorative part (pattern image) changes each time frame advance is performed, resulting in a pattern variation aspect.

○Specific Example 1-4 (a more specific example of Specific Examples 1-2 and 1-3)
It is assumed that multiple pattern images representing the same type of object are divided into categories. For example, it is assumed that the pattern images A1 to A10 representing the character A are the same category of five, "A1 to A5," and the same category of five, "A6 to A10"("A1 to A5" and "A6 to A10" are different categories). It is assumed that the same applies to the pattern images representing other characters (see FIG. 9). Three or more categories may be set for each character.

As mentioned above, in the target notification performance (during one change), multiple pattern images of different types are displayed, and the multiple pattern images are considered to belong to the same system. In other words, in the same target notification performance, pattern images of different systems will not be displayed. For example, when character A is a specific type, if a middle decorative pattern 10C having pattern image A6 as the sub-element part S is displayed in the second state (see FIG. 10(b)), a middle selection pattern 15C having one of pattern images A7 to A10 as the sub-element part S will be displayed in the third state (A1 to A5 are not displayed) (see FIG. 10(c)).

"Types" can be set from various perspectives. It is sufficient if the player can distinguish between same and different types. For example, images of a character in which certain parts (e.g. the character's clothing) are the same color (similar colors) could be considered to be in the same type, and images of different colors could be considered to be in a different type. Also, pattern images A1 to A5 are based on the same image of character A (pattern images A6 to A10 are based on images different from pattern images A1 to A5), but the sizes are different (for example, character A gets gradually larger (close-up) from A1 to A5). In other words, images of the same type have the same base image, but images of different types have different base images.

○Example 1-5
As described above, in the third state, the sub-element part S of the middle selection pattern 15C is a specific type. An image including the specific type of sub-element part S (hereinafter referred to as the specific image 40) is displayed in the entire display area 911 (see FIG. 11(b)). The image layer representing the specific image 40 is placed after the image layer representing the main element part M and the sub-element part S of the left selection pattern 15L, the main element part M and the sub-element part S of the right selection pattern 15R, and the main element part M of the middle selection pattern 15C. In addition, the image layer representing the specific image 40 is placed before the image layer representing the background image (the normal background image 60 displayed in the normal state (see FIG. 11(a)). Note that the normal background image 60 is omitted from the drawings other than FIG. 11)). Note that the normal background image 60 is displayed as the background of each decorative pattern 10 (each decorative pattern group 10g) that changes in the first state or the second state.

By doing this, in the third state (the point in time when the win/lose lottery result corresponding to the target notification performance is announced), the specific image 40 represents the sub-element portion S of the middle selection pattern 15C, but appears to be displayed as the background of each selection pattern 15. In other words, it appears as if a different pattern background (normal background image 60) from the pattern background in the first and second states is displayed in the third state (definite state). As a result, in the target notification performance, a special background appears to be displayed in a state that definitively indicates the win/lose lottery result, emphasizing the announcement of the win/lose lottery result.

○Example 1-6
In the above embodiment, the left decorative pattern 10L (left selected pattern 15L) and the right decorative pattern 10R (right selected pattern 15R) are of the normal composite style. Therefore, the type of the sub-element part S is determined according to the type of the pattern (main element part M). On the other hand, the sub-element part S of the middle decorative pattern 10C (middle selected pattern 15C) is of a specific type (specific composite style) regardless of the type of the pattern (main element part M). For example, as shown in the "reference diagram" of FIG. 12, when a "1" pattern is displayed as the left decorative pattern 10L (left selection pattern 15L) or the right decorative pattern 10R (right selection pattern 15R), character A is displayed as the sub-element part S of the "1" pattern. If the specific type is character A, even if the "1" pattern is not displayed as the middle decorative pattern 10C (middle selection pattern 15C), character A will be displayed as the sub-element part S (specific type), so that there is a risk of mistaking (confusing) that the patterns including character A are of the same type. In order to reduce such a risk, the sub-element part S of the left decorative pattern 10L (left selection pattern 15L) and the right decorative pattern 10R (right selection pattern 15R) are set so that the same type as the specific type is not displayed. Specifically, as follows.

Eight types of characters A to H are prepared as candidates for the sub-element part S (see FIG. 12(a)). In other words, more candidates are prepared than the number of types of decorative pattern 10 (selected pattern 15) (seven types). Then, for all of the left decorative pattern 10L (left selected pattern 15L) and right decorative pattern 10R (right selected pattern 15R), characters other than the characters designated as specific types are made the sub-element part S. For example, character D is considered to be a specific type. In that case, character A is assigned to "1," character B to "2," character C to "3," character E to "4," character F to "5," character G to "6," and character H to "7" in the left decorative pattern 10L (left selected pattern 15L) and right decorative pattern 10R (right selected pattern 15R), which are normally composite styles (see the top of FIG. 12(b)). By doing this, the left decorative pattern 10L (left selected pattern 15L) and the right decorative pattern 10R (right selected pattern 15R) will not be displayed with the character D. In other words, the same character (specific type of sub-element part S) as the middle decorative pattern 10C (middle selected pattern 15C) (see bottom of Figure 12 (b)), which is a specific composite style, will not be displayed.

○Example 1-7
As described above, the left selected symbol 15L and the right selected symbol 15R being of the same type are set as a "reach." When a reach is achieved by the selected symbol 15 whose main element M is "7," the probability (reliability) of the lottery result being a jackpot is set to be higher than when any of the reaches is achieved by the selected symbols 15 whose main element M is other (other numbers).

Based on this premise, the sub-element parts S of the left selected pattern 15L (left decorative pattern 10L) and right selected pattern 15R (right decorative pattern 10R) whose main element part M is "7" are set to the same type as the specific type. For example, if character B is set as the specific type, the sub-element parts S of the patterns whose main element part M is "7" in the normal composite style (left selected pattern 15L (left decorative pattern 10L) and right selected pattern 15R (right decorative pattern 10R)) are set to character B (see FIG. 13(a)). Note that since the specific type is character B, all of the sub-element parts S of the specific composite style (middle selected pattern 15C (middle decorative pattern 10C)) are character B (see FIG. 13(b)).

The effect of doing so is as follows. As described above, since the reach of "7" is more reliable than the reach of other numbers, the reach of "7" is less likely to be achieved than the reach of other numbers. In other words, the symbol "7" is less likely to be displayed as the left selection symbol 15L or the right selection symbol 15R. Therefore, in accordance with the example in which character B is a specific type, the sub-element part S of character B is less likely to be displayed as the left selection symbol 15L or the right selection symbol 15R. Therefore, by displaying the sub-element part S of character B (specific type) as the middle selection symbol 15C, the frequency with which the sub-element part S of the left selection symbol 15L or the right selection symbol 15R and the sub-element part S of the middle selection symbol 15C are the same type is reduced. Therefore, the frequency with which the sub-element part S of the left selection symbol 15L or the right selection symbol 15R and the middle selection symbol 15C are the same type, despite the different symbol types, is reduced.

2-3) Covering performance A covering performance is executed as a performance using the decorative pattern 10. The covering performance is a performance in which a covering image 50 is displayed in the display area 911. In this embodiment, the covering image 50 is displayed in the entire display area 911. The covering image 50 covers a target decorative pattern (target selection pattern) which is one of the multiple decorative patterns 10 (selection patterns 15) displayed in the display area 911. In the covering performance in this embodiment, the middle decorative pattern 10C (middle selection pattern 15C) is set as the target decorative pattern (target selection pattern). On the other hand, the decorative patterns 10 (selection patterns 15) other than the target decorative pattern (target selection pattern) are set as non-target decorative patterns (non-target selection patterns). That is, in this embodiment, the left decorative pattern 10L (left selection pattern 15L) and the right decorative pattern 10R (right selection pattern 15R) are set as non-target decorative patterns (non-target selection patterns).

The covering effect can occur when three decorative patterns 10 (selected patterns 15) are displayed (exposed) (see FIG. 14(a)). In this embodiment, the covering effect occurs when the left selected pattern 15L and the right selected pattern 15R are displayed and the middle decorative pattern group 10gC (middle decorative pattern 10C) is fluctuating, that is, when the middle selected pattern 15C has not been decided (note that it may occur when the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R are displayed). The covering image 50 covers the middle decorative pattern 10C, which is the target decorative pattern, but does not cover the left selected pattern 15L and the right selected pattern 15R, which are non-target decorative patterns (non-target selected patterns). In other words, the left selected pattern 15L and the right selected pattern 15R are displayed so as to overlap in front of the covering image 50 (see FIG. 14(b)). In addition, when the covering image 50 is displayed, the middle decorative pattern 10C (not visible to the player) appears to be overlapping behind the covering image 50. The above-mentioned situation can be created by setting the image layer representing the covering image 50 in front of the image layer representing the middle decorative pattern 10C and behind the image layers representing the left selection pattern 15L and the right selection pattern 15R. This situation can be said to be a situation in which the target decorative pattern is "selectively" covered by the covering image 50 (selective covering state). In addition, the covering image 50 does not cover the reserved pattern 70. Therefore, the player can know the number of reserved patterns even when the covering image 50 is displayed.

Then, the covering image 50 is erased, and the state in which the target decorative pattern, the middle decorative pattern 10C, is covered by the covering image 50 is eliminated. To the player, it appears as if the middle decorative pattern 10C has been exposed again (see FIG. 14(c)). Note that in this embodiment, the pattern that is exposed when the covering image 50 is erased is the middle selection pattern 15C. In other words, the covering image 50 is erased and the result of the winning/losing lottery is notified (a confirmed state).

In the present embodiment, the covering effect is an effect in which the type of the middle decorative pattern 10C (the main element part M of the middle decorative pattern 10C), which is the target decorative pattern, changes. Focusing on the middle decorative pattern 10C, the covering effect can be said to be an effect that progresses as follows. At the stage before the covering image 50 is displayed, the middle decorative pattern 10C before the change is displayed (exposed) (pre-exposed state) (see FIG. 14(a)). After that, the covering image 50 is displayed, and the middle decorative pattern 10C is selectively covered (selectively covered state) (see FIG. 14(b)). Then, the covering image 50 is erased, and the middle decorative pattern 10C after the change is displayed (exposed) (post-exposed state) (see FIG. 14(c)). The type of the middle decorative pattern 10C (pre-exposed pattern) in the pre-exposed state is different from the type of the middle decorative pattern 10C (middle selected pattern 15C in this embodiment) (post-exposed pattern) in the post-exposed state. In other words, the type of the middle decorative pattern 10C changes from the previous pattern to the next pattern.

In this way, the covering effect in this embodiment is an effect in which the middle decorative pattern 10C, which is the target decorative pattern, is selectively covered by the covering image 50. If all of the displayed decorative patterns 10 were covered (two or more decorative patterns 10 were covered), it would be difficult to tell which decorative pattern 10 is the target of the effect. However, in the covering effect in this embodiment, the middle decorative pattern 10C, which is the target decorative pattern, is covered by the covering image 50, and the left decorative pattern 10L (left selected pattern 15L) and right decorative pattern 10R (right selected pattern 15R), which are non-target decorative patterns (non-target selected patterns), are not covered by the covering image 50, making it easy to tell which decorative pattern 10 is the target of the effect.

The following are specific examples of improvements, modifications, and concretizations of the above-mentioned covering effects. Note that, to the extent possible, multiple combinations of the items described in the following specific examples may be used.

○Specific example 2-1
In the above embodiment, the covering effect is described as a change in the type of the middle decorative pattern 10C, which is the target decorative pattern (a change in the type of the previous pattern → the following pattern occurs), but it may be configured so that a case in which such a change does not occur may occur. In other words, it may be configured so that a case in which the type of the previous pattern and the following pattern are the same may occur. In other words, the covering effect suggests the possibility that the type of the middle decorative pattern 10C, which is the target decorative pattern, may change, and there may be a case in which the type changes (a change ending) (a case in which the progression is from FIG. 15(a) to FIG. 15(b) to FIG. 15(c-1)), or a case in which the type does not change (a non-change ending) (a case in which the progression is from FIG. 15(a) to FIG. 15(b) to FIG. 15(c-2)).

It is preferable to set one of the change ending and the non-change ending to be a more advantageous ending than the other. For example, it is possible to set that when a change ending is reached, a "chance eye" (one example of which is the numbers in the main element part M arranged in order from the left) is created (see FIG. 15(c-1)), while when a non-change ending is reached, the "chance eye" is not created (see FIG. 15(c-2)). The creation of a "chance eye" can occur as a presentation that suggests an increased reliability of the big win in the winning/losing lottery result that corresponds to the notification presentation in which the chance eye is created, or in the winning/losing lottery result that is notified thereafter.

In this example, the appearance of the cover image 50 (see FIG. 15(b)) can also suggest the likelihood of reaching a change ending (or a non-change ending). For example, it can be set so that the likelihood of reaching a change ending is higher when a cover image 50 that is red is displayed than when a cover image 50 that is black is displayed.

○Specific example 2-2
As described above, the covering effect transitions from a pre-exposed state in which the covering image 50 is not displayed to a selectively covered state in which the covering image 50 is displayed, and the covering image 50 is displayed to gradually expand from the non-target decorative pattern side to the target decorative pattern side to reach the selectively covered state. As in the above embodiment, if the center decorative pattern 10C is the target decorative pattern and the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R are the non-target decorative patterns, the covering image 50 is displayed to gradually increase in size from the outside to the center of the display area 911 (see FIG. 16).

In this case, if we look at the time course from the pre-exposed state to the selectively covered state, we first see a state in which the non-target decorative pattern (left decorative pattern 10L and right decorative pattern 10R) overlap in front of the covered image 50 (see FIG. 16(b)), and then we reach a state in which the target decorative pattern (middle decorative pattern 10C) is covered by the covered image 50 (selectively covered state) (see FIG. 16(c)).

By doing as in this example, the anteroposterior relationship (which is merely a virtual anteroposterior relationship) between the target decorative pattern, the non-target decorative pattern, and the covering image 50 can be more clearly shown. In other words, the impression that the covering image 50 exists between the non-target decorative pattern (which appears to be the foremost of the three) and the target decorative pattern (which appears to be the rearmost of the three) is stronger.

○Example 2-3
Two or more decorative patterns 10 may be set as target decorative patterns. For example, the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R are set as target decorative patterns, and the center decorative pattern 10C is set as a non-target decorative pattern. In the selective covering state, the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R are covered by the covering image 50, and the center decorative pattern 10C is displayed so as to overlap in front of the covering image 50.

In this case, it is preferable that the type of at least one of the two or more target decorative patterns changes after the covering effect. It is also possible that the types of all target decorative patterns always change.

○Example 2-4
The covering effect can be used to advance the target decorative pattern frame by frame. In other words, the covering effect occurs when the main element M displays the pattern "1" as the target decorative pattern, and the pattern changes to "2" (advance one frame), the covering effect occurs when the pattern "2" is displayed, and the pattern changes to "3" (advance one frame), and so on.

Such frame advance using the covering effect can also be applied to the effect described in specific example 1-3 above (an effect in which the appearance of the pattern image changes each time frame advance is performed). In other words, the covering image 50 is displayed to cover the target decorative pattern (middle decorative pattern 10C), and when it is exposed, the appearance of the pattern displayed as the sub-element part S is different from that before it was covered by the covering image 50.

○Example 2-5
In the covering effect, a reserved change effect may occur in which the state of the reserved pattern 70 changes. That is, after the occurrence of the covering effect, the state of at least one of the displayed reserved patterns 70 (target reserved pattern 70T) may change in a direction that increases the jackpot reliability for the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the target reserved pattern 70T. Specifically, it is as follows.

In the pre-exposure state, the reserved pattern 70 (all reserved patterns 70 including the target reserved pattern 70T) is exposed (see FIG. 17(a)). After that, in the selective covering state, the reserved pattern 70 (all reserved patterns 70 including the target reserved pattern 70T) is covered by the covering image 50 (see FIG. 17(b)). Then, the state transitions to the post-exposure state, and the reserved pattern 70 is exposed. The target reserved pattern 70T in the post-exposure state is set to have a higher jackpot reliability than the target reserved pattern 70T in the pre-exposure state (see FIG. 17(c)). Note that the setting may lead to a conclusion in which the state of the target reserved pattern 70T changes, or may lead to a conclusion in which it does not change. In other words, the occurrence of the covering effect (display of the covering image 50) may be set to merely suggest the possibility of a change in the state of the target reserved pattern 70T.

Unlike the above example, in the selective covering state, the target reserved pattern 70T is covered by the covering image 50, but the reserved patterns 70 other than the target reserved pattern 70T may not be covered by the covering image 50 (remain exposed). This has the advantage that the target reserved pattern 70T (reserved pattern 70 that is the subject of the reserve change performance) becomes clear.

3) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

The gaming machine 1 in the above embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, but except for the premise that it is a configuration specific to pachinko gaming machines, it can also be applied to other gaming machines such as reel-type gaming machines.

4) Specific means (gaming machines) obtained from the above embodiment are listed below.

・Method 1-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display means having a display area; an announcement means for announcing a winning/losing lottery result by a combination of selected patterns selected from a plurality of decorative pattern groups including a plurality of types of decorative patterns and displayed in the display area; and a pattern control means for changing the style of the decorative patterns into a composite style having a main element portion indicating a type of pattern and a sub-element portion associated with the main element portion, and a simple style having the main element portion but not the sub-element portion, wherein a plurality of types of the sub-element portion are set, and any one of the plurality of types is set as a specific type based on predetermined conditions, and among the composite styles, one in which the sub-element portion is set to the specific type is set as a specific composite style, and in a announcement performance for announcing a winning/losing lottery result, the style of each decorative pattern included in a target decorative pattern group which is at least one of the plurality of decorative pattern groups may change from one of the specific composite style and the simple style to the other.
The gaming machine is novel and interesting in that the style of the decorative pattern changes from one of a specific composite style and a simple style to the other during the notification performance (during variation).

・Method 1-2
The gaming machine described in Means 1-1 is characterized in that the specific type can be selected arbitrarily by the player.
In this way, each time a decorative pattern of a particular composite style is displayed, the player can see a particular type of sub-element portion that he or she has selected (preferred).

・Method 1-3
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 or 1-2 is characterized in that the selected pattern selected from the group of target decorative patterns is displayed in the specific composite format.
By doing so, a specific type of sub-element portion can be seen when the selected symbol that is likely to be the most noticeable to the player is displayed.

・Method 1-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, characterized in that in a notification performance for notifying the result of a winning or losing lottery, after a first state in which each decorative pattern included in the group of target decorative patterns is displayed in the simple style, it transitions to a second state in which it is displayed in the specific composite style, and then the fluctuation stops, resulting in a third state in which the selected pattern selected from the group of target decorative patterns is displayed in the specific composite style.
As described above, it is possible to consider a configuration in which the target decorative pattern group changes from a simple style to a specific composite style while it is changing, and this style is maintained until the result of the lottery is definitively shown (the selected pattern is shown).

・Method 1-5
The gaming machine described in means 1-4 is characterized in that each of the multiple types of sub-element parts represents a different type of object, and multiple pattern images with different appearances are set as images representing the same type of object that can be displayed as the sub-element parts, and in a notification performance that notifies the result of a win/lose lottery, the pattern image displayed as the sub-element part of the specific type in the second state and the pattern image displayed as the sub-element part of the specific type in the third state represent the same type of object but with different appearances.
By doing this, it is possible to see multiple pattern images displayed as a specific type of sub-element part during one notification performance (during one change).

・Method 1-6
The gaming machine described in means 1-5 is characterized in that the multiple pattern images representing the same type of object are categorized by system, and in a notification performance that notifies the result of a win/lose lottery, the pattern image displayed as the sub-element part of the specific type in the second state and the pattern image displayed as the sub-element part of the specific type in the third state belong to the same system.
It is preferable that the multiple pattern images displayed during the first notification performance (during the first change) have a unified appearance.

・Method 1-7
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-4 to 1-6, characterized in that in the third state, an image including the sub-element portion of the selected pattern selected from the group of target decorative patterns is displayed throughout the entire display area.
In this way, the image including the sub-element portion of the selected design can function like a background.

・Method 2-1
A gaming machine in which the result of a winning/losing lottery is announced by a combination of selected patterns displayed in the following order: a first selected pattern selected from a plurality of types of first decorative patterns, a second selected pattern selected from a plurality of types of second decorative patterns, and a third selected pattern selected from a plurality of types of third decorative patterns, wherein the selected patterns have a main element portion indicating the type of pattern and a sub-element portion associated with the main element portion, and a plurality of types of the sub-element portion are set, and the types of the sub-element portions of the first selected pattern and the second selected pattern can change each time a new winning/losing lottery result is announced, while the sub-element portion of the third selected pattern is of a specific type determined based on predetermined conditions regardless of the type of the third selected pattern.
The gaming machine described above is novel and interesting in that the sub-element parts of the third selection symbol shown last (the selection symbol that the player is likely to pay the most attention to) are of a specific type.

・Method 2-2
The gaming machine described in 2-1, wherein the specific type can be selected at the player's discretion.
In this way, each time the third selection symbol that is likely to attract the player's most attention is displayed, the player can see the specific type of sub-element portion that he or she has selected (preferred).

Measures 2-3
The gaming machine described in 2-1 or 2-2 is characterized in that the sub-element parts of the first selected pattern and the second selected pattern are set so that the same type as the specific type is not displayed.
By doing this, the types of the sub-element parts are the same, so that even though a third selection pattern of a different type from the first selection pattern and the second selection pattern is displayed, the risk of confusion that they are the same type is reduced.

・Method 2-4
A gaming machine according to any one of means 2-1 to 2-3, characterized in that the third selected symbol is displayed between the first selected symbol and the second selected symbol.
In this way, a particular type of sub-element is displayed in a prominent position.

Measure 3-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display means for displaying a decorative pattern indicating a win/lose determination result; and an effect execution means for executing a covering effect including a selective covering state in which a covering image is displayed to cover a target decorative pattern, which is one of the multiple decorative patterns displayed on the display means, and a non-target decorative pattern, which is a decorative pattern other than the target decorative pattern, is displayed so as to overlap in front of the covering image.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to clearly display the decorative pattern (target decorative pattern) that is the subject of the performance.

Measure 3-2
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that the covering effect is an effect in which the type of the target decorative pattern changes, and includes a pre-exposed state in which the target decorative pattern before the change is exposed, the selective covering state which is the state after the pre-exposed state, and a post-exposed state which is the state after the selective covering state in which the target decorative pattern after the change is exposed.
As described above, a covering effect can be used as an effect that changes the type of target decorative pattern.

Measure 3-3
The gaming machine described in Means 3-1 or 3-2 is characterized in that the selective covering state is reached by displaying the covering image in such a way that it gradually expands from the non-target decorative pattern side to the target decorative pattern side.
By doing so, the context (virtual context) of the target decorative pattern, the non-target decorative pattern, and the covering image can be more clearly shown.

1 Gaming machine 10 Decorative pattern (10L left decorative pattern, 10C middle decorative pattern, 10R right decorative pattern)
10g decorative pattern group (10gL left decorative pattern group, 10gC middle decorative pattern group, 10gR right decorative pattern group)
15 Selected symbols (15L left selected symbol, 15C middle selected symbol, 15R right selected symbol)
M: main element part S: sub-element part 40: specific image 50: covering image 91: display device 911: display area

Claims (1)

A display means for displaying a decorative pattern indicating a winning or losing determination result;
a display execution means for executing a covering effect including a selective covering state in which a covering image is displayed to cover a target decorative pattern, which is one of the plurality of decorative patterns displayed on the display means, so that the type of the target decorative pattern is not known, and a non-target decorative pattern, which is a decorative pattern other than the target decorative pattern, is displayed so as to overlap in front of the covering image;
Equipped with
The covering effect is an effect in which the type of the target decorative pattern changes,
A pre-exposure state in which the target decorative pattern before the change is exposed;
the selectively covered state being a state subsequent to the pre-exposed state;
a post-exposure state in which the target decorative pattern is exposed after the selective covering state by erasing the covering image;
A gaming machine comprising :

Images