JP7671951B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

There are known gaming machines in which a jackpot game is initiated when a gaming ball passes through a predetermined area (specific area) (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2020-171419 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can improve entertainment value by utilizing a specific period, which is the time it takes for a gaming ball to enter a specific area.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is characterized by comprising: an operation means operable by a player; a bonus granting means for actually granting the bonus on the condition that a gaming ball enters a specific area when it has been decided by lottery that a bonus will be granted to the player; and a specification change means for changing the game specifications during the bonus play granted as the bonus when the operation means is operated in a manner that satisfies a predetermined operation condition during a specific period after the player has been notified that a bonus will be granted and that ends when the gaming ball enters the specific area.

The gaming machine of the present invention makes it possible to improve entertainment value by utilizing a specific period.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing decorative patterns and reserved patterns displayed in the display area. A diagram for explaining the game specifications (a) and the operation unit (b). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a specification image. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation guide image. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining cyclic switching. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining non-circular switching. 1A and 1B are diagrams for explaining a normal state and a specific state; 13A is a diagram for explaining a change in the specification image when the operation unit is operated in a normal state, and FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining a change in the specification image when the operation unit is operated in a specific state. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific examples 1-1 and 1-2. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining an OFF mode, a partial auto mode, and a full auto mode. A diagram to explain the first operation request presentation (a) and the second operation request presentation (b). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the hidden game specification change function. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-6. 1A is a diagram showing a special effect, FIG. 1B is a diagram explaining normal mode and special mode, and FIG. 1C is a diagram explaining a mode determination lottery. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-1. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific examples 4-2 and 4-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-5. A diagram for explaining specific example 4-6. A diagram showing an example of a specific pre-reading performance. This is a diagram showing an example of a specific pre-reading performance (continuation of Figure 26). 28 is a diagram showing a time series of changes in the music output in relation to the specific pre-reading performance shown in FIG. 26 and FIG. 27. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an image displacement effect. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining specific example 6-1. FIG. 34 is a diagram for explaining specific example 6-1 (continuation of FIG. 34). FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining specific example 6-2. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining specific example 6-3. A diagram for explaining specific example 6-4. A figure for explaining specific example 6-5. FIG. 1A is a diagram for explaining an accompanying image, and FIG. 1B is a diagram for explaining the appearance of a reserved pattern. A diagram to explain the reserved change performance (an example in which the target reserved pattern is a changing reserved pattern). This is a diagram (continuation of Figure 41) to explain the reserved change performance (an example in which the target reserved pattern is a changing reserved pattern). A diagram to explain the hold change performance (an example in which the target hold pattern is the hold pattern before the change). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 7-1. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 7-2. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining specific example 7-3. A figure for explaining specific example 7-4. A figure for explaining specific example 7-5. A figure for explaining specific example 7-6. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 7-7.

1) Basic Configuration of the Gaming Machine Hereinafter, one embodiment of the gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail 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, the term "image" includes not only still images but also moving images.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The gaming board 90 is made of a substantially square piece of plywood, and includes a guide rail 903 that is provided in a substantially arc-shaped configuration and that forms a path for guiding gaming balls launched by operating a launching device 908 (launching handle) to a gaming area 902.

The game area 902 is provided with a display device 91, a starting area 904, a big prize area 906, an outlet, and the like. The display area 911 of the display device 91 is a portion that can be seen through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. The game area 902 is also provided with a number of game pegs that act as obstacles against which the game balls collide, causing changes in the way the game balls flow down. The game balls flowing down the game area 902 change into various forms depending on the conditions when they collide with the game pegs.

In such a 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 starting area 904 or the big winning area 906, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device.

The frame of the gaming machine 1 and the lower and upper trays for storing the gaming balls can be of the same structure as known gaming machines, so a description of them will be omitted.

2) Win/lose lottery, etc. The lottery for the big win is executed by a win/lose lottery means, which is a circuit constructed on a control board (main 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 (win/lose 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 addition, as a type of "win", a configuration in which a "small win" is set in addition to a "big win" may be used.

In this embodiment, as in known gaming machines, the winning/losing lottery result is notified to the player by the combination of decorative patterns 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, a decorative pattern group 80g (left decorative pattern group 80gL, center decorative pattern group 80gC, right decorative pattern group 80gR) including multiple types of decorative patterns 80 starts to fluctuate, and finally one decorative pattern 80 is selected from each decorative pattern group 80g and stops. If a jackpot is won, the combination of decorative patterns 80 selected and stopped from each decorative pattern group 80g will be a predetermined combination (for example, three of the same decorative pattern 80). If a loss occurs, the combination will be other than the combination that results in a jackpot. The decorative pattern 80 may be a combination of numbers and characters, etc. In the following explanation, the effect from when the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) starts to change until it stops at a combination that indicates the result of the lottery is referred to as the effect during change (sometimes simply referred to as "change").

In this embodiment, the in-change performance for the winning/losing lottery results corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information is started (the change starts) in the order in which the winning/losing lottery information was acquired, but if there is winning/losing lottery information for which the winning/losing lottery results have not yet been notified, the newly acquired winning/losing lottery information is stored in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown). In the following explanation, among the winning/losing lottery information, information for which the corresponding in-change performance has started but the notification of the winning/losing lottery results has not yet been completed (information for which the in-change performance has not yet ended) is sometimes referred to as in-change pending information (the in-change pending information corresponds to the so-called "in-change pending"), and information for which the corresponding in-change performance has not yet started is sometimes referred to as pre-change pending information.

The number of pre-change pending information that can be stored in the storage means (reservation limit number) can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, the maximum number is four for each of the first pre-change pending information acquired when the game ball enters the first starting area 904a and the second pre-change pending information acquired when the game ball enters the second starting area 904b. Also, in this embodiment, when the notification of the winning/losing lottery result for a certain pending information during change is completed (when the so-called "reserved change" is consumed), if both the first pre-change pending information and the second pre-change pending information are stored in the storage means, the during-change performance (notification of the winning/losing lottery result) corresponding to the second pre-change pending information is executed with priority. In other words, this is the so-called "special chart 2 priority consumption".

The fact that pending information is stored in the storage means is displayed as a pending pattern 10. In other words, the pending pattern 10 indicates the presence of win/lose lottery information for which the corresponding win/lose lottery result has not been notified. In this embodiment, a pending pattern 11 during change, indicating the presence of pending information during change, and a pending pattern before change, indicating the presence of pending information before change, are displayed in the display area 911 as pending patterns 10. Only one pending pattern 11 is displayed, and a maximum of four pending patterns before change 12 are displayed (note that the "consumption order" of the pending patterns before change 12 is faster the closer they are to the pending pattern during change 11). The pre-change reserved pattern 12 is set so that if the game ball should be launched aiming at the first starting area 904a (normal game state described below), the first pre-change reserved information (special pattern 1 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved pattern 12, and if the game ball should be launched aiming at the second starting area 904b (special game state described below), the second pre-change reserved information (special pattern 2 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved pattern 12. Regardless of the game state, the pre-change reserved pattern 12 corresponding to both the first pre-change reserved information and the second pre-change reserved information stored in the storage means may be displayed (up to eight pre-change reserved patterns 12 are displayed).

In this embodiment, a normal game state and a special game state are set as game states related to the winning/losing lottery. The special game state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The normal game state is a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and is a low base state (low probability, no time reduction) in which the game ball is unlikely to enter the starting area 904. A first special game state and a second special game state are set as special game states. The first special game state is a high-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high, and is a high base state (high probability, time reduction) in which the game ball is likely to enter the starting area 904. The second special game state is a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and is a high base state (low probability, time reduction) in which the game ball is likely to enter the starting area 904. In the normal game state, the player launches the game ball aiming at the first starting area 904a. In this embodiment, a so-called "left hit" is performed. In the special game state, the player launches the game ball aiming at the second starting area 904b. In this embodiment, a so-called "right hit" is performed. In the special game state, the game ball is likely to win the lottery to open the second starting area 904b triggered by the game ball entering the normal starting area 905, so the game ball enters the second starting area 904b relatively easily. Note that any setting regarding the transition of the game state may be used, so an explanation is omitted. Also, the game state being set as described above (specifications) is merely an example.

3) Specification Change Function 3-1) Game Specifications The gaming machine according to this embodiment is equipped with a specification change function that allows the player to change the game specifications. There are multiple types of changeable game specifications. In this embodiment, it is possible to change the game specifications (see FIG. 3(a)) related to "volume,""lightintensity,""music,""premium(effect)," and "auto button." Other game specifications may be changeable, or some game specifications may not be changeable.

"Volume" is a specification related to the volume of the sound (performance sound, etc.) output from the speaker 79. In this embodiment, the volume of the output can be adjusted in 10 steps (adjustable in the range of volume 1 (minimum) to volume 10 (maximum)).

"Light intensity" is a specification related to the output level of the light-emitting element (such as an LED) installed in the gaming machine. In this embodiment, the output level can be adjusted in five stages (adjustable within the range of light intensity 1 (minimum) to light intensity 5 (maximum)).

"Music" is a specification regarding the type of music that is output as normal background music (BGM). Note that normal background music is output in normal circumstances, and is not output when special conditions are met (details will be described later). In this embodiment, the user can set a preferred piece of music from five types, music A through music E, as the normal background music.

The "Auto Button" is a specification related to the automatic operation function. Details will be described later, but the automatic operation function is a function that, in an operation request presentation in which the player is prompted to operate the presentation button 25 (a type of operation means different from the operation unit 20 described later), reflects in the presentation that a virtual operation has been performed, even if no actual operation has been performed. In this embodiment, three types of modes are set for the automatic operation function: "OFF mode" (automatic operation OFF mode), "partial auto mode" (partial automatic operation mode), and "full auto mode" (full automatic operation mode). Details of each mode will be described later.

"Premium" is a specification related to the likelihood (probability) of a premier effect (a performance that guarantees a jackpot) occurring during a fluctuation performance. A premier effect can occur as part of a fluctuation performance (jackpot fluctuation) that ultimately results in a jackpot being announced, and the probability of a premier effect occurring during the jackpot fluctuation can be changed. In this embodiment, there are two modes related to "premium": "normal mode", in which the probability of a premier effect occurring is normal (default), and "premium up mode", in which the probability is higher than that of normal mode.

3-2) Operation Unit An operation unit 20 (see Figures 1 and 3(b)), which is a type of operation means that can be operated by a player, is provided at the front of the cabinet of the gaming machine (on the top surface of the "upper tray"). In addition to the operation unit 20, the gaming machine of this embodiment is also provided with an effect button 25 (a so-called chance button) as an operation means for prompting the player to operate when an operation request effect occurs. Something other than the effect button 25 may be provided as this type of operation means for effect. Also, the operation unit 20 may be used as the operation means for effect.

When changing the game specifications, the player operates the operation unit 20. The operation unit 20 has a selection operation section 21 and a change operation section 22 (see FIG. 3(b)). The operation unit 20 in this embodiment is a so-called cross key, and the upper part (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "upper") and lower part (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "lower") of the cross key correspond to the selection operation section 21, and the right part (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "right") and left part (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "left") correspond to the change operation section 22. Hereinafter, the upper part of the cross key may be referred to as the first selection operation section 211, the lower part as the second selection operation section 212, the right part as the first change operation section 221, and the left part as the second change operation section 222. Note that the operation unit 20 in this embodiment is configured such that the first selection operation section 211, the second selection operation section 212, the first change operation section 221, and the second change operation section 222 are integrally configured, but each of them may be provided separately.

When the operation unit 20 is viewed from the front, the selection operation section 21 is provided along the vertical direction, and the change operation section 22 is provided along the horizontal direction that intersects with the vertical direction (see FIG. 3(b)). The positional relationship between the selection operation section 21 and the change operation section 22 may be reversed. In other words, it is sufficient that one of the selection operation section 21 and the change operation section 22 is provided along a predetermined direction and the other is provided along a direction that intersects with the predetermined direction, and no part that serves as both the selection operation section 21 and the change operation section 22 (a part that can perform both selection and change operations) is provided.

The selection operation unit 21 is a section for performing a selection operation. The selection operation is an operation for selecting a game specification (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a target game specification) whose state is to be changed by operating the change operation unit 22 (details will be described later). In this embodiment, the above-mentioned multiple game specifications are provided as changeable game specifications, and one of the multiple game specifications is set as a target game specification, and the others are set as non-target game specifications.

The change operation unit 22 is a part for performing change operations to change the target game specifications to a desired state. The change operation changes the state of the target game specifications, and does not change the state of non-target game specifications. If you wish to change a game specification that is a non-target game specification at a certain point in time, you will make that game specification the target game specification and then perform the change operation. In other words, the target game specification whose state changes when the change operation unit 22 is currently operated is an "active item," and the non-target game specification whose state does not change when the change operation unit 22 is currently operated is a "non-active item."

3-3) Changeable State A state in which it is possible to change the game specifications (target game specifications) is referred to as a changeable state. In this embodiment, the state is changeable even while the variable performance is being executed. There are known configurations in which the game specifications cannot be changed depending on the performance being executed (for example, the game specifications cannot be changed while a specific reach performance is being executed), but in this embodiment, the game specifications (target game specifications) can be changed regardless of the performance being executed in the variable performance. In other words, the game specifications (target game specifications) can be changed in any state as long as the variable performance is being executed.

However, it may be possible to prevent changes during the period when a variable performance is being executed and a specified prohibition condition is met. For example, while an operation request performance that requires the operation of the performance button 25 is being executed, it is possible that the player may operate the operation unit 20 by mistake, so the game specifications may be set to be unchangeable.

In this embodiment, it is possible to change the game specifications (target game specifications) not only when the variable performance is being executed, but also when the variable performance is not being executed (when there is no winning/losing lottery information at all). It is also possible to change the game specifications (target game specifications) during a jackpot game.

In addition, an unchangeable state (a state that is not changeable) in which the game specifications (target game specifications) cannot be changed may be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, after the end of a big win game, the corporate mark and a warning not to forget to remove the IC card are displayed (these displays are well known and therefore will not be described here), and the unchangeable state is set while these displays are displayed.

3-4) Specification images (operation assistance images)
When in the changeable state, a specification image 30 (see FIG. 4) is displayed in the display area 911. The specification image 30 includes information regarding game specifications. The form of the specification image 30 is divided into a basic form and an emphasis form that is more noticeable than the basic form. In the following description, the specification image 30 in the basic form may be referred to as a basic image 31 (see FIG. 4(a)), and the specification image 30 in the emphasis form may be referred to as an operation guide image 32 (see FIG. 4(b)). Specific forms of the basic image 31 and operation guide image 32 in this embodiment are as follows (the operation guide image 32 will be described first).

3-4-1) Operation assistance images (special images in emphasis mode)
The operation guide image 32 (see FIG. 4B) is an image (image serving as a manual) that helps the player to perform a selection operation or a change operation. The operation guide image 32 includes at least a target display section 30a, a state display section 30b, a changed display section 30c, and a next item display section 30d.

The target display section 30a is the section that shows the current target game specification. In other words, it shows one of multiple game specifications. For example, if "volume" is set as the target game specification, the target display section 30a includes the word "volume" (it is permissible to replace it with another word (expression), such as volume, that the player can understand is equivalent to "volume". The same applies to other game specifications). In other words, the target display section 30a can be said to show the currently active item.

The status display section 30b is a section that shows the current status of the target game specification (active item). If the target game specification is "volume", a number indicating the current output level (level) is displayed as the status display section 30b. If the target game specification is "light intensity", a number indicating the output level (level) is also displayed as the status display section 30b. If the target game specification is "music", the name of the currently set music is displayed as the status display section 30b. If the target game specification is "auto button", the name of the currently set mode (e.g., characters indicating either "OFF mode", "partial auto mode", or "full auto mode") is displayed as the status display section 30b. If the target game specification is "premium", the name of the currently set mode (e.g., characters indicating either "normal mode" or "premium up mode") is displayed as the status display section 30b.

The changed display section 30c is a section that shows what the state of the target game specification will be if the change operation section 22 is operated. In this embodiment, a first changed display section 301c and a second changed display section 302c are provided as the changed display section 30c. A predetermined order (ascending order (Xm direction shown in FIG. 3(a)), descending order (Xh direction shown in FIG. 3(a))) is set for the state of each game specification. When the first change operation section 221 is operated (operation in the Xm direction), the state changes in ascending order (changes to the next state). When the second change operation section 222 is operated (operation in the Xh direction), the state changes in descending order (changes to the previous state). The first changed display section 301c shows the state if it is assumed that the first change operation section 221 is operated. The second changed display section 302c shows the state if it is assumed that the second change operation section 222 is operated.

When the target game specification is "volume" and the state display section 30b is, for example, "4", the first changed display section 301c shows "5" and the second changed display section 302c shows "3" (see FIG. 4(b)). That is, the first changed display section 301c shows the next "stage", and the second changed display section 302c shows the previous "stage". The same is true for "light intensity", not shown. If the state is to be represented by such "stages" (numbers), the first changed display section 301c may show the character "+ (plus)" and the second changed display section 302c may show the character "- (minus)" (in this embodiment, "+" and "-" are displayed in the reference image 60, the details of which will be described later). That is, the changed display section 30c may show how the current state will change when the change operation section 22 is operated.

When the target game specification is "music" and the status display unit 30b is, for example, "music B" (B), the first changed display unit 301c displays "music C" (C) and the second changed display unit 302c displays "music A" (A) (see FIG. 5(a)). The predetermined order determined for "music" is the order of music A, B, C, D, and E (ascending order) (see FIG. 3(a)). When the target game specification is "auto button" and the status display unit 30b is, for example, "partial auto mode", the first changed display unit 301c displays "full auto mode" and the second changed display unit 302c displays "OFF mode" (see FIG. 5(b)). The predetermined order determined for "auto button" is the order of "OFF mode", "partial auto mode", and "full auto mode" (ascending order) (see FIG. 3(a)).

When the target game specification is "Premium" and the status display unit 30b is in "Normal mode", for example, "Premium Up Mode" is displayed as the first changed display unit 301c (see FIG. 5(c-1)), and when the status display unit 30b is in "Premium Up Mode", "Normal Mode" is displayed as the second changed display unit 302c (see FIG. 5(c-2)). The predetermined order (ascending order) determined for "Premium" is "Normal Mode" and "Premium Up Mode" (see FIG. 3(a)). Since there are only two types of specifications that can be set for the "Premium" game specification, there is no next order in "ascending order" or "descending order". Therefore, only one of the first changed display unit 301c and the second changed display unit 302c is displayed, and the other is not displayed.

In addition, the target display section 30a and the status display section 30b may not be provided separately, but may be provided as an integrated unit (one). In other words, one display section serves as both the target display section 30a and the status display section 30b. For example, if the target game specification is "Premium" and "Premium Up Mode" is set, if "Premium Up Mode" indicating the current status is displayed, it can be understood that the target game specification is "Premium (probability of occurrence of effects)", so the display of "Premium Up Mode" may serve as both the target display section 30a and the status display section 30b (see FIG. 5 (c-2)).

As described above, the state displayed in the state display section 30b is changed by operating the change operation section 22, but when the first change operation section 221 or the second change operation section 222 is operated while the first or last state in the "predetermined order" is displayed (the leftmost state and the rightmost state in the Xm-Xh direction shown in FIG. 3(a)), the setting may be such that "cyclic switching" is performed based on the "predetermined order", or that "cyclic switching" is not performed ("non-cyclic switching"). In this embodiment, "cyclic switching" is performed for "music" and "auto button", and "non-cyclic switching" is performed for "volume" and "light intensity".

For example, when the target game specification is "music" and the status display unit 30b is "music A" (A), the first changed display unit 301c shows "music B" (B) and the second changed display unit 302c shows "music E" (E) (see FIG. 6(a)). In other words, since music A is the first in the "predetermined order", there is no previous music, but when the second change operation unit 222 is operated, it switches to "music E", which is the last in the order (the status display unit 30b becomes "music E") (see FIG. 6(b)). Although not shown, in a similar manner, when the status display unit 30b is "music E" (E), the first changed display unit 301c shows "music A" (A) and the second changed display unit 302c shows "music D" (D), and when the first change operation unit 221 is operated in this state, it switches to "music A". In this way, even if there is no equivalent to the "next order" or "previous order," the state of the target game specifications is set to "circulate" and switch. Accordingly, the first post-change display section 301c and the second post-change display section 302c are displayed. The same applies to the "auto button."

In contrast, for example, when "volume" is the target game specification and the status display unit 30b is "volume 1" (minimum output), "volume 2" is displayed as the first changed display unit 301c, but nothing is displayed as the second changed display unit 302c (the second changed display unit 302c may not exist) (see FIG. 7(a)). Even if the second change operation unit 222 is operated in this state, the volume does not change (the operation assistance image 32 does not change) (see FIG. 7(b)). Although not shown, when the status display unit 30b is "volume 10" (maximum output), "volume 9" is displayed as the second changed display unit 302c, but nothing is displayed as the first changed display unit 301c. Even if the second change operation unit 222 is operated in this state, the volume does not change (the operation assistance image 32 does not change). The light intensity is also controlled in a similar manner when "light intensity 1" (minimum output) or "light intensity 5" (maximum output) is displayed as the status display unit 30b. It is not advisable for the volume or light output to suddenly change from minimum to maximum output, as a large change in output could startle the player. Therefore, the volume and light output are designated as "non-cyclical switching."

The next item display section 30d is a section that indicates the type of game specification that will be the next target game specification when the selection operation section 21 is assumed to be operated. In this embodiment, a first item display section 301d and a second item display section 302d are provided as the next item display section 30d. A predetermined order (ascending order (Yu direction shown in FIG. 3(a)), descending order (Ys direction shown in FIG. 3(a))) is set for multiple candidate game specifications (in this embodiment, five types: "volume", "light intensity", "music", "premium", and "auto button"). When the first selection operation section 211 is operated (operation in the Yu direction), the game specification that is the target game specification changes in ascending order (the game specification one after the current target game specification is set as the target game specification). When the second selection operation section 212 is operated (operation in the Ys direction), the game specification that is the target game specification changes in descending order (the game specification one before the current target game specification is set as the target game specification). In other words, the first item display section 301d shows the game specifications that would be the target game specifications if it were assumed that the first selection operation section 211 was operated. The secondary item display section 302d shows the game specifications that would be the target game specifications if it were assumed that the second selection operation section 212 was operated.

When the selection operation unit 21 is operated, the type of game specification that is the target game specification is switched by the above-mentioned "cyclical switching." For example, when the first selection operation unit 211 is operated continuously from a state in which the target game specification is "volume," the game specification that is the target game specification changes as follows: "Premium" → "Auto button" → "Music" → "Light intensity" → "Volume" → "Premium"...

The display format of each display section may be changed, shortened, omitted, replaced with an image, etc., to the extent that the player can understand (the same applies to basic image 31, which will be explained in detail below). For example, displays representing "partial auto mode" and "full auto mode" may be shortened to "partial auto" and "full auto" (see Figure 5(b)). Also, a display representing "OFF mode" may be more clearly displayed as "auto OFF" (see Figure 5(b)). Although not shown, a display representing "music" may be replaced with an image of musical notes, for example.

3-4-2) Basic image (basic specification image)
The basic image 31 (see FIG. 4(a)) is an image that is less noticeable than the operation guide image 32. Specifically, it is an image that is smaller than the operation guide image 32 (the size of the area that the basic image 31 occupies in the entire display area 911 is smaller than that of the operation guide image 32 (see FIG. 4)). The basic image 31 includes at least the target display section 30a. In other words, it includes characters that represent the target game specification. For example, if the target game specification is "volume", the basic image 31 including the characters "volume" is displayed.

The basic image 31 may include a portion other than the target display portion 30a. However, the basic image 31 does not include at least any of the status display portion 30b, the changed display portion 30c, and the next item display portion 30d included in the operation assistance image 32. In other words, the operation assistance image 32 includes four types of display portions including the target display portion 30a, while the basic image 31 includes less than four types of display portions including the target display portion 30a. In this way, the basic image 31 includes fewer display portions than the operation assistance image 32, and therefore it can be said that the basic image 31 can be made smaller than the operation assistance image 32.

In this embodiment, the basic image 31 does not include the status display section 30b. The status display section 30b indicates the current state of the target game specifications, and since it can be said that there is not much need to display the current state unless the player wishes to change the game specifications (the player is almost always satisfied with the current state), the status display section 30b is not displayed. Since the difference between the operation assistance image 32 and the basic image 31 is at least whether or not the status display section 30b is included, the basic image 31 can be made smaller than the operation assistance image 32.

In this embodiment, the basic image 31 includes the changed display section 30c (the first changed display section 301c and the second changed display section 302c) in addition to the target display section 30a (see FIG. 4(a)). Therefore, a player who sees the basic image 31 can at least understand that the state of the target game specification represented by the target display section 30a can be changed by operating the change operation section 22 (the first change operation section 221 and the second change operation section 222). In other words, the basic image 31 in this embodiment includes a display section (the target display section 30a and the changed display section 30c) related to the target game specification, but does not include a display section (the next item display section 30d) related to other game specifications (non-target game specifications). However, the basic image 31 in this embodiment includes a portion (a substantially triangular portion representing an up-down "arrow") indicating that some change will occur by operating the "up" and "down" of the operation unit 20. This allows the player to sense that some change will occur by operating the selection operation unit 21 (up and down on the cross key) even when the basic image 31 is displayed.

In this embodiment, the changed display section 30c of the basic image 31 is "+" (first changed display section 301c) or "-" (second changed display section 302c) when the target game specification is "volume" and "light intensity" (see FIG. 4(a)), and is "→" (first changed display section 301c) or "←" (second changed display section 302c) when the target game specification is other than the above (see FIG. 9(a-1)). In other words, a "symbol" indicating that the state of the target game specification will change due to the operation of the change operation section 22 is displayed as the change display section. Since the size of the basic image 31 is smaller than that of the operation assistance image 32, the display indicating that the state of the target game specification will change due to the change operation is replaced with a "symbol". Based on a similar idea, the basic image 31 may include, for example, a primary item display section 301d of "↑" and a secondary item display section 302d of "↓".

3-4-3) Control of specification images (basic images, operation assistance images) As mentioned above, it is possible to change the game specifications even while the during-variation performance is being executed (during variation). In order to show the player that it is possible to change the game specifications even while the during-variation performance is being executed, the specification image 30 is usually displayed even while the during-variation performance is being executed (see FIG. 8(a)). Specifically, it is as follows.

Regarding the control of the display/non-display of the specification image 30, the performance during the change is divided into a normal state and a specific state. Note that the "state" of the normal state and the specific state does not refer to the state related to the probability of winning or losing the lottery. It simply refers to the "state" that is divided for the purpose of controlling the specification image 30 (this state is a different concept from the normal game state and the special game state described above).

In this embodiment, a specific effect may occur as a part of the during-change effect (a during-change effect without a specific effect may also occur). In the during-change effect, a state in which a specific effect is not being executed is defined as a normal state, and a state in which a specific effect is being executed is defined as a specific state. The specific effect is a "reach effect". The reach effect is an effect that occurs when two of the three decorative patterns 80 that constitute the combination indicating the result of the win/loss lottery become the same type (a reach is established), and the end of the effect leads to a state according to the result of the win/loss lottery (a successful end if the result of the win/loss lottery is a win, and a failed end if the result is a miss). It can also be said that the end of the effect indicates the result of the win/loss lottery. For example, it is possible to set a so-called "battle effect" as a specific effect, in which an ally (player's side) character fights an enemy character, and the victory of the ally character is set as a successful end, and the defeat of the ally character is set as a failed end. A successful outcome of a reach effect includes a situation where it appears to have initially reached a failed outcome (miss), but in fact turns out to have been a win (a so-called reversal (revival) situation). Since the probability that the result of the lottery will be a jackpot (jackpot reliability) is higher when a specific effect occurs during a varying effect than when it does not, the occurrence of a specific effect can be said to be a welcome event for players.

The specification image 30 is displayed in the normal state (when a specific effect is not being executed) (see FIG. 8(a)), but is not displayed in the specific state (when a specific effect is being executed) unless the display conditions described below are met. In other words, in the specific state, the specification image 30 is not basically displayed (see FIG. 8(b)). The specific effect is an effect that attracts the attention of players who are hopeful of winning if it occurs, so by displaying the specification image 30 while the specific effect is being executed, the image displayed as the specific effect is prevented from being obstructed (overwhelmed) by the specification image 30.

In this embodiment, the specific effect is not executed from the beginning of the during-change performance (the specific effect does not start at the same time as the start of the during-change performance). Therefore, even in a change in which a specific effect occurs, the beginning of the during-change performance is in the normal state, with the specification image 30 displayed. In other words, there is no during-change performance in which the specification image 30 is not displayed at all (a during-change performance that is in a specific state from start to finish). Therefore, the player can know from the specification image 30 displayed in the display area 911 that it is possible to change the game specifications for each change.

In the normal state, the specification image 30 is basically in the basic state (see FIG. 9 (a-1)). That is, the basic image 31 is displayed as the specification image 30. When the operation unit 20 is operated while the basic image 31 is displayed (the operation may be performed by any of the first selection operation unit 211, the second selection operation unit 212, the first change operation unit 221, and the second change operation unit 222), the basic image 31 is changed to the operation assistance image 32 (see FIG. 9 (a-2)). In other words, the operation of the operation unit 20 is the trigger for the specification image 30 to change from the basic state to the emphasized state. Even in the normal state, it is desirable to prevent the displayed image for the performance from being obstructed (oppressed) by the specification image 30. Therefore, in the normal state, the specification image 30 (basic image 31) in the basic state, which is a smaller (less noticeable) state, is displayed. On the other hand, when the operation unit 20 is operated, it is assumed that the player wishes to change the game specifications (select a target game specification or change the state of the target game specification), and a highlighted specification image 30 (operation assistance image 32) is displayed, and the player's change operation is supported by the operation assistance image 32.

Even when in a specific state, the specification image 30 is displayed when the display condition is met. In other words, unless the display condition is met, the specification image 30 is not displayed when in a specific state. In this embodiment, the operation of the operation unit 20 is set as the establishment of the display condition. In other words, even when in a specific state and the specification image 30 is not displayed (see FIG. 9 (b-1)), when the operation unit 20 is operated, the specification image 30 is displayed assuming that the player wishes to change the game specifications (selection of the target game specifications or change of the state of the target game specifications) (until such a change of game specifications is desired, there is no request to prevent the specification image 30 from interfering with the image of the specific performance) (see FIG. 9 (b-2)). In this embodiment, the display condition is established regardless of whether the first selection operation unit 211, the second selection operation unit 212, the first change operation unit 221, or the second change operation unit 222 is operated. However, the display condition may be satisfied when one of the selection operation unit 21 and the change operation unit 22 is operated, and not satisfied when the other is operated. For example, it may be assumed that there is no need to change the type of game specification that is the target game specification even while a specific performance is being executed, and the display condition may be satisfied when the change operation unit 22 is operated, but not satisfied when the selection operation unit 21 is operated.

In this embodiment, when the display conditions are met in a specific state, a highlighted specification image 30, i.e., an operation assistance image 32, is displayed (see FIG. 9(b-2)). The display of the specification image 30 in a specific state means that the player wishes to change the game specifications (selection of the target game specifications or change of the state of the target game specifications), so an operation assistance image 32 is displayed to support this.

As described above, in this embodiment, when operation of the operation unit 20 is detected in the normal state, the specification image 30 changes from the basic state (basic image 31) to the highlighted state (operation assistance image 32). When operation of the operation unit 20 is detected in the specific state (when the display condition is met), the specification image 30 in the highlighted state (operation assistance image 32) is displayed. In other words, when the player operates the operation unit 20 in order to change the game specifications (select the target game specifications or change the state of the target game specifications), the specification image 30 in the highlighted state (operation assistance image 32) is displayed regardless of whether the state is normal or specific.

However, unlike this embodiment, when the display condition is satisfied in a specific state, the specification image 30 of the basic mode, i.e., the basic image 31, may be displayed. In a specific state, since the image of a specific performance is displayed in the display area 911, a smaller basic image 31 may be displayed instead of the operation guide image 32 in order to suppress the obstruction of the image. In this case, the target game specification may be set not to be changeable. The basic image 31 in this embodiment includes a display section related to the target game specification (target display section 30a, changed display section 30c), but does not include a display section related to other game specifications (non-target game specifications) (next item display section 30d), so the target game specification may be set not to be changeable (operation of the change operation section 22 is not accepted).

Operation of the operation unit 20 as a trigger for changing the specification image 30 from the basic state (basic image 31) to the highlighted state (operation assistance image 32) in the normal state, and operation of the operation unit 20 as a trigger for displaying the specification image 30 in the highlighted state (operation assistance image 32) in a specific state, do not result in a change in the game specification that becomes the target game specification (selection operation) or a change in the state of the target game specification (change operation). In other words, in this embodiment, operation of the operation unit 20 (including both operation of the selection operation section 21 and operation of the change operation section 22) at a stage before the operation assistance image 32 is displayed is treated as a trigger for displaying the operation assistance image 32, and is not reflected as a change as described above. In other words, operation of the operation unit 20 in a state in which the operation assistance image 32 is displayed is reflected as a change.

3-5) Changing Game Specifications The method of changing game specifications (selecting a target game specification or changing the state of the target game specification) will be described below, although it will overlap with the above description. As described above, regardless of whether the game is in a normal state or a specific state, when an operation of the operation unit 20 is detected, the operation assistance image 32 is displayed as a trigger. The player performs the change operation while looking at the operation assistance image 32.

When changing the type of game specification that is the target game specification (performing a selection operation), the selection operation unit 21 is operated. When the first selection operation unit 211 is operated, the type of game specification that is the target game specification is changed in "ascending order" (Yu direction shown in FIG. 3(a)), and when the second selection operation unit 212 is operated, the type of game specification that is the target game specification is changed in "descending order" (Ys direction shown in FIG. 3(a)). The selection operation ends when the game specification that you want to change the state of is displayed in the target display unit 30a of the operation assistance image 32.

When the game specification whose state is to be changed is set as the target game specification, the change operation unit 22 is operated to change the state of the target game specification (perform a change operation). When the first change operation unit 221 is operated, the state of the target game specification is changed in "ascending order" (Xm direction shown in FIG. 3(a)), and when the second change operation unit 222 is operated, the state of the target game specification is changed in "descending order" (Xh direction shown in FIG. 3(a)). When the target game specification is in the desired state, the change operation is completed.

In addition, after the above selection operation or change operation is performed, the selection operation or change operation may be set to become valid when a specific decision button is operated. The performance button 25 may also be configured to double as the decision button.

In a changeable state where game specifications can be changed (selection of a target game specification or change of the state of the target game specification), change operations cannot be performed by operating the selection operation unit 21, and selection operations cannot be performed by operating the change operation unit 22. In other words, the selection operation unit 21 is used only for "selection operations," and the change operation unit 22 is used only for "change operations."

Gaming machines that allow game specifications to be changed using a "cross key" such as the operation unit 20 of this embodiment are well known. For example, it is common for settings to be such that operating the cross key left and right changes the "volume" and operating the cross key up and down changes the "light intensity." In such cases, a situation may arise where the volume changes despite the player wanting to adjust the light intensity, or the light intensity changes despite the player wanting to adjust the volume (for example, a situation where the player is satisfied with the "volume," but attempts to change the "light intensity" and ends up changing the "volume" that was previously satisfactory), which can irritate the player. This is because both the "left and right cross key" operation and the "up and down cross key" operation have the effect of changing the state.

In this embodiment, actual changes to the state of the game specifications (target game specifications) are limited to the operation of the change operation unit 22. In other words, operation of the selection operation unit 21 does not result in a change to the state of the game specifications (only a change to the target game specifications occurs). Therefore, even if the selection operation unit 21 is mistakenly operated in an attempt to change the state of the target game specifications, the state of the target game specifications will not change (a situation will not arise in which the state of a game specification that was in a satisfactory state changes). Therefore, compared to conventional methods, it is possible to reduce the risk of a player becoming irritated when trying to change the game specifications.

In addition, this embodiment has the advantage that the operation is easier to understand than in the past, since there is a 1:1 relationship between the content of the operation (selection operation or change operation) and the operation target (selection operation unit 21 or change operation unit 22). In particular, this embodiment makes it possible to change the game specifications (selection of the target game specifications or change of the state of the target game specifications) while the changing performance is being executed, and since it is considered that the player will change the game specifications while paying attention to the changing performance, it can be said that it is very significant to be able to change the game specifications intuitively, as the content of the operation and the operation target correspond to each other as described above.

When the operation assistance image 32 (specification image 30 in the highlighted state) is displayed and no operation of the operation unit 20 is detected for a predetermined period of time, the state in which the operation assistance image 32 is displayed ends. If the time when the operation of the operation unit 20 is not detected for a predetermined period of time is the normal state, the basic image 31 (specification image 30 in the basic state) is displayed. If the time when the operation of the operation unit 20 is not detected for a predetermined period of time is the specific state, the specification image 30 is not displayed. In other words, it is determined whether the time when the operation of the operation unit 20 is not detected for a predetermined period of time is the normal state or the specific state, and the specification image 30 is controlled according to the state.

The game specification that was the target game specification at the time when the operation of the operation unit 20 was not detected for a predetermined time is stored as the target game specification in a storage means (not shown). For example, if the target game specification was "light amount" at that time, the state in which "light amount" is the target game specification is maintained as it is. Therefore, if the time is a normal state, the basic image 31 with the target display section 30a set to "light amount" is displayed. Also, if the time is a specific state, the specification image 30 transitions to a state in which it is not displayed, but if the display condition is met again thereafter, the operation assistance image 32 with the target display section 30a set to "light amount" is displayed. Also, when the specific state transitions to the normal state, the basic image 31 with the target display section 30a set to "light amount" is displayed. In this way, the target game specification selected by the player is basically not changed unless the player performs a selection operation.

However, in this embodiment, when a predetermined reset condition is met, a standard gaming specification, which is one of multiple gaming specifications, is automatically set as the target gaming specification. In this embodiment, "volume" is set as the standard gaming specification. In other words, even if the target gaming specification stored in the storage means is "light intensity," when the above reset condition is met, the target gaming specification is set as "volume." In other words, the standard gaming specification is the "default" gaming specification.

Potential reset conditions (to be met) include turning the power off/on, transitioning to a standby state (a state to which the game is transitioned when no variable effects are performed for a certain period of time), etc. In other words, if turning the power off/on is set as the reset condition, the standard game specifications can be set as the target game specifications when the gaming establishment opens (the so-called first thing in the morning state). If transitioning to a standby state is set as the reset condition, the standard game specifications can be set as the target game specifications when play is stopped for a certain period of time or when the player changes them.

3-6) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, concrete implementations, modifications, etc., of the above-mentioned specification change function. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be created that applies a combination of multiple technologies explained using the following specific examples.

〇Specific example 1-1
At least some of the multiple game specifications are configured such that the state cannot be changed depending on the game state. For example, in the normal game state (low probability, no time reduction), all game specifications of "volume", "light intensity", "music", "premium", and "auto button" can be changed (the state is changed by operating the change operation unit 22 after setting them as the target game specifications), whereas in the first special game state (high probability, time reduction), "music" and "premium" cannot be changed (the other three types can be changed), and in the second special game state (low probability, time reduction), "music" cannot be changed (the other four types can be changed) (see FIG. 10(a)). In other words, in the first special game state, "music" and "premium" cannot be set as the target game specifications, and in the second special game state, "music" cannot be set as the target game specifications.

As described above, there may be any reason why "music" and "premium" cannot be the target game specifications in the first special game state, and "music" cannot be the target game specification in the second special game state. For example, one possible reason for not being able to change "music" in the first special game state and the second special game state is that a "dedicated background music" is output in each game state to emphasize that the state is advantageous to the player. Another possible reason for not being able to change "premium" in the first special game state is that it is easier to win a jackpot in the first special game state, and therefore it is easier for premium effects to occur than in the normal game state, even without increasing the probability of premium effects occurring.

Assuming that such a configuration is used, for example, assume that "Premium" is set as the target game specification in the normal game state, and a transition to the first special game state occurs while maintaining this. In this case, one of "Volume", "Light Amount", and "Auto Button" is automatically set as the target game specification (see FIG. 10(b)). In other words, what can be changed even in the first special game state is automatically set as the target game specification. Also, for example, assume that "Music" is set as the target game specification in the normal game state, and a transition to the second special game state occurs while maintaining this. In this case, one of "Volume", "Light Amount", "Premium", and "Auto Button" is automatically set as the target game specification (see FIG. 10(c)). In other words, what can be changed even in the second special game state is automatically set as the target game specification. Also, although not shown, assume that "Premium" is set as the target game specification in the second game state, and a transition to the first special game state occurs while maintaining this. In this case, one of "Volume", "Light Amount", and "Auto Button" is automatically set as the target game specification.

In this way, in this example, when a transition occurs from a game state in which a certain game specification is set as the target game specification (earlier game state) to a game state in which the certain game specification cannot be changed (later game state), a game specification other than the certain game specification that can be changed in the later game state is automatically set as the target game specification (the target game specification is automatically changed). This prevents a transition to a certain game state from occurring while a game specification that cannot be changed in the certain game state remains as the target game specification.

Specific Example 1-2 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 1-1)
As explained in the first specific example 1-1 above, when a game state is shifted from a previous game state to a later game state, the target game specification may be automatically switched to another game specification that can be changed even in the later game state (hereinafter, the specification that is automatically set as the target game specification is referred to as the automatically set specification). Based on such a configuration, it is preferable that the game specification that is the automatically set specification is a "state-independent specification" that can be changed regardless of the game state.

Assuming the settings described in Specific Example 1-1 above, of the five game specifications, "volume," "light intensity," "music," "premium," and "auto button," "volume," "light intensity," and "auto button" can be said to be "state-independent specifications" that can be set as target game specifications regardless of the game state, whereas "music" and "premium" can be said to be "state-dependent specifications" that cannot be set as target game specifications depending on the game specifications. Therefore, it is preferable that any of the state-independent specifications, "volume," "light intensity," and "auto button," be set as an automatically set specification. In the examples shown in Figures 10(b) and (c), "volume," which is one of the "state-independent specifications," is set as an automatically set specification.

In this way, when a transition in game state occurs as described in specific example 1-1, one of the state-independent specifications can be set as the new target game specification without considering the destination game state (the subsequent game state), simplifying control.

Specific Example 1-3 (Modification of Specific Examples 1-1 and 1-2)
When a transition of the game state occurs, the game specification (any of the state-independent specifications) that is the above-mentioned "automatic setting specification" is set without fail. For example, if "volume" is set as the "automatic setting specification", when a transition of the game state occurs (when a new game state is started), "volume" is always set as the target game specification. In other words, if the target game specification at the end of the previous game state is "volume", it is maintained in the subsequent game state (see FIG. 11(a)), and if the target game specification at the end of the previous game state is other than "volume", the target game specification is automatically changed to "volume" by the transition to the subsequent game state. For example, if the target game specification at the end of the normal game state (the previous game state) is "Auto Button" and then there is a transition to a first special game state (the later game state), the target game specification is automatically changed to "Volume" upon transition to the first special game state (although as shown in FIG. 10(a) , "Auto Button" can also be the target game specification in the first special game state), see FIG. 11(b) .

When a transition in game state occurs, there is a risk that the current target game specifications may not be changeable in the destination game state, so the system is configured so that when a transition in game state occurs, one of the state-independent specifications is always set as the target game specifications, regardless of whether the current target game specifications can be set as the target game specifications in the destination game state. This makes control simpler.

Specific example 1-4
In the above embodiment, the specification image 30 in the highlighted mode is set larger than the specification image 30 in the basic mode, so that the latter is more "noticeable" than the former, but the method of making it more noticeable is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, it is possible that the specification image 30 in the basic mode is displayed in monochrome, and the specification image 30 in the highlighted mode is displayed in color.

Specific example 1-5
In the present embodiment, the operation of the operation unit 20 is set as the establishment of the display condition, but other conditions may be set as the display condition. For example, the operation of the performance button 25, which is an operation means different from the operation unit 20, may be set as the establishment of the display condition.

The display condition is preferably a condition under which the specification image 30 (operation assistance image 32) is displayed in a specific state, and is established when the player's intention to change the game specifications is recognized. When changing the game specifications, it is possible that the player may mistakenly operate an effect button 25 other than the operation unit 20. Therefore, when the effect button 25 is operated in a specific state, the specification image 30 (operation assistance image 32) is displayed as a trigger. However, this does not include operations during an operation request effect that requests the operation of the effect button 25 (during the operation valid period during which the operation of the effect button 25 is reflected in the effect).

Specific example 1-6
The operation unit 20 described in the above embodiment is a physical structure (keys), but may be configured so that game specifications can be changed by operating a touch panel or the like.

Specific example 1-7
A part of the game specifications that can be changed in the normal state is configured to be unchangeable in the specific state. For example, in the normal state, it is possible to change the state of each of "volume", "light intensity", "music", "premium", and "auto button", but in the specific state, the state of "volume" and "light intensity" can be changed, but the others cannot be changed.

"Volume" and "light intensity" refer to the magnitude of the presentation output (the output of elements recognized visually and audibly) and are not related to the content of the presentation. Therefore, it is assumed that the state of "volume" and "light intensity" can be changed through the varying presentation (regardless of whether it is in a specific state or not). Other gameplay specifications are related to the content of the presentation and can be changed in the normal state, but cannot be changed in a specific state.

Game specifications other than "volume" and "light intensity" may be configured as changeable through the performance during fluctuation. For example, whether or not a premium performance will occur is decided at the time the performance during fluctuation begins, so the configuration may be such that "premium" can be changed regardless of whether or not a specific state is in place. In other words, when in the normal state, it is possible to change the state of each of "volume," "light intensity," "music," "premium," and "auto button," but when in a specific state, the states of "volume," "light intensity," and "premium" can be changed, and the rest cannot be changed.

4) Automatic operation function 4-1) Automatic operation mode The automatic operation function (game specifications of "auto button") described above will be explained below. The gaming machine according to this embodiment is capable of executing an operation request performance (constituting a part of the performance during fluctuation) that prompts the player to operate the performance button 25, which is one type of operation means. Note that the configuration may be such that an operation means other than the performance button 25 to which the operation request is made is provided (a configuration in which two or more types of operation means for performance are provided). In the operation request performance, an operation valid period is set, and the operation during the operation valid period is reflected in the performance. The operation modes that the player is prompted to operate include a "single operation" (instructions such as "press" or "PUSH" are issued) that prompts the player to operate the performance button 25 only once, a "continuous operation" (instructions such as "continuous hit" are issued) that operates continuously, and a "maintenance operation" (instructions such as "long press" are issued) that maintains the operated state (pressed if it is a "button"), etc.

The automatic operation function (auto button function) allows the operation request performance (operation valid period) to be reflected in the performance even if the performance button 25 is not actually operated. In other words, it is a function that reflects in the performance that a "virtual operation" has been performed. Since the automatic operation function itself is well known, a detailed explanation is omitted. As described above, in this embodiment, the automatic operation function has three modes: "OFF mode" (automatic operation OFF mode), "partial auto mode" (partial automatic operation mode), and "full auto mode" (full automatic operation mode) (see FIG. 12).

"OFF mode" is a mode in which all operation request effects are not subject to automatic operation (see FIG. 12). In other words, no "virtual operation" occurs during the operation valid period, and unless the effect button 25 is actually operated, there is no reflection in the effect. With regard to the game specifications for "automatic operation," the "OFF mode" can be said to be the default mode.

"Partial auto mode" is a mode in which some operation request performances are subject to automatic operation, but some are not. Hereinafter, an operation request performance that is subject to automatic operation when "partial auto mode" is set may be referred to as a first operation request performance, and an operation request performance that is not subject to automatic operation may be referred to as a second operation request performance (see Figure 12). When the first operation request performance occurs when "partial auto mode" is set, a "virtual operation" occurs, but when the second operation request performance occurs when "partial auto mode" is set, a "virtual operation" does not occur.

In "full auto mode," all operation request performances are subject to automatic operation (see FIG. 12). In other words, when "full auto mode" is set, "virtual operations" occur regardless of whether the performance is the first operation request performance or the second operation request performance.

When an operation request performance that is the subject of automatic operation occurs while "partial auto mode" or "full auto mode" is set, the timing at which the "virtual operation" is executed can be set appropriately. For example, in a performance that requires a single operation, a virtual operation can be configured to occur at the midpoint of the operation validity period. In addition, in a performance that requires a single operation, if an actual operation is performed before the timing at which the virtual operation occurs, the actual operation may be set to be valid, or may not be set to be valid. In other words, even if an operation request performance that is the subject of automatic operation occurs, the actual operation may be configured to be reflected, or may not be configured to be reflected. In the former case, if an actual operation is performed before the timing at which the virtual operation occurs in a performance that requires a single operation, the virtual operation will not occur. In the latter case, the setting is such that the virtual operation always occurs.

4-2) Second operation request performance As described above, whether or not automatic operation is performed when the "partial auto mode" is set depends on whether it is the first operation request performance or the second operation request performance. The second operation request performance (see FIG. 13(b)) is triggered by the operation of the performance button 25 during the operation valid period, and reaches a winning/losing lottery conclusion according to the winning/losing lottery result (the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the variable performance including the operation request performance. Hereinafter, it may be referred to as the corresponding winning/losing lottery result). In other words, the second operation request performance is executed as a part of the (super) reach performance whose outcome indicates winning/losing. Specifically, the operation of the performance button 25 is requested just before the outcome of the reach performance (see FIG. 13(b-1)), and as a result of the operation, an outcome according to the corresponding winning/losing lottery result is reached. In other words, the operation in the second operation request performance is set as a "branch" just before the winning/losing is determined.

The reach effect (second operation request effect) is triggered by the operation of the effect button 25 during the operation valid period, and leads to a winning ending (see FIG. 13(b-2)) if the corresponding winning/losing lottery result is a jackpot, and leads to a losing ending (see FIG. 13(b-3)) if the corresponding winning/losing lottery result is a loss. With this configuration, the specific form of the reach effect may be any (the so-called "battle effect" mentioned above is an example). Note that a form in which the corresponding winning/losing lottery result is a jackpot and then appears to have reached a losing ending, but then a reversal (revival) occurs indicating that it was actually a jackpot (when such a reversal occurs, it may also transition to a losing ending), is also included in the ending that corresponds to the corresponding winning/losing lottery result.

Because of this configuration, when "partial auto mode" is set, the result of the lottery for the second operation request effect, which occurs as a "branch" just before the result of the corresponding hit/miss lottery is revealed, is revealed when the effect button 25 is actually operated. In other words, for "important operations" for the player (operations that the player considers important as they are the trigger for the finding of hit/miss), actual operation is required even when "partial auto mode" is set, but for other first operation request effects (effects that are less important than the second operation request effects), actual operation of the effect button 25 is not required (virtual operation occurs) if "partial auto mode" is set. In other words, in "partial auto mode," the automatic operation function is activated for operation request effects with low "importance," but the automatic operation function is not activated for operation request effects with high "importance," and actual operation is required. As in the second operation request presentation of this embodiment, if the result of the actual operation is revealed as a result of the corresponding lottery, it is possible to give the player the impression that he or she has won the jackpot (by operating presentation button 25) even when the "partial auto mode" is set.

However, some players know that whether or not they operate the effect button 25 in an operation request effect has no relation to the actual amount of profit (balls paid out), and may consider it troublesome to operate it regardless of the importance of the operation request effect. Taking this into consideration, this embodiment provides a "full auto mode" in which the automatic operation function is activated regardless of whether it is the first operation request effect or the second operation request effect. However, this does not deny the possibility of a configuration in which there is no mode equivalent to this "full auto mode."

The first operation request effect can be said to be of lower "importance" than the second operation request effect, and an example of the second operation request effect is a "dialogue effect" (see FIG. 13(a)) in which the dialogue of a character in the effect is displayed (or output as sound) in response to the operation of the effect button 25.

4-3) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to the above-mentioned automatic operation functions. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be created that applies a combination of multiple technologies explained using the following specific examples.

〇Specific example 2-1
In the above embodiment, the second operation request performance is described as a performance that transitions to a conclusion where the target winning/losing lottery is revealed by an operation during the operation valid period, but operation request performances other than this may also be set to be included in the second operation request performance. In other words, not only performances that require an operation as a "branch" before the winning/losing lottery is revealed, but also other performances may be included in the second operation request performance as performances with high "importance".

〇Specific example 2-2
In the above embodiment, the second operation request performance is a performance that transitions to a conclusion where the target winning or losing lottery is revealed by the operation during the operation valid period, but the first operation request performance and the second operation request performance do not have to be distinguished from this viewpoint. In other words, the first operation request performance and the second operation request performance do not have to be distinguished according to "importance".

In addition, for example, the second operation request performance may be determined by lottery. When "partial auto mode" is set, a lottery is executed when it is determined that an operation request performance will occur in the varying performance, and if the lottery is won, the automatic operation function is expressed in that operation request performance (the operation request performance is treated as the second operation request performance). In this way, the operation request performance in which the automatic operation function is expressed is configured to change randomly.

Specific example 2-3
It is assumed that two or more modes are set as the "partial auto mode". For example, it is assumed that the "partial auto mode A" and the "partial auto mode B" are set. It is assumed that the "partial auto mode A" and the "partial auto mode B" are different in that the number of operation request performances that are the second operation request performances is different. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, it is assumed that there are ten types of operation request performances, 1 to 10, as the operation request performances. When the "partial auto mode A" is set, six types of operation request performances 1 to 6 are treated as the first operation request performances, and four types of operation request performances 7 to 10 are treated as the second operation request performances. On the other hand, when the "partial auto mode B" is set, eight types of operation request performances 1 to 8 are treated as the first operation request performances, and two types of operation request performances 9 and 10 are treated as the second operation request performances. It is assumed that the "partial auto mode A" has a larger number of types of operation request performances that are the second operation request performances than the "partial auto mode B". Since the probability of various operation request effects occurring remains the same regardless of whether "partial auto mode A" or "partial auto mode B" is set, it can also be said that the automatic operation function is more frequently manifested when "partial auto mode B" is set than when "partial auto mode A" is set.

The difference between "partial auto mode A" and "partial auto mode B" will be explained to the player. For example, the operation assistance image 32 will display a message indicating that the probability of automatic operation occurring is relatively low for "partial auto mode A," and a message indicating that the probability of automatic operation occurring is relatively high for "partial auto mode B."

Automatic operation reduces the operational burden on the player, but the degree to which players desire the operational burden to be reduced varies from player to player. With this in mind, it is advisable to set two or more "partial auto modes" with different frequencies at which the automatic operation function is activated, as in this example.

The "type" of operation request effects is determined by whether they are perceived as the same by the player. Even if the elements suggesting the reliability of a jackpot (so-called chance up) are different, effects that are recognized by the player as being of the same type are considered to be of the same type of operation request effect.

When the above settings are used, the two types of operation request effects 9 and 10, which are considered to be the second operation request effects, should be set to be effects in which the corresponding winning/losing lottery result is revealed when an operation during the operation valid period is triggered. In other words, the automatic operation function is not activated for the operation request effects that occur as a branch just before the winning/losing result is revealed, regardless of whether "partial auto mode A" or "partial auto mode B" is selected. And the two types of operation request effects 7 and 8, which do not have an automatic operation function when "partial auto mode A" is selected but do have an automatic operation function when "partial auto mode B" is selected, are not operation request effects that occur as a branch just before the winning/losing result is revealed, but are considered to be effects with a lower "importance" than those.

Specific example 2-4
In a situation where "partial auto mode" is set, a player can distinguish between an operation request effect (first operation request effect) that is not the target of automatic operation (automatic operation function is not activated) and an operation request effect (second operation request effect) that is the target of automatic operation (automatic operation function is activated) from an image displayed during the operation request effect (during the operation valid period). For example, in the operation request effect, an operation image 28 (which can also be said to be an image in which an operation request effect is occurring) is displayed to prompt the player to operate the operating means, and the appearance of the operation image 28 differs depending on whether the operation request effect is the target of automatic operation or not.

For example, the operation image 28 is basically an image showing the effect button 25, which is an operation means for prompting an operation (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an operation target display 281), and an image showing the operation mode of the effect button 25 (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as an operation mode display 282) (see Fig. 15 (a-1) (b-1)). Note that, for example, the operation mode display 282 may include text such as "press" for a single operation, "repeated hits" for continuous operations, and "long press" for sustained operations.

Based on this premise, in an operation request performance (second operation request performance) that is not the target of automatic operation, an operation image 28 including both the operation target display 281 and the operation mode display 282 is displayed (see FIG. 15(a-1)). On the other hand, in an operation request performance (first operation request performance) that is the target of automatic operation, an operation image 28 including one of the operation target display 281 and the operation mode display 282 but not the other is displayed (see FIG. 15(a-2)). Since the first operation request performance does not require the actual operation of the performance button 25, an operation image 28 in which the operation request is not emphasized compared to the second operation request performance is displayed. Note that if the operation image 28 is not displayed at all in the first operation request performance (neither the operation target display 281 nor the operation mode display 282 is displayed), there is a risk that it will be difficult to know that an operation request performance is occurring, so it is preferable to set it so that one is displayed but the other is not displayed as in this example.

More preferably, in the first operation request presentation, the operation target display 281 is displayed as the operation image 28, but the operation mode display 282 is not displayed (see FIG. 15(a-2)). Since the operation mode display 282 (display of text such as "press") is the actual operation instruction for the player, it is preferable to make it clear that no actual operation is required by not displaying the operation mode display 282.

As another example, the operation image 28 may include a display such as a meter indicating the operation valid period (period display 283), and the operation image 28 may or may not include the period display 283 depending on whether the operation request performance is the target of automatic operation. For example, in an operation request performance that is not the target of automatic operation (second operation request performance), the operation image 28 including the period display 283 is displayed (see FIG. 15(b-1)), while in an operation request performance that is the target of automatic operation (first operation request performance), the operation image 28 not including the period display 283 is displayed (see FIG. 15(b-2)). Since the first operation request performance does not require actual operation of the performance button 25, it is unnecessary to indicate the operation valid period, and the period display 283 is not displayed.

As another example (not shown), the operation image 28 displayed in the operation request performance that is the target of automatic operation may be smaller than the operation image 28 displayed in the operation request performance that is not the target of automatic operation. In other words, in the former case, since there is no need to actually operate the performance button 25, the operation image 28 is made less noticeable (does not emphasize the operation request) than the operation image 28 displayed in the latter case. Based on the same idea, the operation image 28 displayed in the operation request performance that is the target of automatic operation may be monochrome, and the operation image 28 displayed in the operation request performance that is not the target of automatic operation may be colored. Also, the operation image 28 displayed in the operation request performance that is the target of automatic operation may be semi-transparent (a background image is visible through the operation image), and the operation image 28 displayed in the operation request performance that is not the target of automatic operation may be opaque (a background image is not visible through the operation image).

The above control may also be used when "full auto mode" is set. When "full auto mode" is set, all operation request effects are subject to automatic operation, so that when an operation request effect occurs, an operation image 28 as shown in FIG. 15(a-2) or (b-2) is displayed without fail. However, in "partial auto mode" where a mixture of effects that are subject to automatic operation and effects that are not are generated, it can be said that it is highly significant that the manner of operation image 28 is controlled as described above.

Specific example 2-5
In the state where the "partial auto mode" is set, a certain type of operation request performance (hereinafter, in the description of this example, referred to as a specific operation request performance) may or may not be the target of automatic operation. The reliability of the corresponding winning lottery result is different between the case where the specific operation request performance is the target of automatic operation and the case where it is not the target of automatic operation. In addition, in the specific operation request performance that is the target of automatic operation, the timing at which a virtual operation occurs is preferably determined in advance. For example, when a specific operation request performance that requires a single operation is the target of automatic operation, the timing at which the virtual operation occurs is set to be the midpoint of the operation valid period. In this way, if the player waits until that timing, he or she can determine whether the operation request performance is the target of automatic operation.

If the reliability of a jackpot is higher when the player is the target of automatic operation than when the player is not the target (see FIG. 16), gameplay is realized in which the player watches in the hope that an automatic operation will be performed during the operation valid period in the specific operation request presentation (hoping that the automatic operation will result in a jackpot being announced). On the other hand, if the reliability of a jackpot is higher when the player is not the target of automatic operation than when the player is the target (the opposite setting to FIG. 16), gameplay is realized in which the player can expect a jackpot more when a situation arises in which the player must actually operate the machine.

5) Hidden Game Specifications Change Function 5-1) Hidden Game Specifications The gaming machine according to this embodiment has a hidden game specifications change function. The "hidden game specifications" are not game specifications that are disclosed to the player as being changeable (the above-mentioned specifications such as "volume", "light intensity", "music", "premium", and "auto button" are disclosed to the player as being changeable by the display of the specification image 30), but game specifications that are "known only to those in the know". In other words, the method of changing the hidden game specifications is not disclosed (however, there is a possibility that it may become known in magazines or on the Internet), and changing the hidden game specifications is implemented as a so-called "trick" element (so-called hidden button performance). Hereinafter, the hidden game specifications may also be referred to as specific game specifications.

There are various possible specifications that can be set as the specific game specifications (the effect of changing the specific game specifications can be set appropriately). However, in light of the fact that the specific game specifications are specifications that can be changed when a jackpot is won (before the jackpot game starts), it is preferable that something related to a jackpot is set as the specific game specification.

In this embodiment, the music to be output during a jackpot game (music during a jackpot) can be selected from a number of selectable music pieces, and the opening of the selectable music pieces is set as a change to the specific game specifications. Specifically, it is as follows. Ten types of music pieces (candidate music pieces) are prepared in advance as music pieces that can be output during a jackpot game. However, at the so-called first win (when a jackpot is won in a normal game state), only a part of the ten types of music pieces (for example, two types) are set as selectable music pieces (the rest are not selectable). After that, each time a consecutive win occurs (a jackpot is won in a special game state), the candidate music pieces that were not selectable at the time of the previous jackpot are added as selectable music pieces. In other words, basically, selectable music pieces are added (opened) by repeating consecutive wins. Assuming this configuration, in this embodiment, the addition (opening) of all (ten) candidate music pieces as selectable music pieces is set as a change to the specific game specifications. In other words, even if you don't get consecutive wins, when the "operation conditions are met during a specific period," which will be explained in detail below, all candidate songs will become selectable songs (all songs will be unlocked) in the subsequent big win game.

5-2) Specific Period and Operation Conditions To change the specific game specifications, it is necessary to operate the effect button 25, which is a type of operation means, during a specific period. Specifically, it is necessary to operate the effect button 25 so as to satisfy predetermined operation conditions during the specific period. The specific period is as follows.

When the winning/losing lottery results in a jackpot, a "privilege" called a jackpot game is awarded. The jackpot game is a unit game (round) in which the big prize area 906 is opened until a predetermined closing condition is met, and is repeated one or more times. Since this is the same as known gaming machines, a detailed explanation will be omitted. In this embodiment, after the variable performance in which the winning/losing lottery result is notified that it is a jackpot, the jackpot game actually starts when the game ball enters a specific area (the normal start area 905 in this embodiment). In other words, the entry of the game ball into the specific area is the condition for awarding the privilege of a jackpot (privilege awarding condition). In this embodiment, the normal start area 905 doubles as the specific area, but a "dedicated specific area" may also be provided.

The specific period is the time from when the player is notified that he has won a jackpot (when the variable effect notifying him of a jackpot has ended) (see FIG. 17(a)) until the game ball enters the specific area (see FIG. 17(c)) and the jackpot game starts (see FIG. 17(d)). Note that the specific period may start a predetermined time after the player is notified that he has won a jackpot. In this way, the specific period is a state that ends when the game ball enters the specific area, and it is confirmed that the jackpot game will be played (the bonus will be awarded), but the jackpot game has not yet started (the bonus has not actually been awarded).

During the specific period, an image (hereinafter sometimes referred to as instruction image 40) encouraging the player to launch the game ball toward the specific area is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 17(b)). In this embodiment, the specific area (normal start area 905) is located to the right of the game area, so an instruction image 40 is displayed indicating that the player should aim at the specific area and perform a so-called right hit. If the game ball is launched toward the specific area, it will enter the specific area relatively easily. Therefore, if the game ball is launched toward the specific area, there is a high probability that the specific period will end immediately. In order to establish the operation conditions described in detail below, it is necessary to operate the performance button 25 before aiming the game ball toward the specific area and launching it.

The operation conditions can be set as appropriate, but simple "single operations" are excluded. For example, it is conceivable that the operation condition can be set to be met when the effect button 25 is operated N times (N is 2 or more) during a specific period (hereinafter, this operation condition may be referred to as the number of times condition). In other words, the operation condition is not met with operations less than N times. Since N is 2 or more, the operation condition is not met with a single operation, i.e., a single operation.

As another example, a configuration may be considered in which the operation condition is set to be satisfied when the duration of the sustained operation (long press) of the effect button 25 reaches a specified time T (hereinafter, this operation condition may also be referred to as a time condition). In other words, if the duration of the sustained operation does not reach the specified time T, the operation condition is not satisfied. Note that for operation means such as buttons, whether or not a single operation has been performed is usually determined based on ON/OFF detection (detection of an "edge"), and the length of the sustained operation (the duration of the ON state) is usually not used to detect a single operation (making a determination based on whether or not the duration of the sustained operation exceeds the specified time T does not mean that a determination is made based on the presence or absence of a single operation).

By setting the number of times condition or time condition as described above, it is possible to prevent the operation condition from being met by a single operation of the effect button 25 during the specific period. Since it is conceivable that a player may unintentionally operate the effect button 25 during the specific period without being aware of the existence of the specific game specifications, it is preferable to prevent the operation condition from being met by a simple single operation. Note that an operation condition that combines the number of times condition and time condition as described above (a condition that requires both N operations and a sustained operation for more than T time) may also be set.

During the specific period, an image that clearly indicates that the specific game specification will be changed by operating the effect button 25 (for example, an image that prompts the operation of the effect button 25) is not displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 17(b)). Because this is a "hidden" game specification, an image indicating the existence of the specific game specification is not displayed during the specific period.

However, during periods other than the specific period, a presentation suggesting the presence of a hidden game feature (operation condition) may occur. For example, while the variable presentation is being executed, a display may be displayed that suggests the presence of a hidden game feature, such as "If you operate the button x number of times before passing through the jackpot start gate..." (the "jackpot start gate" refers to a specific area). Rather than merely "hinting," the presentation may be one that clearly indicates the presence of a hidden game feature.

In this way, the gaming machine of this embodiment realizes novel and interesting gameplay in that it is possible to change the "hidden game specifications" by taking advantage of a specific period before the bonus of a big win game is actually awarded.

5-3) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to the hidden game specification change function. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be made that applies a combination of multiple technologies explained using the following specific examples.

Specific example 3-1
When an operation condition is satisfied during a specific period (a change to a specific game specification is executed), an event (change completion event) occurs that would not occur if the operation condition was not satisfied. During the specific period, an image prompting the operation of the effect button 25 is not displayed, and the operation condition is not satisfied by a simple one-off operation, so that the satisfaction of the operation condition is indicated by the change completion event.

The change completion event is preferably the output of a specified sound effect. Because the hidden game specification change function is a so-called "hidden button" effect (a feature only known to those in the know), it is best to have it in a form that merely "indicates" that a change to a specific game specification has been made. In other words, the sound effect in question is not a sound that indicates the completion of a change to a specific game specification (such as one that includes the words "all songs unlocked"), but merely a simple electronic sound.

However, this does not deny the possibility of the change completion event being a form that clearly indicates that the change to the specific game specifications has been completed (that the operating conditions have been met). For example, a change completion image that clearly indicates the effect of the change to the specific game specifications (in this embodiment, an image that clearly indicates that "all songs have been unlocked") may be displayed in the display area 911 (however, such a configuration has the disadvantage that it can easily spread despite being a "secret button" effect).

Specific example 3-2
As described in the above embodiment, during the specific period, the instruction image 40 indicating that the game ball should be launched aiming at the specific area is displayed in the display area 911. The instruction image 40 is set not to be displayed from the start of the specific period (see FIG. 18). Specifically, the instruction image 40 is not displayed from the start of the specific period until a predetermined time has elapsed (first half) (see FIG. 18(b)), and the instruction image 40 is displayed in the second half after the first half ends (see FIG. 18(c)). Note that since the first half is still a part of the specific period, even if the game ball enters the specific area in the first half, the big win game will start (the instruction image 40 is not displayed).

If the instruction image 40 is displayed at the same time as or immediately after the start of the specific period, the player is more likely to launch the game ball in response to it. If the game ball is launched, it will most likely enter the specific area and the specific period will end, making it impossible to operate the performance button 25 in a way that satisfies the operating conditions during the specific period. Even for players who are aware of the existence of the specific game specifications (hidden button) and intend to change the specific game specifications when they win a jackpot, it is likely that they will unintentionally launch the game ball when the instruction image 40 is displayed. In light of this, it is advisable to prevent the instruction image 40 from being displayed from the beginning of the specific period, as in this example, to make it less likely that a situation will occur in which the specific period ends unexpectedly.

In contrast to this example, if the instruction image 40 is displayed from the start of the specific period, the existence of the specific game specification (hidden button) will be less likely to be known. In other words, the probability of launching a game ball in accordance with the instruction image 40 and the specific period ending immediately increases, so there is an advantage in that the specific game specification (hidden button) will be less likely to become known.

Specific example 3-3
In the above embodiment, the specific game specification is described as a "hidden" game specification, but the configuration may be such that it is clearly indicated that a change in the specific game specification is made by operating the effect button 25 (operation means) that satisfies an operation condition during a specific period. For example, during the specific period, an image (condition notification image 42) such as "Operate the button x times to unlock all songs!" is displayed in the display area 911 (see Figs. 18(b) and 18(c)).

In this example, the condition notification image 42 should be displayed before the instruction image 40 (see FIG. 18(b)(c)). This example is configured to inform the player that the game specifications can be changed by displaying the condition notification image 42, so it is necessary to prevent the specific period from ending by displaying the instruction image 40 first. In other words, the condition notification image 42 should inform the player that the game specifications can be changed, and then inform the player that the game ball should be aimed at a specific area (the big win game will start when the game ball enters the specific area). Note that even when the instruction image 40 is displayed, the condition notification image 42 should continue to be displayed so that the player can understand how to change the game specifications (see FIG. 18(c)).

Specific example 3-4
The configuration may be such that the occurrence of an advantageous event for the player is suggested or notified by the satisfaction of the operation condition during the specific period. For example, if the game state after the end of the big win game is a first special game state (high probability, time-saving), the notification sound is outputted by the satisfaction of the operation condition during the specific period, whereas if the game state is not the first special game state, the notification sound is not outputted even if the operation condition is satisfied. In other words, the "hidden button" effect is such that the player can know in advance whether or not an advantageous event will occur by operating the effect button 25 that satisfies the operation condition during the specific period.

Events that are advantageous to the player include those related to the transition to the first special game state, as well as the fact that a jackpot win is confirmed after the jackpot game ends (the occurrence of a so-called reserved consecutive win), and the number of unit games (number of rounds) in the jackpot game being the maximum.

Specific example 3-5
A configuration is assumed in which a plurality of operation conditions are set. For example, it is assumed that a first operation condition is that the effect button 25 is operated Na times (Na is 2 or more) during a specific period, and a second operation condition is that the effect button 25 is operated Nb times (Nb>Na) during a specific period. It is assumed that the content of the change in the game specifications is different when the first operation condition is established and when the second operation condition is established.

For example, if the first operation condition is met, only eight of the ten songs (candidate songs) will be released (a jackpot game with eight selectable songs will be played), but if the second operation condition is met, all ten songs (candidate songs) will be released (a jackpot game with ten selectable songs will be played). In other words, the more difficult a condition among multiple operation conditions is to be met, the greater the change in game specifications will be (the greater the benefit to the player).

Specific example 3-6
The condition for the occurrence of the change of the specific game specification is a configuration in which a condition different from the operation condition (condition related to the performance button 25 (operation means)) is set. For example, the above-mentioned instruction image 40 is assumed to be displayed during the specific period, and the timing for the instruction image 40 to be displayed is assumed to be after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the specific period. In other words, the instruction image 40 is assumed to be not displayed during the period from the start of the specific period until the predetermined time has elapsed (between T1 and T2). On this premise, when a game ball enters a specific area during the period from the start of the specific period until the predetermined time has elapsed (between T1 and T2), a change of the specific game specification occurs (see FIG. 20). In other words, the condition for the occurrence of the change of the specific game specification is assumed to be that a game ball enters a specific area (a big win game is started) when the instruction image 40 is not displayed.

The player normally shoots the game ball towards a specific area after the instruction image 40 is displayed, but if the player shoots the game ball in the opposite direction, the game specifications change, creating an interesting gameplay.

6) Special mode 6-1) Special effects As an effect constituting the during-variation effects, a special effect may occur (see FIG. 21(a)). When a special effect occurs, the probability (reliability) that the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the during-variation effect will be a jackpot is higher than when a special effect occurs during a certain during-variation effect. In other words, the special effect is a so-called "chance-up effect." The specific form of the special effect may be any. The special effect in this embodiment is a so-called "cut-in effect" in which a predetermined effect image 45 is displayed (see FIG. 21(a-2)). Note that a configuration in which multiple types of such special effects are set may be used.

6-2) Types of Modes In this embodiment, multiple types of modes related to the special effects are set. The multiple types of modes are roughly divided into "normal mode" and "special mode" (major categories) (see FIG. 21(b)). When the "special mode" is set, the probability of a special effect occurring in the variable effect is higher than when the "normal mode" (default mode) is set. The fact that the probability of a special effect occurring in the variable effect is different means that the reliability of a big win when a special effect occurs is different between when the "normal mode" is set and when the "special mode" is set. Since the probability of a special effect occurring is higher in the "special mode" than in the "normal mode", the reliability of a big win when a special effect occurs is lower in the "special mode" than in the "normal mode".

In addition, multiple types of modes are provided as modes included in the "special mode" (subdivisions). In this embodiment, two types are provided: a "first special mode" and a "second special mode" (see FIG. 21(b)). When the "second special mode" is set, the probability of a special effect occurring during the variable effect is higher than when the "first special mode" is set. Note that, similar to the relationship between the "normal mode" and the "special mode," the probability of a special effect occurring is higher in the "second special mode" than in the "first special mode," so the reliability of a jackpot when a special effect occurs is lower in the "second special mode" than in the "first special mode."

6-3) Setting of mode As described above, in the normal state (default), the "normal mode" is set. When setting the "special mode", the effect button 25 (operation means) is maintained (long pressed) for a predetermined time during the standby state (a state to which the mode is shifted when no effect is executed during a certain period of time) (see FIG. 21 (c-1)). In other words, the operation of the effect button 25 sets a condition for changing to the special mode (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as the change condition). In this embodiment, the change condition is not displayed in the display area 911 during the standby state. In the standby state, a so-called demo image is displayed, but the demo image does not include an image indicating the change condition (indicating the above-mentioned operation mode) (see FIG. 21 (c-1)). In other words, the setting of the "special mode" is installed as a "hidden (back button) function". Note that the above change condition is merely an example. It is sufficient if it is established due to the action of the player. However, it is preferable that a simple "single operation" is not set as the change condition. This is because there is a high possibility that the change to the special mode will occur unintentionally.

When the above change conditions are met and a change to the special mode is executed, a predetermined sound effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the change completion sound) is output from the speaker 79. The change completion sound does not clearly indicate a change to the special mode, but is merely an electronic sound. However, the above change conditions are not realized by a simple operation (single operation) of the effect button 25, and the fact that the change conditions are met is likely due to the player knowing the existence of the special mode and operating the effect button 25 at his/her wish, so the change completion sound informs the player that the transition to the special mode has been completed (an operation that satisfies the change conditions has been performed).

As described above, in this embodiment, the "first special mode" and the "second special mode" are set as the special modes. Even if the change condition is met and the setting (transition) of the special mode is executed, the player cannot arbitrarily decide whether to set the "first special mode" or the "second special mode". Specifically, when the change condition is met, a mode determination lottery is executed (see FIG. 21 (c-2)), and one of the multiple special modes is set based on the mode determination lottery (see FIG. 21 (c-3-1), (c-3-2)). The specific form (probability) of the mode determination lottery may be any. The setting may be such that the probability of each of the multiple special modes being set is equal (even distribution), or the setting may be such that the probability of a certain type of special mode being set is higher than the probability of a different type of special mode being set (unequal distribution). In this embodiment, the probability of the "first special mode" being set and the probability of the "second special mode" being set are both the same at 50% (even distribution).

The player is not notified of which of the multiple special modes (first special mode, second special mode) has been set (the result of the mode determination lottery). The change completion sound described above notifies the player that a change from the normal mode to the special mode has been achieved, but does not notify the player of whether the first special mode or the second special mode has been set (the manner of the change completion sound output is the same regardless of whether the first special mode or the second special mode has been set). As described above, the probability of a special effect occurring differs depending on the type of special mode that has been set, so although the player can predict the type of special mode that has been set by playing continuously, he or she cannot clearly know the type of special mode that has been set. At least at the time when the change condition is established (the time when the mode determination lottery is executed), the type of special mode that has been set cannot be determined, let alone predicted.

In this way, the gaming machine of this embodiment allows the setting of a special mode in which the probability of a special effect occurring is higher than in normal mode, but multiple types of special modes are available, and the player cannot arbitrarily decide which type of special mode is set, so the player cannot know which type of special mode has been set. Therefore, when a special mode is set, the gameplay is such that the player can enjoy predicting which type of special mode has been set (how likely the special effect is to occur).

The conditions (reset conditions) for returning from a state in which a special mode (first special mode, second special mode) is set to a state in which the normal mode is set can be set as appropriate. There may be only one reset condition, or multiple reset conditions may be set. In this embodiment, turning the power of the gaming machine 1 OFF/ON is set as one of the reset conditions.

It is also preferable that at least one of the reset conditions is set as a condition that the player can execute at will. If such a condition is not set, the player will not be able to return from special mode to normal mode at will. For example, a possible configuration is to set the reset condition to maintaining (pressing and holding) the performance button 25 for a predetermined period of time during standby when special mode is set. In other words, the conditions for executing a transition from normal mode to special mode are the same as the conditions for realizing a transition from special mode to normal mode.

6-4) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to the special mode. Note that, to the extent possible, it is also possible to combine and apply multiple technologies explained using the following specific examples.

Specific example 4-1
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the setting of the special mode is implemented as a "hidden (back button) function", but the setting method of the special mode may be disclosed. That is, a method of setting the special mode that increases the probability of occurrence of the special effect is displayed in the display area 911, etc., and the special mode is set by operating various operating means (the effect button 25 and the operation unit 20) in accordance with the method.

For example, the above-mentioned "premium up mode" increases the probability of the occurrence of a premium effect, and the premium up mode is regarded as a "special mode" and the premium effect is regarded as a "special effect". Assuming that a "first premium up mode" and a "second premium up mode" with a higher probability of the premium effect occurring are set as the premium up mode. When a player operates the operation unit 20 according to the above-mentioned procedure and a change from the "normal mode" to the "premium up mode" is requested (see FIG. 22(a)), a mode determination lottery (see FIG. 22(b)) is performed using this as an opportunity to set either the "first premium up mode" or the "second premium up mode" (see FIGS. 22(c-1) and (c-2)). The player is not informed of which of the "first premium up mode" and the "second premium up mode" has been set. Considering that a premium effect is more likely to occur due to a winning fluctuation when the "second premium up mode" is set than when the "first premium up mode" is set, the player will enjoy predicting which mode has been set.

In addition, the fact that there are multiple special modes with different probabilities of a special effect occurring may be shown to the player. For example, a message such as "The probability of a ____ effect occurring changes each time" (____ effect represents a special effect) may be displayed on the screen for setting the special mode. However, when a special mode is set, the player is not informed which of the multiple special modes has been set.

Even if the method for setting the special mode is clearly indicated to the player as in this example, as long as the player does not know which of multiple special modes with different probabilities of special effects occurring has been set, the same effect as described in the above embodiment will be achieved.

Specific example 4-2
One of the multiple special modes is a mode in which a special effect always occurs during a variation (a winning variation) in which the result of the winning/losing lottery is a big win. For example, in a configuration in which two special modes (a first special mode and a second special mode) are set as in the above embodiment, the second special mode is a mode in which a special effect always occurs during a winning variation. In the first special mode, a special effect does not necessarily occur even in a winning variation (a special effect may or may not occur during a winning variation. However, the probability of a special effect occurring is higher than in the normal mode) (see FIG. 23(a)).

The player cannot distinguish the type of special mode that has been set. This realizes a gameplay that expects the first special mode to be set when no special effect occurs during the variation performance, which is expected to result in a jackpot. In other words, if no special effect occurs during the variation performance, there is a possibility that no special effect will occur thereafter, and if the second special mode is set, a jackpot will not occur unless a special effect occurs during the variation performance. Therefore, a player who knows about the existence of the first and second special modes (who has obtained information from magazines or the Internet) will expect that the first special mode, which has the potential to result in a jackpot even if no special effect occurs, has been set. In other words, the player can enjoy the variation performance while predicting the type of the current special mode, including their hopes (and while also hoping that a special effect will occur after this).

When using a configuration like this example, as explained in specific example 4-1 above, it is advisable to make the existence of multiple special modes clear to the player (not to make it a "hidden (back button) function"). Specifically, it is advisable to make clear to the player that one of the multiple special modes is a mode (first special mode) in which a special effect will always occur in a winning variation, and that the other special modes are modes (second special modes) in which a special effect will not necessarily occur in a winning variation. In this way, the player can enjoy the above-mentioned way even if he or she has not obtained information about the special modes from a magazine or the Internet.

Specific Example 4-3 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 4-2)
The timing at which a special effect can occur during a variation performance (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the specified timing) is fixed, and it will not occur at any other time. For example, after a reach is achieved (see FIG. 23(b-1)), the timing before the transition to a so-called super reach performance (a performance in which the outcome of a lottery is shown) (see FIG. 23(b-3)) is set as the specified timing at which a special effect (see FIG. 23(b-2)) can occur. Note that this specified timing does not occur in all variation performances. In the above example, if a reach is not achieved, the specified timing will not occur (there is no possibility of a special effect occurring).

By doing this, if the specified timing has passed during the variation performance, the special performance will not occur thereafter (for example, in the above example, the special performance will not occur after the transition to the Super Reach performance). In other words, if the special performance does not occur when the specified timing has passed, it is confirmed that the variation performance will not generate a special performance. Therefore, if the special performance does not occur when the specified timing has passed in a situation where the special mode is set, if the second special mode (in which a special performance will always occur in a winning variation) is set, there is no possibility of a jackpot (see FIG. 23(a)), so the player will hope that the first special mode (in which a jackpot can occur even if a special performance does not occur) is set. In other words, by doing as in this example, whether or not a special performance will occur is determined when the specified timing has passed, so the gameplay of enjoying the type of special mode while anticipating it is clear.

Specific example 4-4
A configuration is also provided in which a transition between a plurality of special modes can occur. That is, not only a transition between the normal mode and a special mode (the first special mode or the second special mode), but also a transition from one of the first special mode and the second special mode to the other occurs when a predetermined transition condition is met. It is preferable that the player cannot know that a transition between special modes has occurred. Since the player cannot know which of the plurality of special modes has been set when the special mode is set, the player is also not able to know that a transition between special modes has occurred.

The transition condition can be set from various perspectives. As an example, it can be considered that the condition is established when the player plays the game continuously for a certain period of time after the special mode is set. For example, it can be considered that the transition condition is established when the winning/losing lottery results are a losing result X times in a row. In this way, the specifications of the variable effect (probability of the special effect occurring) will change every time the winning/losing lottery is drawn X times.

As another example, the configuration may be such that whether or not a transition condition is met is determined based on the passage of time. A transition condition may be the passage of a predetermined amount of time, or an RTC (real-time clock) may be installed and the transition condition may be the time obtained by the RTC (actual time) becoming a specified time.

Specific example 4-5
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the manner of the change completion sound output from the speaker 79 is the same regardless of which of the multiple special modes (first special mode and second special mode) is set, but the manner of the change completion sound may be different for each special mode that is set. If a first special mode and a second special mode are provided as in the above embodiment, a first change completion sound is output when the first special mode is set, and a second change completion sound (different in manner from the first change completion sound) is output when the second special mode is set (see FIG. 24).

Because the change completion sound is merely an electronic sound, it can be said that few players can tell from the appearance of the change completion sound whether the first special mode or the second special mode has been set. By doing as in this example, a gameplay is realized in which only players who discover the relationship between the appearance of the change completion sound (the difference between the first change completion sound and the second change completion sound) and the type of special mode that has been set can tell what type of special mode has actually been set (it can be said that such players are notified of whether the first special mode or the second special mode has been set by the appearance of the change completion sound).

However, if this example is used, and the relationship between the nature of the change completion sound and the type of special mode that has been set becomes widely known through magazines, the Internet, etc., there is a risk that the configuration will essentially result in the type of special mode being notified.

Specific example 4-6
It is assumed that a plurality of types of special effects are set as the special effects. The difference between the various special modes is the difference in the probability that some of the plurality of types of special effects occur, and there is no difference in the probability that the other parts occur. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, a first special effect and a second special effect are set, and there is no difference in the probability that the first special effect occurs regardless of whether the first special mode or the second special mode is set. On the other hand, it is assumed that the second special effect occurs more likely when the second special mode is set than when the first special mode is set. Note that, for both the first special effect and the second special effect, the probability is higher when one of the special modes is set than when the normal mode is set. In this way, it becomes difficult to predict whether the first special mode or the second special mode is set.

Specific example 4-7
Although the various special modes (first special mode, second special mode) in the above embodiment have been described as modes in which the probability of a special effect occurring is higher than in the normal mode, they may be modes in which the probability of a special effect occurring is lower than in the normal mode. In other words, the degree to which the probability of a special effect occurring is reduced based on the normal mode is configured to be different between the first special mode and the second special mode.

In addition, one of the multiple special modes (first special mode) may be a mode in which the probability of a special effect occurring is lower than in the normal mode, while the other (second special mode) may be a mode in which the probability of a special effect occurring is higher than in the normal mode. By doing this, the "difference in the probability of a special effect occurring" according to the type of special mode becomes larger, realizing gameplay that makes it easy to predict which special mode is set.

7) Specific look-ahead performance 7-1) Background music In the gaming machine according to this embodiment, multiple types of music are provided as background music (BGM) that can be output from the speaker 79 while the during-variation performance is being executed. Note that the "background music" is music that is continuously output when the during-variation performance is being executed, and is different from the performance sound effects (winning sound, character's lines, etc.) that are temporarily output. The background music does not indicate the reliability of a big win, except when it is used in the specific look-ahead performance described in detail later. In this embodiment, when a performance sound effect is output, it is output overlapping with the background music. In other words, even when a performance sound effect is output, the background music is output without interruption. Note that not only those that are different as copyrighted works, but also those that are recognized as not being the same when heard by a player, such as a certain music and a music that has been arranged from it, are considered to be different types of music.

As background music, one or more types of normal background music and one or more types of specific background music are set. In a variable performance when a specific look-ahead performance is not occurring, the normal background music is continuously output. As described above, in this embodiment, the player can select the normal background music from five types of music A to E. In other words, music A to E correspond to normal background music. The normal background music in this embodiment is music that is output in a state before a reach is established. In other words, it is not background music for a reach performance. Note that, with regard to the execution of a specific look-ahead performance, which will be described in detail below, the normal background music does not have to be selectable by the player. It may be configured so that one type of normal background music is output, or it may be configured so that one of multiple types of normal background music is output and the normal background music is automatically switched (not selected by the player).

7-2) Specific Pre-reading Performance The gaming machine according to this embodiment is capable of executing a specific pre-reading performance, which is a type of pre-reading performance. The pre-reading performance itself is publicly known, so a detailed description will be omitted. The specific pre-reading performance is a performance that is started when the newly acquired reserved information is the target reserved information and the target reserved information is acquired (note that the reserved information that becomes the target reserved information is the "pre-change reserved information"). The specific pre-reading performance is a type of "chance (up) performance" that suggests that the probability that the winning/losing lottery result (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the target winning/losing lottery result) corresponding to the target reserved information is a jackpot has increased, so the target reserved information is a so-called "chance reserved". In the drawings that explain the specific pre-reading performance, the reserved pattern 10 corresponding to the target reserved information is indicated with an "S" attached.

As described above, the specific look-ahead performance is started when the target reserved information is acquired (see FIG. 26(a)(b) and FIG. 28). To the player, it appears to start at the same time as the target reserved information is acquired (a time lag that the player cannot notice is allowed). In the specific look-ahead performance, a specific background music is output from the speaker 79 instead of the normal background music (in this embodiment, any one of music A to music E) as the background music. In other words, the point at which the normal background music changes to the specific background music is the start point of the specific look-ahead performance. The timing at which the target reserved information is acquired (the timing at which the game ball enters the start area 904) is something that the player cannot predict (it is an event that occurs suddenly), so from the player's perspective, the output of a background music (specific background music) that is different from the normal music starts suddenly.

Since the target pending information is pre-change pending information, at the time the target pending information is acquired, the change-in-progress performance corresponding to the win/lose lottery information acquired prior to the target pending information (hereinafter, this change-in-progress performance may be referred to as the "pre-reading start change-in-progress performance (pre-reading start change)") is being executed. If the change-in-progress performance corresponding to the target pending information is the "target change-in-progress performance (target change)", then the "pre-reading start change-in-progress performance" is a change-in-progress performance executed prior to the "target change-in-progress performance". The change from the normal background music to the specific background music occurs in the pre-reading start change-in-progress performance. The specific background music is output continuously without interruption at least until the target change-in-progress performance begins (see FIG. 26(c) and FIG. 28).

In this embodiment, when a specific pre-reading effect occurs, it is determined that a prescribed effect will occur in the target change effect. The effect that is considered to be the prescribed effect may be only one type or may be multiple types. The prescribed effect in this embodiment is a reach effect (a battle effect is shown as an example in FIG. 27) whose ending indicates the result of the winning/losing lottery. That is, the prescribed effect leads to an ending (successful ending) that is advantageous to the player if the winning/losing lottery result is a jackpot, and leads to an ending (unfavorable ending) that is unfavorable to the player if the winning/losing lottery result is a miss (see FIG. 27 (b) (c-1) (c-2)). When a specific pre-reading effect occurs, the prescribed effect occurs in the target change effect, so if the target win/losing lottery result is a jackpot, the prescribed effect of the successful ending is executed, and if the target win/losing lottery result is a miss, the prescribed effect of the unfavorable ending is executed as a part of the target change effect. Compared to when the prescribed effect does not occur in the change effect, the reliability of the jackpot is higher when the prescribed effect occurs. In other words, the prescribed effect can be said to be a type of so-called chance-up effect. In this embodiment, the prescribed effect can occur even if the specific look-ahead effect does not occur.

In this embodiment, the specific background music is output continuously without interruption from the time when the target pending information is acquired (see FIG. 26(b)) to the time when the specified performance starts (see FIG. 27(b)) (see FIG. 28). In other words, the specific look-ahead performance is a performance that starts when the target pending information is acquired and ends when the specified performance starts. Since the start time is while the "look-ahead start changing performance" is being executed and the end time is while the "target changing performance" is being executed, the output of the specific background music spans (spans) two or more changes. If one or more "another changing performance" (another change) is executed between the "look-ahead start changing performance" and the "target changing performance", the output of the specific background music will span three or more changes. If the number of "another changing performance" executed between the "look-ahead start changing performance" and the "target changing performance" is α, the output of the specific background music is output continuously over "2 + α" changes. In the examples shown in Figures 26 and 27, α = 2, so the output of the specific background music will vary over four times (see Figure 28). Note that in this embodiment, when the specified performance starts, the output of the background music for the specified performance starts instead of the specific background music.

In this way, with the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to execute an interesting look-ahead performance (specific look-ahead performance) in which the output of a specific background music starts suddenly when the target pending information is acquired.

The specific background music is output continuously at least until the target fluctuation performance starts, so it is easy to understand that the occurrence of the output of the specific background music indicates that the winning/losing lottery result (target winning/losing lottery result) corresponding to the target fluctuation performance has an increased reliability of winning.

In particular, in this embodiment, the occurrence of a specific look-ahead performance determines that a prescribed performance will occur in the target changing performance, and since the specific background music is output continuously until the prescribed performance begins, it can be clearly shown that the output of the specific background music (the occurrence of a specific look-ahead performance) leads to the occurrence of a prescribed performance (the connection between the specific look-ahead performance and the prescribed performance can be clearly shown).

7-3) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, concrete changes, modifications, etc., made to the specific look-ahead performance. Note that, to the extent possible, it is also possible to combine and apply multiple technologies explained using the following specific examples.

Specific example 5-1
The mobile unit 50 is provided, which operates when the target pending information is acquired. By providing such a mobile unit 50, not only does the output of a specific background music begin when the target pending information is acquired, but the mobile unit 50 also operates, so that it becomes easier to understand (emphasize) that a specific look-ahead performance has occurred. The following are possible operating modes of the mobile unit 50.

The movable body 50 is capable of reciprocating between an original position (a position in a normal state) and a presentation position which is a different position. The movable body 50 may be invisible to the player in the original position. It is sufficient that the movable body 50 is visible to the player at least in the presentation position. The structure (power transmission mechanism) for operating the movable body 50 may be of any type, so a description thereof will be omitted. The movable body 50 may be provided in the cabinet (frame) of the gaming machine and may operate outside the play area. The movable body 50 may have a different shape when located in the original position and when located in the presentation position (it may change shape as it is displaced).

Based on this premise, the output of the specific background music starts when the target pending information is acquired, and the movable body 50 (see FIG. 29(a)) located at the original position starts to move toward the performance position. As long as the output of the specific background music continues, the movable body 50 continues to be located at the performance position (see FIG. 29(b)). When the output of the specific background music ends (in the above embodiment, when the specified performance starts in the target changing performance), the movable body 50 located at the performance position starts to move toward the original position, that is, returns to the original position (see FIG. 29(c)). In other words, the position of the movable body 50 at the performance position and the output of the specific background music are linked. In this way, it is possible to know that the specific look-ahead performance is being performed not only from the presence or absence of the output of the specific background music, but also from the fact that the movable body 50 is located at the performance position. In addition, it is possible to know that the specific look-ahead performance has ended when the movable body 50 moves from the performance position to the original position.

Other examples of the movable body 50 (movement) include the following. For example, the movable body 50 is not one that changes its position significantly, but is capable of vibrating in place. Such a movable body 50 continues to vibrate while the specific background music is being output. In other words, the vibration starts when the specific look-ahead performance starts (target pending information is acquired), and ends when the specific look-ahead performance ends. In this way, the occurrence and end of the specific look-ahead performance can be determined not only by whether or not the specific background music is being output, but also by whether or not the movable body 50 vibrates.

The movable body 50 may be caused to temporarily operate in response to the acquisition of the target pending information. In other words, the operation of the movable body 50 may end before the output of the specific background music ends. For example, the movable body 50 may be caused to temporarily vibrate in response to the acquisition of the target pending information, and the vibration may end before the specific background music ends. Even in this case, the start of the specific look-ahead performance is indicated by the occurrence of the movement of the movable body 50 (however, the end of the specific look-ahead performance is not indicated by the movement of the movable body 50).

Specific example 5-2
A plurality of types of specific background music are provided, and the reliability of the big win of the target winning/losing lottery result is set to be different depending on the type. For example, a specific background music X and a different specific background music Y are provided as specific background music, and the reliability of the big win is set to be higher when the output of the specific background music Y is started (see FIG. 30(b-2)) than when the output of the specific background music X is started (see FIG. 30(b-1)) in response to the acquisition of the target reserved information. In this way, when the specific background music is output, the player will also pay attention to its type.

Specific example 5-3
There are cases where the output of the specific background music continues until a predetermined time (continuation mode) and cases where it does not (non-continuation mode). In the former case, the jackpot reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result increases, but in the latter case, the jackpot reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result does not increase (the latter case is more advantageous to the player than the former case). In other words, whether the output of the specific background music continues is set as a branching point for whether the chance-up effect by the specific pre-reading performance occurs or not. For example, it is considered that the output of the specific background music continues until the start of the target changing performance or later as a continuation mode (see FIG. 31(a)), and that it ends before the start of the target changing performance as a non-continuation mode (see FIG. 31(b)). In the non-continuation mode, the output of the specific background music does not continue until the start of the target changing performance, so the player understands that the chance-up effect does not occur. In addition, in the case of the non-continuation mode, it may be set to determine that the target winning/losing lottery result is a loss (jackpot reliability = 0%).

In this example, the setting may suggest the likelihood of a continuation mode depending on the type of specific background music. For example, the setting may be such that the likelihood of a continuation mode is higher when the output of a different type of specific background music N is started in response to the acquisition of target pending information than when the output of a specific background music M is started. In this way, when a specific background music is output, the player will also pay attention to its type.

Specific example 5-4
When the specific background music is being output, no other sound effects (excluding sounds unrelated to the progress of the game, such as electronic sounds output when the game specifications are changed, etc.) are output other than the background music. In other words, only the specific background music is output continuously from the speaker 79. In this way, the fact that the specific background music is being output is emphasized, and it is more clearly indicated that a specific look-ahead effect is occurring.

Specific example 5-5
The background music output during the prescribed performance is a specific background music (the specific background music is output at least from the start of the prescribed performance until a predetermined time has elapsed). In other words, the background music of the prescribed performance that is confirmed to occur in the target changing performance due to the occurrence of a specific look-ahead performance is the same as the background music that indicates the occurrence of the specific look-ahead performance. By doing so, it is easy to understand that the occurrence of a specific look-ahead performance indicates the occurrence of a prescribed performance.

Furthermore, in the case of this example, the specific background music output as the specific look-ahead performance can be made to continue to be output even after the prescribed performance has started (see FIG. 32). In other words, since the background music of the specific look-ahead performance and the background music of the prescribed performance are the same, the output of the specific background music is started in response to the acquisition of the target hold information, and the specific background music can be made to continue to be output even after the prescribed performance has started.

Specific example 5-6
In the above embodiment, the change from the normal background music to the specific background music is triggered by the acquisition of the target hold information, but the normal background music may not be output. In other words, on the premise that the background music is not output in the normal state, the output of the specific background music may be started by the acquisition of the hold information (target hold information) that is a chance.

8) Image Displacement Presentation 8-1) Image Displacement Presentation The gaming machine according to this embodiment can execute an image displacement presentation as one of the presentations constituting the during-change presentation. When an image displacement presentation occurs during a certain during-change presentation, the jackpot reliability of the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the during-change presentation is higher than when the image displacement presentation does not occur. In other words, the image displacement presentation is a so-called chance-up presentation.

Image displacement effects are also generally referred to as "shake effects". The basic aspect of image displacement effects is that the display changes from a reference state (see FIG. 33(a)) in which the reference image 60 is displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91 to a displaced state (see FIG. 33(b)) in which the reference image 60 is displayed as if it had shifted relative to the display area 911. The reference image 60 is an image displayed in the display area 911 in the reference state. In this embodiment, the image displayed in the entire display area 911 in the reference state is set as the reference image 60. However, a configuration in which only a part of the image displayed in the display area 911 in the reference state is displaced as the reference image 60 may also be used. The reference image 60 may be either a still image or a moving image, but the content of the image represented by the reference image 60 is maintained in a state that can be recognized as the same by the player from the reference state to the displaced state. In this way, the player gets the impression that the image displayed in the reference state has shifted relative to the display area 911.

There are various possible displacement modes of the reference image 60 relative to the display area 911. In this embodiment, the reference image 60 is displayed as if it has been displaced so as to tilt relative to the planar direction (the direction along the display area 911 of the display device 91; the same applies below) (displayed as if it has been displaced three-dimensionally). More specifically, in this embodiment, the reference image 60 is displayed as if it has been rotated so that the left edge of the reference image 60 faces the back and the right edge of the reference image 60 faces the front. However, such a displacement mode is merely an example. The reference image 60 may be displayed as if it has been displaced along the planar direction (in either the up, down, left, or right direction) (displayed as if it has been displaced two-dimensionally), or the reference image 60 may be displayed as if it has been displaced to the back (rear). In addition, the amount of displacement of the reference image 60 may change over time (for example, the reference image 60 shakes). In addition, the outline shape of the reference image 60 may change (for example, the outline of the reference image 60 is distorted). Also, the reference image 60 may be displaced so that a part of it is positioned outside the display area 911 (a part may be cut off). Also, the reference image 60 may be divided into multiple parts, and each part may be displayed as if it has been displaced relative to the display area 911.

In addition, in the displaced state of the image displacement effect, a frame image 60K is displayed along the outer edge of the reference image 60 (see FIG. 33(b)). This frame image 60K indicates that it is the part that corresponds to the outer edge of the display area 911 in the reference state. In this embodiment, the frame image 60K is not displayed in the reference state. In other words, since the image displacement effect is an effect in which the reference image 60 is displayed as if it has shifted relative to the display area 911, the frame image 60K is displayed in the displaced state to express this shift. The frame image 60K can also be said to be a part that represents the outline of the reference image 60 in the displaced state. The player gets the impression that the outer edge of the display area 911 in the reference state has shifted to the point that is displayed as the frame image 60K in the displaced state. Since the display area 911 is roughly rectangular in shape, in the case of an image displacement presentation in which the reference image 60 is displaced three-dimensionally as in this embodiment, the frame image 60K in the displaced state is expressed three-dimensionally and appears to be rectangular (approximately parallelogram in plan view). In this embodiment, from the reference state to the displaced state, the frame image 60K changes shape so as to gradually move away from the outer edge of the display area 911, eventually arriving at the shape shown in the figure. Note that the frame image 60K may be configured not to be displayed at all.

In this embodiment, the reference image 60 includes a decorative pattern 80 (see FIG. 33(b)). Specifically, the reference image 60 includes at least the decorative pattern 80 and a background image 85 displayed as its background (note that the background image 85 is omitted from illustrations other than those for explaining the image displacement presentation). If the image layer displaying the decorative pattern 80 and the image layer displaying the background image 85 are separate layers, and the former layer is set in front of the latter layer, it is possible to create an aspect in which the background image 85 is displayed as the background of the decorative pattern 80.

In addition, in this embodiment, in order to realistically express the shift of the reference image 60 relative to the display area 911, it is set so that the continuity of the change of the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) is maintained (the change continues) even in the displaced state. In other words, the image of the changing performance (decorative pattern 80) that was being performed in the entire display area 911 in the reference state is displayed on the reference image 60 (inside the frame image 60K) in the displaced state.

In addition, the reference image 60 in this embodiment includes the reserved pattern 10 (see FIG. 33(b)). In other words, as the reference state changes to the displaced state, the reserved pattern 10 also changes shape and displaces. By including the reserved pattern 10 in this manner, the impression that the reference image 60 appears shifted relative to the display area 911 can be further enhanced. When new correct/incorrect judgment information (pre-change reserved information) is acquired in the displaced state, the new reserved pattern 10 will be displayed in the reference image 60.

In this embodiment, the reference image 60 does not include the specification image 30. The specification image 30 is an image for indicating that game specifications such as volume can be changed even while the variable performance is being performed, so the appearance of the specification image 30 is maintained even when an image displacement performance occurs (when a change to the displacement state occurs) so that this can be understood. However, this does not deny the possibility of the reference image 60 including the specification image 30. This has the advantage of enhancing the effect of making the reference image 60 appear as if it has "shifted."

8-2) Background Music When the state changes from the reference state to the displacement state, the background music (BGM) output from the speaker 79 changes from normal background music (see FIG. 33(a)) to specific background music (see FIG. 33(b)). The normal background music and the specific background music are as explained in "7) 7-1)". However, the specific background music may be configured such that a specific background music specific to the image displacement performance is set (a configuration different from the specific background music explained in "7) 7-1)" above and the specific background music used in the image displacement performance).

The image displacement effect goes from a reference state to a displaced state and then returns to the reference state (ending when the state returns to the reference state). Returning from the displaced state to the reference state is the trigger for ending the output of the specific background music (see FIG. 33(c)). In other words, when in the displaced state, the specific background music is output continuously. After returning to the reference state, background music appropriate to the scene is output. For example, returning to a state in which normal background music is output.

In this way, in this embodiment, the background music is switched from the normal background music to the specific background music when the state changes from the reference state to the displaced state. This makes it possible to clearly indicate that a displacement of the reference image 60 has occurred. Also, in this embodiment, the output of the specific background music is stopped when the state returns from the displaced state to the reference state, making it easy to see that the image displacement performance has ended.

8-3) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to image displacement effects. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may be created that combine multiple technologies explained using the specific examples below.

Specific example 6-1
The image displacement performance is configured to function as a so-called pre-reading performance (the pre-reading performance itself is publicly known, so a detailed description will be omitted) (see Figs. 34 and 35). In other words, as an indication that the jackpot reliability of a certain winning/losing lottery result (target winning/losing lottery result) has increased, the image displacement performance can be started from one or more during-changing performances (previous during-changing performances) prior to the during-changing performance (target during-changing performance) for the target winning/losing lottery result. In other words, a change from the reference state to the displacement state occurs in the previous during-changing performance (see Fig. 34(a)). In Fig. 34, the reserved pattern 10 (reserved for the pre-reading target) corresponding to the target winning/losing lottery result is indicated with a "T".

The displacement state is maintained even while one or more future during-changing performances are being executed (see Figs. 34(a)-(c), 35(a) and (b)). The displacement state is also maintained even when the target during-changing performance starts (see Fig. 35(c)). In other words, the displacement state is maintained across one or more future during-changing performances and the target during-changing performance. In other words, the displacement state is maintained across two or more future during-changing performances, namely at least one future during-changing performance and a target during-changing performance (straddling the end point of at least one future during-changing performance and the start point of the target during-changing performance).

The combination of decorative patterns 80 indicating the winning/losing lottery result (loss) corresponding to the previous variable performance will be displayed as included in the reference image 60 (which is shifted from the display area 911) at the end of the previous variable performance (see Figures 34(c) and 35(b)). Also, when the notification of the winning/losing lottery result (loss) corresponding to the previous variable performance is completed, a change occurs in the reserved patterns 10 included in the reference image 60 (indicating the so-called "consumption of reserved"). Specifically, the variable reserved patterns 11 are erased, and the display position (order) of each reserved pattern 10 is moved up (see the change from Figure 34(c) to Figure 35(a) and the change from Figure 35(b) to Figure 35(c)).

In this way, because the displacement state is maintained over two or more during-changing performances, the output of the specific background music that is continuously output when in the displacement state is also maintained over two or more during-changing performances. In this way, because the specific background music is maintained across the end of the during-changing performance, it becomes clear that the image displacement performance is executed across two or more during-changing performances (the "chance" state does not end with the end of the displacement, but continues).

It is also possible to return from the displaced state to the reference state at the same time that the target changing performance begins, i.e., the output of the specific background music ends. Even in this way, the function of the look-ahead performance, which suggests that the reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result is increasing, is realized. However, by maintaining the displaced state (output of the specific background music) even when the target changing performance begins as described above, the function of the look-ahead performance becomes clearer.

Specific Example 6-2 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 6-1)
In the case where the image displacement effect is configured to function as a look-ahead effect, the image displacement effect may be generated as a type of the specific look-ahead effect described above. In other words, the acquisition of the target hold information (chance hold) is triggered by the reference image 60 changing from the reference state to the displaced state, and the output of the specific background music starts (the change from FIG. 36(a) to (b) occurs). In this way, the image displacement effect functions as a look-ahead effect that occurs suddenly, and the output of the specific background music starts in accordance with the change from the reference state to the displaced state, making it easy to understand the occurrence of the image displacement effect (specific look-ahead effect).

Specific example 6-3
It is assumed that multiple types of image displacement performances can occur. For example, it is assumed that two types of performances can occur: a first image displacement performance (a performance in which a change such as that shown in FIG. 37(a)→(b-1) occurs) and a second image displacement performance (a performance in which a change such as that shown in FIG. 37(a)→(b-2) occurs). The first image displacement performance and the second image displacement performance are different in the form of the outer shape (frame image 60K) of the reference image 60 relative to the display area 911 in the displacement state. Here, a performance in which at least one of the shape, size, and position (relative position to the display area 911) of the outer shape of the reference image 60 in the displacement state is different corresponds to "the outer shape of the reference image 60 relative to the display area 911 is different". More specifically, it is assumed that the first image displacement performance and the second image displacement performance are different in at least one of the shape, size, and position of the outer shape (frame image 60K) relative to the display area 911, regardless of the content of the reference image 60 (the part inside the frame image 60K). The displacement state is a state in which the reference image 60 is displayed as if it has been shifted relative to the display area 911, and it can be said that the first image displacement performance and the second image displacement performance have different modes of "shift."

If the displacement state of the first image displacement effect is the first displacement state (see FIG. 37(b-1)) and the displacement state of the second image displacement effect is the second displacement state (see FIG. 37(b-2)), for example, the second displacement state is set to have a larger "deviation" amount of the reference image 60 from the reference state than the first displacement state (the first image displacement effect is "small shake" and the second image displacement effect is "large shake"). And, the reliability of the jackpot of the winning/losing lottery result that is the subject of the suggestion by the image displacement effect is set to be higher when the second image displacement effect occurs than when the first image displacement effect occurs. In other words, the larger the "deviation" of the reference image 60, the more advantageous the effect is for the player (note that the reliability may be reversed. In other words, the smaller the "deviation", the higher the reliability). By doing this, when the image displacement effect occurs, the player will also pay attention to the size of the "deviation".

Assuming this configuration, when the first image displacement performance is in a displaced state, a first specific background music piece is output (see FIG. 37(b-1)), and when the second image displacement performance is in a displaced state, a second specific background music piece (a different type of music piece from the first specific background music piece) is output (see FIG. 37(b-2)). In other words, the type of background music piece that is output differs depending on the amount of "shift" of the reference image 60 in the displaced state.

The difference in the manner in which the reference image 60 is "shifted" in the image displacement effect is a difference in appearance, so some players may not be able to distinguish between the first image displacement effect and the second image displacement effect. By doing as in this example, the specific background music that is output when the first image displacement effect occurs is different from the specific background music that is output when the second image displacement effect occurs, making it easier to distinguish between the first image displacement effect and the second image displacement effect.

Specific example 6-4
As in the above specific example 6-3, different kinds of music are set as the specific background music. That is, a first image displacement effect (an effect in which a change such as that shown in FIG. 38(a)→(b-1) occurs) in which a first specific background music is output when in a displacement state, and a second image displacement effect (an effect in which a change such as that shown in FIG. 38(a)→(b-2) occurs) in which a second specific background music is output. However, the aspect of the outer shape (frame image 60K) of the reference image 60 relative to the display area 911 in the displacement state, that is, the aspect of the "shift" of the reference image 60, is not different between when the first specific background music is output (see FIG. 38(b-1)) and when the second specific background music is output (see FIG. 37(b-2)). In other words, the aspect of the "shift" of the reference image 60 is the same, but the specific background music to be output may be different. It is preferable that the reliability of the big win of the winning/losing lottery result, which is the subject of the suggestion by the image displacement effect, is different between when the first specific background music is output and when the second specific background music is output. In other words, the probability of an event (jackpot) advantageous to the player occurring is different when a first specific background music piece is output (first image displacement presentation) and when a second specific background music piece is output (second image displacement presentation).

By doing this, multiple types of image displacement effects can be produced in which the "shift" (appearance) of the reference image 60 in the displacement state is the same but the background music is different, resulting in a performance format in which the player also pays attention to the background music. Also, for example, it can be said that a player who has previously encountered an image displacement effect in which one of the first and second specific background music is output will feel something strange when encountering an image displacement effect in which the other specific background music is output for the first time (a performance format in which the appearance is the same but something feels different).

Specific example 6-5
The first image displacement presentation and the second image displacement presentation differ in the appearance of the image (hereinafter referred to as the non-reference image 65) displayed in the area (part of the display area 911, hereinafter referred to as the non-reference area 911a) where the reference image 60 is displayed in the displaced state.

The non-standard area 911a is an area that occurs when the reference image 60 changes from the standard state to the displaced state. That is, in the standard state, the reference image 60 is displayed in the entire display area 911 (see FIG. 39(a)), but a change occurs as if the reference image 60 has been displaced relative to the display area 911, and accordingly, in the displaced state, an area other than the area where the reference image 60 is displayed (non-standard area 911a) occurs (see FIG. 39(b-1)(b-2)). The form of the non-standard image 65 displayed in the non-standard area 911a differs between the first image displacement presentation and the second image displacement presentation. For example, in the first image displacement presentation, the first non-standard image 651 (shown by parallel hatching in FIG. 39(b-1)) that is blue overall is displayed, while in the second image displacement presentation, the second non-standard image 652 (shown by cross hatching in FIG. 39(b-2)) that is red overall is displayed. If the second image displacement presentation is considered to have a higher jackpot reliability than the first image displacement presentation, then it can be said that displaying the second non-standard image 652 is more advantageous for the player than displaying the first non-standard image 651.

Based on this premise, when the first image displacement effect is in a displaced state, i.e., when the first non-reference image 651 is displayed, a first specific background music is output (see FIG. 39(b-1)), whereas when the second image displacement effect is in a displaced state, i.e., when the second non-reference image 652 is displayed, a second specific background music is output (see FIG. 39(b-2)). Since the non-reference image 65 looks like the background of the reference image 60 in a displaced state, there is a risk that the player will not realize that the reference image 60 is suggesting reliability (is subject to change). To reduce this risk, the form of the background music output is made different when the first non-reference image 651 is displayed and when the second non-reference image 652 is displayed.

9) Reserved symbols and associated images As described above, the display area 911 displays reserved symbols 10 (pre-change reserved symbols 12, changing reserved symbols 11) indicating the presence of winning/losing determination information (reserved information). In this embodiment, a plurality of modes are set as the performance modes (stages) during the normal game state, and during a specific mode, which is one of the modes, an associated image 70 of the type described below is displayed in the display area 911 together with the reserved symbols 10. Note that the associated image 70 described below may be displayed at all times (a reserved performance may occur at all times, the details of which will be described later) not only during the specific mode.

As shown in FIG. 40(a), the accompanying images 70 are displayed at positions associated with the locations (display locations) where each reserved pattern 10 is displayed. In this embodiment, each accompanying image 70 is displayed below each display location. When a reserved pattern 10 is displayed, the reserved pattern 10 and the accompanying image 70 are displayed side by side, one above the other. These accompanying images 70 are displayed even when the corresponding reserved pattern 10 is not displayed.

The accompanying images 70 are divided into during-change accompanying images 71 and pre-change accompanying images 72. The during-change accompanying image 71 is displayed at a position associated with the display location of the during-change reserved pattern 11. The pre-change accompanying image 72 is displayed at a position associated with the display location of the pre-change reserved pattern 12. The during-change reserved pattern 11 corresponds to the during-change performance currently being executed, and only one is displayed, so one during-change accompanying image 71 is also displayed. Also, in this embodiment, a maximum of four pre-change reserved patterns 12 are displayed, so four pre-change accompanying images 72 are displayed.

In this embodiment, the changing accompanying image 71 is displayed near the lower edge of the horizontal center of the display area 911, and the four pre-changing accompanying images 72 are displayed so as to surround it. In addition, the aspects of the changing accompanying image 71 and the pre-changing accompanying image 72 are different. By doing so, it is easy to distinguish between the changing reserved pattern 11 (displayed in association with the changing accompanying image 71) and the pre-changing reserved pattern 12 (displayed in association with the pre-changing accompanying image 72). In this embodiment, the changing accompanying image 71 and the pre-changing accompanying image 72 have similar shapes, but the changing accompanying image 71 is larger than the pre-changing accompanying image 72. In this embodiment, the changing reserved pattern 11 is larger than the pre-changing accompanying image 72 in accordance with the size relationship of the accompanying image 70. The basic aspects of the changing reserved pattern 11 and the pre-changing reserved pattern 12 may be significantly different to make them clearly distinguishable.

9-2) Reserved performance Each performance using the reserved pattern 10 is called a reserved performance. In this embodiment, it is possible to execute a reserved change performance in which the state of the reserved pattern 10 may change as one type of reserved performance. A plurality of types of modes are set as the reserved pattern 10 (see FIG. 40(b)). The state of the reserved pattern 10 indicates the jackpot reliability of the corresponding winning/losing lottery result. The reserved change performance is a performance indicating that the state of the reserved pattern 10 may change in a direction that increases the jackpot reliability. In the following description, an ending in which the state of the reserved pattern 10 changes is called a change ending, and an ending in which there is no change is called a non-change ending. When a reserved change performance occurs, it may be configured to always lead to a change ending. Since the change in the state of the reserved pattern 10 is a change in a direction that increases the jackpot reliability, it can be said that a change ending is a more advantageous ending for the player than a non-change ending. In this embodiment, the reserved pattern 10 is set to have the basic (normal) normal state, the first special state (presenting blue), the second special state (presenting green), and the third special state (presenting red) (the reliability of the big win increases in this order (the third special state is the highest)). In each figure, the state (color) of the reserved pattern 10 is represented by letters (the normal state has no letters).

The reserved pattern 10 that is the target of the reserved change performance (reserved performance) is the target reserved pattern 10T. When the reserved change performance occurs, the target reserved pattern 10T and the associated image 70 (target associated image 70T) associated with the target reserved pattern 10T are enlarged and displayed (see FIG. 41 (b). Note that in the examples shown in FIG. 41 and FIG. 42, the changing reserved pattern 11 is the target reserved pattern 10T, and the changing associated image 71 is the target associated image 70T). That is, the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T are larger when the reserved change performance occurs than in the normal state (the size when the reserved change performance does not occur) (see FIG. 41 (a)). In this embodiment, the enlargement ratio of the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T is the same. For example, if the target reserved pattern 10T is enlarged and displayed twice as large as in the normal state, the target associated image 70T is also enlarged and displayed twice as large as in the normal state.

In this embodiment, even if the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T are enlarged, the other reserved patterns 10 and associated images 70 maintain their size (remain normal) (see FIG. 41(b)). In other words, the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T change, but the other reserved patterns 10 and associated images 70 do not change. Therefore, when a reserved change effect occurs, the target reserved pattern 10T is emphasized, and the player can sense that something is going to happen to the target reserved pattern 10T. In other words, it is easy to understand that a reserved change effect has occurred. In particular, in this embodiment, not only the target reserved pattern 10T but also the target associated image 70T are enlarged, so that the target reserved pattern 10T is more emphasized.

As in the examples shown in Figures 41 and 42, when the target reserved pattern 10T is the changing reserved pattern 11, the target accompanying image 70T becomes the changing accompanying image 71. The changing reserved pattern 11 and the changing accompanying image 71, which are displayed larger than the pre-changing reserved pattern 12 and the pre-changing accompanying image 72 even in the normal state (when no reserve change occurs), become even larger, so that when a reserve change performance occurs, the difference in size between the two becomes even larger.

In the reserve change presentation in this embodiment, after the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T are enlarged and displayed, an image that acts on the target reserved pattern 10T (action image 75) is displayed to inform the player that the state of the target reserved pattern 10T may change (a so-called "teasing presentation" is executed) (see FIG. 41(c)), leading to a change ending (see FIG. 42(a-1)) or a non-change ending (see FIG. 42(b-1)). After reaching the ending, the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T return to their original size (see FIG. 42(a-2), (b-2)), and the reserve change presentation ends.

Figure 43 shows an example in which the target reserved pattern 10T of the reserved change performance is the pre-change reserved pattern 12. In this case, the target accompanying image 70T becomes the pre-change accompanying image 72. In the normal state (when no reserved change occurs), the pre-change reserved pattern 12 and the pre-change accompanying image 72 are smaller than the changing reserved pattern 11 and the changing accompanying image 71, respectively (see Figure 43 (a)). However, when a reserved change performance occurs, the pre-change reserved pattern 12, which is the target reserved pattern 10T, and the pre-change accompanying image 72, which is the target accompanying image 70T, are enlarged and displayed until they are larger than the changing reserved pattern 11 and the changing accompanying image 71, respectively (see Figure 43 (b)). In other words, the size relationship (the size of the range occupied in the display area 911) is reversed between when no reserved change performance occurs and when a reserved change occurs. By doing this, under normal circumstances, the pre-change reserved pattern 12 and pre-change accompanying image 72 are made smaller than the changing reserved pattern 11 and the changing accompanying image 71, respectively, making the distinction between the two clear, while when a reserve change performance occurs, the target reserved pattern 10T (pre-change reserved pattern 12, which is the target reserved pattern 10T) and the target accompanying image 70T (pre-change accompanying image 72 accompanying the target reserved pattern 10T) become larger than the changing reserved pattern 11 and the changing accompanying image 71, making it easier to see that it is the reserved pattern 10 that is the target of the reserve change performance.

9-3) Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to matters related to hold performance. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be created that applies a combination of multiple technologies explained using the following specific examples.

Specific example 7-1
In the above embodiment, when the reserved change performance (reserved performance) occurs, the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T are enlarged, but the size of the other reserved patterns 10 and the associated images 70 is maintained. However, the other reserved patterns 10 and the associated images 70 may also be enlarged. In other words, when the reserved change performance occurs, all reserved patterns 10 and the associated images 70 are enlarged (displayed larger than the normal state (see FIG. 44(a))) (see FIG. 44(b)(c)). In addition, the pre-change associated image 72 that does not have a corresponding pre-change reserved pattern 12 is also enlarged.

Even in this example, when a reserved change effect (reserved effect) occurs, not only the reserved pattern 10 but also the associated image 70 are enlarged, so the change is emphasized (compared to a configuration in which only the reserved pattern 10 is enlarged (the associated image 70 is not enlarged)). Also, because all reserved patterns 10 and associated images 70 are enlarged, the effect is achieved where it is not clear which reserved pattern 10 is the target reserved pattern 10T until an actual change in appearance or the like occurs.

Specific example 7-2
As in the above specific example 7-1, when the reserved change performance (reserved performance) occurs, all reserved patterns 10 and associated images 70 are enlarged and displayed. However, the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T and the other reserved patterns 10 and associated images 70 have different enlargement ratios (how many times larger than the normal size). Specifically, the enlargement ratio of the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T is made larger than the enlargement ratio of the other reserved patterns 10 and associated images 70 (see FIG. 45). In this way, the suggestion that something may occur due to the enlargement of all reserved patterns 10 and associated images 70 is emphasized, and the effect of the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T being more noticeable (emphasized) than the other reserved patterns 10 and associated images 70 is achieved, as in the above embodiment.

Specific example 7-3
The enlargement ratio of the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T at the time of occurrence of the reserved change performance (reserved performance) is different. For example, the target reserved pattern 10T is enlarged twice as large as normal, but the target associated image 70T is enlarged only 1.5 times as large as normal (see FIG. 46). While maintaining the emphasizing effect of the target reserved pattern 10T by enlarging and displaying not only the target reserved pattern 10T but also the target associated image 70T, the target reserved pattern 10T, which is the subject of the performance (the player pays attention to), is enlarged at a higher enlargement ratio than the target associated image 70T, making it more noticeable.

The opposite setting to the example shown in FIG. 46 may also be used. In other words, the target attached image 70T may be set to be enlarged at a higher magnification rate than the target reserved pattern 10T. In this way, the target reserved image 10T can be prevented from becoming too large, while the target attached image 70T, which is enlarged at a higher magnification rate, can emphasize the target reserved image 10T. This is effective in cases where the target reserved image 10T is normally large, and if the magnification rate is too high, there will be no range to display the target reserved image 10T (it will encroach on the display range of other images).

Specific example 7-4
The enlargement ratio of the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T can be changed every time a reserved change performance (reserved performance) occurs. For example, a first reserved change performance (a performance that progresses from FIG. 47(a) to (b-1) to (c-1)) in which the enlargement ratio of the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T to the normal size is 1.5 times, and a second reserved change performance (a performance that progresses from FIG. 47(a) to (b-2) to (c-2)) in which the enlargement ratio is 2 times can be generated. In other words, the size of the target reserved pattern 10T and the target associated image 70T when enlarged is larger in the second reserved change performance than in the first reserved change performance.

Assuming this configuration, the second reserved change presentation is set to have a higher probability of reaching a change ending (expected change ending) than the first reserved change presentation. In other words, the setting is such that the probability of the player reaching an ending that is advantageous to the player is higher when the reserved pattern 10 that is the subject of the presentation is displayed larger. In this way, the presentation will be such that the player will also pay attention to the degree of enlargement of the target reserved pattern 10T and the target accompanying image 70T.

Specific example 7-5
As described above, the reserved change performance is a performance that indicates that the state of the target reserved pattern 10T may change. When the target reserved pattern 10T and the target accompanying image 70T are enlarged and displayed, the state in which the target reserved pattern 10T may change (the state of the "candidate") is shown. Specifically, it is as follows.

The reserved change performance is divided into a preliminary stage indicating that the target reserved pattern 10T may change, and a conclusion stage indicating that a change or non-change ending has been reached. In the preliminary stage, the current state of the target reserved pattern 10T (state before the reserved change performance occurs; first state 101) enlarged and displayed together with the target accompanying image 70T, and a candidate state that may change (state that may become after the reserved change performance; second state 102) are displayed (see FIG. 48 (b)). After that, when the conclusion stage is reached, the target reserved pattern 10T that has changed to the second state 102 is displayed (see FIG. 48 (c-1)) in the case of a change ending, and the target reserved pattern 10T that remains in the first state 101 is displayed (see FIG. 48 (c-2)) in the case of a non-change ending. After the conclusion stage, the target reserved pattern 10T and the target accompanying image 70T that have changed to the second aspect 102 or remain in the first aspect 101 return to their normal state (original size) (see Figures 48 (d-1) and (d-2)).

The preliminary stage is a stage in which the target reserved pattern 10T is shown to remain in the first mode 101 or to change to the second mode 102, and various presentation modes are conceivable in the preliminary stage. For example, a display may be made in which the pattern of the first mode 101 and the pattern of the second mode 102 collide (see FIG. 48(b)), and if the pattern of the first mode 101 remains (see FIG. 48(c-2)), a non-change ending occurs, and if the pattern of the second mode 102 remains (see FIG. 48(c-1)), a change ending occurs. Although not shown, as a different example, the pattern of the first mode 101 and the pattern of the second mode 102 may be "characters" (the reserved pattern 10 may be "characters"), and the characters represented by both patterns may perform some action, and it may be shown whether the result is a non-change ending or a change ending. For example, a configuration may be conceivable in which the characters represented by both patterns fight, and the winning character remains as is.

In this way, by taking advantage of the fact that the target reserved pattern 10T and the target accompanying image 70T are displayed in an enlarged manner, it is possible to make the reserved change presentation easier to understand by displaying both the current state of the target reserved pattern 10T (first state 101) and the state that may change (second state 102).

Specific example 7-6
It is assumed that a pattern suggestion effect (see FIG. 49(b)) can be executed as the reserved effect. In the pattern suggestion effect, the target reserved pattern 10T is also enlarged and displayed. In this example, the currently changing reserved pattern 11 is the target reserved pattern 10T. The target reserved pattern 10T includes a suggestion element 10Ta, at least when enlarged and displayed. The suggestion element 10Ta suggests (is associated with) one of a plurality of decorative patterns 80.

The decorative pattern 80 has a main element portion that indicates its type and a sub-element portion that accompanies the main element portion (see FIG. 49(a)). The main element portion is the portion that includes "numbers" (letters), and the sub-element portion is the portion that includes "characters" (note that in drawings other than the drawing explaining this example, the decorative pattern 80 is represented by "numbers" only). If the main element portion (number) is different, the type of the decorative pattern 80 is different, and if the main element portion (number) is the same, the type of the decorative pattern 80 is the same. The characters represented as the sub-elements may change in appearance within the range in which they are identified by the player (recognized as the same character). In this embodiment, different characters are associated with different main element portions, such as "character A" being associated with the main element portion of "1", "character B" being associated with the main element portion of "2", ... and "character G" being associated with the main element portion of "7".

In the pattern suggestion performance, the target reserved pattern 10T, which is enlarged and displayed larger than the normal state (see FIG. 49(b-1)), includes one of the characters A to G as the above-mentioned suggestion element 10Ta (see FIG. 49(b-2)). Note that in this example, the target reserved pattern 10T (changing reserved pattern 11) does not include a character in the normal state (see FIG. 49(b-1)). It can include a character as a special mode exclusive to the pattern suggestion performance (when enlarged). However, this does not deny the mode including a character in the normal state.

The symbol suggestion effect occurs when all decorative symbol groups 80g are fluctuating (see FIG. 49(b-2)). That is, when all decorative symbol groups 80g are fluctuating, the target reserved symbol 10T including the suggestion element 10Ta is enlarged and displayed. The type of the first stop symbol (the decorative symbol 80 that is the target of the effect. Hereinafter, it may be referred to as the target decorative symbol 80T), which is the decorative symbol selected from the decorative symbol group 80g that first stops fluctuating or pseudo-stops (meaning a state in which it appears to the player to be stopped but is moving slightly) among the three decorative symbol groups 80g, corresponds to the suggestion element 10Ta included in the target reserved symbol 10T. For example, when the target reserved symbol 10T including the suggestion element 10Ta of character F is enlarged and displayed, the decorative symbol 80 whose main element is "6" and whose sub-element is "character F" is displayed as the first stop symbol (see FIG. 49(b-3)).

The timing at which the target reserved pattern 10T returns to its original state (the timing at which the suggestion element 10Ta is erased) may be any timing. As shown in FIG. 49(b-3), the suggestion element 10Ta may continue to be displayed until the corresponding decorative pattern 80 is displayed as the first stop pattern, or, although not shown, the suggestion element 10Ta may be erased and then the corresponding first stop pattern may be displayed.

In this way, the enlarged target reserved pattern 10T (changing reserved pattern 11 corresponding to the win/lose lottery result notified by the currently changing decorative pattern 80) can suggest the type of target decorative pattern 80T that will stop or pseudo-stop at a specified position. A typical reserved pattern is small, and it is difficult to suggest the type of decorative pattern 80 that will stop or pseudo-stop using that reserved pattern, whereas this example uses the enlarged target reserved pattern 10T, and therefore has the advantage that the suggestion of the type of target decorative pattern 80T is easy to understand.

In the above example, the target decorative pattern 80T is the first stop pattern, but the decorative pattern 80 (second stop pattern) whose fluctuation stops or pseudo-stops second, or the decorative pattern 80 (third stop pattern) whose fluctuation stops or pseudo-stops third, may be the target decorative pattern 80T. Also, instead of the order of stopping, the decorative pattern 80 displayed in any display position (left, center, or right) may be the target decorative pattern 80T. For example, the currently changing reserved pattern 11 is the target reserved pattern 10T, and in light of the currently changing reserved pattern 11 being displayed in the horizontal center of the display area 911, it is possible to consider a middle decorative pattern 80 selected from the middle decorative pattern group 80gL as the target decorative pattern 80T. That is, of the left decorative pattern 80, the middle decorative pattern 80, and the right decorative pattern 80, the middle decorative pattern 80 is displayed in the position closest to the position where the target reserved pattern 10T is displayed, so the target suggested by the target reserved pattern 10T is the middle decorative pattern 80. By doing this, the relationship between the target reserved pattern 10T and the decorative pattern 80 that is the subject of the suggestion (target decorative pattern 80T) becomes clearer.

Specific Example 7-7 (variation of Specific Example 7-6)
The above-mentioned pattern suggestion performance has different endings depending on whether the target reserved pattern 10T including the suggestion element 10Ta reaches a predetermined size (whether it grows to a predetermined size). When the target reserved pattern 10T reaches a predetermined size (see FIG. 50(b-1)), the decorative pattern 80 (target decorative pattern 80T) of the type corresponding to the suggestion element 10Ta stops or pseudo-stops (is selected from the target decorative pattern group 80g) (display ending) (see FIG. 50(c-1)). On the other hand, when the target reserved pattern 10T does not reach a predetermined size (see FIG. 50(b-2)), the decorative pattern 80 of the type corresponding to the suggestion element 10Ta does not stop or pseudo-stop (is not selected from the target decorative pattern group 80g) (non-display ending) (see FIG. 50(c-2)). In other words, whether the target reserved pattern 10T reaches a predetermined size is set as the "branch" of the performance. In addition, it is preferable to set the reliability of the big win higher when the display ending is reached than when the non-display ending is reached. In other words, it is preferable to set the display of the decorative pattern 80 of the type suggested by the target reserved pattern 10T as an event advantageous to the player. It is also possible to set the result of the lottery to be a loss when the non-display ending is reached.

In addition, in the case of this example, when the display ending is reached, it is preferable to execute an effect indicating that the ending has been reached (an effect that is not executed if the non-display ending is not reached). If the target reserved pattern 10T including a character is displayed as the suggestive element 10Ta, when the target reserved pattern 10T reaches a predetermined size, an effect in which the character utters a "line" is executed. For example, when the target reserved pattern 10T including "character B" reaches a predetermined size, an effect in which the "character B" utters a "line" is executed, and then the decorative pattern 80 of "2" (decorative pattern 80 including "character B") stops or pseudo-stops at a predetermined position (see FIG. 50 (b-1)). On the other hand, when the predetermined size is not reached, such an effect of uttering a "line" is not executed (see FIG. 50 (b-2)). Since there is a risk that the player will not be able to clearly tell whether the target reserved pattern 10T has reached a predetermined size, it is advisable to make this easier by having a special effect that is executed when the predetermined size is reached. In addition, since the target character will utter a "line" and then a decorative pattern 80 including that character will be selected, there is also the advantage that the flow of the effect is easy to understand.

10) 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 spirit of the present invention.

For example, the gaming machine may have only a part of the configuration described in 3) to 9) above. In addition, although the gaming machine 1 described in the above embodiment is a pachinko gaming machine, it can also be applied to other gaming machines, such as reel-type gaming machines, except for matters that are premised on the configuration unique to pachinko gaming machines.

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

・Method 1-1
A gaming machine in which multiple game specifications can be changed by operating an operation unit that can be operated by a player, the operation unit having a selection operation section for performing a selection operation to select a target game specification, which is the game specification to be changed, and a change operation section for performing a change operation to change the target game specification to a desired state, characterized in that, in a changeable state in which the game specifications can be changed, the change operation cannot be performed by operating the selection operation section, and the selection operation cannot be performed by operating the change operation section.
According to the gaming machine described above, it is possible to make it difficult for erroneous operations to occur when trying to change game specifications.

・Method 1-2
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that the changeable state is during the execution of a variation performance from the start of the decorative pattern indicating the result of the win/lose lottery to the time the decorative pattern stops in a manner corresponding to the result of the win/lose lottery.
While the variable effect is being executed, the player will likely try to change the game specifications while paying attention to the content of the effect, so it is very important to make it difficult for erroneous operations to occur.

・Method 1-3
The gaming machine described in Means 1-1 or 1-2 is characterized in that the operation unit has the selection operation section arranged along a predetermined direction and the change operation section arranged along a direction intersecting the predetermined direction.
This makes it clearer the difference between the object to be operated when performing a selection operation (selection operation section) and the object to be operated when performing a change operation (change operation section), making it less likely that an erroneous operation will occur.

・Method 1-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-3, characterized in that when the operation unit is operated, an operation guide image is displayed on a display device, the operation guide image includes a target display section representing the target game specification among the multiple types of game specifications, and the type of game specification represented by the target display section changes depending on the operation of the selection operation section.
In this way, it is possible to clearly show that the target game specifications change depending on the operation of the selection operation unit.

・Method 1-5
The gaming machine described in means 1-4 is characterized in that the operation assistance image includes a next item display section that indicates the type of game specification that will be the next target game specification assuming that the selection operation section is operated.
In this way, it is possible to clearly show how the target game specifications change depending on the operation of the selection operation unit.

・Method 1-6
The gaming machine described in Means 1-4 or 1-5, wherein the operation guide image includes a status display section that shows the current status of the target game specifications.
This makes it easy to understand the current state of the target game specifications.

・Method 1-7
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-4 to 1-6, characterized in that the operation assistance image includes a post-change display section that shows what the state of the target game specifications will be if the change operation section is operated.
In this way, it is possible to clearly show how the state of the target game specification changes when the change operation unit is operated.

・Method 1-8
A gaming machine described in any one of means 1-1 to 1-7, characterized in that at least some of the multiple game specifications are unchangeable depending on the game state, and when a transition occurs from a previous game state in which a certain game specification is set as the target game specification to a subsequent game state in which the certain game specification is unchangeable, a game specification other than the certain game specification and which is changeable in the subsequent game state is automatically set as the target game specification.
In this manner, it is possible to prevent a certain game specification from remaining as the target game specification and transitioning to a game state in which the certain game specification cannot be changed.

・Method 1-9
The gaming machine described in means 1-8 is characterized in that the different gaming specification is one of a plurality of gaming specifications and can be changed regardless of the gaming state.
In this way, when transitioning to any game state, it is only necessary to set "another game specification" as the target game specification, which makes control easy.

・Method 2-1
A gaming machine comprising: a game specification change means capable of changing the game specifications by operating an operating means; a display means for displaying a specification image relating to the game specifications; and a during-variation performance execution means for executing a during-variation performance using the display means from the start of variation of a decorative pattern indicating the result of a win/lose lottery until the decorative pattern stops in a manner corresponding to the result of the win/lose lottery, wherein the gaming machine is capable of executing a specific performance as a performance constituting the during-variation performance, and wherein when the during-variation performance is in a normal state in which the specific performance is not being executed, the specification image is displayed, while when the during-variation performance is in a specific state in which the specific performance is being executed, the specification image is not displayed unless a predetermined display condition is met.
According to the gaming machine, the specification image is prevented from obstructing (suppressing) the specific effect (image for effect).

・Method 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that the operation of the operating means is set as the display condition, and the specification image is displayed by operating the operating means even when the specific state is being reached.
If the player's intention is recognized, the specification image may be displayed even when the specific state is being reached.

・Method 2-3
The gaming machine described in Means 2-1 or 2-2 is characterized in that the specification image is set to have a basic state and an emphasis state which is more noticeable than the basic state, and when the operating means is operated while the game machine is in the normal state, the specification image changes from the basic state to the emphasis state.
It is preferable that the image displayed in the display area is not easily obstructed (suppressed) by the specification image even when the specific effect is not being executed (normal state). Therefore, in the normal state, the specification image is set as the basic mode, and when the player's intention is recognized, the basic mode may be changed to a more prominent emphasized mode.

・Method 2-4
A gaming machine described in Means 2-3 citing Means 2-2, characterized in that the specification image in the highlighted state is displayed by operating the operating means when the specific state is in place.
If the player's intention is recognized, the specification image may be displayed in an emphasized mode from the beginning.

・Method 2-5
The gaming machine described in Means 2-3 or 2-4 is characterized in that the specification image of the basic mode includes a target display section that indicates one of the multiple game specifications as a target game specification, and the specification image of the highlighted mode includes a status display section that indicates the current status of the target game specification, which is a part not included in the specification image of the basic mode.
By setting the basic mode and the highlight mode as described above, it is possible to make the basic mode smaller (less noticeable) than the highlight mode since it does not include a status display section. Also, although the basic mode does not include a status display section, it includes a target display section that shows the target game specification, so that even when the basic mode is displayed, the player can at least sense that it is possible to change the state of the target game specification.

Measure 3-1
A gaming machine comprising: an operation means operable by a player; an effect execution means for executing an operation request effect that prompts the player to operate the operation means during a valid operation period; and an automatic operation execution means for executing an automatic operation that is reflected in the effect for a target operation request effect even if the operation means is not actually operated during the valid operation period, wherein a partial automatic operation mode is set in which a first operation request effect among the operation request effects is subject to the automatic operation, while a second operation request effect among the operation request effects is not subject to the automatic operation, as an automatic operation mode in which the automatic operation may be executed.
According to the gaming machine, by setting a partial automatic operation mode, it is possible to reduce the operational burden while still allowing the player to enjoy playing the game by occasionally operating the game himself.

Measure 3-2
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that the second operation request presentation includes a presentation that leads to a winning/losing notification conclusion according to the result of a winning/losing lottery, which is triggered by the operation of the operation means during the valid operation period.
By doing this, even when a partial automatic operation mode is set, the player himself/herself is required to perform operations that are important to the player and that will determine the results of the lottery (no automatic operations are performed), thereby achieving a gameplay experience.

Measure 3-3
The gaming machine described in claim 1 or means 3-2, characterized in that two or more modes are set as the partially automatic operation mode, each of which has a different number of the second operation request effects among the operation request effects.
Since players have different preferences for the degree to which they wish to reduce the operational burden caused by automatic operation, it is advisable to configure the device so that two or more partial automatic operation modes are set, which differ in the frequency with which automatic operation occurs.

Measures 3-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 3-1 to 3-3, characterized in that a fully automatic operation mode is set as the automatic operation mode, in which all of the operation request presentations are subject to the automatic operation.
Since there may be players who find all of the operations troublesome, it is advisable to configure the device so that not only a partially automatic operation mode but also a fully automatic operation mode is set.

Measure 3-5
A gaming machine described in any one of means 3-1 to 3-4, characterized in that the state of the operation image indicating that the operation request presentation is occurring is different between the operation request presentation that is not the target of the automatic operation and the operation request presentation that is the target of the automatic operation.
In this manner, even when a partial automatic operation mode is set, it is possible to determine whether or not the currently occurring operation request presentation is the target of automatic operation.

Measures 3-6
The gaming machine described in means 3-5 is characterized in that in the operation request presentation that is not the target of the automatic operation, an image including an operation target display representing the operation means and an operation mode display representing the operation mode of the operation means is displayed as the operation image, while in the operation request presentation that is the target of the automatic operation, an image including one of the operation target display and the operation mode display but not the other is displayed as the operation image.
Since the operation request presentation that is the subject of automatic operation does not require the player to actually operate it, an operation image that does not include either the operation target display or the operation mode display is displayed so that the operation instruction is not emphasized (compared to when both the operation target display and the operation mode display are displayed).

・Method 4-1
A gaming machine comprising: an operating means operable by a player; a bonus granting means for actually granting the bonus on the condition that a gaming ball enters a specific area when it has been decided by lottery that a bonus will be granted to the player; and a specification change means for changing game specifications when the operating means is operated in a manner that satisfies a predetermined operation condition during a specific period after the player has been notified that a bonus will be granted and that ends when the gaming ball enters the specific area.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to improve the entertainment value of the game by utilizing a specific period.

Measure 4-2
The gaming machine described in means 4-1, characterized in that during the specific period, an image indicating that the game specifications will be changed by operating the operating means is not displayed on the display device.
In this way, the change in game specifications caused by the operation of the operating means during a specific period functions as a so-called "hidden effect" (secret button effect).

Measure 4-3
The gaming machine described in Means 4-2 is characterized in that the operation condition is met when the number of times the operation means is operated during the specific period reaches N times, and the operation condition is not met if the number of times the operation means is operated during the specific period does not reach N times.
However, N is 2 or more.
Measure 4-4
The gaming machine described in Means 4-2 is characterized in that the operation condition is satisfied when the time of a maintenance operation during which the operation of the operating means is maintained during the specific period of time reaches a specified time, and the operation condition is not satisfied if the time of the maintenance operation during the specific period of time does not reach the specified time.
Since it is conceivable that the player may inadvertently operate the operating means (single operation) during the specific period, it is preferable that the operating condition is not one that can be satisfied unintentionally by the player.

Measures 4-5
A gaming machine according to any one of means 4-2 to 4-4, characterized in that a predetermined sound effect is output when the operation condition is satisfied.
In this way, a player who knows the existence of an operational condition can determine whether the operational condition has been met based on the presence or absence of a sound effect.

Measures 4-6
A gaming machine described in any one of means 4-1 to 4-5, characterized in that after the player is notified that a bonus will be awarded, an instruction image is displayed on a display device to encourage the player to aim the gaming ball at the specific area, and the instruction image is displayed a predetermined time after the specific period has started.
Even if a player is thinking of changing the game specifications, it is conceivable that the player will launch the game ball in accordance with the instruction image and cause the specific period to end before the operation condition is satisfied. Therefore, it is preferable to make the instruction image appear after a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the specific period (to make it difficult for a situation to occur in which the game ball is launched immediately after the start of the specific period).

Measure 5-1
A gaming machine comprising: a variation-in-progress performance execution means for executing a variation-in-progress performance from the start of the variation of a decorative pattern indicating the result of a win/loss lottery until the decorative pattern stops in a manner corresponding to the result of the win/loss lottery; and a mode setting means for setting a special mode having a different probability of occurrence from a normal mode, which may occur as a part of the variation-in-progress performance; wherein a plurality of types of modes having different probabilities of occurrence of the special effect are provided as the special mode, and the type of special mode to be set cannot be arbitrarily determined by a player, but is determined by a mode determination lottery.
According to the gaming machine, a plurality of special modes each having a different probability of occurrence of a special effect are provided, which can improve the entertainment value of the game.

Measure 5-2
The gaming machine described in means 5-1, characterized in that the type of the special mode set through the mode determination lottery is not announced.
In this way, a novel gaming experience is realized in which the player can enjoy predicting which of a plurality of special modes has been set.

Measure 5-3
The gaming machine described in means 5-2 is characterized in that, as one of the special modes, a mode is set in which the special performance always occurs during the variable performance in which the result of the lottery is a win or loss.
In this way, when a special effect is not occurring, the player can hope that a mode in which a special effect is always generated is not set.

Measure 5-4
The gaming machine described in means 5-3 is characterized in that the special performance can occur at a specified timing in the performance during the fluctuation, and will not occur at any other timing.
In this way, if a mode in which a special effect is always generated is set when no special effect has been generated at the time when the specified timing is reached, there is no possibility of winning, and therefore a gameplay in which one hopes that the mode is not set is realized.

Measure 6-1
A gaming machine comprising: an in-flight performance execution means for executing an in-flight performance from the start of the change of a decorative pattern indicating a win/lose lottery result until the decorative pattern stops in a manner according to the win/lose lottery result; a storage means for storing, as pending information, the win/lose lottery information used in the win/lose lottery for which the corresponding in-flight performance has not started; and a specific pre-reading performance execution means for executing a specific pre-reading performance that is started in response to the acquisition of the target pending information when the newly acquired pending information is target pending information, and which continuously outputs a predetermined specific background music until the target in-flight performance, which is the in-flight performance for at least the win/lose lottery result corresponding to the target pending information, starts.
The gaming machine is capable of executing an interesting look-ahead performance in which, upon acquisition of target pending information, specific background music is continuously output until the target changing performance occurs.

Measure 6-2
The gaming machine described in Means 6-1 is characterized in that a normal background music different from the specific background music is set as the background music to be output during the variable performance, and when the target pending information is acquired while the normal background music is being output, this triggers the output of the specific background music instead of the normal background music.
In this way, by regarding the change from the normal background music to the specific background music as the start of the specific look-ahead performance, it becomes easy to understand that the specific look-ahead performance has occurred.

Measure 6-3
The gaming machine described in means 6-1 or 6-2 is characterized in that when the specific look-ahead performance occurs, it is determined that one or more of the specified performances will occur in the performance during the target change, and the specific background music is output continuously until the specified performance in the performance during the target change begins.
In this way, it is possible to clearly show that the occurrence of a specific predictive effect (output of a specific background music) leads to the occurrence of a prescribed effect.

Measure 6-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 6-1 to 6-3, characterized in that it has a movable body that operates in response to the acquisition of the target pending information.
By doing this, it becomes easier to understand that a specific pre-reading effect has begun.

Measure 6-5
The gaming machine described in means 6-4 is characterized in that the movable body is capable of being displaced between an original position and a performance position, and when the target pending information is acquired, the movable body located at the original position is displaced toward the performance position, and when the output of the specific background music is completed, the movable body located at the performance position is displaced toward the original position.
Measure 6-6
The gaming machine described in means 6-5 is characterized in that the specific background music is continuously output while the movable body is located at the performance position.
By doing this, the output of the specific background music and the movement of the movable body are linked, making it easier to understand that a specific look-ahead performance is being executed.

Measure 7-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display device having a display area; an effect execution means for executing an image displacement effect in which a reference state in which a reference image is displayed in the display area is changed to a displaced state in which the reference image is displayed as if displaced relative to the display area; and a background music control means for changing an output background music from normal background music to a specific background music when the change from the reference state to the displaced state occurs.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to clearly indicate the occurrence of an image displacement effect.

Measure 7-2
The gaming machine described in means 7-1 is characterized in that the image displacement presentation returns from the displaced state to the reference state again, and the output of the specific background music is stopped upon returning to the reference state.
This makes it easier to tell when the image displacement effect has ended.

Measure 7-3
The gaming machine described in Means 7-1 or 7-2 is characterized in that the reference image includes an image of a during-change performance from when the decorative pattern indicating the result of the win/lose lottery starts to change to when the decorative pattern stops in a manner corresponding to the result of the win/lose lottery, and the image displacement performance is such that the displacement state is maintained over two or more consecutive during-change performances while the specific background music is continuously output.
In this way, an image shift effect can be generated as a so-called look-ahead effect. In this case, in order to clearly indicate that the image shift effect spans two changes (that it will continue even after the shift effect ends), it is advisable to have the specific background music output continuously.

Measure 7-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 7-1 to 7-3, characterized in that as the image displacement performance, a first image displacement performance and a second image displacement performance in which the external form of the reference image relative to the display area in the displacement state is different, and when in the displacement state in the first image displacement performance, a first specific background music is output as the specific background music, while when in the displacement state in the second image displacement performance, a second specific background music different from the first specific background music is output as the specific background music.
This makes it easier to distinguish between similar and different image displacement effects.

Measure 7-5
A gaming machine described in any one of means 7-1 to 7-3, characterized in that a plurality of types of music are set as the specific background music, and even if the external form of the reference image relative to the display area in the displacement state is the same, the probability that an event advantageous to the player will occur thereafter differs depending on the type of the specific background music.
By doing this, even in image displacement effects in which the external shape of the reference image is the same (the appearance is the same), it is possible to set differences in the probability that an advantageous event will occur.

Measure 8-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display means for displaying a reserved pattern indicating the presence of a winning/losing lottery result that has not yet been notified among the winning/losing lottery information used in the winning/losing lottery; and an effect execution means for executing a reserved effect using the reserved pattern, wherein the display means displays an accompanying image that accompanies the location where the reserved pattern is displayed, and when the reserved effect occurs, a target reserved pattern, which is the reserved pattern that is the subject of the effect, and a target accompanying image, which is the accompanying image accompanying the target reserved pattern, are enlarged and displayed.
According to the gaming machine, when a reserved effect occurs, not only the target reserved symbol but also the target accompanying image is enlarged and displayed, so that it is easy to know that the effect has occurred.

Measure 8-2
The gaming machine described in means 8-1 is characterized in that when the reserved performance occurs while multiple reserved patterns are displayed, the reserved patterns other than the target reserved pattern and the associated images other than the target associated image maintain their size.
In this way, by setting a difference in appearance (difference in change) between the target reserved pattern (target accompanying image) and the other reserved patterns (other accompanying images), the target reserved pattern is emphasized, making it easier to understand that it is the subject of the reserved performance.

Measure 8-3
The gaming machine described in means 8-1 is characterized in that when the reserved performance occurs while multiple reserved patterns are displayed, the reserved patterns other than the target reserved pattern and the accompanying images other than the target accompanying image are also enlarged and displayed.
By doing this, it is possible to create a presentation form that suggests that a presentation related to the reserved symbols will occur, while making it difficult to understand (obscure) which reserved symbols will be the subject of the presentation.

Measure 8-4
The reserved performance includes a preliminary stage suggesting the possibility that the target reserved pattern will change from a first aspect to a second aspect, and a conclusion stage indicating whether or not the change conclusion of changing to the second aspect has been reached, and the target reserved pattern including a portion showing both the first aspect and the second aspect in the preliminary stage is enlarged and displayed together with the target accompanying image, according to any one of means 8-1 to 8-3.
In this way, it is emphasized that the appearance of the target reserved symbol may change.

Measure 8-5
A gaming machine described in any one of means 8-1 to 8-3, characterized in that after a plurality of types of decorative patterns are displayed in a variegated manner on the display means, the result of the winning/losing lottery is announced by stopping or pseudo-stopping the variation of the decorative patterns in a manner corresponding to the result of the winning/losing lottery, and the type of the decorative pattern that may stop or pseudo-stop at a specified position is suggested by the target reserved pattern that is enlarged and displayed in the reserved performance.
Measures 8-6
The gaming machine described in means 8-5 is characterized in that when the target reserved pattern enlarged and displayed in the reserved performance reaches a predetermined size, the decorative pattern of the type suggested by the target reserved pattern stops or pseudo-stops, while when the target reserved pattern does not reach the predetermined size, the decorative pattern of the type suggested by the target reserved pattern does not stop or pseudo-stop.
By doing this, it is possible to create an easy-to-understand presentation in which the reserved pattern and the decorative pattern are linked.

1 Gaming machine 10 Reserved pattern (11 Reserved pattern during change 12 Reserved pattern before change)
10T Target reserved pattern 10Ta Suggestion element 101 First mode 102 Second mode 20 Operation unit 21 Selection operation section (211 First selection operation section 212 Second selection operation section)
22 Change operation unit (221 First change operation unit 222 Second change operation unit)
25: performance button 28: operation image 281: operation target display 282: operation mode display 283: period display 30: specification image 31: basic image (specification image of basic mode)
32 Operation assistance image (special image of emphasis mode)
30a: target display section 30b: status display section 30c: changed display section (301c: first changed display section 302c: second changed display section)
30d Next item display section (301d Primary item display section 302d Secondary item display section)
40: instruction image 42: condition notification image 45: performance image 50: movable body 60: reference image 60K: frame image 65: non-reference image (651: first non-reference image 652: second non-reference image)
70 Accompanying image (71 Accompanying image during change 72 Accompanying image before change)
70T Target accompanying image 75 Action image 79 Speaker 80 Decoration pattern 80T Target decoration pattern 85 Background image 904 Start area (904a First start area 904b Second start area)
905 Normal starting area (specific area)
906 Big prize area 91 Display device 911 Display area 911a Non-standard area

Claims (1)

A gaming machine capable of changing a plurality of game specifications by operating an operation unit that can be operated by a player during a performance in which a plurality of decorative patterns displayed in a display area of a display means start to change and stop in a manner according to a winning or losing lottery result,
The operation unit has a selection operation section for performing a selection operation to select a game specification to be changed to a desired state from among the plurality of game specifications as a target game specification during the variable performance, and a change operation section for performing a change operation to change the target game specification to a desired state,
During the variation performance, an operation assistance image for assisting the operation of the operation unit is displayed in the display area together with the plurality of varying decorative patterns,
the operation guide image includes a selection operation image portion showing a mode of the selection operation and a change operation image portion showing a mode of the change operation,
A prescribed order is set for the multiple states that each of the multiple game specifications can be in,
Among the multiple types of game specifications, when a cyclic type specification is set as the target game specification, a cyclic switch is possible in which the current state of the target game specification is directly switched from one of the first order state and the last order state in the specified order to the other,
When the non-circulating type is set as the target game specification among the plurality of game specifications, the circulation switching is disabled ,
When the cyclical specification is the target game specification and the current state of the target game specification is one of the first state and the last state in the specified order, the operation guide image has a portion that represents the other of the first state and the last state in the specified order,
When the non-circulating specification is the target game specification and the current state of the target game specification is one of the first order state and the last order state in the specified order, the operation guide image does not have a portion that represents the other of the first order state and the last order state in the specified order.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images