JP7679071B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

There are known gaming machines that display a time image that indicates the actual time from when a start condition is met to when an end condition is met (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2016-198347 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can make the actual time required from when the start condition is met to when the end condition is met closer to the actual game time.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is characterized in that it is equipped with a display means for displaying a time image showing the actual time required for a special game period included in a target period, which is the period from the establishment of a start condition to the establishment of an end condition, and in the event that a game suspension period occurs during the target period during which it is determined that the player has stopped playing, the game suspension period is not included in the special game period.

The gaming machine of the present invention is capable of bringing the actual time required from when the start condition is met to when the end condition is met closer to the actual game time.

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. 1 is a diagram for explaining the specifications (game status, etc.) of the gaming machine according to this embodiment. FIG. 13A is a diagram for explaining a time image, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing the actual time (final result) required during the special game period shown in the result image. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the target period, the special game period, and the game suspension period. 13 is a diagram for explaining the conditions for entering a game suspension period and the conditions for canceling the game suspension period. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2-1. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2-2 (an example different from FIG. 9 ). FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2-3. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3-1. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3-2. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-4. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining a special image displayed in a special game state, and FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining that a special image is not displayed in a non-special game state. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an image erasing effect. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-1. 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 a bonus image (bonus history). 3A is a diagram for explaining a specific example 3-1, and FIG. 3B is a diagram for explaining a specific example 3-2. 13A is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3, FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-4, and FIG. 13C is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-6. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the number sound effect. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-2. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific examples 4-3 and 4-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-5.

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 has a guide rail 903 that is substantially arc-shaped and forms a path that guides 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 jackpot area 21, 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 jackpot area 21, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device.

Note that we will not explain components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1 and the lower and upper trays that store the gaming balls. These components can be of the same structure as known gaming machines.

2) Specifications The specifications of the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described below. Unless otherwise specified, the specifications described below are for the case where a player plays according to instructions, and are not for the case where a player plays inappropriately in violation of instructions.

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

In this embodiment, as in known gaming machines, the result of the winning/losing lottery is notified to the player by a combination of decorative symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, decorative symbol groups 80g (left decorative symbol group 80gL, center decorative symbol group 80gC, right decorative symbol group 80gR) including multiple types of decorative symbols 80 start to change, and finally one decorative symbol 80 is selected from each decorative symbol group 80g and stops. If the winning/losing lottery is won, the combination of decorative symbols 80 selected from each decorative symbol group 80g and stopped will be a predetermined winning combination (for example, three of the same decorative symbols 80). If the winning/losing lottery is lost, the combination will be something other than the winning combination. The decorative symbols 80 may be a combination of numbers and characters, etc.

In addition, images (such as so-called "small symbols") showing various information may be displayed unobtrusively near the outer edge of the display area 911 (illustration of such images is omitted in each figure). The player can enjoy the game without being aware of this type of image. In other words, it is basically possible to understand the results of the lottery by looking at the decorative symbols 80.

In this embodiment, a variation effect (meaning an effect from when the decorative pattern 80 that notifies the corresponding win/loss lottery result starts to vary until it stops in a combination according to the win/loss lottery result in the order in which the win/loss lottery information was acquired) is executed to notify the win/loss lottery result corresponding to the order in which the win/loss lottery information was acquired. Hereinafter, one variation effect may be simply referred to as "variation" or "rotation") is executed. When new win/loss lottery information is acquired, if a variation effect corresponding to the win/loss lottery information acquired earlier is being executed, the newly acquired win/loss lottery information is stored in a storage means (not shown) as reserved information. In this embodiment, the maximum number of memories for the first reserved information (so-called "special chart 1 reserved") acquired by the game ball entering the first starting area 904a and the second reserved information (so-called "special chart 2 reserved") acquired by the game ball entering the second starting area 904b is four. In addition, when both the first reserved information and the second reserved information are stored in the storage means, the notification of the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the second reserved information is executed preferentially (so-called "special drawing 2 priority consumption"). However, this does not deny the priority consumption of special drawing 1.

The fact that reserved information is stored in the storage means is displayed in the display area 911 as reserved symbol 12 (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, the presence of first reserved information stored in the storage means is displayed as reserved symbol 12 in the normal game state described below, and the presence of second reserved information stored in the storage means is displayed as reserved symbol 12 in the special game state described below. The appearance of reserved symbol 12 may be different between the normal game state and the special game state. However, the configuration may also be such that both the first reserved information and the second reserved information are displayed as reserved symbol 12 regardless of the game state.

In addition, in this embodiment, the changing performance is being executed, but a changing pattern 11 (a pattern corresponding to the so-called "changing pending". If the corresponding winning/losing lottery result for which notification has not been completed is collectively referred to as "pending", the changing pattern 11 can also be considered as a type of "pending pattern 12") is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 2). In this embodiment, in the normal game state described later, the changing pattern 11 corresponding to the first winning/losing lottery information is displayed, and in the special game state described later, the changing pattern 11 corresponding to the second winning/losing lottery information is displayed. The changing pattern 11 may be configured to have different appearances in the normal game state and the special game state. However, regardless of the game state, both the first winning/losing lottery information and the second winning/losing lottery information may be displayed as the changing pattern 11.

In this embodiment, the types of "win" include a big win and a small win. As will be described in detail later, a big win can also be won via a small win. In other words, the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called one-type two-type mixed machine. When a big win (including a small win) is won, a big win game is executed, which includes multiple rounds of play in which the big win area 21 is opened until a predetermined condition is met (a "benefit" is granted to the player). The big win game itself is well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

The game state in which the player aims to win a jackpot is largely divided into a normal game state and a special game state (see FIG. 3(a)). In the normal game state, the player should, in principle, shoot the game ball so that it flows down the left side of the display device 91 in the game area 902 (hit from the left). When hitting from the left, the game ball may enter the first starting area 904a, but there is no possibility that the game ball will enter the second starting area 904b. In other words, the normal game state (excluding the remaining reservation chance described later) is a state in which the player aims to win a jackpot through the first win/lose lottery. In this embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot through the first win/lose lottery is about 1/319, and otherwise it is a miss. In other words, there is no possibility of winning a small jackpot in the first win/lose lottery. It may be set so that there is a possibility of winning a small jackpot in the first win/lose lottery, but it is set so that winning a jackpot via a small jackpot (details will be described later) is practically impossible.

The special game state is a game state in which the game ball should be launched so that it flows down the right side of the display device 91 in the game area 902 (a "right hit" should be performed). When hitting with the right hand, the game ball may enter the second starting area 904b, but there is no possibility that the game ball may enter the first starting area 904a. The second starting area 904b is an area that is normally closed (the game ball cannot enter) (see FIG. 1). The normal starting area 905 (see FIG. 1) is provided as an area into which a game ball hit with the right may enter, and the second starting area 904b is opened (the game ball can enter) if a normal lottery that is executed in response to a game ball entering the normal starting area 905 is won. In the special game state, the probability of winning the normal lottery is high, and if right hitting is performed continuously, the second starting area 904b is frequently opened. In addition, in the normal game state, the probability of winning the normal lottery is extremely low, and even if you hit to the right in the normal game state, the second starting area 904b will almost never open. Therefore, hitting to the right in the normal game state is a "loss" for the player. If the game ball enters the second starting area 904b, a predetermined number of prize balls will be obtained, so the special game state can be said to be a high base state (compared to the normal game state) in which the player can play without losing many balls (the normal game state is a low base state).

In this way, the special game state is a state in which the player aims to win a jackpot through a second win/lose lottery that is executed when the game ball enters the second starting area 904b. In this embodiment, the probability of winning a jackpot in the second win/lose lottery is about 1/319 (the same as the probability of winning a jackpot in the first win/lose lottery), the probability of winning a small jackpot is about 1/19, and any other result is a miss. As will be described later, this embodiment is configured so that a jackpot is almost guaranteed when a small jackpot is won. In other words, it is configured so that "winning a small jackpot = winning a jackpot." Therefore, the special game state can be said to be a game state in which the player aims to win a jackpot directly (a so-called "direct win") or win a small jackpot through the second win/lose lottery. Since "winning a small prize = winning a big prize," the effective probability of winning a big prize in the special game state is "the probability of winning a big prize (approximately 1/319) + the probability of winning a small prize (approximately 1/19) = approximately 1/17.9" (the combined probability of winning a big prize and a small prize is the effective probability of winning a big prize). In other words, the probability of winning a big prize in the normal game state is approximately 1/319 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a low probability (lottery)), while the probability of winning a big prize in the special game state is approximately 1/17.9 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a high probability (lottery)), so it can be said that the special game state is more advantageous than the normal game state. As mentioned above, the normal game state is a low base state and the special game state is a high base state, so it can also be said that the normal game state is a "low base/low probability" state and the special game state is a "high base/high probability" state.

When a small prize is won, a small prize game is executed in which the small prize area 22 is opened. A bonus area 221 (V area) is provided in the small prize area 22 (see FIG. 1), and when a game ball enters the bonus area 221, a big prize (big prize game) is won, and a big prize game is executed in which the big prize area 21 is opened. In this embodiment, it is set so that all game balls that enter the small prize area 22 enter the bonus area 221. Also, if you continue to hit the right while a small prize game is being played, the game ball will almost certainly enter the small prize area 22. When a small prize is won, an instruction to hit the right is displayed in the display area 911, so as long as you follow the instruction, the game ball will almost certainly enter the bonus area 221 and you will win a big prize (unless there is an abnormality such as a ball jam). Therefore, in this embodiment, winning a small prize is essentially winning a big prize.

The jackpot game includes multiple rounds of play, and in the jackpot game via the small jackpot, the small jackpot game is considered to be the first round of play. For example, in a 5-round jackpot via the small jackpot, the first round is a round game in which the small jackpot area 22 is opened, and the second to fifth rounds are round games in which the jackpot area 21 is opened. On the other hand, in a 5-round jackpot of a "direct hit", the first to fifth rounds are all round games in which the jackpot area 21 is opened. In this embodiment, the small jackpot area 22 (and the bonus area 221 therein) are provided separately from the jackpot area 21, but the jackpot area 21 may also be configured to double as the small jackpot area 22. In other words, the bonus area 221 may be provided within the jackpot area 21, and when a small jackpot is won, the jackpot area 21 (which also serves as the small jackpot area 22) is opened and the game ball may enter the bonus area 221 provided therein.

In this embodiment, a first special game state and a second special game state are set as the special game state (see FIG. 3(a)). Both the first special game state and the second special game state end (transition to the normal game state) when the result of the second win/lose lottery is a loss for a predetermined number of consecutive times, but the number of times (hereinafter referred to as the "continuation number". This "continuation number" is what is known as the "time-saving number") is different. The first special game state is set to a continuation number of 40 times, and the second special game state is set to a continuation number of 200 times. It can be said that the second special game state, which has a longer continuation number, is more advantageous for the player than the first special game state.

A first jackpot and a second jackpot are set as jackpots (including those obtained via small jackpots). A first jackpot is a jackpot in which the game state after the jackpot game ends becomes a first special game state. A second jackpot is a jackpot in which the game state after the jackpot game ends becomes a second special game state (see FIG. 3(a)). As mentioned above, the second special game state has a greater number of continuations than the first special game state, which is more advantageous for the player. Therefore, in terms of the game state after the jackpot game ends, it can be said that the second jackpot is a more pleasing jackpot for the player than the first jackpot.

In this embodiment, all jackpots won in the first win/lose lottery (jackpot allocation in the first win/lose lottery) are set to be first jackpots (see FIG. 3(b-1)). In other words, if a jackpot is won in the normal game state (excluding the remaining reserved chance described below), it becomes the first jackpot, and after the jackpot game ends, the game transitions to the first special game state (see FIG. 3(a)). A jackpot won in the normal game state is generally called a "first win", and after the "first win", the game transitions to the first special game state. However, the jackpot allocation may include a jackpot (normal jackpot) that transitions back to the normal game state after the jackpot game that becomes the "first win" ends. The jackpot allocation may also include a second jackpot in the "first win".

On the other hand, the jackpot won in the second winning/losing lottery (the jackpot allocation in the second winning/losing lottery) is set to be either the first jackpot (95%) or the second jackpot (5%) (see Figure 3 (b-2)). In other words, if a jackpot is won in the special game state (including winning via a small jackpot), the game state may transition to the first special game state or the second special game state after the jackpot game ends (see Figure 3 (a)). Regardless of which jackpot is won, the game state will transition to the special game state after the jackpot game ends, so winning in the special game state is what is known as a "consecutive win."

The number of rounds (round allocation) of the jackpot game that is executed when the first or second jackpot is won may be any number. In this embodiment, three types of jackpots with different numbers of rounds are set (3-round jackpot, 5-round jackpot, and 10-round jackpot).

As described above, the first special game state has a continuation count of 40 times, and the second special game state has a continuation count of 200 times. In other words, basically, the first special game state is a game state in which the aim is to win a lottery with a high probability of about 1/17.9 before 40 consecutive losses, and the second special game state is a game state in which the aim is to win a lottery with a high probability of about 1/17.9 before 200 consecutive losses. However, in this embodiment, since up to four pieces of second reserved information are stored in the storage means, even if the special game state ends and the normal game state is entered, up to four second winning/losing lotteries (a lottery with a high probability of about 1/17.9) can be received. In the following description, the lottery based on the second reserved information after the special game state ends is referred to as the "remaining reserved lottery," and the state (period) in which the remaining reserved lottery can be received is referred to as the "remaining reserved chance" (see FIG. 3(a)). Strictly speaking, the Remaining Reserve Chance is a period during which the player is in the normal game state, but because it is a period during which the player can receive a high probability lottery just like in the special game state, it appears to the player that the special game state is continuing. If the player wins a jackpot after the second winning/losing lottery during the Remaining Reserve Chance, the game will transition back to the special game state, so in this embodiment, a win during the Remaining Reserve Chance is also treated as a "consecutive win."

In this embodiment, the final change in the special game state (the change at the 40th spin from the start in the first special game state, and the change at the 200th spin from the start in the second special game state) is set to exceed a predetermined time, and during this change, an instruction is given to continue hitting the right hand to obtain four pieces of second reserved information (to make the reserved information "full"). If you hit the right hand according to this instruction, you can almost certainly obtain four pieces of second reserved information, so you can receive four high-probability lotteries even after the special game state ends. Therefore, the actual condition for "consecutive wins" is that in the first special game state, you will win a high-probability lottery with a probability of about 1/17.9 before you lose 44 times in a row, and in the second special game state, you will win a high-probability lottery with a probability of about 1/17.9 before you lose 204 times in a row. Therefore, in the case of the first special game state, the so-called (consecutive wins) continuation rate is about 92%. On the other hand, in the case of the second special game state, the so-called (consecutive wins) continuation rate is about 99.999%. In other words, the second special game state has almost no chance of ending without winning a jackpot, including any remaining reserved chances (a so-called "pass" occurs), so it can be said that the next jackpot (consecutive jackpot) is essentially guaranteed.

In this embodiment, if a jackpot is not obtained even with the remaining reservation chance, a result image is displayed that shows the number of balls won and consecutive wins obtained by transitioning to the special game state, including the first win (the result image also shows the actual time indicated by the time image 30 described later) (see FIG. 4(b)). After the result image is displayed, an image encouraging the player to hit to the left is displayed. In other words, the game transitions to a state (normal game state after the remaining reservation chance ends) in which the player aims to win a jackpot (first win) through the first win/lose lottery.

In this way, in this embodiment, after the first win that transitions to the special game state is obtained, the period up to the point where it is determined that a jackpot could not be obtained in the remaining reserve chance (when it is announced that the last of the four remaining reserve draws is a miss) is considered to be one "consecutive (state)". The special game state is named "○○ RUSH", and the period up to the last of the four remaining reserve draws is a series of "○○ RUSH" states.

Note that these specifications are merely an example, and various probabilities etc. can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the matters described below can be applied to gaming machines with different specifications, except for those that can only be achieved with the above specifications. For example, it may be a known ST machine (a machine with a limited number of times of probability change). In other words, the "number of times of continuation" of the first special game state and the second special game state may be the "ST number of times," and the effective probability of a jackpot in the special game state (the probability of a jackpot including a small jackpot) may be interpreted as the probability of a jackpot during the probability change. Furthermore, some of the matters described below can be applied to known machines with a probability change loop.

4) Time Image In this embodiment, a time image 30 for displaying the actual time (real time) required for "XX RUSH" is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 4(a)). That is, in order to show the player a guideline for the increasing speed of the balls during a consecutive winning state (when a consecutive winning state is expected), the number of big wins acquired per hour, etc. (so-called "consumption speed" (of the consecutive winnings)), the time image 30 showing the actual passage of time is displayed. Note that the time image 30 may be displayed on a device other than the main display device 91 (the display device 91 on which the decorative pattern 80 is displayed). Also, the unit of time shown by the time image 30 may be any one. In this embodiment, the passage of time is shown in units of one hundredth of a second (counted in units of one hundredth of a second). Also, the illustration of the time image 30 is omitted in drawings other than those for explaining the time image 30 (the illustration of the time image 30 is omitted from FIG. 16 onward).

The period in which the actual time passage is represented by the time image 30 is basically from the establishment of the start condition to the establishment of the end condition (in the following explanation, the period from the establishment of the start condition to the establishment of the end condition is referred to as the target period). In other words, the counting starts when the start condition is established, and stops (ends) when the end condition is established. Since the time image 30 indicates the actual elapsed time during the consecutive win state (when consecutive wins are expected) in which it becomes necessary to transition to the special game state, the start condition is considered to be a condition that cannot be met unless the special game state is transitioned to, and the end condition is considered to be a condition that cannot be met unless the special game state ends. As mentioned above, if all the remaining reserved lotteries are losses, a result image is displayed, and the result image includes the value of the time image 30 at the time the counting is stopped (the total time measured). This allows the player to know the actual time required to complete the consecutive win state.

In this embodiment, the start condition is met when the first special game state starts after the end of the jackpot game of the first jackpot acquired in the normal game state (excluding the remaining reserved chance) (see Figures 3 and 5). In other words, the start condition is met when the special game state after the so-called first win starts. However, other conditions may be the start condition as long as they are met when it is determined that the transition to the special game state will occur. For example, the start condition may be met when the jackpot game of the first jackpot (first win) acquired in the normal game state (excluding the remaining reserved chance) starts. In this way, the time represented by the time image 30 will include the time required for the jackpot game that is the "first win".

In addition, in this embodiment, the end condition is that the last (fourth) remaining reservation lottery in the remaining reservation chance is a miss (see Figures 3 and 5). In other words, since winning the remaining reservation lottery is set as "continuing the consecutive wins", the actual measurement of time ends when it is confirmed that all of the remaining reservation lotteries are not winning (the final fluctuation of the remaining reservation lottery has ended). As mentioned above, the remaining reservation chance is strictly during the normal game state, but the transition to the remaining reservation chance does not occur until the special game state ends (unless there are 40 consecutive misses in the first special game state, or 200 consecutive misses in the second special game state), so the condition that "all remaining reservation lotteries are misses" is included in the "condition that is not established unless the special game state ends". The reason for this is that there is a certain degree of expectation that the consecutive wins will continue through the remaining reservation lottery (about 1/17.9 chance of winning). If the specifications are such that the remaining reserve lottery is a low probability lottery (for example, the specifications are such that the remaining reserve lottery is executed at 1 in 319), the end condition may be set to be the end of the special game state (the last change in the special game state being a miss). In other words, the timing at which a so-called "streak" ends varies depending on the specifications, and the end condition may be set to be met when the timing at which the "streak" ends is reached. Whatever the specifications, unless the special game state, which is more advantageous than the normal game state, ends, that timing will not be reached (the end condition will not be met).

During the target period, the actual time passage will basically continue to be counted (including the special game period described below). The target period includes the time during which the variable performance is being executed in the special game state (see FIG. 4(a-1)) and the time during which the jackpot game is being executed (see FIG. 4(a-2)). In other words, the time count will continue even when transitioning from the variable performance or the jackpot game to the other.

Specifically, the time count continues during the period that is determined to be the special game period in the target period. The special game period is a period that excludes the game stop period in the target period (see FIG. 5). In other words, the period during which the actual time passage is measured does not include the game stop period. Note that even during the special game period, a situation may occur in which the time image 30 is not displayed temporarily. For example, while a specific performance such as a specific video is being displayed is being executed, it may be inappropriate to display the time image 30 (the display of the time image 30 would hinder the performance), so the time image 30 may not be displayed during the execution of the performance. Note that even in such a state in which the time image 30 is not displayed, the actual time measurement continues inside the gaming machine 1 (unless the game is stopped). For example, if the time during which the specific performance is being executed and the time image 30 is not displayed is exactly 10 seconds, the time image 30 will be displayed again 10 seconds after the time image 30 is erased. In other words, the special game period is a period during which the time image 30 is basically displayed, and in some cases the time image 30 is not displayed, but the time count continues regardless of whether the time image 30 is displayed or not. Therefore, it can be said that the time represented by the time image 30 represents the actual length of the special game period. Since the game stop period, which will be described in detail later, is a period during which it is determined that the player has stopped playing during the target period, it can also be said that the special game period is a period during which it is determined that the player is playing during the target period.

The game stop period is a period during which it is determined that the player has stopped playing. During this game stop period, the time count is stopped. Therefore, if the player continues to play during the target period, the game stop period will not occur. In this case, "the target period (length) = the special game period (length)". As mentioned above, the time image 30 basically shows the player the actual time spent during the target period (during the consecutive win state). If the time count continues to include the time when the player temporarily stops playing during the target period, it will no longer be said to represent the actual time during the consecutive win state (the "deviation" will become large), so in this embodiment, the time count is stopped during the game stop period.

In this embodiment, it is determined whether or not a game suspension period is in progress as follows. In the following explanation, the conditions under which it is determined that a game suspension period has been entered (conditions under which a game suspension period begins) are referred to as transition conditions, and the conditions under which it is determined that a game suspension period has ended (conditions under which a game suspension period ends and a special game period resumes) are referred to as release conditions.

First, it is determined that play is continuing at least while the variable performance is being executed (it is determined that it is a special game period). It is also determined that play is continuing even while a jackpot game is being executed (it is determined that it is a special game period). If a period in which the variable performance is not being executed is defined as a "non-variable period" (a non-variable period is defined as a period in which a jackpot game is not being executed), then in order for it to be a game stop period, it must be at least a non-variable period. In other words, the transition condition must be established only during a non-variable period.

In this embodiment, when a certain variable performance (see FIG. 6(a)) ends and a non-variable period (see FIG. 6(b)) begins, and a specified time (e.g., 3 seconds) passes without the start of a new variable performance, it is determined that a transition to a game stop period (see FIG. 6(c)) has occurred. In other words, it is determined that the transition condition has been met when a so-called non-variable state (a so-called "reserved out" state) has continued for a specified time (specified time ≠ 0). If the non-variable state continues for a certain period of time, it is highly likely that the player has temporarily stopped playing (since the player is in a "consecutive win" state that is advantageous to the player, it is difficult to imagine that the player has completely stopped playing, and it is usually a "temporary" stop), so the time count is stopped. The length of the specified time can be set as appropriate. The transition to the non-variable period occurs when the "reservation ends." This can occur even if the player continues playing, so the game does not transition to a play suspension period until a specified time has elapsed since the "reservation ends." This allows a distinction to be made between a "reservation end" that occurred while the player was playing continuously and a "reservation end" that occurred because play was temporarily stopped. In this embodiment, the time image 30 is not displayed during the play suspension period (see FIG. 6(c)).

In this embodiment, the condition for canceling the game stop period is that the variable performance is executed (started). In other words, since the transition to the game stop period means that the game is in a non-variable state, the game stop period ends (transition to the special game period) when the variable performance is started and it is determined that the non-variable state has ended. Since it is a special game state (right-hit state), the time count would normally be restarted when the game ball enters the second start area 904b (see FIG. 6(d)).

In this way, in this embodiment, the actual passage of time during the special play period (during a winning streak) is represented by the time image 30, and since the special play period does not include a play stop period, the time represented by the time image 30 will be close to the actual play time even if play is temporarily stopped (it is possible to grasp the "play speed" with a certain degree of accuracy even if play is temporarily stopped).

Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to the above-mentioned time image 30 (game stop period). Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be made in which multiple technologies described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

〇Specific example 1-1
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the time image 30 is not displayed during a game stop period, but in this embodiment, the time image 30 is displayed during a game stop period (see FIG. 7(b)). Since the time count is stopped during a game stop period, the time image 30 displayed during a game stop period will naturally be in a "stopped" state (counting). In this way, by displaying the time image 30 in a "stopped" state during a game stop period, it is possible to clearly show the player that the time measurement is stopped during a game stop period.

The time image 30 does not have to be displayed at all times during the game stop period. In other words, during the game stop period, the time image 30 may be displayed (see FIG. 7(b)) or not displayed (see FIG. 7(c)). For example, the non-variable period that may become the game stop period is a state in which a predetermined standby image (a so-called demo movie that introduces the gaming machine 1, etc. The standby image has a fixed content and length, and output is stopped when the non-variable state is resolved) is displayed, and the time image 30 may not be displayed while the standby image is displayed, and the time image 30 may be displayed while the standby image is not displayed. This type of standby image generally starts to be displayed when a certain variable performance ends and the non-variable period begins, and a predetermined time has passed in the non-variable period, but it is preferable to set the start of the game stop period (stop of the time count) to be before the timing when the standby image starts to be displayed. That is, it is preferable that the flow be such that, after a certain variable performance (see FIG. 7(a)) ends and a non-variable period begins, the time count stops after a specified time (e.g., 3 seconds) has elapsed, the stopped time image 30 is displayed (see FIG. 7(b)), and then, after a further specified time (e.g., 12 seconds) has elapsed, the standby video begins to be displayed and the time image 30 goes invisible (see FIG. 7(c)). In this way, the player can recognize the occurrence of an event in which the counting up time image 30 stops before the standby video is displayed and the time image 30 goes invisible.

〇Specific example 1-2
The conditions for transitioning to the game suspension period may be, for example, as follows:

(a) Specific example 1-2-1
In the above embodiment, it was explained that the condition for transitioning to a game stop period (the requirement constituting the transition condition) is set to be the passage of a specified time (specified time ≠ 0) while remaining in the non-variable period after a certain variable performance ends and a non-variable period begins; however, the transition condition may also be set to be the end of a certain variable performance and a non-variable period (specified time = 0) (see Figure 8).

The special game state is a high base state in which the second starting area 904b is frequently opened by winning the regular lottery, so as long as the game ball is continuously shot (hit to the right) aiming at the second starting area 904b, the "reservation run-out" (the fluctuation) will almost never occur. In light of this, the transition to the non-fluctuating period can be considered as a temporary stop of the game, and the time count may be stopped immediately (almost at the same time) after the transition to the non-fluctuating period.

(b) Specific Example 1-2-2
In order for the transition condition to be satisfied (as a requirement constituting the transition condition), it is necessary that "the launching device 908 is not operated." When a player stops playing, it means that the launching device 908 is not operated, so it is set that the requirement for transition to the game stop period is that the launching device 908 is not operated (is in a non-operated state). If "a specified time has passed since the transition to the non-variable period" is one of the requirements as in the above embodiment, it is set that "a specified time has passed since the transition to the non-variable period and the launching device 908 is in a non-operated state" is the transition condition to the game stop period (see FIG. 9).

As in specific example 1-2-1 above, if the transition to the non-variable period itself is one of the requirements, then the condition for transitioning to the play stop period is "transitioning to the non-variable period and the launching device 908 being in a non-operated state" (see FIG. 10; as in the example of FIG. 9, there is no requirement that a specified amount of time must pass after transitioning to the non-variable period). This results in a configuration in which transitioning to the play stop period is not achieved simply by transitioning to the non-variable period. If transitioning to the non-variable period occurs while the launching device 908 is in an operated state, then transitioning to the play stop period will be triggered by the launching device 908 then being in a non-operated state.

Even if the player continues to fire game balls, it is possible that the game ball will not enter the second start area 904b, and the variable performance will not be executed (a "reserved out" state). By doing as in this example (examples in Figures 9 and 10), the game will not transition to a play suspension period while the player is firing game balls (operating the launching device 908), so it is possible to prevent situations from occurring where the time count is stopped even while the player is playing.

There are various possible methods for determining whether or not the firing device 908 is being operated. For example, a touch sensor is provided on the firing handle of the firing device 908 (the structure of the firing device 908 and the firing handle itself is well known, so a description thereof will be omitted), and it can be determined that the firing device is in an operating state when the touch sensor is ON, and in a non-operating state when the touch sensor is OFF. Alternatively, it can be determined that the firing handle is in an operating state when it is not in the original position (when it has been rotated a predetermined amount from the original position), and in a non-operating state when it is in the original position.

(C) Specific Example 1-2-3
In order for the transition condition to be satisfied (as a requirement constituting the transition condition), an operation of the "operation means" is required. In other words, the transition to the game stop period is triggered by the specified operation of the operation means 70 during the non-variable period (see FIG. 11). The operation means 70 may be any one provided at a position where the player can operate it. In this embodiment, the target operation means 70 is a push button for presentation. In addition, the specified operation may be any type, but it is preferable that it is not a simple single operation to prevent erroneous operation. The "specified operation of the operation means" may be a combination operation of two or more operation means in a specified manner (combined operation of two or more operation means, for example, simultaneous operation of two operation means, etc.). In the display area 911, an image (stop explanation image 38) that allows the player to understand that the count of the time image 30 is stopped by the specified operation of the operation means 70 and the specific manner of the specified operation may be displayed (see FIG. 11(b)). By doing as in this example, the time count can be stopped at the player's will.

Specific example 1-3
The conditions for canceling the suspension period may be, for example, as follows:

(a) Specific example 1-3-1
The release condition is set to be that the launch device 908 is in an operating state (operating state/non-operating state has already been described). The launch device 908 being in an operating state means that the game has been resumed, so the time count is restarted (see FIG. 12). In this example, a new start winning (entry of the game ball into the second starting area 904b) will occur after the launch device 908 is in an operating state, so the time count will be restarted before the new variable performance starts.

(b) Specific Example 1-3-2
The release condition is set to be that the game ball enters a predetermined area. In the above embodiment, the release condition is set to be that the game ball enters the starting area 904 (second starting area 904b) (a new variable performance is started), so the "predetermined area" here excludes the starting area 904. For example, the exit of the guide rail 903 (strictly speaking, the game ball launch passage formed by the guide rail 903) is set as the "predetermined area" (a sensor is provided at the exit), and the time count is resumed when it is detected that the game ball has passed through the exit (see FIG. 13). In other words, it is determined that the game has been resumed when the first game ball enters the game area 902, and the time count is resumed.

(C) Specific Example 1-3-3
The release condition is set to be a prescribed operation of the operation means 70 that the player can operate (which may be the same operation as the prescribed operation required to establish the above-mentioned transition condition, or may be a different operation) (see FIG. 14). The prescribed operation may be any type, but it is preferable that it is not a simple single operation to prevent erroneous operation. The "prescribed operation of the operation means" may be a predetermined operation of two or more operation means (a combination operation of two or more operation means, for example, simultaneous operation of two operation means, etc.). In this way, the time count can be resumed at the player's will. The display area 911 may be displayed with an image (restart explanation image 39) that allows the player to understand that the count of the time image 30 is resumed by the prescribed operation of the operation means 70 and the specific form of the prescribed operation (see FIG. 14(a)). By using it together with the configuration of the above specific example 1-2-3, the player can decide whether to start or stop the count of the time image 30 at his/her own discretion.

However, if this example is done, there is a risk that the player will not perform the specified operation on the operating means 70 and the time count will not be resumed. In this case, the time count can be resumed when a different requirement is met. For example, as explained in the above embodiment, the time count can be resumed when the in-floor performance starts. In other words, the time count can be resumed when the earlier of the "specified operation of the operating means" and the "start of the in-floor performance" occurs.

Specific example 1-4
As in the above embodiment, the configuration is such that it is possible to switch between a setting where the time count is stopped during a game stop period (count stop setting) and a setting where the count continues from when the start condition is satisfied until the end condition is satisfied (target period = special game period) (count continuation setting). In other words, it is possible to select either to stop the count during a period determined to be a game stop period, or to not stop the count once started until the end condition is satisfied, regardless of whether the game stop period is determined (without determining whether the game stop period is determined).

It is preferable that the player be allowed to select between the "count stop setting" and the "count continuation setting" at his/her own discretion. For example, after it is determined that the start condition has been met (the transition to the special game state has been determined), but before the time count begins, an effect is generated that allows the player to select between the "count stop setting" and the "count continuation setting" (see FIG. 15). If the time count begins from the start of the so-called special game state after the first win, as in the above embodiment, the effect that allows the player to make the above selection may be generated during the first big win game. Some players may want to know the elapsed time, including periods during which they have taken a break, etc., so it is possible to select the "count continuation setting," which measures the elapsed time including such periods.

After the time measurement has started (after the start condition has been met), it may be possible to switch from one of the "count stop setting" and "count continuation setting" to the other.

Specific example 1-5
The setting allows the player to reset the time image 30 (to "0") at will. Some players may wish to measure time from any point in time, and this is made possible. In this way, for example, when a player who has been resting resumes play, it becomes possible to display the elapsed time from the resumption point. The specific form of the reset operation may be any, so an explanation is omitted. When the game is stopped during a period, an image explaining the reset operation of the time image 30 may be displayed.

5) Image erasure effect As described above, in this embodiment, the first special game state and the second special game state are set as the special game state. When the game is shifted to the second special game state, if the player wins the high probability lottery of about 1/17.9 before losing 204 times (200 times until the end of the second special game state + 4 times for the remaining reserved chances), the game will be a consecutive game. If the state of the second special game state (200 times) and the remaining reserved chances (4 times) is combined as the special game state, the so-called (consecutive game) continuation rate of the special game state is about 99.999%, and it can be said that the game state is essentially a consecutive game state. In other words, the number of winning/losing lotteries X (X=204 times in this embodiment) that can be taken until the consecutive game ends is extremely high based on the winning probability (about 1/17.9 in this embodiment), and the probability of the event of losing X times in a row (ending of the consecutive game) occurring is extremely low. In this way, a game state in which the continuation rate is 99% or more and in which it is extremely rare for the streak to end when transitioned to (the probability of the streak ending is less than 1%), that is, a game state in which the next win is essentially guaranteed, is considered to be a special game state.

On the other hand, when the first special game state is entered, if the player wins the high probability lottery of about 1/17.9 44 times in a row (40 times until the end of the first special game state + 4 times for the remaining reserved chances) before losing, a streak will occur. The so-called (streak) continuation rate is about 92%, and since it cannot be said that the next win is guaranteed, the state consisting of the first special game state (40 times) and the remaining reserved chances (4 times) is considered to be a non-special game state (not a special game state). In such a non-special game state, the special image 40 (an image suggesting that the next win is guaranteed), which will be described in detail later, is not displayed (see FIG. 16(c)).

When the special game state (second special game state) is entered, the next win is practically guaranteed, so a special image 40 (see FIG. 16) suggesting this is displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. The special image 40 may be displayed on a display device other than the main display device 91. In this embodiment, the special image 40 is a decorative character representing "V". Since "V" is used to represent a win, displaying the "V" practically suggests to the player that the next win is promised. As described above, in this embodiment, the special game state is named "○○ RUSH", and when the game state is entered into the second special game state (beginning of the second special game state), the special image 40 "V" is displayed in addition to "○○ RUSH" ("○○ RUSH" is accompanied by "V") (see FIG. 16(a)), indicating that the second special game state (special game state) will start. Thereafter, the "V" continues to be displayed even during changes in the special game state, which is the second special game state (including remaining reserved chances) (see FIG. 16(b)).

The special image 40 may be of various forms, so long as it makes the player feel that the next win is guaranteed. For example, an image including "BONUS", which is generally used to represent the name of a win (bonus), may be displayed as the special image 40. Also, since a rainbow (rainbow-colored) image is generally displayed as a winning confirmation effect, an image including a rainbow image may be displayed as the special image 40. Furthermore, the special game state is one in which a maximum of X=204 opportunities to receive high-probability lotteries are provided, and although the value of X is strictly finite, it is extremely rare for the player to lose 204 times in a row, and the game state appears to the player as one in which a high-probability lottery can be received until the next win. Therefore, an image indicating that the number of times the high-probability lottery can be received is infinite (∞) may be displayed as the special image 40.

Note that, at least when in the second special game state, the number of remaining high probability lotteries (remaining number of times), which decreases each time the winning/losing lottery result is a loss, is not displayed (see FIG. 16(b)). It is almost certain that a winning lottery will occur before 204 consecutive losses, so there is no need to display the remaining number of times. On the other hand, in this embodiment, in the first special game state, the remaining number of times, which decreases each time the winning/losing lottery result is a loss, is displayed (see FIG. 16(c). Note that the remaining number of times is omitted in drawings other than this drawing). The remaining number of times may indicate the number of times including the remaining reserved chances (4 times) (decreasing from "44" each time a loss occurs), or may indicate the number of times excluding the remaining reserved chances (decreasing from "40" each time a loss occurs).

In this way, the special game state is one in which the special image 40 is displayed, which essentially indicates that the next win is guaranteed, but it is not impossible for a player to lose X times (204 times) in a row (so-called "passing through"). In this embodiment, when the player has entered the special game state but the winning/losing lottery results are determined to be losses X times in a row, an image erasure effect occurs in which the special image 40 is erased from the display area 911 of the display device 91.

In this embodiment, the image erasing effect occurs while the Xth in-change effect is being executed after the transition to the special game state (i.e., after the transition to the second special game state). In other words, it occurs during the 204th in-change effect (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the final change) after the special game state is started. The final change can also be said to be the fourth change of the remaining reserved chance. At least at the time when the final change is started, the winning/losing lottery result (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the final winning/losing lottery result) corresponding to the final change can be internally grasped, so if the final winning/losing lottery result is a losing result (i.e., when the consecutive wins end), an image erasing effect that erases the special image 40 is generated during the final change. In this embodiment, the image erasing effect ends (the erasure of the special image 40 from the display area 911 is completed) before the final change ends.

The image erasure effect is an effect in which the special image 40 displayed in the display area 911 appears to have moved outside the display area 911. In this embodiment, the special image 40 (the state of the special image 40 in a normal state; specifically, the state of the special image 40 in a variation other than the final variation in the special game state) before the image erasure effect occurs is displayed small near the outer edge of the display area 911 (see FIG. 17(a)). In the image erasure effect, the special image 40 is once enlarged and displayed in the center of the display area 911 (see FIG. 17(b)). After that, the special image 40 is reduced in size and moved outside the display area 911 (see FIG. 17(c)(d)). In this way, by once displaying the special image 40 large and then moving it outside the display area 911, the risk of a situation in which the player does not notice that the special image 40 has been erased is reduced.

In this way, the special image 40 essentially suggests that the next win is guaranteed, but an image erasure effect is generated to emphasize to the player that this has not been achieved. If the special game state (final variation) were to end without any context (without generating an image erasure effect as in this embodiment), the player might think that the gaming machine 1 had broken down. Therefore, by generating an image erasure effect, it is clearly indicated that an extremely rare event has occurred in which "the player has lost the high probability lottery X times in a row" (a so-called "pass" has occurred), preventing the player from having any suspicions of a malfunction, etc.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above image erasing effects. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be created that applies a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

〇Specific example 2-1
In the above embodiment, the state where the second special game state and the remaining reserved chance are combined is a special game state that is more advantageous than the normal game state in that the second winning/losing lottery, which is a high probability lottery, can be taken (the number of high probability lotteries can be taken up to 204 times), but the second special game state may be controlled as a special game state. Even if there is no remaining reserved chance, the probability of winning the high probability lottery in the second special game state (200 times) is 99% or more, so it can be said that the second special game state alone essentially guarantees the next win.

When configured in this way, the 200th change after the start of the second special game state, which is a special game state, is the final change (the number of draws X at which the special game state ends is set to 200), and if the final win/lose draw result is determined to be a loss, an image erasing effect is generated at that final change (see Figures 18(a) to (c)).

In the case of the configuration of this example and the setting in which the remaining reserved chance in the above embodiment is provided, the remaining reserved chance will be executed after the image erasure effect occurs (see FIG. 18(d)). In other words, even if the image erasure effect occurs, if the player wins a high probability lottery (about 1/17.9 in the above embodiment) in the lottery for the remaining reserved balls (four times in the above embodiment), a game feature of "consecutive wins" is realized. In other words, the image erasure effect occurring at the final change of the second special game state indicates that the next promised win has essentially disappeared (the "promise" is gone), but a game feature is realized in which the chance for the remaining reserved balls remains.

It is also possible to adopt a configuration like this example, and to set up without the remaining reserved chance of the above embodiment. In short, if the lottery for the remaining reserved portion is the same as in the normal game state (low probability lottery), and the setting is such that there is little hope of winning a jackpot, then after the image erasure effect occurs in the final variation as shown in Figures 18(a) to (c), a transition will be made to a state in which the aim is to win a jackpot in a low probability lottery (not shown). A typical ST machine can be configured in this way.

〇Specific example 2-2
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the image erasing effect occurs at the final change of the special game state, but if it is determined that the special game state will end (when it is determined that X consecutive wins will occur after the special game state has started), the image erasing effect may be generated before the final change begins. Specifically, if a storage means capable of storing reserved information up to a predetermined number is provided as in the above embodiment, the end of the special game state can be grasped before the final change by "pre-reading" the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the reserved information, so that the image erasing effect can be generated before the final change. If a maximum of four second reserved information (reservations corresponding to high probability lotteries) can be stored as in the above embodiment, it is also possible to generate the image erasing effect during the fourth change before the final change.

Specific example 2-3
An effect that looks like an image erasing effect but is not an image erasing effect (hereinafter referred to as a pseudo image erasing effect) may occur. As described above, an image erasing effect occurs when it is determined that the special game state will end (it is determined that the special game state will be a miss X times in a row after the start of the special game state), whereas a pseudo image erasing effect (see FIG. 19) is an effect that makes it look like the special game state will end, but is overturned. For example, as described in the above embodiment, an image erasing effect occurs at the final change of the special game state. In this case, if the final winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the final change is a winning, a pseudo image erasing effect occurs. That is, a pseudo image erasing effect occurs as an effect indicating that the final winning/losing lottery result is a winning.

The pseudo image erasing effect is made to look like an image erasing effect, so it is considered to use the special image 40. It is preferable that the pseudo image erasing effect has the same appearance as the image erasing effect until halfway through the effect. For example, as described above, the image erasing effect is an effect in which the special image 40 becomes smaller and moves outside the display area 911 to look as if it has been erased, whereas the pseudo image erasing effect can be made such that the special image 40 moves to the vicinity of the outer edge of the display area 911 (see FIG. 19(a)(b)), but bounces off the outer edge of the display area 911 and remains there (see FIG. 19(c)). In other words, the appearance (appearance in FIG. 19(a)(b)) until the special image 40 moves to the vicinity of the outer edge of the display area 911 is the same for the image erasing effect and the pseudo image erasing effect. By doing this, even when the pseudo image erasing effect occurs, the effect is such that the player sees the special image 40 erased until halfway through (the image erasing effect appears to occur).

By doing as in this example, it appears as if the special image 40 has been erased and the special game state has ended, but then this is reversed and a win is announced, creating an element of surprise in the game.

Specific example 2-4
The image erasing effect in the above embodiment is described as an effect that makes the special image 40 appear to move outside the display area 911, but this is merely an example. Any effect may be achieved as long as the special image 40 is erased in the end. However, if the special image 40 is suddenly erased without any context (the special image 40 in the normal state is suddenly erased), the player may not notice it, so it is preferable to have some kind of action (emphasis effect) occur before the image is erased. As an example of such an action, as described in the above embodiment, it is possible to make the state of the special image 40 different from the state in the normal state (the state in which the image erasing effect has not occurred (the state in FIG. 16(b)), i.e., the state of the special image 40 during a change other than the final change) (for example, making the special image 40 larger than the normal state).

As another example of this action, an image (action image 45) that acts on the special image 40 may be displayed. For example, an image that appears to "cut" the special image 40 may be displayed as the action image 45 (see FIG. 20(b)), with the result that the special image 40 is erased (see FIG. 20(c)). By displaying such an action image 45 separately, the risk that the player will not notice that the special image 40 has been erased is reduced.

6) Bonus image (bonus history)
In this embodiment, during a jackpot game acquired in a special game state (including the remaining reserved chance), a bonus history including a bonus image 60 for showing the history of the jackpots (bonuses) acquired in the special game state (hereinafter, including the remaining reserved chance in the explanation of the bonus image 60) is displayed (see FIG. 21. Note that the bonus image 60 is omitted in drawings other than the drawings for explaining the bonus image 60 (bonus history)). In other words, a bonus history including a bonus image 60 for showing the history of the jackpots acquired through a high probability lottery is displayed. The bonus images 60 are displayed in order of acquisition of the corresponding jackpots ("wrapped" is also included in the "arranged"). The bonus history is reset when the consecutive win ends (the remaining reserved chance ends). Since the bonus images 60 are displayed for the number of jackpots acquired after the first win, the number of consecutive wins can be grasped by counting the number of the bonus images 60. Note that the "first win" may be displayed as the bonus image 60 or may not be displayed as the bonus image 60. 21 shows an example in which the bonus image 60 for the "first win" is displayed (the bonus image 60 "small" on the far left is the bonus image 60 for the first win). In addition, the bonus history may be displayed in a state other than during a big win game (for example, during a variable performance in a special game state).

The bonus image 60 includes an element for distinguishing the type of jackpot (bonus). In this embodiment, there are three types of jackpots: a 3-round jackpot, a 5-round jackpot, and a 10-round jackpot. The 3-round jackpot is associated with the character "small", the 5-round jackpot with the character "medium", and the 10-round jackpot with the character "large" as elements specific to each jackpot (the relative number of rounds is represented by the characters "small", "medium", and "large") (see FIG. 21). Therefore, by looking at the bonus image 60, the player can know how many rounds the previous jackpot was. Note that instead of this, or a configuration that includes an element for distinguishing the type of jackpot other than this, may be used. For example, in a configuration in which a "normal jackpot" in which the game state after the jackpot game ends is a normal game state and a "special jackpot" in which the game state is a special game state that is more advantageous than the "normal jackpot" are set as jackpots, the bonus image 60 may include an element that allows the player to distinguish between a normal jackpot and a special jackpot (in this embodiment, a "normal jackpot" is not set, so the bonus image 60 does not include this element). Also, a configuration in which an element that does not affect the actual profit (expected value of balls) enjoyed by the player is set as an element that distinguishes the type of jackpot may be used. For example, even if the actual profit enjoyed by the player is the same, the type of jackpot may differ depending on the type of performance (reach performance) that notifies the player of the win, the type of decorative pattern 80 that notifies the player of the win, the type of character associated with the win, etc., and the appearance of the bonus image 60 associated with each type of jackpot may be different.

In this embodiment, the bonus image 60 is displayed with the lottery number value 61 attached (see FIG. 21). In this embodiment, the bonus image 60 includes the lottery number value 61. Note that "the lottery number value 61 is attached to the bonus image 60" includes not only the case where the bonus image 60 includes the lottery number value 61 as in this embodiment, but also the case where the lottery number value 61 is displayed adjacent to the corresponding bonus image 60. In other words, it is sufficient that the player can grasp the correspondence between the bonus image 60 (the bonus represented by the bonus image 60) and the lottery number value 61. When two or more bonus images 60 are displayed, a certain lottery number value 61 will be displayed in the position of the two or more bonus images 60 that is closest to the corresponding bonus image 60.

The lottery number 61 is the number of times the lottery has been held since the special game state was started (i.e., the number of variations) until the lottery result becomes a win (the bonus represented by the corresponding bonus image 60 is awarded). For example, if the lottery result becomes a win on the 20th variation (20th spin) since the special game state was started, the bonus image 60 representing the big win acquired as a result of the lottery will be accompanied by the lottery number 61 of "20". The lottery number 61 represents the "number of lottery wins", so it is a natural number of 1 or more. In addition, since the bonus image 60 is displayed when a consecutive win occurs, the maximum value of the lottery number 61 is the maximum number of lotteries (number of lotteries in a high probability lottery) that can be received by transitioning to the special game state. In other words, if the first special game state (including the remaining reserved chance) is in the first special game state, the maximum value is "44", and if the second special game state (including the remaining reserved chance) is in the second special game state, the maximum value is "204".

Even when the bonus image 60 corresponding to the "first win" is displayed, it is preferable that the bonus image 60 does not include the number of draws 61 (see FIG. 21). This is because the drawing of the first win is a low probability drawing (approximately 1/319) and not a high probability drawing (because the drawing probability is different from that of the big win corresponding to the other bonus images 60). In other words, the displayed number of draws 61 are all drawn in a winning/losing drawing with the same winning probability (high probability drawing; approximately 1/17.9), and are made comparable to each other. The drawing of the first win is a low probability drawing (approximately 1/319), so there is not much meaning in comparing it with the number of draws in a high probability drawing, and it would be confusing if the number of draws was displayed on the bonus image 60 corresponding to the "first win", so it is preferable that the number of draws is not displayed on the bonus image 60 corresponding to the "first win". However, this does not deny the possibility of displaying the number of draws on the bonus image 60 corresponding to the "first win".

In addition, in this embodiment, the lottery number 61 is displayed in either the first special game state or the second special game state. However, since the second special game state essentially guarantees the next win and the player is unlikely to be too concerned about "passing it," the bonus image 60 corresponding to the jackpot obtained in the second special game state may not include the lottery number 61. In other words, the bonus image 60 corresponding to the jackpot obtained in the first special game state (including the remaining reserve chance) may be displayed with the lottery number 61 attached.

By displaying this number of lottery draws 61 in association with the bonus image 60, it is possible to grasp how many lottery draws each jackpot requires. For example, taking into account the probability of winning in a high probability lottery (approximately 1/17.9), the player can enjoy playing the game while considering whether the probability of winning is equal to or higher than the probability of winning (whether the player is lucky).

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to the above bonus image 60 (bonus history). Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be made in which multiple techniques described using the following specific examples are combined and applied.

Specific example 3-1
In a state where N bonus images 60 representing big wins awarded when the winning/losing lottery result in a special game state (including the remaining reserved chance) is a winning lottery, i.e., bonus images 60 with the lottery number 61 (excluding the "first win" bonus image 60 not including the lottery number 61) are displayed (N is assumed to be 2 or more), the sum S of the lottery number 61 associated with each bonus image 60 is displayed (the sum display 61T is displayed) (see FIG. 22(a)). In this way, the total number of high probability lotteries (about 1/17.9) received in the special game state (including the remaining reserved chance) to win N big wins (bonuses) can be easily grasped.

Specific Example 3-2 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 3-1)
In a special game state (including the remaining reserved chance), when the bonus image 60 representing the big win awarded by the winning/losing lottery result being a winning one, that is, when N bonus images 60 with the lottery number 61 are displayed (N is assumed to be 2 or more), the N/S display (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as the probability display 65) is displayed. The probability display 65 is the actual probability of winning until N big wins (bonuses) are acquired. For example, in a state where there are two bonus images 60 with the lottery number 61 (N=2) and the lottery number 61 of the two bonus images 60 is "25" and "32", the probability display 65 is displayed as "2/57" (see FIG. 22(b-1)). By displaying such a probability display 65, it is possible to easily grasp whether the winning probability is higher than the probability in the specifications (high probability lottery; winning probability is about 1/17.9).

The probability display 65 may be written in a way that makes it easy to compare with the winning probability stated in the specifications. For example, in the above example, it may be written as "1/28.5" with a numerator of 1 (see FIG. 22(b-2)). This makes it easier to understand whether the winning probability is greater than the probability by comparing the winning probability stated in the specifications with the size of the denominator. In this way, the "N/S" in the probability display 65 does not have to display the values of N and S as they are, but may display values that have been reduced (fractions).

Specific example 3-3
The number of draws represented by the number of draws value 61 is the number of draws with a winning probability of 1/P (so-called probability denominator = P). Based on this premise, a difference in appearance is set so that bonus images 60 that satisfy the condition of the number of draws value < P (condition satisfying image 60a) can be distinguished from bonus images 60 that do not satisfy this condition (condition non-satisfying image 60b) (see FIG. 23(a)). In accordance with the above embodiment, bonus images 60 that satisfy the condition of the number of draws value < 17.9 (i.e., bonus images 60 whose number of draws value is 17 or less) are condition satisfying images 60a, and bonus images 60 that do not satisfy this condition (i.e., bonus images 60 whose number of draws value is more than 18) are condition non-satisfying images 60b.

The condition fulfillment image 60a and the condition non-fulfillment image 60b can be distinguished by an emphasis element (an element that can be visually recognized by the player) displayed in the display area 911. Various emphasis elements are possible. For example, the condition fulfillment image 60a may be displayed brighter than the condition non-fulfillment image 60b (the brightness of the condition fulfillment image 60a may be made higher than that of the condition non-fulfillment image 60b) so that the two can be clearly distinguished from each other (see FIG. 23(a)). Although not shown, as another example, the condition fulfillment image 60a may be displayed larger than the condition non-fulfillment image 60b so that the two can be clearly distinguished from each other.

The jackpot (bonus) corresponding to the condition fulfillment image 60a indicates that it has been won in fewer draws than the winning probability according to the specifications, and the jackpot (bonus) corresponding to the condition non-fulfillment image 60b indicates that it has been won in fewer draws than the winning probability according to the specifications. In this example, the condition fulfillment image 60a that has been won in fewer draws than the winning probability according to the specifications is highlighted, so it is easy to see whether or not it has been won more than the probability (whether or not it has been won in fewer draws than the probability denominator).

Specific Example 3-4 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 3-3)
The bonus image 60 that satisfies the condition of the number of drawing times<P, that is, the condition fulfillment image 60a, is displayed in a continuous manner to indicate that two or more consecutive winnings have occurred. In other words, when winnings occur consecutively (in a row) with fewer drawing times than the winning probability in the specifications, the winnings are emphasized by the continuous display. Any specific manner of continuous display may be used. For example, it is possible to display an image (continuous highlighting 67) that surrounds the consecutive condition fulfillment images 60a (see FIG. 23(b)). By doing as in this example, it is easy to understand that winnings occur consecutively with fewer drawing times than the winning probability in the specifications. Note that, when doing as in this example, the above-mentioned highlighting element may not be present.

Specific Example 3-5 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 3-3)
The bonus image 60 that satisfies the condition of the number of draws < P and corresponds to a specific type of jackpot is set as a condition-satisfying image 60a, and the other specific images are set as condition-unsatisfying images 60b. For example, the bonus image 60 that satisfies the condition of the number of draws < P and corresponds to a 10-round jackpot (a jackpot with the maximum number of rounds) is set as a condition-satisfying image 60a (see FIG. 23(c)). In this way, the specific images that are won with fewer draws than the winning probability in the specifications and whose expected value of the profit obtained from the jackpot exceeds a predetermined standard are highlighted so as to be clearly distinguished from the others.

Specific example 3-6
It has been explained that the lottery number 61 represented in the above embodiment indicates the number of lotteries with the same winning probability (approximately 1/17.9), but if two or more different winning probabilities are set, the following may be done. This configuration can be applied to a probability loop machine or the like in which a high base state (so-called time-saving state) with a low winning probability and a high base state (so-called probability state) with a high winning probability are set. In other words, winning a jackpot in a high base state with a low winning probability can also be applied to what is considered to be a "consecutive win."

The number of draws value 61 of the bonus image 60 corresponding to a jackpot acquired when the probability of winning is low (hereinafter referred to as the number of draws value for low probability 61a) and the number of draws value 61 of the bonus image 60 corresponding to a jackpot acquired when the probability of winning is high (hereinafter referred to as the number of draws value for high probability 61b) are different in appearance. For example, the number of draws value for low probability 61a is represented by the character "blue," and the number of draws value for high probability 61b is represented by the character "red" (see FIG. 24). Naturally, if the probability of winning is different, the expected value of the number of draws value 61 is different, so it is good to be able to grasp the difference in the probability of winning from the difference in the appearance of the number of draws value 61.

Although not shown, in this example, the bonus image 60 corresponding to the "first win" may also display the lottery number 61. Since the "first win" is usually a win in a state where the probability of winning is low, the bonus image 60 corresponding to the first win will be accompanied by the low probability number 61a.

7) Number of times sound production As described above, after the first win, winning a jackpot before the end condition is met (the condition for the end of the jackpot is met) constitutes a "consecutive win". The number of jackpots (number of wins) won before the end condition is met is called the "consecutive win count". The consecutive win count may or may not include the "first win". If the "first win" is included, the "first win" is the first consecutive win, and the jackpot (next win) won after the first win is the second consecutive win. If the "first win" is not included, the jackpot (next win) won after the first win is the first consecutive win. In this embodiment, the "first win" is included in the consecutive win count. The consecutive win count is reset when the end condition is met.

After the first win, the number sound effect is executed every time a jackpot (benefit) is acquired. The number sound effect is executed together with the display of the number image 68 (see FIG. 25(a)). The number image 68 is displayed in the display area 911 at the beginning of the jackpot game (before the start of one round of play or during one round of play). The number image 68 includes a "number" indicating the number of consecutive wins. In this embodiment, the number image 68 of "jackpot T times" is displayed as the number image 68 ("T" is a number indicating the number of consecutive wins). The form of the number image 68 is merely an example, and it may include a number indicating the number of consecutive wins. For example, in this embodiment, since the special game state is called "○○ RUSH", an image such as "RUSH T times" may be displayed as the number image 68. Note that the number sound effect is "executed together with the display of the number image 68" as long as at least a part of the period during which the number image 68 is displayed and the period during which the number sound is output overlap.

The number sound effect is an effect in which a number of unit sounds, the same number as the number of consecutive wins, is output from the speaker 75 (sound output means) (see FIG. 25(b)). The unit sounds are of a predetermined form (melody (note that a single sound is also included in the concept of "melody")). The number of consecutive wins is determined as the number of unit sounds (when multiple unit sounds are consecutive, there is no blank period between the unit sounds). The length of the output time of the unit sound (hereinafter, when simply "length (long)" is used, it refers to the length of the output time) is constant, so the more consecutive wins there are, the longer the number of consecutive wins becomes. If the length of the unit sound is L, the total length of the number of times the number of times is L x T. If the unit sound is long, the total length of the number of times the number of times becomes too long, so it is preferable that the unit sound is less than one second long.

The more consecutive wins there are, the longer the count sound becomes (if the number of consecutive wins is too high, there will be no time to execute the count sound effect), so a specified number is set as the upper limit of the consecutive wins (upper limit of T) at which the count sound effect will occur. In this embodiment, the upper limit is the specified number = 10 (T = 10). In other words, the count sound effect will occur until 10 consecutive wins are reached. Therefore, the longest count sound is one in which 10 unit sounds are output in a row (a length of L x 10).

The setting may be such that the number of times the number of consecutive wins (T) is not executed when the number of consecutive wins (T) is 1 (the number of times the number of times the number of consecutive wins is generated when T is 2 or more and the upper limit value or less), or the number of times the number of consecutive wins (T) is executed even when the number of consecutive wins (T) is 1 (the number of times the number of consecutive wins is generated when T is 1 or more and the upper limit value or less). A consecutive win means that there are consecutive jackpots, and if the number of consecutive wins = 1 means that a consecutive win has not occurred, the former setting may be used. On the other hand, if the effect in which the unit sound is output only once (the unit sound = the number of times the number of consecutive wins) does not occur, it is not possible to clearly understand what the unit sound is, so if it is important to have the unit sound output only once when the number of consecutive wins = 1 and to allow the player to understand the unit sound, the latter setting may be used.

By implementing this type of count sound effect, an interesting gameplay experience is realized in which the player can feel the increase in the number of consecutive wins as the unit sounds increase.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above-mentioned number sound effects. Note that, to the extent possible, a configuration may be created that applies a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

Specific example 4-1
As described above, the upper limit (prescribed number of times) at which the number of times sound effect occurs is determined, and the prescribed number of times is determined based on the average number of consecutive wins (U) when the game transitions to the special game state after the first win. In other words, the average number of consecutive wins can be calculated based on the continuation rate of the special game state (in the above embodiment, the first special game state has a continuation rate of about 92%, the second special game state has a continuation rate of about 99.999%, and the jackpot allocation of the second win/lose lottery is shown in FIG. 3(b-2)), so a detailed explanation will be omitted. Then, the number of times sound effect is executed at least until the actual number of consecutive wins (T) reaches the average number of consecutive wins (U) (while T<U). In other words, the prescribed number of times is set to a value equal to or greater than the average number of consecutive wins. For example, if the average number of consecutive wins is 15.6 times, the prescribed number of times is set to any natural number equal to or greater than 16, so the number of times sound effect is executed at least until the actual number of consecutive wins (T) reaches 15 times.

Alternatively, the number of times sound effects may be executed up to the jackpot just before the average number of consecutive wins or more (in the example where the average number of consecutive wins is 15.6, the specified number is set to 15, and the number of times sound effects may be executed until the actual number of consecutive wins (T) reaches 15).

The average number of consecutive wins is published in magazines, on the Internet, etc. as an indication of the specifications of the gaming machine 1, and is used as a target (guideline) by players. Therefore, the number of unit sounds increases as the average number of consecutive wins is reached, to excite the player.

Specific example 4-2
When the number of consecutive wins exceeds a prescribed number of times, a special sound effect is executed in which a special sound is output instead of a count sound. For example, if the prescribed number of times is set to 10 as in the above embodiment, the count sound is output (the count sound effect is executed) together with the display of the count image 68 up to the 10th consecutive win (see FIG. 26(a)), but from the 11th consecutive win onwards, a special sound is output (the special sound effect is executed) together with the display of the count image 68 (see FIG. 26(b)). It is preferable that the special sound is in a completely different form from the count sound (a form that does not include the melody of the unit sound). In this way, when the number of consecutive wins exceeds a prescribed number of times, a gameplay in which the special sound is emphasized (celebrated) is realized.

As explained in Specific Example 4-1 above, if the set number of times is determined based on the average number of consecutive wins (U), then by setting it so that a count sound is output until the average number of consecutive wins is reached and a special sound is output when the average number of consecutive wins is reached, a gameplay feature is realized in which the special sound emphasizes that the average number of consecutive wins has been exceeded.

Making the special sound completely different from the count sound (not including the melody of the unit sound) is merely an example. In order to reduce the burden of preparing a special sound with a completely different melody, the count sound when the consecutive number of times reaches a specified number may be used as the special sound. If the specified number is set to 10 as in the above embodiment, the count sound when the consecutive number of times reaches 10 will be the unit sound output 10 times in a row, and from the 11th consecutive number of times onwards, the count sound (the unit sound output 10 times in a row; see Figure 10 (c)) will be output as the special sound (i.e., from the 10th consecutive number of times onwards, the same sound will be output). With this configuration, a count sound that includes the unit sound more than the specified number of times (including 11 or more unit sounds in the above example) will not be output.

The special sound may be set to be output only when a specified number of times is reached. For example, if the specified number is set to 10, a special sound may be output when the number of consecutive wins reaches 10, and a counting sound may be output from the 11th consecutive win onwards. If the specified number is set to the smallest natural number exceeding the average number of consecutive wins (for example, as in the example described in specific example 4-1 above, if the average number of consecutive wins is 15.6, the specified number is set to 16), a special sound will be output only when a jackpot is won that exceeds the average number of consecutive wins, and the counting sound will be output again thereafter.

Specific example 4-3
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the unit sounds that make up a count sound are of a predetermined type (all of the same type), but some of the unit sounds that make up a single count sound may be configured differently from the other unit sounds.

It is also preferable that unit sounds with different aspects include at least a part of a common element (melody). For example, the first type unit sound includes "melody A" (see FIG. 27(a-1)), and the second type unit sound includes "melody A" and "melody B" (melody A and B are consecutive, and melody A ≠ melody B) (see FIG. 27(a-2)). The second type unit sound is longer than the first type unit sound by the amount of "melody B". The first type unit sound and the second type unit sound include a common element, "melody A". If a count sound including two or more types of unit sounds that do not include any common element (melody) is output, the player may not be able to understand the count sound as "the unit sounds are consecutive for the number of consecutive games", so the various unit sounds are configured to include a common element, and at least the common element is output for "the number of consecutive games" (in the above example, at least "melody A" is output for the number of consecutive games).

Specific Example 4-4 (an example that further embodies Specific Example 4-3)
Among the multiple unit sounds constituting one count sound, at least one of the first unit sound (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first unit sound) and the last unit sound (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the last unit sound) is made to have a different aspect from the other unit sounds. As described in the above specific example 4-3, if a first type unit sound and a second type unit sound are set, the count sound (hereinafter referred to as the count sound P; see FIG. 27(b-1)) is made to be "at least one of the first unit sound and the last unit sound is a first type unit sound, and the others are second type unit sounds," or the count sound (hereinafter referred to as the count sound Q; see FIG. 27(b-2)) is made to be "at least one of the first unit sound and the last unit sound is a second type unit sound, and the others are first type unit sounds" (the example shown in FIG. 27(b) is an example in which the first unit sound has a different aspect from the other unit sounds). Since the beginning and end of the count sound are the most noticeable parts, the aspect of the first unit sound and the last unit sound is made to be different from the other unit sounds.

In this example, it is more preferable to use a count sound Q (see FIG. 27(b-2)) in which "at least one of the first and last unit sounds is a second type unit sound, and the rest are first type unit sounds" than a count sound P (see FIG. 27(b-1)) in which "at least one of the first and last unit sounds is a first type unit sound, and the rest are second type unit sounds." As described above, the second type unit sound is a unit sound that is "longer" than the first type unit sound, and is more noticeable. Therefore, it is preferable to output the "noticeable" second type unit sound at the beginning or end of the count sound. In addition, if the second type unit sound, which is a "long" unit sound, is output at a position other than the beginning or end, the entire count sound will become longer (for example, in the count sound when T=10, the second type unit sound, which is a "long" unit sound, will be output as at least the second to ninth unit sounds, and the count sound will become significantly longer), so it is preferable to limit the output of the second type unit sound to the beginning or end.

Specific example 4-5
Although the count sound effect in the above embodiment is executed when the occurrence of consecutive wins (obtaining a jackpot (a special prize)) is determined, it may be executed when an event (specific event) other than consecutive wins (obtaining a jackpot) occurs. That is, it is sufficient that the occurrence of a specific event is determined, a count image 68 indicating the number of occurrences of the specific event before a predetermined end condition is established is displayed, and a count sound corresponding to the number included in the count image 68 is output.

An example of a specific event is the so-called "consecutive performance" (as "consecutive performance" itself is well known, a detailed explanation will be omitted. Other well-known examples include "pseudo consecutive performance" (pseudo consecutive) and "predictive consecutive performance"). Each time a consecutive performance occurs, a count image 68 containing a number indicating the number of times it has occurred (consecutive number of times) is displayed, and a count sound containing the same number of unit sounds as the number of consecutive times is output together with the display of the count image 68 (see FIG. 28; an example of a "pseudo consecutive" is shown in this figure).

Specific example 4-6
The number of times sound effect in the above embodiment occurs on the premise that the number of times image 68 is displayed, but it may occur without displaying the number of times image 68. However, if the number of times image 68 is not displayed (the "number" contained in the number of times image 68 is not displayed), it is difficult for the player to notice that the same number of unit sounds as the number of consecutive wins are being output, so it is preferable to execute the number of times sound effect on the premise that the number of times image 68 is displayed as in the above embodiment.

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

The matters described in the above embodiment can also be applied to other gaming machines, such as slot machines, except for the fact that they utilize a configuration unique to pachinko gaming machines.

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

・Means 1-1
A gaming machine comprising: a game state setting means for setting a normal game state and a special game state which is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state as game states in which the player plays with the aim of winning the result of a win/lose lottery; and a display means for displaying a time image indicating the actual time required for a special game period included in a target period which is the period from the establishment of a start condition which can only be established by transitioning to the special game state to the establishment of an end condition which can only be established by ending the special game state, wherein if a game stop period occurs during which it is determined that the player has stopped playing during the target period, the game stop period is not included in the special game period.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to make the actual time required from the satisfaction of the start condition to the satisfaction of the end condition closer to the actual game time.

・Means 1-2
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that at least a part of the non-changing period during which no during-changing performance is executed from the time when the decorative pattern indicating the result of the winning/losing lottery starts to change until the decorative pattern stops in a manner indicating the result of the winning/losing lottery is set as the game stop period.
During the non-variable period, there is a possibility that the player is not playing, so it is advisable to stop measuring time during at least a part of that period.

・Means 1-3
The gaming machine described in means 1-2 is characterized in that one of the requirements for transitioning to the game stop period is that a certain variable performance ends, a specified time passes after the non-variable period begins without a new variable performance being started, and so on.
If a specified time has elapsed since the non-variable period began, it is considered that there is a high probability that the player is not playing, and time measurement may be stopped.

・Means 1-4
The gaming machine described in means 1-2 is characterized in that it is equipped with an operating means that can be operated by a player, and that one of the requirements for transitioning to the game stop period is that a specified operation of the operating means is performed during the non-variable period.
By doing this, it becomes possible for the player to intentionally stop the measurement of time during the non-variable period.

・Means 1-5
The gaming machine described in means 1-2 is characterized in that it is equipped with a launching device that is operated when launching a gaming ball, and that the non-operation of the launching device during the non-variable period is one of the requirements for transitioning to the gaming suspension period.
When a player stops playing, this means that the launch device is not being operated, so that the requirement for transitioning to a play suspension period may be set to be that the launch device is not being operated.

・Means 1-6
The gaming machine according to any one of means 1-1 to 1-5, wherein during the game stop period, the time image in a state where no change is occurring is displayed.
By doing this, the player can understand that the time count has stopped during the game suspension period.

・Means 2-1
A gaming machine in which a special gaming state is set as a gaming state more advantageous than a normal gaming state, and which ends when a win/lose lottery result is a lose X times in a row, and the special gaming state is based on the fact that the win/lose lottery result almost always becomes a win before the win/lose lottery result becomes a lose X times in a row, and a special image is displayed on a display device, which suggests that the next win is essentially guaranteed, and when the special gaming state has been entered but it is determined that the win/lose lottery result will be a lose X times in a row, an image erasing effect is generated in which the special image is erased from the display device.
According to the above gaming machine, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the player will mistakenly believe that he or she has not been able to win in a special gaming state due to a malfunction of the gaming machine or the like.

・Means 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that a variation-in-progress performance is executed from the time when the decorative pattern indicating the result of the win/loss lottery starts to vary until the decorative pattern stops in a manner indicating the result of the win/loss lottery, and the image erasing performance occurs while the Xth variation-in-progress performance is being executed after the transition to the special game state.
In this way, it is possible to clearly indicate that the special game state ends with the end of the Xth variable performance.

・Means 2-3
The gaming machine described in Means 2-1 or 2-2 is characterized in that the image erasing effect is an effect in which the special image displayed in the display area of the display device appears to have moved outside the display area.
By doing this, it is emphasized that the situation in which "the next time a win was guaranteed" has ended.

・Means 2-4
A gaming machine according to any one of means 2-1 to 2-3, characterized in that a non-special gaming state is set in which the probability of the winning or losing lottery result being a winning result is the same as that of the special gaming state, the non-special gaming state is terminated when the winning or losing lottery result is a losing result Y times in a row, and in the non-special gaming state, the special image is not displayed on the display device. However, X>Y.
The special image is an image that suggests that the next win is guaranteed, and is therefore not displayed in a non-special game state.

・Means 3-1
A gaming machine comprising: a game state setting means capable of setting a normal game state and a special game state which is more advantageous than the normal game state as game states in which the player aims to win a win/lose lottery result; a bonus awarding means for awarding one of a plurality of types of bonuses when the win/lose lottery result is a win; and a display means for showing a history of the bonuses awarded during a predetermined period by displaying a bonus image including elements corresponding to each of the plurality of bonuses, wherein the bonus image representing the bonus awarded when the win/lose lottery result in the special game state is a win is accompanied by a number of draws value indicating the number of win/lose lotteries performed from the start of the special game state until the bonus is awarded.
According to the gaming machine, a novel bonus history is displayed, which allows the player to easily grasp the number of lotteries required in the special game state to obtain the bonus.

・Means 3-2
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that, in a state in which N bonus images (N is 2 or more) representing the bonus awarded when the result of the win/lose lottery in the special game state is a win are displayed, a sum S of the lottery number values displayed in association with each of the N bonus images is displayed.
In this way, the total number of lottery draws taken in the special game state to obtain N privileges can be easily grasped.

・Means 3-3
The gaming machine described in Means 3-2 is characterized in that, when N bonus images (N is 2 or more) representing the bonus awarded when the result of the win/lose lottery in the special game state is a win, an N/S display is displayed.
In this way, the actual probability of winning N special prizes can be easily grasped.

・Means 3-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 3-1 to 3-3, characterized in that the probability of winning the win/lose lottery in the special game state is 1/P, and an emphasis element is displayed to distinguish between the bonus image representing the bonus that satisfies the condition of the lottery number < P and the bonus image representing the bonus that does not satisfy said condition.
In this way, it is easy to determine whether the actual probability of winning is higher or lower than the probability of winning specified in the specifications.

・Means 3-5
The gaming machine described in means 3-4 is characterized in that a continuous display is made to show that the bonus images that satisfy the condition of the lottery number<P are continuous.
By doing this, it is easy to know when consecutive wins occur with a higher probability than the winning probability specified in the specifications.

・Means 4-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display means for displaying a count image including a number representing the number of times a specific event that is determined to occur before a predetermined termination condition is satisfied; and a sound output means for executing a count sound presentation that outputs a count sound consisting of a series of unit sounds equal in number to the number included in the count image when the count image is displayed on the display means.
According to the gaming machine, an interesting gaming characteristic is realized in that the number of unit sounds contained in the number of times sound increases as the occurrence of the specific event increases.

・Measure 4-2
The gaming machine described in means 4-1 is characterized in that winning the lottery is a condition for granting the bonus, and the number of times the specific event occurs is the number of consecutive wins, which is the number of times the bonus is determined to be obtained before the end condition is met.
In this way, an increase in the number of consecutive wins due to an increase in the number of unit sounds increases, realizing a gaming experience that is exciting.

・Means 4-3
The gaming machine according to the invention, characterized in that the number of times sound effect is executed until the number of consecutive wins reaches a specified number, and when the number of consecutive wins exceeds the specified number, a special sound effect is executed in which the number of times image displayed on the display means includes a number representing the number of consecutive wins, but a special sound is output from the sound output means instead of the number of times sound. However, the specified number is set to be equal to or greater than the average number of consecutive wins.
In this way, a game feature is realized in which the number of consecutive wins that is above the average is emphasized (celebrated) by a special sound.

・Means 4-4
The gaming machine described in means 4-3 is characterized in that the special sound is the same as the number sound output from the sound output means when the number of consecutive wins reaches the specified number.
By doing this, there is no need to prepare a separate "dedicated sound" as the special sound.

・Means 4-5
A gaming machine described in any one of means 4-1 to 4-4, characterized in that as the number sound presentation, a first type unit sound and a number sound including a second type unit sound different from the first type unit sound are output, and the first type unit sound and the second type unit sound include common elements.
In this way, the aspects of the unit sounds that make up the count sound may be different. However, even if the unit sounds are different, if they contain a "common element", the number of times that the "common element" is output will match the numerical value contained in the count image.

・Means 4-6
The gaming machine described in means 4-5 is characterized in that the output time of the second type unit sound is longer than that of the first type unit sound, and among the number sounds including a plurality of the unit sounds, at least one of the first and last unit sounds is set to the second type unit sound, and the rest are set to the first type unit sounds.
Since the first and last unit sounds are "conspicuous," it is advisable to output unit sounds with longer output times first or last.

1 gaming machine 11 variable pattern 12 reserved pattern 21 big win area 22 small win area 221 bonus area 30 time image 38 stop explanation image 39 restart explanation image 40 special image 45 action image 60 bonus image 61 lottery number of times 61a low probability number of times 61b high probability number of times 61T sum display 60a condition satisfaction image 60b condition non-satisfaction image 65 probability display 67 continuous highlight display 68 number of times image 70 operation means 75 speaker 80 decorative pattern 904 start area (904a first start area 904b second start area)
908 Launcher 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (4)

a display means for displaying a time image showing an actual time required for a special game period included in a target period which is a period from establishment of a start condition to establishment of a termination condition;
If a game suspension period occurs during the target period during which it is determined that the player has stopped playing, the special game period is not to include the game suspension period,
When the result of the lottery is a win, a winning game is executed in which a predetermined winning area is opened.
The gaming machine is characterized in that the period during which the winning game is being executed is regarded as the special game period .
However, the effect to be executed during the winning game is not determined by selecting from a plurality of types of effects based on the actual time required during the special game period. The special game period is a period during which the decorative pattern notifying the winning/losing lottery result is executed from the time the decorative pattern starts to change until the decorative pattern stops in a manner to notify the winning/losing lottery result.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the game machine is configured such that the game does not transition to the game stop period until a specified time has elapsed since the variable performance was not executed. The special game period is a period during which the decorative pattern notifying the winning/losing lottery result is executed from the time the decorative pattern starts to change until the decorative pattern stops in a manner to notify the winning/losing lottery result.
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the gaming machine is configured so as not to enter the game suspension period unless a launching device for launching game balls is in a non-operated state. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the condition for ending the game suspension period is the operation of a launching device that launches game balls.

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