JP7698307B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

A gaming machine equipped with an operating means that can automatically move from a first position to a second position is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2018-139876 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can execute an interesting presentation using an operating means that can automatically move from a first position to a second position.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, comprises an operating means capable of automatically displacing from a first position to a second position, and an effect execution means for automatically positioning the operating means to the second position and then executing a special operation effect that prompts the player to operate the operating means to displace it from the second position. The special operation effect can be a normal effect that reaches a conclusion when the operation of the operating means is detected, or a special effect that does not reach a conclusion even when the operation of the operating means is detected, but instead generates a special event in which the operating means is automatically displaced to the second position again, and the player is prompted to operate the operating means again.

According to the present invention, it is possible to perform an interesting performance using an operating means that can automatically move from a first position to a second position.

1 is an external perspective view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention (with the gaming board and display device removed for the sake of explanation). FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a game board and a display device fixed behind it. A diagram showing decorative patterns and reserved patterns displayed on a display device. 13A is a diagram for explaining each game state and the transition of game states, and FIG. 13B is a diagram for explaining the allocation of jackpots. A diagram for explaining the flow of the game during special consecutive wins. A diagram to explain the flow of play when there is a series of reserved wins. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-2. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3. A figure to explain special operation effects (normal effects). 13 is a diagram for explaining special operation effects (special effects). FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining special operation effects (special effects). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a normal pattern (showing an example of N=2). FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a normal pattern (continuation of FIG. 15). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a special pattern (showing an example where N=3). FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a special pattern (continuation of FIG. 17). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-6. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-7. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a timer effect. FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining the timer effect (continuation of FIG. 23). FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-1. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-3. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining image presentation. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-2. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-4. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-5. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining specific example 5-6.

1) Overall Configuration Hereinafter, an embodiment of the gaming machine 1 according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, in the following description, the term "image" includes both still images and moving images, unless otherwise specified.

First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described. The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90 (see FIG. 2). The gaming board 90 is made of a substantially square piece of plywood, and a guide rail 903 is provided in a substantially arc shape, forming a passageway for guiding a gaming ball launched by operating a launching device 908 (launching handle) (see FIG. 1) to a gaming area 902. The gaming area 902 includes a starting area 904, a big winning area 906, an outlet 907, and the like. A display device 91 is fixed to the rear of the gaming board 90. A display area 911 of the display device 91 is visible through an opening 901 formed in the gaming board 90. The shape of the display area 911 can be changed as appropriate.

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

In 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 big winning area 906, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by the payout device. In this embodiment, the starting area 904 is also considered to be a winning area.

The lottery for the big win is executed by a winning/losing lottery means provided on a control board (not shown) when a game ball enters the starting area 904. Specifically, when a game ball enters the starting area 904, a number (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as winning/losing lottery information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the number is the same as a predetermined big win number, it is a big win, and if it is different, it is a loss. In this embodiment, two starting areas 904 are provided: 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).

In this embodiment, the winning/losing lottery result is notified by the combination of decorative patterns 80 (see FIG. 3) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Decorative pattern groups 80g (three in this embodiment: left decorative pattern group 80gL, center decorative pattern group 80gC, and right decorative pattern group 80gR), each of which includes multiple types of decorative patterns 80, are displayed in a variable manner, and the winning/losing lottery result is notified when one decorative pattern 80 (a total of three decorative patterns 80) is selected from each decorative pattern group 80g and the variation stops. In this embodiment, in the case of a jackpot, a combination (a winning combination) in which the three decorative patterns 80 are the same type is displayed. In the case of a loss, another combination (a losing combination) is displayed.

The performance executed from the start of the change of the decorative pattern 80 (decorative pattern group 80g) until it stops in a manner according to the winning/losing lottery result is called the during-change performance (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as change or rotation). In this embodiment, the during-change performance corresponding to the order in which the winning/losing lottery information is acquired is started, but when a certain winning/losing lottery information is newly acquired, if a during-change performance based on the winning/losing lottery information acquired before that is started, the newly acquired winning/losing lottery information is stored in a storage means provided on a control board not shown as reserved information (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as reserved) (reserved information can be said to be a subordinate concept of winning/losing lottery information). The maximum number of reserved information to be stored (maximum reserved number) can be set appropriately. The maximum number of reserved information that can be stored by the storage means in this embodiment is four for each of the reserved acquired as a result of the game ball entering the first starting area 904a (so-called special pattern 1 reserved) and the reserved acquired as a result of the game ball entering the second starting area 904b (so-called special pattern 2 reserved). In addition, if both the special chart 1 reservation and the special chart 2 reservation are stored in the storage means, the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the special chart 2 reservation will be notified preferentially (special chart 2 is consumed preferentially).

In this embodiment, whether the acquired winning/losing lottery information will result in a jackpot or not is determined at the time the corresponding during-change performance begins, but a winning/losing lottery may be conducted when the winning/losing lottery information (reserved information) is acquired, and the winning/losing lottery result itself may be stored. The acquired winning/losing lottery information is also used as a numerical value for determining the specific content of the during-change performance. In this embodiment, winning/losing lottery information for which the corresponding during-change performance has begun but the during-change performance has not yet ended is stored in the storage means as during-change information.

In this embodiment, the reserved pattern 70 indicating the presence of the winning/losing lottery information stored in the storage means is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 3). The reserved pattern 70 is divided into a pre-change reserved pattern 71 indicating the presence of reserved information and a changing reserved pattern 72 indicating the presence of changing information. Note that the changing information is not strictly "reserved" because the winning/losing lottery has already been performed, but it is generally often referred to as "the changing reserved" or the like, so the one indicating the presence of changing information will be referred to as the changing reserved pattern 72. In this embodiment, only the reserved pattern 70 corresponding to one of the reserved special patterns 1 and 2 is displayed depending on the game state. Therefore, one changing reserved pattern 72 and a maximum of four pre-change reserved patterns 71 are displayed. A dedicated display means for displaying the reserved pattern 70 may be provided.

Note that we will not explain well-known components such as the lower tray and upper tray (see Figure 1) that store the game balls.

2) Specifications (game status)
In this embodiment, a basic state and an advantageous state that is more advantageous to the player than the basic state are provided as game states in which the player plays with the aim of winning the winning/losing lottery result (see FIG. 4(a)). In this embodiment, the advantageous state has a higher probability (jackpot probability) of winning/losing lottery result being a jackpot than the basic state. The winning/losing lottery probability for each state can be set appropriately. In this embodiment, the jackpot probability (low probability) of the basic state is approximately 1/199, and the jackpot probability (high probability) of the advantageous state is approximately 1/49.

The basic state is a state in which the game ball should be launched aiming at the first starting area 904a. In other words, the basic state is a state in which the aim is to win a winning lottery (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first winning lottery) triggered by the game ball entering the first starting area 904a, thereby winning the jackpot. In this embodiment, the "left hit" is a state in which the game ball should flow down the left side of the display area 911. The advantageous state is a state in which the game ball should be launched aiming at the second starting area 904b. In other words, the advantageous state is a state in which the aim is to win a winning lottery (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second winning lottery) triggered by the game ball entering the second starting area 904b, thereby winning the jackpot. In this embodiment, the "right hit" is a state in which the game ball should flow down the right side of the display area 911. To "right hit" in the basic state or to "left hit" in the advantageous state is disadvantageous to the player (a loss). If the player is not playing in a manner appropriate to the current game state, instructions will be given to play in a manner appropriate to the current game state (such as, hit left, hit right, etc.).

A normal start area 905 is provided on the right side of the game area 902 (a position into which a game ball may enter when a player hits to the right) (see FIG. 2). When a game ball enters the normal start area 905, a normal lottery is executed. If the normal lottery is won, the second start area 904b is opened. The second start area 904b is normally closed (an area into which a game ball cannot enter), and is opened if a game ball is won in the normal lottery. In the advantageous state, the probability of winning the normal lottery is higher than in the basic state. Therefore, if the player is in an advantageous state and continues to hit to the right, the second start area 904b is frequently opened, and the game ball can enter the second start area 904b relatively easily. In this embodiment, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out when the game ball enters the second starting area 904b, so in the advantageous state (right hit), the number of balls decreases slower (the number of prize balls per number of game balls fired is greater) than in the basic state (left hit). In other words, the advantageous state is a so-called "high base" state, and the basic state is a so-called "low base" state. Also, in this embodiment, the average time required for the performance during the fluctuation (the so-called fluctuation time) is set to be shorter in the advantageous state than in the basic state. Therefore, in the advantageous state, the game progresses at a better tempo than in the basic state (the time from the announcement of one win/lose lottery result to the announcement of the next win/lose lottery result is shorter).

In this embodiment, the advantageous state includes a normal advantageous state and a special advantageous state (see FIG. 4(a)). Either state ends when the winning/losing lottery result is a miss for a specified number of consecutive times, and transitions to the basic state. The normal advantageous state ends when the winning/losing lottery result is a miss for 70 consecutive times (specified number = 70). The special advantageous state ends when the winning/losing lottery result is a miss for 1000 consecutive times (specified number = 1000). As described above, the probability of winning in the advantageous state is 1/49, so the probability of winning the next jackpot (so-called continuation probability) before 70 consecutive misses (before the normal advantageous state ends) when transitioning to the normal advantageous state is about 76%. On the other hand, the probability of winning the next jackpot (so-called continuation probability) before 1000 consecutive misses (before the special advantageous state ends) when transitioning to the special advantageous state is about 99.999999%. In other words, the special advantageous state would not end unless about 48/49 misses were made 1000 times in a row, but this almost never happens, and the special advantageous state is essentially a state in which it is guaranteed that you will win the next jackpot (continue to win) before the state ends and you move to the basic state. Note that a state in which the probability of continuation is over 99% (a state in which there is less than a 1% chance that the advantageous state will end without winning a jackpot) is defined as a "state in which it is essentially guaranteed that you will win the next jackpot."

In this embodiment, all jackpots are considered to be jackpots that result in an advantageous gaming state after the jackpot game ends. The jackpots are divided into normal jackpots, in which the gaming state after the jackpot game ends is normally advantageous, and special jackpots, in which the gaming state after the jackpot game ends is specially advantageous. The jackpot allocation for a jackpot that results in a jackpot in the first win/lose lottery (special chart 1 lottery) is 100% normal jackpots. The jackpot allocation for a jackpot that results in a jackpot in the second win/lose lottery (special chart 2 lottery) is 95% normal jackpots and 5% special jackpots (see FIG. 4(b)). Note that a jackpot may be configured such that the gaming state after the jackpot game ends is the basic state.

In the jackpot game, the normally closed big prize area 906 is opened until a predetermined end condition is met, and a round game (unit game) is repeated one or more times. The end condition is met when either a predetermined time has passed since the big prize area 906 was opened, or a predetermined number of game balls have won since the big prize area 906 was opened. However, if the game balls are continuously shot aiming at the big prize area 906 (if the balls are shot to the right in this embodiment), a predetermined number of game balls are set to win in the big prize area 906 before a predetermined time has passed (before the time is up). The predetermined number is called a "count" or the like, and in this embodiment, the count is set to 10. In other words, if the player continuously shoots game balls aiming at the big prize area 906, 10 game balls will win in the big prize area 906 in one round game. In this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out when one game ball enters the big prize area 906 is set to 10. Therefore, if the player continuously shoots game balls aiming at the big prize area 906, 10 x 10 = 100 prize balls will be paid out in one round of play.

The number of rounds (unit number of plays) for each jackpot game can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, if the jackpot is won in the first win/lose lottery (special chart 1 lottery), the normal jackpot is set to 5 rounds (5R normal jackpot). Also, if the jackpot is won in the second win/lose lottery (special chart 2 lottery), both jackpots are set to 10 rounds (10R normal jackpot, 10R special jackpot) (see Figure 4(b)).

Normally, a player starts playing in the basic state. If a jackpot is won in the basic state, it is a normal jackpot, so after the jackpot play ends, the player transitions to the normal advantageous state. If a normal jackpot is won in the normal advantageous state, the player transitions back to the normal advantageous state after the jackpot play ends. If a special jackpot is won in the normal advantageous state, the player transitions back to the special advantageous state after the jackpot play ends. If a normal jackpot is won in the special advantageous state, the player transitions back to the normal advantageous state after the jackpot play ends. If a special jackpot is won in the special advantageous state, the player transitions back to the special advantageous state after the jackpot play ends. The player transitions to the basic state when a specified number of consecutive misses occur in the normal advantageous state or the special advantageous state (the so-called consecutive state ends), but as mentioned above, it is practically impossible for a special advantageous state to fail 1000 times in a row, so the gameplay (specifications) is such that the consecutive state continues unless 70 consecutive misses occur in the normal advantageous state.

3) Special consecutive win image, pending consecutive win image In this embodiment, as images indicating the occurrence of a so-called consecutive win, a special consecutive win image 11 (see FIG. 5(a)) and a pending consecutive win image 12 (see FIG. 5(b)) may be displayed over the entire display area 911. Both images are explained below. Note that neither image will be displayed unless the conditions explained below are met. Since both images indicate the occurrence of a "consecutive win," they will not be displayed in situations where the occurrence of a "consecutive win" has not been decided.

As described above, in this embodiment, a special advantageous state is provided as one type of advantageous state. The special advantageous state is a state to which the player enters after a jackpot game that results in a special jackpot is completed, and when a special jackpot is won, a special consecutive win image 11 (see FIG. 5(a)) may be displayed. In this embodiment, when a special jackpot is won in a normal advantageous state, the special consecutive win image 11 is always displayed (in this embodiment, when a special jackpot is won in a special advantageous state, the special consecutive win image 11 is not displayed). However, when a special jackpot is won in a normal advantageous state, a predetermined lottery (probability of winning is not ≠ 100%) may be executed, and the special consecutive win image 11 may be displayed when the lottery is won.

Because the special advantageous state essentially guarantees the next jackpot, the special consecutive jackpot image 11 is a mode that takes into account the occurrence of a "consecutive jackpot" (hereinafter, a consecutive jackpot that occurs by transitioning to a special advantageous state may be referred to as a special consecutive jackpot). If the jackpot (special jackpot) that triggers the display of the special consecutive jackpot image 11 is the earlier jackpot (early jackpot game), and the jackpot (special jackpot or normal jackpot) that is won in the special advantageous state is the later jackpot (later jackpot game), then the special consecutive jackpot image 11 is a mode that takes into account the fact that it is virtually certain that two jackpots, an earlier jackpot and a later jackpot, will be won.

The special consecutive win image 11 includes a bonus name 131 indicating the combination of the two jackpots (early jackpot and late jackpot) awarded to the player, and a profit value 132 indicating the profit the player can obtain from the two jackpot games. In this embodiment, the special consecutive win image 11 includes the characters "ultra-bonus" as the bonus name 131 (see FIG. 5(a)). In other words, in this embodiment, the two jackpots, the early jackpot and the late jackpot, are made to look like a single jackpot called a "ultra-bonus." Note that the same name is not used for each jackpot. In this embodiment, a normal 10-round jackpot is called a "big bonus."

In addition, the special consecutive win image 11 in this embodiment includes the number "2000" as the profit value 132 (see FIG. 5(a)). The first and second jackpots are both 10-round jackpots. As described above, the number of prize balls per round is 10 x 10 = 100, so the number of prize balls obtained from one 10-round jackpot is 1000, and the number of prize balls obtained from two 10-round jackpots is 2000. Therefore, the number "2000" representing the number of prize balls that will be obtained in the future is displayed on the special consecutive win image 11. Note that the number of prize balls referred to here is a value that does not take into account so-called over-winning. In other words, it represents the minimum total number of prize balls that can be obtained if the player continues to shoot game balls toward the big winning area 906 during the jackpot game (if the time does not run out in each round game). Alternatively, instead of the number of winning balls, the net increase in the number of balls based on the number of game balls shot (the minimum net increase in the number of balls) may be displayed (however, since it is normal for not all game balls shot to land in the big prize area 906, it is difficult to display the net increase in the number of balls).

After the previous jackpot game (see Figures 5(b) and (c)) in which the special consecutive win image 11 was displayed ends, a special advantageous state will be entered, and the presentation mode in this special advantageous state (the element that controls the content (style) of the variable presentation; also called the stage, etc.) is the special presentation mode. In this embodiment, the special presentation mode is called the "ultra mode", and the name of the special presentation mode (the letters "ultra mode") is displayed in the display area 911 immediately before entering the special presentation mode (for example, during the ending period of the previous jackpot game), or during at least a portion of the period in which the special presentation mode is set (see Figure 5(d)). This allows the player to understand that they have entered a special presentation mode.

In this embodiment, the fluctuation is accelerated in the special advantageous state (during the special presentation mode). Specifically, the time (fluctuation time) required for the in-fluctuation presentation in which the win/lose lottery result is a miss is set to the shortest time (shortest fluctuation time) of all the fluctuation times that can be set in the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. In other words, until the fluctuation that results in a jackpot result (fluctuation corresponding to a later jackpot) begins, the miss fluctuation is set to the shortest fluctuation time and is "consumed" at high speed. In this way, the time required to win the later jackpot after the end of the earlier jackpot game is relatively short, enhancing the effect of making two jackpots appear as if they were one jackpot.

In addition, in this embodiment, during the special presentation mode, the reserved symbol 70 (see FIG. 3), which is displayed during the basic state, is not displayed (see FIG. 5(d)). In order to make two jackpots appear as if they were one jackpot, the reserved symbol 70 is not displayed during the period between the first and second jackpot games, making it appear as if the number is not "changing." However, although not shown, a symbol indicating the number of reserved information pieces may be displayed inconspicuously near the outer edge of the display area 911. For the same purpose, the decorative symbol 80 is also displayed small near the outer edge of the display area 911 (see FIG. 5(d)).

On the other hand, the reserved consecutive win image 12 (see FIG. 6(a)) may be displayed when a so-called reserved (inside) consecutive win occurs. In this embodiment, when a normal jackpot (early jackpot) is won in a normal advantageous state, and when the corresponding winning/losing lottery result is a jackpot (later jackpot) among the maximum four reserved information (special chart 2 reserved acquired as a trigger when the game ball enters the second starting area 904b) stored in the storage means at the time of the winning (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as within the reserved), it may be displayed. However, in this embodiment, it is set so that the reserved consecutive win image 12 will not be displayed unless the later jackpot is a normal jackpot. If the later jackpot is a special jackpot, three consecutive wins will be confirmed starting from the previous jackpot (the jackpot where the reserved consecutive win image 12 is displayed), but in such a situation, the reserved consecutive win image 12 is not displayed. In other words, the reserved consecutive win image 12 is displayed in a situation where up to two consecutive wins have been confirmed starting from the previous jackpot. For the same reason, the reserved consecutive win image 12 is set not to be displayed even if there are two or more reserved wins stored in the storage means that correspond to the winning/losing lottery results that are jackpots.

In addition, in this embodiment, even if a normal jackpot is won during a reserved round, the reserved consecutive win image 12 may not be displayed. If it is confirmed that a normal jackpot is won during a reserved round, a predetermined lottery (with a winning probability of ≠ 100%) is executed, and if the lottery is won, the reserved consecutive win image 12 is displayed. Therefore, even if the reserved consecutive win image 12 is not displayed, it is possible to win a normal jackpot during a reserved round. However, this does not deny the possibility of a setting in which the reserved consecutive win image 12 is displayed without fail when a normal jackpot is won during a reserved round.

The reserved consecutive win image 12 has the same appearance as the special consecutive win image 11 (for the sake of explanation, the names and symbols are different, but both images have the same appearance). In other words, the reserved consecutive win image 12 also includes the bonus name 131 "Super Bonus" and the profit value 132 of "2000" (see FIG. 6(a)). Note that the same appearance here means that they can be viewed as the same from the player's perspective (the player feels that they are the same image), and slight differences (such as differences in information displayed small so as not to stand out near the outer edge of the display area 911) are permitted. However, at least the bonus name 131 and profit value 132 are the same in content, as well as the size and font of the characters, and the position in which they are displayed in the display area 911.

After the end of the previous jackpot game, which is a normal jackpot, the transition to a normal advantageous state is not an event that determines the streak, but the presence of a jackpot in the reserve is an event that determines the streak. Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to make the streak (two jackpots) that is (effectively) determined because of the transition to a special advantageous state after the end of the previous jackpot game and the streak (two jackpots) that is determined because a jackpot is won in the reserve after the end of the previous jackpot game appear as if they were the same jackpot (a jackpot with 2000 prize balls named the super bonus), the special streak image 11 and the reserved streak image 12 are in the same form. As described above, in this embodiment, the reserved streak image 12 is displayed when up to two streaks have been determined. This is because the reserved streak image 12 contains the same profit value 132 "2000" as the special streak image 11. In other words, the profit value 132 represents the total number of winning balls obtained from two jackpots (the first jackpot and the second jackpot), so it is displayed when two consecutive jackpots have been confirmed, counting from the first jackpot.

Both the special consecutive winnings image 11 and the reserved consecutive winnings image 12 are displayed during the previous jackpot game (the special consecutive winnings image 11 is displayed during the special jackpot game, and the reserved consecutive winnings image 12 is displayed during the normal jackpot game). In this embodiment, both images are displayed during the opening period before the first round of the previous jackpot game starts after the variable performance that notifies the previous jackpot game ends (see the time charts in Figures 5 and 6). In other words, regardless of whether a special consecutive winnings or a reserved consecutive winnings occurs, the timing at which each image is displayed in the previous jackpot game is the same, so it is not possible to distinguish which consecutive winnings occurred based on the timing. As described above, the special consecutive winnings image 11 and the reserved consecutive winnings image 12 are intended to make two jackpots (the previous jackpot and the subsequent jackpot) look like one jackpot, so it is recommended that they be displayed at the beginning of the previous jackpot game (at least until the first round of the game ends). In addition, displaying a special consecutive win image 11 or a reserved consecutive win image 12 at the end of the variable performance that notifies of the upcoming jackpot (during the period including the end of the variable performance) is also considered to be a display during a jackpot game.

After the end of the previous jackpot game in which the reserved consecutive win image 12 is displayed (see FIG. 6(b)(c)), the game will transition to the normal advantageous state, and the presentation mode in the normal advantageous state will be the special presentation mode (super mode) described above (see FIG. 6(d)). In other words, in this embodiment, the game state to which the game transitions after the end of the previous jackpot game during a special consecutive win is different from the game state to which the game transitions after the end of the previous jackpot game during a reserved consecutive win is different between the special advantageous state and the normal advantageous state, but in either case, the game transitions to the special presentation mode. Although the game states to which the game transitions after the end of the previous jackpot game are strictly different, the game transitions to the same special presentation mode, making it appear to the player that the same event is occurring. Note that the special presentation mode is set only when the reserved consecutive win image 12 or the special consecutive win image 11 is displayed in the previous jackpot game. For example, when these images are not displayed and the game transitions to the normal advantageous state after the end of the jackpot game, the special presentation mode is not set.

As with special consecutive wins, during pending consecutive wins, the name of the special presentation mode (the letters "Super Mode") is displayed in the display area 911 immediately before the mode transitions to the special presentation mode (for example, during the ending period of the previous big win game) or during at least a portion of the period during which the special presentation mode is set (see FIG. 6(d)). This allows the player to understand that the mode has transitioned to a special presentation mode.

Also, just like with special consecutive wins, during reserved consecutive wins, the loss fluctuation will be the shortest during the special performance mode in the normal advantageous state after the previous jackpot game ends (however, of course, if the first reserved win after the previous jackpot game ends is a normal jackpot, there will be no loss fluctuation). In other words, during both special consecutive wins and reserved consecutive wins, the loss fluctuation will be "consumed" at high speed until the next jackpot is won.

Furthermore, just as with the special consecutive wins, during the reserved consecutive wins, the reserved symbol 70 (see FIG. 3) that is displayed during the basic state is not displayed during the special presentation mode in the normal advantageous state after the previous big win game ends. The decorative symbol 80 is also displayed small near the outer edge of the display area 911 (see FIG. 6(d)).

In both special and reserved consecutive wins, the later jackpot is made to look as if it is a "continuation" of the earlier jackpot. In other words, when the later jackpot starts (see Figures 5(e) and 6(e)), no image is displayed indicating that a new jackpot is about to start.

In this embodiment, during a jackpot game, an image (hereinafter referred to as unit image 15) showing the number of unit games (rounds) that have been executed is displayed, and during a subsequent jackpot game (see Figures 5(e)(f) and 6(e)(f)), the unit images 15 include the unit games executed in the previous jackpot game. For example, at the start of the previous jackpot game (when the first unit game has not yet ended), a total of 20 unit images 15 are displayed (see Figures 5(b) and 6(b)), and each time a unit game is executed, one unit image 15 is erased (see Figures 5(b)(c)(e)(f) and 6(b)(c)(e)(f)). In this embodiment, since both the first and second jackpot games are 10 rounds long, 10 unit images 15 are erased (10 unit images 15 remain) at the end of the first jackpot game, and all unit images 15 are erased at the end of the second jackpot game. In other words, although two 10-round jackpot games are actually played, an image is displayed that makes it look like one 20-round jackpot game has been played.

Furthermore, in the first jackpot game and the second jackpot game, the profit image 16 is displayed. The profit image 16 includes a numerical value indicating the prize balls obtained in the first jackpot game, and the number of prize balls paid out ("10" in this embodiment) is added each time a game ball enters the big prize area 906. However, in this embodiment, the prize balls for so-called over-entry are not added. Even when the first jackpot game ends, the numerical value of the profit image 16 is not reset, but is carried over to the second jackpot game (see FIG. 5(b)(c)(e)(f), FIG. 6(b)(c)(e)(f)). In this embodiment, the numerical value of the profit image 16 becomes "1000" at the end of the first jackpot game, and the numerical value of the profit image 16 becomes "2000" at the end of the second jackpot game. In addition, the character "2000" (the number represented by the profit numerical value 132) is added to the numerical value of the profit image 16 in contrast to the numerical value of the profit image 16. For example, the numerical value of the profit image 16 is the "numerator," and the character "2000" is the "denominator." This makes it easier for the player to understand that the "ultra-bonus" will end when the numerical value of the profit image 16 reaches "2000."

Note that the later jackpot during a reserved consecutive win is a normal jackpot. On the other hand, the later jackpot during a special consecutive win may be not only a normal jackpot but also a special jackpot. In this embodiment, regardless of whether it is a normal jackpot or a special jackpot, the later jackpot is controlled as described above. If the later jackpot is a special jackpot, the game will transition to a special advantageous state after the end of the later jackpot game, but since the special consecutive win image 11 is not displayed during the later jackpot game, the game will not transition to the special presentation mode described above. Although not shown, in this embodiment, the special advantageous state (a special advantageous state in which the special presentation mode is not set) is controlled as if it were a normal advantageous state from the player's perspective. If 70 consecutive misses occur in the special advantageous state, a presentation is executed to make it appear as if an "extension" of the advantageous state has occurred.

In this way, in this embodiment, whether a special consecutive win or a reserved consecutive win occurs, the same type of image (special consecutive win image 11, reserved consecutive win image 12) is displayed (see Figures 5(a) and 6(a)). Even if the causes of the consecutive win are different, the player will still obtain substantially the same profit (profit from two jackpots), so by displaying the same type of image in either case, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming difficult to understand. Also, since different images are not prepared for each cause of the consecutive win, there is the advantage that it contributes to cost reduction and easier control.

In addition, as in this embodiment, the special consecutive wins image 11 and the reserved consecutive wins image 12 include the same bonus name 131, so that although the factors that actually cause the bonus to be awarded (whether it is a special consecutive win or a reserved consecutive win) are different, the player can play the game without being aware of the difference in factors (treating them as the same bonus).

In addition, as in this embodiment, by making the special consecutive wins image 11 and the reserved consecutive wins image 12 contain the same profit numerical value 132, the player can be given the impression that they are the same benefit that can be obtained by obtaining the same profit, even though the factors that actually cause the benefit to be obtained (whether it is a special consecutive win or a reserved consecutive win) are different.

In addition, in this embodiment, after the end of the previous jackpot (special jackpot) game in which the special consecutive win image 11 is displayed, the player transitions to a special advantageous state, and after the end of the previous jackpot (normal jackpot) game in which the reserved consecutive win image 12 is displayed, the player transitions to a normal advantageous state. Strictly speaking, the type of previous jackpot (the game state to which the player transitions after the previous jackpot game ends) is different, but in either case, a gameplay is realized in which there is a possibility of obtaining a special "ultra bonus" (a special win that appears to be the same type to the player). In other words, while it is common to make the type of special win appear to differ depending on the type of jackpot, by doing as in this embodiment, it is possible to make it appear as if the same type of special win has been obtained even if the type of previous jackpot (the game state to which the player transitions after the previous jackpot game ends) is different.

In addition, in this embodiment, the game state to which the player transitions after the end of the jackpot game in which the special consecutive win image 11 is displayed and the game state to which the player transitions after the end of the jackpot game in which the reserved consecutive win image 12 is displayed are different between the special advantageous state and the normal advantageous state, but in either case the game state transitions to the special presentation mode (see Figures 5(d) and 6(d)), so the player is less likely to feel the difference between the special advantageous state and the normal advantageous state (the player is more likely to feel that the same event is occurring).

Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, concrete changes, modifications, etc., made to the above-mentioned special consecutive win image 11 and reserved consecutive win image 12. 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
The special advantageous state may be set to be an advantageous state that continues until the next big win. In other words, the special consecutive win may be configured to transition to a special advantageous state that continues until the next big win after the end of the previous big win game, so that the acquisition of the next big win is virtually guaranteed.

〇Specific example 1-2
In the above embodiment, it was explained that the special consecutive win image 11 and the reserved consecutive win image 12, which have the same appearance, include the bonus name 131 and the profit value 132, but they may also be configured to include only one of the bonus name 131 and the profit value 132 (while maintaining the same appearance).

In addition, the special consecutive wins image 11 and the reserved consecutive wins image 12, which have the same appearance, may include elements other than the bonus name 131 and the profit value 132. In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the appearance of both images is configured in order to make two jackpots, an earlier jackpot and a later jackpot, appear as one jackpot, but they may also include elements that suggest a "consecutive win". For example, it is conceivable that both images may include a word such as "W", suggesting to the player that a consecutive win (two jackpots) will occur (see FIG. 7). However, even with such a configuration, the special consecutive wins image 11 and the reserved consecutive wins image 12 do not clearly indicate to the player the difference in the factors that cause a "consecutive win".

Specific example 1-3
In the above embodiment, the special consecutive win image 11 and the reserved consecutive win image 12 are described as having the same aspect, but some aspects may be different. For example, as in the above embodiment, the same aspect of the bonus name 131 and the profit value 132 are included, but the color of the image displayed as the background may be different (see FIG. 8).

Some players may want to distinguish between special consecutive wins and reserved consecutive wins while playing. By making parts of both images different, such players can easily tell which consecutive win has occurred by the difference. However, as in this example, by maintaining the same appearance for the bonus name 131 and the profit value 132 (or, if only one of the bonus name 131 and the profit value 132 is displayed as explained in specific example 1-2, then that one), many players are likely to perceive the same event as occurring.

Specific example 1-4
Although it is an extremely rare event that will never actually occur, if a jackpot is not won in the special advantageous state after the end of the previous jackpot (special jackpot) game in which the special jackpot consecutive image 11 is displayed (if there are consecutive misses a prescribed number of times (1000 times in the above embodiment)), then the "casual jackpot" (subsequent jackpot game) will not occur. In this case, there are various possible ways to end the special advantageous state. For example, as in the above embodiment, if there is a transition to a special presentation mode (ultra mode), then a presentation is executed as if the special presentation mode had ended at the last miss variation (1000th variation) in the special advantageous state.

4) Special operation performance As a performance constituting the performance during the change, a special operation performance may occur. In this embodiment, the special operation performance may occur as a performance constituting the performance during the change in the basic state. However, it may also be possible to cause the special operation performance to occur as a performance constituting the performance during the change in the advantageous state.

The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment includes an operating means 20 that can be operated by a player. In this embodiment, the operating means 20 includes a first operating means 21 and a second operating means 22 (see FIG. 1). The first operating means 21 is a push button (hereinafter, the first operating means 21 is referred to as an effect button). The second operating means 22 is an object that is operated in a shape resembling a "sword" (hereinafter, the second operating means 22 is referred to as a sword device). The special operation effect is an effect that uses the sword device. Note that the structure, drive mechanism, etc. of the sword device are publicly known, as described in, for example, JP 2018-139876 A, and the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment uses the same ones, so detailed explanations will be omitted.

The sword device can be automatically (meaning not by the player's force) displaced from a first position to a second position above the first position by the power of a motor, which is a driving source. The sword device is normally located at the first position. In other words, the first position is the original position. The sword device cannot be displaced below the first position. The special operation effect is an effect that automatically displaces the sword device from the first position to the second position, and then urges the player to displace the sword device from the second position toward the first position (see Figs. 9(a)(b) and 10(a)(b)). From the player's perspective, it is an effect that urges the player to operate the "sword" by pushing it downward. Since the sword device is normally located at the first position, it can be said that the special operation effect cannot be executed (the player cannot operate the sword device) unless the sword device is displaced from the first position to the second position. It can be said that displacing the sword device from the first position to the second position is preparation for executing the special operation effect (the second position is the preparation state for the special operation effect).

In this embodiment, the special operation effect may occur as part of one or more specific reach effects. When a specific reach effect occurs in a variable effect corresponding to a certain winning/losing lottery result (hereinafter referred to as the target winning/losing lottery result), if the target winning/losing lottery result is a big win, the specific reach effect will end in a favorable way (see FIG. 9(d-1) and FIG. 11(c)), and if it is a loss, it will end in an unfavorable way (see FIG. 9(d-2)). (Note that the favorable ending includes a so-called reversal pattern in which an unfavorable ending appears to have been reached but is then overturned.) In other words, the time before the ending of the specific reach effect is determined is the winning/losing branch point at which the winning/losing lottery result is determined. In this embodiment, the specific reach effect is a so-called battle effect. Specifically, a friendly character, which is the character on the player's side, fights an enemy character that faces it, and the winning of the friendly character is determined as a favorable ending, and the losing of the friendly character (the enemy character wins) is determined as an unfavorable ending.

The special operation effects that occur during specific reach effects are divided into normal effects (basic mode) (see Figure 9) and different special effects (see Figures 10 and 11). Note that most special operation effects that occur (95% or more) are set to be normal effects. In other words, the "default" for special operation effects is to be normal effects.

In the normal performance, the player is prompted to operate the sword device (see FIG. 9(b)), and the operation of the sword device is detected (meaning that the sword device is detected to be in the first position) (see FIG. 9(c)), which leads to the conclusion (see FIG. 9(d-1)(d-2)). The normal performance can occur even if the target lottery result is a miss or a jackpot. Therefore, the normal performance leads to the advantageous conclusion (see FIG. 9(d-1)) or unfavorable conclusion (see FIG. 9(d-2)) by operating the sword device. In the normal performance, the operation valid period is set, and an operation instruction image 25 that prompts the operation of the sword device is displayed in the display area 911. In this embodiment, the operation instruction image 25 includes a remaining time image 251 (for example, an image of a meter that decreases with the passage of actual time) indicating the remaining operation valid period, an operation target image 252 indicating the target to be operated (i.e., the sword device), and an operation mode image 253 indicating the operation mode (how to operate) (see FIG. 9(b)). Since the conclusion is reached when the sword device is operated during the valid operation period, this operation will cause the operation instruction image 25 to be erased. Note that, as long as the player can understand that they are being prompted to operate the sword device, the operation instruction image 25 may not include part of the remaining time image 251, the operation target image 252, and the operation mode image 253, or it may include other images.

In normal presentation, the conclusion is reached when the first operation of the sword device is detected after the start of the valid operation period. From the player's perspective, the operation of the sword device is the trigger for determining whether they have won or lost, so it can be said that this is where they put effort into their operation. Note that in normal presentation, if no operation of the sword device is detected during the valid operation period, the conclusion is reached when the valid operation period ends.

The special effects have a valid operation period set in the same way as the normal effects (see FIG. 10(b)). After the valid operation period has started, but before the sword device is actually operated, the player cannot tell whether it is a special effect that is a normal effect (in the state of FIG. 9(b) and FIG. 10(b), it is impossible to tell whether it is a normal effect or a special effect). In other words, the display form of the operation instruction image 25 described above is the same as for the normal effects.

In the special presentation, unlike the normal presentation, the conclusion is not reached when the first sword device operation is detected (see FIG. 10(c)) after the start of the operation valid period (sometimes called the first operation valid period to distinguish it from the second operation valid period described later) (see FIG. 10(b)). In this embodiment, even if the first sword device operation (first operation) is detected after the start of the first operation valid period, as long as the first operation valid period remains, the operation instruction image 25 (remaining time image 251, operation target image 252, operation mode image 253) continues to be displayed as it is (the remaining time image 251 changes with the actual passage of time) (see FIG. 10(d)). In other words, the first operation is not reflected in the presentation (there is no reaction). Therefore, the player may get the impression that the gaming machine is broken.

In this way, in the special performance in which the sword device is detected during the first operation valid period but does not reach the conclusion, a special event occurs in which the sword device located at the first position is automatically displaced to the second position again when the first operation valid period ends (see FIG. 11(a)). After the special event, the player is prompted to operate the sword device again (second operation). In this embodiment, the remaining time image 251, operation target image 252, and operation mode image 253 described above are displayed again (see FIG. 11(b)). Note that the remaining time image 251 here indicates the remaining second operation valid period that is newly set for the second operation. The conclusion (see FIG. 11(d)) is reached when the operation of the sword device is detected during the second operation valid period in which the sword device is again located at the second position (see FIG. 11(c)). Note that if the operation of the sword device is not detected during the second operation valid period, the conclusion is reached when the second operation valid period ends. In this embodiment, the special performance is assumed to occur only when the target winning/losing lottery result is a jackpot. In other words, the special effect is a big win confirmation effect, and a favorable outcome is reached when operation of the sword device is detected during the second operation effective period.

If the sword device is not operated during the first operation valid period, the sword device will not be in the first position, and so the sword device will not automatically move to the second position (special event) upon the end of the first operation valid period. However, since the sword device will be in the second position, the second operation valid period will begin as is, and the player will be prompted to operate the sword device again. If the sword device is operated during the second operation valid period, this will be the trigger (if the sword device is not operated, the end of the second operation valid period will be the trigger) to reach the ending (advantageous ending), just as if the sword device was operated during the first operation valid period.

In this way, the special operation effect in this embodiment may be a special effect that does not lead to a conclusion even if the operation of the sword device is detected. This can provide a surprise to players who have already been exposed to the normal effect, which is the "default" effect, several times, or to players who predict that this type of operation effect (the operation effect used for winning or losing) will lead to a conclusion as a result of an operation.

In addition, the special effects in this embodiment involve the occurrence of a specific event that prompts the player to operate the sword device again in the second position, which results in an ending (a favorable ending). Therefore, the original thrill (fun) of the operational effects, in that the ending is determined by the player's own operation (if the jackpot is confirmed as in this embodiment, this gives the impression that the player has won the jackpot through their own efforts), is still preserved.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above-mentioned special operation 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, it has been explained that the special operation effect being a special effect determines that an advantageous outcome will be reached (the target winning/losing lottery result is a jackpot), but the special effect may be set to have a higher probability of reaching an advantageous outcome (the probability ((jackpot) reliability) of the target winning/losing lottery result being a jackpot) than the normal effect, but may not necessarily lead to an advantageous outcome (the target winning/losing lottery result may be a miss). In short, the special effect may be set as a so-called chance increase that does not determine an advantageous outcome.

〇Specific example 2-2
The setting is that the occurrence of a special operation effect that prompts the operation of the sword device (second operation means 22) itself is a chance increase. For example, as in the above embodiment, in the specific reach effect (see FIG. 12(a)), a normal operation effect that prompts the operation of the effect button (first operation means 21) may occur (see FIG. 12(b-1)), and a special operation effect that prompts the operation of the sword device (second operation means 22) may occur (see FIG. 12(b-2)). The probability of reaching an advantageous conclusion (the probability that the target hit/miss lottery result is a jackpot ((jackpot) reliability)) is higher when a special operation effect occurs than when a normal operation effect occurs. In addition, the special operation effect may be a normal effect or a special effect as described in the above embodiment.

By doing this, from the player's perspective, they basically hope to be prompted to operate the sword device rather than the effect button, and when they find themselves in a pleasing situation in which they are prompted to operate the sword device, a surprising special effect can occur.

Specific example 2-3
In the above embodiment, when a special effect is generated, the second operation valid period (the second operation is prompted) is set after the first operation valid period (the period during which the first operation is prompted) has ended (separate first operation valid period and second operation valid period are set), but the first operation and the second operation may be prompted during a continuous operation valid period. In other words, even if the first operation is performed, the operation valid period continues without reaching the conclusion, and after the sword device returns to the second position, the second operation is performed during the continuing operation valid period, which serves as an opportunity to reach the conclusion (advantageous conclusion).

Specific example 2-4
In the special effects in the above embodiment, it has been explained that even if the sword device is operated during the first operation effective period (first operation), the operation instruction image 25 remains displayed (there is no reflection in the effects). However, as shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to use the first operation as a trigger (see FIG. 13(b)) to display an image (special image 28) dedicated to special effects that is not displayed in normal effects in the display area 911 (see FIG. 13(c)). In other words, the first operation does not lead to a conclusion, but is reflected in the effects. After such a special image 28 is displayed, the sword device is automatically positioned again in the second position, and the second operation is prompted (a second operation effective period is set) (see FIG. 13(d)).

The special image 28 may be configured to remain displayed during the validity period of the second operation (the special image 28 displayed in the state of FIG. 13(c) may continue to be displayed until the state of FIG. 13(d)). In other words, the second operation may be prompted while the special image 28 is displayed.

Specific example 2-5
As explained above, in the above embodiment, the special effect does not reach its conclusion by operating the sword device a first time, but rather is triggered by operating the sword device a second time. However, the configuration may also be such that a second operation of the sword device is not required.

As in the above embodiment, the operation of the sword device during the operation valid period (see FIG. 14(b)) is not used as a trigger to reach the conclusion. That is, the operation is not reflected in the presentation, and the operation instruction image 25 continues to be displayed as is (see FIG. 14(c)). Then, after a while, a presentation indicating that a big win is confirmed is executed (see FIG. 14(d)). That is, a presentation indicating that the operation of the sword device is unresponsive (unresponsive presentation) is executed for a predetermined time, and then a presentation indicating that a big win is confirmed (confirmed presentation) is generated. The predetermined time is ensured to be long enough for the player to sense that the operation of the sword device is unresponsive (for example, 3 seconds or more). That is, if the confirmed presentation occurs immediately after the operation of the sword device, the player will feel that the confirmed presentation is triggered by the operation of the sword device, so the unresponsive presentation is executed for a predetermined time after the operation of the sword device is detected. Even in this way, the presentation is such that the player is surprised that the operation of the sword device is unresponsive.

Specific example 2-6
The operation means 20 (second operation means 22) that is required to be operated in the special operation performance may be anything that can be automatically displaced from the first position to the second position, and the sword device is merely an example. For example, a push button such as that described in JP 2007-307281 A may be used.

5) Image preview performance Image preview performance may occur as a performance constituting the performance during the change. In this embodiment, the image preview performance may occur as a performance constituting the performance during the change in the basic state. However, it may also occur as a performance constituting the performance during the change in the advantageous state.

The image preview performance is a performance in which a target image 30 is displayed in the display area 911 (see Figures 15(a) and 17(a)). The target image 30 suggests that a target performance will occur. In this embodiment, during a changing performance (target changing performance) that notifies a certain winning/losing lottery result (target winning/losing lottery result), the image preview performance and the target performance whose occurrence has been predicted by the image preview performance occur one or more times.

In this embodiment, the target performance is an operation performance that prompts the player to operate the performance button (first operation means 21) (see Fig. 15(d), Fig. 16(c), Fig. 17(d), Fig. 18(c)). When the performance button is operated (single operation) during the operation valid period (or the operation valid period ends), the operation is reflected in the performance. In this embodiment, the operation triggers one of several types of favorable events (so-called chance up, which suggests that the probability of the target winning/losing lottery result being a jackpot has increased) that are advantageous to the player (see Fig. 16(a), Fig. 16(d), Fig. 18(a), Fig. 18(d)). In other words, basically, the more the target performance occurs, the more the favorable events occur, so the player will hope for many target performances to occur.

The multiple types of opportunity events that can occur through the target performance (operation performance) may be anything that suggests that the reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result has increased, so detailed explanations will be omitted. Examples include so-called reserved change performance (the variable reserved pattern 70 changes in a direction that increases the reliability), transition to a specific zone (chance zone), occurrence of a specific reach performance, occurrence of continuous performances such as pseudo-continuous performances, change in color of a specified image (e.g., change in color of characters representing the character's lines, change in color of the reach title, etc.), display of a performance image whose display is considered to increase the chance (e.g., display of a cut-in image), emission of a light-emitting body whose emission is considered to increase the chance, output of a sound effect whose output is considered to increase the chance, etc. An event that, when it occurs, determines that the target winning/losing lottery result will be a jackpot may be set as an opportunity event. In addition, the same type of opportunity event may occur more than once in the target changing performance. In addition, a notice of the occurrence of such an event (a notice of an occurrence in the future, although it does not occur immediately after the operation performance) is also included in the occurrence of an opportunity event.

In addition, the operation effect as the target effect in this embodiment is one in which a single operation is encouraged (a single operation during the valid operation period causes an opportunity event to occur), but other operations (repeated taps, long press, etc.) may also be encouraged. However, regardless of the type of operation, the operation opportunity given by one target effect is "one time." For example, in an operation effect that encourages repeated taps, the player will normally operate the effect button multiple times, but these multiple operations together are considered to be one operation opportunity. In other words, the setting of one valid operation period (a continuous valid operation period) is considered to be one operation opportunity.

As described above, since the target performance is an operation performance that prompts the operation of the performance button, the target image 30 displayed when the image preview performance occurs is intended to suggest this (see FIG. 15(a) and FIG. 17(a)). In this embodiment, an image representing the performance button (as long as the player can recognize it as representing the performance button) is displayed as the target image 30. The image preview performance is one in which N target images 30 are displayed in the display area 911. To the player, it appears as if the buttons are "stocked". In this embodiment, N = 1, 2, 3, or 4. Although details will be described later, the number of target images 30 is intended to suggest the jackpot reliability of the target hit/miss lottery result, so the number of target images 30 to be displayed is determined based on the target hit/miss lottery result. Note that, in addition to a mode in which N target images 30 themselves are actually displayed, a mode in which the fact that N target images 30 are displayed may be indicated by other characters or the like. For example, a mode such as "○×N" (○ represents the target image 30) may be used. Even in this display mode, it is considered that "N target images 30 are displayed in the display area 911" (when a reduction in the number of target images 30 occurs as described below, the value of N in "xN" can be reduced).

The patterns in which the target effect occurs after such an image preview effect has occurred are classified into normal patterns (examples of which are shown in Figures 15 and 16) and special patterns (examples of which are shown in Figures 17 and 18). The normal pattern can be considered the "default" pattern. When an image preview effect occurs, it is set to be the normal pattern 95% or more of the time, and players will rarely encounter a special pattern.

In the normal pattern (see Figs. 15 and 16), after N target images 30 are displayed as an image preview effect, a total of N target effects occur before the target changing effect ends (Figs. 15 and 16 show an example where N=2). Note that the periods during which each of the N target effects occur do not overlap (there is a time difference). In this way, the basic aspect of the image preview effect (normal pattern) is to display N target images 30 to provide advance notice that N target effects will occur in the future. In this embodiment, an image showing N effect buttons is displayed (see Figs. 15(a) and (b)), and the player who sees this can sense that he or she will be given the opportunity to operate the effect buttons a total of N times.

The target effect is understood by the player to have occurred based on the display of the target image 30. In this embodiment, the number of displayed target images 30 is controlled to decrease each time a target effect occurs (in the normal pattern, the number of target images 30 decreases by one each time a target effect occurs) (see FIG. 15(d) and FIG. 16(c)), so that the player can understand that one target effect has occurred as a result of "consuming" one target image 30 (releasing one of the stocks of one or more buttons). In addition, the target effect in this embodiment includes an introduction period (see FIG. 15(c) and FIG. 16(b)) in which the target image 30 is highlighted by being enlarged or the like, and a main period (see FIG. 15(d) and FIG. 16(c)) in which the player is prompted to operate the effect button. In other words, the introduction period is provided to emphasize that one target effect (operation effect) has occurred as a result of "consuming" one target image 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the target image 30 is used as the button image 31 (an image showing the effect button to be operated) displayed during the main period to encourage the player to operate the effect button (the target image 30 and the button image 31 are viewed as the same by the player). That is, the target image 30 (see FIG. 15(c) and FIG. 16(b)) that was highlighted during the introductory period continues to be displayed as is (without being erased) during the main period, and is used as the button image 31 to encourage the player to operate the effect button (see FIG. 15(d) and FIG. 16(c)). In this way, it becomes easier to understand that the target image 30 has been "consumed."

During the main period, an operation target image 252 indicating the remaining valid operation period (in this embodiment, a meter image indicating the remaining time) and an operation mode image 253 indicating the operation mode (in this embodiment, an image including the word "press", indicating a single operation) are displayed together with the button image 31 (see Fig. 15(d) and Fig. 16(c)). Note that even if an operation mode that prompts the operation of the effect button occurs without the introduction period after the image preview effect occurs, if that operation mode occurs without the introduction period (the target image 30 is not "consumed"), then that operation mode is not considered to be a target effect. Naturally, even if such an operation mode occurs, the number of target images 30 does not decrease.

The special pattern (see Figures 17 and 18) is one in which, after N target images 30 are displayed as an image preview performance, a total of M target performances (where M<N) occur before the target changing performance ends. In other words, the number of target performances that occur thereafter is less than the number of target images 30 displayed in the image preview performance. Note that in this embodiment, when an image preview performance occurs, it is set so that at least one target performance occurs (M>=1), so the special pattern only occurs when N>=2 (the special pattern does not occur when N=1).

In this embodiment, if a special pattern occurs, a fusion effect occurs (this fusion effect does not occur if a normal pattern occurs). As shown in the example in Figures 17 and 18, an image preview effect occurs in which three target images 30 are displayed (an image preview effect where N = 3), and then two target effects occur (where M = 2). In the case of a special pattern, one fusion effect occurs. An example of the flow of this case is as follows.

If no combined effect occurs, the pattern is the same as the normal pattern. In other words, the control is performed as if one target effect had occurred as a result of one target image 30 being consumed (see Figures 17(c) and (d)).

The combined effect is executed during the above-mentioned introduction period, and is intended to make it appear as if the target effect has occurred as a result of two target images 30 being consumed at once. Specifically, two of the target images 30 displayed in the image preview effect are enlarged, and the two enlarged target images 30 are combined to appear as one, in a combined effect (see FIG. 18(b)). The combined target images 30 continue to be displayed as they are (without being erased) during the main period, and are used as button images 31 to prompt the player to operate the effect button (see FIG. 18(c)). In other words, one operation opportunity is given based on the consumption of two target images 30. Since two target images 30 are consumed, the number of target images 30 displayed in the display area 911 is reduced by two as a result of the occurrence of the target effect. By making such a combined effect occur, it is clearly shown to the player that one target effect is executed as a result of the "consumption" of two target images 30.

In the examples shown in Figures 17 and 18, the target effect that occurs as a result of consuming two target images 30 is the "second" target effect, but it may also occur as the "first" target effect. In other words, it is not determined how many times the target effect that occurs as a result of consuming two target images 30 will occur. However, it may be set so that the target effect that occurs as a result of consuming two target images 30 becomes the "last" target effect. In this case, the target images 30 are consumed one by one until only two target images 30 remain, and the development after only two remain will determine whether it will be a normal pattern or a special pattern, which has the advantage of being an easy-to-understand effect format.

In this embodiment, in the case of a normal pattern, the greater the number (N) of target images 30 displayed in the image preview performance, the greater the number of times the target performance (opportunity event) occurs, and therefore the higher the reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result.

In addition, in this embodiment, when comparing cases in which the number of target images 30 displayed in the image preview effect is the same, the probability that the target hit lottery result will be a hit is higher when the special pattern occurs than when the normal pattern occurs. For example, if an image preview effect with N=4 occurs, the target hit lottery result is more likely to be a hit when a special pattern occurs with three target effects than when the normal pattern occurs with four target effects (the same applies when N=2 or 3). In other words, because the occurrence of a combined effect is set as a chance increase, a gameplay in which the player hopes for the occurrence of a combined effect when an image preview effect occurs is realized.

Thus, the image preview effect in this embodiment basically (in the normal pattern) predicts that the number of target effects will occur equal to the number of target images 30 displayed, but it is an interesting effect in that there is also a possibility that the number of target effects that will occur will be less than the number of target images 30 displayed (a special pattern). A player will likely look at the number of target images 30 displayed in the image preview effect and predict that that number of target effects will occur, so the occurrence of a special pattern will come as a surprise to players who make such predictions.

In addition, in this embodiment, the occurrence of a special pattern increases the probability that the result of the target winning/losing lottery will be a jackpot, so (players who know this) will hope that the number of target effects occurring will be less than the number of target images 30 (that a combined effect will occur).

In addition, in this embodiment, when a special pattern occurs, a combined effect occurs in which two target images 30 are displayed as if they have been combined, making it easy to understand that one target effect has occurred as a result of two target images 30 being consumed (a special pattern has occurred).

In addition, the target presentation in this embodiment is an operation presentation that requires the player to operate the operation means 20, and basically (in the normal pattern) the number of target images 30 indicates the number of operation opportunities given to the player, which is an easy presentation form for the player to understand. Also, since the target images 30 represent the presentation buttons (first operation means 21), it is easy for the player to predict that the target images 30 will give an opportunity to operate the presentation buttons.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above image preview performances. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may be made that apply a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

Specific example 3-1
Although the target effect in the above embodiment is an operation effect that prompts the operation of the effect button (operation means), the target effect may be something other than such an operation effect. The target image 30 may be in a form that allows the player to understand that it represents the effect that is the target effect.

Specific example 3-2
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the image preview performance and the target performance generated based on it are executed during one during-change performance (target during-change performance), but they may be executed over multiple during-change performances. For example, an image preview performance may occur during a certain during-change performance (earlier during-change performance), and after the certain during-change performance ends, the target performance may occur during the subsequent during-change performance (later during-change performance). In this case, the reliability suggested by the occurrence of the target performance (opportunity event) is the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the later during-change performance. In this way, the image preview performance can be made to function as a so-called pre-reading performance.

Specific example 3-3
In the above embodiment, it has been described that a combination effect occurs when a special pattern is generated, but such a combination effect may not occur. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which two target images 30 are "consumed" by the occurrence of one target effect without going through a combination effect.

Specific example 3-4
In the above embodiment, it has been described that when a special pattern is generated, one target performance occurs as a result of consuming two target images 30, but a configuration in which one target performance occurs as a result of consuming three or more target images 30 may also be used (see FIG. 19; FIG. 19 shows an example in which one target performance occurs as a result of consuming three target images 30). In other words, a configuration in which not only a combination performance occurs in which two target images 30 become one, but also a combination performance occurs in which three or more target images 30 become one may also be used.

In the case of this example, the higher the number of target images 30 consumed at once in the case of a special pattern, the higher the reliability of the jackpot of the target winning/losing lottery result is set. For example, if four target images 30 are displayed in the image preview performance and one combined performance occurs, the reliability of the jackpot is higher when the combined performance is "three target images 30 become one" (see FIG. 19(c-2)) (the number of times the target performance occurs is two) than when "two target images 30 become one" (see FIG. 19(c-1)) (the number of times the target performance occurs is three), and when "four target images 30 become one" (see FIG. 19(c-3)) (the number of times the target performance occurs is one) than when "three target images 30 become one" (see FIG. 19(c-2)). In this way, when a combined performance occurs, the number of target images 30 that are the subject of the combined performance is also a performance form that the player should pay attention to.

Specific example 3-5
As the opportunity events that occur through the target performance, a plurality of types of events with different jackpot reliability are set. The probability that the subsequent opportunity event will be highly reliable is set to be higher when one target performance occurs as a result of two target images 30 being consumed in a special pattern (special target performance) than when one target performance occurs as a result of one target image 30 being consumed in a normal pattern or special pattern (normal target performance). For example, if five opportunity events, from the first opportunity event to the fifth opportunity event (the fifth opportunity event has the highest reliability), are set in order of reliability as the opportunity events that can occur, the probability that at least the fifth opportunity event will occur is higher when two target images 30 are displayed than when one target image 30 is consumed (see FIG. 20).

As explained in specific example 3-4 above, if the configuration is such that a target performance may occur as a result of three or more target images 30 being consumed, the setting can be such that the greater the number of target images 30 consumed, the higher the probability that the opportunity event will be highly reliable.

Specific example 3-6
As described above, when an image preview performance in which one target image 30 is displayed (N=1) occurs (see FIG. 21(d)), no special pattern occurs (since a combined performance cannot occur, there is no possibility of an increased chance due to the combined performance occurring). Based on this, the image preview performance of N=1 is set to be more of a chance than other image preview performances (cases in which N=2 to 4). For example, in the above embodiment, it was explained that the more target images 30 are displayed in the image preview performance, the higher the jackpot reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result. However, although this rule is established in the cases of N=2 to 4 (see FIG. 21(a) to (c)), (reliability: N=2<N=3<N=4), the case of N=1 (see FIG. 21(d)) is set to be more reliable than either of these cases.

In this way, when an image preview effect occurs, the player hopes that N=1, but even if N=1 is not the case (if N=2 to 4), gameplay is realized in which the player can still hope for a combined effect to occur. In other words, by making the image preview effect of N=1, which cannot cause a combined effect to occur, highly reliable, even if the image preview effect does not become highly reliable, the possibility of a combined effect occurring thereafter remains, realizing gameplay that is exciting until the very end.

Specific example 3-7
A configuration is adopted in which a change in the target image 30 (a change in the target performance whose occurrence is predicted by the target image 30) may occur. As described above, the target image 30 is an image representing a performance button (first operation means 21). At the beginning of the image preview performance, N target images 30 representing the performance button are displayed. When a certain target image 30 is "consumed", the target image 30 may change from one representing a performance button to one representing a sword device (second operation means 22) (see FIG. 22(a) and (b)). When this change occurs, an operation performance (second operation performance) that prompts the operation of the sword device occurs as the target performance, rather than an operation performance (first operation performance) that prompts the operation of the performance button (see FIG. 22(c)). By making it possible for such a change in the target image 30 to occur, a performance form that gives a surprise to a player who predicts that the operation of the performance button will be prompted in the future at the time when the image preview performance occurs.

When doing as in this example, it is advisable to set the reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result to be higher when a change in the target image 30 occurs (when the second operation presentation is executed) than when no change occurs (when the second operation presentation is not executed). By doing so, the gameplay that players expect from the change in the target image 30 (change in the target presentation) can be realized.

6) Timer performance As a performance constituting the performance during fluctuation, a timer performance (see FIG. 23 and FIG. 24) may occur. In this embodiment, the timer performance may occur as a performance constituting the performance during fluctuation in the basic state. However, it may also occur as a performance constituting the performance during fluctuation in the advantageous state.

The execution of the timer performance is indicated by the display of a time image 40 including a time display 41 (a numerical value) that changes as the actual time (real time) passes in the display area 911. After the time-up point when the time display 41 reaches the end time, one of a number of specific events occurs (the basic configuration of such timer performances is publicly known). In this embodiment, the time display 41 indicates the passage of time in units of 1/100 seconds (displayed as "○○:○○"). In this embodiment, the passage of real time and the change in time indicated by the time display 41 are assumed to be completely consistent, but a setting may be made in which there is a discrepancy between the two (the time display 41 may represent "the passage of time in performance"). In the timer performance, the time-up point is the point when the time display 41 (the value indicated by the time display 41) reaches the end time. In this embodiment, the time display 41 counts down as real time passes, and the time is up when the time display 41 reaches 0 (00:00) (see FIG. 24(c)) (end time = 00:00). Alternatively, the time display 41 may count up as real time passes, and the time is up when the time display 41 reaches a predetermined end time (for example, 50:00).

In this embodiment, the value of the time display 41 when the timer performance starts (see FIG. 23(a)) (hereinafter referred to as the initial time) can change each time. In this embodiment, there are four types of initial times: 50:00 (50 seconds until time runs out), 30:00 (30 seconds until time runs out), 20:00 (20 seconds until time runs out), and 10:00 (10 seconds until time runs out), and when a new timer performance occurs, the initial time is one of these four types. Note that the number of types of initial times can be increased or decreased as appropriate. In this embodiment, the countdown speed of the time display 41 matches the rate at which real time passes, so the initial time is the length of real time from the start of the countdown to the point at which time runs out.

The period from when the timer performance starts until the time-up point is reached is divided into a normal period (see FIG. 23(a)(b)) until the time display 41 (the value represented by the time display 41) reaches the intermediate time before the end time, and a period immediately before the intermediate time is reached (see FIG. 23(c), FIG. 24(a)(b)). That is, the normal period is the period from the initial time to the intermediate time, and the immediately before period is the period from the intermediate time to the end time. As described above, the initial time in the timer performance can change each time, but the intermediate time does not change. In this embodiment, the intermediate time = 5 seconds (05:00). In other words, no matter what the initial time is, the length of the immediately before period is constant at 5 seconds (the length of the immediately before period does not change each time the timer performance occurs). In addition, since all of the above four types of initial times are greater than the intermediate time (initial time > intermediate time), a period from the initial time to the intermediate time (normal period) can occur regardless of what type of initial time is set. Since the initial time can change each time a timer effect occurs, the length of the normal period can change each time a timer effect occurs.

In this embodiment, the time image 40 includes the time display 41 and the background portion 42 that is displayed as the background thereof. When the timer performance is in the normal period, the time image 40 is displayed small in the corner of the display area 911 (see FIG. 23(a)(b)). The transition from the normal period to the immediately preceding period (i.e., the time display 41 reaches an intermediate time) becomes a trigger for the time image 40 to become larger (see FIG. 23(c)). In other words, the transition from the normal period to the immediately preceding period causes a change in which the range in the display area 911 in which the time image 40 is displayed becomes larger. Since the "size of the time image 40 ≒ the size of the background portion 42", it can also be said that the size of the background portion 42 becomes larger when the transition from the normal period to the immediately preceding period occurs. If the time image 40 before it becomes larger is called the time image 40 "small" and the time image 40 after it becomes larger is called the time image 40 "large", the size of the area occupied by the time image 40 "small" in the display area 911 is larger than the size of the area occupied by the time image 40 "small". It is preferable that the process of the time image 40 becoming larger is shown to the player, rather than changing from the time image 40 "small" to the time image 40 "large" instantly when the time display 41 reaches the intermediate time. The time image 40 may become gradually larger from the time image 40 "small" when the time display 41 reaches the intermediate time, or the time when the time display 41 reaches the intermediate time and the time when the time image 40 reaches the time image 40 "large" may coincide (the latter setting is used in this embodiment (see FIG. 23(c))). In either case, it is considered to be included in the aspect in which the time image 40 becomes larger when the transition from the normal period to the immediately preceding period is triggered.

The countdown continues on the time image 40 "large" until the time is up (see FIG. 24 (a) (b)). The multiple types of specific events that occur as a result of reaching the time-up point can be any type, so an explanation will be omitted. However, naturally, only those that can occur after the time-up point actually occur. For example, if a known pseudo-consecutive (pseudo-continuous performance) is set as one of the specific events, if the time-up point is a point at which the pseudo-consecutive event is likely to occur after that, the pseudo-consecutive event may be selected as a specific event that actually occurs, but if the time-up point is a point at which the pseudo-consecutive event is not likely to occur after that, the pseudo-consecutive event may not be selected as a specific event that actually occurs. Therefore, the player can enjoy the timer performance by predicting the specific events that may occur (excluding the specific events that are unlikely to occur) while assuming the time-up point according to the length of the time display 41. Note that the timer performance in this embodiment is performed from the start of the timer performance to the occurrence of a specific event during one fluctuation (during the target fluctuation performance corresponding to the target hit/miss lottery result whose reliability is suggested by the occurrence of a specific event). However, the time from the start of the timer effect to the occurrence of a specific event may span multiple changes (the change during which the specific event occurs is the target change effect). In this case, the timer effect can function as a so-called look-ahead effect.

When the time is up, an event image 45 showing the content of the specific event that will actually occur is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 24(c)). Here, the event image 45 may be an image showing the specific event that will actually occur (the display of the event image 45 itself is a configuration in which the specific event occurs), or it may show a specific event that will occur in the future (a configuration in which the corresponding specific event occurs after the display of the event image 45). FIG. 24 shows an example in which the event image 45 indicates a reservation change (the variable reservation pattern 70 changes in a direction that increases the reliability) (see FIG. 24(c)), and then a reservation change actually occurs (see FIG. 24(d)).

As described above, during the immediately preceding period, the time image 40 "Large" is displayed in the display area 911. In other words, the time image 40 "Large" is displayed in the display area 911 until the time is up (see FIG. 24(b)). When the time is up, the time image 40 "Large" is erased, and an event image 45 is displayed in the location where the time image 40 "Large" was displayed during the immediately preceding period (see FIG. 24(c)). From the player's perspective, the erasure of the time image 40 "Large" results in the appearance of an event image 45.

In this way, the timer presentation in this embodiment causes a change in the size of the time image 40 (see Figures 23(b) and (c)) to increase (the time image 40 is emphasized) when transitioning from the normal period to the previous period, making it possible to clearly indicate to the player that the time is running out (reducing the risk of the player not noticing that the time is up).

In addition, in this embodiment, the event image 45 appears as a result of the time image 40 being erased when the time is up (see Fig. 24 (b) (c)), so that it is easy to understand that a specific event is occurring as a result of the timer performance (time up). Since various events (performances) occur during the variable performance, there was a risk that in the conventional timer performance, it was difficult to know which event was occurring as a result of the timer performance, but this embodiment can reduce the risk of such a situation. In this embodiment, the time image 40 "large" is displayed just before the time is up to emphasize that the time is approaching, and the display of the time image 40 "large" (the time image 40 is large) is cleverly used to achieve the above effect (the time image 40 "large" is used not only to emphasize that the time is approaching, but also to clearly indicate that the event image 45 was displayed as a result of the timer performance).

In addition, in this embodiment, although the length of the normal period may change each time a timer effect occurs, the length of the immediately preceding period does not change (it is constant). In other words, no matter what kind of timer effect occurs (even if the length of the initial time displayed at the time of FIG. 23(a) varies in various ways), the length from when the size of the time image 40 changes, emphasizing that the time is approaching, to when the time is up (the length from FIG. 23(c) to FIG. 24(b)) is the same every time. In this way, the tempo of the progression of the effect from when the size of the time image 40 changes to when the event image 45 is displayed (when the content of the specific event becomes clear) is the same every time, allowing the player to play comfortably.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the timer effects described above. 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
In the immediately preceding period, the time image 40 (time image 40 "large") is displayed in the entire display area 911. As described above, if the time image 40 includes the time display 41 and the background portion 42, the background portion 42 can be considered to be displayed in the entire display area 911. For example, the time image 40 (time image 40 "small") may be enlarged, and a part of the outside of the time image 40 may extend outside the display area 911, so that the time image 40 appears to be displayed in the entire display area 911 (see FIG. 25(a) to (c)). Then, as described in the above embodiment, the time image 40 (time image 40 "large") displayed in the entire display area 911 is erased at the time of the time-up, and the event image 45 appears (see FIG. 25(d)). Since the time image 40 "large" is displayed over the entire display area 911, no matter what size the event image 45 is, the event image 45 is displayed in the location where the time image 40 "large" was displayed during the immediately preceding period.

In this way, by displaying the time image 40 over the entire display area 911 during the previous period, other presentation images (images other than images for displaying basic information that are always displayed, such as decorative patterns 80 and reserved patterns 70) are not visible during the previous period, so the player can more clearly understand that the image (event image 45) that is displayed as a result of the time image 40 being erased has occurred as a result of the timer presentation.

Specific example 4-2
As explained in the above embodiment, the time image 40 is displayed larger when the intermediate time is reached, which increases the chance of winning. In other words, the timer effect is set so that the effect image may or may not become larger during the timer effect (see FIG. 26(b-2)) and the former case is set to have a higher jackpot reliability than the latter case. The former case may be set to have a higher probability of occurrence of an event with a high jackpot reliability as a specific event than the latter case.

By doing this, it is possible to create a presentation in which the player is drawn to whether the time image 40 is enlarged during the countdown of the timer presentation.

Specific example 4-3
The state of the time image 40 "Large" displayed in the immediately preceding period may be different for each timer performance (note that the difference in state does not include the difference in the value itself represented by the time display 41). The state of the time image 40 "Large" suggests the jackpot reliability of the target winning/losing lottery result. For example, the jackpot reliability is set to be higher when the background part 42 of the time image 40 "Large" is red in the second state (see FIG. 27 (b-2)) than when the background part 42 of the time image 40 "Large" is white in the first state (see FIG. 27 (b-1)). Note that in the state of the time image 40 "Small" (see FIG. 27 (a)), such a difference in state does not occur (the time image 40 "Small" does not suggest the jackpot reliability). In other words, a reliability suggestive element that can only be grasped when the time image 40 becomes "Large" is set.

It is preferable to consider the above-mentioned first mode, which is the mode with the lower reliability, as the standard mode (default mode), and make the background 42 the same as the first mode (white) when the time image 40 is in the "small" state. By doing so, it becomes an easy-to-understand presentation form that the second mode is "chance up" (an easy-to-understand presentation form with higher reliability when the mode change occurs (see FIG. 27(a)→(b-2)) compared to when no change in mode occurs when the time image 40 changes from "small" to "large" (see FIG. 27(a)→(b-1))).

As explained in the above embodiment, the change in the time image 40 is intended to emphasize that the time is running out. By providing a reliability indication element that only becomes apparent when the time image 40 becomes "large," the player will focus on the appearance of the time image 40 "large," and the emphasis effect of the change in the time image 40 will be further enhanced.

Specific example 4-4
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the length of the immediately preceding period is constant (the intermediate time is the same every time) regardless of the initial time, but the immediately preceding period is set to be longer as the initial time is longer (the time from the start of the countdown to the time up is longer). For example, if four types of initial times are set as in the above embodiment, the length of the immediately preceding period is set to 15 seconds (intermediate time 15:00) if the initial time is 50:00, the length of the immediately preceding period is set to 10 seconds (intermediate time 10:00) if the initial time is 30:00, the length of the immediately preceding period is set to 5 seconds (intermediate time 5:00) if the initial time is 20:00, and the length of the immediately preceding period is set to 3 seconds (intermediate time 3:00) if the initial time is 10:00.

The longer it takes from the start of the countdown until the time is up, the more likely the timer presentation will become "dragging on." In order to prevent a loss of interest due to this "dragging on," it is best to make the change from "small" time image 40 to "large" time image 40 (a change that is likely to attract the player's attention) occur earlier (relative to the time when the time is up) the longer the time is.

7) Image Effects Image effects may occur as effects constituting the effects during fluctuation. In this embodiment, image effects may occur as effects constituting the effects during fluctuation in the basic state. However, they may also occur as effects constituting the effects during fluctuation in an advantageous state or during a big win game.

In this embodiment, the image presentation (see FIG. 28) proceeds in the order of a first stage (see FIG. 28(a)), a second stage (see FIG. 28(b)), and a third stage (see FIG. 28(b)). In the first stage (see FIG. 28(a)), a plurality of presentation images are displayed in the display area 911. For example, assume that two presentation images, a first presentation image 51 and a second presentation image 52, are displayed. Each presentation image represents a different character. In this embodiment, the first presentation image 51 represents character A, and the second presentation image 52 represents character B. In the first stage, both the first presentation image 51 and the second presentation image 52 are displayed in color (note that in the drawings, color presentation images are shown by solid lines, and monochrome presentation images, which will be described later, are shown by dotted lines).

After the first stage, the game moves to the second stage. In the second stage (see FIG. 28(b)), one of the multiple performance images is the target performance image, and the other performance images are the non-target performance images. The target performance image refers to a performance image in an active state, and the non-target performance image refers to a performance image that is not in an active state (in a passive state). In order to express the difference in state, the target performance image is made clearer than the non-target performance image. In this embodiment, the target performance image is displayed in color, and the non-target performance image is displayed in monochrome. Generally, it can be said that color is a more noticeable display mode than monochrome, so by doing so, the target performance image is recognized by the player as being clearer than the non-target performance image. In the second stage in this embodiment, the first performance image 51 is the target performance image (color display), and the second performance image 52 is the non-target performance image (monochrome display). As described above, in the first stage, all the performance images are in a color display state, so when moving from the first stage to the second stage, the second performance image 52 is changed from color display to monochrome display while maintaining the color display of the first performance image 51.

In this way, the first production image 51 is displayed in color and the second production image 52 is displayed in monochrome, and then a production element corresponding to the first production image 51, which is the target production image, is output. In the following description, the production element corresponding to the first production image 51 may be referred to as the first production element 511, and the production element corresponding to the second production image 52 may be referred to as the second production element 512. In this embodiment, the characters representing the lines of the character A represented by the first production image 51 are displayed in the display area 911 as the first production element 511. Since the first production element 511 is displayed after a change occurs in which the first production image 51 is clearer than the second production image 52 (a change that shows the first production image 51 as an "active" state (a change that shows the second production image 52 as a "passive" state)), the player will see the characters represented by the first production element 511 as if the character A represented by the first production image 51 is speaking. Also, because the second performance image 52 (character B) is not erased, it is easy to understand that it represents the state in which character A is talking to character B.

Here, in this embodiment, the first performance element 511 (characters representing the lines of character A) is displayed so that at least a part of it overlaps with the second performance image 52 (non-target performance image) displayed in monochrome (see FIG. 28(b)). The first performance element 511 is displayed as being associated with the first performance image 51 (target performance image), and the second performance image 52 is displayed in monochrome and has a low degree of clarity. Therefore, even if the first performance element 511 is displayed overlapping the second performance image 52, the player can understand that the first performance element 511 corresponds to the first performance image 51 (is a line spoken by character A). In addition, since the first performance element 511 can be displayed overlapping the second performance image 52, it is easy to secure space for displaying the first performance element 511.

After the second stage, the game moves to the third stage. In the third stage (see FIG. 28(c)), the performance image that was a non-target performance image in the second stage becomes a target performance image, and the performance image that was a target performance image in the second stage becomes a non-target performance image. In terms of the second stage of this embodiment, the second performance image 52 that was displayed in monochrome in the second stage becomes a color display, and the first performance image 51 that was displayed in color in the second stage becomes a monochrome display, making the target performance image clearer than the non-target performance image. In short, the target performance image and the non-target performance image are swapped in the second stage. By doing this, unlike the second stage, the player can understand that the second performance image 52 has become "active" (the first performance image 51 has become "passive").

Then, a second performance element 512 corresponding to the second performance image 52, which is the target performance image, is output. Specifically, characters representing the lines of character B, the character represented by the second performance image 52, are displayed in the display area 911 as the second performance element 512. The second performance element 512 is displayed after a change occurs in which the second performance image 52 is clearer than the first performance image 51 (a change that shows the second performance image 52 in an "active" state (a change that shows the first performance image 51 in a "passive" state)), and therefore the player sees the characters represented by the second performance element 512 as if character A represented by the second performance image 52 is speaking.

As in the second stage, in the third stage, the second production element 512 (characters representing the lines of character B) is displayed so that at least a part of it overlaps with the first production image 51 (non-target production image) displayed in monochrome (see FIG. 28(c)). The second production element 512 is displayed as being associated with the second production image 52 (target production image), and the first production image 51 is displayed in monochrome and has a low degree of clarity. Therefore, even if the second production element 512 is displayed overlapping the first production image 51, the player can understand that the second production element 512 corresponds to the second production image 52 (is a line spoken by character B). In addition, since the second production element 512 can be displayed overlapping the first production image 51, it is easy to secure space for displaying the second production element 512.

By using image effects including the first to third stages, character A represented by first performance image 51 and character B represented by second performance image 52 appear to be speaking the lines represented by the performance elements. In particular, as in this embodiment, by passing through the second stage in which the target performance image is first performance image 51 and the third stage in which the target performance image is second performance image 52, it is possible to create a performance in which character A and character B appear to be "having a conversation."

Note that, although the image presentation in this embodiment includes the second and third stages, it may be configured not to include the third stage. For example, if the presentation is to make it appear as if character A is talking unilaterally to character B, the presentation may end at the second stage. The presentation may also continue after the third stage. For example, after the third stage, a fourth stage may be executed in which the first presentation image 51 is again the target presentation image, and after the fourth stage, a fifth stage may be executed in which the second presentation image 52 is again the target presentation image. In this way, a presentation form can be created that indicates that the conversation between character A and character B is "going back and forth."

As explained above, in the image presentation of this embodiment, multiple presentation images are displayed in the first stage, but in the second and third stages, the presentation is formatted in such a way that it is easy to see that the displayed presentation elements correspond to the target presentation image (the presentation image displayed in color).

In particular, in this embodiment, the state where all performance images are displayed in color (first stage) changes to a state where only the target performance image is displayed in color (second stage, third stage), making it easier to see which performance image is the target performance image.

Below, we will explain specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, modifications, etc., made to image presentation-related matters. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may be made that apply a combination of multiple technologies explained using the specific examples below.

Specific example 5-1
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the target effect image is displayed in color and the non-target effect image is displayed in monochrome, that is, color display and monochrome display are used as a method for setting a difference in the degree of clarity of both effect images, but other methods are possible as long as the target effect image is more "noticeable" from the player's viewpoint than the non-target effect image. For example, the lines constituting the image may be made relatively thicker in the target effect image, or the non-target effect image may be displayed relatively lightly (e.g., a display mode in which the background can be seen through the non-target effect image), etc.

Specific example 5-2
In the above embodiment, it has been described that all the effect images are displayed in color in the first stage, but it is also possible to configure the display of all the effect images to be monochrome in the first stage (see FIG. 29). That is, all the effect images are displayed in monochrome in the first stage (see FIG. 29(a)), and the monochrome display of the second effect image 52 (character B) is maintained in the second stage, but the first effect image 51 (character A) changes from monochrome display to color display (the relationship is reversed in the third stage) (see FIG. 29(b)(c)). Even in this way, it is easy to know which effect image is the target effect image in the second stage or the third stage.

However, the first stage, which is the beginning of the image presentation, can also be said to play a role in introducing the presentation images involved in the presentation (if each presentation image represents a character as in the above embodiment, it plays a role in introducing the characters that appear in the presentation). Taking this into consideration, it can also be said that it is desirable for each presentation image to be clearly displayed (displayed in color) in the first stage, as in the above embodiment (see FIG. 28(a)).

Specific example 5-3
Although it has been described that the production elements in the above embodiment are displayed in the display area 911 (output to the display device 91) (i.e., are images), other elements constituting the production may be used. For example, a production sound output from a speaker (not shown) may be used as the production element. If the production form is such that the character represented by the target production image appears to be speaking as in the above embodiment, a sound representing the lines of each character is output from a speaker. As explained in the above embodiment, letters representing the lines may be displayed and a sound representing the lines may be output from a speaker. In other words, the production element to be output may be "image + sound".

Specific example 5-4
In the above embodiment, it has been described that each of the effect images represents a different character, but each of the effect images may represent something else. For example, each of the effect images may represent a different item (tool). In the second and third stages, an effect image representing one of the items is set as a target effect image (other effect images are set as non-target effect images), and a text introducing the item is displayed as a effect element (see FIG. 30).

Specific example 5-5
In the above embodiment, the image effects are described as those in which the first effect image 51 and the second effect image 52 are displayed as effect images, but three or more effect images may be displayed. When an effect element is output, one of the three or more effect images is set as a target effect image, and the other effect images are set as non-target effect images (see FIG. 31).

In addition, if three or more performance images are displayed, it is preferable that the image performance is such that all performance images are once set as target performance images. For example, if three performance images (first performance image 51 to third performance image) are displayed as an image performance, it is preferable that after the first stage, in addition to the stage in which the first performance image 51 is set as the target performance image (the second performance image 52 and the third performance image are set as non-target performance images) (see FIG. 31(b)), the second performance image 52 is set as the target performance image (the first performance image 51 and the third performance image are set as non-target performance images) and the third performance image is set as the target performance image (the first performance image 51 and the second performance image 52 are set as non-target performance images), both of which are not shown.

Specific example 5-6
When an image effect is executed, the entire display area 911 is divided into the number of effect images (each divided area is referred to as a divided area), and an effect image is displayed in each divided area 911a, 911b. If two effect images, a first effect image 51 and a second effect image 52, are displayed as in the above embodiment, the entire display area 911 is divided into two divided areas, and the first effect image 51 and the second effect image 52 are displayed in the two divided areas 911a, 911b, respectively (see FIG. 32).

By doing as in this example, it is possible to create an impactful presentation. Also, if the entire display area 911 is occupied by two or more divided areas in this way (there is no area that does not belong to any divided area), it may seem that there will be no area to display the presentation elements corresponding to the target presentation image (it will be difficult to secure an area to display the presentation elements). However, as explained in the above embodiment, the presentation elements can be displayed at least in part superimposed on the non-target presentation image (can be displayed in the divided area in which the non-target presentation image is displayed) (see Figures 32 (b) and (c)), so the area to display the presentation elements can be easily secured.

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.

In the above embodiment, the winning/losing lottery results are set as a jackpot and a losing lottery result, and the winning lottery result is obtained (the winning lottery game is executed), but the winning lottery may be obtained via a small winning lottery. Since the gameplay that allows the winning lottery to be obtained via a small winning lottery (the gameplay of a so-called "two-type game machine") is well known, detailed explanations will be omitted. For example, if a small winning lottery is won, it will lead to the winning of a jackpot (except in the case of an irregular event such as a malfunction of the game machine or the player not playing as instructed) (a setting in which the winning of a small winning lottery ... In other words, regardless of the type of win (big win, small win), the actual probability of winning a big win (actual jackpot probability) should be the jackpot probability described in the above embodiment, and the low and high probabilities of the winning/losing lottery should refer to the high and low of the actual jackpot probability.

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

○Means 1-1
a game state setting means for setting a basic state and an advantageous state which is more advantageous to the player than the basic state as a game state in which the player plays with the aim of winning or losing a lottery result being a win; a storage means for storing a predetermined number of win/loss lottery information used in the win/loss lottery, in which the performance of notifying the win/loss lottery result has not yet begun, as reserved information; and a win game execution means for executing a win game when the win/loss lottery result is a win, wherein the advantageous state includes a special advantageous state which ends when a predetermined number of consecutive losses are obtained, but which is essentially guaranteed to result in a win before the advantageous state ends, and wherein an image which can be displayed during the win game, a reserved consecutive win image which can be displayed when the reserved information stored in the storage means includes one in which the win/loss lottery result is a win, and a special consecutive win image which can be displayed when the special advantageous state is transitioned to after the win game ends, are of the same form.
This allows players to play without being aware of the cause of the consecutive winning streak (whether a reserved consecutive winning streak occurs or a consecutive winning streak occurs due to a transition to a special advantageous state), making it easier to understand how to play on a gaming machine that has a special advantageous state.

○Means 1-2
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that the reserved consecutive win image and the special consecutive win image include the same profit value representing the profit that the player can obtain in two winning games.
In this way, even though the factors that cause consecutive wins are different when a special consecutive win image is displayed and when a reserved consecutive win image is displayed, gameplay that makes the player feel that the same benefit has been awarded is realized.

○Means 1-3
The gaming machine described in Means 1-1 or 1-2 is characterized in that a normal advantageous state different from the special advantageous state is provided as the advantageous state, and the reserved consecutive jackpot image can be displayed when the reserved information stored in the memory means includes one that results in a win/lose lottery result when the game state after the winning game ends transitions to the normal advantageous state.
In this way, even though the game state after the end of a winning game is different when a special consecutive win image is displayed and when a reserved consecutive win image is displayed (different between a special advantageous state and a normal advantageous state), gameplay that makes the player feel as if he or she has been granted the same benefit is realized.

○Means 1-4
The gaming machine described in means 1-3 is characterized in that the same presentation mode is set in either case of transitioning to the normal advantageous state after the end of the winning game in which the reserved consecutive win image is displayed, or transitioning to the special advantageous state after the end of the winning game in which the special consecutive win image is displayed.
In this way, although the game state after the winning game ends when a special consecutive win image is displayed and when a reserved consecutive win image is displayed are different (different between a special advantageous state and a normal advantageous state), if the presentation mode set in both game states is the same, the player can play without being aware of the difference in the game state (difference in the causes of the consecutive win).

○Means 2-1
A gaming machine comprising: an operating means capable of automatically displacing from a first position to a second position; and an effect execution means for automatically positioning the operating means at the second position and then executing a special operation effect that prompts the player to operate the operating means to displace it from the second position, wherein the special operation effect may be a normal effect that reaches a conclusion when operation of the operating means is detected, or a special effect in which no conclusion is reached even when operation of the operating means is detected, and a special event occurs in which the operating means is automatically displaced again to the second position.
The special operation presentation of the gaming machine is an interesting (surprising) presentation form in which even if an operation of the operating means is detected, the conclusion may not be reached.

○Means 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that the special presentation reaches a conclusion when the special event occurs and operation of the operating means located at the second position is detected.
By doing this, even in the case of a special effect, the original excitement of the operational effect, in which the outcome is revealed by the player's own operation, is maintained.

○Means 2-3
The gaming machine described in Means 2-1 or 2-2 is characterized in that in the special operation presentation, an operation instruction image is displayed to the player to encourage the player to operate the operation means, and in the normal presentation, when operation of the operation means is detected, the operation instruction image is erased and the game moves to the conclusion, while in the special presentation, even if operation of the operation means before the special event occurs is detected, the operation instruction image continues to be displayed.
By doing this, when a special effect occurs, the player may get the impression that the gaming machine has broken down.

○Means 2-4
The gaming machine described in any one of means 2-1 to 2-3 is characterized in that the special operation presentation leads to an advantageous ending advantageous to the player or an unfavorable ending which is the outcome if the advantageous ending is not reached, the normal presentation does not guarantee that the advantageous ending will be reached, and the special presentation guarantees that the advantageous ending will be reached.
In this way, the player can feel the surprise of the special effect occurring as well as the joy of reaching a favorable outcome.

○Means 3-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display device having a display area; and an effect execution means capable of executing an image preview effect which displays a target image in the display area to notify the occurrence of a target effect, wherein the occurrence patterns of the target effect after the image preview effect has occurred include a normal pattern in which the target effect occurs a total of N times after N of the target images are displayed in the display area; and a special pattern in which the target effect occurs a total of M times (M < N) after N of the target images are displayed in the display area.
The image preview performance of the gaming machine described above can give a surprise to a player who believes that the number of target performances to occur is equal to the number of displayed target images, by the occurrence of a special pattern.

○Means 3-2
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that the image preview performance and the target performance can occur as part of a variable performance that notifies the result of a certain win/lose lottery, and when comparing cases in which the number of target images displayed in the image preview performance is the same, the probability that the result of the win/lose lottery will be a win is higher when the special pattern occurs than when the normal pattern occurs.
By doing this, it becomes possible to create a presentation in which the player hopes for a special pattern to occur.

○Means 3-3
The gaming machine described in Means 3-1 or 3-2 is characterized in that the target images displayed in the display area are set to decrease each time the target effect occurs, the normal pattern is such that the target images decrease by one each time the target effect occurs a total of N times, and the special pattern is such that two or more of the target images are decreased when the target effect occurs at least once among the occurrences of the target effect less than a total of N times.
By doing this, the difference between normal patterns and special patterns becomes clear.

○Means 3-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 3-1 to 3-3, characterized in that when the special pattern occurs, a combined effect occurs in which two or more of the N target images displayed in the display area are displayed as if they had merged into one, which is an effect that does not occur when the normal pattern occurs.
By doing so, the fact that two or more target images have been consumed at once is emphasized, reducing the possibility that the player will miss the occurrence of a special pattern.

○Means 3-5
A gaming machine described in any one of Means 3-1 to 3-4, characterized in that the target effect is an operation effect in which an opportunity to operate the operation means that will be reflected in the effect is provided, the normal pattern is such that, after N of the target images are displayed in the display area, a total of N opportunities to operate the operation means based on the display of the target images are provided, and the special pattern is such that, after N of the target images are displayed in the display area, a total of M opportunities to operate the operation means based on the display of the target images are provided.
In this way, while the number of target images displayed as an image preview performance is premised on the premise that it basically represents the number of opportunities to operate the operating means (in the case of a normal pattern), the occurrence of a special pattern may result in a decrease in the number of opportunities to operate.

○Means 3-6
The gaming machine described in means 3-5, wherein the target image is an image representing the operating means.
By doing so, it is easy to understand that the target image suggests an opportunity to operate the operating means.

○Means 4-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display device having a display area; and an effect execution means for executing a timer effect in which a time image including a time display that changes with the passage of real time is displayed in the display area, and one of a number of specific events occurs after the time-up point at which the time display reaches an end time, wherein the period from when the timer effect is started until the time-up point is reached is divided into a normal period until the time display reaches an intermediate time before the end time, and a immediately preceding period after the time display reaches the intermediate time, and wherein the transition from the normal period to the immediately preceding period causes a change in which the range in which the time image is displayed in the display area becomes larger.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to execute an easy-to-understand timer effect in which the time image becomes larger to indicate that the time is running out.

○Means 4-2
The gaming machine described in means 4-1 is characterized in that the time image is erased when the time-up point is reached, and an event image showing the content of the specific event is displayed in the location where the time image was displayed during the immediately preceding period.
In this way, it is possible to clearly show that the specific event shown by the event image has occurred as a result of the timer effect (time up).

○Means 4-3
The gaming machine described in means 4-1 or 4-2 is characterized in that the length of the normal period may differ for each timer performance, but the length of the immediately preceding period is constant.
By doing so, the length of time from when the time image becomes larger to when the time is up is constant every time, so the tempo of the presentation does not change, resulting in a timer presentation that is comfortable for the player.

○Means 4-4
A gaming machine according to any one of means 4-1 to 4-3, characterized in that during the immediately preceding period, the time image is displayed over the entire display area.
In this way, it is possible to more clearly indicate that a specific event will occur as a result of the time running out.

○Means 5-1
A gaming machine characterized in that it is capable of executing image presentation including a first stage of displaying a plurality of presentation images in a display area of a display device, and a second stage of, after the first stage, designating one of the plurality of presentation images as a target presentation image and the other presentation images as non-target presentation images, changing the target presentation image so that it is clearer than the non-target presentation image, and outputting a presentation element corresponding to the target presentation image.
According to the gaming machine, although a plurality of effect images are displayed, it is possible to provide an image effect that makes it easy to understand that the output effect element corresponds to the target effect image.

○Means 5-2
The gaming machine described in claim 1, characterized in that the image presentation includes a third stage, after the second stage, in which what was the non-target presentation image in the second stage is changed to the target presentation image, and what was the target presentation image in the second stage is changed to the non-target presentation image, and the target presentation image is changed to be clearer than the non-target presentation image, and then a presentation element corresponding to the target presentation image is output.
In this way, by changing a non-target performance image into a target performance image and then outputting a performance element, it is easy to see that the performance element corresponds to the target performance image.

○Means 5-3
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the target effect image is an image displayed in color, and the non-target effect image is an image displayed in monochrome.
In this way, by displaying the target performance image in a color that stands out against the monochrome display, it is easy to see which performance image is the target performance image.

○Means 5-4
4. The gaming machine according to claim 3, wherein in the first stage, all of the plurality of effect images are displayed in color.
By doing this, the state where all the performance images are displayed in color is used as a reference, and only the target performance image is changed to a state where it is displayed in color, so it becomes easier to know which performance image is the target performance image.

○Means 5-5
A gaming machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each of the multiple performance images represents a different character, and the performance element represents a line spoken by the character represented by the target performance image.
In this way, the image effects can be used to indicate that at least a portion of the character depicted in the effect image is speaking.

○Means 5-6
The gaming machine according to claim 5, characterized in that the characters representing the lines spoken by the character represented by the target performance image, which is the performance element, are displayed in the display area so that at least a portion of the characters overlaps with the non-target performance image.
In this way, even if the dialogue is displayed over a non-target effect image, it is easy to understand that the dialogue is spoken by the character represented by the target effect image. Also, because the dialogue can be displayed over a non-target effect image, it is easy to secure space to display the dialogue even if each effect image is displayed large.

1 gaming machine 11 special consecutive win image 12 reserved consecutive win image 131 bonus name 132 profit value 15 unit image 16 profit image 20 operation means (21 first operation means (push button) 22 second operation means (sword device))
25 Operation instruction image 251 Remaining time image 252 Operation target image 253 Operation mode image 28 Special image 30 Target image 31 Button image 40 Time image 41 Time display 42 Background portion 45 Event image 51 First performance image 52 Second performance image 511 First performance element 512 Second performance element 70 Reserved pattern (71 Reserved pattern before change 72 Reserved pattern during change)
80 Decorative pattern 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (2)

A first stage in which a first performance image is displayed in a first area that is a part of a display area of the display device, and a second performance image different from the first performance image is displayed in a second area different from the first area;
a second stage in which, while the first performance image is displayed in the first area and the second performance image is displayed in the second area, the first performance image is changed so that it is clearer than the second performance image in the first stage, and a first performance element corresponding to the first performance image is displayed in the second area;
Image renditions including the following are possible:
The first effect element is a statement introducing the item represented by the first effect image.
A gaming machine characterized by: The image presentation includes a third stage in which, while the first presentation image is displayed in the first area and the second presentation image is displayed in the second area, the second presentation image is changed so that it is clearer than the first presentation image in the first stage, and a second presentation element corresponding to the second presentation image is displayed in the first area ;
The second effect element is a statement introducing the item represented by the second effect image.
2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 .

Images