JP7732671B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Gaming machines that execute effects using background images displayed as the background for decorative patterns are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

JP 2016-027862 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can execute interesting effects using background images.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which was developed to solve the above problems, comprises: a game state setting means that can set a normal game state and a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state as game states in which the player plays with the aim of winning the lottery result; a display means that can display a normal background image that is displayed in the normal game state and a special background image that is displayed in the special game state as background images for the decorative patterns displayed to indicate the win/lose lottery result; and an effect execution means that executes a switching effect that displays a switching image, and the switching effect can end in either a normal ending in which the normal background image is displayed after the switching image is displayed, or a special ending in which the special background image is displayed after the switching image is displayed.

This invention makes it possible to create interesting effects using background images.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing decorative patterns and reserved patterns displayed in the display area. (a) is a diagram for explaining the game state (transition of game state), (b) is a diagram for explaining the distribution of jackpots, and (c) is a diagram for explaining the classification of specific benefits/non-specific benefits and the names of each benefit. 10A shows the specified period, and FIG. 10B shows an example of a result image (a result image when both a 10-round special jackpot and a 7-round special jackpot are won within the specified period). (a) is a diagram showing an example of a result image when a 10-round special jackpot is won but a 7-round special jackpot is not won within the specified period, (b) is an example of a result image when a 7-round special jackpot is won but a 10-round special jackpot is not won within the specified period, and (c) is an example of a result image when neither a 10-round special jackpot nor a 7-round special jackpot is won within the specified period. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-3. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-6. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a normal background image and a special background image. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the promotion effect. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a switching effect. FIG. 11 is a diagram (continuation of FIG. 10) for explaining the switching effect. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-1. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-5. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the reach-prediction effect. This is a diagram (continuation of Figure 14) for explaining the reach-prediction performance. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-4. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-5. FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-5 (an example different from FIG. 18). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an image change effect. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-3. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 4-4.

1) Basic Configuration of the Gaming Machine One embodiment of the gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. 1. Note that in the following description, the term "image" includes not only still images but also moving images. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the following description is based on the assumption that the player plays according to instructions (the player plays normally without performing any special gameplay). Furthermore, when a phrase such as "a gaming ball enters XX (wins)," strictly speaking, it means that the sensor installed in the XX has detected the entering gaming ball.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. The gaming board 90 is made of approximately square plywood, and is provided with a guide rail 903 that is approximately arc-shaped and forms a path that guides gaming balls launched by operating the launching device 908 (launching handle) into the playing area 902.

The game area 902 is provided with the display device 91, which is the main display device, a start area 904, a big win area 906, an outlet 907, and the like. The display area 911 of the display device 91 is a portion that can be seen through the opening 901 formed in the game board 90. The game area 902 also has multiple game pins that act as obstacles that change the way game balls flow down when they collide with them. Game balls flowing down the game area 902 change into various forms depending on the conditions when they collide with the game pins.

In this type of gaming machine 1, gaming balls are launched toward the gaming area 902 by operating the launching device 908. When a gaming ball flowing down the gaming area 902 enters a winning area such as the starting area 904 or the big winning area 906, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by the payout device.

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

The jackpot lottery is executed by a win/lose lottery means provided on a control board (control circuit), not shown, when a gaming ball enters the start area 904. In this embodiment, the start areas 904 are a first start area 904a (the so-called "special chart 1" start area) and a second start area 904b (the so-called "special chart 2" start area). When a gaming ball enters the start area 904, a number (win/lose lottery information) is obtained from a random number source. If the number is the same as the predetermined jackpot number, the jackpot is awarded; if it is different, the jackpot is awarded. Hereinafter, the win/lose lottery based on the first win/lose lottery information obtained when a gaming ball enters the first start area 904a will be referred to as the first win/lose lottery (special chart 1 lottery), and the win/lose lottery based on the second win/lose lottery information obtained when a gaming ball enters the second start area 904b will be referred to as the second win/lose lottery (special chart 2 lottery).

In this embodiment, the results of the winning/losing lottery will be announced in the order in which the numbers are obtained. However, if there is winning/losing lottery information for which the results have not yet been announced, the newly acquired winning/losing lottery information will be stored as reserved information (strictly speaking, pre-change reserved information, as described below) in a storage means provided on a control board (not shown).

In this embodiment, the pending symbols 70 displayed are pending symbols 71 during change corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as pending information during change) for which the in-change effect announcing the winning/losing lottery result (meaning the effect from when the decorative symbols 80 (decorative symbol group 80g) start changing until they completely stop at the combination indicating the winning/losing lottery result, the so-called in-change effect; hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "change" or "rotation") has begun but the notification of the winning/losing lottery result has not been completed, and pre-change pending symbols 72 corresponding to the winning/losing lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as pre-change pending information) for which the in-change effect announcing the winning/losing lottery result has not yet begun (see Figure 2). Note that pending information during change (pending symbol 71 during change) is not strictly speaking included in the concept of "pending," but is generally referred to as "the pending changing" or the like, and is therefore defined as included in the concept of "pending" in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the pending-change pattern 71 is displayed larger than the pending-pre-change pattern 72, but the basic form of both is the same. The pending-change pattern 71 and the pending-pre-change pattern 72 may have completely different basic forms. Also, the pending-change pattern 71 may not be displayed. The order in which the winning/losing lottery results corresponding to the pending-pre-change pattern 72 are notified (the so-called pending "consumption order") is earlier the further to the right they are.

There is a set upper limit on the maximum number of pre-change reserved information that can be stored. In this embodiment, the maximum number of first pre-change reserved information (special symbol 1 reserved) that can be obtained by winning the first starting area 904a is four, and the maximum number of second pre-change reserved information (special symbol 2 reserved) that can be obtained by winning the second starting area 904b is four. Therefore, with respect to a reserved symbol 70 corresponding to either special symbol 1 or special symbol 2, one currently changing reserved symbol 71 and up to four pre-change reserved symbols 72 may be displayed (see Figure 2). The pre-change reserved symbol 72 is configured so that when a game ball should be launched toward the first starting area 904a (the normal game state described below), the first pre-change reserved information (special symbol 1 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved symbol 72, and when a game ball should be launched toward the second starting area 904b (the special game state described below), the second pre-change reserved information (special symbol 2 reserved) is displayed as the pre-change reserved symbol 72. Regardless of the game state, the pre-change reserved pattern 72 corresponding to both the first pre-change reserved information and the second pre-change reserved information stored in the storage means may be displayed (up to eight pre-change reserved patterns 72 may be displayed).

If both the first pre-change reserve information and the second pre-change reserve information are stored in the storage means, the result of the lottery based on the second pre-change reserve information (second win/lose lottery information) is reported first. In other words, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment prioritizes the consumption of special chart 2.

In this embodiment, similar to known gaming machines, the player is notified of the winning/losing lottery results based on the combination of decorative symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, decorative symbol groups 80g (left decorative symbol group 80gL, center decorative symbol group 80gC, right decorative symbol group 80gR), which include multiple types of decorative symbols 80, begin to fluctuate, and eventually one decorative symbol 80 is selected from each decorative symbol group 80g and stops. (Hereinafter, "stopped" refers to a complete stop, excluding a pseudo-stop state (e.g., a state in which the symbol appears to the player to have stopped but is only slightly swaying).) If a jackpot is won, the combination of decorative symbols 80 selected and stopped from each decorative symbol group 80g (left decorative symbol 80L, center decorative symbol 80C, right decorative symbol 80R, lined up from left) will be a predetermined winning combination (in this embodiment, a set of three decorative symbols 80 of the same type). If it is a loss, it will be a losing combination (other than the jackpot combination).

In addition, images (so-called "small symbols") showing various information may be displayed unobtrusively near the outer edge of the display area 911 (these images are not shown in the figures). Players can enjoy the game without being aware of these types of images. In other words, players can basically understand the results of the lottery by looking at the decorative symbols 80.

In this embodiment, the game states are a normal game state and a special game state (see Figure 3(a)). The special game state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The normal game state is a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low (approximately 1/319 in this embodiment), and a low-base state (low probability, no time-saving) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the starting area 904. The special game state is a high-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high (approximately 1/40 in this embodiment), and a high-base state (high probability, time-saving) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the starting area 904. The normal game state is a state in which the game ball should be launched aiming at the first starting area 904a. In this embodiment, this is a state in which a so-called "left-handed shot" should be performed. Therefore, the normal game state can be said to be a game state in which the player aims to win a jackpot after the first win/loss lottery. On the other hand, the special gaming state is a state in which the gaming ball should be launched aiming at the second starting area 904b. In this embodiment, this is a state in which a so-called "right hit" should be performed. Therefore, the special gaming state can be said to be a gaming state in which the aim is to win a jackpot after a second win/lose lottery. The special gaming state is a state in which the gaming ball is more likely to win the lottery to open the second starting area 904b, which is triggered by the gaming ball entering the normal starting area 905, so it is relatively easy for the gaming ball to enter the second starting area 904b.

The special game state ends when the win/lose lottery results in a predetermined number of consecutive losses. When the special game state ends, the game state transitions to the normal game state. If a jackpot (special jackpot) is won before the predetermined number of consecutive losses after transitioning to the special game state, the game state will transition back to the special game state (the count of the predetermined number of times will be reset). In other words, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called ST machine, in which the condition for consecutive wins is to win the second win/lose lottery before the predetermined number of consecutive losses after transitioning to the special game state. In this embodiment, the predetermined number of times (ST number of times) is set to 72.

When the winning/losing lottery results in a jackpot, a jackpot game is executed. A jackpot game involves repeating a unit game in which the jackpot area 906 (see Figure 1; the jackpot area 906 is normally closed) is opened one or more times until a predetermined closing condition is met. A unit game is also referred to as a round (game). The closing condition is met when either a predetermined number of game balls (a value known as a "count"; in this embodiment, 10 balls) enter the jackpot area 906 after it is opened (the winning condition) or a predetermined time has passed since the jackpot area 906 was opened (the time condition). In this embodiment, if game balls are continuously fired toward the jackpot area 906 during a unit game, the winning condition is met before the time condition is met. In other words, 10 game balls enter the jackpot area 906 during one unit game. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of prize balls paid out when one gaming ball enters the big prize area 906 is 15. Therefore, if gaming balls are continuously fired toward the big prize area 906 during a unit game, 150 prize balls will be obtained during one unit game.

In this embodiment, a normal jackpot and a special jackpot are provided as jackpots. A normal jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to a normal game state after the jackpot game ends. A special jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to a special game state after the jackpot game ends (see Figure 3(a)). A jackpot obtained by winning the first win/lose lottery is a normal jackpot or a special jackpot. A jackpot obtained by winning the second win/lose lottery is a special jackpot. Except in special cases such as winning a lottery based on the reserved information stored in the storage means immediately after the game state transition (the so-called remaining reserved lottery), the normal game state is a game state that aims to win the first win/lose lottery, so a jackpot obtained in the normal game state is a normal jackpot or a special jackpot. The special game state is a game state that aims to win the second win/lose lottery, so a jackpot obtained in the special game state is a special jackpot. In other words, if a jackpot is won in the special game state, the game will transition back to the special game state after the jackpot game ends. Additionally, the machine may be configured so that entering the game ball into a predetermined area (V area) that opens during the special jackpot game (V entry) is the condition for transitioning to the special game state after the special jackpot game ends (a so-called V-variable machine).

In this embodiment, the jackpots won in the first draw (Special Chart 1 draw) (Special Chart 1 jackpot allocation) are 50% 2-round regular jackpots (2R regular) and 50% 2-round special jackpots (2R special) (see Figure 3(b-1)). Furthermore, the jackpots won in the second draw (Special Chart 2 jackpot allocation) are 10% 2-round special jackpots (2R special), 40% 7-round special jackpots (7R special), and 50% 10-round special jackpots (10R special) (see Figure 3(b-2)).

Special jackpots are given names (unique names). In this embodiment, the 2-round special jackpot is called "Bonus," the 7-round special jackpot is called "BIG Bonus," and the 10-round special jackpot is called "MAX Bonus" (see Figure 3(c)). When a special jackpot is won, an image containing the name is displayed.

The following describes the effects (effect content and control) that can be executed by the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. Note that the configuration may be such that only some of the effects described below can be executed.

2) Result Image 2-1) Basic Aspects of the Result Image In this embodiment, the special game state ends when 72 consecutive losses occur after the start of the special game state (the 72nd loss is referred to as the final loss). If the result of the lottery corresponding to the final loss is a loss, a loss effect is executed for the final loss, and then a result image 10 (see FIG. 4(b)) is displayed for a predetermined period until the final loss ends. Strictly speaking, the period during which the result image 10 is displayed is the period during which the decorative pattern 80 is changing (the period before the decorative pattern 80 stops changing completely), but the decorative pattern 80 is not shown in each diagram showing the result image 10.

Result image 10 shows the status of jackpots (benefits) acquired during the specified period. In this embodiment, the specified period is the period from the start of a two-round special jackpot game acquired in normal game mode until the end of the final variation (loss variation) described above (see Figure 4(a)). In other words, the two-round special jackpot, which is the first win acquired after the first win/loss lottery, is considered to be included in the benefits acquired during the specified period. Result image 10 can be said to represent the status of benefits acquired during the specified period (in short, during the current winning streak).

In this embodiment, the result image 10 includes a bonus display section 11 that indicates the number of jackpots (bonuses) acquired during the specified period, and a prize ball display section 12 that indicates the number of prize balls (total number of prize balls) paid out in jackpot games during the specified period (see Figure 4(b)). The number of prize balls displayed by the prize ball display section 12 may be a value limited to those acquired by winning in the jackpot area, or may be a value that includes those acquired by winning in the jackpot area as well as in other prize areas. Note that the result image 10 may not include the prize ball display section 12. It may also display a net increase in number of balls rather than the number of prize balls. Furthermore, the result image 10 in this embodiment does not indicate the total number of jackpots (total bonus number; this number can also be considered the number of consecutive jackpots), which indicates the number of all jackpots (bonuses) acquired during the specified period. Furthermore, because the result image 10 also indicates the end of the special game mode, it includes a name representing the special game mode (in this embodiment, the characters "XX RUSH"). The following describes in detail the mode (control) of the bonus display section 11 included in the result image 10.

2-2) Bonus Display Section Jackpots that can be obtained during a specified period (so-called first jackpots and jackpots that can be obtained through a second win/lose lottery in a special game state) are divided into one or more specific bonuses with a relatively large expected value of the benefit the player will receive, and one or more non-specific bonuses with a relatively small expected value of the benefit the player will receive. In this embodiment, the 10-round special jackpot and the 7-round special jackpot are considered specific bonuses, and the 2-round special jackpot is considered a non-specific bonus (see FIG. 3(c)). Note that, hereinafter, the 10-round special jackpot will also be referred to as the first specific bonus, and the 7-round special jackpot will also be referred to as the second specific bonus.

Since the greater the number of rounds (unit number of plays) that make up a jackpot game, the greater the expected number of prize balls obtained in that jackpot game, it can be said that a non-specific bonus has a smaller expected number of prize balls obtained in the jackpot game itself than a specific bonus (it is assumed that all non-specific bonuses and specific bonuses satisfy this relationship). In other words, when comparing the one or more non-specific bonuses with the greatest number of rounds with the one or more specific bonuses with the fewest number of rounds, the former will have fewer rounds than the latter.

The bonus display section 11 of the result image 10 includes names indicating specific bonuses that were acquired during the specified period, but does not include names indicating specific bonuses that were not acquired during the specified period. In this embodiment, the specific bonuses are a 10-round special jackpot (first specific bonus) named "MAX BONUS" and a 7-round special jackpot (second specific bonus) named "BIG BONUS." If a 10-round special jackpot is not acquired during the specified period, the bonus display section 11 of the result image 10 does not include the name (letters) of "MAX BONUS." If a 7-round special jackpot is not acquired during the specified period, the bonus display section 11 of the result image 10 does not include the name (letters) of "BIG BONUS." Specifically, this is as follows.

The number of specific bonuses (number of jackpots) obtained during the specified period is displayed as "Name of specific bonus x N" (where "N" is a number representing the number). If both a 10-round special jackpot and a 7-round special jackpot are obtained during the specified period, the bonus display section 11 will include the text "MAX bonus x N" and "BIG bonus x N" (see Figure 4(b)). In other words, the result image 10 will include the names of both the first and second specific bonuses.

If a 10-round special jackpot is won during the specified period but a 7-round special jackpot is not won, the bonus display section 11 will include the words "MAX BONUS" ("MAX BONUS x N") but not the words "BIG BONUS" (see Figure 5(a)). In other words, the result image 10 will include the name of the first specific bonus but not the name of the second specific bonus. This means that a display such as "BIG BONUS x 0," which indicates that the number of 7-round special jackpots won is 0, will not be displayed.

Similarly, if a 7-round special jackpot is won during the specified period but a 10-round special jackpot is not won, the bonus display section 11 will include the words "BIG BONUS" ("BIG BONUS x N") but not the words "MAX BONUS" (see Figure 5(b)). In other words, the result image 10 will include the name of the second specific bonus but not the name of the first specific bonus. This means that no display such as "MAX BONUS x 0" will be displayed to indicate that the number of 10-round special jackpots won is 0.

Furthermore, if a specific bonus is won during the specified period (if at least one of the 10-round special jackpot and the 7-round special jackpot is won at least once), the bonus display section 11 of the result image 10 does not include the name of a non-specific bonus. In this embodiment, the so-called first 2-round special jackpot is included in the bonuses (non-specific bonuses) won during the specified period, so the non-specific bonus is won at least once during the specified period. However, the result image 10 does not include the word "bonus" indicating a 2-round special jackpot, and the number of times the 2-round special jackpot has been won is not displayed (see Figures 4(b), 5(a), and 5(b)).

If no specific bonus is won during the specified period (if neither the 10-round special jackpot nor the 7-round special jackpot is won a total of 0 times), the bonus display section 11 of the result image 10 will not include the name of the specific bonus, but will include the name of the non-specific bonus (2-round special jackpot). Specifically, the display will include the word "bonus" (the name of the 2-round special jackpot, which is a non-specific bonus), and will display "Bonus x N" (where N indicates the number of 2-round special jackpots won during the specified period) (see Figure 5(c)). In this embodiment, since the so-called first 2-round special jackpot is included in the bonuses (non-specific bonuses) won during the specified period, it means that the non-specific bonus was won one or more times during the specified period. In other words, the value of N in "Bonus x N" will be 1 or greater.

In this way, in this embodiment, the result image 10 does not include the names of specific bonuses that could not be obtained within the specified period, for which the profit obtained is relatively large (it does not display things like "BIG BONUS x 0" or "MAX BONUS x 0") (see Figures 5(a), 5(b), and 5(c)). In other words, the result image 10 does not emphasize that the specified period has ended without the player being able to obtain a specific bonus, which reduces the risk of the player becoming frustrated when viewing the result image 10.

Furthermore, if a specific benefit is acquired within the specified period, result image 10 does not include a name representing a non-specific benefit (see Figures 4(b), 5(a), and 5(b)). If a name representing a non-specific benefit, which has a relatively low profit potential, is displayed, the player may think that they would have gained more profit if the non-specific benefit acquired had been a specific benefit (the player may be given the impression that the total profit acquired was less because the benefit acquired was a non-specific benefit). Therefore, if a specific benefit is acquired within the specified period, the name representing the non-specific benefit (the number of times the non-specific benefit has been acquired) is intentionally not included in result image 10.

However, if the specific benefit is not obtained during the specified period, and even the non-specific benefit is not displayed, the user may be left with the impression that no benefit was obtained. Therefore, the result image 10 includes the name of the non-specific benefit (the number of times the non-specific benefit was obtained) (see Figure 5(c)).

Furthermore, the result image 10 in this embodiment does not show the total number of bonuses (number of consecutive bonuses), which indicates the number of all jackpots (bonuses) obtained during the specified period. As mentioned above, when a specific bonus is obtained, the non-specific bonuses are not displayed. However, if the total number of bonuses were displayed, the number of times that non-specific bonuses have been obtained would be known (by subtracting the number of times each specific bonus has been obtained from the total number of bonuses), so the total number of bonuses is not displayed intentionally. However, this does not preclude a configuration in which such a total number of bonuses is displayed in addition to the bonus display section 11.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above-mentioned result images. Note that, wherever possible, multiple techniques described using the following specific examples may be combined and applied to create a configuration.

Specific example 1-1
Although the gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment has been described as a so-called ST machine in which the special gaming state ends when a predetermined number of consecutive misses occur, it may also be a so-called probability loop machine in which the special gaming state continues until the next jackpot, and if the next jackpot is a special jackpot, the game transitions back to the special gaming state (if the next jackpot is a normal jackpot, the game transitions back to the normal gaming state). In other words, the technical matters described in the above embodiment can be applied to the result image 10 that shows the acquisition status of a jackpot (benefit) in a state advantageous to the player (a consecutive win state).

Specific example 1-2
The result image 10 may be configured to display two or more jackpots as a single bonus (specific bonus). For example, in a game where, after winning a previous jackpot, winning the next jackpot (subsequent jackpot) without transitioning to the normal game mode is virtually guaranteed (unless the player quits playing, for example), the result image 10 may display the winning of the previous jackpot and the subsequent jackpot as a single specific bonus. Examples of cases where such a "state in which winning the next jackpot is virtually guaranteed" include a case where the winning of the next jackpot is virtually guaranteed due to a series of wins in a reserved draw, or a case where, after the end of the previous jackpot game, the player transitions to a special game mode (high probability/high base state) that continues until the winning of the next jackpot.

Specific example 1-3
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the bonuses displayed by the result image 10 include the so-called first jackpot (a two-round special jackpot in the above embodiment), but the configuration may be such that the first jackpot is not included. In other words, the period from the start of the special game state after the end of the first special jackpot game to the end of the final change (loss change) of the special game state without transitioning to the normal game state is defined as the specified period (see FIG. 6(a)), and the bonuses acquired during the specified period are displayed by the result image 10 (bonus display section 11).

In this example, there is a possibility that no bonuses will be acquired during the specified period (because the initial win is not included). In other words, there is a possibility that neither the specific bonus nor the non-specific bonus will be acquired during the specified period. In such a case, to avoid emphasizing that no bonuses were acquired during the specified period, it is possible to display a result image 10 (see FIG. 6(b)) that does not have a bonus display section 11 (i.e., a display such as "Bonus Name x 0" is not displayed). In other cases, the same procedure as in the above embodiment can be used. That is, specific bonuses acquired during the specified period are displayed in the result image 10, while specific bonuses not acquired are not displayed in the result image 10 (see FIGS. 4(b), 5(a), and 5(b)). If a specific bonus is acquired during the specified period, the non-specific bonus will not be displayed in the result image 10, even if a non-specific bonus was acquired (see FIGS. 4(b), 5(a), and 5(b)). If a specific bonus is not acquired during the specified period but a non-specific bonus is acquired, the non-specific bonus will be displayed in the result image 10 (see FIG. 5(c)).

Specific example 1-4
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that some of the jackpots that can be obtained during the specified period are specific benefits and the rest are non-specific benefits, but it is assumed that all of the jackpots that can be obtained during the specified period are specific benefits (no non-specific benefits are provided). In accordance with the above embodiment, it is assumed that the 10-round special jackpot, 7-round special jackpot, and 2-round special jackpot are specific benefits.

In this case, result image 10 will include the names of jackpots obtained during the specified period, but will not include the names of jackpots not obtained during the specified period. If the setting is such that the first jackpot (two-round special jackpot) is included among the jackpots obtained during the specified period, result image 10 will include "bonus," the name of the two-round special jackpot, in any case.

Specific example 1-5
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that if no specific benefit is obtained within the specified period, the result image 10 includes a name indicating a non-specific benefit. However, regardless of whether or not a specific benefit is obtained within the specified period, the result image 10 may not include a name indicating a non-specific benefit. If a non-specific benefit is a relatively low benefit and is not particularly pleasing to the player when it is obtained (displaying it may actually irritate the player), then the result image 10 may not include a non-specific benefit regardless of the benefit acquisition status.

Specific example 1-6
Along with the display of the result image 10, a launch instruction image 18 may be displayed, indicating that the game ball should be launched toward the second starting area 904b. Specifically, before the special game state ends, the maximum number of second pre-change reserved information (special chart 2 reserved) is stored in the storage means (referred to as the "special chart 2 reserved full" state), and the launch instruction image 18 is displayed to indicate that the game ball should be launched toward the second starting area 904b (see FIG. 7(a)). Because the result image 10 is displayed during the final change of the special game state, the launch instruction image 18 may also be displayed during the final change along with the result image 10. The launch instruction image 18 is displayed overlapping in front of the result image 10.

The launch instruction image 18 is displayed if the special symbol 2 reserve is not full at the reference point during the final variation (missing variation) (before or at the same time as the result image 10 is displayed) (see Figure 7(a)), but is not displayed if it is full (see Figure 7(b)). In other words, the launch instruction image 18 is not necessarily displayed during the final variation; if the special symbol 2 reserve is full, the launch instruction image 18 is not displayed because there is no need to accumulate the special symbol 2 reserve. The launch instruction image 18 can be displayed together with the result image 10, but if the launch instruction image 18 is displayed, there is a high possibility that the player's attention will be drawn to the launch instruction image 18, making it meaningless to display the result image 10. Therefore, the launch instruction image 18 is not displayed when it is unnecessary.

Furthermore, if the machine is configured with so-called two-type gameplay (gameplay in which winning a small prize leads to winning a big prize), and the actual probability of winning a big prize is higher in the second win/loss lottery (special prize 2 lottery) than in the first win/loss lottery (special prize 1 lottery) regardless of the game state (this type of configuration is well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted), then it would be more meaningful to have a configuration in which a launch instruction image 18 like this example can be displayed, and encourage the player to fill up the special prize 2 reserve at the end of the special game state (so that they can receive a high probability lottery for the remaining reserve).

3) Switching Effects 3-1) Background Image In this embodiment, a background image is displayed as the background of the decorative pattern 80 that changes while the changing effect is being executed. These background images include a normal background image 25n (see FIG. 8(a)) that can be displayed in the normal game state and a special background image 25s (see FIG. 8(b)) that can be displayed in the special game state (note that some drawings (drawings not intended to explain the switching effect) omit the illustration of these background images). The normal background image 25n is a background image that is never displayed in the special game state. The special background image 25s is a background image that is never displayed in the normal game state. In other words, the normal background image 25n can be said to be a dedicated image that indicates the normal game state, and the special background image 25s is a dedicated image that indicates the special game state. Note that two or more types of normal background images 25n and special background images 25s may be provided, but the background image used for the switching effect, which will be described in detail later, is one of these.

The normal background image 25n used in the switching effect is displayed at the beginning of the first in-variation effect when a transition from a special game state to a normal game state occurs. The special background image 25s used in the switching effect is displayed at the beginning of the first in-variation effect (the first spin of the ST state) after the special jackpot game ends. In other words, the normal background image 25n and special background image 25s used in the switching effect are background images displayed when a new normal game state or special game state is started, and the display of these background images can be said to indicate to the player that a new normal game state or special game state is starting. Hereinafter, when simply referring to the normal background image 25n or special background image 25s, this refers to the background image in question (the background image displayed when a new normal game state or special game state is started).

3-2) Promotion Effects In the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, a player may win a normal jackpot in the normal game mode (first win/lose lottery), or may win a special jackpot. When a jackpot is signaled by the display of three "7" decorative symbols 80 (a special combination) during the variable effect, a special jackpot is confirmed; when a jackpot is signaled by the display of three decorative symbols 80 other than "7" (a non-special combination) (see FIG. 9(a)), either a normal jackpot or a special jackpot is possible. When a non-special combination is displayed and a jackpot is signaled, a promotion effect may occur during jackpot play.

The promotion effect will result in a favorable outcome, indicating that the player is in an advantageous position, or an unfavorable outcome, which is the outcome if that advantageous outcome is not reached. The specific form of the promotion effect may be any. In this embodiment, the player is prompted to operate the operation means 60 (in this embodiment, a push button) (see Figure 9(b)), and the operation of the operation means 60 (a single operation) triggers the execution of a promotion effect, the outcome of which is revealed. Note that the outcome of the promotion effect is revealed during jackpot play.

If a favorable ending occurs, an image for a favorable ending (favorable image 28) is displayed in display area 911 in response to operation of operating means 60 (see Figure 9 (c-1)). If an unfavorable ending occurs, an image for an unfavorable ending (unfavorable image 29) is displayed in display area 911 (see Figure 9 (c-2)). If a favorable ending occurs, it is confirmed that the jackpot won is a special jackpot (if the jackpot won is not a special jackpot, the promotion effect will not result in a favorable ending). However, even if an unfavorable ending occurs, it may still be a special jackpot.

3-3) Switching Image and Conclusion of Switching Effects The switching effect is executed when the promotion effect has reached an unfavorable ending, and is an effect to indicate to the player that the promotion effect has ended and a "scene change" has occurred. The switching effect begins with the display of switching image 20 in display area 911 (see FIG. 10(a)). As described above, when the promotion effect has reached an unfavorable ending, the unfavorable image 29 is displayed, and therefore switching image 20 is displayed in place of the unfavorable image 29.

The specific form of the switching image 20 may be any, with the exception of the shape of the spatial portion 20a, which will be described later. In this embodiment, at the beginning of the switching performance, a solid black image is displayed as the switching image 20 across the entire display area 911 (see FIG. 10(a)). From there, a spatial portion 20a is formed, as if a portion of the switching image 20 has been hollowed out (see FIGS. 10(b-1) and (b-2)). The spatial portion 20a gradually grows larger, eventually reaching a state where the switching image 20 is no longer displayed.

The final outcome of the switching effect is when the switching image 20 is no longer displayed. In this embodiment, when the switching image 20 is no longer displayed, the normal outcome (see FIG. 11(a-1)) is when the normal background image 25n is displayed, and the special outcome (see FIG. 11(a-2)) is when the special background image 25s is displayed. The special outcome is more advantageous to the player than the normal outcome.

In this embodiment, when a normal ending (see FIG. 11(a-1)) is reached, it is confirmed that the jackpot won was a normal jackpot. In other words, a normal ending in which the normal background image 25n, which is the background image displayed in normal game mode, is displayed suggests that fluctuations in normal game mode will then begin, and is an ending that notifies the player that the jackpot won was a normal jackpot. After the jackpot game that resulted in a normal ending (normal jackpot game) ends, decorative pattern 80 is displayed in front of the displayed normal background image 25n, and the first fluctuation effect in normal game mode begins (see FIG. 11(b-1)).

On the other hand, if the special ending (see Figure 11(a-2)) is reached, it is confirmed that the jackpot was a special jackpot. In other words, a special ending in which the special background image 25s, which is the background image displayed in the special game state, is displayed suggests that fluctuations in the special game state will then begin, and is an ending that notifies the player that the jackpot won was a special jackpot. As mentioned above, when the promotion effect reaches an unfavorable ending, the won jackpot is presented as if it were a normal jackpot. Therefore, when the switching effect reaches a special ending, it can be seen as a so-called reversal pattern effect in which the unfavorable ending of the promotion effect is overturned. After the jackpot game with a special ending (special jackpot game) ends, a decorative pattern 80 is displayed in front of the displayed special background image 25s, and the first fluctuation effect in the special game state begins (see Figure 11(b-2)). Note that after the special ending is reached, an effect may be executed to emphasize this (emphasize the transition to the special game state). For example, an effect may be executed that emphasizes the transition to a special game state (that the unfavorable outcome of the promotion effect has been overturned (a reversal pattern)), such as by displaying the words "XX RUSH Confirmed."

Note that the probability of a transition effect leading to a normal ending is greater than the probability of a special ending. In other words, the normal ending is the "default" ending, and the special ending is an ending that "rarely" occurs. Preferably, the transition effect is set to lead to the normal ending in over 80% of cases.

Here, the period before the normal ending or special ending is reached and during which switching image 20 is displayed is referred to as the pre-ending period. The switching effect during this pre-ending period is as follows: When switching image 20 is displayed, and depending on whether the normal ending or special ending is reached, normal background image 25n or special background image 25s is displayed behind switching image 20. In other words, by placing the image layer of switching image 20 in the front and the image layer of the background image in the back, a state is created in which the background image is covered by switching image 20. When no space portion 20a is formed in switching image 20, the entire background image is covered by switching image 20 (see Figure 10(a)).

After this, a space portion 20a appears in the switching image 20 (see Figures 10(b-1) and (b-2)). In this embodiment, a circular space portion 20a appears approximately in the center of the switching image 20. This space portion 20a exposes the background image, and therefore a portion of the background image can be seen through this space portion 20a. The space portion 20a gradually expands outward (see the changes in Figures 10(b-1) → (c-1) → (d-1) and (b-2) → (c-2) → (d-2)). Therefore, the range of the background image that can be seen through the space portion 20a gradually expands. Whether the normal background image 25n or the special background image 25s is displayed determines the outcome of the switching effect (normal outcome or special outcome). During the pre-conclusion period, the space portion 20a expands over time, gradually revealing which background image is being displayed. In other words, the timing at which the player realizes which background image is being displayed varies depending on the player.

In this way, the switching effect in this embodiment is easy to understand and interesting, as it indicates whether or not a special outcome advantageous to the player has been reached depending on whether the normal background image 25n displayed in the normal game state or the special background image 25s displayed in the special game state is displayed after the switching image 20 is displayed (this is an innovative effect that uses the background image showing the game state to also indicate the outcome).

In addition, the transition effect in this embodiment creates an interesting pre-conclusion period in which the spatial portion 20a formed in the transition image 20 becomes larger, gradually revealing the type of background image visible through this spatial portion 20a.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and variations on the above switching effects. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may also apply a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

Specific example 2-1
The shape of the space portion 20a is configured to be different when the switching performance results in a normal ending and when it results in a special ending. Note that, since the space portion 20a gradually becomes larger during the period before the ending, the difference in size of the space portion 20a (being a similar shape) is not considered to be a difference in "shape" as used herein. In other words, the difference in shape as used herein refers to a non-similar shape.

Since the normal outcome is a default outcome that is unfavorable to the player, and the special outcome is an outcome that is favorable to the player, it is preferable that the shape of the space portion 20a in the case of a special outcome (hereinafter also referred to as the special shape) be more conspicuous than the shape of the space portion 20a in the case of a normal outcome (hereinafter also referred to as the normal shape). For example, as shown in Figure , the normal shape could be circular (see Figure 12(a-1)) and the special shape could be star-shaped (see Figure 12(a-2)). During the pre-outcome period, the space portion 20a will grow larger over time while maintaining this shape (while maintaining a similar shape).

The special shape may also have a meaning such that the shape of the empty space 20a itself suggests that a special outcome will be reached. As one example, the empty space 20a may represent one or more characters, and these characters may suggest in advance that a special outcome will be reached. For example, the special shape may represent the character "幸" (happiness) (see FIG. 12(b-2)), suggesting that an event will occur that will make the player "happy." In this case, it is preferable that the normal shape also represents some kind of character (different from the character that will be used in the special outcome). If the normal shape does not represent a character, it would be easy to tell whether the normal outcome or the special outcome will be based on the appearance of the empty space 20a. For example, the normal-shaped empty space 20a may represent one or more characters contained in the title of the gaming machine (in the drawing, it is the normal shape representing the letter "A") (see FIG. 12(b-1)). During the pre-outcome period, the empty space 20a will grow larger over time while maintaining its shape representing the character (while maintaining a similar shape).

By doing as in this example, an interesting presentation is realized in which the ending is hinted at not only by the portion of the background image visible through the spatial portion 20a, but also by the shape of the spatial portion 20a itself. Looking at it from the other way around, if the shape of the spatial portion 20a were the same for both the normal ending and the special ending, as in the above embodiment, only the portion of the background image visible through the spatial portion 20a would hint at the ending, which would make the ending more difficult to understand than in this example.

In this example, it is also possible to configure the spatial portion 20a so that there is a possibility of a special ending even if it is a normal shape. It is also possible to configure the spatial portion 20a so that there is a possibility of a normal ending even if it is a special shape. It is also possible to configure the spatial portion 20a so that there is a higher probability of a special ending when it is a special shape than when it is a normal shape, but that a normal shape does not necessarily guarantee a normal ending, and that a special shape does not necessarily guarantee a special ending.

Specific example 2-2
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the switching effect is executed when the promotion effect executed during the jackpot game leads to an unfavorable outcome, but the switching effect may be executed without such a promotion effect occurring. For example, during the jackpot game, a predetermined video for the jackpot game is output, and a switching image 20 is displayed to indicate that the video has ended, and the switching effect is executed using the switching image 20.

〇Specific example 2-3
Although the switching effect in the above embodiment is explained as being executed during a jackpot game, it may also be executed during a variable effect. For example, after the switching image 20 is displayed during a variable effect, if the result of the lottery corresponding to the variable effect is a miss, a normal ending will be achieved, and if it is a jackpot, a special ending will be achieved.

However, because the outcome of the switching effect is indicated by the type of background image that corresponds to the game state, it is preferable to use it to indicate the game state after the end of a jackpot game, as in the above embodiment. Furthermore, by using the above embodiment, there is also the advantage that, whether the normal ending results in the normal background image 25n being displayed or the special ending results in the special background image 25s being displayed, the displayed background image can be used as is to execute the first change after the end of a jackpot game.

Specific example 2-4
In the above embodiment, the switching effect is explained as indicating the outcome by the type of background image, but the outcome may also be indicated by an image other than the background image. That is, an image indicating that the situation is favorable to the player and an image different from the image are prepared, and the former is displayed when a special outcome is reached, and the latter is displayed when a normal outcome is reached.

Furthermore, a background image may be displayed when one of the normal ending and the special ending is reached, but an image other than the background image may be displayed when the other ending is reached. For example, a normal background image 25n may be displayed when a normal ending is reached, but a special image indicating that a special ending (an ending advantageous to the player) has been reached may be displayed when a special ending is reached.

Specific example 2-5
The speed at which the spatial portion 20a grows during the pre-conclusion period (hereinafter referred to as the "expansion speed") is set to be different between the normal conclusion and the special conclusion. That is, when comparing the size of the spatial portion 20a after a certain time has elapsed since the switching image 20 was displayed, the size of the spatial portion 20a will be different between the normal conclusion and the special conclusion.

As shown in Figure 13, if the zoom speed is set to be faster when the normal ending is reached than when the special ending is reached, the special ending will be reached when the area of the background image that is exposed does not expand (when the background image is revealed at a slower rate than usual (normal ending)).

Although not shown, if the expansion speed is set to be faster when a special ending is reached than when a normal ending is reached, then when an ending advantageous to the player (special ending) is reached, the background image (special background image 25s) will be revealed earlier than usual (normal ending).

4) Reach prediction performance 4-1) Reach and reach miss In the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, if the result of the lottery for winning or losing a pattern combination consisting of three decorative patterns 80 selected from each of the three decorative pattern groups 80g (left decorative pattern group 80gL, middle decorative pattern group 80gC, right decorative pattern group 80gR) is a jackpot, it is considered a winning combination (a combination in which the three decorative patterns 80 are of the same type), and if it is a miss, it is considered a losing combination (a combination that is not a winning combination).

A reach is achieved when the decorative patterns 80 selected from two of the three decorative pattern groups 80g are of the same type. In this embodiment, a reach is achieved when the left decorative pattern 80L (first decorative pattern) and the right decorative pattern 80R (second decorative pattern) are of the same type. In the following explanation, the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R of the same type may also be referred to as reach patterns. Furthermore, a losing combination in which the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R are of the same type and a reach is achieved, but the middle decorative pattern 80C (third decorative pattern) is of a different type, is referred to as a reach-losing combination.

4-2) Prescribed Order A prescribed order is established for the multiple types of decorative patterns 80. In this embodiment, the order of the numbers contained in the decorative patterns 80 (elements that determine the type of decorative pattern 80) is the prescribed order. In addition, in the prescribed order, the largest number, "7," is followed by the smallest number, "1" (the prescribed order is "cyclical"). Therefore, the prescribed order is "1" → "2" → "3" ... "6" → "7" → "1" → "2" ... In the following description, an order following the prescribed order may be referred to as "ascending order," and an order opposite to the prescribed order may be referred to as "descending order." Furthermore, a pattern "N" positions ahead in ascending order will be represented by "+N," and a pattern "N" positions ahead in descending order will be represented by "-N." For example, adding "+1" to a "2" decorative pattern 80 results in a "3" decorative pattern 80, and adding "-1" to a "2" decorative pattern 80 results in a "1" decorative pattern 80.

4-3) Target Change During Effects and Future Change During Effects The reach-prediction effect is a type of pre-reading effect (pre-reading effects themselves are publicly known). In this embodiment, the reach-pre-reading effect can occur in the normal game mode, but it can also occur in the special game mode. The pre-reading effect indicates an increased probability that a certain change during effect (the change during effect that is the target of the pre-reading effect) will result in a jackpot, using one or more change during effects that are executed before the certain change during effect. Hereinafter, the change during effect that is the target of the pre-reading effect will be referred to as the target change during effect (target change), and the change during effect before the target change during effect used in the pre-reading effect will be referred to as the future change during effect (future change). Furthermore, the future change during effect immediately before the target change during effect will be referred to as the one-before-previous future change during effect (one-before-previous future change), the change during effect two prior to the target change during effect will be referred to as the two-before-previous future change during effect (two-before-previous future change), and so on. Furthermore, the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the target variation effect (i.e., the winning/losing lottery result that is the target of the look-ahead effect) is referred to as the target winning/losing lottery result, and the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the previous variation effect is referred to as the previous winning/losing lottery result. If the previous winning/losing lottery result is not a losing result, the reach look-ahead effect will not occur.

4-4) Specific Aspects of the Reach Prediction Display The Reach Prediction Display is a predictive display that suggests that a reach will be achieved in a target variation display in one or more future variation displays. The realization of a reach in a certain variation display means a higher probability of a jackpot than if the reach is not achieved, so the occurrence of the Reach Prediction Display can be said to suggest that the probability (jackpot reliability) of the target winning/losing lottery result being a jackpot has increased (compared to when the Reach Prediction Display does not occur).

The reach-prediction effect proceeds as follows. Note that Figures 14 and 15 show an example of a reach-prediction effect in which three future changes are executed (a reach-prediction effect that starts from the third previous future change), but the number of future changes can increase or decrease (in this embodiment, the maximum number of reserved special patterns 1 that can be stored in the storage means is 4, so the maximum number of future changes that the reach-prediction effect can include is four). Also, a "T" is attached to the reserved pattern 70 that corresponds to the target win/loss lottery result. Also, to make the illustration easier to understand, it is assumed that no new reserved information (win/loss lottery information) is acquired after the reach-prediction effect has started.

(i) A losing combination that indicates a loss in the previous lottery result is considered to be a close losing combination (see Figures 14(b), (d), and (f)).
(b) The types of the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R, which are reach patterns, are maintained from the previous change at which the pre-reading performance starts until the target change (see Figures 14 and 15).
(c) The middle decorative pattern 80C constituting a reach losing combination is incremented by "+1" each time a future variation ends (see Figures 14(b), (d), and (f)) (the middle decorative pattern 80C constituting a losing combination in a future variation is incremented by "+1" of the middle decorative pattern 80C constituting a losing combination in the previous previous variation).
(d) The middle decorative pattern 80C that constitutes the reach-miss combination in the previous next variation is set to the "-2" pattern of the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R, which are reach patterns (see Figure 14 (f)) (in the next variation immediately before the target variation, the difference between the specified order of the middle decorative pattern 80C and the specified order of the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R, which are reach patterns (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the pattern gap) is controlled to be the same every time. Note that the pattern gap in the next variation before the previous next variation satisfies the above (c). In other words, the pattern gap becomes smaller by 1 each time the next variation ends (see Figures 14 (b), (d), (f))).
(e) In the target variation, the middle decorative pattern 80C temporarily stops at the pattern that is set to "-1" of the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R, which are the reach patterns (see Figure 15(a)) (in other words, the pseudo-stopped middle decorative pattern 80C is "+1" of the middle decorative pattern 80C that formed the reach-miss combination in the previous previous variation, and the pseudo-stop in the target variation indicates that the middle decorative pattern 80C has progressed by "+1" in the specified order (from the previous previous variation).
(F) After the above (E), a provocative effect is generated. For example, a provocative effect is executed to indicate that the middle decorative pattern 80C that has been pseudo-stopped in the above (E) is about to change (see FIG. 15(b)).
(T) After the above (F), if the result of the target lottery is a jackpot, the central decorative pattern 80C that was pseudo-stopped in the above (E) changes to a "+1" pattern, forming a winning combination, and the target variation ends (see Figure 15 (c-1)).On the other hand, if the result is a loss, the central decorative pattern 80C that was pseudo-stopped in the above (E) forms a losing combination, and the target variation ends (see Figure 15 (c-2)).

In this way, in the reach-prediction performance of this embodiment, the middle decorative symbols 80C that make up the reach-miss combination advance in a specified order (by "+1") each time a future variation ends, approaching the reach symbols (left decorative symbol 80L and right decorative symbol 80R) (in simple terms, the middle decorative symbol 80C "counts up" as it approaches the target variation), making the progression of the prediction performance easy to understand.

In particular, in this embodiment, the middle decorative pattern 80C that constitutes the reach-miss combination in the previous forward variation (the forward variation immediately before the target variation) is determined to be the "-2" pattern of the left decorative pattern 80L and right decorative pattern 80R, which are reach patterns (the difference (pattern gap) between the specified order of the reach patterns and the specified order of the middle decorative pattern 80C is the same every time). Therefore, a player who has experienced the reach-prediction effect several times may know that the point at which the "-2" occurs is the last pre-prediction variation (the previous forward edge variation). A player who knows this can predict in advance which variation (which reserved) will be the target variation from the stage at which the previous variation is being executed.

In this embodiment, the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R are the symbols that constitute a reach, and the middle decorative pattern 80C is a symbol that changes by "+1" each time the next variation ends. However, as long as two of the three decorative patterns 80 are the symbols that constitute a reach (first decorative pattern, second decorative pattern) and the remaining one is a symbol that changes by "+1" each time the next variation ends (third decorative pattern), any of the three decorative patterns 80 (left decorative pattern 80L, middle decorative pattern 80C, right decorative pattern 80R) may be the symbol that constitutes a reach. The symbols that constitute a reach may change each time a reach prediction effect is displayed. However, because the reach prediction effect is characterized by the progression of the prediction effect through changes in symbols other than reach symbols, it is preferable that the changing symbol be displayed in the most "prominent position." In other words, as in this embodiment, it is preferable that the middle decorative pattern 80C displayed between two reach symbols be a symbol that changes each time the next variation ends.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the above-mentioned reach prediction performance. Furthermore, to the extent possible, configurations may be created that apply a combination of multiple technologies described using the following specific examples.

Specific example 3-1
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the middle decorative pattern 80C constituting the reach-loss combination in the previous preceding variation (the variation immediately preceding the target variation) is the "-2" symbol of the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R, which are reach patterns (see FIG. 14(f)). However, if the difference between the prescribed order of the reach patterns in the previous preceding variation and the prescribed order of the middle decorative pattern 80C is the same every time, it may be set to, for example, a "-1" symbol. In this way, the middle decorative pattern 80C constituting the reach-loss combination becoming the reach pattern "-1" is a presentation form that indicates that this is the final variation of the prediction, making the reach-prediction presentation easier to understand.

Specific example 3-2
The structure is such that the pattern gap, which is the difference between the prescribed order of the middle decorative pattern 80C in the previous variation and the prescribed order of the reach pattern, can be different each time.The pattern gap indicates the reliability of the jackpot of the target hit/miss lottery result.For example, three types of pattern gaps, "-1", "-2", and "-3", are set as possible patterns of pattern gaps (see FIG. 16. Note that FIG. 16 shows an example in which the reach pattern is the decorative pattern 80 of "4"), and the reliability of the jackpot of the target hit/miss lottery result differs depending on which of the three types of pattern gaps is selected.

When doing as in this example, it is preferable to set the smaller the pattern gap, the higher the reliability of the jackpot result of the target win/loss lottery. As mentioned above, if three pattern gap patterns, "-1," "-2," and "-3," are set, "-1" will be set to have the highest reliability, and "-3" will be set to have the lowest reliability (see Figure 16). The closer the middle decorative pattern 80C is to a reach pattern, the more likely it will give the impression that it is closer to a jackpot combination, so it is best to set the reach-prediction performance to have a higher reliability the smaller the pattern gap.

Specific example 3-3
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the middle decorative symbol 80C constituting the reach-loss combination is set to "+1" each time the previous variation ends, but a different variation may be used as long as the variation follows a certain pattern. For example, the middle decorative symbol 80C may be set to "+2" each time the previous variation ends. Also, the middle decorative symbol 80C may be set to change in descending order, such as "-1" each time the previous variation ends.

Specific example 3-4
When the middle decorative pattern 80C stops in the previous variation and a reach-miss combination is formed, an image that emphasizes (makes the middle decorative pattern 80C stand out) (hereinafter referred to as an emphasis image 30) is displayed. If the reach-miss combination is simply displayed in the previous variation, there is a possibility that the player will not notice that the middle decorative pattern 80C indicates the occurrence and progress of the pre-reading effect, so the emphasis image 30 accompanying the middle decorative pattern 80C is displayed (see FIG. 17(b)). The emphasis image 30 may also be displayed when the target variation is pseudo-stopped (see FIG. 17(c)).

It is preferable that the emphasis image 30 is an image dedicated to the reach-prediction effect, and not one that can be displayed for variations in which the reach-prediction effect is not being executed. In this way, when the emphasis image 30 is displayed, it is clearly indicated that the variation is one in which the reach-prediction effect is being executed (that is, a variation that is different from normal variations). Furthermore, the emphasis image 30 is not displayed in conjunction with the reach symbols (left decorative symbol 80L and right decorative symbol 80R) of the three decorative symbols 80 that make up the reach-loss combination in the previous variation (see Figure 17(b)). In other words, the emphasis image 30 can be said to be an image that makes the middle decorative symbol 80C (the symbol that is "counted up") stand out more than the reach symbols that make up the reach-loss combination.

Specific example 3-5
In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the types of the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R, which are reach symbols, are maintained from the previous change when the look-ahead performance starts until the target change, but the type of reach symbol may be changed along the way. However, even when the type of reach symbol changes in this way, the pattern gap between the reach symbol and the center decorative pattern 80C must satisfy the rule explained in the above embodiment.

For example, if a "5-2-5" near miss combination (where the near miss symbol is the decorative symbol 80 "5") is formed in the forward movement two moves before (see FIG. 18(b)), the near miss symbol is changed to a "7" decorative symbol 80 (see FIG. 18(c)). In this case, a "7-5-7" near miss combination is formed in the forward movement one move before (see FIG. 18(d)). In other words, as the near miss symbol is increased by "+2" from the forward movement two moves before to the forward movement one move before, the middle decorative symbol 80C is increased by "+3" ("+1" + "+2"), maintaining the rule that the symbol gap in the forward movement one move before is "-2".

The same applies when changing the type of reach symbol in a target variation. For example, if a reach-miss combination of "6-4-6" (the reach symbol is decorative symbol 80 "6") is formed in the previous forward variation (see FIG. 19(b)), the reach symbol is changed to decorative symbol 80 "7" in the target variation. In this case, a "7-6-7" combination is formed (see FIG. 19(c)) at the time of the pseudo-stop in the target variation (before the promotion effect (see FIG. 19(d))). In other words, as the reach symbol is increased by "+1" from the previous forward variation to the pseudo-stop of the target variation, the middle decorative symbol 80C is increased by "+2" ("+1" + "+1"), so that the rule that the symbol gap at the pseudo-stop of the target variation is "-1" is maintained.

A configuration like this example is particularly effective when the gameplay involves different levels of jackpot reliability depending on the type of reach symbol. For example, a rule is set that when the reach symbol is a "7," it has a higher reliability than other symbols. Based on this premise, if the reach symbol can change midway through the reach prediction performance after it has begun, this will result in a performance format in which the player hopes that the reach symbol will change to one with high reliability (conversely, if the reach symbol type does not change from the start of the reach prediction performance, as in the above embodiment, it will not change to a reach symbol with high reliability midway through).

Specific example 3-6
The number of variations used in the reach-prediction performance indicates the reliability of the jackpot of the target winning/losing lottery result. For example, the greater the number of variations used in the reach-prediction performance (the greater the number of variations from the start of the reach-prediction performance until the target variation), the higher the reliability of the jackpot of the target winning/losing lottery result is set.

As mentioned above, in the reach-reading effect, the middle decorative pattern 80C is "counted up" each time a future variation ends, and in this example, the number of "counts up" (the length of the "count up") indicates the reliability of the jackpot in the target win/loss lottery result. If the setting is such that the more future variations used in the reach-reading effect, the higher the reliability of the jackpot in the target win/loss lottery result, then this is an easy-to-understand presentation format in which the longer the count up, the higher the reliability of the jackpot.

Specific example 3-7
The same technical concept as the reach-forward effect in the above embodiment can also be applied to the pseudo-sequential effect. Since the pseudo-sequential effect itself is well known, detailed explanation will be omitted. It is an effect in which the decorative symbols 80 pseudo-stop in a predetermined combination, and then start to fluctuate again, repeated one or more times. The above "predetermined combination" is a "reach-miss combination" in which the left decorative symbol 80L and the right decorative symbol 80R are the same type, and the center decorative symbol 80C is a different type, and a change of "+1" occurs in the center decorative symbol 80C with each pseudo-stop.

5) Image Change Effects 5-1) Operation Image The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing an image change effect as an effect constituting a variation effect. In this embodiment, the image change effect is executed during a normal game state, but it can also be executed during a special game state. Furthermore, it can also be executed during a jackpot game rather than during a variation effect. The image change effect is an effect that prompts the player to operate the operation means 60 (push button). The operation means 60 is a substantially circular structure when viewed from above. In the image change effect, an operation image 40 representing the operation means 60 is displayed in the display area 911. The operation image 40 may be in any form that allows the player to recognize that it represents the operation means 60 (the object to be operated). In this embodiment, the operation means 60 has a triangular mark inside an outer shape that is approximately circular when viewed from above, and the operation image 40 represents the operation means 60 as viewed from above (see Figure 20 (a). Note that the operation image displayed when an operation is requested other than during an image change presentation is shown in Figure 9 (b)).

5-2) Target Image In an image change effect, a target image 50 is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 20). The image change effect is an effect in which the target image 50 changes. Specifically, the image change effect is an effect in which the target image 50 changes (successfully ends) from the initial state (see FIG. 20(a)) to the target state (see FIG. 20(d-1)). The target image 50 is displayed together with the operation image 40. The target image 50 in the initial state has an outer edge portion 51 and a transparent portion 52 (see FIG. 20(a)). The outer edge portion 51 is the portion that constitutes the outer edge of the target image 50. Therefore, the shape of the outer edge portion 51 is the same as the shape (outer shape) of the target image 50. The transparent portion 52 is the portion surrounded by the outer edge portion 51. However, it is sufficient that the majority of the transparent portion 52 is surrounded by the outer edge portion 51 (as long as it appears to the player as being surrounded), and it is also acceptable for a portion of the outer edge portion 51 to be interrupted, etc.

In this embodiment, the target image 50 represents the letter "G." That is, the outer edge 51 is the part that resembles the letter "G," and the part inside the letter "G" is a transparent part 52 (see Figure 20(a)).

5-3) Progress of Image Change Presentation At the beginning of the image change presentation, the target image 50 in the initial state and the operation image 40 are displayed in the display area 911 so as to overlap (see FIG. 20(a)). Specifically, the target image 50 in the initial state is displayed in the display area 911 so that at least a portion of the operation image 40 is visible through the transparent portion 52 of the target image 50 in the initial state. In other words, the display form is such that it appears to the player as if the target image 50 in the initial state is present in front of the operation image 40. Note that the area of the operation image 40 that is not overlapped by the target image 50 is visible in its original form.

As described above, the target image 50 in this embodiment represents the letter "G" and can be roughly described as being approximately circular. The target image 50 and the operation image 40 are displayed so that they overlap concentrically. Note that, in the image change presentation, images representing the operation means 60 are not displayed anywhere other than the operation image 40.

Then, the valid operation period begins, during which operation of the operating means 60 is valid. In this embodiment, during the valid operation period, a remaining time image 45 indicating the approximate remaining (elapsed) time of the valid operation period and an operation mode image 46 indicating the required operation mode of the operating means 60 are displayed in the display area 911 (see Figures 20(a) to (c)). In this embodiment, because continuous operation (repeated taps) of the operating means 60 is encouraged, the word "repeated taps" is displayed as the operation mode image 46.

During the valid operation period, each time the operation of the operation means 60 satisfies a predetermined condition, the transparent portion 52 of the target image 50 becomes smaller (see Figures 20(a) to (c)). The portion of the target image 50 that is initially transparent portion 52 is divided into multiple (N) divided elements. In this embodiment, N = 5. Note that each divided element may be divided so that it can be identified individually, or may not be divided. Each time the operation of the operation means 60 satisfies a predetermined condition, one divided element changes to an opaque portion 53. When this changes to an opaque portion 53, the operation image 40 becomes invisible through the opaque portion 53. In other words, a portion of the operation image 40 that was visible when the divided element was part of the transparent portion 52 becomes invisible when the divided element changes to an opaque portion 53 (a portion of the operation image 40 becomes covered by the opaque portion 53).

In this embodiment, each time an operation of the operating means 60 is detected during the valid operation period, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to change one divided element to an opaque portion 53 (hereinafter referred to as a change lottery). Winning the change lottery triggers the change of one divided element to an opaque portion 53. In other words, each time the change lottery is won, the transparent portion 52 of the target image 50 becomes smaller. Note that the probability of winning the change lottery is preferably less than 100%. In other words, it is preferable that operation of the operating means 60 does not necessarily result in the division element becoming an opaque portion 53. Furthermore, in one image change presentation, the probability of winning the change lottery may be configured to change each time a divided element becomes an opaque portion 53. However, a configuration in which the transparent portion 52 becomes smaller when the operation of the operating means 60 is won is merely an example. For example, the transparent portion 52 may become smaller each time a specified number of operations of the operating means 60 are detected (which may be fixed or variable).

The image change effect is set such that a successful outcome (see Figure 20 (d-1)) occurs when the target image 50 changes from its initial state to the target state, and a failed outcome (see Figure 20 (d-2)) occurs when the target state is not reached. Whether the outcome is a successful or failed outcome is determined internally in advance (so that it is not known to the player). In this embodiment, if the outcome is a successful outcome, there is still a possibility that the target win/loss lottery result (the win/loss lottery result corresponding to the change in the image change effect) will be a jackpot, but if the outcome is a failure, the target win/loss lottery result will be a miss. In other words, based on the result of the target win/loss lottery, it is determined in advance whether the image change effect will result in a successful or failed outcome.

The goal mode is a mode in which all N divided elements become opaque portions 53. In other words, the entire portion that was transparent portion 52 in the initial mode becomes opaque portion 53 (see FIG. 20(d-1)). In this embodiment, regardless of whether the predetermined outcome is a success or failure outcome, the game can proceed until N-1 divided elements (four in this embodiment) become opaque portions 53 (the player can win the above-mentioned change lottery N-1 times). If the predetermined outcome is a failure outcome, after N-1 divided elements become opaque portions 53, the change lottery is not executed even if the operation means 60 is operated during the valid operation period. In other words, the target image 50 will not reach the goal mode. On the other hand, if the predetermined outcome is a success or failure outcome, the change lottery is executed when the operation means 60 is operated during the valid operation period even after N-1 divided elements have become opaque portions 53. In other words, there is a possibility that the target image 50 will reach the goal mode. Furthermore, if the predetermined outcome is a successful outcome and the target image 50 does not reach the target state during the valid operation period, the target image 50 will be forcibly brought to the target state (forcibly transitioned to a successful outcome) upon the end of the valid operation period.

As described above, because the target image 50 is displayed in front of the operation image 40, the visible range of the operation image 40 gradually decreases as the transparent portion 52 of the target image 50 becomes smaller. The state in which the visible range of the operation image 40 is largest is when the target image 50 is in its initial state (see FIG. 20(a)), and the state in which the target image 50 has reached its target state (see FIG. 20(d-1)) is when the visible range of the operation image 40 is smallest.

In addition, the target image 50 in this embodiment has transparent portions 52 surrounded by outer edge portions 51, and these transparent portions 52 gradually change to opaque portions 53. The outer edge portions 51 are shaped like letters (in this embodiment, the letter "G"), and the image change presentation is a presentation form in which a "meter" representing the letter accumulates over time (the change from transparent portions 52 to opaque portions 53 represents the meter filling up).

In this way, the image change presentation in this embodiment is intended to change the target image 50 from its initial state to the target state by operating the operation means 60; the operation image 40 visible through the transparent portion 52 of the target image 50 in its initial state indicates that the operation means 60 should be operated, and as the target image 50 approaches the target state, it is covered by the opaque portion 53, thereby reducing the visible range of the operation image 40. In other words, at the start of the effective operation period, the operation image 40 is prominent, emphasizing that the operation means 60 should be operated; and as the target image 50 approaches the target state, the operation image 40 becomes less visible, emphasizing that the presentation is progressing (reaching its climax), resulting in an easy-to-understand presentation format.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and variations on the image change effects described above. Note that, to the extent possible, multiple techniques described using the following specific examples may be combined and applied in a configuration.

Specific example 4-1
Although the image change effect in the above embodiment has been described as prompting the player to continuously operate (hit repeatedly) the operating means 60, other modes of operation may also be prompted. For example, the player may be prompted to perform a maintenance operation to maintain the operating state of the operating means 60 (this would be a "long press" if the operating means 60 is a push button as in this embodiment). The above-mentioned change lottery is executed when the operating state of the operating means 60 continues for a predetermined period of time, and winning the change lottery triggers a change in which the transparent portion 52 becomes smaller (one divided element becomes the non-transparent portion 53).

It is also possible that the player will be prompted to operate the operating means 60 once (a single operation) (the valid operation period will end with a single operation of the operating means 60). In the case of a successful ending, the operation of the operating means 60 will trigger the entire transparent portion 52 of the target image 50 to change to an opaque portion 53. In the case of a failed ending, the operation of the operating means 60 will not result in a change to an opaque portion 53 (the transparent portion 52 will remain). However, in the case of an image change presentation that prompts a single operation, the change in the transparent portion 52 gradually becoming smaller will not be reflected in the presentation.

Specific example 4-2
The probability that the image change presentation will lead to a successful conclusion is suggested by the transparent portion 52 of the target image 50 in the initial state. For example, the transparent portion 52 is set to either a first state (see FIG. 21(a)) that is a semi-transparent state of "white" or a second state (see FIG. 21(b)) that is a semi-transparent state of "red," and the second state is set to have a higher probability of leading to a successful conclusion than the first state.

By allowing the state of the transparent portion 52 to change as in this example, the appearance of the operation image 40 viewed through the transparent portion 52 will differ depending on the state of the transparent portion 52. That is, when the transparent portion 52 is in the first state, the operation image 40 appears to be white, and when the transparent portion 52 is in the second state, the operation image 40 appears to be red. In other words, because the operation image 40 is viewed through the transparent portion 52, changing the state of the transparent portion 52 will also change the appearance of the operation image 40.

Specific example 4-3
If the image change effect results in a successful outcome (see FIG. 22(a-2)), a predetermined post-effect will occur (if the result is a failed outcome, the post-effect will not occur) (see FIG. 22(a-3)). In other words, the image change effect will be executed as a branching effect that indicates whether or not the post-effect will occur. It is conceivable that a predetermined reach effect will be executed as the post-effect. If the result of the target win/lose lottery is a jackpot, a reach effect that leads to a jackpot outcome will occur as the post-effect, and if it is a miss, a reach effect that leads to a miss outcome will occur as the post-effect.

Based on this premise, the target image 50 is assumed to suggest a post-performance. For example, the characters displayed by the target image 50 represent at least part of the "title" of the post-performance. By doing so, it is possible to indicate that a post-performance has occurred (see FIG. 22(a-3)) using the target image 50 that has reached the target state (see FIG. 22(a-2)). By doing as in this example, it becomes easier to understand that the target image 50 reaching the target state suggests that a post-performance will occur.

Furthermore, in this example, multiple types of target images 50 are provided as target images 50 that can be displayed in the image change effect. For example, a first target image 50a (see FIG. 22(a-1)) may be displayed, and a second target image 50b (see FIG. 22(b-1)) different from the first target image 50a may be displayed. If the image change effect in which the first target image 50a is displayed reaches a successful conclusion (see FIG. 22(a-2)), a first post-effect (see FIG. 22(a-3)) will occur as the post-effect. On the other hand, if the image change effect in which the second target image 50b is displayed reaches a successful conclusion (see FIG. 22(b-2)), a second post-effect (different from the first post-effect) (see FIG. 22(b-3)) with higher reliability than the first post-effect will occur as the post-effect. This results in a performance format in which the type (mode) of the target image 50 suggests the type of post-effect that may occur thereafter. Furthermore, when the second target image 50b is displayed, the reliability of reaching a successful ending is higher than when the first target image 50a is displayed, so when the second target image 50b is displayed, the player is more likely to hope for a successful ending.

Specific example 4-4
The target image 50 is configured to be used as one of the decorative symbols 80 that make up the symbol combination that indicates the result of the winning or losing lottery. For example, if the image change effect occurs as a type of reach effect and the result of the winning or losing lottery is a jackpot, the image change effect may be successful, and the target image 50 that has reached the target state may become one of the decorative symbols 80 that make up the winning combination. Specifically, this is as follows.

The image change effect can occur when a reach is achieved in which the left decorative pattern 80L and the right decorative pattern 80R (reach pattern) are of the same type. The outer edge 51 of the target image 50 is designed to resemble the decorative pattern 80 of the same type as the reach pattern. For example, when a reach is achieved in which the decorative pattern 80 of "6" becomes the reach pattern, the target image 50 with the outer edge 51 representing "6" is displayed (see Figure 23(a)). In the image change effect, the transparent portion 52 inside the outer edge 51 representing "6" may become smaller (becoming an opaque portion 53) (see Figure 23(b)). The image change effect leads to a successful outcome if the result of the target win/loss lottery is a jackpot, and to a failed outcome if the result is a miss. In the case of a successful outcome, the entire transparent portion 52 becomes an opaque portion 53, and the target image 50 reaches the target state (see Figure 23(c-1)). In the case of a failure outcome, the target image 50 does not reach the target pattern (see Figure 23 (c-2)). When the target image 50 reaches the target pattern, it is displayed between reach patterns, so it forms a winning combination as a medium decorative pattern 80C, and the fluctuation stops completely, and the result of the win/loss lottery is announced as a jackpot (see Figure 23 (d-1)). If the target pattern is not reached, a losing combination is formed, and the fluctuation stops completely (see Figure 23 (d-2)).

In this way, the image change effect can be used as a type of reach effect, indicating whether one of the symbols making up the winning combination that indicates a winning result in the win/lose lottery will be completed (the completion of a symbol is considered to be the selection of that symbol). In the above embodiment, the decorative symbol 80 is a "number," and so the target image 50 (outer edge 51) is designed to resemble a number; however, if the decorative symbol 80 is a letter, character, or the like other than a number, the target image 50 can also be a letter, character, or the like other than a number.

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

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 configurations unique to pachinko gaming machines.

In the above embodiment, the winning/losing lottery results are set as either a jackpot or a miss, and a jackpot is won (a jackpot game is executed) when a jackpot is won; however, a jackpot may also be won via a so-called small jackpot. Since machines with gameplay that allows a jackpot to be won via a small jackpot (the gameplay of so-called "two-type gaming machines" in which a jackpot is won by causing a gaming ball to enter a bonus area (V area) that opens when a small jackpot is won) are well known, a detailed explanation will be omitted. However, if a small jackpot is won (barring an irregular event such as a malfunction of the gaming machine or the player not playing as instructed), and this is set to lead to the winning of a jackpot (a setting in which a small jackpot and a jackpot are essentially the same thing), then winning a jackpot as described in the above embodiment would include winning a small jackpot ("jackpot" can be read as "small jackpot").

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

・Means 1-1
A gaming machine comprising a bonus awarding means for awarding one of a plurality of bonuses when the result of a lottery is a win, and a display means for displaying a result image showing the status of acquisition of said bonuses during a specified period, wherein at least one of said plurality of bonuses is a specific bonus, and said result image includes a name representing said specific bonus that has been acquired during said specified period, and does not include a name representing said specific bonus that has not been acquired during said specified period.
The result image in the gaming machine does not include the name of the specific benefit that was not obtained, so that the possibility that the player will become irritated when he sees the result image can be reduced.

・Means 1-2
The gaming machine described in means 1-1 is characterized in that the multiple types of benefits include non-specific benefits that are not the specific benefits and have a smaller expected value of profit that the player will receive than the specific benefits, and if the specific benefit is acquired during the specified period, the result image includes a name that represents the acquired specific benefit and does not include a name that represents the non-specific benefit.
If a specific benefit, which offers a relatively high benefit, has been acquired, it is not necessary to show in the result image the status of acquiring a non-specific benefit, which offers a relatively low benefit (because showing the status of acquiring a non-specific benefit could lead the player to imagine that they would have gained more benefit if the non-specific benefit had been a specific benefit, and this could cause the player to feel as if they have lost out).

・Means 1-3
The gaming machine described in means 1-2 is characterized in that if the specific benefit is not acquired at all during the specified period, the result image does not include a name representing the specific benefit, but includes a name representing the non-specific benefit.
If the result image does not show even the non-specific benefit when the specific benefit is not acquired, it gives the impression that no benefit has been acquired during the specified period, so in such a case it is better to show the non-specific benefit in the result image.

・Means 2-1
A gaming machine comprising: a game state setting means capable of setting a normal game state and a special game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state as game states in which the player plays with the aim of winning or losing the lottery result; a display means capable of displaying a normal background image displayed in the normal game state and a special background image displayed in the special game state as background images of decorative patterns displayed to show the win or loss lottery result; and an effect execution means that executes a switching effect that displays a switching image, wherein the ending of the switching effect can be a normal ending in which the normal background image is displayed after the switching image is displayed, or a special ending in which the special background image is displayed after the switching image is displayed.
According to the gaming machine, an interesting effect can be executed in which the ending is indicated by the type of background image displayed after the switching image is displayed.

・Means 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that the switching effect is an effect in which, through the space formed in the switching image, a part of the normal background image is visible when the normal ending is reached, and a part of the special background image is visible when the special ending is reached.
By doing so, a part of the background image can be seen through the space from the stage when the switching image is displayed (the ending is hinted at in advance).

・Means 2-3
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 or 2-2 is characterized in that the spatial portion of the switching image is made normal in shape when the normal ending is reached, and made special in shape different from the normal shape when the special ending is reached.
In this way, not only the part of the background image visible through the space, but also the shape of the space itself provides a dramatic effect in which the ending is hinted at in advance.

・Means 3-1
A gaming machine in which, after a first decorative pattern group, a second decorative pattern group, and a third decorative pattern group each including a plurality of types of decorative patterns have started to vary, a pattern combination consisting of a first decorative pattern selected from the first decorative pattern group, a second decorative pattern selected from the second decorative pattern group, and a third decorative pattern selected from the third decorative pattern group is a winning combination if the result of a win/lose lottery is a winning combination, and a losing combination if the result is a losing combination, and a performance is executed during the variation until the variation stops, wherein the winning combination is a combination in which the first decorative pattern, the second decorative pattern, and the third decorative pattern are of the same type, and the losing combination is a losing combination. The combinations that result in a missed reach are those in which the first decorative pattern and the second decorative pattern are the same type, but the third decorative pattern is of a different type, and the gaming machine is capable of executing a reach-forward-reading effect in which the type of the third decorative pattern that constitutes the missed reach combination shown in the previous during-variation effect changes with each successive previous during-variation effect, as a pre-reading effect that suggests an increased probability of the target hit/miss lottery result being a hit, using the previous during-variation effect that occurs before the target during-variation effect that corresponds to the target hit/miss lottery result begins.
According to the gaming machine, it is possible to execute an easy-to-understand predictive performance that progresses according to the change in the type of the third decorative symbol that constitutes the reach-miss combination.

・Means 3-2
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that a prescribed order is set for each of the multiple types of decorative patterns, and in the reach-prediction performance, the type of the third decorative pattern that constitutes the reach-miss combination changes in accordance with the prescribed order for each successive previous variation performance.
By doing this, the change in the third decorative pattern in the specified order indicates the progress of the reach-prediction performance (approaching the target change performance).

・Means 3-3
The gaming machine described in means 3-2 is characterized in that the reach-prediction performance is controlled so that the difference between the specified order of the types of the first decorative pattern and the second decorative pattern that constitute the reach-miss combination in the previous during-variation performance immediately before the target during-variation performance and the specified order of the type of the third decorative pattern is the same every time.
By doing this, when the difference in the prescribed order between the first decorative pattern, the second decorative pattern and the third decorative pattern reaches a predetermined value, it is considered to be the change immediately before the target change performance, so it becomes a pre-reading performance that makes it easy to predict the hold corresponding to the target change performance.

・Means 4-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display means having a display area; an operation means operable by a player; and an operation execution means for executing an image change effect in which the player is prompted to operate the operation means, with a successful outcome being a target image displayed in the display area changing from an initial state to a target state, and a failed outcome being a failure if the target state is not reached, wherein the image change effect is displayed so that the operation image representing the operation means is visible through a transparent portion of the target image in the initial state, and each time the operation of the operation means during the effective operation period satisfies a predetermined condition, the transparent portion of the target image changes to become smaller.
The image change presentation that the gaming machine can execute is an easy-to-understand presentation format in which the operation image is made conspicuous at the beginning of the presentation to emphasize that the operation means should be operated, and the operation image becomes less visible as the target image approaches the target state to emphasize that the presentation is progressing.

・Measure 4-2
The gaming machine described in means 4-1 is characterized in that the transparent portion is a portion surrounded by an outer edge portion along the outer edge of the target image.
By doing this, the target image changes like a meter.

・Means 4-3
A gaming machine as described in means 4-1 or 4-2, characterized in that if the result of the lottery is a win, a winning combination consisting of multiple symbols is displayed, and if the result of the lottery is shown to be a win after the image change presentation, the target image that has reached the target state is made one of the symbols that make up the winning combination.
In this way, an image change effect can be applied as an effect in which the target image in the target mode becomes one of the symbols that make up the winning combination.

1 gaming machine 10 result image 20 switching image 20a space portion 25n normal background image 25s special background image 40 operation image 50 target image 51 outer edge portion 52 transparent portion 53 opaque portion 60 operation means 70 reserved pattern 80 decorative pattern (80L left decorative pattern 80R right decorative pattern 80C center decorative pattern)
91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (1)

a game state setting means for setting a normal game state and a special game state that is more advantageous to a player than the normal game state as game states in which the player plays with the aim of winning the lottery result;
a display means capable of displaying a normal background image displayed in the normal game state and a special background image displayed in the special game state as background images of decorative patterns displayed to indicate the winning/losing lottery result;
a performance execution means for executing a switching performance that displays a switching image;
Equipped with
As a conclusion of the above switching performance,
a normal ending in which the normal background image is displayed after the switching image is displayed;
a special ending in which the special background image is displayed after the transition image is displayed;
may occur,
The switching effect is an effect in which a part of the normal background image is visible when the normal ending is reached, and a part of the special background image is visible when the special ending is reached, through a space portion formed in the switching image,
The spatial portion of the switching image has a normal shape when the normal ending is reached, and a special shape different from the normal shape when the special ending is reached.
A gaming machine characterized by: