JP7745280B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, pachinko gaming machines, which are an example of gaming machines, are equipped with an image display device that displays images, and some are configured to be able to execute display effects on the image display device (for example, Patent Document 1). The gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to be able to execute multiple display effects in an overlapping manner.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2020-110707

Today, there is a demand for further innovation in gaming machines that are configured to be able to execute multiple display effects at the same time, thereby improving the visibility of the display effects.

A gaming machine that solves the above problem comprises a display means for displaying an image, and a display control means for controlling the display means for displaying an image, and effects that can be executed by the display means for displaying an image include a first display effect and a second display effect, and the second display effect is an effect that can suggest the degree of expectation of a predetermined benefit being awarded, and the modes of the second display effect include a first mode, a second mode in which the degree of expectation is higher than that of the first mode, and a third mode in which the degree of expectation is higher than that of the second mode, and the first display effect can be executed by dynamically displaying an image and by displaying an image that focuses on a specific image, thereby highlighting the specific image, and the second display effect can be executed by dynamically displaying an image in a mode that moves over time, thereby highlighting the specific image surrounded by an outline image, and when the first display effect and the second display effect of the second mode are executed simultaneously, the image that focuses on the specific image in the specific highlighting and the time -varying image in the specific highlighting are displayed. The gist is that it is possible to superimpose an image that converges on a specific image in the specific highlighting and an image that moves over time in the specific highlighting, and the color of the image displayed by the second display performance includes a color similar to or similar to the color of the image displayed by the first display performance, the second display performance of the second aspect is executed including the predetermined highlighting but not the specific highlighting, and the first display performance is executed including the specific highlighting without the predetermined highlighting, and when the first display performance and the second display performance of the third aspect are executed simultaneously, it is possible to superimpose an image that converges on a specific image in the specific highlighting and an image that moves over time in the specific highlighting, and the color of the image displayed by the second display performance includes a color similar to or similar to the color of the image displayed by the first display performance, the second display performance of the third aspect is executed including the predetermined highlighting but not the specific highlighting, and the first display performance is executed including the specific highlighting without the predetermined highlighting .

This invention can improve the visibility of display effects.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a front view schematically showing the game board. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the effect display device when a character effect is executed during execution of an effect game. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the effect display device when a character effect is executed during execution of an effect game. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the effect display device when character effects and effect effects are executed during execution of an effect game. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a display on the effect display device when character effects and effect effects are executed during execution of an effect game. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a pachinko gaming machine. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a fluctuation pattern. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a presentation pattern. 10(a) to 10(f) are schematic diagrams showing examples of the display on the effect display device when a character effect is executed while a character effect and an effect effect are being executed. 11(a) to 11(f) are schematic diagrams showing examples of the display of the effect display device when a character effect is executed while a character effect and an effect effect are being executed. 12(a) to 12(f) are schematic diagrams showing examples of the display of the effect display device when a character effect is executed while a character effect and an effect effect are being executed. 13(a) to 13(f) are schematic diagrams showing examples of the display on the effect display device when a character effect is executed while a character effect and an effect effect are being executed. 14(a) to 14(f) are schematic diagrams showing examples of the display of the effect display device when a character effect is executed while a character effect and an effect effect are being executed. 15(a) to 15(f) are schematic diagrams showing examples of the display on the effect display device when a character effect is executed while a character effect and an effect effect are being executed. 16(a) to 16(d) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the display on the effect display device when a character effect is executed while a character effect and an effect effect are being executed in the second embodiment. 17(a) to 17(d) are schematic diagrams showing an example of the display on the effect display device when a character effect is executed while a character effect and an effect effect are being executed in the second embodiment.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine will be described below. In the following description, up, down, left, right, front (front), and back (back) indicate the respective directions as seen by a player.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pachinko gaming machine 10 (hereinafter referred to as gaming machine 10), which is an example of a gaming machine, has a frame 11. The frame 11 is composed of an installation frame for fixing the gaming machine 10 to an island facility in an amusement parlor or the like, and a mounting frame for mounting various gaming components. The gaming machine 10 has a gaming board YB. The gaming board YB is mounted on the frame 11. The gaming machine 10 has a launch handle HD. The gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to launch gaming balls by operating the launch handle HD.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a frame decoration lamp LA. The frame decoration lamp LA performs effects (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting effects) by lighting up, flashing, and extinguishing a light-emitting element consisting of a built-in full-color LED. Therefore, the frame decoration lamp LA can light up and flash in colors such as white, blue, yellow, green, and red. The frame decoration lamp LA is provided on the frame body 11. The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a speaker SP. The speaker SP performs effects (hereinafter referred to as audio effects) that output sounds such as human and animal voices, sound effects, and music. The speaker SP is provided on the frame body 11.

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 10 is equipped with a first special symbol display unit 13a and a second special symbol display unit 13b as display units capable of displaying special symbol changing games. Special symbol changing games (hereinafter referred to as special games) include a first special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as first special game) and a second special symbol changing game (hereinafter referred to as second special game). In the first special game, predetermined symbols are displayed in a changing manner, and finally, a first special symbol, which is an example of a special symbol, is displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol. In the second special game, predetermined symbols are displayed in a changing manner, and finally, a second special symbol, which is an example of a special symbol, is displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol.

Special symbols are symbols used to indicate the result of a predetermined lottery (e.g., a winning lottery) as a result of a special game. The first special symbol display unit 13a displays the first special game. In other words, the first special symbol display unit 13a runs the first special game. The second special symbol display unit 13b displays the second special game. In other words, the second special symbol display unit 13b runs the second special game. In this specification, "variable display" refers to a state in which the type of symbol displayed changes over time. In this specification, "fixed stop display" refers to a state in which a symbol is fixedly displayed as a stopped symbol, and the type of symbol displayed does not change. With respect to symbols, "fixed stop display" and "derivation" have the same meaning. In this embodiment, the second special game is executed with priority over the first special game. The first special game and the second special game are not executed simultaneously in parallel.

Special symbols include jackpot symbols and non-jackpot symbols as a result of the special game. In gaming machine 10, if a jackpot is won in the winning lottery, a jackpot symbol is derived in the special game, and after the special game ends, a jackpot game occurs (is awarded). Non-jackpot symbols include losing symbols. In gaming machine 10, if a jackpot is not won in the winning lottery, a losing symbol is derived in the special game.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a first special hold display unit 13c. The first special hold display unit 13c displays information that can identify the number of first special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the first special hold number). The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a second special hold display unit 13d. The second special hold display unit 13d displays information that can identify the number of second special games whose execution has been put on hold because the hold conditions have been met but the execution conditions have not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the second special hold number). In this embodiment, the upper limit for the first special hold number and the second special hold number is four.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a normal symbol display unit 13e. The normal symbol display unit 13e displays the normal game. In the normal game, predetermined symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and finally, the normal symbol is displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol. The normal symbol is a symbol used to notify the result of the normal lottery as a result of the normal game. The normal symbols include a normal winning symbol and a normal losing symbol. In the gaming machine 10, if a normal winning symbol is won in the normal lottery, a normal winning symbol is derived in the normal game, and a normal winning game is initiated (awarded) after the normal game ends. In the gaming machine 10, if a normal winning symbol is not won in the normal lottery, a normal losing symbol is derived in the normal game. The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a normal hold display unit 13f. The normal hold display unit 13f displays information that can identify the number of normal games for which execution has been put on hold because the hold condition has been met but the execution condition has not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the normal hold number). In this embodiment, the upper limit for normal reservations is 4.

A game area YBa, into which game balls flow, is formed on the front side of the game board YB provided in the gaming machine 10. An opening window YBb is formed in the game board YB approximately in the center when viewed from the front. A center frame W with various designs is attached to the opening window YBb.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with an effect display device EH. The effect display device EH has an image display unit GH capable of displaying images. For example, the image display unit GH is an LCD panel or an organic EL panel. The effect display device EH is attached to the gaming board YB so that, when viewed from the front, the image display area of the image display unit GH is visible through the opening window YBb (center frame W) of the gaming board YB. The effect display device EH executes an effect (hereinafter referred to as a display effect) that displays a predetermined image. For example, the predetermined image is an image such as an effect pattern, character, landscape, character string, number, or symbol. In this embodiment, the effect display device EH corresponds to an effect display means capable of displaying an image.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a board decoration lamp LB. The board decoration lamp LB performs light-emitting effects by turning on, flashing, and extinguishing a built-in light-emitting element consisting of a full-color LED. Therefore, the board decoration lamp LB can light up and flash in colors such as white, blue, yellow, green, and red. The board decoration lamp LB is attached to the gaming board YB. The board decoration lamp LB is provided near the effect display device EH (image display unit GH). For example, the board decoration lamp LB is provided in a position closer to the effect display device EH than the frame decoration lamp LA. Specifically, the board decoration lamp LB is provided above the effect display device EH. The frame decoration lamp LA is provided to the left and right of the effect display device EH. The vertical distance from the board decoration lamp LB to the effect display device EH is shorter than the horizontal distance from the frame decoration lamp LA to the effect display device EH.

The board decoration lamp LB is located in front of the performance display device EH (towards the player). The frame decoration lamp LA is located in front of the performance display device EH. The distance from the board decoration lamp LB to the performance display device EH in the front-to-back direction, which is perpendicular to the up-down direction, is shorter than the distance from the frame decoration lamp LA to the performance display device EH in the front-to-back direction. Therefore, the distance from the board decoration lamp LB to the performance display device EH is shorter than the distance from the frame decoration lamp LA to the performance display device EH. In this embodiment, the board decoration lamp LB corresponds to a specific light-emitting means.

In this embodiment, the frame decorative lamp LA, speaker SP, performance display device EH, and panel decorative lamp LB are each performance devices that perform performances and constitute a performance device group DE. The performance device group DE is not limited to including all of the frame decorative lamp LA, speaker SP, performance display device EH, and panel decorative lamp LB, but may be composed of one or more performance devices that can be arbitrarily selected from these performance devices. The performance device group DE may also be composed of performance devices that are different from the frame decorative lamp LA, speaker SP, performance display device EH, and panel decorative lamp LB.

The gaming machine 10 has a first start opening 15. The gaming machine 10 has a first start sensor SE1 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the first start opening 15 (shown in Figure 7). In the gaming machine 10, when a gaming ball is detected by the first start sensor SE1, the reserve conditions for the first special game may be met, and the payout conditions for a predetermined number of prize balls (four in this embodiment) are also met. The first start opening 15 is always open so that gaming balls can be inserted.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a second start opening 16. The gaming machine 10 is also equipped with a second start sensor SE2 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the second start opening 16 (shown in Figure 7). In the gaming machine 10, when a gaming ball is detected by the second start sensor SE2, the reserve conditions for the second special game may be met, and the payout conditions for a predetermined number of prize balls (1 in this embodiment) are met. The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a normal variable member 17 that can be operated between a first state in which a gaming ball can enter the second start opening 16 and a second state in which a gaming ball cannot enter the second start opening 16. The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a normal solenoid SL1 (shown in Figure 7) as a means for operating the normal variable member 17. The normal variable member 17 is operated to the first state during normal winning games.

The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a large prize opening 18. The gaming machine 10 is also equipped with a special prize sensor SE3 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the large prize opening 18 (shown in Figure 7). When a gaming ball is detected by the special prize sensor SE3, the conditions for the payout of a predetermined number of prize balls (10 in this embodiment) are met. The gaming machine 10 is also equipped with a special variable member 19 that can be operated between a first state in which a gaming ball can enter the large prize opening 18 and a second state in which a gaming ball cannot enter the large prize opening 18. The gaming machine 10 is also equipped with a special solenoid SL2 (shown in Figure 7) as a means for operating the special variable member 19. The special variable member 19 is operated to the first state during a jackpot game.

The gaming machine 10 has a gate 25. The gaming machine 10 has a normal start sensor SE4 that detects a gaming ball that has entered the gate 25 (shown in Figure 7). When a gaming ball is detected by the normal start sensor SE4, the reserve condition for the normal game may be met, but the payout condition for prize balls is not met. The gaming machine 10 has a normal winning opening 26. The gaming machine 10 has a normal winning sensor (not shown) that detects a gaming ball that has entered the normal winning opening 26. When a gaming ball is detected by the normal winning sensor, the payout condition for a predetermined number of prize balls (two in this embodiment) is met. The gaming machine 10 has an outlet 27. The outlet 27 is formed at the lower end of the gaming area YBa. Of the game balls launched into the game area YBa, those that do not enter the first start hole 15, the second start hole 16, the big prize hole 18, or the regular prize hole 26 are ejected from the machine through the outlet 27.

The gaming machine 10 can adjust the launch strength of the gaming ball according to the amount of operation (rotation amount) of the launch handle HD. In the gaming machine 10, the gaming ball can be hit so that it flows down either the left area of the center frame W or the right area of the center frame W. The first start opening 15 and the regular winning opening 26 are arranged along the gaming ball's flow path R1 in the left area. In the gaming machine 10, the gaming ball can be launched so that it flows down the left area of the gaming area YBa, causing it to enter the first start opening 15 and the regular winning opening 26. In the following explanation, a "left-handed hit" refers to a gaming ball launched with a launch strength that causes the gaming ball to flow down the left area. The second start opening 16, the special winning opening 18, and the gate 25 are arranged along the gaming ball's flow path R2 in the right area. In the gaming machine 10, by firing a gaming ball so that it flows down the right-hand area of the gaming area YBa, it is possible for the ball to enter the second starting opening 16, the large prize opening 18, and the gate 25. In the following explanation, firing a gaming ball with a firing intensity that causes the gaming ball to flow down the right-hand area is referred to as a "right hit."

Next, the gaming state of the gaming machine 10 will be described.
The gaming machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function that varies the jackpot probability to a high probability, and a ball entry assistance function that assists the game ball in entering the second starting hole 16. The gaming state of the gaming machine 10 is configured by combining the operating states (operation and non-operation) of these functions.

The probability fluctuation function (hereinafter referred to as the probability fluctuation function) will be explained.
The gaming machine 10 has multiple probability states with different jackpot probabilities. The multiple probability states include a low probability state and a high probability state in which the jackpot probability is higher than the low probability state. When the probability variable function is activated, the probability state transitions from the low probability state to the high probability state, increasing the chance of winning a jackpot in the winning lottery. For this reason, the high probability state is more advantageous to the player than the low probability state.

The goal-going assistance function will now be explained.
The ball entry assistance function is a function that assists balls in entering the second starting hole 16 and is a so-called "electric support function." The gaming machine 10 has multiple ball entry states, which are states in which the rate at which game balls enter the second starting hole 16 varies. The multiple ball entry states include a non-time-saving state and a time-saving state in which the rate at which game balls enter the second starting hole 16 per unit time is higher than in the non-time-saving state. The time-saving state is a so-called "electric support state" or "high base state." The non-time-saving state is a so-called "non-electric support state" or "low base state." The rate at which game balls enter the first starting hole 15 per unit time is the same in the time-saving state and the non-time-saving state. In the time-saving state, the rate at which game balls enter the second starting hole 16 per unit time is improved, making it easier for game balls to enter the second starting hole 16 than the first starting hole 15. For this reason, in the time-saving state, it is recommended to hit the ball to the right so that the game ball is more likely to enter the second starting hole 16. On the other hand, in the non-time-saving state, the rate at which game balls enter the second starting hole 16 per unit time is lower than in the time-saving state, making it more difficult for game balls to enter the second starting hole 16 than the first starting hole 15, so it is recommended to hit the ball to the left. In the gaming machine 10, when the ball entry assistance function is activated, the ball entry state transitions from the non-time-saving state to the time-saving state. In the time-saving state, the rate at which game balls enter the second starting hole 16 per unit time is improved, making it easier to fulfill the reservation conditions for the second special game and the payout conditions for prize balls that accompany a ball entering the second starting hole 16 than in the non-time-saving state. For this reason, the time-saving state is more advantageous to the player than the non-time-saving state.

For example, the time-shortened state can be achieved by executing one of the three controls described below, which can be selected arbitrarily, or by combining multiple controls. The first control is control that shortens the variable time of the normal game compared to when the time-shortened state is not in effect. The second control is control that changes the probability of a normal win in the normal lottery to a higher probability than when the time-shortened state is not in effect. The third control is control that lengthens the time during which the normal variable member 17 is in the first state in one normal win game compared to when the time-shortened state is not in effect. Note that the third control may be at least one of control that increases the number of times the normal variable member 17 is operated to the first state in one normal win game compared to when the time-shortened state is not in effect, and control that lengthens the time between when the normal variable member 17 is operated to the first state and when it is operated to the second state in a normal win game compared to when the time-shortened state is not in effect.

The time-shortening state may be achieved by combining it with the fourth control, which will be described below. The fourth control is a control that shortens the variable time (average variable time) of special games compared to when the time-shortening state is not in effect. As a result, the average variable time of special games is shorter in the time-shortening state compared to when the time-shortening state is not in effect. The average variable time of special games can be calculated by dividing the cumulative variable time of a unit number of special games by the unit number of times, assuming that a unit number of special games have been played. In the time-shortening state, the number of special games that can actually be played per unit time increases compared to when the time-shortening state is not in effect. In other words, the efficiency with which reserved special games are consumed improves.

There are three game states: a low-probability non-time-saving state, a low-probability time-saving state, and a high-probability time-saving state. The low-probability non-time-saving state is a game state in which neither the probability variable function nor the ball-scoring assistance function is activated. The low-probability time-saving state is a game state in which the probability variable function is not activated, but the ball-scoring assistance function is activated. The high-probability time-saving state is a game state in which both the probability variable function and the ball-scoring assistance function are activated.

Explain about the jackpot.
The gaming machine 10 has multiple types of jackpot symbols as special jackpot symbols. The types of jackpot symbols are also the types of jackpots. The jackpot symbols are classified into one or multiple types. In this embodiment, they are classified into two types: normal symbols and specific symbols. In the gaming machine 10, a jackpot game is awarded according to the type of jackpot symbol (type of jackpot).

During a jackpot game, an opening effect is first performed over a predetermined opening time, indicating the start of the jackpot game. After the opening time has elapsed, a round game is played to open the jackpot opening 18 up to a predetermined maximum number of times. A round game ends when a predetermined maximum number of game balls enter the opening or when a predetermined maximum time has elapsed. During the round game, the jackpot opening 18 is opened in a predetermined opening pattern. During a jackpot game, game balls can be acquired by entering the jackpot opening 18. Therefore, during a jackpot game, it is recommended to play to the right to facilitate the entry of game balls into the jackpot opening 18. A jackpot game is particularly advantageous for a player because it allows the player to increase the number of game balls they own. In this embodiment, the occurrence (awarding) of a jackpot game corresponds to the awarding of a predetermined bonus. A round effect is performed during each round game. During jackpot play, when the final round of play ends, an ending presentation that identifies the end of the jackpot play is played for a predetermined ending time. The jackpot play ends as the ending time passes.

The display effects that can be executed by the effect display device EH will be explained.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the effect display device EH displays an effect game as one of the display effects. In the effect game, multiple columns of effect symbols are displayed in a variable manner, and finally, a combination of effect symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is displayed as a fixed, stopped combination. The effect symbols are also called "decorative symbols" or "ornamental symbols." In this embodiment, the effect game is performed by displaying (scrolling) the effect symbols of the left symbol column ZH, the center symbol column ZN, and the right symbol column ZM in a variable manner in a predetermined direction.

The effect game starts and ends with the special game. In the effect game, multiple columns of effect symbols are displayed as a fixed stop as a result of the effect game. In the effect game, a symbol combination corresponding to the special symbols displayed as a fixed stop in the special game is displayed as a fixed stop. When a jackpot symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game, the jackpot symbol combination is displayed as a fixed stop in the effect game. Therefore, when a jackpot symbol combination is displayed as a fixed stop as a result of the effect game, it is possible to determine that a jackpot game will be awarded. A jackpot symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the effect symbols in all symbol columns are the same, such as "777." When a losing symbol is displayed as a fixed stop in the special game, a losing symbol combination is displayed as a fixed stop in the effect game. A losing symbol combination is a symbol combination in which the effect symbols in at least some symbol columns are different from the effect symbols in the other symbol columns, such as "738" or "787."

In a presentation game, when a reach is reached, a reach presentation is executed. A reach is a state in which the same presentation symbol is temporarily displayed in multiple specific symbol columns, and the presentation symbols continue to change in other symbol columns. In this specification, "temporary stop display" refers to a state in which the symbols are not displayed in a changing manner, but are displayed oscillatingly before being displayed as a fixed stop. "Temporary stop display" is also called "temporary stop display." In this embodiment, the left symbol column ZH and the right symbol column ZM correspond to the specific symbol columns, and the center symbol column ZN corresponds to the other symbol column.

Reach effects include normal reach effects (hereafter referred to as NR effects) and super reach effects (hereafter referred to as SR effects) that occur after the start of an NR effect. SR effects are executed with content that expands on the content of NR effects, for example. SR effects have a higher chance of winning compared to NR effects. The chance of winning can be calculated as the ratio of the chance of winning to the total chance, which is the sum of the chances of winning non-jackpots and jackpots. The chance of winning can also be understood as the chance of winning a jackpot.

The effect display device EH can display a preview effect as one of the display effects. A preview effect is an effect that can suggest the likelihood of a jackpot in a special game that is currently being played. For example, a preview effect is an effect that can suggest the likelihood of a jackpot by using characters, scenery, text, numbers, and symbols in the displayed image. For example, a preview effect is an effect that can suggest the likelihood of a jackpot by using the color of the displayed image. However, the preview effect may also be an effect that can suggest the likelihood of a jackpot by displaying the likelihood of a jackpot as a probability (for example, as a percentage). A preview effect may also be an effect that can suggest the likelihood of a jackpot in a special game that is on hold. In this way, the gaming machine 10 is configured to execute display effects that can suggest the likelihood of a jackpot game being awarded.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the display of the effect display device EH when an effect game and a character effect ES1 as a preview effect are executed.
When the special game and the effect game are started, the effect display device EH displays the effect symbols of the left symbol column ZH, the middle symbol column ZN, and the right symbol column ZM moving downward. After the effect game is started, the effect display device EH starts a character effect ES1 while the effect game is being executed. The image of the character effect ES1 is an image placed on a layer with a higher display priority than the image of the effect game. In this embodiment, the image of the character effect ES1 and the image of the effect game are displayed without overlapping.

The image produced by character effect ES1 is an image of the string "Maybe it's your chance." In this embodiment, the image of the string is composed of an image RG of the outline portion of the character (hereinafter referred to as outline image RG) and an image NG of the portion surrounded by outline image RG (hereinafter referred to as internal image NG). The outline image RG can also be understood as the boundary between the image of the character string and an image different from the image of the character string. In this embodiment, character effect ES1 has multiple modes in which the internal image NG is different in color. The modes of character effect ES1 include a first mode in which the internal image NG is white, a second mode in which the internal image NG is blue, and a third mode in which the internal image NG is red. Note that the outline image RG is the same image in character effect ES1 in any of the first, second, and third modes. The outline image RG is black. In the following description, the character effect ES1 of the first aspect will be referred to as "character effect ES1 [white]", the character effect ES1 of the second aspect will be referred to as "character effect ES1 [blue]", and the character effect ES1 of the third aspect will be referred to as "character effect ES1 [red]".

When the second execution time (two seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the character effect ES1, the character effect ES1 ends on the effect display device EH. That is, the image of the string "Maybe it's your chance" disappears from the effect display device EH. After that, when the effect game ends along with the special game, the effect display device EH displays the effect symbols in the left symbol column ZH, middle symbol column ZN, and right symbol column ZM as fixed and stopped. In this way, the effect game and the character effect ES1 can be executed simultaneously on the effect display device EH. That is, the effect display device EH can simultaneously display an image from the effect game and an image from the character effect ES1. On the other hand, the effect display device EH does not display an image from the effect game and an image from the character effect ES1 overlapping each other. In this embodiment, the character effect ES1 corresponds to the second display effect.

FIG. 4 shows an example of the display of the effect display device EH when an effect game and a character effect ES2 as a preview effect are executed.
When the special game and the effect game are started, the effect display device EH displays the effect symbols of the left symbol column ZH, the middle symbol column ZN, and the right symbol column ZM moving downward. After the effect game is started, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES2 while the effect game is being executed. The image of the character effect ES2 is an image placed on a layer with a higher display priority than the image of the effect game. In this embodiment, the image of the character effect ES2 and the image of the effect game are displayed without overlapping.

The image in character effect ES2 is an image of the string "Maybe this is a good opportunity." Like the image of the string in character effect ES1, the image of the string in character effect ES2 is composed of an outline image RG and an internal image NG. In this embodiment, character effect ES2 has multiple modes in which the internal image NG is different in color. The modes of character effect ES2 include a first mode in which the internal image NG is white, a second mode in which the internal image NG is blue, and a third mode in which the internal image NG is red. Note that the outline image RG is the same in all three modes of character effect ES2: the first mode, the second mode, and the third mode. The outline image RG is black. In the following description, the character effect ES2 in the first mode will be referred to as "character effect ES2 [white]," the character effect ES2 in the second mode will be referred to as "character effect ES2 [blue]," and the character effect ES2 in the third mode will be referred to as "character effect ES2 [red]."

When the second execution time has elapsed since the start of the character effect ES2, the character effect ES2 ends on the effect display device EH. That is, the image of the string of characters "Maybe a Good Opportunity" disappears from the effect display device EH. After that, when the effect game ends along with the special game, the effect display device EH displays the effect symbols in the left symbol column ZH, middle symbol column ZN, and right symbol column ZM as fixed and stopped. In this way, the effect game and the character effect ES2 can be executed simultaneously on the effect display device EH. That is, the effect display device EH can display an image from the effect game and an image from the character effect ES2 simultaneously. On the other hand, the effect display device EH does not display an image from the effect game and an image from the character effect ES2 overlapping each other. In this embodiment, the character effect ES2 corresponds to a specific display effect.

Figure 5 shows an example of the display on the effect display device EH when an effect game, a character effect CH1 as a preview effect, and an effect effect EF1 executed together with the character effect CH1 are executed.

When the special game and the effect game start, the effect display device EH displays the effect symbols in the left symbol column ZH, middle symbol column ZN, and right symbol column ZM, each moving downward. After the effect game starts, the effect display device EH starts the character effect CH1 while the effect game is being played, and also starts the effect effect EF1. The image from the effect effect EF1 is an image placed on a layer with a higher display priority than the image from the effect game. On the effect display device EH, the image from the effect effect EF1 is displayed in the entire image display area of the image display unit GH. Therefore, on the effect display device EH, the image from the effect effect EF1 and the image from the effect game are displayed overlapping each other. Then, on the effect display device EH, the image from the effect game is hidden by the image from the effect effect EF1 and becomes invisible.

The image based on character effect CH1 is an image placed on a layer with a higher display priority than the image based on effect effect EF1. On the effect display device EH, the image based on character effect CH1 is displayed in a portion of the image display area of the image display unit GH. Therefore, on the effect display device EH, the image based on effect effect EF1 and the image based on character effect CH1 are displayed overlapping each other. Then, on the effect display device EH, both the image based on effect effect EF1 and the image based on character effect CH1 are visible.

The image produced by character effect CH1 is an image modeled after a girl character. The image produced by effect effect EF1 is composed of an image SC of multiple lines converging toward a specific display area within the image display area of the image display unit GH (hereinafter referred to as the concentrated line image SC), and an image HG of the portion of the image produced by effect effect EF1 other than the concentrated line image SC (hereinafter referred to as the background image HG). In this embodiment, the specific display area includes the display area in which the image produced by character effect CH1 is displayed. In this embodiment, the background image HG comes in multiple forms with different colors. The colors of the background image HG include white, blue, and red. In the following description, an effect effect EF1 with a white background image HG will be referred to as "effect effect EF1 [white]," an effect effect EF1 with a blue background image HG will be referred to as "effect effect EF1 [blue]," and an effect effect EF1 with a red background image HG will be referred to as "effect effect EF1 [red]." Note that for effect EF1, the concentrated line image SC is the same regardless of whether the background image HG is white, blue, or red. The concentrated line image SC is black.

When the first execution time (3 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the start of the character effect CH1 and the effect effect EF1, the character effect CH1 and the effect effect EF1 end on the effect display device EH. In other words, the image of the girl character, the convergent line image SC, and the background image HG are erased on the effect display device EH. When the character effect CH1 and the effect effect EF1 end, the effect game is displayed on the effect display device EH. Then, when the effect game ends along with the special game, the effect patterns in the left pattern column ZH, middle pattern column ZN, and right pattern column ZM are displayed as fixed and stopped on the effect display device EH. In this way, the character effect CH1 and the effect effect EF1 can be executed simultaneously on the effect display device EH. In other words, the effect display device EH can simultaneously display an image based on the character effect CH1 and an image based on the effect effect EF1. The effect display device EH can display an image based on the character effect CH1 and an image based on the effect effect EF1 overlapping each other. In this embodiment, effect effect EF1 corresponds to the first display effect.

Figure 6 shows an example of the display on the effect display device EH when an effect game, a character effect CH2 as a preview effect, and an effect effect EF2 executed together with the character effect CH2 are executed.

When the special game and the effect game start, the effect display device EH displays the effect symbols in the left symbol column ZH, middle symbol column ZN, and right symbol column ZM, each moving downward. After the effect game starts, the effect display device EH starts the character effect CH2 while the effect game is being played, and also starts the effect effect EF2. The image from the effect effect EF2 is an image placed on a layer with a higher display priority than the image from the effect game. On the effect display device EH, the image from the effect effect EF2 is displayed in the entire image display area of the image display unit GH. Therefore, on the effect display device EH, the image from the effect effect EF2 and the image from the effect game are displayed overlapping each other. Then, on the effect display device EH, the image from the effect game is hidden by the image from the effect effect EF2 and becomes invisible.

The image based on character effect CH2 is an image placed on a layer with a higher display priority than the image based on effect effect EF2. On the effect display device EH, the image based on character effect CH2 is displayed in a portion of the image display area of the image display unit GH. Therefore, on the effect display device EH, the image based on effect effect EF2 and the image based on character effect CH2 are displayed overlapping each other. Then, on the effect display device EH, both the image based on effect effect EF2 and the image based on character effect CH2 are visible.

The image produced by character effect CH2 is an image modeled after a boy character. The image produced by effect effect EF2 is composed of a convergent line image SC, a number of lines converging toward a specific display area within the image display area of the image display unit GH, and a background image HG, which is the portion of the image produced by effect effect EF2 other than the convergent line image SC. In this embodiment, the specific display area includes the display area in which the image produced by character effect CH2 is displayed. In this embodiment, the background image HG comes in multiple forms, each with a different color. The colors of the background image HG include white, blue, and red. In the following description, an effect effect EF2 with a white background image HG will be referred to as "effect effect EF2 [white]," an effect effect EF2 with a blue background image HG will be referred to as "effect effect EF2 [blue]," and an effect effect EF2 with a red background image HG will be referred to as "effect effect EF2 [red]." For effect EF2, the concentrated line image SC remains the same regardless of whether the background image HG is white, blue, or red. The concentrated line image SC is black.

When the first execution time has elapsed since the start of the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2, the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 end on the effect display device EH. That is, the image of the boy character, the convergent line image SC, and the background image HG are erased on the effect display device EH. When the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 end, the effect game is displayed on the effect display device EH. Thereafter, when the effect game ends along with the special game, the effect display device EH displays the effect symbols in the left pattern column ZH, the middle pattern column ZN, and the right pattern column ZM as fixed and stopped. In this way, the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 can be executed simultaneously on the effect display device EH. That is, the effect display device EH can simultaneously display an image based on the character effect CH2 and an image based on the effect effect EF2. The effect display device EH can display an image based on the character effect CH2 and an image based on the effect effect EF2 overlapping each other. In this embodiment, the effect effect EF2 corresponds to a predetermined display effect.

Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in Figure 7, the gaming machine 10 includes a main control board 40 and a sub-control board 50. The main control board 40 and the sub-control board 50 are connected so that control signals can be output in one direction from the main control board 40 to the sub-control board 50. The main control board 40 performs various controls and outputs various control information (control commands). The sub-control board 50 controls the group of performance devices DE, which serves as performance execution means, based on the various control commands output by the main control board 40.

First, the main control board 40 will be described.
The main control board 40 includes a microprocessor 41. The microprocessor 41 includes a processing unit (hereinafter referred to as the main CPU 42) and a memory unit. The main CPU 42 executes various processes by running a main control program. The memory unit of the microprocessor 41 includes a ROM area (hereinafter referred to as the main ROM 43) from which information can be read but to which information cannot be written, and an RWM area (hereinafter referred to as the main RWM 44) from which information can be read and to which information can be written.

The main ROM 43 stores the main control program, as well as judgment values and tables used for various judgments and lotteries. The main ROM 43 stores jackpot judgment values corresponding to the probability state used to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won in the winning lottery. The main ROM 43 stores jackpot pattern judgment values used in the jackpot pattern lottery. The main ROM 43 stores variation pattern judgment values used in the variation pattern lottery. The main ROM 43 stores multiple types of variation patterns. A variation pattern is information that can identify the variation time from the start to the end of a special game. A variation pattern is information that can identify at least a portion of the presentation content of a presentation game that is played during the execution of a special game. Variation patterns include a jackpot variation pattern and a miss variation pattern. A jackpot variation pattern is a variation pattern that ultimately derives a jackpot pattern combination. In a presentation game based on a jackpot variation pattern, the content of the variation goes through a reach effect and ultimately results in a confirmed and stopped display of the jackpot symbol combination. A loss variation pattern is a variation pattern that ultimately derives a losing symbol combination. In a presentation game based on a loss variation pattern, the content of the variation goes through a reach effect, or without a reach effect, and ultimately results in a confirmed and stopped display of the losing symbol combination.

As shown in Figure 8, there are fluctuation patterns HP11 to HP15. However, there may be fluctuation patterns different from fluctuation patterns HP11 to HP15 instead of or in addition to fluctuation patterns HP11 to HP15. There may be fluctuation patterns that can be determined when the time-saving state is not in effect, and fluctuation patterns that can be determined when the time-saving state is in effect.

Fluctuating pattern HP11 is a fluctuation pattern that does not go through a reach effect and ultimately displays a confirmed and stopped losing symbol combination. Fluctuation pattern HP12 is a fluctuation pattern that goes through an NR effect and ultimately displays a confirmed and stopped losing symbol combination. Fluctuation pattern HP13 is a fluctuation pattern that goes through an NR effect and an SR effect and ultimately displays a confirmed and stopped losing symbol combination. Fluctuation pattern HP14 is a fluctuation pattern that goes through an NR effect and ultimately displays a confirmed and stopped winning symbol combination. Fluctuation pattern HP15 is a fluctuation pattern that goes through an NR effect and an SR effect and ultimately displays a confirmed and stopped winning symbol combination.

The main RWM 44 stores various information that is rewritten depending on the results of processing by the main CPU 42. For example, information stored in the main RWM 44 includes setting information, flags, counters, and timers. The microprocessor 41 is equipped with a random number circuit 45 that generates hardware random numbers. The microprocessor 41 may also be capable of generating software random numbers through the random number generation process performed by the main CPU 42. Note that the main CPU 42, main ROM 43, main RWM 44, and random number circuit 45 do not necessarily have to be configured on a single chip as the microprocessor 41, but may also be configured separately.

The main control board 40 is connected to sensors SE1 to SE4. The main CPU 42 is configured to be able to input detection signals output when sensors SE1 to SE4 detect a gaming ball. The main control board 40 is connected to display units 13a to 13f. The main CPU 42 is configured to be able to control the display content of display units 13a to 13f. The main control board 40 is connected to solenoids SL1 and SL2. The main CPU 42 is configured to be able to control the operation of variable members 17 and 19 by controlling the operation of solenoids SL1 and SL2.

The sub-control board 50 will now be described.
The sub-control board 50 includes a sub-CPU 51, a sub-ROM 52, and a sub-RWM 53. The sub-CPU 51 executes a sub-control program to perform various processes related to the effects. The sub-CPU 51 executes processes related to the execution of the effects based on control commands input from the main CPU 42. The sub-ROM 52 stores the sub-control program and judgment values used in various lotteries related to the effects. The sub-ROM 52 stores display effect data used for display effects, light-emitting effect data used for light-emitting effects, and audio effect data used for audio effects. The sub-RWM 53 stores various information that is rewritten during operation of the gaming machine 10. For example, the information stored in the sub-RWM 53 includes flags, counters, and timers. The sub-control board 50 is configured to generate software random numbers through a random number generation process performed by the sub-CPU 51. The sub-control board 50 may also include a random number circuit to generate hardware random numbers.

The sub-control board 50 is connected to the frame decorative lamp LA. The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the frame decorative lamp LA. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the speaker SP. The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the output mode of the speaker SP. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the performance display device EH. The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the display content of the performance display device EH. The sub-CPU 51 arranges images on multiple control layers, generates an image by superimposing these control layers, and displays it on the performance display device EH. Each of the multiple control layers has a priority. The sub-CPU 51 displays an image arranged on a control layer with a relatively high priority as if it were in front of an image arranged on a control layer with a relatively low priority. Conversely, the sub-CPU 51 displays an image arranged on a control layer with a relatively low priority so that it is hidden behind an image arranged on a control layer with a relatively high priority. The sub-CPU 51 corresponds to a display performance control means capable of controlling the performance display device EH. The sub-control board 50 is connected to the panel decoration lamp LB. The sub-CPU 51 is configured to be able to control the light emission mode of the panel decoration lamp LB. The sub-CPU 51 corresponds to a light emission performance control means that can control the panel decoration lamp LB.

Next, various processes performed by the main CPU 42 of the main control board 40 will be described.
The main CPU 42 executes timer interrupt processing at predetermined intervals (4 ms in this embodiment), including special symbol input processing, special symbol start processing, jackpot game processing, normal symbol input processing, normal symbol start processing, and normal win game processing. In this embodiment, the control commands stored in the output buffer are output to the sub-control board 50 by information output processing executed as timer interrupt processing.

First, the special symbol input process will be described.
In the special symbol input process, the main CPU 42 determines whether a gaming ball has entered the first start port 15 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the first start sensor SE1. When a gaming ball has entered the first start port 15, the main CPU 42 determines whether the first special reserve number stored in the main RWM 44 is less than the upper limit number. If the first special reserve number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 updates the first special reserve number by adding 1. Next, the main CPU 42 controls the first special reserve display unit 13c to display information that can identify the updated first special reserve number. The main CPU 42 stores a control command that can identify the first special reserve number in the output buffer.

Next, the main CPU 42 acquires the random numbers generated by the random number circuit 45 and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the main RWM 44. For example, the random numbers are special winning random numbers used in the winning lottery, jackpot symbol random numbers used to determine the winning symbol, and variation pattern random numbers used to determine the variation pattern. The main CPU 42 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the first special game and the storage order of the random number information. The random number information may be the acquired random numbers themselves, or may be information obtained by processing the random numbers using a predetermined method. By storing the random number information to be used for the first special game in the main RWM 44, the gaming machine 10 can suspend its execution until the execution conditions for the first special game are met.

When random number information for the first special game is stored in the main RWM 44, if a gaming ball has not entered the first start port 15 and if the first special reserve number is not less than the upper limit, the main CPU 42 determines whether a gaming ball has entered the second start port 16 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the second start sensor SE2. If a gaming ball has not entered the second start port 16, the main CPU 42 terminates the special pattern input process. If a gaming ball has entered the second start port 16, the main CPU 42 determines whether the second special reserve number stored in the main RWM 44 is less than the upper limit. If the second special reserve number is not less than the upper limit, the main CPU 42 terminates the special pattern input process. If the second special reserve number is less than the upper limit, the main CPU 42 updates the second special reserve number by adding 1. The main CPU 42 controls the second special reserve display unit 13d to display information that can identify the updated second special reserve number. The main CPU 42 stores a control command capable of identifying the second special reservation number in the output buffer.

Next, the main CPU 42 acquires the random number generated by the random number circuit 45 and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the main RWM 44. The main CPU 42 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information to be used in the second special game and the storage order of the random number information. By storing the random number information to be used in the second special game in the main RWM 44, the gaming machine 10 can suspend its execution until the execution conditions for the second special game are met. Thereafter, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol input process.

Next, the special symbol start process will be described.
In the special symbol start processing, the main CPU 42 determines whether or not a special game can be executed. The main CPU 42 makes a positive determination when neither a jackpot game is being played nor a special game is being executed. On the other hand, the main CPU 42 makes a negative determination when a jackpot game is being played or a special game is being executed. If a special game cannot be executed, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol start processing. If a special game can be executed, the main CPU 42 determines whether or not the second special reservation number is 1 or more. If the second special reservation number is not 1 or more, the main CPU 42 determines whether or not the first special reservation number is less than 1. If the first special reservation number is less than 1, the main CPU 42 ends the special symbol start processing.

If the first special reserve number is not less than 1, the main CPU 42 performs processing to execute the first special game. Specifically, the main CPU 42 updates the first special reserve number by subtracting 1. The main CPU 42 controls the first special reserve display unit 13c to display information that can identify the updated first special reserve number. The main CPU 42 then performs a winning lottery. Specifically, the main CPU 42 acquires the random number information for the first special game that was stored earliest from the main RWM 44. Next, the main CPU 42 performs a winning lottery to determine whether or not a jackpot has been won, using the special winning random number and jackpot determination value identified from the acquired random number information. The main CPU 42 performs a winning lottery with a jackpot probability corresponding to the current probability state (either a high probability state or a low probability state) and determines whether or not a jackpot has been won.

If a jackpot is won, the main CPU 42 performs jackpot game processing. In the jackpot game processing, the main CPU 42 performs a jackpot pattern lottery using a jackpot pattern random number and jackpot pattern determination value that can be identified from the random number information, and determines the jackpot pattern to be derived in the first special game. The main CPU 42 then performs a variation pattern lottery using a variation pattern random number and variation pattern determination value that can be identified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from multiple variation patterns. In this embodiment, the jackpot variation patterns that can be determined if a jackpot is won in the lottery are variation pattern HP14 and variation pattern HP15. The main CPU 42 then terminates the special pattern start processing.

If a jackpot is not won, the main CPU 42 performs loss game processing. In the loss game processing, the main CPU 42 determines the loss symbol to be derived in the first special game. The main CPU 42 then performs a variation pattern lottery using the variation pattern random number and variation pattern determination value that can be identified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among multiple types of variation patterns. In this embodiment, the loss variation patterns that can be determined if a jackpot is not won in the winning lottery are variation patterns HP11 to HP13. The main CPU 42 then ends the special symbol start processing.

If the second special reserve number is 1 or greater, the main CPU 42 performs processing to run a second special game. The processing to run a second special game is the same as the processing to run a first special game, except that "first special game" is replaced with "second special game," "first special reserve number" is replaced with "second special reserve number," and "first special reserve display section 13c" is replaced with "second special reserve display section 13d," and therefore a detailed explanation will be omitted. In other words, the main CPU 42 performs subtraction of the second special reserve number, a winning lottery, and any game processing based on the results of the winning lottery, and then terminates the special symbol start processing.

The main CPU 42 stores a variation start command and a special symbol command in the output buffer during jackpot game processing or loss game processing. The variation start command is a control command that can specify the variation pattern determined during each game processing and the start of a special game (performance game). The special symbol command is a control command that can specify the special symbol determined during each game processing.

When the special pattern start process is completed, the main CPU 42 executes a first special game or a second special game through a process separate from the special pattern start process. Specifically, when the main CPU 42 executes the first special game, it controls the first special pattern display unit 13a to begin displaying a variable pattern. The main CPU 42 measures the variable time set in the variable pattern. When the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 controls the first special pattern display unit 13a to derive the special pattern determined in the special pattern start process. When the variable time set in the variable pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the variable end command) capable of specifying the end of the special game in the output buffer.

When the main CPU 42 executes the second special game, it controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to start displaying a predetermined symbol. The main CPU 42 measures the change time set in the change pattern. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 controls the second special symbol display unit 13b to derive the special symbol determined in the special symbol start processing. When the change time set in the change pattern has elapsed, the main CPU 42 stores a change end command in the output buffer.

Next, the big win game process will be explained.
The jackpot game processing is a process for awarding a jackpot game. When the main CPU 42 derives a jackpot symbol in a special game, it executes the jackpot game processing after the special game ends. The main CPU 42 specifies the type of jackpot game based on the jackpot symbol (i.e., the type of jackpot) determined in the special symbol start processing. The main CPU 42 awards the specified type of jackpot game.

First, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the opening command) capable of identifying the start of the opening time in the output buffer. After the opening time has elapsed, the main CPU 42 performs processing to execute a round of play. That is, the main CPU 42 controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the jackpot game to set the large prize opening 18 to the first state. When the number of game balls detected by the special prize sensor SE3 reaches the aforementioned upper limit number or the aforementioned upper limit time has elapsed, the main CPU 42 controls the special solenoid SL2 to set the large prize opening 18 to the second state, thereby ending the round of play. The main CPU 42 repeatedly performs this processing to execute a round of play until the maximum number of rounds set for the jackpot game has been completed. Each time a round of play is started, the main CPU 42 stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the round command) capable of identifying the start of the round of play in the output buffer. When the main CPU 42 ends the final round of play, it stores a control command (hereinafter referred to as the "ending command") that can specify the start of the ending time in the output buffer. When the ending time has elapsed, the main CPU 42 ends the jackpot game.

Next, the process of transitioning the probability state will be described.
When the main CPU 42 ends a jackpot game based on a specific symbol, it sets a high probability flag in the main RWM 44. In other words, the main CPU 42 controls to a high probability state. On the other hand, when the main CPU 42 ends a jackpot game based on a normal symbol, it does not set a high probability flag in the main RWM 44. In other words, the main CPU 42 controls to a low probability state. When the main CPU 42 starts a jackpot game and the high probability flag is set, it erases the high probability flag. In other words, the main CPU 42 controls to a low probability state during a jackpot game.

Next, the process of transitioning the ball-goal state will be described.
When a jackpot game ends, the main CPU 42 sets a time-shortening flag in the main RWM 44. That is, the main CPU 42 controls the game to a time-shortening state. The main CPU 42 counts the number of special games executed after the jackpot game ends by updating the value of the execution counter stored in the main RWM 44 each time a special game is started after the jackpot game based on a normal symbol ends. The main CPU 42 erases the time-shortening flag stored in the main RWM 44 when a special game in which the number of executions of the special game after the jackpot game reaches a predetermined number ends. That is, the main CPU 42 controls the game to a non-time-shortening state when the predetermined number of special games ends after the jackpot game based on a normal symbol ends. When a jackpot game starts and the time-shortening flag is set, the main CPU 42 erases the time-shortening flag. That is, the main CPU 42 controls the game to a non-time-shortening state during a jackpot game.

In this way, when a jackpot game based on a specific symbol ends, the main CPU 42 controls the game to a high-probability time-shortening state until the next jackpot game occurs (is awarded). When a jackpot game based on a normal symbol ends, the main CPU 42 controls the game to a low-probability time-shortening state from the end of the jackpot game until the specified number of special games has ended, or until the next jackpot game occurs (is awarded). When a jackpot game occurs (is awarded), the main CPU 42 controls the game to a low-probability non-time-shortening state. After a jackpot game based on a normal symbol ends, when the specified number of special games has ended since the end of the jackpot game, the main CPU 42 controls the game to a low-probability non-time-shortening state.

Next, the normal symbol input process will be described.
In the normal symbol input process, the main CPU 42 determines whether the gaming ball has passed (entered) the gate 25 based on whether a detection signal has been input from the normal start sensor SE4. If the gaming ball has not passed through the gate 25, the main CPU 42 terminates the normal symbol input process. On the other hand, if the gaming ball has passed through the gate 25, the main CPU 42 determines whether the normal reserve number stored in the main RWM 44 is less than the upper limit number. If the normal reserve number is not less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 terminates the normal symbol input process. If the normal reserve number is less than the upper limit number, the main CPU 42 updates the normal reserve number by adding 1. The main CPU 42 controls the normal reserve display unit 13f to display information that can identify the updated normal reserve number.

Next, the main CPU 42 acquires the random number generated by the random number circuit 45 and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the main RWM 44. The main CPU 42 stores the random number information so that it is possible to identify that it is random number information for the normal game and the storage order of the random number information. Thereafter, the main CPU 42 ends the normal symbol input process. By storing the random number information to be used for the normal game in the main RWM 44, the gaming machine 10 can suspend its execution until the execution conditions for the normal game are met.

Next, the normal symbol start process will be described.
In the normal symbol start processing, the main CPU 42 determines whether the execution conditions for the normal game are met. The main CPU 42 makes a positive determination when the normal win game is not being played and the normal game is not being played. On the other hand, the main CPU 42 makes a negative determination when the normal win game is being played or the normal game is being played. If the execution conditions for the normal game are not met, the main CPU 42 terminates the normal symbol start processing. If the execution conditions for the normal game are met, the main CPU 42 determines whether the normal reserved number is greater than 0. If the normal reserved number is 0, the main CPU 42 terminates the normal symbol start processing. If the normal reserved number is greater than 0, the main CPU 42 executes processing to execute the normal game. Specifically, the main CPU 42 updates the normal reserved number by subtracting 1. The main CPU 42 controls the normal reserved display unit 13f to display information that can identify the updated normal reserved number. Next, the main CPU 42 obtains the earliest stored random number information for the normal game from the main RWM 44. Next, the main CPU 42 uses the acquired random number information to perform a normal lottery (normal win determination) to determine whether or not a normal win has been won. The main CPU 42 performs a normal lottery with a normal win probability according to the current ball entry state (either the non-time-saving state or the time-saving state) and determines whether or not a normal win has been won.

If a normal win is won, the main CPU 42 determines the normal win symbol to be displayed as a fixed stop in the normal game and the normal game fluctuation time, and then terminates the normal symbol start processing. If a normal win is not won, the main CPU 42 determines the normal loss symbol to be displayed as a fixed stop in the normal game and the normal game fluctuation time, and then terminates the normal symbol start processing. In this embodiment, the fluctuation time of the normal game in the time-shortened state is shorter than the fluctuation time of the normal game in the non-time-shortened state. Therefore, in the time-shortened state, the number of normal lotteries executed per unit time is likely to be greater than in the non-time-shortened state. Furthermore, the probability of a normal win in the time-shortened state is higher than the probability of a normal win in the time-shortened state. As a result, in the time-shortened state, the number of normal wins per unit time is likely to be greater than in the non-time-shortened state. Therefore, in the time-shortened state, the number of normal wins per unit time is likely to be greater than in the non-time-shortened state. Therefore, the time-shortened state has a higher advantage in terms of game balls entering the second starting hole 16 than in the non-time-shortened state. When the normal pattern start process is completed, the main CPU 42 executes a normal game through a process separate from the normal pattern start process. Specifically, the main CPU 42 starts the normal game. Thereafter, the main CPU 42 controls the normal pattern display unit 13e so that, when the variable time determined in the normal pattern start process has elapsed, the normal pattern determined in the normal pattern start process is displayed as a fixed, stopped symbol.

Next, the normal winning game process will be described.
The normal win game processing is processing for awarding a normal win game. In the normal win game processing, when the time-shortening state is active, the main CPU 42 controls the normal solenoid SL1 so that the normal variable member 17 operates in the operating mode when the time-shortening state is active. When the time-shortening state is not active, the main CPU 42 controls the normal solenoid SL1 so that the normal variable member 17 operates in the operating mode when the time-shortening state is not active. In this embodiment, the operating mode of the normal variable member 17 when the time-shortening state is active is such that the normal variable member 17 operates to the first state more frequently in one normal win game, and the normal variable member 17 can remain in the first state for a longer period of time, compared to the operating mode of the normal variable member 17 when the time-shortening state is not active. Therefore, when the normal variable member 17 operates in the operating mode when the time-shortening state is active, it is easier to cause a game ball to enter the second starting hole 16 than when the normal variable member 17 operates in the operating mode when the time-shortening state is not active. In other words, when the time-shortening state is in effect, there is a higher degree of advantage in terms of the game ball entering the second starting hole 16 than when the time-shortening state is not in effect.

Next, various processes performed by the secondary CPU 51 of the secondary control board 50 will be described.
When the secondary CPU 51 inputs a control command from the main control board 40, it stores various information that can be specified by the control command in the secondary RWM 53. For example, when the secondary CPU 51 inputs a variation start command, it stores information that can specify a variation pattern in the secondary RWM 53. For example, when the secondary CPU 51 inputs a special pattern command, it stores information that can specify a special pattern in the secondary RWM 53.

Next, the big win effect processing will be explained.
The jackpot effect processing is a process for executing effects during a jackpot game. When an opening command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to execute an opening effect. Furthermore, when an opening command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to execute a right-hit effect. For example, the right-hit effect is executed by displaying on the effect display device EH an image that indicates that a right-hit effect is recommended to make it easier for the game ball to enter the jackpot opening 18, such as the text "Please hit right." The sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to end the right-hit effect when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the right-hit effect. When a round command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to execute a round effect. When an ending command is input, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect device group DE to execute an ending effect.

Next, the effect game process will be described.
The effect game processing is processing for executing an effect game as one of the display effects related to a special game during execution of the special game. When the sub-CPU 51 inputs a variation start command and a special pattern command, it controls the effect display device EH to execute an effect game corresponding to the special game. Specifically, when the sub-CPU 51 inputs a variation start command, it determines the variation content (effect content) of the effect game based on a variation pattern that can be specified from the variation start command. The sub-CPU 51 determines a pattern combination to be displayed as a fixed stop in the effect game based on a special pattern that can be specified from the input special pattern command. If a jackpot pattern can be specified from the special pattern command, the sub-CPU 51 determines a jackpot pattern combination. If a losing pattern can be specified from the special pattern command, the sub-CPU 51 determines a losing pattern combination. If a losing variation pattern associated with the execution of a reach effect is specified, the sub-CPU 51 determines a losing pattern combination including a reach.

In the effect game processing, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to start the variable display of the effect symbols of each symbol row in response to the input of a variation start command. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 starts the effect game. The sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the effect game is played based on the determined variation content during the variation time set in the variation pattern. Then, when a predetermined timing arrives after starting the effect game, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to temporarily stop and display the effect symbols of all symbol rows. After that, when the sub-CPU 51 inputs a variation end command, it controls the effect display device EH to definitely stop and display the effect symbols of all symbol rows.

Next, the preview effect processing will be described.
The preview effect processing is processing for executing a preview effect as one of the display effects related to the special game during execution of the special game. In other words, the preview effect processing is processing for executing a preview effect during execution of the effect game. When the secondary CPU 51 inputs a fluctuation start command, it determines the type of preview effect to be executed based on the fluctuation pattern that can be specified from the fluctuation start command.

As shown in FIG. 9, the types of preview effects that can be executed on the gaming machine 10 include effect patterns EP11 to EP28. For example, effect pattern EP11 is an effect pattern that executes the preview effect shown in FIG. 6. For example, effect pattern EP12 is an effect pattern that executes the preview effect shown in FIG. 5. For example, effect pattern EP17 is an effect pattern that executes the preview effect shown in FIG. 4. For example, effect pattern EP18 is an effect pattern that executes the preview effect shown in FIG. 3.

In the preview effect processing, when the secondary CPU 51 inputs a fluctuation start command, it performs a preview effect lottery to determine which preview effect from effect patterns EP11 to EP28 will be executed as the preview effect, based on the fluctuation pattern that can be identified from the fluctuation start command.

The sub-CPU 51 performs a lottery for preview effects in the following order: effect pattern EP11 < effect pattern EP12 < ... < effect pattern EP27 < effect pattern EP28, so that the probability of a jackpot (shown as "expectation probability" in Figure 9) increases when the preview effect is executed.

For example, if the variation pattern is one of the variation patterns HP11 to HP13, the sub-CPU 51 performs a lottery for preview effects so that the probability of the effect being selected increases in the order of effect pattern EP28 < effect pattern EP27 < ... < effect pattern EP12 < effect pattern EP11. In other words, if the variation pattern is one of the variation patterns HP11 to HP13, the sub-CPU 51 performs a lottery for preview effects so that the preview effects with a lower probability of winning are more likely to be executed.

For example, if the variation pattern is either of variation patterns HP14 or HP15, the sub-CPU 51 performs a lottery for preview effects so that the probability of the effect being selected increases in the order of effect pattern EP11 < effect pattern EP12 < ... < effect pattern EP27 < effect pattern EP28. In other words, if the variation pattern is either of variation patterns HP14 or HP15, the sub-CPU 51 performs a lottery for preview effects so that the preview effects with a higher probability of winning are more likely to be executed.

The secondary CPU 51 acquires a random number generated by the random number generation process and determines a presentation pattern using the acquired random number and a judgment value for the preview presentation lottery (hereinafter referred to as the presentation judgment value). The presentation judgment value is numerical data used to determine whether or not a prize has been won (hereinafter referred to as the winning judgment), and is associated with each of the multiple presentation patterns. Note that some or all of the presentation judgment values differ depending on the variation pattern. For example, the presentation judgment value of presentation pattern EP11 when the variation pattern is any of variation patterns HP11 to HP13 is greater than the presentation judgment value of presentation pattern EP11 when the variation pattern is any of variation patterns HP14 and HP15. For example, the presentation judgment value of presentation pattern EP28 when the variation pattern is any of variation patterns HP11 to HP13 is smaller than the presentation judgment value of presentation pattern EP28 when the variation pattern is any of variation patterns HP14 and HP15.

The secondary CPU 51 determines whether a win has occurred in the following order: effect pattern EP11 < effect pattern EP12 < ... < effect pattern EP27 < effect pattern EP28. The secondary CPU 51 determines whether a win has occurred if the value obtained by subtracting the effect determination value from the random number value is a negative value. If the value obtained by subtracting the effect determination value from the random number value is not a negative value, the secondary CPU 51 uses this calculated value to determine whether a win has occurred for the next effect pattern. The secondary CPU 51 stores information that can identify the winning effect pattern in the secondary RWM 53. The secondary CPU 51 then ends the preview effect processing.

When the sub-CPU 51 determines the effect pattern to be executed, it controls the effect display device EH to execute a preview effect based on the selected effect pattern through processing separate from the preview effect processing. For example, if effect pattern EP11 is selected, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to start the character effect CH2 and effect effect EF2 [white] at the first execution timing after the special game and effect game start. At this time, the sub-CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB to start a light-emitting effect. The sub-CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB so that it lights up in the same white color as the background image HG. The sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the image from the character effect CH2 and the image from the effect effect EF2 [white] are placed on a layer with a higher display priority than the image from the effect game.

In this embodiment, the first execution timing is the timing when the first elapsed time (3 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the special game and the effect game started. Thereafter, when the first execution time (3 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 [white] started, the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to end the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 [white]. The secondary CPU 51 also controls the board decoration lamp LB to end the light-emitting effect. In other words, the secondary CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB to turn off the board decoration lamp LB.

The sub-CPU 51 also controls the effect display device EH to start the character effect and effect effect at the first execution timing for effect patterns EP12 to EP16, as with effect pattern EP11. The sub-CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB so that when the character effect and effect effect start, the board decoration lamp LB lights up in the same color as the background image HG. The sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that images from the character effect and images from the effect effect are placed on layers with a higher display priority than images from the effect game. Thereafter, when the first execution time has elapsed since the character effect and effect effect started, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to end the character effect and effect effect. The sub-CPU 51 also controls the board decoration lamp LB to end the light-emitting effect.

For example, if effect pattern EP17 is won, the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to start the character effect ES2 [white] at the second execution timing after the special game and the effect game start. In this embodiment, the second execution timing is the timing when a second elapsed time (four seconds in this embodiment) has passed since the special game and the effect game started. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB to start the light-emitting effect. The secondary CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB so that it lights up in white, the same color as the internal image NG. Thereafter, when the second execution time (two seconds in this embodiment) has passed since the start of the character effect ES2 [white], the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to end the character effect ES2 [white]. The secondary CPU 51 also controls the board decoration lamp LB to end the light-emitting effect. In other words, the secondary CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB so that it turns off.

For effect patterns EP18 to EP22, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to start the text effect at the second execution timing, just like effect pattern EP17. When the text effect starts, the sub-CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB so that it lights up in the same color as the internal image NG. After that, when the second execution time has elapsed since the start of the text effect, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to end the text effect. The sub-CPU 51 also controls the board decoration lamp LB to end the light-emitting effect.

For example, if effect pattern EP23 is won, the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to start the character effect CH2 and effect effect EF2 [white] at the first execution timing after the special game and effect game have started. At this time, the secondary CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB to start the light-emitting effect. The secondary CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB so that it lights up in the same white color as the background image HG. The secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the image from character effect CH2 and the image from effect effect EF2 [white] are placed on a layer with a higher display priority than the image from the effect game.

Then, the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to start the character effect ES2 [white] at the second execution timing. In other words, after starting the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 [white], the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to start the character effect ES2 [white] while the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 [white] are being executed. The secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the image based on the character effect ES2 [white] is placed on a layer with a higher display priority than the image based on the effect effect EF2 [white].

After that, when a first execution time has elapsed since the start of the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 [white], the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to end the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 [white] and to end the text effect ES2 [white]. In other words, when a second execution time has elapsed since the start of the text effect ES2 [white], the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to end the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 [white] and to end the text effect ES2 [white]. The sub-CPU 51 also controls the board decoration lamp LB to end the light-emitting effect. In other words, the sub-CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB to turn off the board decoration lamp LB.

The sub-CPU 51 also controls the effect display device EH for effect patterns EP24 to EP28 so that the character effect and effect effect begin at the first execution timing, just like effect pattern EP23. When starting the character effect and effect effect, the sub-CPU 51 controls the board decoration lamp LB so that it lights up in the same color as the background image HG. The sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that images from the character effect and images from the effect effect are placed on layers with a higher display priority than images from the effect game.

Then, the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to start the text effect at the second execution timing. The secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the image from the text effect is placed on a layer with a higher display priority than the image from the effect effect. After that, when the first execution time has elapsed since the character effect and effect effect started, the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH to end the character effect and effect effect, and to end the text effect. The secondary CPU 51 also controls the board decoration lamp LB to end the light-emitting effect.

As will be described in more detail below, if any of effect patterns EP26 to EP28 is selected, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the internal image NG is dynamically displayed using text effects. On the other hand, if any of effect patterns EP17 to EP25 is selected, the sub-CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the internal image NG is statically displayed using text effects. Dynamically displaying a specified image is equivalent to the specified image being a moving image. Static displaying a specified image is equivalent to the specified image being a still image.

Next, the display contents of the effect display device EH when the character effect ES1 is executed during the execution of the character effect CH1 and the effect effect EF1 will be explained.
10(a) to 10(f) show an example of the display contents of the effect display device EH when the effect pattern EP26 is selected in the advance notice effect processing.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts the character effect CH1 and also starts the effect effect EF1 [blue]. In other words, when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a girl character, a convergent line image SC, and a blue background image HG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB starts a light-emitting effect and lights up in the same blue color as the background image HG.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), when a second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES1 [blue]. That is, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES1 [blue] while the character effect CH1 and the effect effect EF1 [blue] are being executed. Therefore, when the second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a girl character, a concentrated line image SC, a blue background image HG, an outline image RG, and a blue interior image NG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB continues to be lit blue as in FIG. 10(a). Although the outline image RG and the blue interior image NG may be displayed overlapping the concentrated line image SC and the blue background image HG, they are arranged on a layer with a higher display priority than the concentrated line image SC and the blue background image HG, and are displayed as if they are in front. In this way, the effect display device EH can start the character effect ES1 [blue] after the effect effect EF1 [blue] has started.

As shown in Figures 10(c) to 10(f), when the character effect ES1 [blue] starts, the effect display device EH dynamically displays the internal image NG. For example, the effect display device EH dynamically displays the internal image NG using animation. At this time, the effect display device EH statically displays an image imitating a girl character, a convergent line image SC, a blue background image HG, and an outline image RG.

10(c) to 10(f) show, as a specific example, how the internal image NG of the character "chi" in the character string "Maybe it's a chance" is dynamically displayed. In the effect display device EH, the internal image NG is dynamically displayed by changing the color of part of the internal image NG over time. Specifically, in the effect display device EH, in the internal image NG of "chi," images MG1 to MG3 are displayed as if they are moving in a predetermined direction over time. For example, images MG1 and MG3 are displayed as if they are moving to the right. For example, image MG2 is displayed as if it is moving downward. In the effect display device EH, the display is repeated in the order of FIG. 10(c) → FIG. 10(d) → FIG. 10(e) → FIG. 10(f) → FIG. 10(c) → ... until the character effect ES1 [blue] ends. Note that for the internal images NG of "chances" other than "chi" in the character string "Maybe it's a chance," the respective internal images NG are dynamically displayed in the same way as the internal image NG of "chi."

In this way, on the effect display device EH, when the character effect CH1, effect effect EF1 [blue], and text effect ES1 [blue] are executed, at least a portion of the internal image NG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, on the effect display device EH, when the text effect ES1 [blue] is initiated due to winning effect pattern EP20, the internal image NG is not dynamically displayed, and the entire internal image NG is displayed statically. In other words, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF1 [blue] and the text effect ES1 [blue] are executed in parallel, at least a portion of the internal image NG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF1 [blue] is not executed and the text effect ES1 [blue] is executed, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically.

11(a) to 11(f) show an example of the display contents of the effect display device EH when the effect pattern EP28 is selected in the advance notice effect processing.
11(a), when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts the character effect CH1 and also starts the effect effect EF1 [red]. In other words, when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a girl character, a convergent line image SC, and a red background image HG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB starts the light-emitting effect and lights up in the same red color as the background image HG.

As shown in FIG. 11(b), when a second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES1 [red]. That is, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES1 [red] while the character effect CH1 and the effect effect EF1 [red] are being executed. Therefore, when the second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a girl character, a concentrated line image SC, a red background image HG, an outline image RG, and a red interior image NG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB continues to be lit red from FIG. 11(a). Although the outline image RG and the red interior image NG may be displayed overlapping the concentrated line image SC and the red background image HG, they are arranged on a layer with a higher display priority than the concentrated line image SC and the red background image HG, and are displayed as if they are in front. In this way, the effect display device EH can start the character effect ES1 [red] after the effect effect EF1 [red] has started.

As shown in Figures 11(c) to 11(f), when the character effect ES1 [red] starts, the effect display device EH dynamically displays the internal image NG. At this time, the effect display device EH statically displays an image of a girl character, a convergent line image SC, a red background image HG, and an outline image RG.

Figures 11(c) to 11(f) show, as a specific example, how the internal image NG of the character "Chi" in the character string "Maybe it's a chance" is dynamically displayed. The manner in which the internal image NG is dynamically displayed in character effect ES1 [red] is similar to the manner in which the internal image NG is dynamically displayed in character effect ES1 [blue], and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In other words, when the effect display device EH executes character effect CH1, effect effect EF1 [red], and character effect ES1 [red], at least a portion of the internal image NG is dynamically displayed. However, the manner in which the internal image NG is dynamically displayed in character effect ES1 [red] differs from the manner in which the internal image NG is dynamically displayed in character effect ES1 [blue] in the following ways.

In the mode in which the internal image NG is dynamically displayed in the character effect ES1 [red], the images MG1 to MG3 are displayed to move at a faster speed than in the mode in which the internal image NG is dynamically displayed in the character effect ES1 [blue]. In other words, the time required from Figure 11(c) to Figure 11(f) is shorter than the time required from Figure 10(c) to Figure 10(f). Therefore, the number of times that Figures 11(c) to 11(f) are repeated from the start to the end of the character effect ES1 [red] is greater than the number of times that Figures 10(c) to 10(f) are repeated from the start to the end of the character effect ES1 [blue].

In this way, on the effect display device EH, when the character effect CH1, effect effect EF1 [red], and text effect ES1 [red] are executed, at least a portion of the internal image NG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, on the effect display device EH, when the text effect ES1 [red] is initiated due to winning effect pattern EP22, the internal image NG is not dynamically displayed, and the entire internal image NG is displayed statically. In other words, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF1 [red] and the text effect ES1 [red] are executed in parallel, at least a portion of the internal image NG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF1 [red] is not executed and the text effect ES1 [red] is executed, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically.

12(a) to 12(f) show an example of the display contents of the effect display device EH when the effect pattern EP24 is selected in the advance notice effect processing.
12(a), when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts the character effect CH1 and starts the effect effect EF1 [white]. In other words, when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a girl character, a convergent line image SC, and a white background image HG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB starts the light-emitting effect and lights up in the same white color as the background image HG.

As shown in FIG. 12(b), when a second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES1 [white]. That is, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES1 [white] while the character effect CH1 and the effect effect EF1 [white] are being executed. Therefore, when the second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a girl character, a concentrated line image SC, a white background image HG, an outline image RG, and a white interior image NG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB continues to be lit in white from FIG. 12(a). Although the outline image RG and the white interior image NG may be displayed overlapping the concentrated line image SC and the white background image HG, they are arranged on a layer with a higher display priority than the concentrated line image SC and the white background image HG, and are displayed as if they are in front. In this way, the effect display device EH can start the character effect ES1 [white] after the effect effect EF1 [white] has started.

As shown in Figures 12(c) to 12(f), when the character effect ES1 [white] starts, the effect display device EH does not dynamically display the internal image NG, but instead displays the entire internal image NG statically. At this time, the effect display device EH statically displays an image of a girl character, a convergent line image SC, a white background image HG, and an outline image RG.

Figures 12(c) to 12(f) show, as a specific example, how the internal image NG of the character "chi" in the character string "Maybe it's a chance" is statically displayed. On the performance display device EH, the color of all the internal images NG does not change over time, and the internal images NG are displayed statically. Note that for the internal images NG of "chances" other than the character "chi" in the character string "Maybe it's a chance," each internal image NG is also displayed statically, just like the internal image NG of "chi."

In this way, on the effect display device EH, when the character effect CH1, effect effect EF1 [white], and text effect ES1 [white] are executed, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically. Furthermore, on the effect display device EH, when the text effect ES1 [white] is initiated due to winning effect pattern EP18, the internal image NG is not displayed dynamically, but is displayed statically in its entirety. In other words, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF1 [white] and the text effect ES1 [white] are executed in parallel, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically. On the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF1 [white] is not executed and the text effect ES1 [white] is executed, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically.

As described above, the effects that the effect display device EH can execute include effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1. Furthermore, the forms of text effect ES1 include text effect ES1 [white] in which the internal image NG is white, text effect ES1 [blue] in which the internal image NG is blue, and text effect ES1 [red] in which the internal image NG is red. As shown in Figure 9, text effect ES1 [red] is an effect that suggests a higher probability of winning than text effect ES1 [white] and text effect ES1 [blue]. Text effect ES1 [blue] is an effect that suggests a higher probability of winning than text effect ES1 [white]. In other words, the character effect ES1 is an effect that can suggest the likelihood of winning a jackpot game, and the character effect ES1 comes in three forms: character effect ES1 [white], character effect ES1 [blue] which suggests a higher likelihood of winning a jackpot than character effect ES1 [white], and character effect ES1 [red] which suggests a higher likelihood of winning a jackpot than character effect ES1 [blue].

When the character effect ES1 [blue] and the character effect ES1 [red] are executed in conjunction with the effect effect EF1, they are executed so that the internal image NG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, when the character effect ES1 [blue] and the character effect ES1 [red] are not executed in conjunction with the effect effect EF1, they are executed so that the internal image NG is not dynamically displayed. The character effect ES1 [white] is executed in conjunction with the effect effect EF1 and when it is not executed in conjunction with the effect effect EF1, so that the internal image NG is not dynamically displayed. And the effect effect EF1 is executed so that the convergent line image SC and the background image HG are not dynamically displayed.

In this embodiment, the dynamic display of a predetermined image as an element of the effect corresponds to a predetermined element. Note that a predetermined element refers to the dynamic display of a predetermined image, and the subject of the dynamically displayed image does not matter. For example, in an image of the string "Maybe it's your chance" displayed using character effect ES1 [blue], the dynamic display of at least a portion of the internal image NG surrounded by the outline image RG, which is the outline of the image, is an example of a predetermined element. For example, in an image of the string "Maybe it's your chance" displayed using character effect ES1 [red], the dynamic display of at least a portion of the internal image NG surrounded by the outline image RG, which is the outline of the image, is an example of a predetermined element. In other words, a predetermined element includes the dynamic display of at least a portion of the image surrounded by the outline of the image, in an image displayed using character effect ES1.

In this way, when effect effect EF1 [blue] and text effect ES1 [blue] are executed in an overlapping manner, text effect ES1 [blue] is executed with a specified element, and effect effect EF1 [blue] is executed without the specified element. When effect effect EF1 [red] and text effect ES1 [red] are executed in an overlapping manner, text effect ES1 [red] is executed with a specified element, and effect effect EF1 [red] is executed without the specified element. When effect effect EF1 [white] and text effect ES1 [white] are executed in an overlapping manner, text effect ES1 [white] is executed without the specified element, and effect effect EF1 [white] is executed without the specified element.

As described above, character effect ES1 [Blue] and character effect ES1 [Red] differ in the manner in which the internal image NG is dynamically displayed. The dynamic display of an image in the manner in character effect ES1 [Blue] corresponds to a first predetermined element. The dynamic display of an image in the manner in character effect ES1 [Red] corresponds to a second predetermined element. In other words, the predetermined elements include a first predetermined element and a second predetermined element that is different from the first predetermined element. Character effect ES1 [Blue] can be executed including the first predetermined element. On the other hand, character effect ES1 [Red] can be executed including the second predetermined element.

In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10 dynamically displays the internal image NG to highlight and highlight the image displayed by the character effect ES1. In other words, the gaming machine 10 dynamically displays the internal image NG using animation, thereby highlighting the image displayed by the character effect ES1. Because players find it easier to follow moving images, dynamic images with movement are more likely to attract attention than static images. Therefore, it can be said that the character effect ES1 can be executed by including a predetermined highlighting display, such as dynamically displaying the internal image NG. However, instead of or in addition to the predetermined highlighting display, such as dynamically displaying the internal image NG, the character effect ES1 may also be executed by including a predetermined highlighting display different from the predetermined highlighting display. For example, the character effect ES1 may be executed by enlarging the image displayed by the character effect ES1 to widen the display area of the image. For example, the character effect ES1 may be executed by including a predetermined highlighting display, such as moving (displacing) the display area of the image displayed by the character effect ES1. For example, the character effect ES1 may be executable by including a predetermined emphasis display, such as highlighting the image displayed by the character effect ES1. For example, the character effect ES1 may be executable by including a predetermined emphasis display, such as increasing the contrast of the image displayed by the character effect ES1. For example, the character effect ES1 may be executable by including a predetermined emphasis display, such as thickening the outline image RG displayed by the character effect ES1. For example, the character effect ES1 may be executable by including a predetermined emphasis display, such as changing the font of the character string "Maybe this is your chance." In this embodiment, the predetermined emphasis display is a display that emphasizes the image displayed by the character effect ES1.

In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10 displays a convergent line image SC in the effect effect EF1 to highlight and highlight the image of the girl character in the character effect CH1. As described above, the convergent line image SC is an image composed of multiple lines converging toward the area of the image display area of the image display unit GH where the image of the girl character is displayed. This allows the gaming machine 10 to direct the player's gaze toward the area where the image of the girl character is displayed. Therefore, it can be said that the effect effect EF1 can be executed including a specific highlighting display, such as displaying the convergent line image SC. However, the effect effect EF1 may be executed including a specific highlighting display different from the specific highlighting display, instead of or in addition to the specific highlighting display of the convergent line image SC. For example, the effect effect EF1 may be executed including a specific highlighting display, such as changing the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF1 to a complementary color to the color of the image displayed by the character effect CH1. For example, the effect effect EF1 may be executed including a specific highlighting display, such as lowering the contrast of the image displayed by the effect effect EF1. In this embodiment, the specific highlighting is a display that highlights an image that is different from the image displayed by effect EF1.

In this way, when effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 are executed in overlapping fashion, text effect ES1 can be executed with a specified highlighting, and effect effect EF1 can be executed with a specific highlighting without the specified highlighting.

In this embodiment, the display of a convergent line image SC as an element of the effect corresponds to a specific element. For example, the display of a convergent line image SC as a result of the execution of effect effect EF1 [white] is an example of a specific element. For example, the display of a convergent line image SC as a result of the execution of effect effect EF1 [blue] is an example of a specific element. For example, the display of a convergent line image SC as a result of the execution of effect effect EF1 [red] is an example of a specific element. In other words, in this embodiment, the specific element includes the display of an image to highlight the image produced by character effect CH1 (an image that resembles a girl character). In this embodiment, the image produced by character effect CH1 (an image that resembles a girl character) corresponds to a specific image. In this way, effect effect EF1 is executed while including specific elements.

Here, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES1 [blue] includes a blue hue that is the same as the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF1 [blue]. In other words, the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES1 [blue] includes similar colors to the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF1 [blue]. Similar colors are colors that have the same hue but differ in brightness or vividness. Not limited to this, the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES1 [blue] may include colors that are similar to the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF1 [blue]. Similar colors are colors that have different hues but are adjacent on the color wheel.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10(b), when effect effect EF1 [blue] and text effect ES1 [blue] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a blue that is the same hue as the color of the image displayed by effect effect EF1 [blue]. Therefore, when effect effect EF1 [blue] and text effect ES1 [blue] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a blue that is the same hue as the color of the image displayed by text effect ES1 [blue]. In other words, when effect effect EF1 [blue] and text effect ES1 [blue] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a color similar to the color of the image displayed by text effect ES1 [blue]. However, when effect effect EF1 [blue] and text effect ES1 [blue] are executed, the light color of the light emitter built into the panel decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect may include a color similar to the color of the image displayed by text effect ES1 [blue].

In this way, when effect effect EF1 [blue] and text effect ES1 [blue] are executed in overlapping fashion, the color of the image displayed by text effect ES1 [blue] includes a similar or similar color to the color of the image displayed by effect effect EF1 [blue]. Furthermore, when effect effect EF1 [blue] and text effect ES1 [blue] are executed in overlapping fashion, a light-emitting effect can be executed by the board decoration lamp LB, and the light color of the board decoration lamp LB that lights up in conjunction with the execution of this light-emitting effect includes a similar or similar color to the color of the image displayed by text effect ES1 [blue].

As shown in FIG. 11(b), the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES1 [red] includes a red hue that is the same as the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF1 [red]. In other words, the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES1 [red] includes a similar color to the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF1 [red]. Not limited to this, the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES1 [red] may include a similar color to the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF1 [red].

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11(b), when the effect effect EF1 [red] and the text effect ES1 [red] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into the board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a red that is the same hue as the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF1 [red]. Therefore, when the effect effect EF1 [red] and the text effect ES1 [red] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into the board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a red that is the same hue as the color of the image displayed by the text effect ES1 [red]. In other words, when the effect effect EF1 [red] and the text effect ES1 [red] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into the board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a color similar to the color of the image displayed by the text effect ES1 [red]. However, when effect effect EF1 [red] and text effect ES1 [red] are executed, the light color of the light emitter built into the panel decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect may include a color similar to the color of the image displayed by text effect ES1 [red].

In this way, when effect effect EF1 [red] and text effect ES1 [red] are executed in overlapping fashion, the color of the image displayed by text effect ES1 [red] includes a similar or similar color to the color of the image displayed by effect effect EF1 [red]. Furthermore, when effect effect EF1 [red] and text effect ES1 [red] are executed in overlapping fashion, a light-emitting effect can be executed by the board decoration lamp LB, and the light color of the board decoration lamp LB that lights up in conjunction with the execution of this light-emitting effect includes a similar or similar color to the color of the image displayed by text effect ES1 [red].

Next, the display contents of the effect display device EH when the character effect ES2 is executed during the execution of the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 will be explained.
13(a) to 13(f) show an example of the display contents of the effect display device EH when the effect pattern EP27 is selected in the advance notice effect processing.

As shown in FIG. 13(a), when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts character effect CH2 and also starts effect effect EF2 [red]. In other words, when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a boy character, a convergent line image SC, and a red background image HG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB starts a light-emitting effect and lights up in the same red color as the background image HG.

As shown in FIG. 13(b), when a second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES2 [red]. That is, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES2 [red] while the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 [red] are being executed. Therefore, when the second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a boy character, a concentrated line image SC, a red background image HG, an outline image RG, and a red interior image NG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB continues to be lit red from FIG. 13(a). Although the outline image RG and the red interior image NG may be displayed overlapping the concentrated line image SC and the red background image HG, they are arranged on a layer with a higher display priority than the concentrated line image SC and the red background image HG, and are displayed as if they are in front. In this way, the effect display device EH can start the character effect ES2 [red] after the effect effect EF2 [red] has started.

As shown in Figures 13(c) to 13(f), when the character effect ES2 [red] starts, the effect display device EH dynamically displays the internal image NG. For example, the effect display device EH dynamically displays the internal image NG using animation. At this time, the effect display device EH statically displays an image imitating a boy character, a convergent line image SC, a red background image HG, and an outline image RG.

Figures 13(c) to 13(f) show, as a specific example, how the internal image NG of "好" in the character string "Maybe this is a good opportunity" is dynamically displayed. In the effect display device EH, the internal image NG is dynamically displayed by changing the color of part of the internal image NG over time. Specifically, in the effect display device EH, in the internal image NG of "chi," images MG4 to MG6 are displayed as if they are moving in a predetermined direction over time. Images MG4 to MG6 are displayed as if they are moving downward. In the effect display device EH, the display is repeated in the order of Figure 13(c) → Figure 13(d) → Figure 13(e) → Figure 13(f) → Figure 13(c) → ... until the character effect ES2 [red] ends. Note that for the internal images NG of "可能" other than "好" in the character string "可能", the internal images NG of each character other than "好" are dynamically displayed in the same way as the internal image NG of "好".

In this way, on the effect display device EH, when the character effect CH2, effect effect EF2 [red], and text effect ES2 [red] are executed, at least a portion of the internal image NG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, on the effect display device EH, when the text effect ES2 [red] is initiated due to winning effect pattern EP21, the internal image NG is not dynamically displayed, and the entire internal image NG is displayed statically. In other words, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF2 [red] and the text effect ES2 [red] are executed in parallel, at least a portion of the internal image NG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF2 [red] is not executed and the text effect ES2 [red] is executed, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically.

14(a) to 14(f) show an example of the display contents of the effect display device EH when the effect pattern EP23 is selected in the advance notice effect processing.
14(a), when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts the character effect CH2 and also starts the effect effect EF2 [white]. In other words, when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a boy character, a convergent line image SC, and a white background image HG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB starts the light-emitting effect and lights up in the same white color as the background image HG.

As shown in FIG. 14(b), when a second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES2 [white]. That is, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES2 [white] while the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 [white] are being executed. Therefore, when the second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a boy character, a concentrated line image SC, a white background image HG, an outline image RG, and a white interior image NG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB continues to be lit in white from FIG. 14(a). Although the outline image RG and the white interior image NG may be displayed overlapping the concentrated line image SC and the white background image HG, they are arranged on a layer with a higher display priority than the concentrated line image SC and the white background image HG, and are displayed as if they are in front. In this way, the effect display device EH can start the character effect ES2 [white] after the effect effect EF2 [white] has started.

As shown in Figures 14(c) to 14(f), when the character effect ES2 [white] starts, the effect display device EH does not dynamically display the internal image NG, but instead displays the entire internal image NG statically. At this time, the effect display device EH statically displays an image of a boy character, a concentrated line image SC, a white background image HG, and an outline image RG.

Figures 14(c) to 14(f) show, as a specific example, how the internal image NG of "good" in the character string "Maybe this is a good opportunity" is statically displayed. In the performance display device EH, the color of all the internal images NG does not change over time, and the internal images NG are displayed statically. Note that for the internal images NG of "maybe this is a good opportunity" other than "good," the internal images NG of each character other than "good" in the character string "Maybe this is a good opportunity" are also displayed statically, just like the internal image NG of "good."

In this way, on the effect display device EH, when the character effect CH2, effect effect EF2 [white], and text effect ES2 [white] are executed, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically. Furthermore, on the effect display device EH, when the text effect ES2 [white] is initiated due to winning effect pattern EP17, the internal image NG is not displayed dynamically, but is displayed statically in its entirety. In other words, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF2 [white] and the text effect ES2 [white] are executed in parallel, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically. On the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF2 [white] is not executed and the text effect ES2 [white] is executed, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically.

15(a) to 15(f) show an example of the display contents of the effect display device EH when the effect pattern EP25 is selected in the advance notice effect processing.
15(a), when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts the character effect CH2 and also starts the effect effect EF2 [blue]. In other words, when a first elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a boy character, a convergent line image SC, and a blue background image HG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB starts the light-emitting effect and lights up in the same blue color as the background image HG.

As shown in FIG. 15(b), when a second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES2 [blue]. That is, the effect display device EH starts the character effect ES2 [blue] while the character effect CH2 and the effect effect EF2 [blue] are being executed. Therefore, when the second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a boy character, a concentrated line image SC, a blue background image HG, an outline image RG, and a blue interior image NG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB continues to be lit blue from FIG. 15(a). Although the outline image RG and the blue interior image NG may be displayed overlapping the concentrated line image SC and the blue background image HG, they are arranged on a layer with a higher display priority than the concentrated line image SC and the blue background image HG, and are displayed as if they are in front. In this way, the effect display device EH can start the character effect ES2 [blue] after the effect effect EF2 [blue] has started.

As shown in Figures 15(c) to 15(f), when the character effect ES2 [blue] starts, the effect display device EH does not dynamically display the internal image NG, but instead displays the entire internal image NG statically. At this time, the effect display device EH statically displays an image of a boy character, a convergent line image SC, a blue background image HG, and an outline image RG. Figures 15(c) to 15(f) show, as a specific example, how the internal image NG of the character "good" in the character string "maybe a good opportunity" is statically displayed.

On the performance display device EH, the color of all internal images NG does not change over time, and the internal images NG are displayed statically. Furthermore, for the internal images NG for "maybe a good opportunity" other than "good" in the character string "maybe a good opportunity," the internal images NG for each are displayed statically, just like the internal image NG for "good."

In this way, on the effect display device EH, when the character effect CH2, effect effect EF2 [blue], and text effect ES2 [blue] are executed, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically. Furthermore, on the effect display device EH, when the text effect ES2 [blue] is initiated due to winning effect pattern EP19, the internal image NG is not displayed dynamically, but is displayed statically in its entirety. In other words, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF2 [blue] and the text effect ES2 [blue] are executed in parallel, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically. On the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF2 [blue] is not executed and the text effect ES2 [blue] is executed, the entire internal image NG is displayed statically.

As described above, the effects that can be executed by the effect display device EH include effect effect EF2 and text effect ES2. Furthermore, the types of text effect ES2 include text effect ES2 [white] in which the internal image NG is white, text effect ES2 [blue] in which the internal image NG is blue, and text effect ES2 [red] in which the internal image NG is red. As shown in Figure 9, text effect ES2 [red] is an effect that suggests a higher probability of winning than text effect ES2 [white] and text effect ES2 [blue]. Text effect ES2 [blue] is an effect that suggests a higher probability of winning than text effect ES2 [white]. In other words, the character effect ES2 is an effect that can suggest the likelihood of winning a jackpot game, and the character effect ES2 comes in three forms: character effect ES2 [white], character effect ES2 [blue], which suggests a higher likelihood of winning a jackpot than character effect ES2 [white], and character effect ES2 [red], which suggests a higher likelihood of winning a jackpot than character effect ES2 [blue].

When the text effect ES2 [red] is executed in conjunction with the effect effect EF2, it is executed so that the internal image NG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, when the text effect ES2 [red] is not executed in conjunction with the effect effect EF2, it is executed so that the internal image NG is not dynamically displayed. The text effect ES2 [white] and the text effect ES2 [blue] are executed so that the internal image NG is not dynamically displayed either when they are executed in conjunction with the effect effect EF2 or when they are not executed in conjunction with the effect effect EF2. Furthermore, the effect effect EF2 is executed so that the convergent line image SC and background image HG are not dynamically displayed.

In this embodiment, an example of a predetermined element is the dynamic display of at least a portion of the internal image NG surrounded by the outline image RG, which is the outline of the image, in the image of the string "Maybe this is a good opportunity" displayed using character effect ES2 [red]. In other words, in this embodiment, the predetermined element includes the dynamic display of at least a portion of the image surrounded by the outline of the image in the image displayed using character effect ES2.

In this way, when effect effect EF2 [red] and text effect ES2 [red] are executed in an overlapping manner, text effect ES2 [red] is executed with the specified elements included, and effect effect EF2 [red] is executed without the specified elements. When effect effect EF2 [white] and text effect ES2 [white] are executed in an overlapping manner, text effect ES2 [white] is executed without the specified elements, and effect effect EF2 [white] is executed without the specified elements. When effect effect EF2 [blue] and text effect ES2 [blue] are executed in an overlapping manner, text effect ES2 [blue] is executed without the specified elements, and effect effect EF2 [blue] is executed without the specified elements.

In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10 dynamically displays the internal image NG to highlight and highlight the image displayed by the character effect ES2. In other words, the gaming machine 10 dynamically displays the internal image NG using animation, thereby highlighting the image displayed by the character effect ES2. Because players find it easier to follow moving images, dynamic images with movement are more likely to attract attention than static images. Therefore, it can be said that the character effect ES2 can be executed by including highlighting by dynamically displaying the internal image NG. However, instead of or in addition to highlighting by dynamically displaying the internal image NG, the character effect ES2 may be executed by including highlighting differently from the highlighting. For example, the character effect ES2 may be executed by enlarging the image displayed by the character effect ES2 to widen the display area of the image. For example, the character effect ES2 may be executed by including highlighting by moving (displacing) the display area of the image displayed by the character effect ES2. For example, the character effect ES2 may be executable to include an emphasis display in which the image displayed by the character effect ES2 is highlighted. For example, the character effect ES2 may be executable to include an emphasis display in which the contrast of the image displayed by the character effect ES2 is increased. For example, the character effect ES2 may be executable to include an emphasis display in which the thickness of the outline image RG displayed by the character effect ES2 is increased. For example, the character effect ES2 may be executable to include an emphasis display in which the font of the character string "Maybe this is a good opportunity" is changed. The emphasis display by the character effect ES2 is a display that emphasizes the image displayed by the character effect ES2.

In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10 displays a convergent line image SC in the effect effect EF2 to highlight and highlight the image of the boy character in the character effect CH2. As described above, the convergent line image SC is an image composed of multiple lines converging toward the area of the image display area of the image display unit GH where the image of the boy character is displayed. This allows the gaming machine 10 to direct the player's gaze toward the area where the image of the boy character is displayed. Therefore, it can be said that the effect effect EF2 can be executed including an emphasis display by displaying the convergent line image SC. However, the effect effect EF2 may be executed by including an emphasis display different from the emphasis display by displaying the convergent line image SC, instead of or in addition to the emphasis display by displaying the convergent line image SC. For example, the effect effect EF2 may be executed by including an emphasis display by changing the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF2 to a complementary color to the color of the image displayed by the character effect CH2. For example, the effect effect EF2 may be executed by including an emphasis display by lowering the contrast of the image displayed by the effect effect EF2. The highlighting effect using effect EF2 is a display that highlights an image that is different from the image displayed using effect EF2.

In this way, when effect effect EF2 and text effect ES2 are executed in overlapping fashion, text effect ES2 can be executed including highlighting, and effect effect EF2 can be executed without including the above-mentioned highlighting, but including highlighting that is different from the above-mentioned highlighting.

In this embodiment, the display of a concentrated line image SC as a result of effect effect EF2 [white] being executed is an example of a specific element. The display of a concentrated line image SC as a result of effect effect EF2 [blue] being executed is an example of a specific element. The display of a concentrated line image SC as a result of effect effect EF2 [red] being executed is an example of a specific element. In other words, in this embodiment, the specific element includes the display of an image to highlight the image produced by character effect CH2 (an image imitating a boy character). In this way, effect effect EF2 is executed while including the specific element. Furthermore, when effect effect EF2 and text effect ES2 are executed in overlapping fashion, text effect ES2 is executed without including the specific element, regardless of the state of text effect ES2.

Here, as shown in FIG. 13(b), the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES2 [red] includes a red hue that is the same as the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF2 [red]. In other words, the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES2 [red] includes a color similar to the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF2 [red]. Not limited to this, the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES2 [red] may include a color similar to the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF2 [red].

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13(b), when effect effect EF2 [red] and text effect ES2 [red] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a red that is the same hue as the color of the image displayed by effect effect EF2 [red]. Therefore, when effect effect EF2 [red] and text effect ES2 [red] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a red that is the same hue as the color of the image displayed by text effect ES2 [red]. In other words, when effect effect EF2 [red] and text effect ES2 [red] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a color similar to the color of the image displayed by text effect ES2 [red]. However, when effect effect EF2 [red] and text effect ES2 [red] are executed, the light color of the light emitter built into the panel decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect may include a color similar to the color of the image displayed by text effect ES2 [red].

In this way, when effect effect EF2 [red] and text effect ES2 [red] are executed in overlapping fashion, the color of the image displayed by text effect ES2 [red] includes a similar or similar color to the color of the image displayed by effect effect EF2 [red]. Furthermore, when effect effect EF2 [red] and text effect ES2 [red] are executed in overlapping fashion, a light-emitting effect can be executed by the board decoration lamp LB, and the light color of the board decoration lamp LB that lights up in conjunction with the execution of this light-emitting effect includes a similar or similar color to the color of the image displayed by text effect ES2 [red].

As shown in FIG. 15(b), the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES2 [blue] includes a blue hue that is the same as the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF2 [blue]. In other words, the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES2 [blue] includes a similar color to the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF2 [blue]. Not limited to this, the color of the image displayed by the character effect ES2 [blue] may include a similar color to the color of the image displayed by the effect effect EF2 [blue].

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15(b), when effect effect EF2 [blue] and text effect ES2 [blue] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a blue that is the same hue as the color of the image displayed by effect effect EF2 [blue]. Therefore, when effect effect EF2 [blue] and text effect ES2 [blue] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a blue that is the same hue as the color of the image displayed by text effect ES2 [blue]. In other words, when effect effect EF2 [blue] and text effect ES2 [blue] are executed, the light-emitting color of the light-emitting element built into board decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a color similar to the color of the image displayed by text effect ES2 [blue]. However, when effect effect EF2 [blue] and text effect ES2 [blue] are executed, the light color of the light emitter built into the panel decoration lamp LB that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect may include a color similar to the color of the image displayed by text effect ES2 [blue].

In this way, when effect effect EF2 [blue] and text effect ES2 [blue] are executed in overlapping fashion, the color of the image displayed by text effect ES2 [blue] includes a similar or similar color to the color of the image displayed by effect effect EF2 [blue]. Furthermore, when effect effect EF2 [blue] and text effect ES2 [blue] are executed in overlapping fashion, a light-emitting effect can be executed by the board decoration lamp LB, and the light color of the board decoration lamp LB that lights up in conjunction with the execution of this light-emitting effect includes a similar or similar color to the color of the image displayed by text effect ES2 [blue].

The effects of the first embodiment will be described.
(1-1) In the effect display device EH, the effect effect EF1 and the character effect ES1 may be executed in an overlapping manner. In this case, the coexistence of multiple display effects may reduce the visibility of the multiple display effects. However, according to this embodiment, when the effect effect EF1 and the character effect ES1 [blue] are executed in an overlapping manner, the character effect ES1 [blue] is executed including a predetermined element, while the effect effect EF1 is executed without including a predetermined element, thereby improving the visibility of the multiple overlapping display effects. In particular, according to this embodiment, the character effect ES1 [blue], which suggests a higher probability of winning than the character effect ES1 [white], can be more easily seen, thereby improving interest.

(1-2) In the gaming machine 10, the character effect ES1 [blue] may start after the effect effect EF1 has started, causing the effect effect EF1 and the character effect ES1 [blue] to overlap. According to this embodiment, the character effect ES1 [blue], which starts later than the effect effect EF1, can be executed with certain elements included, thereby improving the visibility of the character effect ES1 [blue].

(1-3) Character effect ES1 [blue] can dynamically display at least a portion of the image surrounded by the outline of the image displayed by character effect ES1 [blue]. As a result, according to this embodiment, the outline makes it easier to recognize the shape of the image, while improving the visibility of the image displayed by character effect ES1 [blue] by the image surrounded by the outline.

(1-4) According to this embodiment, when effect effect EF1 and character effect ES1 [red] are executed in an overlapping manner, character effect ES1 [red] is executed with a predetermined element included, while effect effect EF1 is executed without a predetermined element included. This improves the visibility of the multiple overlapping display effects. In particular, this embodiment makes character effect ES1 [blue], which suggests a higher probability of winning than character effect ES1 [white], easier to see, and character effect ES1 [red], which suggests an even higher probability of winning, easier to see, thereby improving interest.

(1-5) Effect effect EF1 can display an image to highlight the image displayed by character effect CH1, thereby attracting the player's attention to the image displayed by character effect CH1. As a result, according to this embodiment, it is possible to improve the visibility of multiple overlapping display effects while increasing the attention of the image that the player is desired to focus on, allowing for effective display effects to be executed.

(1-6) Character effect ES1 [Blue] can be executed by including a first predetermined element. On the other hand, character effect ES1 [Red] can be executed by including a second predetermined element that is different from the first predetermined element. In other words, in this embodiment, the predetermined elements included in character effect ES1 differ depending on whether the character effect ES1 is in the form of character effect ES1 [Blue] or character effect ES1 [Red]. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the predetermined elements can be varied depending on the form of character effect ES1, and character effect ES1 can be executed by including predetermined elements appropriate for the form of character effect ES1 being executed. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the visibility of multiple display effects executed in overlapping fashion can be improved.

(1-7) According to this embodiment, when effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 are executed in an overlapping manner, effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 can be executed with different highlighting. In other words, according to this embodiment, effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 are executed in different ways, for example, as a display device to make a specified image stand out. Therefore, according to this embodiment, effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 can be displayed to highlight a specified image, and different highlighting can improve the visibility of multiple overlapping display effects.

(1-8) When effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 are executed in an overlapping manner, text effect ES1 can highlight the image displayed by text effect ES1, while effect effect EF1 can highlight an image different from the image displayed by effect effect EF1. In other words, according to this embodiment, text effect ES1 displays an image to highlight the text effect ES1, while effect effect EF1 displays an image to highlight an effect different from effect effect EF1. Therefore, according to this embodiment, effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 have different purposes for highlighting, and therefore the modes of highlighting are also different. Therefore, according to this embodiment, different highlighting is executed in effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1, thereby improving the visibility of multiple overlapping display effects.

(1-9) Because the effect effect EF1 [blue] and the text effect ES1 [blue] display images containing similar or similar colors, overlapping execution of the effect effect EF1 [blue] and the text effect ES1 [blue] may reduce their visibility. However, according to this embodiment, when the effect effect EF1 [blue] and the text effect ES1 [blue] are executed in overlapping execution, the text effect ES1 [blue] includes a predetermined element, while the effect effect EF1 [blue] is executed without the predetermined element. This improves the visibility of the overlapping execution of multiple display effects. Thus, according to this embodiment, the effect effect EF1 [blue] and the text effect ES1 [blue] display images containing similar or similar colors, creating a sense of unity. Furthermore, the text effect ES1 [blue], which suggests a higher probability of winning than the text effect ES1 [white], is more easily visible, thereby enhancing interest.

(1-10) In the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF1 [blue] and the text effect ES1 [blue] are executed in an overlapping manner, the effect effect EF1 [blue] and the text effect ES1 [blue] can display images containing similar or similar colors, and can also execute a light-emitting effect that emits light in the similar or similar color. As a result, according to this embodiment, the gaming machine can execute effects that have a sense of unity, while improving the visibility of the multiple display effects that are executed in an overlapping manner.

(1-11) In the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF1 [white] and the character effect ES1 [white] are executed in overlapping fashion, the character effect ES1 [white] is executed without including a specified element. As a result, according to this embodiment, when the character effect ES1 [blue] is executed including a specified element, the specified element can be made more noticeable, thereby improving the visibility of the character effect ES1 [blue].

(1-12) In the effect display device EH, the effect effect EF2 and the character effect ES2 may be executed in an overlapping manner. In this case, the coexistence of multiple display effects may reduce the visibility of the multiple display effects. However, according to this embodiment, when the effect effect EF2 and the character effect ES2 [red] are executed in an overlapping manner, the character effect ES2 [red] is executed with a specified element, while the effect effect EF2 is executed without the specified element, thereby improving the visibility of the multiple overlapping display effects. In particular, in the gaming machine 10, the character effect ES2 [white] and the character effect ES2 [blue] are executed without the specified element, and the effect effect EF2 is also executed without the specified element. In other words, in the gaming machine 10, only the character effect ES2 [red] is executed with the specified element. As a result, according to this embodiment, it is possible to make it easier to see the character effect ES2 [red], which suggests the highest probability of a jackpot out of the character effect ES2 [white], character effect ES2 [blue], and character effect ES2 [red], thereby increasing interest.

(1-13) According to this embodiment, when effect effect EF2 and text effect ES2 are executed in an overlapping manner, effect effect EF2 is executed with specific elements included, while text effect ES2 is executed without specific elements regardless of its form, thereby improving the visibility of the multiple display effects executed in an overlapping manner.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the pachinko gaming machine will now be described.
In the following description, the same configurations and controls as those in the already described embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that, when effect effect EF2 and character effect ES2 are executed in an overlapping manner on the gaming machine 10, effect effect EF2 can be executed with a predetermined element. Specifically, when effect effect EF2 [white] and character effect ES2 [white] are executed in an overlapping manner on the gaming machine 10, effect effect EF2 is executed with a predetermined element. When effect effect EF2 [blue] and character effect ES2 [blue] are executed in an overlapping manner on the gaming machine 10, effect effect EF2 is executed with a predetermined element. Note that, when effect effect EF2 [red] and character effect ES2 [red] are executed in an overlapping manner on the gaming machine 10, effect effect EF2 is executed without a predetermined element, as in the first embodiment.

If either effect pattern EP23 or EP25 is selected, the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the background image HG using the effect effect EF2 is displayed dynamically. On the other hand, if either effect pattern EP11 to EP16, EP24, or EP26 to EP28 is selected, the secondary CPU 51 controls the effect display device EH so that the background image HG using the effect effect is displayed statically.

16(a) to 16(d) show an example of the display contents of the effect display device EH when the effect pattern EP23 is selected in the advance notice effect processing.
16(a), when the second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a boy character, a concentrated line image SC, a white background image HG, a contour image RG, and a white interior image NG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB is lit in white. Although the contour image RG and the white interior image NG may be displayed overlapping the concentrated line image SC and the white background image HG, they are arranged on a layer with a higher display priority than the concentrated line image SC and the white background image HG, and are displayed as if they are in front.

As shown in Figures 16(a) to 16(d), when the character effect ES2 [White] starts, the effect display device EH dynamically displays a white background image HG. For example, the effect display device EH dynamically displays the white background image HG using animation. At this time, the effect display device EH statically displays an image imitating a boy character, a convergent line image SC, a contour image RG, and a white internal image NG.

In the effect display device EH, the background image HG is dynamically displayed by changing the color of parts of the background image HG over time. Specifically, in the effect display device EH, images MG7 to MG11 are displayed as if they are moving in a predetermined direction in the background image HG over time. Images MG7 to MG11 are displayed as if they are moving upward. In the effect display device EH, the images are repeatedly displayed in the order of Figure 16(a) → Figure 16(b) → Figure 16(c) → Figure 16(d) → Figure 16(a) → ... until the effect effect EF2 [white] ends.

In this way, on the effect display device EH, when the character effect CH2, effect effect EF2 [white], and text effect ES2 [white] are executed, at least a portion of the background image HG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, on the effect display device EH, when the text effect ES2 [white] is initiated due to winning effect pattern EP17, the background image HG is not dynamically displayed, and the entire background image HG is displayed statically. In other words, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF2 [white] and the text effect ES2 [white] are executed in parallel, at least a portion of the background image HG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF2 [white] is not executed and the text effect ES2 [white] is executed, the entire background image HG is displayed statically.

17(a) to 17(d) show an example of the display contents of the effect display device EH when the effect pattern EP25 is selected in the advance notice effect processing.
17(a), when a second elapsed time has elapsed since the start of the effect game, the effect display device EH displays an image of a boy character, a concentrated line image SC, a blue background image HG, an outline image RG, and a blue interior image NG. At this time, the board decoration lamp LB is lit in blue. Although the outline image RG and the blue interior image NG may be displayed overlapping the concentrated line image SC and the blue background image HG, they are arranged on a layer with a higher display priority than the concentrated line image SC and the blue background image HG, and are displayed as if they are in front.

As shown in Figures 17(a) to 17(d), when the character effect ES2 [Blue] starts, the effect display device EH dynamically displays a blue background image HG. For example, the effect display device EH dynamically displays the blue background image HG using animation. At this time, the effect display device EH statically displays an image imitating a boy character, a convergent line image SC, a contour image RG, and a blue internal image NG.

In the effect display device EH, the background image HG is dynamically displayed by changing the color of parts of the background image HG over time. Specifically, in the effect display device EH, the images MG12 to MG16 are displayed as if they are moving in a predetermined direction in the background image HG over time. The images MG12 to MG16 are displayed as if they are moving upward. In the effect display device EH, the images are repeatedly displayed in the order Figure 17(a) → Figure 17(b) → Figure 17(c) → Figure 17(d) → Figure 17(a) → ... until the effect effect EF2 [blue] ends.

In this way, on the effect display device EH, when the character effect CH2, effect effect EF2 [blue], and text effect ES2 [blue] are executed, at least a portion of the background image HG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, on the effect display device EH, when the text effect ES2 [blue] is initiated due to winning effect pattern EP19, the background image HG is not dynamically displayed, and the entire background image HG is displayed statically. In other words, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF2 [blue] and the text effect ES2 [blue] are executed in parallel, at least a portion of the background image HG is dynamically displayed. On the other hand, on the gaming machine 10, when the effect effect EF2 [blue] is not executed and the text effect ES2 [blue] is executed, the entire background image HG is displayed statically.

In this embodiment, the dynamic display of at least a portion of the background image HG displayed by effect effect EF2 [white] is an example of a specified element. The dynamic display of at least a portion of the background image HG displayed by effect effect EF2 [blue] is an example of a specified element. In other words, in this embodiment, the specified element includes the dynamic display of at least a portion of the background image HG displayed by effect effect EF2.

In this way, when effect effect EF2 [red] and text effect ES2 [red] are executed in an overlapping manner, text effect ES2 [red] is executed with the specified elements included, and effect effect EF2 [red] is executed without the specified elements. When effect effect EF2 [white] and text effect ES2 [white] are executed in an overlapping manner, text effect ES2 [white] is executed without the specified elements, and effect effect EF2 [white] is executed with the specified elements included. When effect effect EF2 [blue] and text effect ES2 [blue] are executed in an overlapping manner, text effect ES2 [blue] is executed without the specified elements, and effect effect EF2 [blue] is executed with the specified elements included.

The effects of the second embodiment will be described.
The second embodiment has the following advantages in addition to the advantages (1-1) to (1-11) and (1-13) of the first embodiment.

(2-1) In the effect display device EH, the effect effect EF2 and the text effect ES2 may be executed in an overlapping manner. In this case, the coexistence of multiple display effects may reduce the visibility of the multiple display effects. However, according to this embodiment, when the effect effect EF2 and the text effect ES2 [red] are executed in an overlapping manner, the text effect ES2 [red] is executed with a predetermined element, while the effect effect EF2 is executed without the predetermined element, thereby improving the visibility of the multiple overlapping display effects. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the effect effect EF2 and the text effect ES2 [white] are executed in an overlapping manner, the effect effect EF2 is executed with a predetermined element, while the text effect ES2 [white] is executed without the predetermined element, thereby improving the visibility of the multiple overlapping display effects. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the effect effect EF2 and the character effect ES2 [blue] are executed in an overlapping manner, the effect effect EF2 is executed with a predetermined element, while the character effect ES2 [blue] is executed without the predetermined element, thereby improving the visibility of the overlapping display effects. Thus, according to this embodiment, when the effect effect EF2 and the character effect ES2 are executed in an overlapping manner, one display effect is executed with a predetermined element, while the other display effect is executed without the predetermined element, thereby improving the visibility of the overlapping display effects. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, among the character effect ES2 [white], the character effect ES2 [blue], and the character effect ES2 [red], which suggests the highest jackpot expectation, is executed with a predetermined element. Meanwhile, the character effect ES2 [white] and the character effect ES2 [blue] are executed without the predetermined element, thereby improving the visibility of the overlapping display effects and enhancing the game's appeal.

The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.
The character effects ES1 executable in the gaming machine 10 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the character effect ES1 may not include the character effect ES1 [red]. For example, the character effect ES1 may include the character effect ES1 [white], the character effect ES1 [blue], and a character effect ES1 different from the character effect ES1 [red].

- The character effect ES2 modes executable on the gaming machine 10 may be changed as appropriate. For example, the character effect ES2 modes may not include character effect ES2 [red]. For example, the character effect ES2 modes may include character effect ES2 [white], character effect ES2 [blue], and character effect ES2 modes different from character effect ES2 [red].

- When the effect display device EH executes the character effect CH1, effect effect EF1 [white], and text effect ES1 [white], at least a portion of the internal image NG may be dynamically displayed.

- The effect display device EH may be configured to dynamically display at least a portion of the internal image NG when the character effect CH2, effect effect EF2 [white], and text effect ES2 [white] are executed. The effect display device EH may be configured to dynamically display at least a portion of the internal image NG when the character effect CH2, effect effect EF2 [blue], and text effect ES2 [blue] are executed.

- If any of the effect patterns EP17 to EP22 is selected, the effect display device EH may be configured to dynamically display at least a portion of the internal image NG using text effects. If any of the effect patterns EP11 to EP16 is selected, the effect display device EH may be configured to dynamically display at least a portion of the background image HG using effect effects. If any of the effect patterns EP11 to EP16 is selected, the effect display device EH may be configured to dynamically display at least a portion of the convergent line image SC using effect effects.

- In the second embodiment, if either effect pattern EP23 or EP25 is selected, the effect display device EH may dynamically display at least a portion of the convergent line image SC in place of or in addition to the background image HG.

- The effect display device EH may be configured to dynamically display at least a portion of the image displayed by character effect CH1. The effect display device EH may be configured to dynamically display at least a portion of the image displayed by character effect CH2.

- The color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES1 of the first mode may be changed as appropriate. The color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES1 of the second mode may be changed as appropriate. The color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES1 of the third mode may be changed as appropriate. For example, the color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES1 of the first mode may be green. The background image HG in the effect effect EF1 may include a color similar to or similar to the color of the overlapping character effect ES1. It is preferable that the color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES1 of the first mode, the color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES1 of the second mode, and the color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES1 of the third mode are all different colors.

- The color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES2 of the first mode may be changed as appropriate. The color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES2 of the second mode may be changed as appropriate. The color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES2 of the third mode may be changed as appropriate. For example, the color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES2 of the first mode may be green. The background image HG in the effect effect EF2 may include a color similar to or similar to the color of the overlapping character effect ES2. It is preferable that the color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES2 of the first mode, the color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES2 of the second mode, and the color of the internal image NG in the character effect ES2 of the third mode are all different colors.

- The color of the outline image RG may be changed as appropriate. The color of the outline image RG may be a color different from the color of the concentration line image SC. The color of the outline image RG may be a color different from the color of the internal image NG. The color of the outline image RG does not have to be a color similar to or similar to the color of the internal image NG. For example, the color of the outline image RG may be a complementary color to the color of the internal image NG.

- The color of the concentrated line image SC may be changed as appropriate. The color of the concentrated line image SC may be different from the color of the outline image RG. The color of the concentrated line image SC may be different from the color of the background image HG. The color of the concentrated line image SC does not have to be a similar or similar color to the color of the background image HG. For example, the color of the concentrated line image SC may be a complementary color to the color of the background image HG.

- The outline image RG may differ between the character effects ES1 [white], ES1 [blue], and ES1 [red]. For example, the outline image RG may differ in color between the character effects ES1 [white], ES1 [blue], and ES1 [red]. For example, the outline image RG may differ in shape between the character effects ES1 [white], ES1 [blue], and ES1 [red]. In other words, the character effects ES1 [white], ES1 [blue], and ES1 [red] may be images of different character strings.

- The outline image RG may differ between character effects ES2 [white], character effects ES2 [blue], and character effects ES2 [red]. For example, the outline image RG may differ in color between character effects ES2 [white], character effects ES2 [blue], and character effects ES2 [red]. For example, the outline image RG may differ in shape between character effects ES2 [white], character effects ES2 [blue], and character effects ES2 [red]. In other words, the character effects ES2 [white], character effects ES2 [blue], and character effects ES2 [red] may be images of different character strings.

- When effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 are executed in an overlapping manner, the color of the image displayed in text effect ES1 may not include colors similar to or similar to the color of the image displayed by effect effect EF1. When effect effect EF2 and text effect ES2 are executed in an overlapping manner, the color of the image displayed in text effect ES2 may not include colors similar to or similar to the color of the image displayed by effect effect EF2.

- The timing at which character effect CH1, effect effect EF1, and text effect ES1 start may be changed as appropriate. For example, effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 may be started simultaneously or approximately simultaneously. The timing at which character effect CH2, effect effect EF2, and text effect ES2 start may be changed as appropriate. For example, effect effect EF2 and text effect ES2 may be started simultaneously or approximately simultaneously.

- The timing at which the light-emitting effect by the board decoration lamp LB starts may be the timing at which the character effect CH1 and effect effect EF1 start, but also the timing at which the text effect ES1 starts. For example, when the effect effect EF1 [blue] and the text effect ES1 [blue] are executed in overlapping fashion, the light-emitting effect may start simultaneously or approximately simultaneously with the start of the text effect ES1 [blue].

- The timing at which the light-emitting effect by the board decoration lamp LB starts may be the timing at which the character effect CH2 and effect effect EF2 start, but also the timing at which the text effect ES2 starts. For example, when the effect effect EF2 [red] and the text effect ES2 [red] are executed in overlapping fashion, the light-emitting effect may start simultaneously or approximately simultaneously with the start of the text effect ES1 [red].

- When character effect CH1, effect effect EF1, and text effect ES1 are executed, in addition to the light-emitting effect by board decoration lamp LB, a light-emitting effect by frame decoration lamp LA may or may not be executed. When character effect CH2, effect effect EF2, and text effect ES2 are executed, in addition to the light-emitting effect by board decoration lamp LB, a light-emitting effect by frame decoration lamp LA may or may not be executed.

- Effect effect EF1 may be executed without including the concentrated line image SC. Effect effect EF1 may be executed without including the concentrated line image SC, or may be executed with including the concentrated line image SC. For example, when effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 are executed in tandem, they may be executed without including the concentrated line image SC. On the other hand, when effect effect EF1 is executed without executing text effect ES1, they may be executed with including the concentrated line image SC.

- Effect effect EF2 may be executed without including the concentrated line image SC. Effect effect EF2 may be executed without including the concentrated line image SC, or may be executed with including the concentrated line image SC. For example, when effect effect EF2 and text effect ES2 are executed in conjunction, they may be executed without including the concentrated line image SC. On the other hand, when effect effect EF2 is executed without executing text effect ES2, they may be executed with including the concentrated line image SC.

The manner in which the specified image is dynamically displayed may be changed as appropriate. For example, when character effect ES1 [blue] is executed, the internal image NG may be lit alternately in blue and yellow, such as blue → yellow → blue → yellow → .... For example, when character effect ES1 [red] is executed, the internal image NG may be lit alternately in red and yellow, such as red → yellow → red → yellow → .... In this case, the speed at which the color changes may differ when character effect ES1 [blue] is executed and when character effect ES1 [red] is executed. In other words, the manner in which the specified image is dynamically displayed may differ when character effect ES1 [blue] is executed and when character effect ES1 [red] is executed.

- The concentrated line image SC in effect effect EF1 may be an image for emphasizing the image displayed by the character effect ES1. In other words, the concentrated line image SC is an image made up of multiple lines converging toward a specific display area within the image display area of the image display unit GH, and this specific display area may include the area where the image displayed by the character effect ES1 is displayed. In this case, the predetermined emphasis display and the specific emphasis display both emphasize the specific image displayed by the character effect ES1.

- In the above modified example, the predetermined highlighting may be a display that displaces the display area of the image displayed by the character effect ES1 in a first direction (e.g., up/down or left/right). In other words, the predetermined highlighting may be a display that makes the specific image displayed by the character effect ES1 appear to be displaced in the first direction. On the other hand, the specific highlighting may be a display that makes the image displayed by the character effect ES1 appear to be displaced in a second direction (e.g., forward/backward) different from the first direction by dynamically displaying a concentrated line image SC and widening or narrowing the size of the specific display area that can be highlighted by the concentrated line image SC over time. In other words, the specific highlighting may be a display that makes the specific image displayed by the character effect ES1 appear to be displaced in a second direction different from the first direction.

The concentrated line image SC in effect effect EF2 may be an image for emphasizing the image displayed by the text effect ES2. In other words, the concentrated line image SC is an image composed of multiple lines converging toward a specific display area within the image display area of the image display unit GH, and this specific display area may include the area where the image displayed by the text effect ES2 is displayed. The text effect ES2 may be executed to display the display area of the image displayed by the text effect ES2 as displaced in a first direction (e.g., up/down or left/right). On the other hand, the effect effect EF2 may be executed to dynamically display the concentrated line image SC, widening or narrowing the size of the specific display area that can be emphasized by the concentrated line image SC over time, thereby causing the image displayed by the text effect ES2 to appear to be displaced in a second direction different from the first direction (e.g., forward/backward).

- When effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 are executed in an overlapping manner, the intensity of effect effect EF1 may be weakened to relatively emphasize text effect ES1. For example, when effect effect EF1 and text effect ES1 are executed in an overlapping manner, the contrast of the image displayed by effect effect EF1 may be lowered to relatively emphasize text effect ES1. When effect effect EF2 and text effect ES2 are executed in an overlapping manner, the intensity of effect effect EF2 may be weakened to relatively emphasize text effect ES2. For example, when effect effect EF2 and text effect ES2 are executed in an overlapping manner, the contrast of the image displayed by effect effect EF2 may be lowered to relatively emphasize text effect ES2.

- The static display of a predetermined image does not necessarily mean that the predetermined image is a still image, but may also mean that the predetermined image is a moving image. In this case, the static display of a predetermined image may mean that the amount of movement (amount of displacement) of the image is smaller than when the predetermined image is displayed dynamically. Therefore, a display performance that includes a predetermined element and a display performance that does not include a predetermined element may have different modes of dynamic display of the image.

- Images resulting from effect effect EF1 may be placed on a layer with a lower display priority than images resulting from the effect game. When the effect game and effect effect EF1 are executed, the secondary CPU 51 may control the effect display device EH so that the transparency of the images resulting from the effect game is increased. This may allow images resulting from effect effect EF1 to have a higher display priority than images resulting from the effect game. Images resulting from effect effect EF2 may be placed on a layer with a lower display priority than images resulting from the effect game. When the effect game and effect effect EF2 are executed, the secondary CPU 51 may control the effect display device EH so that the transparency of the images resulting from the effect game is increased. This may allow images resulting from effect effect EF2 to have a higher display priority than images resulting from the effect game.

- An image based on character effect ES1 and an image based on a game effect may be displayed overlapping each other. An image based on character effect ES1 may be placed on a layer that has a lower display priority than an image based on a game effect. When a game effect and character effect ES1 are executed, the sub-CPU 51 may control the effect display device EH to increase the transparency of the image based on the game effect. This may result in the image based on character effect ES1 having a higher display priority than an image based on a game effect. An image based on character effect ES2 and an image based on a game effect may be displayed overlapping each other. An image based on character effect ES2 may be placed on a layer that has a lower display priority than an image based on a game effect. When a game effect and character effect ES2 are executed, the sub-CPU 51 may control the effect display device EH to increase the transparency of the image based on the game effect. This may result in the image based on character effect ES2 having a higher display priority than an image based on a game effect.

- The type of effect pattern may be changed as appropriate. For example, the effect pattern may include an effect pattern that is different from effect patterns EP11 to EP28. For example, the effect pattern may not include some or all of effect patterns EP11 to EP22.

The type of fluctuation pattern and the fluctuation time of the fluctuation pattern may be changed as appropriate.
Pachinko gaming machines that can be controlled to a high-probability state include those with specifications that control the high-probability state until a drop lottery is won (drop machine) and those with specifications that maintain the high-probability state until the next jackpot game. Pachinko gaming machines that can be controlled to a high-probability state also include those with specifications that control the high-probability state when a gaming ball passes through a specific area (V-probability variable machine). A pachinko gaming machine may be embodied in any of these specifications. The pachinko gaming machine may be a pachinko gaming machine with specifications that combine the drop machine and V-probability variable machine described above. Furthermore, the pachinko gaming machine may be a pachinko gaming machine with specifications that can be controlled to a state (so-called small-win rush) in which the number of times (frequency) a small win is won per unit time or the number of times (frequency) a small win game is awarded per unit time is increased compared to the normal state. In addition, the pachinko gaming machine may be embodied as a pachinko gaming machine (a so-called type 1/type 2 mixed machine) that has a jackpot game that is switched to based on winning a jackpot in a winning lottery, and a jackpot game that is switched to based on the game ball passing through a specific area.

- A pachinko gaming machine may be configured so that when a gaming ball is awarded, a virtual medium composed of electronic data is awarded. In other words, the pachinko gaming machine may be a pachinko gaming machine that does not pay out physical gaming media (a so-called managed gaming machine). Such a pachinko gaming machine is configured to use the virtual medium to convert the gaming ball into a gaming ball that can be fired, and to be able to fire the gaming ball.

- The functions of the main control board 40 may be realized by dividing them among multiple boards. The main control board 40 may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board. The functions of the sub-control board 50 may be realized by dividing them among multiple boards. For example, a pachinko gaming machine may be equipped with a display board that specializes in controlling the effect display device EH, a frame lamp board that specializes in controlling the frame decorative lamp LA, a panel lamp board that specializes in controlling the panel decorative lamp LB, and an audio board that specializes in controlling the speaker SP, and may further be equipped with a master board that controls these boards in an integrated manner. Furthermore, the sub-CPU 51 may be composed of multiple CPUs mounted on a single board.

In the above embodiment, the gaming machine was a pachinko gaming machine, but this is not limited to this and it may also be configured as a slot machine. In a slot machine, gaming medals are used as the gaming medium, and various lotteries such as winning combinations are conducted by operating the start lever, and the reels rotate, starting the variable game. In a slot machine, the rotation of the reels is stopped by operating the stop button, and the symbols are definitively stopped. In a slot machine, when all the reels stop, the variable game ends and a prize is awarded according to the symbol combinations that line up the active lines. In a slot machine, various effects are executed during the variable game. In a slot machine, display effects are executed on an effect display device that can display images during the variable game. A slot machine may be capable of executing various display effects including character effect CH1, character effect CH2, effect effect EF1, effect effect EF2, character effect ES1, and character effect ES2.

- The slot machine in the above modified example may be a gaming machine that uses gaming media other than gaming medals. For example, it may be embodied as a gaming machine that uses gaming balls (pachinko balls) as gaming media. Alternatively, the gaming media may be managed by data (information). In other words, the slot machine may be a so-called managed gaming machine. In other words, the slot machine in the above modified example may be embodied as a slot machine that is played without using physical gaming media (so-called medalless slot machine). Such a slot machine is configured to allow play by using gaming media (virtual media) managed by data.

The technical ideas that can be understood from each embodiment and modified example will be described.
(Appendix 1-1) A gaming machine comprising: a display means for displaying an image; and a display control means for controlling the display means for displaying an image; the effects that can be executed by the display means include a first display effect and a second display effect; the second display effect is an effect that can indicate the expectation of a predetermined benefit being granted; the modes of the second display effect include a first mode and a second mode in which the expectation is higher than that of the first mode; and when the first display effect and the second display effect of the second mode are executed in overlapping fashion, the second display effect is executed including a predetermined element, and the first display effect is executed without including the predetermined element.

(Appendix 1-2) A gaming machine described in (Appendix 1-1) in which the effect display means can start the second display effect of the second aspect after the first display effect has started.
(Appendix 1-3) The specified element is that at least a portion of the image surrounded by the outline of the image displayed by the second display effect is dynamically displayed in the gaming machine described in (Appendix 1-1) or (Appendix 1-2).

(Appendix 1-4) A gaming machine described in any of Appendices (Appendix 1-1) to (Appendix 1-3), in which the first display effect includes a specific element, and the specific element is an image that is displayed to emphasize a specific image.

(Appendix 2-1) A gaming machine comprising: a display means for displaying an image; and a display control means for controlling the display means; the effects that can be executed by the display means include a first display effect and a second display effect; the second display effect is an effect that can indicate the likelihood of receiving a predetermined bonus; the modes of the second display effect include a first mode, a second mode in which the likelihood is higher than the first mode, and a third mode in which the likelihood is higher than the second mode; when the first display effect and the second display effect of the second mode are executed in an overlapping manner, the second display effect is executed with a predetermined element included, and the first display effect is executed without the predetermined element; and when the first display effect and the second display effect of the third mode are executed in an overlapping manner, the second display effect is executed with the predetermined element included, and the first display effect is executed without the predetermined element.

(Appendix 2-2) The first display effect is displayed including a specific element, and the specific element is an image displayed to highlight a specific image (appendix 2-1).

(Appendix 2-3) The predetermined elements include a first predetermined element and a second predetermined element different from the first predetermined element, and the second display effect of the second aspect can be executed including the first predetermined element, and the second display effect of the third aspect can be executed including the second predetermined element. A gaming machine as described in (Appendix 2-1) or (Appendix 2-2).

(Appendix 3-1) A gaming machine comprising: a display means capable of displaying an image; and a display control means capable of controlling the display means; the effects that the display means can execute include a first display effect and a second display effect; and when the first display effect and the second display effect are executed in overlapping relation, the second display effect can be executed including a predetermined highlighting, and the first display effect can be executed including a specific highlighting without including the predetermined highlighting.

(Appendix 3-2) The predetermined highlighting is a display that highlights the image displayed by the second display effect, and the specific highlighting is a display that highlights an image different from the image displayed by the first display effect (appendix 3-1).

(Appendix 3-3) The predetermined highlighting and the specific highlighting are both displays that highlight the specific image displayed by the second display effect, the predetermined highlighting is a display that makes the specific image appear to be displaced in a first direction, and the specific highlighting is a display that makes the specific image appear to be displaced in a second direction different from the first direction (A gaming machine described in Appendices 3-1).

(Appendix 4-1) A gaming machine comprising: a display means for displaying an image; and a display control means for controlling the display means for displaying an image; the effects that can be executed by the display means include a first display effect and a second display effect; the second display effect is an effect that may indicate the likelihood of receiving a predetermined bonus; the modes of the second display effect include a first mode and a second mode in which the likelihood is higher than that of the first mode; when the first display effect and the second display effect of the second mode are executed in overlapping fashion, the color of the image displayed by the second display effect includes a similar or similar color to the color of the image displayed by the first display effect; the second display effect is executed including a predetermined element, and the first display effect is executed without including the predetermined element.

(Appendix 4-2) A gaming machine described in (Appendix 4-1) that includes a specific light-emitting means and a light-emitting effect control means capable of controlling the specific light-emitting means, and when the first display effect and the second display effect of the second aspect are executed in an overlapping manner, the specific light-emitting means is capable of executing a light-emitting effect, and the light color emitted by the specific light-emitting means in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a color similar to or similar to the color of the image displayed by the second display effect.

(Appendix 4-3) A gaming machine described in (Appendix 4-1) or (Appendix 4-2), in which when the first display effect and the second display effect of the first aspect are executed in overlapping fashion, the second display effect is executed without including the specified element.

(Appendix 5-1) A display device is provided which is capable of displaying an image and a display control device which is capable of controlling the display device. The display devices can execute a predetermined display effect and a specific display effect. The specific display effect is an effect which can indicate the degree of expectation of a predetermined benefit being awarded. The specific display effect has a first effect, a second effect which has a higher expectation degree than the first effect, and a third effect which has a higher expectation degree than the second effect. When the predetermined display effect and the specific display effect of the third effect are executed in an overlapping manner, the specific display effect is displayed. A gaming machine characterized in that a display effect is executed including a predetermined element, the predetermined display effect is executed without including the predetermined element, when the predetermined display effect and the specific display effect of the first mode are executed overlappingly, the specific display effect is executed without including the predetermined element, the predetermined display effect is executed without including the predetermined element, when the predetermined display effect and the specific display effect of the second mode are executed overlappingly, the specific display effect is executed without including the predetermined element, the predetermined display effect is executed without including the predetermined element.

(Appendix 5-2) A display device is provided which is capable of displaying an image and a display control device which is capable of controlling the display device. The display devices can execute a predetermined display effect and a specific display effect. The specific display effect is an effect which can indicate the degree of expectation of a predetermined benefit being awarded. The specific display effect has a first effect, a second effect which has a higher expectation degree than the first effect, and a third effect which has a higher expectation degree than the second effect. When the predetermined display effect and the specific display effect of the third effect are executed in an overlapping manner, the specific A gaming machine characterized in that a display effect is executed including a predetermined element, the predetermined display effect is executed without including the predetermined element, when the predetermined display effect and the specific display effect of the first mode are executed overlappingly, the specific display effect is executed without including the predetermined element, the predetermined display effect is executed including the predetermined element, when the predetermined display effect and the specific display effect of the second mode are executed overlappingly, the specific display effect is executed without including the predetermined element, and the predetermined display effect is executed including the predetermined element.

(Appendix 5-3) A gaming machine described in (Appendix 5-1) or (Appendix 5-2) in which the predetermined display effect is executed including a specific element, and when the predetermined display effect and the specific display effect are executed in overlapping relation, the specific display effect is executed without including the specific element, regardless of the state of the specific display effect.

10... Gaming machine 40... Main control board 41... Microprocessor 42... Main CPU 43... Main ROM 44... Main RWM 45... Random number circuit 50... Sub-control board 51... Sub-CPU 52... Sub-ROM 53... Sub-RWM EH... Effects display device LA... Frame decoration lamp LB... Board decoration lamp EH1... Effects EH2... Effects ES1... Text effects ES2... Text effects

Claims (2)

a performance display means capable of displaying an image;
a display effect control means capable of controlling the effect display means;
The effects that can be executed by the effect display means include a first display effect and a second display effect,
The second display effect is an effect that can suggest the expectation of a predetermined benefit being granted,
The second display effect includes a first mode, a second mode having a higher expectation level than the first mode, and a third mode having a higher expectation level than the second mode ,
The first display effect may include a specific highlighting effect that highlights a specific image by dynamically displaying images and displaying images that are focused on the specific image,
The second display effect can include a predetermined highlighting display that highlights a predetermined image surrounded by a contour image by dynamically displaying the image in a manner that moves over time ,
When the first display performance and the second display performance of the second aspect are executed at the same time, it is possible to superimpose an image converging on a specific image in the specific highlighting and an image that moves over time in the predetermined highlighting, the color of the image displayed by the second display performance includes a color similar to or similar to the color of the image displayed by the first display performance, the second display performance of the second aspect is executed including the predetermined highlighting but not the specific highlighting, and the first display performance is executed including the specific highlighting but not the predetermined highlighting ,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the first display effect and the second display effect of the third aspect are executed simultaneously, an image converging on a specific image in the specific highlighting and an image that moves over time in the predetermined highlighting can be displayed superimposed, the color of the image displayed by the second display effect includes a color similar to or similar to the color of the image displayed by the first display effect, the second display effect of the third aspect is executed including the predetermined highlighting but not the specific highlighting, and the first display effect is executed including the specific highlighting but not the predetermined highlighting . A specific light emitting means;
a light-emitting effect control means capable of controlling the specific light-emitting means;
A gaming machine as described in claim 1, wherein when the first display effect and the second display effect of the second aspect are executed simultaneously, the specific light-emitting means is capable of executing a light-emitting effect, and the light color of the specific light-emitting means that emits light in conjunction with the execution of the light-emitting effect includes a color similar to or similar to the color of the image displayed by the second display effect .