JP7777340B2 - gaming machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

For example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, the display mode of the decorative symbols indicating the winning or losing lottery results does not change significantly with each fluctuation, which could lead to players becoming bored.

JP 2017-192624 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the entertainment value of the game by changing the display mode of decorative patterns.

The gaming machine of the present invention, which was developed to solve the above problems, comprises a display means having a display area where multiple decorative patterns are displayed to notify the results of a win/lose lottery, and an effect execution means for executing an effect during variation from the start point at which the decorative patterns begin to vary in multiple ways in the display area to the end point at which a pattern combination corresponding to the win/lose lottery result is constructed and the variation stops. During the effect during variation, an effect image that is not the decorative pattern but displaces in one of multiple image displacement directions may be displayed, and image correspondence control can be executed to change the display mode of the decorative pattern during the effect during variation where the effect image is displayed to correspond to the image displacement direction.

According to the present invention, the display mode of decorative patterns can enhance the entertainment value of the game.

1 is a front view of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A diagram showing decorative patterns and reserved patterns displayed in the display area. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the game state (transition of the game state). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an overview of a specific effect. 10 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the timing of occurrence of a sudden effect and the length of the first and second half portions. FIG. A diagram to explain the second half performance when Tb<T1 (pattern A). A diagram to explain the second half performance when T1≦Tb<T2 (pattern B). A diagram to explain the second half performance when T2≦Tb (pattern C). FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 1-6. 10A is a diagram for explaining an overview of each image displacement direction and FIG. 10B is a diagram for explaining an overview of each movement start direction. This is a diagram to explain that at the beginning of the during-change performance in a specific mode, the image displacement direction and the change start direction are considered to be in a corresponding relationship. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-1. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-3. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 2-4. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining changes in the fluctuation stop sound. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-1. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-2. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining specific example 3-3.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this embodiment, similar to known gaming machines, the player is notified of the winning/losing lottery results based on the combination of decorative symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, decorative symbol groups 80g (left decorative symbol group 80gL, center decorative symbol group 80gC, right decorative symbol group 80gR), which include multiple types of decorative symbols 80, begin to fluctuate, and eventually one decorative symbol 80 is selected from each decorative symbol group 80g and stops. (Hereinafter, "stopped" refers to a complete stop, excluding a pseudo-stop state (e.g., a state in which the symbol appears to the player to have stopped but is only slightly swaying).) If a jackpot is won, the combination of decorative symbols 80 selected and stopped from each decorative symbol group 80g (left decorative symbol 80L, center decorative symbol 80C, right decorative symbol 80R, lined up from left) will be a predetermined winning combination (in this embodiment, a set of three decorative symbols 80 of the same type). If it is a loss, it will be a loss combination other than the one that results in a jackpot (a combination other than a jackpot). In this embodiment, the various decorative patterns 80 include any of the numbers "1" to "7." Decorative patterns 80 with the same number are "same type" patterns (decorative patterns 80 with different numbers are "different type" patterns).

In this embodiment, when a winning combination using decorative symbols 80 containing odd numbers (decorative symbols 80 containing "1," "3," "5," and "7") is displayed as a confirmed winning combination (a combination that stops changing), a specific jackpot is confirmed, as described in detail below. On the other hand, when a winning combination using decorative symbols 80 containing even numbers (decorative symbols 80 containing "2," "4," and "6") is displayed as a confirmed winning combination, a specific jackpot is not confirmed, and it may be a regular jackpot, as described in detail below. Specifically, when a winning combination using decorative symbols 80 containing even numbers is displayed, a promotion effect may occur during the subsequent jackpot game, indicating that the jackpot won was a specific jackpot. If this promotion effect does not occur, a regular jackpot is confirmed. This type of promotion effect is well known, and any type of effect may be used, so further explanation is omitted. Because a specific jackpot is more valuable to a player than a regular jackpot, it can be said that a confirmed winning combination of decorative symbols 80 containing odd numbers (a confirmed specific jackpot) is more advantageous to a player than a confirmed winning combination of decorative symbols 80 containing even numbers (a possible regular jackpot).

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

In this embodiment, the game states are a normal game state and a special game state (see Figure 3). The special game state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. The normal game state is a low-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low (approximately 1/319 in this embodiment), and a low-base state (low probability, no time-saving feature) in which it is difficult for the game ball to enter the starting area 904. The special game state is a high-probability game state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high (approximately 1/50 in this embodiment), and a high-base state (high probability, time-saving feature) in which it is easy for the game ball to enter the starting area 904. The normal game state is a state in which the game ball should be launched aiming at the first starting area 904a. In this embodiment, this is a state in which a so-called "left-handed shot" should be performed. Therefore, the normal game state can be said to be a game state in which the player aims to win a jackpot after the first win/loss lottery. On the other hand, the specific gaming state is a state in which the gaming ball should be launched aiming at the second starting area 904b. In this embodiment, this is a state in which a so-called "right hit" should be performed. Therefore, the specific gaming state can be said to be a gaming state in which the aim is to win a jackpot after a second win/lose lottery. The specific gaming state is a state in which the gaming ball is likely to win the lottery to open the second starting area 904b, which is triggered by the gaming ball entering the normal starting area 905, so it is relatively easy for the gaming ball to enter the second starting area 904b.

In this embodiment, there are two types of jackpots: a normal jackpot and a special jackpot. A normal jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to a normal game state after the jackpot game ends. A special jackpot is a jackpot that transitions to a special game state after the jackpot game ends. A jackpot obtained by winning the first win/lose lottery is a normal jackpot or a special jackpot. A jackpot obtained by winning the second win/lose lottery is a special jackpot. Except in special cases such as winning a lottery based on the reserved information stored in the storage means immediately after the game state transition (the so-called remaining reserved lottery), the normal game state is a game state that aims to win the first win/lose lottery, so a jackpot obtained in the normal game state is a normal jackpot or a special jackpot. The special game state is a game state that aims to win the second win/lose lottery, so a jackpot obtained in the special game state is a special jackpot.

In addition, the machine may be configured so that entering a predetermined area (V area) that opens during a specific jackpot game (V winning) is the condition for transitioning to a specific game state after the specific jackpot game ends (a so-called V-variable machine).

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

When the winning/losing lottery results in a jackpot, a jackpot game is executed. A jackpot game involves repeating one or more unit games in which the jackpot area 906 (see Figure 1; the jackpot area 906 is normally closed) is opened until a predetermined closing condition is met. The closing condition is met when either a predetermined number of game balls (e.g., 10 balls) enter the jackpot area 906 after it is opened (winning condition) or a predetermined time has passed since the jackpot area 906 was opened (time condition). In this embodiment, if game balls are continuously fired toward the jackpot area 906 during a jackpot game, the winning condition is met before the time condition is met. In other words, 10 game balls enter the jackpot area 906 in one unit game. A unit game is also referred to as a round (game). The number of unit games (number of rounds) included in a jackpot game can be set as appropriate. In this embodiment, all jackpots (regular jackpots and special jackpots) are 10-round jackpots.

The following describes the effects (contents and control of effects) that can be executed by the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment. Note that it is also possible for the configuration to execute only some of the effects described below. Also, in some of the drawings that explain the effects, the reserved symbols 70 and decorative symbols 80 may be omitted from illustration.

2) Measure Absorption Control of Special Effects 2-1) Special Effects The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is capable of executing special effects (see FIG. 4). Special effects can occur as part of variable effects in normal gaming mode. However, they may also occur as part of variable effects in special gaming mode. Furthermore, if there is a need to execute the measure absorption control, which will be described in detail later, they may occur in situations other than variable effects, such as during jackpot gaming.

Specific effects result in either a success (see Figure 4 (c-1)) or failure (see Figure 4 (c-2)). If the win/loss lottery result (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the target win/loss lottery result) corresponding to a variation effect (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a target variation effect) that includes a specific effect is a jackpot, the result is a success; if it is a miss, the result is a failure. In other words, specific effects are a type of reach effect that indicates the result of the target win/loss lottery depending on whether or not it results in a success. Note that the specific effect in this embodiment starts midway through a variation effect and constitutes the final part that includes the end of the variation effect. In other words, the end of the specific effect coincides with the end of the target variation effect.

The basic structure of a specific effect is that a specified effect video is output (see Figures 4(a) and (b)). If the result is successful, the output of the effect video is stopped and a sudden effect occurs in which a sudden image 10 is displayed (see Figure 4(c-1)). The length of the sudden effect is fixed. If the result is unsuccessful, the effect ends without the sudden image 10 being displayed (the effect video continues to be output until the end) (see Figure 4(c-2)), and a losing combination is displayed (see Figure 4(d)).

In this embodiment, the sudden image 10 is an image that makes the display area 911 appear to suddenly go black (see Figure 4 (c-1)). In other words, the specific effect is an effect in which the winning or losing decision depends on whether or not the effect video suddenly stops while it is being output, a so-called "freeze" occurs. In this embodiment, the message "Freeze occurs, jackpot" is displayed while the effect video is being output (see Figures 4 (a) and (b)).

Whether or not a specific effect will be successful is determined based on the result of the target hit/miss lottery. If the target hit/miss lottery result is a jackpot and a specific effect that will result in a success is executed, the timing at which the sudden effect will occur (the sudden image 10 will be displayed) is determined in advance by lottery selection from multiple candidate timings (see Figure 5(a)). Therefore, (even in the case of a successful result) it is impossible for the player to know in advance when the sudden effect will occur. If the target hit/miss lottery result is a miss, which would result in a failure where the sudden effect is not executed, so such a lottery is not executed.

A successful specific effect is divided into a first half before a predetermined switching point and a second half after the switching point (note that, hereinafter, when the term "specific effect" is used without further explanation, it refers to a successful specific effect divided into a first half and a second half). The switching point is the end point of the sudden effect (see Figure 5(b)). As mentioned above, the timing of the sudden effect occurrence can change each time, so the length from the start of the specific effect to the switching point is not constant. In other words, the time of the first half (hereinafter, this time will be referred to as Ta) and the time of the second half (hereinafter, this time will be referred to as Tb) can also change each time. In this embodiment, the length of the specific effect is constant regardless of the timing of the sudden effect occurrence. If the time required for the specific effect is T, then T = Ta + Tb. The earlier the sudden effect occurs (the earlier the candidate timing is selected), the shorter the first half will be and the longer the second half will be. In other words, the length of the first half (Ta) and the length of the second half (Tb) are in an inverse relationship; as one becomes longer, the other becomes shorter.

The first half is the period from the start of the specific effect to the end of the sudden effect, and therefore is the period from when the effect video is displayed to when the sudden image 10 is displayed, until the sudden image 10 is erased. The second half is executed when the display of the sudden image 10 (occurrence of a freeze) indicates a jackpot (successful result), and therefore is the period during which a performance celebrating the jackpot is executed. In this embodiment, the type of performance in the second half differs depending on the length of the second half time Tb.

2-2) Effects that make up the second half In this embodiment, the effects that can make up the second half (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second half effects) are provided as basic effects, moving effects, and additional effects. Note that these effects can all be executed separately, and two or more of these effects are never executed at the same time.

The basic effect is the effect that is executed in all cases to make up the second half. In other words, effects other than the basic effect (movable effects and additional effects) may not be executed as effects that make up the second half, but the basic effect is always executed as an effect that makes up the second half. The basic effect clearly indicates that the specific effect has reached a successful result. As mentioned above, a successful result is reached when the result of the target lottery is a jackpot, and the second half of the specific effect is executed to indicate this. Therefore, the basic effect is the display of a combination of decorative patterns 80 (winning combination) that indicates a jackpot win (see Figures 6(b), 7(c), and 8(d)).

The moving effect is an effect in which the movable body 20 is moved. The gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment is equipped with a movable body 20 that can move back and forth between an original position (normal position) and an effect position (see FIG. 1). The movable body 20 is displaced in front of the display area 911, and is configured so that when it is located at the effect position (shown by a solid line in FIG. 1), the area that overlaps with the display area 911 is larger (the area that the movable body 20 covers is larger) than when it is located at the original position (shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1). Because the player plays while looking at the display area 911, moving the movable body 20 from the original position to the effect position can be said to be an action that makes the movable body 20 stand out. The drive mechanism for the movable body 20 can be of any type, so its description is omitted. The moving effect is an effect in which the movable body 20, located at the original position, is moved to the effect position (and returned to the original position at the end of the effect) (see FIGS. 7(b) and 8(c)). In this embodiment, when the movable body 20 is positioned at the effect position, an image that emphasizes (decorates) that the movable body 20 is positioned at the effect position is also displayed in the portion of the display area 911 that is not covered by the movable body 20.

The additional effect is an effect that emphasizes that a successful result has been achieved, and a specified image (hereinafter referred to as additional image 15) is displayed in display area 911. The additional image 15 is an image (dedicated image) that is only displayed during the additional effect. As will be described later, if an additional effect occurs in the latter half, it will occur immediately after the sudden effect, so it is preferable that the additional image 15 be of a type that celebrates the occurrence of the sudden effect and the confirmation of a successful result. In this embodiment, the additional image 15 that is displayed includes the word "joy" (see Figure 8(b)).

Note that while the basic and additional effects are being performed, the movable body 20 remains in its original position. In other words, the basic and additional effects do not cause the movable body 20 to move.

2-3) Control According to the Length of the Second Half In this embodiment, the length of the second half (time Tb) determines which of the basic, movable, or additional effects will be used as the effect constituting the second half. In other words, the configuration of the second half effect is varied depending on the length of the second half. Specifically, the length Tb of the second half is divided into three patterns (hereinafter referred to as pattern A, pattern B, and pattern C): (A) when it is less than T1, (B) when it is equal to or greater than T1 and less than T2, and (C) when it is equal to or greater than T2 (where T2 is greater than T1). The configuration of the second half effect is varied accordingly (where T2 is greater than T1).

Pattern A (see Figure 6)
If the length Tb of the second half is less than T1, only the basic effect is executed as the effect that constitutes the second half effect. In other words, the moving effect and the additional effect are not executed. Therefore, after the sudden effect (see FIG. 6(a)) ends (after the sudden image 10 is erased), the decorative patterns 80 that constitute the winning combination are displayed until the specific effect ends (see FIG. 6(b)). In other words, after the sudden effect ends, the winning combination in the pseudo-stop state is displayed, and then the fluctuation completely stops at that winning combination, and the fluctuation effect ends.

Pattern B (see Figure 7)
If the length Tb of the second half is equal to or greater than T1 time and less than T2 time, the moving effect and the basic effect are executed as the effects that make up the second half effect. In other words, the additional effect is not executed. After the sudden effect (see FIG. 7(a)) ends (after the sudden image 10 is erased), the moving effect is executed first (see FIG. 7(b)). In other words, the movable body 20 is displaced from the original position to the effect position. After the moving effect (after the movable body 20 returns to the original position), the basic effect is executed (see FIG. 7(c)). In other words, the decorative pattern 80 that makes up the winning combination is displayed until the specific effect ends.

Pattern C (see Figure 8)
If the length Tb of the second half is equal to or longer than T2, the additional effect, the moving effect, and the basic effect are executed as the effects that make up the second half effect. After the sudden effect (see FIG. 8(a)) ends (after the sudden image 10 is erased), the additional effect is executed first. That is, the additional image 15 is displayed to emphasize the successful result (see FIG. 8(b)). After the additional effect, the moving effect is executed in which the moving body 20 is displaced from the original position to the effect position (see FIG. 8(c)). After the moving effect (after the moving body 20 returns to the original position), the basic effect is executed (see FIG. 8(d)). That is, until the specific effect ends, the decorative pattern 80 that makes up the winning combination is displayed.

As such, in this embodiment, three types of candidate effects (basic effect, movable effect, additional effect) are prepared as the effects that make up the second half of a specific effect, and the number of effects to be executed is determined based on the length Tb of the second half. In other words, the longer the length Tb of the second half, the more effects will be executed. The second half becomes longer the sooner the first half ends (the earlier the timing of the sudden effect), so so-called "length absorption" is necessary. However, in this embodiment, length absorption is not achieved by extending a type of effect, so the risk of the player feeling that the second half is drawn out is reduced. Furthermore, given that the basic effect is executed regardless of the length of the second half (regarding any of patterns A to C), it can be said that the movable effect and additional effect function as length absorption effects.

In particular, in this embodiment, if the time for the latter half is equal to or longer than T1 (pattern B or pattern C), a movement effect is executed in which the movable body 20 is displaced from its original position to the effected position (see Figures 7 and 8). In other words, an impactful effect (rather than an effect that simply displays a predetermined image) is executed as a time-absorbing effect that is not executed in pattern A, further reducing the risk that the player will feel that the latter half is drawn out.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the duration of the latter half is equal to or longer than T2, an additional effect is executed. In other words, an effect in which an image different from the basic effect is displayed as a time-absorbing effect is executed, reducing the risk that the player will feel that the latter half is drawn out. In particular, in this embodiment, a moving effect is executed between the additional effect, which is an effect that displays an image, and the basic effect (see Figure 8), so the additional effect and the basic effect are clearly "divided" by the moving effect. As a result, the effects in the latter half are more varied (because changes such as image effect (additional effect) → moving effect → image effect (basic effect) are unfolded), further reducing the risk that the player will feel that the latter half is long.

The control divided into patterns A to C above is a "rough" control that is performed after dividing the length of the latter part into three major sections (three stages). On the other hand, "fine" length adjustment control (hereinafter referred to as "fine adjustment") is performed by appropriately increasing or decreasing the length of at least one of the individual effects (basic effect, movable effect, additional effect). In other words, since the length of the latter part can vary even for the same pattern, it is fine-tuned by adjusting the length of at least one of the effects.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the time absorption control of the specific effects described above. Furthermore, to the extent possible, configurations may be created that apply a combination of multiple technologies described using the specific examples below.

Specific example 1-1
The length Tb of the second half may be divided into two patterns to determine the effect to be executed. If the length Tb of the second half is less than T1, the basic effect is executed in the second half (progressing in the manner shown in FIG. 6 ). If the length Tb of the second half is equal to or greater than T1, the movable effect and the basic effect are executed in the second half (progressing in the manner shown in FIG. 7 ). In other words, whether or not the movable effect is executed as a time-absorbing effect may be determined depending on whether or not the time is equal to or greater than T1. Even in this case, if the length Tb of the second half is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (T1), the movable effect is executed as a time-absorbing effect, thereby reducing the risk that the player will feel that the second half is drawn out.

Specific example 1-2
The movable effect is executed regardless of the length Tb of the latter half. For example, as explained in the above specific example 1-1, the effect executed in the latter half is determined depending on whether the length Tb of the latter half is less than T1 time or equal to or greater than T1 time. Based on this premise, if the length Tb of the latter half is less than T1 time, the movable effect and the basic effect are executed (the mode is assumed to proceed in the flow shown in FIG. 7), and if it is equal to or greater than T1 time, an additional effect is executed in addition to the movable effect and the basic effect (the mode is assumed to proceed in the flow shown in FIG. 8). In other words, the movable effect and the basic effect are executed as a basis in the latter half, and if the length Tb of the latter half is equal to or greater than T1 time, an additional effect is executed as a time-absorbing effect. In this way, the movable effect functions as a common effect that is always executed regardless of the length Tb of the latter half.

When doing as in this example, regardless of the length Tb of the latter half, the effect that occurs following the sudden effect can be a moving effect (the effect that occurs first in the latter half can be a moving effect). This makes it possible to realize a form of effect in which the occurrence of a sudden effect is celebrated by the movement of the movable body 20.

Specific example 1-3
Although it has been explained that the end point (switching point) of the first half of the specific effect in the above embodiment is the end point of the sudden effect, other effects may be executed as the effects that make up the first half. In other words, the first half may be configured so that the timing of the switching point can change each time (the length Tb of the second half can change each time).

For example, suppose an operation presentation is executed in the first half, encouraging the player to operate the operation means 60 (such as a push button). The operation presentation has a valid operation period during which operation of the operation means 60 is valid. The point at which operation during the valid operation period meets a predetermined condition is assumed to be the switching point. In other words, the transition to the second half occurs when the operation of the operation means 60 meets a predetermined condition. Since the timing at which the operation of the operation means 60 meets the predetermined condition varies depending on the operation situation, the length of the second half can change each time. Note that the operation mode requested in the operation presentation may be any type (possible operations include a single operation (single operation), continuous operation, and sustained operation (long press)).

Specific example 1-4
The above-mentioned fine adjustments are performed using the basic effects, without using the moving effects or additional effects. Because the basic effects are common effects that are executed in all patterns A through C, fine adjustments can be made by increasing or decreasing the length of the basic effects regardless of the pattern (see Figures 9(a)-(c)). Furthermore, the basic effects are images that display winning combinations, and fine adjustments can be easily controlled by simply changing their display time (for example, by increasing or decreasing the time the pseudo-stop occurs for a winning combination). Furthermore, by performing fine adjustments using the basic effects in this way, there is also the advantage that in the case of pattern B (see Figure 9(b)) or pattern C (see Figure 9(c)), there is no need to control the length of the moving effects or additional effects to change subtly (the lengths of the moving effects and additional effects can be constant).

3) Image Correspondence Control 3-1) Image Displacement Direction In the gaming machine 1 according to this embodiment, when in a predetermined presentation mode (specific mode), the presentation image 30 is displayed in the variation presentation. Note that in this embodiment, the specific mode may be set in a specific gaming state. In other words, the presentation image 30 may be displayed in the specific gaming state. However, this does not deny the possibility of a configuration in which the presentation image 30 can be displayed in the normal gaming state.

The effect image 30 is an image that depicts a specified character. In this embodiment, it is an image that depicts a "horse" character (see Figure 10(a)). During the variation effect in a specific mode, the effect image 30 is displayed as displacing in one of multiple directions (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the image displacement direction). Note that regardless of which of the multiple image displacement directions it displaces, the effect image 30 remains recognizable to the player as depicting a specified character (the same character).

In this embodiment, three directions are provided as candidate directions for image displacement. These directions are the "left direction" (see FIG. 10(a-1)), in which the effect image 30 is displaced so as to gradually approach the left edge of the display area 911; the "down direction" (see FIG. 10(a-2)), in which the effect image 30 is displaced so as to gradually approach the bottom edge of the display area 911; and the "right direction" (see FIG. 10(a-3)), in which the effect image 30 is displaced so as to gradually approach the right edge of the display area 911. The "down direction" can also be considered a "middle direction" in the sense that it is a direction that divides the display area 911 in two, left and right.

3-2) Change Start Direction In the change-in-progression performance of a specific mode, multiple directions are set as candidates for the direction (hereinafter referred to as the change start direction) in which the decorative pattern 80 will move at the beginning of the change-in-progression performance (i.e., during a predetermined period including the start of the change-in-progression performance). Specifically, at the start of the change-in-progression performance, three decorative patterns 80 (three decorative patterns 80 constituting a losing combination indicating the win/lose lottery result (loss) corresponding to the previous change) are displayed, and the directions in which the three decorative patterns 80 move at the beginning of the change-in-progression performance are divided into three directions. These directions are the "left direction" (see FIG. 10(b-1)) in which the three decorative patterns 80 are displaced so as to gradually approach the left edge of the display area 911, the "downward direction" (see FIG. 10(b-2)) in which the three decorative patterns 80 are displaced so as to gradually approach the bottom edge of the display area 911, and the "right direction" (see FIG. 10(b-3)) in which the three decorative patterns 80 are displaced so as to gradually approach the right edge of the display area 911. The "downward direction" can also be considered as the "middle direction" in the sense that it is a direction that divides the display area 911 in half in the left and right directions.

3-3) Relationship between image displacement direction and change start direction Image correspondence control is a control that makes the image displacement direction and change start direction correspond to each other during a change effect in a specific mode. The image displacement directions "leftward,""downward," and "rightward" are considered to correspond to the change start directions "leftward,""downward," and "rightward," respectively. In other words, the correspondence is that the target image (effect image 30/decorative pattern 80) moves in the "same direction," which means that the side (left/downward/right) of the approaching display area 911 is the same (see FIG. 11).

In addition, during one variation performance, a displacement of the performance image 30 in a certain image displacement direction will not occur in conjunction with a displacement of the decorative pattern 80 in a variation start direction that does not correspond to that image displacement direction. For example, a displacement of the performance image 30 whose image displacement direction is "to the left" will not occur in the same variation as a displacement of the decorative pattern 80 whose variation start direction is "downward" or "to the right."

In this embodiment, during one variation performance, the period during which the performance image 30 is displaced in the image displacement direction and the period during which the decorative pattern 80 is displaced in the variation start direction corresponding to that image displacement direction are set to overlap at least partially. In other words, the displacement of the performance image 30 in the image displacement direction and the displacement of the decorative pattern 80 in the same direction, the variation start direction, occur simultaneously.

In this embodiment, in specific modes, the image displacement direction and displacement start direction change with each displacement. The image displacement direction and displacement start direction change in a specified order, such as: "Image displacement direction 'left'/displacement start direction 'left'" (see Figure 11(b)) → "Image displacement direction 'down'/displacement start direction 'down'" (see Figure 11(d)) → "Image displacement direction 'right'/displacement start direction 'right'" (see Figure 11(f)) → "Image displacement direction 'left'/displacement start direction 'left'" (see Figure 11(h))...

In this way, in this embodiment, the decorative pattern 80 begins to change in a direction (change start direction) corresponding to the displacement direction of the performance image 30 (image displacement direction), resulting in an interesting performance form in which the displacement of the performance image 30 and the displacement of the decorative pattern 80 are related.

In addition, in this embodiment, the image displacement direction and the direction in which the movement starts change with each movement, so the basic appearance (appearance) of the previous movement and the subsequent movement is constantly changing, reducing the risk of players becoming bored.

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the image correspondence control described above. Note that, to the extent possible, configurations may also apply a combination of multiple technologies described using the specific examples below.

Specific example 2-1
As explained above, the image correspondence control in the above embodiment corresponds the direction in which the decorative pattern 80 starts to change at the beginning of the changing performance to the image displacement direction of the performance image 30, but it may also be configured so that the direction in which the decorative pattern 80 changes at the end of the changing performance corresponds to the image displacement direction of the performance image 30.

The end period of the variable effect is the period from a midpoint in the variable effect (a midpoint just before the end) to its end. During this period, the decorative patterns 80 (three decorative patterns 80) that make up the offset combination ultimately enter the display area 911, and the direction of movement until they are stopped and displayed at the center of the display area 911 (hereinafter referred to as the final movement direction) is one of several directions. For example, three directions are provided: a "leftward direction" (see Figures 12(a) and (g)) in which the three decorative patterns 80 enter the display area 911 from the right edge and move toward the center of the display area 911; a "downward direction" (see Figure 12(c)) in which the three decorative patterns 80 enter the display area 911 from the upper edge and move toward the center of the display area 911; and a "rightward direction" (see Figure 12(e)) in which the three decorative patterns 80 enter the display area 911 from the left edge and move toward the center of the display area 911.

In addition, the image displacement directions of the effect image 30 during the terminal period are set to correspond to the respective final movement directions. Three modes are provided: a "leftward direction" in which the effect image 30 enters the display area 911 from the right edge and displaces toward the center of the display area 911 (see Figures 12(a) and 12(g)); a "downward direction" in which the effect image 30 enters the display area 911 from the upper edge and displaces toward the center of the display area 911 (see Figure 12(c)); and a "rightward direction" in which the effect image 30 enters the display area 911 from the left edge and displaces toward the center of the display area 911 (see Figure 12(e)).

The image displacement directions "left," "down," and "right" correspond to the final movement directions "left," "down," and "right," respectively. During the final period of each movement, a performance image 30 will be displayed that displaces in the direction corresponding to the final movement direction (see Figure 12).

By doing this, it is possible to create an interesting presentation format in which the direction of change of the decorative pattern 80 and the direction of displacement of the presentation image 30 are related during the final period of the during-change presentation. Furthermore, if the image displacement direction and the final change direction are changed with each change when there are consecutive misses, the basic appearance (appearance) of the previous change and the subsequent change will be constantly changing, reducing the risk of players becoming bored.

Specific example 2-2
At the end of the variation, a combination of decorative patterns 80 (pattern combination) indicating the result of the lottery is displayed. A plurality of patterns (combination display patterns) are provided for displaying the pattern combination. Each combination display pattern differs in the display position of at least one of the three decorative patterns 80 that make up the pattern combination. For example, three combination display patterns are provided: a "left-downward pattern" (see FIGS. 13(b) and (h)) in which the display positions of the right decorative pattern 80 and the left decorative pattern 80 are gradually lowered; a "right-downward pattern" (see FIG. 13(d)) in which the display positions of the left decorative pattern 80 and the right decorative pattern 80 are gradually lowered; and a "V-shaped pattern" (see FIG. 13(f)) in which the middle decorative pattern 80 is positioned lower than the left and right decorative patterns 80.

In addition, the image displacement direction of the effect image 30 during the final period of the effect during the change, including the end point of the change, is set to correspond to each of the final change directions. Three modes are provided: a "left-downward direction" in which the effect image 30 moves from the top right to the bottom left (see Figures 13(a) and (g)), a "right-downward direction" in which the effect image 30 moves from the top left to the bottom right (see Figure 13(c)), and a "straight-down direction" in which the effect image 30 moves vertically from top to bottom (see Figure 13(e)).

The image displacement directions of "left downward," "right downward," and "directly downward" correspond to the combination display modes of "left downward," "right downward," and "V-shaped," respectively. This correspondence is such that, of the three decorative patterns 80 that make up a pattern combination, the decorative pattern 80 on the side in which the displacing effect image 30 descends ("left" for left downward, "right" for right downward, and "center" for directly downward) is positioned at the bottom. During the final period of each variable effect, an effect image 30 displacing in the image displacement direction corresponding to the combination display mode is displayed. The period during which the effect image 30 displacing in the image displacement direction is displayed may be before the symbol combination is displayed (the end of the change) as shown in FIG. 13, or may include the time when the symbol combination is displayed (the end of the change), as shown in FIG. 13.

This allows for an interesting presentation format in which the direction of displacement of the presentation image 30 during the final period of the variation presentation is related to the combined display mode of the decorative pattern 80 indicating the win/lose lottery result. Furthermore, if the direction of image displacement and the final direction of change are made with each variation when there are successive loss variations, the basic mode (appearance) of the previous variation and the subsequent variation will be constantly changing, reducing the risk of players becoming bored.

〇Specific example 2-3
In the above embodiment, it was explained that the image displacement direction and change start direction change in a prescribed order (the prescribed order in the above embodiment is "image displacement direction 'left'/change start direction 'left'" → "image displacement direction 'down'/change start direction 'down'" → "image displacement direction 'right'/change start direction 'right'" → "image displacement direction 'left'/change start direction 'left'" ...). However, if an event occurs that contradicts the prescribed order (for example, if a certain change results in a pattern like that of FIG. 14(a) and the next change results in a pattern like that of FIG. 14(b-2)), the reliability of the jackpot will be higher than if an event occurs in accordance with the prescribed order (for example, if a certain change results in a pattern like that of FIG. 14(a) and the next change results in a pattern like that of FIG. 14(b-1)). In other words, the breakdown of the "rule" of change in the prescribed order is set as what is known as an increase in chances.

A violation of the rule is easily understood when the "image displacement direction/change start direction" is shown to be the same for two consecutive changes. In other words, the fact that there is no change in the "image displacement direction/change start direction" between the earlier and later changes (see Figures 14(a) and (b-2)) is taken to indicate an increased reliability of the winning/losing lottery result corresponding to the later change.

Specific example 2-4
In the above embodiment, it was explained that the corresponding image displacement direction and the movement start direction are "same direction" (the side edge of the display area 911 that approaches is the same), but it is also possible to set the corresponding direction to be "opposite direction."

In addition to the "leftward," "downward," and "rightward" image displacement directions described in the above embodiment, an "upward" direction is also provided, in which the performance image 30 is displaced so as to gradually approach the upper edge of the display area 911. Furthermore, in addition to the "leftward," "downward," and "rightward" image displacement directions described in the above embodiment, an "upward" direction is also provided, in which the three decorative patterns 80 are displaced so as to gradually approach the upper edge of the display area 911. Based on this, the image displacement directions "leftward," "downward," "rightward," and "upward" correspond to the change start directions "rightward," "upward," "leftward," and "downward," respectively. In other words, in the same during-change performance, the image displacement direction will be "leftward" / change start direction will be "rightward" (see Figure 15(b)), "image displacement direction will be "downward" / change start direction will be "upward" (see Figure 15(d)), "image displacement direction will be "rightward" / change start direction will be "leftward" (see Figure 15(f)), and "image displacement direction will be "upward" / change start direction will be "downward" (see Figure 15(h)).

4) Fluctuation stop sound in specific game state 4-1) Types of fluctuation stop sound When the fluctuation effect ends, a fluctuation stop sound, which is a sound effect (a short sound of about 1 or 2 seconds at most), is output from speaker 65 (see FIG. 1). The period during which the fluctuation stop sound is output may be slightly different from the end of the fluctuation, as long as the player can recognize it as being output when the fluctuation stops. For example, it may be output just before the end of the fluctuation, or it may be output just after the end of the fluctuation.

The fluctuation stop sound can change in a specific game state. In other words, multiple types of fluctuation stop sounds are provided as fluctuation stop sounds for specific game states. In this embodiment, three types are provided: a first fluctuation stop sound (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the first stop sound) (see Figure 16(b)), a second fluctuation stop sound (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the second stop sound) (see Figure 16(c)), and a third fluctuation stop sound (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the third stop sound) (see Figure 16(d)).

In this embodiment, the variable stop sounds have different volumes (sound pressure). The volumes increase in the order of the first stop sound, the second stop sound, and the third stop sound (the third stop sound is the loudest). On the other hand, in this embodiment, the variable stop sounds have the same pitch (melody). In the drawings, the melody is represented by the character "don," and differences in volume are represented by different sizes of the character.

Even if a gaming machine is equipped with a known volume adjustment means (which may be adjustable by the player, or not adjustable by the player but adjustable by the gaming parlor), the differences in volume of the above-mentioned fluctuation stop sounds are not due to the volume adjustment means. If the volume level (step) is increased by the volume adjustment means, the volume of all fluctuation stop sounds will increase, and the volumes of each fluctuation stop sound will remain different from one another. Similarly, if the volume level (step) is decreased by the volume adjustment means, the volumes of all fluctuation stop sounds will decrease, and the volumes of each fluctuation stop sound will remain different from one another. In other words, when a volume adjustment means is provided, "the volumes of each fluctuation stop sound are different from one another" means that the volumes of each fluctuation stop sound will be different when the volume levels adjusted by the volume adjustment means are the same.

4-2) Relationship between the Remaining Number of Times in the Specific Game State and the Variable Stop Sound As described above, the specific game state in this embodiment has an end condition of 72 consecutive losses (the number of ST times = 72). In this embodiment, the variable stop sound is controlled based on the remaining number of times (the remaining number of ST times), which is the number of times the win/lose lottery is executed (the number of losses) required until the end condition is met. A first stop sound is output during a first period from when the remaining number of times falls below 20 (until 52 consecutive losses occur from the start of the specific game state) (see FIG. 16(b)). A second stop sound is output during a second period from when the remaining number of times falls below 20 to when it falls below 10 (until 10 consecutive losses occur after 52 consecutive losses occur from the start of the specific game state) (see FIG. 16(c)). A third stop sound is output during a third period from when the remaining number of turns falls below 10 until the specific game state ends (after 62 consecutive losses since the start of the specific game state until the specific game state ends) (see FIG. 16(d)). That is, the volume of the variable stop sound increases when a stop sound change condition, which can be established as the remaining number of turns decreases, is established. In this embodiment, the stop sound change condition is the end of a loss variation executed when the remaining number of turns is 20 (the 52nd loss variation since the start of the specific game state) (first stop sound change condition) or the end of a loss variation executed when the remaining number of turns is 10 (the 62nd loss variation since the start of the specific game state) (second stop sound change condition). Note that the stop sound change condition may be established only once or three or more times throughout the specific game state (assuming the specific game state ends without winning a jackpot). The types of variable stop sounds provided may be "the number of stop sound change conditions + 1" that can be established throughout the specific game state.

In this embodiment, the first, second, and third periods do not represent different presentation modes (which refer to elements that control the motifs of the presentation during the change. Different presentation modes result in different basic components of the presentation, such as the background image (not shown) displayed as the background of the decorative pattern 80 and the background music (BGM) played during the change. The presentation mode is also referred to as the "(presentation) stage"). In other words, in this embodiment, a change in presentation mode does not result in a corresponding change in the presentation stop sound. Therefore, the transition from the first period to the second period or the transition from the second period to the third period does not result in a change in the background image or the background music (BGM) played during the change (no change that would indicate a change in presentation mode). Specifically, the first and second stop sounds are different for a change performed when there are 20 remaining turns (early change) and a change performed when there are 19 remaining turns (later change), but the same background image and background music are continuously output from the earlier change to the later change. Similarly, the variation stop sound is different between the second and third stop sounds for the variation executed when there are 10 remaining turns (early variation) and the variation executed when there are 9 remaining turns (later variation), but the same background image continues to be displayed in the display area 911 without interruption from the early variation to the later variation, and the same background music continues to be output from the speaker 65 without interruption. In other words, the basic continuity of the presentation is maintained from the early variation to the later variation when the stop sound change condition is met, but the variation stop sound does change. Furthermore, the variation stop sound (change in the variation stop sound) does not indicate the reliability of a jackpot. In other words, the variation stop sound does not indicate the reliability of a jackpot in the winning/losing lottery results corresponding to the pending variation information or the pending variation information before the variation, but changes solely based on the remaining turns.

However, this does not preclude the possibility of a configuration in which the timing of the change in the fluctuation stop sound and the timing of the change in presentation mode coincide by chance (the presentation mode changes as one variation moves to the next, resulting in a situation in which the fluctuation stop sound is different between one variation and the next).

As explained above, in this embodiment, the variable stop sound changes based on the number of times remaining in the specific game state, making it easy to understand that the specific game state is progressing (the number of times remaining is getting fewer). In particular, in this embodiment, the variable stop sound changes in volume, emphasizing that the number of times remaining is getting fewer (the variable stop sound changes when the number of times remaining falls below a predetermined number, creating a presentation that heightens the player's sense of tension).

The following describes specific examples of improvements, specific embodiments, and modifications to the variable stop sound in the specific game state described above. Furthermore, to the extent possible, multiple combinations of the technologies described using the following specific examples may also be applied.

Specific example 3-1
The differences in the form of each variable stop sound are as follows: Each variable stop sound is composed of one or more unit sounds. For example, a unit sound having a predetermined form (melody) is set (in the drawings, the unit sound is represented by "don"). Each variable stop sound has a different number of unit sounds. The first stop sound contains one unit sound ("don") (see FIG. 17(b)), the second stop sound contains two unit sounds ("don-don") (see FIG. 17(c)), and the third stop sound contains three unit sounds ("don-don-don") (see FIG. 17(d)).

In the specific gaming state, the first stop sound is output during the first period until the first stop sound change condition is met, the second stop sound is output during the second period after the first stop sound change condition is met until the second stop sound change condition is met, and the third stop sound is output during the third period after the second stop sound change condition is met (see Figure 17). By doing this, as the specific gaming state progresses, the variable stop sound changes in the direction of increasing the unit sound, so that the fact that the number of remaining plays is getting fewer is emphasized by the increase in unit sound (creating a sense of tension), resulting in a presentation style.

The unit sounds that make up a variable stop sound do not all have to have the same form (melody). However, when comparing a variable stop sound with a relatively small number of unit sounds with a variable stop sound with a large number of unit sounds, the variable stop sound with a large number of unit sounds will include all of the variable stop sounds with a small number of unit sounds. For example, the first stop sound will have a form such as "don," the second stop sound will have a form such as "don-kan," and the third stop sound will have a form such as "don-kan-tan" (the second stop sound will include all of the first stop sounds, and the third stop sound will include all of the second stop sounds).

Furthermore, each fluctuation stop sound may differ not only in the number of unit sounds, but also in volume, as described in the above embodiment. This has the advantage of making the differences between each fluctuation stop sound more clear.

Specific example 3-2
Since the first to third periods described in the above embodiment include two or more fluctuations, each fluctuation stop sound is output continuously across two or more fluctuations. In contrast, in at least a portion of the target period of the specific gaming state (the target period is assumed to be a period including three or more consecutive fluctuations), the fluctuation stop sound is configured to change for each fluctuation (see FIG. 18). In other words, in the target period, the stop sound change condition is met each time a losing fluctuation ends. Note that, because the change in the fluctuation stop sound emphasizes to the player that the number of remaining plays in the specific gaming state is decreasing, it is preferable that the target period be a period including the final fluctuation of the specific gaming state.

For example, from when there are 10 remaining plays until the final variation of the specific game state, the variation stop sound will change with each variation (at least 10 different variation stop sounds (first stop sound through tenth stop sound) will be prepared). In line with the above embodiment, during the target period, the volume will gradually increase with the end of each variation. In this way, the approaching end of the specific game state will be emphasized by the change in the variation stop sound for each variation.

Specific example 3-3
A fluctuation stop sound is output, and an image corresponding to the type of fluctuation stop sound (hereinafter referred to as an effect image 40) is displayed. If three types of fluctuation stop sounds, namely, a first stop sound, a second stop sound, and a third stop sound, are provided as the corresponding effect images 40, namely, a first effect image 41 (see FIG. 19(b)), a second effect image 42 (see FIG. 19(c)), and a third effect image 43 (see FIG. 19(d)) (each effect image 40 has a different appearance). Because the fluctuation stop sound is a sound indicating that the decorative pattern 80 has stopped fluctuating, it is preferable that the effect image 40 displayed along with the fluctuation stop sound be displayed so as to accompany the decorative pattern 80 that has stopped fluctuating. By implementing a visual effect to complement the auditory effect, as in this example, the change in the fluctuation stop sound is emphasized by the change image.

If, as in the above embodiment, the volume of the fluctuation stop sound increases each time the stop sound change condition is met, it is preferable that the effect image 40 also change accordingly. For example, the louder the fluctuation stop sound, the larger the corresponding effect image 40 (the wider the displayed range) (see Figures 19(b) to (d)). In this way, the volume of the fluctuation stop sound is visually emphasized.

Specific example 3-4
The above embodiment explained that the fluctuation stop sound can change based on the remaining number of times in a specific game state, but if the remaining number of times decreases each time the fluctuation ends and the end is approaching, the fluctuation stop sound can be configured to change based on a state other than the specific game state.

For example, a mission mode such as "Do XX within 10 spins" (a presentation mode in which a jackpot is confirmed if XX occurs within the displayed number of spins) is well known. When transitioning to such a mission mode, the fluctuation stop sound can change based on the number of times remaining until the mission mode ends (remaining fluctuation number). When the number of remaining times reaches a certain threshold, the stop sound change condition is met, and the fluctuation stop sound is changed as a result. For example, the first fluctuation stop sound is output when the number of remaining times is between 10 and 4, and the second fluctuation stop sound is output from 3 to the end.

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

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

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

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

・Means 1-1
A gaming machine comprising: a movable body capable of performing a predetermined operation; and an effect execution means for executing a specific effect that is divided into a first half before a switching time point and a second half after the switching time point, the lengths of which can change each time, wherein, when the length of the second half is T1 time or more, a basic effect that is not an effect that moves the movable body and a movable effect that moves the movable body are executed in the second half, and when the length of the second half is less than T1 time, the basic effect is executed in the second half, but the movable effect is not executed.
According to the gaming machine, when the length of the latter half is equal to or longer than T1 time, a moving effect is executed, thereby reducing the possibility that the player will feel that the latter half is drawn out.

・Means 1-2
When the length of the latter half of the game is equal to or longer than T2, the game machine executes the basic effect, the moving effect, and an additional effect that is different from the basic effect and does not cause the moving body to move, provided that T2>T1.
In this way, if the latter half of the game becomes even longer, an additional effect different from the basic effect can be executed.

・Means 1-3
The gaming machine described in means 1-2 is characterized in that the movable performance is executed between the basic performance and the additional performance.
By doing this, the additional effects and the basic effects are clearly "divided" by the movable effects, so the latter half of the effects becomes more varied, and the risk of the player feeling that the latter half is too long is reduced.

・Means 2-1
A gaming machine comprising: a display means having a display area where multiple types of decorative patterns are displayed to notify the result of a win/lose lottery; and an effect execution means for executing an effect during variation from the start point at which the decorative patterns begin to vary in multiple ways in the display area to the end point at which a pattern combination corresponding to the win/lose lottery result is constructed and the variation stops, wherein during the effect during variation, an effect image that is not the decorative pattern and that displaces in one of multiple image displacement directions may be displayed, and image correspondence control can be executed to make the display mode of the decorative pattern during the effect during variation where the effect image is displayed correspond to the image displacement direction.
According to the gaming machine, an interesting presentation form is realized in which the displacement direction of the presentation pattern and the display mode of the decorative pattern are related to each other.

・Means 2-2
The gaming machine described in means 2-1 is characterized in that during a predetermined period including the start point of the change, the decorative pattern changes toward one of multiple change start directions, and the image correspondence control is a control in which the change start direction corresponds to the image displacement direction.
By doing this, a presentation form is realized in which the direction of displacement of the decorative pattern at the start of the change is related to the direction of displacement of the presentation pattern.

・Means 2-3
The pattern combination displayed at the end of the variation is one of a plurality of combination display modes in which the display position of at least one of the plurality of decorative patterns constituting the pattern combination is different, and the image correspondence control is a control that makes the combination display mode correspond to the image displacement direction.
In this way, a presentation form is realized in which the display mode of the pattern combination indicating the result of the lottery is related to the displacement direction of the presentation pattern.

・Means 3-1
A gaming machine comprising: an effect execution means for executing an effect during variation from when multiple types of decorative symbols start to vary until they stop in a manner according to the result of a win/lose lottery; a game state setting means for setting a normal game state and a specific game state that is more advantageous than the normal game state as a game state in which the player plays with the aim of winning the win/lose lottery; and a sound output means for outputting a variation stop sound when the decorative symbols stop varying during the effect during variation in the specific game state, wherein the specific game state ends when an end condition is met in which the win/lose lottery result is a lose a specified number of times in succession, and which of the multiple types of variation stop sounds is output is determined based on the remaining number of times, which is the number of times the win/lose lottery must be executed until the end condition is met.
According to the gaming machine, the progress of a specific gaming state can be clearly indicated by a change in the variable stop sound.

・Means 3-2
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that the multiple types of variable stop sounds have different volumes, and when a stop sound change condition that can be met by the remaining number of times decreasing is met, the variable stop sound changes in the direction of increasing volume.
In this way, the sense of urgency that the end of the specific game state is approaching is expressed by the volume of the fluctuation stopping sound increasing.

・Means 3-3
The gaming machine described in means 3-1 is characterized in that the multiple types of variable stop sounds are composed of one or more unit sounds, the numbers of which are different from one another, and the variable stop sound changes in the direction of increasing the number of unit sounds when a stop sound change condition, which can be met when the remaining number of times becomes small, is met.
In this way, the sense of urgency that the end of the specific game state is approaching is expressed by an increase in the unit sounds that make up the fluctuation stop sound.

・Means 3-4
A gaming machine described in any one of means 3-1 to 3-3, characterized in that background music is output from the sound output means during the fluctuation performance, and even when the type of fluctuation stop sound output in the previous fluctuation performance and the type of fluctuation stop sound output in the subsequent fluctuation performance following the previous fluctuation performance are different, the background music may be output continuously from the previous fluctuation performance to the next fluctuation performance.
The change in the fluctuation stop sound is merely an indication that the remaining number of times is getting low, so it is preferable that the sound can be generated even in a situation where background music is being output continuously.

1 Gaming machine 10 Sudden image 15 Additional image 20 Movable body 30 Presentation image 40 Effect image (41 to 43 First effect image to third effect image)
65 Speaker 80 Decorative pattern 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (1)

A display means having a display area where a plurality of decorative patterns are displayed to notify the winning or losing lottery result;
A performance execution means for executing a performance during the change from a change start time when the decorative symbols start to change in the display area to a change stop time when a symbol combination according to the winning/losing lottery result is constructed and the change stops;
Equipped with
In the variation effect, an image that is not the decorative pattern and that displaces toward one of a plurality of image displacement directions may be displayed,
Image correspondence control can be executed to make the display mode of the decorative pattern at the beginning of the variable performance in which the performance image is displayed correspond to the image displacement direction,
The image correspondence control includes:
When the effect image is displayed so as to gradually approach a first side edge, which is one side edge of the display area, the decorative pattern is displayed so as to gradually approach the first side edge during the display mode;
When the effect image is displayed so as to gradually approach a second side edge (a side edge different from the first side edge) which is one side edge of the display area, the decorative pattern is displayed so as to gradually approach the second side edge during the display, in a second display mode.
When the first display mode is selected, the effect image and the decorative pattern are displayed so as to move out of the display area from the first side edge,
When the second display mode is selected, the gaming machine is characterized in that the effect image and the decorative pattern are displayed so as to move out of the display area from the second side edge.