JP7369482B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine is known in which a decorative pattern indicating a win/fail lottery result includes a plurality of elements (for example, numbers and characters) (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-165857

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the taste of the game by using decorative patterns.

A gaming machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is a gaming machine in which a winning lottery result is announced based on a combination of decorative symbols selected from a plurality of decorative symbol groups each including a plurality of types of decorative symbols. The decorative pattern has a main element part for distinguishing the type and a sub-element part associated with the main element part, and includes two or more decorative patterns selected from each of the two or more decorative pattern groups. The game is characterized in that it is possible to execute a specific performance in which whether or not a specific image is formed by combining the sub-element parts of the decorative patterns is a branching point as to whether or not an outcome advantageous to the player will be reached. .

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the taste of the game by using decorative patterns.

It is an overall view of the gaming machine. (a) is a diagram showing decorative symbols and reserved symbols displayed in the display area, and (b) is a diagram showing types of decorative symbols (decorative symbol group). It is a figure for explaining the flow from the state where three decorative pattern groups change to the specific performance. It is a continuation of FIG. 3, and is a diagram for explaining the subsequent development from the conclusion of the specific performance. FIG. 4 is a continuation of FIG. 4, and is a diagram for explaining a mode of post-performance (step-up). It is a diagram for explaining a first specific example regarding specific performance and post-performance. It is a diagram for explaining a second specific example regarding specific performance and post-performance. FIG. 12 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining a fourth specific example regarding specific performance and post-performance. FIG. 12 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining a fourth specific example regarding specific performance and post-performance. FIG. 7 is a diagram (part 3) for explaining a fourth specific example regarding specific performance and post-performance. It is a diagram for explaining a fifth specific example regarding specific performance and post-performance. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a variation start mode in a normal mode. It is a figure for explaining the variation start mode of a special mode. It is a diagram showing a case in which a special variation start mode occurs when the previous winning lottery result is out of reach. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a variation start mode of a reference example (compared with FIG. 14). FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a fourth specific example regarding a variation start mode. It is a diagram for explaining a fifth specific example (reach action production) regarding the variation start mode.

1) Basic configuration of gaming machine Hereinafter, a gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. First, the overall configuration of the gaming machine 1 will be briefly described with reference to FIG. Note that in the following description, the term "image" includes both moving images and still images, unless otherwise specified. In addition, each area described below is equipped with a sensor (not shown) that can detect game balls, and the sensor detects whether a game ball has entered (won a prize) in each area. . For example, "a game ball enters the ○○ area (winning)" strictly speaking means that a sensor provided in the ○○ area has detected a game ball.

A firing device 908 for firing game balls is provided in the housing of the gaming machine 1. By operating the firing device 908, game balls stored in the upper tray 909a are fired. So-called prize balls are paid out to the upper tray 909a, and game balls overflowing from the upper tray 909a are sent to the lower tray 909b.

The game area 902 that the fired game ball reaches is visible through a transparent plate located in front of it. The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90 in which a gaming area 902 is formed on the front side. The game board 90 is formed of approximately square plywood, and the guide rail 903, which constitutes a path for guiding the game ball fired by operating the firing device 908 (launching handle) to the gaming area 902, has a roughly arc shape. It is set up like this.

The gaming area 902 is provided with a starting area 904 (a first starting area 904a, a second starting area 904b), a big winning area 906, an exit 907, and the like. A display area 911 of the display device 91 that executes various effects is an area that is visible through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. Note that the shape and the like of the display area 911 can be changed as appropriate (the shape and the like of the display area 911 can be changed by changing the shape and size of the opening 901 and the shape and size of the display device 91 itself). .

Further, in the game area 902, a plurality of game nails are provided as obstacles that change the manner in which the game balls flow down when they collide with each other. The game ball flowing down the game area 902 changes into various modes depending on the conditions when it collides with the game nail.

In such a gaming machine 1, a game ball is fired toward the gaming area 902 by operating the firing device 908. When the game balls flowing down the game area 902 enter a winning area such as the big winning area 906, a predetermined number of prize balls are paid out by the payout device.

The jackpot lottery is executed by a win/fail lottery means provided on a control board (not shown) triggered by the landing of a game ball in the starting area 904. In this embodiment, as the starting area 904, a first starting area 904a (so-called "special figure 1" starting area) and a second starting area 904b (so-called "special figure 2" starting area) are provided. When the game ball enters the starting area 904, a numerical value (win/fail lottery information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the numerical value is the same as a predetermined jackpot numerical value, it is a jackpot, and if different, it is a miss. becomes. Hereinafter, the winning/failure drawing triggered by the entry of the game ball into the first starting area 904a will be referred to as the special figure 1 drawing, and the winning/failure drawing triggered by the entry of the game ball into the second starting area 904b will be referred to as the special drawing 2 drawing. Sometimes.

In this embodiment, the notification of the winning lottery results will start in the order in which the numerical values are obtained (so-called fluctuation will start), but there is winning lottery information for which the notification of winning lottery results has not yet been completed. In this case, the newly acquired lottery information is stored as pending information in a storage means provided on the control board (not shown). The fact that the reservation information is stored in the storage means is displayed as a reservation symbol 70. In other words, the pending symbol 70 indicates the existence of winning lottery information for which notification of the corresponding winning lottery result has not been completed.

In the present embodiment, the pending symbol 70 is a notification effect that notifies the result of the winning lottery (a presentation from the start of variation of the decorative pattern 10 (decorative symbol group 10g) until it completely stops at the combination indicating the winning lottery result, so-called one-time display). The fluctuating pending symbol 71 (referring to the fluctuating part of the production) corresponding to the winning lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as fluctuating pending information) for which the notification of the winning lottery result has not been completed although the fluctuating part performance has started. (symbols indicating the existence of so-called "variation pending") and pre-fluctuation pending symbols corresponding to win/fail lottery information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "pre-fluctuation pending information") for which the notification effect for notifying the winning/failure lottery results has not started. 72 is displayed (see FIG. 2(a)). In this embodiment, the basic form of the pending symbol 71 during fluctuation and the pending symbol 72 before fluctuation is the same. The basic forms of the pending symbols 71 during fluctuation and the pending symbols 72 before fluctuation may be completely different. Moreover, it is good also as a structure in which the pending symbol 71 during fluctuation is not displayed. It should be noted that the order in which notification of the winning/failure lottery results corresponding to the pre-change pending symbols 72 is completed (so-called pending "order of consumption") is earlier as the symbols are located on the right.

An upper limit is determined for the maximum number of stored pre-change pending information. In this embodiment, the maximum number of stored pieces of the first pre-variation reservation information (special figure 1 reservation) obtained by winning in the first starting area 904a is four, and by winning in the second starting area 904b. The maximum number of stored pieces of second pre-variation reservation information (special figure 2 reservation) that can be obtained is four. Therefore, regarding the reserved symbol 70 corresponding to one of the special symbols 1 and 2, one pending symbol 71 during fluctuation and up to four pending symbols 72 before fluctuation may be displayed (Fig. 2(a) )reference).

In this embodiment, when both the first pre-variation reservation information (special figure 1 reservation) and the second pre-variation reservation information (special figure 2 reservation) are stored in the storage means, it corresponds to the second pre-variation reservation information. The notification of the winning/failure lottery results (results of the special drawing 2 lottery) is executed preferentially (this is "special drawing 2 pending priority consumption").

In the present embodiment, similar to known gaming machines, the winning/losing lottery results are notified to the player by the combination of the decorative symbols 10 (see FIG. 2(a)) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, the decorative pattern group 10g (left decorative pattern group 10gL, middle decorative pattern group 10gC, right decorative pattern group 10gR) including the plurality of types of decorative patterns 10 starts to fluctuate, and finally each decorative pattern group 10g The first decorative pattern 10 is selected and stopped. If you have won the jackpot, the decorative pattern 10 selected from each decorative pattern group 10g and stopped (the left decorative pattern 10L selected from the left decorative pattern group 10gL, the middle decorative pattern selected from the medium decorative pattern group 10gC) 10C, the right decorative pattern 10R selected from the right decorative pattern group 10gR) is a predetermined combination (for example, a set of three decorative patterns 10 of the same type). If it is a loss, another combination (other than the combination that results in a jackpot) will be used.

2) Specific aspects of the decorative pattern The decorative pattern 10 includes a main element part 11 and a sub-element part 12 associated with the main element part 11 (see FIG. 2(b)). The main element part 11 is a part for distinguishing between types. In this embodiment, it is a part that includes "numbers". If the numbers that are the main element portions 11 are the same (different shapes, colors, etc. of the numbers are allowed), the decorative patterns 10 are of the same type. In other words, if you win the jackpot, it will be a match of three of the same numbers. "The decorative pattern 10 is displayed" means that at least the main element portion 11 is displayed.

The sub-element part 12 is a part accompanying the main element part 11, and is an image representing some object. The sub-element section 12 may represent any object. In this embodiment, the image represents "fruit". In the drawings, the sub-element portions 12 included in the various decorative patterns 10 are represented by "A" to "G". That is, the decorative pattern 10 whose main element part 11 is "1" has a sub-element part 12 of "A", and the decorative pattern 10 whose main element part 11 is "2" has a sub-element part 12 of "B". The decorative pattern 10 whose main element part 11 is "7" has a sub-element part 12 which is "G".

3) Specific Performance/Post Performance The gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment is capable of executing a specific performance using the decorative pattern 10. The specific performance is a performance that can occur when “reach” is established. Reach refers to a state in which the types of the decorative patterns 10 selected and stopped from two decorative pattern groups 10g among the three decorative pattern groups 10g (see FIG. 3(a)) are the same (see FIG. 3(b)). reference). Note that the term "stop" here includes a "pseudo-stop" state (for example, a state of slight shaking) in which the vehicle does not completely stop but appears to have stopped. In this embodiment, it is set as reach that the left decorative symbol 10L selected from the left decorative symbol group 10gL and stopped and the right decorative symbol 10R selected from the right decorative symbol group 10gR and stopped are the same ( Hereinafter, the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R may be referred to as reach patterns). In other words, the reach is a state in which a jackpot occurs if the medium decorative pattern 10C selected from the medium decorative pattern group 10gC is the same type of pattern as the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R that constitute the reach.

The specific performance is a performance in which, after the reach is established, the branch depends on whether or not the sub-element parts 12 of the decorative patterns 10 of the same type constituting the reach are matched (see FIG. 3(c)). It can be said that the specific performance is a part of the reach performance that is started when the reach is achieved. As the ending of the specific performance, an advantageous ending that is advantageous to the player and an unfavorable ending that is the ending when an advantageous ending is not achieved are set, and the sub-element parts 12 are combined to form the specific image 20. It is set as an advantageous outcome (see FIG. 4(a-1)) that the specific image 20 is not formed, and as an unfavorable outcome (see FIG. 4(a-2)). The advantageous outcome in this embodiment is that, as a result of the combination of the sub-element parts 12, a specific image 20 representing the same thing as the sub-element part 12 (something that the player can identify with) is formed. For example, it is set as an advantageous outcome that the sub-element parts 12 (represented by "B" in the drawing) representing "apple" are combined (composed) to form a specific image 20 representing "apple". . However, an advantageous outcome may be such that a specific image 20 representing something different from the sub-element parts 12 is formed as a result of the sub-element parts 12 being combined. For example, it may be configured such that the sub-element parts 12 representing "apple" are combined to form a specific image 20 representing "a larger apple of a different color" as an advantageous outcome.

If the specific effect reaches an unfavorable outcome (see FIG. 4(a-2)), that is, if the specific image 20 is not formed, it is determined that the lottery result is a loss. In other words, the failure of the specific performance is an unfortunate outcome for the player, as it is certain that the winning/failure lottery result will not lead to a jackpot even though the reach is achieved. It can also be considered that the reach performance that started with the establishment of the reach ends due to an unfavorable outcome. When the specific performance has an unfavorable outcome, the medium decorative pattern 10C selected from the medium decorative pattern group 10gC is a different type of pattern from the left decorative pattern 10L and right decorative pattern 10R that make up the reach, and it is announced that the result is a loss. (See Figure 4(b-2)).

When the specific effect reaches an advantageous outcome, that is, when the specific image 20 is formed, there remains a possibility that the lottery result is a jackpot. In this embodiment, when an advantageous outcome is reached, a post-effect is executed (see FIG. 4(b-1)). It can be said that the post performance is part of the reach performance. In other words, if the specific performance does not lead to an unfavorable outcome, the reach performance continues and moves to a part called "post performance" (develops into post performance).

In this way, since the post performance is a part of the ready-to-win performance, while the post-performance is being executed, a display is made to indicate the type of decorative pattern 10 that constitutes the ready-to-win performance. The display is based on the main element part 11 (numbers), and the sub-element part 12 is not displayed (see FIG. 4(b-1)). In other words, the sub-element part 12 changes to the specific image 20 with a specific effect (the sub-element part 12 is "consumed" to generate the specific image 20), so the decorative pattern 10 returns to its original state. The continuity (flow) of the performance is maintained by preventing the flow from returning. Therefore, in the post performance, the type of the decorative pattern 10 that is a ready-to-reach pattern is indicated by the main element part 11 (number).

In the present embodiment, the benefit enjoyed by the player is set to vary depending on the type of decorative pattern 10 that notifies the jackpot winning. In other words, the main element section 11 (numbers) is related to the player's profit at the time of winning a jackpot and is what the player pays attention to, so it is displayed even during the post performance. The above-mentioned profit may be anything related to the payout obtained by the player. The expected value of the balls that can be obtained in a jackpot game, the gaming state after the jackpot game, etc. are examples of factors related to profit.

The post performance is a performance using the specific image 20. As mentioned above, it is set as an advantageous ending that the specific image 20 is formed in the specific effect, and reaching an advantageous outcome is a condition for the generation of the subsequent effect, so the specific image 20 is formed in the subsequent effect. It can be said that using 20 is in line with the flow of the performance.

The post effects are effects in which the specific image 20 may change. The manner in which the specific image 20 changes suggests the probability that the lottery result will be a jackpot (jackpot reliability). The post-production in this embodiment is a step-up production in which the specific image 20 is used as the first image and the image changes in stages. That is, the first image 21 (the first image 21 is the specific image 20 itself) (see FIG. 4(b-1) and FIG. 5(a)) is set as the image of the first stage (step 1), Similarly, the second image 22 (see FIG. 5(b)) is the image of the second stage (step 2), the third image 23 (see FIG. 5(c)) is the image of the third stage (step 3), and the third image 23 (see FIG. 5(c)) is the image of the third stage (step 3). A fourth image 24 (see FIG. 5(d)) is set as the image of the fourth stage (step 4). The higher the final stage you reach, the higher the reliability of the jackpot. In this embodiment, the specific image 20 is set to gradually increase in size as a step-up, but the configuration may be such that the form (object that the specific image 20 represents), position, etc. of the specific image 20 changes due to the step-up. It is sufficient that the image (first image 21) serving as the reference for step-up is the specific image 20.

The performance executed after the post-performance (deployment of the reach performance) may be of any kind, so a description thereof will be omitted. Depending on the reach effect, the winning/failure lottery results will finally be shown. It should be noted that the setting may be such that if the player does not step up to a predetermined stage in the subsequent performance, the reach performance ends (the loss is confirmed). For example, it may be set that if the reach effect progresses to the second stage (step 2), the reach effect will "develop", but if it remains at the first stage (step 1), the loss will be determined.

In this way, the specific effect in this embodiment is novel and interesting in that it is set as an advantageous event that the sub-element parts 12 of the decorative pattern 10 are combined to form the specific image 20. In particular, in this embodiment, since the sub-element part 12 of the decorative pattern 10 that constitutes a reach is used to indicate whether or not the reach effect will develop into a subsequent effect, the reach effect between the reach effect and the subsequent reach effect is It is a form of production that involves development.

Then, when the specific image 20 is formed and the process moves to the post performance, the jackpot reliability is suggested using the specific image 20. In other words, the specific image 20, whose formation is a condition for moving to the post-effect, is used as it is to suggest reliability in the post-effect, so the flow of the effect becomes smooth.

Specific examples of improving, modifying, embodying, etc. the specific effects and post effects in the above embodiment will be shown below. Note that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of items described in the following specific examples are combined and applied.

○First Specific Example It is assumed that the sub-element section 12 represents each element by dividing the specific image 20. If the specific image 20 is a "fruit", one of the divided fruits is made to be the sub-element part 12 of the left decorative pattern 10L, and the other part is made to be the sub-element part 12 of the right decorative pattern 10R. For example, if the fruit is an "apple", the left half of the apple is the sub-element part 12 of the left decorative pattern 10L, and the right half is the sub-element part 12 of the right decorative pattern 10R (Fig. 6 (see (a)). Then, when the specific effect has an advantageous outcome, the divided parts are combined (merged) and the specific image 20 is completed (see FIG. 6 (b-1)), whereas when the specific effect has an unfavorable outcome, the specific image 20 is completed. 20 is not completed (see FIG. 6(b-2)).

By doing this, whether or not something that is in an "unfinished" state in the state associated with the main element part 11 is completed after the reach is established becomes the condition for whether or not a specific performance will have an advantageous ending. The flow of the performance is easy to understand.

“The specific image 20 is formed by combining the sub-element portions 12” may refer to an aspect in which the sub-element portions 12 are combined with each other as in the above embodiment, or as in the present example. It is also possible to adopt a mode in which the sub-element parts 12, which are a part, are integrated with each other. Furthermore, it may be produced as if a completely different object was generated by combining the sub-element parts 12 with each other.

○Second specific example Even if the decorative patterns 10 are of the same type, the sub-element portions 12 may be set to have different representations. For example, the sub-element part 12 of the left decorative pattern 10L whose main element part 11 is "5" is "apple", and the sub-element part 12 of the right decorative pattern 10R whose main element part 11 is "5" is "apple". The setting is "Tree". If the reach of "5" is established, it is set as an advantageous outcome that "apple" and "tree" are combined to form a specific image 20 of "apple tree (tree with apples)". It is assumed that a specific effect occurs (see FIG. 7).

○Third specific example For each of the plurality of types of decorative patterns 10, the sub-element portions 12 representing different objects may not be set. For example, the sub-element portions 12 of all types of decorative patterns 10 may be the same (for example, the sub-element portions 12 of all types of decorative patterns 10 may be “apple”). In this way, no matter which decorative pattern 10 is used to achieve a reach, the sub-element part 12 used in the specific effect is the same, and the specific image 20 formed is also the same. Regarding specific effects, there is an advantage that image control becomes easier. However, as in the above embodiment, by setting the sub-element part 12 representing a different object for each type of decorative pattern 10, the sub-element part 12 itself becomes a visual aid for distinguishing between the types of the decorative pattern 10. It has the advantage of functioning as a physical element.

○Fourth Specific Example The decorative pattern 10 has an auxiliary element section 13 attached to the main element section 11 as an element other than the main element section 11 and the sub-element section 12. The accompanying element section 13 may represent any object. For example, it is assumed that characters (characters a to g) are associated with each type of decorative pattern 10 as the accompanying element section 13. The decorative pattern 10 whose main element part 11 is "1" has an accompanying element part 13 of "a", and the decorative pattern 10 whose main element part 11 is "2" has an accessory element part 13 of "b". However, the decorative pattern 10 whose main element part 11 is "7" has an accompanying element part 13 of "g" (see FIG. 8).

The manner from after the reach is established until the specific performance reaches its conclusion (see FIG. 9) is the same as in the above embodiment. In addition, in the specific production, it is preferable that the decorative pattern 10 including the main element part 11 and the subsidiary element part 13 but not including the sub-element part 12 is displayed as a reach pattern (see FIGS. 9(b) and 9(c)). ). This is because the sub-element section 12 is used for the specific effect, and the main element section 11 and the subsidiary element section 13 are not used. However, this does not negate that the accompanying element section 13 may not be displayed at the stage of specific presentation.

In the post-performance performed after the specific performance has an advantageous outcome, an image of a character corresponding to the accompanying element portion 13 of the decorative pattern 10 that has become a reach pattern is displayed. For example, a reach is established by the decorative pattern 10 of "3" having the subelement part 12 of "melon" (indicated by "C" in the drawing), and a specific image 20 of "melon" is formed in a specific effect. Assume that a favorable outcome has been reached (see FIGS. 9(b) and 9(c)). After that, a post-effect using the specific image 20 of "melon" will be executed, and the character c (the character corresponding to the accompanying element part 13 of the decorative pattern 10 of "3") is displayed inside the melon. The effect shown is executed (see FIG. 10). It should be noted that, to the extent that the player can identify the objects represented by the images (to the extent that the player can understand that they represent the same character), the images may be displayed in the accompanying element part 13 accompanying the decorative pattern 10 and in the subsequent performance. It is assumed that the aspect of the image corresponding to the accompanying element section 13 may be different.

If the subsequent performance is a step-up performance as in the above embodiment, the appearance of the character c changes each time the stage is stepped up (Figure 10 shows that the character c becomes larger step by step. It is conceivable to have a configuration that shows a change. In other words, the final appearance of the character c indicates the jackpot reliability.

By doing as in this example, not only the sub-element part 12 of the decorative pattern 10 that became the reach pattern, but also the accompanying element part 13 are related to the subsequent development (post-effect), so the flow of the effect is easy to understand. becomes.

○Fifth specific example It is only one example that the post-production is a step-up production. Any effect using the specific image 20 may be used. For example, the configuration is such that the jackpot reliability is suggested depending on how the aspect of the specific image 20 changes. "Blue", "green", and "red" are set as candidate colors, and at least a part of the specific image 20 becomes one of the candidate colors when moving to the post-production. The jackpot reliability is set to differ depending on the color (for example, "blue" has the lowest reliability and "red" has the highest reliability) (see FIG. 11).

○Sixth Specific Example As mentioned above, the specific performance (post-performance) can occur when a reach is established. Since this production uses a reach pattern, the decorative pattern 10 that can be a reach pattern (the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R in the above embodiment) and the decorative pattern 10 that cannot be a reach pattern (in the above embodiment) are used. In terms of the form, the medium decorative pattern 10C) may have a different configuration. For example, a decorative pattern 10 that can be a ready-to-win pattern has a main element part 11 and a sub-element part 12 (in addition to an accompanying element part 13), while a decorative pattern 10 that cannot be a ready-to-win pattern has a main element part 11 ( ), that is, a structure having only the numerical part may be used. This is because the above-mentioned various performances utilize the sub-element part 12 and the accompanying element part 13 of the decorative pattern 10 which becomes the reach pattern.

4) Variation start mode A special mode different from the normal mode is set as a mode when the decorative pattern 10 (decorative pattern group 10g) starts changing. In the present embodiment, the probability that the winning lottery result corresponding to the fluctuation (notification performance) will be a jackpot is higher when the fluctuation start mode of the special mode occurs than when the fluctuation start mode of the normal mode occurs. Jackpot reliability) is high. In other words, a special mode is set as a so-called chance up.

In the normal mode, the three decorative pattern groups 10g start changing at the same time. Three decorative patterns 10 indicating the previous winning/failure lottery result (loss) (hereinafter, the three decorative patterns 10 constituting the combination showing the previous winning/failure lottery result may be referred to as initial symbols) (Fig. 12(a) )) is displaced downward as it is, and each decorative pattern group 10g starts to fluctuate (see FIG. 12(b)). In other words, the state in which the three decorative patterns 10 are displayed in the display area 911 is the initial state in which the fluctuation starts.

The variation start mode of the special mode will be explained. Even in the special mode, the state in which three decorative symbols 10 (initial symbols) indicating the previous win/fail lottery results (initial symbols) are displayed in the display area 911 is the initial state of the start of variation. Among the initial symbols, the left decorative symbol 10L and the right decorative symbol 10R are defined as "target symbol 10T". In other words, a part of the plurality of decorative symbols 10 (decorative symbols 10 constituting a combination indicating the previous success/failure lottery result) displayed in the display area 911 at the start of variation is set as the target symbol 10T. Among the initial symbols, the decorative pattern 10 that is not the target pattern 10T is defined as the "non-target pattern 10N" (see FIG. 13(a)). That is, in the present embodiment, the medium decorative pattern 10C indicating the previous win/fail lottery result becomes the non-target pattern 10N. As will be described in detail later, the reason why the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R are set as the target pattern 10T is that in this embodiment, it is set as reach that the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R are of the same type. This is because the left decorative symbol 10L and the right decorative symbol 10R are symbols that can become reach symbols.

The variation start mode of the special mode is one in which the main element portion 11 of the target symbol 10T is temporarily not displayed. In this embodiment, by zooming up (enlarging) the sub-element part 12 of the target pattern 10T, the main element part 11 of the target pattern 10T is temporarily displayed as if it were out of frame. . More specifically, the target symbol 10T is displayed as if it were moving toward the front centering around the center of the sub-element portion 12 in the target symbol 10T. As a result, all or part of the sub-element part 12 remains within the display area 911 (displayed in the display area 911), but the main element part 11 moves outside the display area 911 (displayed in the display area 911). (see FIG. 13(b)). Generally speaking, in light of the fact that the type of decorative pattern 10 is distinguished by the main element portion 11, the state in which the variation start mode of the special mode has occurred means that the type of decorative pattern 10 (target pattern 10T) is It can be said that this is a highly probable situation that cannot be recognized instantly.

On the other hand, even when the variation start mode of the special mode occurs, the non-target symbol 10N is in a state where the main element portion 11 is displayed in the display area 911 (see FIG. 13(b)). Therefore, the type of the decorative pattern 10, which is the non-target pattern 10N, can be instantly known. In addition, in the variation start mode of the special mode, the sub-element portion 12 of the non-target symbol 10N may be formed in any manner. It may be displayed in the display area 911, or may be temporarily erased. Furthermore, as explained in the sixth specific example of 3) above, the non-target pattern 10N (medium decorative pattern 10C) may have a configuration having only the main element part 11, but if it has such a configuration, When the variation start mode of the special mode occurs, the main element section 11 is made to be in a displayed state.

After such a special mode is displayed, the target pattern 10T is displayed as zoomed out (reduced), and then the decorative pattern 10 changes as usual (the state in which each decorative pattern group 10g changes). (a state as shown in FIG. 2(a))).

The reason why the variation start mode of the special mode is set to the above mode is as follows. As described above, it is set as a reach that the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R are of the same type. If the previous success/failure lottery result (previous notification performance) was "reach out" (case where reach was established but ultimately lost), the combination indicating the win/fail lottery result is the left decorative pattern 10L This is a combination in which the right decorative pattern 10R is of the same type and the middle decorative pattern 10C is of a different type. This means that a special variation start mode may occur with this combination (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "out-of-reach combination") as an initial state.

If the combination indicating the previous winning/losing lottery result was an out-of-reach combination, and a special change is generated in the initial symbol, a notification effect corresponding to the current winning/losing lottery result (the next variation of the "out-of-reach combination", i.e., a special There is a risk that a player may misunderstand that a reach has been achieved due to a variation in which a variation start mode occurs (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a target notification effect (target variation)). For example, as shown in FIG. 15 as a reference example, when a special display is performed such as zooming up the initial symbol (same as the variation start mode of the special mode described above), the decorative symbols 10 that make up the reach will zoom up. (See FIG. 15(b)), there is a high possibility that the player will misunderstand that a reach has been achieved in the target notification performance.

On the other hand, in the variation start mode of the special mode in this embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the main element parts 11 of the left decorative pattern 10L and right decorative pattern 10R, which are the target pattern 10T, are not displayed (see FIG. 14(b) ). In other words, even if the combination indicating the previous success/failure lottery result is a combination that is out of reach (see Figure 14(a)), the main elements of the left decorative pattern 10L and right decorative pattern 10R that constituted the reach among the initial symbols Since the part 11 (number) is not displayed (see FIG. 14(b)), there is a reduced possibility that the player will misunderstand that a reach has been achieved in the target notification performance.

In particular, when the initial symbol is zoomed in, as in the variation start aspect of the special aspect in this embodiment, there is a high possibility that the player will misunderstand that the symbol has established a reach. In this case, it can be said that it is meaningful to reduce this fear by preventing the main element portions 11 of the left decorative pattern 10L and right decorative pattern 10R, which are the target pattern 10T, from being displayed.

On the other hand, in the variation start mode of the special mode in this embodiment, at least a part of the sub-element parts 12 of the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R, which are the target pattern 10T, are in a displayed state. That is, although the main element part 11 of the target symbol 10T is not displayed, at least a part of the sub-element part 12 is in a displayed state. If the entire target pattern 10T is not displayed, there is a risk that you will not be able to understand what is happening (you will not even know that it is a special variation mode), so if the target symbol 10T is not displayed in a place other than the main element part 11 (sub At least a portion of the element section 12) may be displayed.

Moreover, in the variation start mode of the special mode in this embodiment, the main element portion 11 of the medium decorative pattern 10C, which is the non-target pattern 10N, is in a displayed state. In other words, since not all the main element parts 11 of the displayed decorative pattern 10 (initial pattern) are not displayed, the player may mistakenly think that the decorative pattern 10 is not displayed at all. This reduces the risk of not knowing what is happening.

Specific examples in which the matters related to the variation start mode (special mode) in the above embodiment are improved, modified, and embodied are shown below. Note that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of items described in the following specific examples are combined and applied.

○First specific example In the above embodiment, as a result of zooming up the target pattern 10T (left decorative pattern 10L and right decorative pattern 10R) which is a part of the initial pattern, the main element part 11 of the target pattern 10T is not displayed. Although it has been explained that the main element portion 11 of the target symbol 10T is not displayed, various reasons can be considered. For example, the main element portion 11 of the target pattern 10T may suddenly disappear. Alternatively, another image may be displayed that hides the main element portion 11.

○Second specific example In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R, which can be reach patterns, are the target pattern 10T, but one of the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R is the target pattern. 10T, and the other may be set not as the target symbol 10T (as the non-target symbol 10N). The reason why people mistakenly think that a reach has been established in the target notification performance is because the main element parts 11 of both the left decorative symbol 10L and the right decorative symbol 10R, which can be reach symbols, are displayed, and at least one of them is displayed. If the main element part 11 of is not displayed, there is a low possibility that people will misunderstand that a reach has been achieved, then one of the left decorative pattern 10L and the right decorative pattern 10R is considered to be the target pattern 10T, and the other is the target pattern. The setting may be other than 10T. However, in a configuration like this example, if the other of the left decorative pattern 10L and right decorative pattern 10R (non-target pattern 10N) matches the type of the middle decorative pattern 10C, it is mistaken that a reach has been achieved. It can be said that there is a risk.

It should be noted that all of the initial symbols may be set as the target symbol 10T, but as mentioned above, in this case, all of the displayed main element parts 11 are no longer displayed, so the player cannot understand what is happening. The problem is that the risk is high.

○Third specific example When the previous winning lottery result is "out of reach" (when the combination of decorative symbols 10 indicating the previous winning lottery result is "out of reach combination", that is, in the case where The setting is such that a special variation start mode can occur in the target notification performance only under certain circumstances. If the initial symbol is a combination that is "out of reach", there is a risk that the player may misunderstand that a reach has been achieved in the target notification effect, so if the previous lottery result is "out of reach". In order to prevent the above-mentioned misunderstanding, the setting is made so that a special variation start mode can occur. If the special feature is "chance up" as in the above embodiment, the game will be such that the chance up will occur only if the previous lottery result is "out of reach."

○Fourth Specific Example This is a more specific example of the third specific example above. The variation start mode of the special mode explained in the above embodiment is set as the first special mode (see FIG. 16(a2)), and the second special mode (see FIG. 16(b2)) is set as a special mode different from that. Suppose there is. Although the first special mode and the second special mode have in common that the target symbol 10T is zoomed up, they differ depending on whether or not the main element portion 11 is not displayed. In the first special mode, the main element section 11 is not displayed, but in the second special mode, the main element section 11 is displayed. In other words, the difference is made depending on whether or not the main element part 11 is zoomed up until it is not displayed.

In the case of the third specific example, the special mode as a chance-up performance can only be generated when the previous winning lottery result is "out of reach". If this example is used, if the previous lottery result is "out of reach" (see Figure 16 (a1)), the first special mode will be used (see Figure 16 (a2)), but If the lottery result is "out of reach" (see Figure 16 (b1)), the second special mode can be used (see Figure 16 (b2)), and the chances are increased regardless of the contents of the previous winning lottery result. A special mode can be generated as a performance. Whether the first special mode or the second special mode occurs depends on whether or not the previous winning lottery result was "out of reach", so it is preferable to set it so that there is no difference in jackpot reliability. .

Fifth Specific Example It is assumed that when a reach is established, a production (hereinafter referred to as a reach action production) in which at least a part of the displayed decorative symbols 10 causes a predetermined action may occur (see FIG. 17). It is assumed that the action is of the same type as the variation start mode of the special mode. In accordance with the above embodiment, zooming up of the decorative pattern 10 may occur as a reach action effect (see FIG. 17(c)). In the case of such a configuration, there is a high possibility that the variation start mode of the special mode may be mistaken for an action when a reach is established (reach action performance). Therefore, as in the above embodiment, it is necessary to prevent the main element part 11 of the target symbol 10T from being displayed in the variation start mode of the special mode to reduce the possibility that it will be mistaken for a reach action performance.

In addition, although the reach action production causes an action similar to the variation start mode of the special mode (zooming up in accordance with the above embodiment), the main element part 11 of the decorative pattern 10 remains displayed. It is preferable to do so (see FIG. 17(c)). In other words, between the reach action production (see FIG. 17(c)) and the variation start mode of the special mode (see FIG. 14(b)), the main element of the target decorative pattern 10 (the decorative pattern 10 to be zoomed in) is 11 is displayed or not. By doing this, the difference between the reach action production and the variation start mode of the special mode becomes clearer.

Sixth Specific Example Although it has been explained that the special aspect in the above embodiment is the aspect at the start of the fluctuation, it may also occur during the notification performance. That is, during the notification performance (not immediately after the start of the change, but after a predetermined period of time has passed after the start of the change), at least a part of the displayed decorative pattern 10 is set as the target pattern 10T, and the main part of the target pattern 10T is temporarily not be displayed.

5) Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Although the gaming machine 1 according to the above embodiment is a Pachinko gaming machine, other gaming machines such as a reel-type gaming machine may be used as long as the gaming machine 1 has a configuration in which a plurality of gaming states with different degrees of advantage for the player are set. It is also applicable to

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

・Means 1-1
A gaming machine in which a winning/failure lottery result is announced based on a combination of decorative patterns selected from a plurality of decorative pattern groups each including a plurality of types of decorative patterns, wherein the decorative pattern is a main element part for distinguishing types. and a sub-element portion associated with the main element portion, and a specific image is formed by combining the sub-element portions of two or more decorative patterns selected from each of the two or more decorative pattern groups. A gaming machine characterized in that it is possible to execute a specific performance in which whether or not the result is a decision that is advantageous to the player or not.
The gaming machine described above is capable of executing interesting performances using decorative patterns.

・Means 1-2
The gaming machine according to means 1-1, wherein the specific performance occurs when a reach is established in which the types of the two decorative patterns selected from each of the two decorative pattern groups are the same. .
By doing this, it is possible to create a series of performances in which the establishment of a reach and the occurrence of a specific performance (occurrence of a performance using the sub-element part of the decorative pattern that constitutes the reach) are related.

・Means 1-3
If the specific effect leads to an ending in which the specific image is not formed, the lottery result will be a loss, and if the specific image is formed, there is a possibility that the result will shift to a post-effect and the lottery result will be a win. The gaming machine according to means 1-2, characterized in that:
In this way, whether or not a specific image is formed can be used to determine whether or not to proceed to post-production.

・Means 1-4
The game according to means 1-3, wherein in the post-performance, the main element part is displayed but the sub-element part is not displayed as a display indicating the type of the decorative pattern constituting the reach. Machine.
The transition to post-effect means that the sub-element parts have been combined to form a specific image (the sub-element part has been "consumed"). Therefore, it is preferable to maintain the continuity (flow) of the performance by preventing the decorative pattern from returning to its original state (does not include the subelement part). Even in this case, the player can grasp the types of decorative symbols that make up the reach.

・Means 1-5
Means 1-3 or 1-4 characterized in that the specific image may change in the post-article effect, and the probability that the winning/failure lottery result will be a win is suggested according to the manner of change of the specific image. The gaming machine described in .
A specific image can also be used to suggest the reliability of a jackpot.

・Means 1-6
The decorative pattern has an incidental element section that is attached to the main element section, and the post-effect is an effect in which an image corresponding to the incidental element section of the decorative pattern constituting a reach is displayed. The gaming machine according to any one of features 1-3 to 1-5.
By doing this, not only the sub-element part of the decorative pattern that makes up the reach, but also the accompanying element part are related to the subsequent development (post-effect), resulting in an easy-to-understand flow of performance.

・Means 2-1
A display device having a display area, and a plurality of decorative pattern groups each including a plurality of types of decorative patterns start to fluctuate in the display area, and then a decorative pattern selected from each decorative pattern group and stopped and displayed. a performance execution means for performing a notification performance that is a performance until notification of a win/fail lottery result based on the combination, the decorative pattern has a main element part for distinguishing the type, and the decorative pattern group includes a plurality of decorative pattern groups. A special mode different from the normal mode is set as a variation start mode when starts variation, and the variation start mode of the special mode is at least some of the decorative patterns displayed in the display area. A gaming machine characterized in that the main element portion of the target symbol is temporarily not displayed.
According to the gaming machine described above, since the variation start mode of the special mode is such that the main element part of the target symbol is temporarily not displayed, the player may misunderstand such as deciding that a reach has been achieved. It is possible to reduce the risk of

・Means 2-2
The decorative pattern has a sub-element part that accompanies the main element part when the decorative pattern is displayed in a variable manner, and the variation start mode of the special mode is such that the main element part of the target pattern is not displayed. The gaming machine according to means 2-1, wherein at least a part of the sub-element part of the symbol is in a displayed state.
Although the main element part of the target pattern is not displayed, at least part of the sub-element part is displayed, so you are in a situation where you do not know what is happening (you do not even know that the decorative pattern is starting to change). This reduces the risk of this happening.

・Means 2-3
The variation start mode of the special mode is such that by zooming up the sub-element part of the target symbol, the main element part of the target symbol is displayed as if it were framed out of the display area. The gaming machine according to means 2-2, characterized in that:
By doing the above, it is possible to transition to a situation where the main element part is hidden in a natural flow.

・Means 2-4
The variation start mode of the special mode occurs when a reach has been configured in the previous notification performance and the lottery result is a loss, and at least one of the decorative symbols that made up the reach The gaming machine according to any one of means 2-1 to 2-3, wherein the target symbol is .
If a reach was configured in the previous notification effect and the reach was missed (if the reach was missed), there is a high possibility that the player would misunderstand that the reach was established, so the decorative symbols that made up the reach would be It is preferable that at least one of the above is set as the target symbol so that the main element part is not displayed temporarily at the start of the fluctuation.

1 Game machine 10 Decorative patterns (10L left decorative pattern, 10C medium decorative pattern, 10R right decorative pattern)
10g decorative pattern group (10gL left decorative pattern group 10gC medium decorative pattern group 10gR right decorative pattern group)
11 Main element part 12 Sub-element part 13 Ancillary element part 10T Target pattern 10N Non-target pattern 20 Specific image 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (1)

a display device having a display area;
After a plurality of decorative pattern groups each including a plurality of types of decorative patterns start to fluctuate in the display area, a winning/failure lottery result is announced based on a combination of decorative patterns selected from each decorative pattern group and stopped and displayed. a performance execution means for executing an information performance that is a performance up to;
Equipped with
The decorative pattern has a main element part for distinguishing the type and a sub-element part that accompanies the main element part when displayed in a variable manner ,
A special mode different from the normal mode is set as a variation start mode when the plurality of decorative pattern groups start changing,
The variation start mode of the special mode is such that at least one of the sub-element portions of the target symbol, which is at least some of the decorative symbols displayed in the display area, is zoomed up. Although a portion of the target symbol is displayed, the main element of the target symbol appears to be out of frame from the display area, and is temporarily not displayed. A gaming machine that does.

Images