JP7418791B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art A gaming machine that can perform an operation effect that prompts a player to operate an operation means such as a push button is known (for example, see Patent Document 1 below).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-15245

An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the taste of operation effects.

A gaming machine according to the present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, includes a display device, an operation means that can be operated by a player, an effect that prompts the player to operate the operation means, and a period of operation validity. and a performance execution means for executing an operation performance in which an operation of the operation means inside is reflected in the performance, the operation performance is one in which a specific image is displayed on the display device, and the specific image is: It is characterized in that the mode is switched from the mode before the period to the mode during the period, triggered by the start of the operation validity period.

According to the gaming machine according to the present invention, it is possible to improve the taste of the operation performance.

FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment. It is a diagram showing identification symbols and pending symbols displayed in a display area. It is a figure for explaining the transition of the state of operation performance. It is a figure showing an example of operation performance (single operation performance). It is a diagram showing an example of an operation release effect. FIG. 3 is a diagram (part 1) for explaining a first specific example. FIG. 2 is a diagram (part 2) for explaining the first specific example. FIG. 3 is a diagram (part 3) for explaining the first specific example. FIG. 4 is a diagram (part 4) for explaining the first specific example. FIG. 5 is a diagram (part 5) for explaining the first specific example. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a second specific example. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a third specific example and a fourth specific example. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining a seventh specific example. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an eighth specific example.

1) Basic configuration of gaming machine Hereinafter, one embodiment of a gaming machine 1 (pachinko gaming machine) according to 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.

The gaming machine 1 includes a gaming board 90. 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 display device 91, a starting area 904, a big prize opening 906, an out opening, and the like. A display area 911 of the display device 91 is a portion that is visible through an opening 901 formed in the game board 90. Further, in the game area 902, a plurality of game nails 10K 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 forms depending on the conditions when it collides with the game nail 10K.

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 opening such as the starting area 904 or the big winning opening 906, a predetermined number of winning balls are paid out by the payout device.

Note that explanations of components of the gaming machine 1 that are not related to the present invention, such as the frame of the gaming machine 1, the lower tray and the upper tray for storing game balls, will be omitted. For these, structures similar to those of known gaming machines can be applied.

The jackpot lottery is executed by a win/fail determination 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 a game ball enters the starting area 904, a numerical value (win/fail determination information) is obtained from a random number source, and if the numerical value is the same as a predetermined jackpot value, it is a jackpot, and if it is different, it is a miss. becomes. In this embodiment, the notification of the validity judgment results is started in the order in which the numerical values are obtained (so-called fluctuation is started), but there is validity judgment information for which the notification of the validity judgment results has not been completed yet. In this case, the newly acquired validity determination 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 the present embodiment, the pending symbol 70 is a notification effect that notifies the result of the judgment (a presentation from the start of variation of the identification pattern 80 (identification symbol group 80g) until it completely stops at the combination indicating the result of the judgment, so-called one-shot). The fluctuating pending symbol 71 (so-called "fluctuation pending information") corresponding to information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as fluctuating pending information) has started but the notification of the judgment result has not been completed. A pre-fluctuation pending symbol 72 corresponding to information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as pre-fluctuation pending information) in which a notification effect for notifying the result of judgment has not been started is displayed. (See Figure 2). In this embodiment, the basic form of the pending symbol 71 during fluctuation and the pending symbol 72 before fluctuation is the same, and in order to distinguish between the two, the pending symbol 71 during fluctuation is displayed larger than the pending symbol 72 before fluctuation. Ru. 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 validity determination 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 (see FIG. 2). .

In this embodiment, similarly to known gaming machines, the player is notified of the result of the judgment based on the combination of identification symbols 80 (see FIG. 2) displayed in the display area 911 of the display device 91. Specifically, the identification symbol group 80g (left identification symbol group 80gL, middle identification symbol group 80gC, right identification symbol group 80gR) including multiple types of identification symbols 80 starts to fluctuate, and finally each identification symbol group 80g The first identification pattern 80 is selected and stopped. When a jackpot is won, the combination of the stopped identification symbols 80 selected from each identification symbol group 80g becomes a predetermined combination (for example, a set of three identical identification symbols 80). If it is a loss, another combination (other than the combination that results in a jackpot) will be used. The identification pattern 80 may be a combination of numbers, characters, etc.

In this embodiment, a normal gaming state and a special gaming state are set as the gaming states. The special gaming state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state. The normal gaming state is a low probability gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and is a low base state (low probability, no time saving) in which it is difficult for a game ball to enter the starting area 904. As the special game state, a first special game state and a second special game state are set. The first special gaming state is a high probability gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is high, and is also a high base state (high probability and short time) in which a game ball is likely to land in the starting area 904. The second special gaming state is a low probability gaming state in which the probability of winning a jackpot is low, and is a high base state (low probability and short time) in which a game ball is likely to enter the starting area 904. In the normal gaming state, the player fires a game ball aiming at the first starting area 904a. In this embodiment, so-called "left-handed hitting" is performed. In the special game state, a game ball is fired aiming at the second starting area 904b. In this embodiment, so-called "right-handed hitting" is performed. The special game state is a state in which it is easy to win the opening lottery for the second starting area 904b triggered by a game ball entering the normal starting area 905, so it is relatively easy for the game ball to enter the second starting area 904b. Win a prize. It should be noted that the settings regarding the transition of the gaming state may be of any kind, so the description thereof will be omitted. Further, the game state set as described above is merely an example.

2) Operation Performance The operation performance that can be executed by the gaming machine 1 according to the present embodiment will be explained below. Note that in the following description, the term "image" includes both moving images and still images. The operation performance is a performance that prompts the player to operate the operation means 10. The operating means 10 may be anything that can be operated by the player. The operating means 10 in this embodiment is a so-called push button.

The operation performance is one in which the operation of the operating means 10 during the operation validity period is reflected in the performance. In other words, the operation of the operating means 10 when the operation is not valid (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the operation non-valid period) is not reflected in the performance. The operation performance in this embodiment changes in the order of a pre-period state which is an operation ineffective period, a during-period state which is an operation valid period, and a result state which is a state showing the result of the performance (see FIG. 3).

The types of operation effects can be classified based on the operation mode of the operation means 10 required of the player. A single operation performance that requires the operation means 10 to be operated only once for a short time (single operation), a maintenance operation that maintains the operated state of the operation means 10 (if the operation means 10 is a push button, a "long operation") A continuous operation performance that requests a continuous operation of operating the operating means 10 multiple times ("continuously hitting" if the operating means 10 is a push button), a continuous operation display that requests a continuous operation of operating the operating means 10 multiple times, and a continuous operation display that requests a continuous operation of operating the operating means 10 multiple times. While maintaining the state, the state is canceled at a predetermined timing (if the operating means 10 is a push button, a "long press" is requested and "released" at a predetermined timing), etc. It will be done. A configuration may be adopted in which only some types of operation effects can occur.

In the operation effect in this embodiment, an operation image 21, an instruction image 22, and a period image 23 are displayed in the display area 911. The operation image 21 is an image representing the operation means 10 (in this embodiment, a push button). The operation image 21 may be an image that imitates the operation means 10, or may be an image that has been deformed to such an extent that the player can understand that it represents the operation means 10. The instruction image 22 is an image showing the operation mode of the operation means 10 required in the operation performance. In the case of a single-operation performance, an image including characters such as "PUSH" or "PUSH" or an image including an arrow indicating the operating direction of the operating means 10 may be used as the instruction image 22. If it is a continuous operation effect, an image including characters such as "continuous hit" or an image indicating that the operating means 10 is operated multiple times may be used as the instruction image 22. If it is a maintenance operation effect, an image including characters such as "long press" or an image indicating that the operation means 10 is being maintained is considered to be used as the instruction image 22. If it is an operation release effect, it is conceivable that the instruction image 22 be an image including characters such as "Let go" or an image indicating to release the hand from the operation means 10. The period image 23 is an image that changes as the operation validity period passes, and is an image that shows the remainder (lapse) of the operation validity period. The period image 23 is a "meter" that changes as the effective period of operation passes, and the "number" that changes as the effective period of operation passes (a number that decreases toward 0 as the effective period of operation passes) It is conceivable to use the period image 23 as the period image 23 (which becomes 0 at the same time as the operation valid period ends).

The flow of the operation performance in this embodiment will be explained using a single operation performance as an example. In the operation effect in this embodiment, an image other than the operation image 21 representing the operation means 10 is set as a "specific image." For example, it is assumed that the instruction image 22 (assuming that it is an image containing the words "Press") is set as a "specific image." In the pre-period state, at least the instruction image 22 (specific image) is displayed. The instruction image 22 in the pre-period state is in the pre-period mode 221. The instruction image 22 of the pre-period mode 221 includes the word "press" which is white with a black border (the text is "white" except for the bordered part) (FIG. 4(a)) reference).

Note that in this embodiment, the operation image 21 and the period image 23 are not displayed in the pre-period state (see FIG. 4(a)). Since the operation image 21 is not displayed, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the pre-period state may be mistaken for the operation valid period. Furthermore, since the period image 23 indicates the remainder of the operation validity period, it is not displayed until the operation validity period has started. However, this does not negate the possibility of displaying an image other than the instruction image 22 in the pre-period state.

With the transition from the pre-period state to the during-period state as a trigger, the instruction image 22 changes to the during-period mode 222. That is, the instruction image 22 changes from the pre-period mode 221 to the during-period mode 222 with the start of the valid operation period as a trigger. The instruction image 22 of the period mode 222 includes the word "press" which is red with a black border (the text is "red" except for the border) (FIG. 4(b)) reference). In this way, the appearance of the instruction image 22 (specific image) changes with the start of the valid operation period as an opportunity, which is an interesting effect. Since the point in time at which the aspect of the instruction image 22 (specific image) changes is also the point in time at which the valid operation period starts, there is an advantage that the start of the valid operation period is easy to understand.

Further, even if the pre-period mode 221 changes to the during-period mode 222, the content represented by the instruction image 22 (specific image) is maintained. In this embodiment, the operation content "Press" (the wording represented by the characters included in the instruction image 22) is maintained (see FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b)). Therefore, there is an advantage that the instruction content can be grasped before the operation validity period starts, and the operation can be prepared in advance. Furthermore, the change in the instruction image 22 (specific image) from the pre-period mode 221 to the during-period mode 222 in this embodiment is a change in at least part of the colors that constitute the image, so the change in the image is It also has the advantage of being easy to understand.

Note that the pre-period mode 221 and the during-period mode 222 do not have to be configured to be constant throughout the performance. For example, the size of the image may increase over time, or the position where the image is displayed may change.

In this embodiment, the operation image 21 and the period image 23 are displayed in the period state (see FIGS. 4(b) and 4(c)). By displaying the operation image 21, the player can grasp the operation means 10 to be operated. For example, if multiple types of operating means 10 are provided as the operating means 10, an operation image 21 showing the operating means 10 to be operated is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to easily understand which type of operating means 10 should be operated. Furthermore, since the operation is still valid, it is natural that the period image 23 is displayed.

When the operation means 10 is operated during the operation validity period (when the operation of the operation means 10 during the operation validity period satisfies a predetermined condition), the state shifts to the result state (FIG. 4 (d-1)). (see d-2)). In other words, operations during the valid operation period are reflected in the performance. Note that the operation validity period ends upon transition to the result state (even if there is time remaining, it ends at the time of transition to the result state). The result of the operation performance may be of any kind. If the operation effect is used to indicate the final win/fail determination result (the operation effect occurs as part of the so-called reach effect), if the win/fail determination result is a jackpot, the outcome is advantageous to the player ( In the case of a loss, the result state (see Figure 4 (d-2)) indicates a disadvantageous result for the player (loss). Make the transition. In other words, it is possible that whether the result will be advantageous or disadvantageous to the player is internally determined in advance, and the operation of the operating means 10 will trigger a transition to a result state indicating the result. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which a predetermined image (for example, a character's dialogue) is displayed in response to an operation of the operating means 10. In other words, a configuration may be adopted in which a predetermined performance is executed in response to an operation of the operating means 10.

In this embodiment, if the operation of the operating means 10 is not performed before the operation validity period ends, the end of the operation validity period is used as a trigger to shift to the result state. The resulting state has the same contents as if it were assumed that the operation means 10 had been operated. However, if the operating means 10 is not operated, the result of the operation performance may not be shown (the state may not shift to the result state).

Hereinafter, control examples for other types of operation effects will be briefly described. Although not shown, if it is a continuous operation performance, an instruction image 22 (for example, an image including white characters of "continuous hit") of the pre-period mode 221 is displayed in the pre-period state. Thereafter, upon transition to the during-period state, an instruction image 22 of the during-period mode 222 (for example, an image including red letters of "continuously hit") is displayed. In addition, an operation image 21 and a period image 23 are also displayed. Each time the operation means 10 is operated during the operation validity period, the operation is reflected in the performance. When the operation during the operation validity period satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, reaches a predetermined number of times), the state shifts to the result state.

Although not shown, if it is a maintenance operation effect, an instruction image 22 (for example, an image including white characters of "long press") of the pre-period mode 221 is displayed in the pre-period state. Thereafter, upon transition to the during-period state, an instruction image 22 of the during-period mode 222 (for example, an image including red letters of "long press") is displayed. In addition, an operation image 21 and a period image 23 are also displayed. Each time the operation means 10 is operated for a predetermined period of time during the valid operation period, the operation is reflected in the performance. When the operation during the operation validity period satisfies a predetermined condition (for example, reaches a specified time), the state shifts to the result state.

If it is an operation release effect, an instruction is issued to operate the operating means 10 in the pre-period state and maintain the operating state (for example, a message such as "keep pressing" is displayed) (see FIG. 5(a)). Thereafter, in the pre-period state, the instruction image 22 of the pre-period mode 221 (for example, an image including white text "Let go") is displayed (see FIG. 5(b)). Thereafter, upon transition to the during-period state, an instruction image 22 of the during-period mode 222 (for example, an image including red letters "Let go") is displayed (see FIG. 5(c)). When the state in which the operating means 10 is operated during the valid operation period is canceled (the user's hand is removed from the operating means 10), the state shifts to the result state. Note that "releasing the operating state of the operating means 10" is also one aspect of "operating" the operating means 10.

In addition, in various operation presentations, if the operation of the operation means 10 during the operation validity period does not satisfy the predetermined condition (when the time is up), the predetermined It may be configured to transition to the result state, or it may be configured not to transition to the result state.

Hereinafter, specific examples of improving, embodying, modifying, etc. the matters related to the above-mentioned operation effects will be explained. Note that, as far as possible, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of techniques described using the following specific examples are applied in combination.

First Specific Example Although it has been explained that the change from the pre-period mode 221 to the during-period mode 222 of the specific image in the above embodiment is a change in color, this is just an example. However, since the change from the pre-period aspect 221 to the during-period aspect 222 indicates the start of the valid operation period, the during-period aspect 222 is a more "conspicuous" aspect as an image than the pre-period aspect 221. It is preferable. In the above embodiment, the color changes from "white" (pre-period mode 221) to "red" (during-period mode 222), but the pre-period mode 221 is a color such as "white" or "black" (achromatic color). Yes, the period mode 222 may be a color (chromatic color) such as "blue" or "red". That is, in the embodiment described above, the change in a specific image is emphasized by changing from a relatively inconspicuous achromatic color to a relatively conspicuous chromatic color.

For example, the pre-period aspect 221 is a semi-transparent image (in each figure, the "semi-transparent" state is indicated by a dotted line) (see FIG. 6(a)), and the during-period aspect 222 is an opaque image. (See FIG. 6(b)). In the notification effect, the background image 60 is displayed in the display area 911, but the pre-period mode 221 is such that a part of the background image 60 (the part where the specific image overlaps) is visible through the specific image, and during the period. Aspect 222 is a mode in which a part of the background image 60 is not visible. Such a change from a translucent state to an opaque state can be said to be a change to a more "conspicuous" state.

Further, the difference between the pre-period mode 221 and the during-period mode 222 may be indicated using elements such as image size. For example, the pre-period aspect 221 is an image whose size changes (for example, gradually becomes larger) over time (see FIGS. 7(a) to (c)), and the during-period aspect 222 is an image whose size is maintained. (See Figure 7(d)). By doing so, the configuration is such that the timing at which the change in the size of the specific image stops coincides with the start of the valid operation period. The reverse setting is made, that is, the pre-period aspect 221 is an image whose size is maintained, and the during-period aspect 222 is an image whose size changes over time. By doing so, the configuration is such that the timing at which the size of the specific image begins to change coincides with the start of the valid operation period.

Further, the difference between the pre-period mode 221 and the during-period mode 222 may be indicated using the position where the image is displayed. For example, the pre-period aspect 221 is an image whose displayed position changes (moves) over time (see FIGS. 8(a) to (c)), and the during-period aspect 222 is an image whose displayed position does not change. (See FIG. 8(d)). By doing so, the configuration is such that the timing at which the movement of the specific image stops coincides with the start of the valid operation period. The reverse setting, that is, the pre-period aspect 221 is an image whose displayed position does not change, and the during-period aspect 222 is an image whose displayed position changes as time passes. By doing this, the timing at which the specific image starts to move coincides with the start of the valid operation period.

In addition, the pre-period mode 221 is a state in which there are multiple images that will become the during-period mode 222 (specific images) in the future (see FIGS. 9(a) to (c)), and the multiple images are integrated. may be the period mode 222 (see FIG. 9(d)). Specifically, the plurality of images move toward each other in the pre-period state, and the point in time when the images are finally integrated becomes the start point of the effective operation period. By doing so, the configuration is such that the timing at which the plurality of images are integrated coincides with the start of the operation validity period.

In addition, the pre-period mode 221 is a state in which an image that will become the during-period mode 222 (specific image) in the future is separated into a plurality of parts (separated elements 221p) (see FIGS. 10(a) to 10(c)). ), the timing at which the separated elements 221p change to the during-period mode 222 (see FIG. 10(d)) may coincide with the start of the valid operation period. For example, if the specific image (instruction image 22) includes a character, the character is separated into a plurality of parts as the separated element 221p (each separated element 221p includes at least one character). Then, by gathering the separation elements 221p, the period mode 222 is reached.

Second Specific Example In the above embodiment, it has been explained that the instruction image 22 is set as the specific image, but other images may be set as the specific image. For example, the period image 23 (meter image) may be set as the specific image. In the pre-period state, the period image 23 is displayed in a translucent pre-period mode 231 (see FIG. 11(a)). In the pre-period state, the valid operation period is not disclosed, so the meter does not change. The period image 23 is displayed in an opaque during-period mode 232 upon transition to the during-period state (see FIG. 11(b)). At the same time, the valid operation period starts, so the meter starts decreasing.

In this way, by causing the period image 23 to change from the pre-period mode 221 to the during-period mode 222 with the start of the operation valid period as a trigger, the start of the operation valid period becomes easy to understand. In particular, if the period image 23 changes from a translucent state to an opaque state as in this example, the period image 23 becomes active due to the change (transparent state). get an impression. That is, since the effective operation period starts when the period image 23 becomes active, the effect becomes easier to understand.

If the period image 23 includes a number that clearly indicates the length of the valid operation period, there is an advantage that the player can grasp the length of the valid operation period from the stage when the period image 23 is in the pre-period mode 221. . For example, if the length of the valid operation period is 5 seconds, and the countdown starts from 5 seconds at the same time as the start of the valid operation period (the countdown may be performed in decimal units), , it is possible to know that the length of the operation validity period is about 5 seconds before the operation validity period starts. Note that the number indicated by the period image 23 is a "reference" and may be different from the actual length (number of seconds) of the valid operation period.

Third Specific Example Even if the operation performance is of the same type, the mode 222 can change during the period each time the operation performance is performed. Specifically, one selected from a plurality of candidate modes is actually displayed as the period mode 222. For example, in the various candidate modes, at least a part of the characters ``press'' is different in color. It is assumed that the first candidate aspect is "blue," the second candidate aspect is "green," and the third candidate aspect is "red." Then, any of the first to third candidate modes is displayed as the period mode 222 (see FIGS. 12(b-1) to (b-3)).

Whether any one of the plurality of candidate modes is displayed as the period mode 222 is determined depending on whether or not the result of the operation performance is advantageous to the player. For example, in an operation performance in which the result state that changes when the operation of the operation means 10 satisfies a predetermined condition during the operation validity period is either an advantageous result or a disadvantageous result for the player, (period The probability (expectation level) that the result of the operation performance will be advantageous to the player in the order of the first candidate mode, the second candidate mode, and the third candidate mode (highest) (the mode displayed as the middle mode 222) (see FIGS. 12(b-1) to (b-3)). If the result of the judgment is a jackpot, it will be an advantageous result, and if it is a miss, it will be a disadvantageous result.The type of candidate mode mentioned above is based on the probability that the judgment result is a jackpot, that is, the jackpot reliability. It can be said that this suggests the degree of

By doing as in this example, the player will pay attention to the aspect 222 during the period. In addition, it is possible to provide an interesting operation performance in which the probability of an advantageous result is suggested at the start of the operation validity period.

〇Fourth specific example (a more specific example of the third specific example)
As explained in the third specific example above, when the period mode 222 of a specific image is configured to be able to change each time, the pre-period mode 221 is a predetermined mode (fixed mode). shall be. In other words, the specific image in a certain type of operation performance is in a fixed state each time in the pre-operation state (see Figure 12(a)), and the state after the change triggered by the start of the operation validity period is the same. It is assumed that it can change from time to time (see Figure 12 (b-1) to (b-3)). This is because if the pre-period aspect 221 is not constant, there is a high possibility that the player will not notice that the during-period aspect 222 is giving some kind of suggestion. In other words, by keeping the pre-period aspect 221 constant, the during-period aspect 222, which may change each time, is emphasized.

〇Fifth Specific Example Similar to the third specific example above, the result of the operation performance is suggested by the aspect of the specific image. Specifically, it is assumed that the pre-period aspect 221 of the specific image suggests the probability of an advantageous result. For example, the probability is suggested by a color element forming at least a part of the pre-period aspect 221. The probability of the color increases in the order of "blue", "green", and "red" (highest). In the third specific example, the during-period aspect 222 suggests the result, but by making the pre-period aspect 221 suggest the probability, the suggestion can be made even before the operation validity period starts. The configuration allows the player to enjoy the effects.

Note that both the pre-period aspect 221 and the during-period aspect 222 may suggest the result of the operation performance. If the "color" suggests the probability of an advantageous result as described above, then the "color" of the part constituting at least a part of the specific image is maintained throughout the pre-period aspect 221 and the during-period aspect 222. (For example, if "green" is selected, the "green" is maintained throughout the pre-period aspect 221 and the during-period aspect 222).

Sixth Specific Example A sensor may be provided to detect a part of the player's body, and what is detected by the sensor may be treated as "operation of the operating means." For example, an instruction image 22 (specific image) containing the words "Put your hand up" is set as the instruction image 22 (specific image), and the instruction image 22 changes from the pre-period mode 221 to the valid operation period (detection of the player's hand etc. by a sensor is used as an effect). At the start of the reflected period), the period mode changes to the period mode 222.

〇Seventh specific example If the result of the operation performance is not advantageous to the player (if the result is disadvantageous to the player), the specific image is changed to the same mode as the pre-period mode 221 upon transition to the result state. (hereinafter referred to as post-period mode 223). For example, if the pre-period aspect 221 is the text "white" and the during-period aspect 222 is the text "red", a specific image (instruction image 22) (see Figure 13(a)) changes to red in the period status (see Figures 13(b) and (c)), and changes again when the operating means 10 is operated during the valid operation period. The configuration is such that the color returns to white (see FIG. 13(d)). In other words, in order to indicate that the result of the operation was a failure, the specific image is returned to its original state after the operation. If the operation means 10 is not operated during the valid operation period, the specific image may be configured to change to the post-period mode 223 upon the passage of the valid operation period. Note that the pre-period aspect 221 and the after-period aspect 223 do not have to be completely the same. The player can understand that the element that makes up the difference between the pre-period mode 221 and the during-period mode 222 (in the above example, the "color") is the same between the pre-period mode 221 and the after-period mode 223. That's fine.

In this way, a specific image may be used to indicate that the result of the operation effect will be disappointing for the player.

〇Eighth specific example In a certain type of operation performance, the aspect of a specific image may change with the start of the operation validity period as in the above embodiment, or such a change in the aspect of a specific image may not occur. A certain configuration is assumed. For example, as explained in the above embodiment, the color of the characters in the specific image (instruction image 22) changes from white (pre-period mode 221) (see FIG. 14(a)) to red (during-period mode 222). Settings that can occur in the form (see FIG. 14(b-1)) and the non-changing form (see FIG. 14(b-2)) in which the color of the characters in the specific image (instruction image 22) is maintained as white. shall be. Note that in the non-changing form, the form of the specific image does not have to be constant. In the changing mode, the element that changes with the start of the operation validity period (in the above example, the color) does not change in the non-changing form, but other elements (for example, the size of the image) may change.

The fact that unchanged forms and changed forms can occur in this way may be used to suggest the degree of expectation. For example, the setting is such that when a certain type of operation performance is in a changing form, there is a higher probability that the result of the operation performance will be advantageous to the player than when it is in a non-changing form. If the result of the judgment is a win, the result is advantageous to the player (if the result is a loss, the result is not advantageous), then the occurrence of variations is caused by the so-called jackpot reliability. It can be said that it is a chance-up effect that increases (a configuration in which the non-changing form is the default and the changing form is a chance-up effect).

3) 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 can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention.

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

・Means 1
A display device, an operation means that can be operated by a player, and an operation performance that prompts the player to operate the operation means, and in which the operation of the operation means during an operation validity period is reflected in the performance. the operation effect is one in which a specific image that is not an image representing the operation means is displayed on the display device, and the specific image is triggered by the start of the operation validity period. , a gaming machine characterized by switching from a pre-period mode to a during-period mode.
The operation performance of the gaming machine described above is novel and interesting in that the aspect of a specific image that is not an image representing the operation means changes with the start of the operation validity period as an opportunity.

・Means 2
2. The gaming machine according to means 1, wherein the specific image is an instruction image that shows a mode of operation of the operating means to be prompted to the player.
By doing so, the mode of the instruction image indicating the operation mode changes with the start of the operation validity period, so that it is easy to understand that the situation has come that the operation should be performed in the operation mode indicated by the instruction image.

・Means 3
The gaming machine according to means 1, wherein the specific image is a period image indicating an operation validity period.
In this way, since the aspect of the period image indicating the operation validity period changes with the start of the operation validity period, it is easy to understand that the operation validity period has started.

・Means 4
The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 3, wherein the content represented by the specific image is maintained even when changing from the pre-period mode to the during-period mode.
By doing so, it is possible to grasp the content of the specific image from the stage of the pre-period mode. For example, if the specific image is an instruction image, it becomes possible to grasp the required operation mode before the start of the operation validity period. On the other hand, if the specific image is a period image indicating the length of the valid operation period, it is possible to grasp the length of the valid operation period before the start of the valid operation period.

・Means 5
The mode during the period is one of a plurality of candidate modes, and depending on which of the plurality of candidate modes is set as the mode during the period, the result of the operation performance is determined by the player. The gaming machine according to any one of means 1 to 4, characterized in that it indicates a probability that the game will be advantageous.
By doing so, it is possible to create an interesting performance that suggests the probability that the result will be advantageous as soon as the operation validity period starts.

・Means 6
The gaming machine according to means 5, wherein the pre-period mode is a predetermined mode.
In this way, by keeping the pre-period aspect constant, the during-period aspect, which may change each time, is emphasized.

1 Gaming machine 10 Operation means 21 Operation image 22 Instruction image (221 Pre-period mode 222 Period period mode)
23 Period image 91 Display device 911 Display area

Claims (9)

a display device;
an operation means that can be operated by a player;
performance execution means for executing an operation performance that prompts a player to operate the operation means, the operation of the operation means being reflected in the performance during the valid operation period;
Equipped with
The operation performance is one in which an instruction image including an operation mode text portion representing an operation mode of the operation means to be prompted to the player during the operation validity period is displayed on the display device,
The gaming machine is characterized in that it is possible to execute a character switching effect in which the operation mode character part of the instruction image is switched from a pre-period mode to a during-period mode, triggered by the start of the operation valid period.
However, the character strings in the pre-period mode and the during-period mode are the same. The operation mode text section has been switched from the pre-period mode to the during-period mode rather than the case where the operation mode text section has not been switched from the pre-period mode to the during-period mode with the start of the operation valid period. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the probability that the result of the operation performance will be advantageous to the player is higher in the case of the case. As the period mode, a first period mode and a second period mode different from the first period mode are provided,
The operation mode text portion is changed from the pre-period mode to the during-the-second-period mode more than when the operation mode text portion switches from the pre-period mode to the first period mode with the start of the operation validity period as a trigger. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein there is a higher probability that the result of the operation effect will be advantageous to the player when the operation effect is switched to. The pre-period aspect is an aspect in which the operation mode text part is a first color, and the during-period aspect is an aspect in which the operation mode text part is a second color different from the first color. The gaming machine according to claim 1. 2. The pre-period mode is a mode in which a background image is visible through the operation mode character part, and the during-period mode is a mode in which the background image is not visible through the operation mode text part. The game machine described. The pre-period mode is a mode in which the size of the operation mode text portion changes over time, and the during-period mode is a mode in which the size of the operation mode text portion is maintained. 1. The gaming machine described in 1. The pre-period mode is a mode in which the display position of the operation mode text part changes over time, and the during-period mode is a mode in which the display position of the operation mode text part is maintained. 1. The gaming machine described in 1. The pre-period mode is a mode in which two or more of the operation mode text portions are displayed at different positions, and the during-period mode is a mode in which one of the operation mode text portions is displayed at a predetermined position. The gaming machine according to claim 1. The operation mode character section includes a first character element that is a part of a character string representing an operation mode of the operation means that is prompted to the player, and a second character element that is another part,
The during-period mode is a mode in which the first character element and the second character element are at a predetermined interval, and the before-period mode is a mode in which the first character element and the second character element are separated from each other by more than the predetermined interval. The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized in that:

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